by Madie Murray

Special to the Sounder

We are looking for kids who would like to acquire some new, experience-based learning skills in a pilot program for students entering grades 7 through 10 this September. The program helps students enhance their learning and develop new skills through fun, interactive engagement. Scheduled to begin early July, the program will be held at the Orcas Island public high school just two days a week for 2 hours each day. There may also be some field trips.

The program will primarily focus on math, reading, writing, and science. Learning will be “applied.” Our aim is to show kids how ideas learned in school relate to real-life, practical experiences. The program does not offer grades or school credit. Its only focus is to help students be more academically prepared to enter the next grade in school, and to do so with a new, positive, enthusiastic approach to learning.

Led by two very experienced teachers and residents of Orcas Island, Ellen Klein, Ph.D. and Zoe Fine, M.A., the program has been funded by private donations; however, parents of student participants will be asked for a one-time $75 fee to cover anticipated materials and field trip costs.

Interested parents may contact Madie Murray at 376-3371 or omadie@gmail.com for complete information about the program.