The Scoop: Holiday Magic

As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible journey we’ve shared. Our schools are alive with moments of joy, discovery, and connection—students lighting up as they explore new ideas, teachers pouring their hearts into unlocking potential, and families partnering with us every step of the way.

As you head into this winter break, I hope you find time to experience the magic of the holidays; to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the company of loved ones, friends, and neighbors. You’ve earned it.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. I’m so proud and grateful to share it with each of you. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with hope, peace, and endless possibility.

Winter conditions can cause disruptions for schools and families. We have an amazing administrative and transportation team that work together with local officials and test our roadways to make informed decisions. School closures and schedule changes are districtwide, even if your neighborhood is not severely impacted. Some areas of the district experience more severe weather and driving conditions than others. If your residential area has hazardous road conditions, please do not attempt to drive to school and notify your school of your situation. 

When weather, road, or school conditions result in a schedule change, we inform families through multiple methods, as appropriate. If schools are operating on a normal schedule, no notifications will be issued.

We'll share important information through a phone call, text message, our website, social media, and email. Staff and families do not need to opt-in or register in ParentSquare to receive notifications. 

Each year Exceptional Academy students do an amazing job decorating the district office's Giving Tree. This year they also made stockings for each of the gift recipients and created a holiday display for them! District staff stuffed the stockings and bags with items for each person. They were handed out during this week's holiday potluck where the Giving Tree recipients were the guests of honor.

Our music programs don't just stay contained in our school buildings. Recently Olympic View Elementary students and Oak Harbor Intermediate's Pitch Perfect Panthers performed holiday music for the Summer Hill Retirement & Assisted Living Community and Welcome Home Assisted Living residents.

Our school bands and choirs will continue to tour town this season and will perform for several local organizations and functions.

Thank you, Oak Harbor, for your support of our music programs through our levy that make moments like these possible for our community.

Oak Harbor High School choir and bands held their annual holiday concerts this month. Oak Harbor Intermediate students were also invited to join the choir performance which had a theme of "Count Your Blessings."

The band concert included performances by the Jazz band, the Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. As a yearly tradition, alumni were invited to play "Sleigh Ride" with the band, directed by Principal Nate Salisbury.

A tasty tradition! Kiwanis stopped by our schools with Santa to deliver oranges to students.

Lights, Camera, ACTION! Tonight is the last night to see the North Whidbey Middle School drama club production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Tickets are $5 for the public and free for students if they show their student ID. Come on out to enjoy the show tonight at 6 p.m.!

The Wildcat NJROTC Battalion presented for their Annual Military Inspection on Tuesday, December 17. It included an inspection of the Battalion as a whole, as well as a presentation and review of the several teams, events, and things that Wildcat NJROTC does. Several awards were also presented to cadets for their achievements. 

The commanders each shared information about their team including accomplishments, requirements for those on the team, and the future plans they have for their teams.

Thank you to our staff, families, and teachers for bringing joy and excitement to students and each other this holiday season. We have such a caring and fun #OneOakHarbor community! We hope Winter Break brings happiness and fulfillment for you and your family as we look forward to a new year of possibilities ahead.