Construction crews continue to make great progress on the replacement of Crescent Harbor Elementary and the HomeConnection/Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center (now called Forest Vista Learning Center), with a scheduled completion in the upcoming school year.

Through coordinated advocacy efforts led by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and local and national representatives, these projects were made possible with state and federal grant funding. Crescent Harbor Elementary and the Forest Vista Learning Center are the only schools in Oak Harbor currently eligible for these unique funding opportunities due to their location on military installations. Together, these investments represent more than $130 million dedicated to modernizing learning environments and better serving local students and families.

The streets of downtown Oak Harbor are filled with color and creativity to mark this year's annual Art Walk tradition. Artwork from students from across all the elementary schools turned storefronts into galleries for public viewing. Families, teachers, and community members enjoyed an evening of connection while supporting both student creativity and downtown businesses, keeping a cherished #OneOakHarbor community tradition alive. The artwork will be up on display until April 26. Make sure to check it out during the Holland Happening celebration this weekend! Thank you to our fabulous elementary art teachers for their collaboration and hard work for making this event possible.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula hosted a Coffee Council (except with juice instead of coffee) with high school and middle school students this week. Facilitated by student board representatives Gwen Miller and Allena Locklear, the council elevates student voice and creates a safe space for students to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas directly with school and district leadership.

During these informal discussions, students engaged in thoughtful discussions around what makes their schools feel welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, as well as areas where improvements could be made.

On April 17, Oak Harbor High School students competed at the SkillsUSA Washington State Leadership & Skills Conference. Students who moved on from regionals earlier this year found themselves in Tacoma competing against other schools from around the state in different fields. Different events included: Photography, Welding, Broadcasting, Automotive Maintenance, Video Game Design, Technical Drafting, Engineering Design Technology, Pin & Advertising Design, Dental Assisting, and many more.

A competitor in Dental Assisting Lixin Lin ‘26 stated that their favorite part of the state conference was, “Exploring the variety of events that the competition had to offer, and competing alongside my friends.”

The competition ended with an awards ceremony in which OHHS had a total of 32 individuals awarded a Top Three spot statewide in their individual categories. Oak Harbor High School also received recognition for having the largest High School SkillsUSA Chapter in the State of Washington.

In the end, ten individuals will be moving on to Nationals in June to represent both our school and our state. We wish them good luck, and we hope they have a good time!

North Whidbey Middle School proudly celebrated the Month of the Military Child with student-led activities that honored the many students connected to military service. Leadership students organized and hosted a special field day for students with parents who are currently serving or have served in the military, creating a fun and meaningful opportunity to connect and celebrate.

In addition, 2nd period Leadership students helped bring the celebration to lunches by giving out free merchandise and hosting a military facts Kahoot! game.