Salmonberry School and Learning Center will be celebrating 10 years on Orcas Island this summer.

This year Salmonberry will continue reaching large numbers of both islanders and visitors through its full and part time options and now through a much expanded palette of summer workshops and classes.

In the summer of 2001, Salmonberry School opened its doors as the newest educational initiative in San Juan County.

“The original vision was to become an independent  preschool and elementary school alternative offering a uniquely child-centered and holistic program to a broad population of island kids,” said Paul Freedman, Salmonberry’s Program Director. “Throughout this decade, while Salmonberry has always remained flexible and responsive to the demographic and pedagogical needs of this community, it has also always remained true to this initial vision.  Salmonberry continues today to be a proud example of progressive education.”

This summer the school will provide a series week-long classes in range of thematic topics.  Preschool-age children might choose to explore themes of the intertidal community, fairy houses, introduction to sciences and arts and nature.  Elementary-age children may explore everything from a ukulele-based music and story-telling class to dance, theater and dramatic arts, to “Chickens 101.”

“I am so thrilled to be able to offer the entire Orcas community such a rich panoply of programs this summer,” Freedman said.

For a full list of summer programming, visit Salmonberry’s website: http://salmonberryschool.org and click on the summer programs link or call 376-6310.