Dear Orca Families, 

Spring into April with Family Fun at OVE!

As the days grow longer and the sunshine returns, we’re excited to invite you to some wonderful upcoming events that bring our community together.

Kindergarten Orientation for 2025-2026 Students

We’re excited to welcome our incoming kindergarteners! If you have a child starting kindergarten next year, join us for an orientation:

📅 Date: April 15
 ⏰ Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

Come meet our staff, explore classrooms, and learn how to prepare for a fantastic kindergarten year!

Get Ready for the Color Run!

One of our biggest fundraisers and most exciting events of the year is coming up on June 6! More details will be shared soon, but mark your calendars for a fun-filled day of running, laughter, and color!

One of our biggest fundraisers and most exciting events of the year is coming up on June 6! More details will be shared soon, but mark your calendars for a fun-filled day of running, laughter, and color!

Character Strong Trait of the Month: Courage

This month, we’re focusing on Courage—choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary. There are so many ways to practice courage every day!

• Trying something new, even if it feels a little scary.
  
  

• Standing up for what is right, even when others don’t.
  
  

• Asking for help when you need it.
  
  

• Encouraging a friend to be brave.
  
  

Can you share or show what it means to have Courage? Talk with your child about a time when they showed courage or when they saw someone else being courageous. Let’s celebrate acts of bravery—big and small—together!

With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s playing outside, going for a walk, or simply enjoying the fresh air, let’s take advantage of this beautiful season!

We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or need support, 

Warm Regards, 

Sara Lucero

General Office Contact Information

Office contact number: 360-279-5150

Office contact email: oveinfo@ohsd.net

Attendance: 360-279-5159

Attendance email: oveattendance@ohsd.net

• 2025-2026 Enrollment Opens | 1 Apr.
• Family Picnic & Family Night Event | 2 Apr. @ 4 - 7 pm
• School Librarian Day | 4 Apr.
• Spring Break (no school) | 7 - 11 Apr.
• School Resumes | 14 Apr.
• Early Release Monday | 14 Apr. @ 2:20 pm
• PTA Meeting | 14 Apr. @ 5:15 pm (room C-101)
• MOMC Spirit Week | 14 - 18 Apr.
• Purple Up Day Walk Bike to school | 15 Apr.
• Kindergarten Orientation for 2025-2026| 15 Apr. @ 5 pm
• Art Walk Reception | 24 Apr. @ 5 pm

We want to remind everyone about the importance of parking in the appropriate spaces when you visit our school. Recently, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in designated handicap spots, which are reserved for those with mobility needs with handicapped plates or placards.

Please remember that these spaces are not only for people with disabilities, but are legally required to ensure access for everyone who needs them. Using these spots without proper authorization creates unnecessary challenges for those who rely on them and could result in fines or penalties.

Let’s work together to keep our parking lot safe, accessible, and respectful for all. Always park in a designated spot. If you do not have the proper permit, please find an alternative parking space.

Thank you for your cooperation!

As we welcome April in the Pacific Northwest, we know that the weather can be a bit unpredictable! One moment it’s sunny, and the next it’s raining or chilly. To help our students stay comfortable and prepared for whatever April brings, we encourage everyone to dress in layers and choose appropriate clothing for the ever-changing conditions.

Here are a few tips for dressing for April in the PNW:

• Layer Up: Bring a light jacket or sweater that you can easily add or remove as the temperature fluctuates.
• Rain Gear: Don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof jacket! April showers are common and it’s always better to be prepared.
• Comfortable Shoes: With the wet weather, waterproof or water-resistant footwear is a good choice for staying dry throughout the day.
• Keep Warm: Even if it’s sunny, mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Having a warm layer is always a smart idea.

Let’s make sure our students are ready for the month ahead, while staying comfortable and stylish in the process!

We are thrilled to share an exciting update from the school garden! The OHHS Robotics Team recently braved some rain and delivered phase two of their incredible builds. Their enthusiasm and dedication were inspiring and it was so much fun to watch them in action. We are extremely proud of this talented group of students.

The team has added beautiful new benches that outline the wedge beds, offering a wonderful spot for our community to gather and enjoy the space. In between these two sets of benches, you’ll now find smaller flower beds that add a lovely touch of color and life to the garden.

Additionally, the team constructed trellises for the four front beds, creating the perfect structure for climbing plants to thrive. These thoughtful additions are sure to enhance the garden’s aesthetic and functionality for years to come.

A huge thank you to the OHHS Robotics Team for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to making our garden a vibrant and welcoming space!

Dear Olympic View Families,

Conflict is a natural part of life and learning how to handle it in a healthy way is an essential skill for our students. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or at home, children benefit from knowing how to manage disagreements and find positive solutions. Here’s a simple guide to help teach conflict resolution to our students:

Step 1: Explain What Conflict Is
 What to Say:
 “Sometimes people don’t agree or get upset with each other. That’s called a conflict. It’s normal, but what matters is how we solve it.”

Examples:

• Two friends both want the same toy.
  

• Someone says something that hurts your feelings.
  

Step 2: Teach the "Stop, Think, Talk" Strategy

1. Stop & Stay Calm – Take a deep breath and don’t react with yelling or anger.
   

   • Ask: “What do you think happens when we act out of anger?”
     

2. Think About the Problem – Ask yourself, "What am I upset about? What does the other person feel?"
   

3. Talk It Out Nicely – Use words to explain your feelings and listen to the other person.
   

Step 3: Teach “I” Statements
 Instead of blaming, encourage students to express their feelings with "I" statements:

• ❌ Not helpful: “You’re so mean! You always take my stuff!”
  

• ✅ Better: “I feel upset when you take my things without asking. Can we find a way to share?”
  

Practice with them:
 “I feel ___ when ____. I would like ____.”

Step 4: Teach the “Win-Win” Solution
 A good solution makes both people happy.

• Example: If two kids want the same ball, they could take turns or play together instead of fighting.
  

• Ask: “Can we think of a solution that works for both sides?”
  

Step 5: Role-Playing & Scenarios
 Ask: “What would you do in this situation?” and let them practice.

1. A friend takes your seat at lunch.
   

2. Someone says something unkind about you.
   

3. You and your friend both want to play different games at recess.
    Guide them to think of solutions that consider both perspectives.
   

What to Say to a Student About Conflict Resolution

• “Conflicts happen to everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is how we handle them.”
  

• “You can’t control other people, but you can control how you react.”
  

• “Before saying something mean, take a deep breath and think—will this help or make things worse?”
  

• “Listening is just as important as talking. Try to understand the other person’s side too.”
  

• “The best solution is one where both people feel okay, not just one person winning.”

Would you like a worksheet to go along with this lesson? Let us know—we’d love to support your student’s growth in social-emotional learning!

Thank you for being partners in developing our students’ leadership and conflict-resolution skills.

Best regards,
Michael D Howard

Stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes are a few indications that a child may be suffering from allergies. These symptoms are most often triggered during the spring and summer months but it can sometimes be tough to differentiate the cause among other illnesses that tend to spread this time of year.

On the Pulse answers some common questions about springtime allergies from parents and caregivers.

Does my child have seasonal allergies or a cold?

Allergies can occasionally cause a cough or a sore throat, but they don’t cause fevers or aches and pains like a cold can. Persistent congestion, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and a runny nose with clear mucus are all symptoms that would indicate sensitivities to allergens, especially when they appear suddenly or sporadically throughout the year.

Should we consider taking an allergy sensitivity test?

The first step in determining if a child suffers from allergies may be an allergy test, performed by their pediatrician. Allergy tests can be ineffective on children under the age of 5, but parents will want to be on the lookout for any possible allergy symptoms when their child is around age 3 or 4, especially if there is a history of allergies in the family.

Nasal allergies are common in children. Dust and mold can trigger reactions and are the most common allergies, followed by pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Throughout the United States, trees typically produce the most pollen between the months of March and May, whereas grass pollen season runs from April through June.

Trying to treat symptoms of allergies without knowing what allergen is causing them can be challenging, which is why allergy testing is important.

In some cases, children may be sensitive to one allergen in particular, whereas another child may have their symptoms flare up only when exposed to a certain combination of several at the same time.

How should I best manage the symptoms?

Once a child’s allergens have been properly identified, there are ways to prevent flare-ups and establish an effective routine to help reduce allergy symptoms.

What works for one child may not work for another, however parents and caregivers should speak with their child’s doctor to see if the regular use of allergy medicine may help keep symptoms at bay. Simple things like closing windows around kids with pollen sensitivities, vacuuming, mopping and dusting each week, frequent face washing and showering, and cleaning bedding every week in hot water can reduce symptoms.

What else do I need to know about allergies?

People’s allergy spectrums change over time. In fact, as a child gets older, they can potentially gain sensitivity to new allergens. Hyper-sensitives like allergies can also be accompanied by asthma, as well as disruptions in a child’s sleep patterns which can later cause an inability to focus. That’s why it’s essential to try to identify which allergens are impacting your child so that you can make appropriate changes to help relieve their symptoms.

Though dealing with springtime allergies can sometimes feel frustrating for both parents and kids, it’s important to stay aware and reach out to a healthcare provider with any concerns or questions.

Resources

• Hay Fever

• Eye Allergy

• PE864 Nasal Allergies

• Allergies and Allergic Reactions | AAFA.org | AAFA | Allergies

• Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference – HealthyChildren.org

• 7 Tips on How to Treat Your Child’s Allergies – HealthyChildren.org

5.4.2023 | Ashley Speller

The Seattle Opera-School Tour visited OVE on the afternoon of March 11th and they performed for our students. They shared Earth to Kenzie, an opera written for youth audiences.

I’m grateful that our Oak Harbor community and WA public schools consider the arts as an essential part of a student’s well-rounded education. It’s our pleasure to welcome the Seattle Opera and be able to introduce our students to a variety of different types of music and performances. We also appreciate the opportunity to help our students consider the themes of empathy and social emotional connections in the story.

Taylor Berthiaume

OVE Music Teacher

Spring is such a fun time at our elementary school! It is so fun to see the big gains that students are making in their reading, writing, math and social skills from the beginning of the year. This month's school counselor lessons have been focused on being a good friend, promoting positive self-talk, cultivating responsibility within our school community, and instilling a sense of service toward others. Next month, we will revisit Kelso’s choices with our kindergarteners and focus on introductory career lessons across all grade levels. 

We are so excited to honor our students of military members in April - Month of the Military Child. We have many activities planned like a spirit week, a warm welcome by military members during our bike and walk to school day, stickers, displays in our school and more! 

Summer is right around the corner and I am seeing so many fun summer activities being advertised. Summer programs help children further develop their social skills and explore new interests. A few resources are: Macaroni Kids Whidbey Island,, Sno-Isle Library - Events, Deception Pass Park Foundation, Fleet and Family- Oak Harbor, Boys and Girls Club, North Whidbey Parks and Rec, North Whidbey Recreation Guide (on the Parks and Rec page), The Book Rack, Northwest United, Boy and Girl Scouts. Many of these camps offer scholarships and there is also an Island County Physical Activity Scholarship for qualifying families for sports teams all year and camps. Find the link here: HIYI Scholarship or request a paper application. 

Let me know if I can assist you in any way! 

Warmly, Stacey Mahoney 

OVE School Counselor

New enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens on April 1! Current families, please review your information in Skyward and update, if necessary.

If you have a kindergartener joining us, we invite you to our upcoming Kindergarten Orientation from 5-6 p.m. on April 15. Kindergarten Orientation is a great chance for your child to meet teachers and staff and see their school! And you’ll be able to ask questions and learn about school routines. Get a head start today with our Kindergarten Family Guide at www.ohsd.net/HereWeGrow and reach out if you have any questions.

During art, I am always on the lookout for creative and beautiful art pieces from students to feature in our annual Elementary Art Walk! This year’s reception will be held Thursday, May 1st in downtown Oak Harbor. Students with pieces displayed in the Art Walk will receive an invitation to attend the reception. Everyone is welcome to come and see all the work from elementary students across the district.

Email: pta4ove@gmail.com

Website: https://pta4ove.givebacks.com/

or use the button below for Facebook

We are thrilled to feature the exceptional staff at OVE. Each month, we will showcase a selected group, including their photos and brief bios.

Mrs. Miles  -Has worked at OVE for 2 years. Her favorite color is red. Her favorite thing about OVE is the staff who are so kind and supportive.

Ms. Ransom - Has worked at OVE for 1 year. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite thing about OVE is the students.

Mrs. Wright -Has worked at OVE for 4 years. Her favorite colors are yellow and purple. Her favorite thing about OVE is that all of the staff want to see our students succeed and push them to do their best.

From left to right : Amy Dymond, Jamie Landis, Michelle Grubbs, and Deanna Quayle are our amazing paraprofessionals.

Mrs. Dymond - Has worked at OVE for 8 years. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite thing about OVE is seeing the students smile and getting ton of hugs all day.

Mrs. Landis - Has worked at OVE for 6 years. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite thing about OVE is working with and seeing all the wonderful students and bringing smiles to their faces and seeing all their growth.

Mrs. Grubbs -Has worked at OVE for 4 years. Her favorite color is purple. Her favorite thing about OVE is all the amazing kids she gets to work with.

Mrs. Quayle - Has worked at OVE for 3 years. Her favorite color is green. Her favorite thing about OVE is building meaningful relationships with students and seeing their growth-both academically and personally. It's rewarding to be part of their journey.

From left to right : Shannon Huff, Jamie Miles, Michaela Eben, and Omni Bulthuis are our amazing paraprofessionals.

Mrs. Huff - Has worked at OVE for 6 years. Her favorite color is eggplant. Her favorite thing about OVE is getting to work with all of our amazing students!

Mrs. Miles - Has worked at OVE for 2 years. Her favorite color is red. Her favorite thing about OVE is the staff who are so kind and supportive.

Ms. Eben: Has worked for OVE for 9 years. Her favorite color is blue. Her favorite thing about OVE is that you can't spell LOVE without OVE.

Mrs. Bulthuis -Has worked at OVE for 4 years. Her favorite colors are blue and purple. Her favorite thing about OVE is how accepted people feel being here and how loved the kids feel.

From left to right : DeeDee Uranga, Bonnie Rice, McKenzie Ebanks, and Valerie Griffith are our amazing paraprofessionals.

Mrs. Uranga - Has worked at OVE for 5 years. Her favorite color is blue. Her favorite thing about OVE is the love for the students.

Mrs. Rice - This is her 1st year working at OVE. Her favorite color is green, like her eyes. Her favorite thing about OVE is it is such a welcoming place to learn and work.

Ms. Ebanks: This is her 1st year working at OVE. Her favorite color would be any variety of blue. Her favorite thing about OVE is the strong sense of community we cultivate at our school, where our students feel connected and supported. It's inspiring to work in an environment that is so focused on a shared purpose and the success of every student..

Ms. Griffith - This is her 1st year working at OVE. Her favorite color is green. Her favorite thing about OVE is that everybody has been so friendly and welcoming.

Email: oveinfo@ohsd.net
Website: www.ohsd.net/oves
Location: 380 Northeast Regatta Drive, Oak Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: 360.279.5150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olympicviewelementaryschool