— from Erin O’Dell, Director, Orcas Family Connections Resource Center —
Kool Kindergarten backpacks were given out at the banquet on May 28
On May 28th the Orcas Senior Center was buzzing with kindergarten bound children and their parents. The event consisted of a free catered dinner and fun activities that gave a chance for the 35 attending children to practice skills with their parents they would use in the upcoming school year. This was also a chance for parents to meet teachers and other important school staff and get to know each other as well.
After a delicious and nutritious meal prepared by Rita Harvey, families participated in the activities and were given a backpack full of school supplies that emphasize developmental readiness. The hope is that the children will continue doing the activities over the summer and enter kindergarten ready to learn.
The backpacks containing school supplies, books, a jump rope, toothpaste and tooth brushes, recipes and more were made possible by the generous support of local donor, the San Juan County ECEAP Program and Dr Bailey’s office. Children’s librarian Nita Couchman provided a new book and the opportunity for the children to sign up for a library card. A new record was hit this year when twenty five children signed up to receive library cards. All the children who attended also received a $15.00 gift certificate to purchase a new book at Darvill’s.
The activity tables were staffed by teachers from Orcas Elementary, Orcas Christian, Kaleidoscope, Montessori, and Children’s House.
Orcas Family Connections is so grateful for the helping hands and hearts that went into making this event possible.
