This month I attended the annual AP (Advanced Placement) Student/Parent Night at Oak Harbor High School and was astonished and pleased at the hundreds of students and their parents that crowded into Parker Hall to learn more about the variety of AP offerings available.

The audience heard from both teachers and students about both the work involved and the rewards of these challenging college-level courses that prepare students for the rigors and accelerated pace of college work. Successful completion of high school AP classes can lead to college credit for many students.

Parents and students finished out the evening by visiting AP classrooms and hearing from the teacher about the design of the course and topics covered, along with summer and homework requirements. There are many choices of subjects including American government, biology, chemistry, calculus, statistics, chemistry, language and composition, literature, U.S. history and art.

This selection of college- level coursework at OHHS is possible because of the levy passed by the voters in 2001 that funded teachers for AP classes. Before that, there was only one AP class, now there are 10 subjects (17 classes) offered. As the 2001 levy expires at the end of 2009, passage of Levy 1 will maintain valuable programs at all grade levels in the school district, including AP classes. Levy 2 will provide improved math instruction and upgraded technology for our students, which are so important for success in today’s fast-paced, technological world.

Both levies will give our young people tools and knowledge to better prepare them to go out into the world in these uncertain times, benefiting their future and ours. Please vote yes twice by March 10 to maintain a high level of education in Oak Harbor.

Becky Bolte

Oak Harbor