Nestled in the heart of Washington State’s stunning San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is a rural community known for its breathtaking landscapes and tight-knit atmosphere. Accessible only by ferry from Anacortes, Orcas boasts 57 square miles of hilly terrain and quaint villages, including Eastsound, home to the district’s public schools. Uniquely, the island has no stoplight, reflecting its serene, laid-back lifestyle.
The Orcas Island School District serves approximately 825 students across an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, and an innovative online parent-school partnership program. In her first year as the Director of Special Services, Lorena Stankevich has been working diligently to support all students, particularly those who require special education services.
One of the district’s standout initiatives has been its partnership with Next Level Speech Therapy, a company well known in Washington for its tailored speech and language services. This collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that students with speech and communication challenges receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
The Impact of Next Level Speech Therapy
Kelly Tynch, the primary Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for Orcas Island, plays a vital role in this partnership. Tynch serves a diverse caseload that includes preschoolers aged three and up, primarily working with English-speaking students and several English Language Learners. Reflecting on her experience, Tynch highlights the collaborative spirit of Orcas Island: “Hands down, the people! From the students to the para-educators, staff, director, and parents, I have been welcomed with open arms.”
Despite having worked with three different acting directors during her time with the district, each director has been fully committed to ensuring the partnership with Next Level Speech Therapy thrives. Tynch appreciates the importance of in-person support for younger students receiving teletherapy services and acknowledges the challenges posed by technology in some preschool settings, particularly those that emphasize outdoor learning with limited internet access.
“Buy-in has been easy with the staff at Orcas Island School District,” Tynch remarks. “The district truly is invested in what is best for its students.” This shared commitment translates into frequent communication and collaboration, creating a constructive learning environment that benefits the students.
Celebrating Student Success
One of Tynch’s proudest moments involved a high school student struggling with vocalic and prevocalic /r/ sounds. After years of persistent work and collaboration with other skilled therapists from Next Level Speech Therapy, the student experienced a breakthrough. “The student was so excited when this happened that she emailed her parents immediately to share the news,” Tynch recalls. This is just one example of the meaningful impacts teletherapy can have when all parties are dedicated to the success of the program.
Tynch also emphasizes the rich relationships formed through regular collaboration, stating, “Rich, collaborative relationships can be formed between staff, students, and tele-therapists if the district and the therapist are fully committed.” The support from Next Level Speech Therapy further enhances this collaboration, offering access to a network of experienced therapists who can provide invaluable insights and intervention strategies.
In reflecting on her role, Tynch expresses her enthusiasm: “I simply love my placement. Since I signed on with NLST, I haven’t looked back and am into my fourth consecutive school year with the same district.” Her dedication to providing quality speech services illustrates the transformative power of effective partnerships in education.
A Vision for the Future
As the Orcas Island School District continues to prioritize the well-being and development of all its students, the collaboration with Next Level Speech Therapy stands as a beacon of hope. Under Lorena Stankevich’s leadership and Kelly Tynch’s expertise, the district is committed to ensuring that every child is empowered to communicate effectively and achieve academic success.
“Kelly has done an amazing job of building relationships with staff and families,” Stankevich notes. “She is a trusted member of our SPED team, and I love working with her. The depth of knowledge she brings is invaluable.”
In conclusion, the synergy between Orcas Island School District and Next Level Speech Therapy creates opportunities for growth, connection, and achievement, reinforcing the belief that every child deserves the chance to find their voice and flourish within their community.
