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News Release: Oak Harbor Public Schools Earns State Recognition for Support of Military-Connected Students

Posted Date: 4/10/24 (12:55 PM)
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The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) recently presented Oak Harbor Public Schools (OHPS) with the Purple Star Award for incorporating military-friendly practices and demonstrating a commitment to military-connected students and families. During the April 8, 2024 Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and the Board of Directors recognized the community partners who made the award possible.

“Through our collective efforts with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), we are able to ensure our school communities are a place where our military-connected students and families not only feel supported and valued, but are provided with the essential resources they need to be successful and feel like they are truly part of our community” said Dr. Kuss-Cybula. “When a parent is enlisted in our military, we forget the incredible toll this has on the entire family. Our local representatives understand this and as such, I want to acknowledge the leadership and advocacy of our local representatives Dave Paul and Clyde Shavers who supported HB1346, the legislation that made this award possible.”

OHPS is one of 12 school districts across Washington that applied for and earned the Purple Star Award in 2024.  To receive the award, school districts must successfully address the educational, social and emotional barriers that students may experience as a military-connected child. 

In partnership with NASWI, OHPS prioritizes providing military-connected families with resources and tools to address students' unique needs they may experience when their parents/guardians are deployed or when relocating and transferring to a different school. 

According to NASWI’s Commanding Officer, Captain Eric Hanks, “Much like our civilian neighbors, having confidence in our local schools is a priority for military families.,” said Capt. Eric Hanks, NASWI’s commanding officer. “What differs is the demands placed on military families with frequent moves and long deployments. Knowing that our local schools understand that and effectively address it means the world to our personnel. I can say with utmost certainty that the Oak Harbor Public Schools has met, and often exceeds those expectations.”

Approximately 39 percent of Oak Harbor Public Schools students come from active military families. In addition to year round recognition of the daily sacrifices and challenges military children overcome while serving alongside their families, Oak Harbor Public Schools also honors their contributions during the month of April for Month of the Military Child. During the board meeting, the Superintendent and Board of Directors also recognized students and staff who support Anchored 4 Life Clubs and Student 2 Student Club for their efforts to connect and support military-connected students in our schools.

“As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, I want to take this opportunity to honor their strength, courage, and resiliency in support of their families and our country,” said Dr. Kuss-Cybula. “We appreciate our military children and encourage the full community to come together as #OneOakHarbor during the month of April to recognize their contributions.”

Oak Harbor Public Schools encourages the community to wear purple on Purple Up Day on April 15, 2024, a day dedicated to recognizing military-connected children.  To learn more about the resources available to military families, please go to the Oak Harbor Public Schools website. 
Media Contact: 
Sarah Foy, APR, Communications Officer
360-279-5045