The annual Kindergarten Transition Banquet was held on Wednesday, May 18 at the Orcas Island Senior Center, and attended by 24 Orcas Island preschool children and their families. This event is sponsored by the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program, Orcas Community Resource Center and a local donor.

The children and families were treated to a meal prepared by the Chris Hogle family, followed by activity centers led by teachers and representatives from Orcas Island Public Schools, Orcas Christian School, Orcas Montessori School, Children’s House, Kaleidoscope and Orcas Public Library.

Upon completion of the activity centers, the children received a backpack filled with educational activities and games to play at home over the summer, similar to those completed in the centers. Children were also presented with a $15 gift certificate to be redeemed at Darvill’s Bookstore.

This event is one of three Kindergarten Transition Program events held annually on Orcas Island to ease the transition from preschool to kindergarten and facilitate kindergarten readiness.

ECEAP and OCRC would like to thank the following people for donating their time and skills to this event:

Chris & Conrad Hogle Family

Eric Webb

Teresa Mayr

Mathew Chasanoff

Susan Stolmeier

Glenda Smith

Reagan Rants

Kim Malo

Jana Albright

Tom Rubottom

Emily McGerty

Ady Walker

Melinda Hallen

Nita Couchman

Luke Bronn

McCabe Webb