Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
August is here, and a new school year is just around the corner! If you have school-aged kids, the Resource Center has gathered helpful resources to make the back-to-school transition a little easier.
Sports physicals
The Sports Physical Clinic will look a little different this summer. In order to gain more privacy and thorough exams for athletes and doctors, the Boosters are encouraging athletes to make independent appointments with their doctors in their clinics. They are committed to making sure every athlete can play sports and are working with island doctors to achieve this goal. If there are students who do not have a doctor or need support to complete their sports physical before practices begin, please contact the Boosters at oiboosters@gmail.com, and they will work with you to connect with a doctor.
Immunization clinics
You can sign up for an upcoming immunization clinic at sjchcsimmunizationscheduling.as.me/schedule/90c690b7 or call for assistance at 360-378-4474. Regular vaccination clinics on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan are for all children through the age of 18 years and uninsured adults. Clinics are ferry-service dependent. No one will be denied services due to inability to pay.
Athletic Fees Assistance
The Orcas Community Resource Center and Orcas Island Boosters have partnered to support families in need of assistance with athletic expenses. If sports-related expenses for your student-athlete are a hurdle, please email the OI Booster Club at oiboosters@gmail.com or the Resource Center at info@orcascrc.org.
Free and reduced school meals
Contact the Orcas Island School District office to see if your household qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals – you may also be eligible for decreased fees to participate in sports or other school programs.
Teen Tent at the Food Bank
Throughout the school year, the Food Bank encourages students to stop by their Teen Tent to grab a quick snack or lunch item. Age-appropriate food items are offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Funhouse Afterschool
The Funhouse Afterschool Program provides a safe and inclusive environment for all Orcas kids in grades K-5. Staff offer daily pick-up from Orcas Island Elementary and Orcas Christian School during the school year. Activities include games, arts and crafts, outdoor play and more! The program runs Monday-Friday, 3:15-5:30 p.m., with an early start time of 2:15 p.m. on Wednesdays (public school) and Fridays (Christian school).
Orcas Island Park & Rec
Keep your eyes open for fall activities at orcasparkandrec.org!
College students: fill out FAFSA
Students planning on attending college in the fall of 2026 can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Apply at studentaid.gov to be considered for federal financial aid. Students must apply no later than June 30, 2026.
Get ready for winter!
As cooler weather approaches, you’re covered. Coats will soon be available through the Resource Center’s Coates Closet program — stay tuned!
