||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||
During the pandemic when school went online, the Orcas Island School District established an outdoor education program so students could gather safely each week and learn in the open air. The program was so successful that the school has continued to provide the program, thanks to the generous support of the Orcas Island Education Foundation. I have been enjoying seeing students from Orcas Elementary participating in outdoor education on my drive to work on Wednesdays. In the Winter, the bus pulled into the parking area at Cascade Lake and 25 or 30 students, all clad in blue rain gear, piled out to start a morning of exploration. This Spring, they have been walking down to Crescent Beach to learn about marine habitats. Orcas is a perfect outdoor classroom.
Kaleidoscope Preschool has a similar program for early learners called the Forest School. It is the first fully outdoor licensed program in the country. Students spend the day, rain or shine, learning in the woods near the Golf Course. You can learn more about the program here. Truly a unique and remarkable start for so many Orcas children. We are growing a hardy next generation!
On other news concerning our youth, access to pediatric Dental care remains a challenge, unfortunately. No local providers accept Apple Care, the insurance program many of our families utilize. To bridge the gap, the County has arranged for a team from Snohomish to provide a school based sealant program this spring with the Smile Mobile following up shortly after to do assessments.
We are hoping to find housing for the Snohomish team. They arrive Sunday April 23rd and depart for Lopez on Wednesday the 26th. They are happy to share a house, but need 3 separate beds. If this is something you could help with, please let me know. It would be a huge help.
Finally, if you want to jump start your Spring, the Lum Farm, located at Coffelt Farm Preserve (1071 Crow Valley Road) is open for visits with their new crop of baby lambs and goats. Noon-5 each of the next 3 Saturdays. The perfect way to spend the day!
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