Pencils, notebooks and calculators were so two weeks ago. This week, Oak Harbor students’ shopping lists revolve around three things: dresses, suits and flowers. Get ready to shell out some dough, Wildcat parents. Homecoming week is upon us.

For students, homecoming week means spirit days, games, prizes, decorations, assemblies and voting for this year’s queen and king, Sports Day kicked off spirit week this year and the kids didn’t hesitate to throw on their favorite jerseys and black under-eye paint. Junior Mikaela Stahl said spirit week gives students a chance to be more outgoing and step outside their comfort zones.

Though homecoming is usually reserved for mid-October, school officials scheduled it a few weeks earlier this year, which is causing the students to scramble.

“I just bought school supplies, and now I have to turn around and buy a dress,” Mikaela said. Most girls know dress shopping is no easy task, and the challenge of finding something unique is made even more difficult in a small town like Oak Harbor.

“I had to go off island this year,” Mikaela said.

Tenth-grader Shawna Steele shares in Mikaela’s frustration.

“It was a little bit of a rush this year,” she said. Shawna was asked to the dance after finding flowers and a letter hidden in her locker.

Homecoming week peaks this weekend with a football game Friday against Everett and a dance on Saturday themed “A Night in Disguise.” In order to pump up the football players for the big day, Wildcat cheerleaders will spend their Friday decorating the town and stadium with balloons and serving the team a catered lunch.

“I’ve done it every year, and it’s really fun,” senior cheerleader Kim Smith said, “but it can get hectic.”

After coming off a win last weekend, Kim said she’s hopeful that the Wildcats will come through for the school on Friday.

Across the island in Coupeville, the Wolves will celebrate their homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 8 against Cedarcrest.

Wildcat agenda

Today, Sept. 22: Zombie Day

Thursday, Sept. 23: Secret Agent Day

Friday, Sept. 24: Super Spirit, assembly, homecoming game against Everett, 7 p.m. at Wildcat Memorial Stadium

Saturday, Sept. 25: homecoming dance, 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets on sale through Friday during lunches, $20 w/ ASB, $25 w/o