Salmonberry School’s New Teacher

Tom Rawson, new teacher at Salmonberry School

Open House Monday, April 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

From Salmonberry School

Salmonberry School is thrilled to introduce its newest faculty member, Tom Rawson, to the Orcas Island community at an Open House for all elementary grades to be held on Monday, April 29 from 3:30-5:00. An Open House for ages 3-6 follows on Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30. Tom brings 25 years teaching experience both at the independent Little School in Bellevue, WA and at Seattle Public School District’s Summit School. Tom will teach Salmonberry School’s primary grades class, where he will bring his passion and skill as a master literacy teacher.

“Tom is someone I have known for years, having met him at several regional conferences, where I attended workshops, which he led,” said Paul Freedman, Salmonberry’s Program Director. “I am thrilled that he has chosen to relocate to Orcas Island to join the Salmonberry School teaching team at this stage of his career.” Rawson has visited the island many times to give concerts, as he is also a professional singer/songwriter and storyteller. “Tom has taught week-long classes in ukulele-based music and storytelling at Salmonberry’s summer camps for the past two years,” according to Freedman. “You cannot help but to feel warm and welcome in Tom’s presence. He is a man of tremendous professional integrity and sincerity. We are delighted to welcome him to the Salmonberry faculty.”

Salmonberry School, founded in 2001, is an independent preschool and elementary school. It is now enrolling students in all three of its multi-age classrooms. Salmonberry offers a holistic educational approach from early childhood through grade six. The program provides intimate classroom settings, where children engage deeply with their work, and in a setting where the arts are integral to the academics. Parents of children age 3-12 are encouraged to stop by to see the school, meet the staff and find out what all the buzz is about.