Anavah Kraayevelt and Odie Cruz-Salinas enjoy the Kindergarten Banquet at the Senior Center.
Orcas Senior Center was the venue for a multi-generational event, welcoming about two dozen Orcas Island children who will enter kindergarten next year. The children, their parents and grandparents were the guests of honor at a Kindergarten Banquet, on May 28.
The event was organized by Erin O’Dell, Family Advocate with Orcas Family Connections, and was sponsored by Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Orcas Family Connections.
The two-seating dinner menu was arranged by nutritionist Beth Smith, and prepared by O’Dell, Ethna Flanagan, Board President of Orcas Family Connections and the Family Support Specialist for ECEAP, and Bridget Wright, cook at Kaleidoscope Childcare.
Orcas High School Key Club members from left, Iris Parker-Pavitt, Lily Sky and Kailley Grantham
Following dinner, the children and their parents visited six learning areas hosted by local teachers and other experts for fun, educational activities. At each table, the children completed the planned activity and their parents received a tip sheet on ways to encourage that particular skill at home. They also received a “goodie bag” of materials at the various tables/areas for writing, math, motor skills, literacy and nutrition.
Orcas Island kindergarten teachers Mandy Randolph and Pam Jenkins, Orcas Christian School kindergarten teacher Sherry May, and Theresa Chocano, director of Orcas Montessori School, circulated to meet the prospective kindergarteners and answer parent’s questions about kindergarten readiness and other school matters.
Kindergarten teacher Pam Jenkins and Erin O'Dell confer at Kindergarten Banquet.
English Language Learning (ELL) teachers and O’Dell helped several Spanish-speaking families with the activity stations.
Orcas High School Key Club members Kailley Grantham, Iris Parker-Pavitt and Lily Sky volunteered their time in the kitchen and scullery. Flanagan said, “The Key Club volunteers were instrumental in keeping the flow going, they did clean up and dishes, and worked hard all night. We are so grateful”
Orcas Christian School students hosted various dinner tables, dressed in “vegetable” costumes.
Orcas Christian School student Justin Taylor, comes to the table as Broccoli.
The Orcas Island Public Library donated the books that each child received, and Dr. Steven Bailey’s office donated toothbrushes for every child.
Following the event, O’Dell said, “It is an honor to work with such talented, dedicated, caring people.
“The Kindergarten Banquet gave families the opportunity to enjoy a meal together and receive information and supplies to help their kids get ready for kindergarten over the summer.
“It was great to see the early childhood community come together to support so many families.”
Kindergarten Registration can be arranged at Orcas Island Elementary School at 376-2284, and at Orcas Christian School at 376-6683.
