Dear Oak Harbor Families,

Today, some students at Oak Harbor High School and North Whidbey Middle School participated in a student-organized walkout, an expression of protected civic engagement. This was not a district-sponsored event. Upon learning of the planned demonstration earlier this week we worked with our staff to prioritize student safety and communication. 

When students leave campus during the school day, we follow standard practice and procedures to take reasonable steps to support student safety and maintain communication with families. In advance of this event, we communicated with families and staff and engaged with our District Parent Advisory Committee. We also encouraged families to talk with their students about student rights, responsibilities, and expectations.

During the event, schools maintained normal standard safety procedures, including supervision of campus areas and visitor check-in procedures. Attendance was taken to notify families of student absences, consistent with our standard practice. The Oak Harbor Police Department was present to help monitor the situation and support safety. 

Students who did not participate attended classes and activities as regularly scheduled. I appreciate our staff for maintaining a neutral stance and focusing on student safety throughout the day. 

If your child participated today, I encourage you to have a conversation at home about their experience. I appreciate your partnership as we continue to reinforce expectations for student conduct, both on and off campus, during the school day. If you have additional questions, please contact your school directly.

Sincerely,

Michelle Kuss-Cybula

Superintendent