Submitted by Megan Ehrmantraut for OCRC.

Carrying on a 15-year tradition, the Orcas Community Resource Center was excited to host Orcas’ annual Kindergarten Transition event celebrating kids who are making the big leap to kindergarten in the fall. All preschool children, regardless of which school they will attend, were invited to join in the evening of fun.

Surrounded by familiar faces and new friends, thirty families engaged in a variety of learning activity stations focused on areas including math, art, writing, fine and gross motor skills. Activities were facilitated by enthusiastic preschool and kindergarten teachers, allowing families to gain an informative grasp on educational concepts they can practice at home.

One parent shared, “The idea of kindergarten was very abstract for my son. This event makes it much more real and allows kids to become excited about it. The activities are a huge help!”

The Orcas Island Library greeted attendees with a big smile and the chance to sign up for their very own library card. Kids took home colorful backpacks full of goodies to help practice skills throughout the summer. Each child also received a Darvill’s gift certificate to shop for books to add to their home collection.

To top it all off, deliciously crafted taco meals were provided by Johanna’s Salvadorian Catering. This valuable opportunity to ease students’ up-and-coming transition is a no-cost annual event sponsored by the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program, OCRC and a generous local donor.