It seems like a few months ago somebody declared open season on the Oak Harbor School District. Those of us employed by OHSD bear the dual burdens of the stresses associated with negative events in the district, like budget cuts, and wearing the bull’s eye so many articles in your publication target. But, since we’ve opened that season, let’s really talk about a school. Oak Harbor Middle School, in particular.
I cut my teeth as a new teacher in this building behind a sad and ratty desk under a leaky roof. These days I unlock the door to a bright, clean space with myriad technology. In my nine years here, buildings and achievement alike have shown startling improvement. For those changes I can thank district leadership, a caring community that supports bonds and levies, committed educators, and enduring support personnel.
For the moment though, I’d like to focus on the superlative efforts of the Oak Harbor Middle School Parent Teacher Association. Weekly this small but fierce cadre bustles about making OHMS hop with student and staff centered enrichment.
As if running the twice yearly Scholastic Book Fair, hawking cookies every single Friday, periodically stocking staff boxes and the lounge with goodies, and helping with the band fund raiser isn’t enough, these folks provide a mega-lunch reward program to students who have earned the coveted Panther Pride Card, fund and distribute snacks to all students as they WASL test, buy treats for after school enrichment activities like my Friday Afternoon at the Movies and a similar program in science, and they provided the costs of having the Living Voices Program send an actor to the school to present a unique primary source based performance linked to the history of our state. Each time we have a need our PTA finds a way to meet and exceed our request.
Earlier this year I needed volunteers to read one-on-one with students during our dedicated reading time. Hoping for parents to sign up, I put a plea in the hallway on a clipboard. Blessedly, several of my students’ parents signed on. But who else did I hear from? That’s right, the OHMS PTA. The president herself, Elaine Graham, and Janet Tipping, another officer, came right to my door and said, “I’d love to read with your students, what do I do?” They come every week!
Recently, I decided a new student could use the boost of a reading partner. I mentioned it to the president who said, ”No problem, I can come another day of the week!” Did I already say the PTA also works in our library?
Doubtless I’ve overlooked a bundle of other treasures the PTA brings to our building. Monthly I find myself thinking I should send them a thank you card. But this sample targets a wee portion of the good at OHMS and the Oak Harbor School District. Now that’s what I call hitting the bull’s eye! Thank you OHMS PTA!
Lynne Carpenter
Teacher, OHMS
