Every afternoon, a group of girls and boys meet for a snack in the school garden and walk over to the Funhouse Commons for games and help with homework.
“We provide a safe, educational place for children to hang out after school,” said Funhouse Director Krista Bouchey.
The well-loved program has just received a grant from the Satterburg Foundation in Seattle to participate in a state-wide initiative through the “School’s Out” organization. The goal is to set high standards for kids’ activities. Orcas is the first rural community to go through such an accreditation process – most of the participating programs are in King County.
“They have proven that high quality programming offers a difference for kids emotionally, academically and socially,” Bouchey said.
The after-school club will be assessed and revamped during the 2014-15 school year.
It currently meets Monday to Friday, 3 to 5:30 p.m. (noon to 5:30 p.m. on half-days). It is free with Funhouse Commons membership.
Everyday they have 25 to 40 children, ages seven to 11 who enjoy structured play, arts and crafts and games, work on computers, explore science museum, play music or receive help with homework.
Bouchey says it is also great for working parents who need a structured place for kids to be in the afternoons.
Volunteers are always needed to help with the kids. Call 376-7177 or visit http://funhousecommons.org/.
The Funhouse also provides programs for infant, toddlers and teenagers this fall. Some of the classes are in partnership with the Orcas Parks and Rec District.
“We are working together to make sure we are offering the most complete programming,” Bouchey said. “We sit down with the school and all three of us work together to not compete and also fill in the gaps.”
Infant-preschool play group
Explore the Funhouse, get creative in the art yurt, play games and more, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, now through June 16. Ages baby to five years.
Music Together®
This internationally recognized early childhood music education program is based on the premise that all children are musical and can develop their musical potential within a supportive learning environment. Music Together classes facilitate that growth by inspiring children and parents with song, dance, instruments and rhythm play. Each family receives a music CD and book. For more info emailmissmarysisland@gmail.com. Sept. 15 to Nov. 24, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Ages: Baby to five years.
Homework Club
Get help with those tough homework assignments and earn points at the same time. Points earn prizes, and eventually, a pizza party.Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 8 to June 19.
Mad Scientists
The Mad Scientists return for another season of fun experiments, chemistry, and more. Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 22 to Dec. 15, $5 per class, free with membership/daily admission. Offered through Orcas Park and Rec. Register online at www.oiprd.org.Oct. 19 to 25 is National Chemistry Week. Parents, join your children for an exciting afternoon of chemistry at The Funhouse Commons on Oct. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Art with Lana
Lana is back for another season of crafting and creating, using an array of art mediums. Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 17 to Dec. 17, $5 per class, free with membership/daily admission. Register online at www.oiprd.org.
Pokemon Club
Become a Pokemon trainer in this popular role-playing card game. Learn the rules and trade cards with your friends at The Funhouse Commons. Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Sept. 19 to Dec. 19. $10 + individual supplies. Register online at www.oiprd.org.
Sewing club
A fun kids club where kids learn to sew. Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., now through Dec. 18. Free with membership/daily admission. Bouchey says both boys and girls enjoy this club.
Creative writing
Put your imagination to work in this fun, imaginative writing workshop, for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m., September 16 – Oct. 23. Free with membership/daily admission.
Girls Leadership
Six weeks of celebrating what it means to be a strong leader, for fifth and sixth grade girls. Wednesdays, 3:15 to 4:45 p.m., Oct. 8 to Nov. 12, $60 . To register, call Kim at 376-7177 or email kim@thefunhouse.org.
College counseling
“This will be a great talk for people with kids of all ages,” Bouchey said. “It’s good advice to think about as you are planning your children’s college education funding.”
“Life After High School” will be on Monday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. It will feature financial education specialists who will discuss financial aid strategies; tax issues affecting savings plans, college funding options and more.
Arlene Prince will also present current trends in college admissions and advise on how best to support potential college applicants. Attendees will take home a special gift related to college preparation and have the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one sessions with these experts.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Prince and colleagues will offer presentations for sophomores and up, as well as individual sessions for students and their parents during the “Futures Fair.”
They will focus on college admission, high school curricular choices, standardized test performance, college choices, the college application process, and specifics every potential college student should know.
The college counseling consultants and financial education specialist will also be offering one-on-one advisory sessions throughout the fair. Parents are encouraged to call Kim at the The Funhouse Commons to schedule one of these sessions: 376-7177 or emailkim@thefunhouse.org.
While there is no cost for attending, The Funhouse suggests a donation of $25.
