The Waldorf community of Orcas Island is putting forth, for the second year, a pre-school/kindergarten program at the School of the Salish Sea.

The school offers a program for children ages three to six. It is expanding this year with a Monday through Friday schedule and aftercare options.

“After the loss of our dearly loved master teacher, Ronna McEldowney, we have searched for the right individuals to assist us in moving forward with our mission,” say school representatives. “Ronna gifted us with an incredible first year of strength, insight, and vision; enough to help propel us through the difficulty of her passing.”

The school’s lead teacher for this coming school year is Kirsten Gustafson. She is a graduate of Kimberton Waldorf School and of the University of Massachusetts. She has years of experience leading a multi-age class and comes from a strong family background of Waldorf educators.

Gustafson is joined in her teaching this year by Rebecca (Becky) Siegwart. She has lived on Orcas for more than three years, starting at Camp Orkila as an outdoor environmental educator. She holds a bachelors degree in fine arts and has many years of experience as an assistant in pre-school and kindergarten classrooms.

The School of the Salish Sea starts the school year on Sept. 13 on the YMCA Camp Orkila property. For more information, email orcaswaldorf@yahoo.com or call 376-4552.