Get ready for the 2023-2024 school year

Submitted by Orcas Community Resource Center.

Summer is waning and that means school is just around the corner! If you are a family with school-aged students, here is a list of resources to help get the year started off right!

Immunization Clinic

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 3 to 6 p.m. in the OISD cafeteria. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment is needed. No one will be denied services due to their inability to pay. Call 360.378.4474 for more details.

Athletic Fees Assistance Program

The Orcas Community Resource Center and OI Boosters have partnered together to support families in need of assistance with athletic expenses. If sports-related expenses for your student-athlete stretch your family, please email the OI Booster Club at oiboosters@gmail.com or the Resource Center at info@orcascrc.org.

Apply for Free & Reduced school meals

Contact the OISD 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 Orcas Island 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 11am-2pm.

Get ready for winter!

Is your child in need of warm winter gear? Keep an eye out for the annual Sons of the American Legion (SOAL) shoe drive. Look for details from OISD. As fall approaches, coats will be available through the Resource Center’s Coates Closet program. Stay tuned!

Orcas Elementary hosts “Start Write Night”

“Start Write Night” – Tuesday, Aug. 29, 5:30-6:30pm for students in grades K-5 at OISD Elementary. Families are invited to visit classrooms & teachers while having the chance to complete paperwork for the year. Local organizations will be onsite with helpful resources for families.

Funhouse After School Program

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 5 for students in grades 1-5. Funhouse staff pick up students from the public school, then head to The Funhouse for group games, activities, and free-play. This program runs Monday-Friday, 3:15 pm-5:30 pm, with an early start time of 2:15 pm on Wednesdays. Pick up between 5-5:30 pm.

Orcas Island Park & Rec Fall Programs Start SOON!

Choir, after school art, soccer and MORE! Visit orcasparkandrec.org for a full list of activities – many beginning in September!

College students — fill out the FAFSA in December

Students planning on attending college in the fall of 2024 can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Apply at studentaid.gov to be considered for federal financial aid. The application period begins in December 2023, rather than October as in previous years.

The Orcas Community Resource Center’s mission is to foster a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with the services needed to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. We’re here to help! If you’d like to learn more about our services, please visit https://orcascrc.org/.