L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
School Open House Guide Harvest activities and fall fun Supporting your bilingual learner FSA & HSA basics nwkidsmagazine.com
OCTOBER 2016
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Contents
OCTOBER 2016 9 Bits & Bytes 12 2 Hours on Dekum & Killingsworth 15 Encouraging a Bilingual Education 20 Your local guide to Fall Harvest & Fun 22 School Open House Guide 32 Save Well! Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts Q&A 35 Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures 38 “What do you like the MOST about preschool?”
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Editor’s Note Oh, October. No other month so epitomizes fall: the weather has officially turned (got your raingear and HappyLight®?), leaves are changing color and dusting the streets and the city is bustling with harvest events to celebrate a bountiful season. To help you find the coolest fall harvest experiences, we’ve put together a colorful centerfold guide to our favorite local farms offering deliciously fresh goodies like apples, corn, squash and of course, pumpkins, as well as an impressive list of activities to get the kiddos all funned out. My forever favorite? The pumpkin cannon. Recently, I got to spend some time with our friends at ChildRoots learning community, which provides top-notch care and art and science based education to kiddos six weeks to six years. Let me tell you… these kids are too stinkin’ cute! (You can meet some of them on p. 38.) Photographer Nick Macdonald from Perfect September Photography was on hand to capture all the action; you can see his spectacular photos on the cover and this very page. Our Annual Schools Open House Guide is also tucked into this issue. With its organized, easy-to-read layout, we hope that deciding on your littles’ academic journey is that much easier. As if that’s not enough, hit us up online at nwkidsmagazine.com this month for a guide exclusively dedicated to preschools. We’ve got you covered! And of course, we can’t have an October issue without mentioning Halloween! Our events calendar on p. 35 spells out just when and where you can get the most mileage out of that epic costume. Be safe, and see you in November!
Karel
Cover and contents photography by NICK MACDONALD OF PERFECT SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHY for CHILDROOTS perfectseptember.com; childroots.com
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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram : @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids
NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
Editor / Client Services Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings Agia Sophia....................................................17 All Families Surrogacy..................................... 7 Aprende con Amigos.....................................16 Art of STEM...................................................... 7 Barre3............................................................... 8 Bennett Suzuki...............................................17 Blue Frogs Jump............................................17 Bridges Middle School...................................18 Catlin Gabel....................................................40 Cedarwood Waldorf School...........................18 ChildRoots......................................................39 Class Academy...............................................26 Eb and Bean..................................................... 8 Fazio Farms.....................................................19 French American International School..........14 French Prairie Gardens...................................19 German International School........................27 Global Friends Language School...................17 Goodtime Chinese School.............................14 Hope Chinese Immersion Charter School.....17 6 | NW Kids Magazine
International School......................................14 Kruger’s Farm.................................................19 Leisure Sports Inc Club Sport........................... 7 Little Fruit Farm..............................................26 Montessori School of Beaverton...................18 My Masterpiece Art Studio............................34 Myoptic Optometry.......................................33 Nectar Frozen Yogurt......................................10 Northwest Chinese Academy........................26 Oregon Ballet Theatre...................................... 3 Oregon Children’s Theatre................................ 3 Oregon Hope Chinese School........................17 Oregon Zoo.....................................................36 Plumper Pumpkins........................................19 Portland Early Learning Project.....................17 Portland Jewish Academy.............................26 Portland Trampoline........................................ 2 Raindrop Playmates.......................................37 Riverdale School District................................31 Saturday Academy.........................................36
Seam Divas.....................................................26 Serpa Audiology.............................................. 7 Sit Still............................................................10 Skinner Montessori........................................27 Small Friends School.....................................34 Smart Baby Preschool....................................17 Spielwerk Toys.................................................. 8 Summa Academy..........................................34 St. Matthew School.......................................34 Sunstone Montessori.....................................31 Swallowtail School........................................11 The Kids’ Backyard Store.................................. 2 ThriftMouse....................................................11 Tri-County Farms............................................19 Trinity Lutheran..............................................37 Valley Christian Preschool..............................17 West Hills Montessori....................................17 World of Smiles..............................................36 Yoga Playgrounds..........................................11
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BITS & BYTES Grand Openings
Hops to Host 2017 All-Star Game
1. The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre opened their brand new West Linn studio on August 31. Now offering classes for the littles 18 months to 11 years (as well as adults); kids in Levels 1 and 2 will be considered for roles in OBT performances. 19066 Willamette Drive, West Linn. obt.org
Baseball fans rejoice! News broke in early September that for the very first time in team history, the Hillsboro Hops were awarded the 2017 Northwest League vs Pioneer League All-Star game!
2. Froyo darling Eb and Bean, which has delighted the NE Broadway strip with organic dairy and nondairy treats and artisanal toppings since 2014, is launching their second location on SE Division this November. Sweet! 3040 SE Division, 1425 NE Broadway. ebandbean.com
The Hops, a short-season minor league baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and 2014 and 2015 Northwest League Champions, will be hosting the event on August 1, 2017. The All-Star game festival will start on July 31 and include the Fan Fest – a family favorite – and a home run derby.
3. Design Museum of Portland is hard at work bringing their interactive exhibition, Extraordinary Playscapes, to Portland following a smashingly successful run in Boston. Showcasing beautifully creative playgrounds from all over the globe, with built-in play structures for the kiddos, the exhibition’s grand opening is Oct 6 at the PNCA building at 511 NW Broadway. designmuseumfoundation.org/portland
The All-Star game is a classic showcase of young baseball talent, pitting the best players from the Northwest and Pioneer Leagues head-to-head in a midsummer classic. The Northwest League spans Oregon, Washington and Idaho, while the Pioneer League consists of teams throughout the mountain west. The two leagues operate independently from each other, making this contest a unique minor league event.
4. The west side is getting some love from Breakside Brewery, which opens its new spot in Slabtown in early November. Enjoy fresh and original brews and delicious food in the 5,000-square-foot, family-friendly space. NW 22nd and Raleigh. breakside.com
Schedule details and ticket availability will be announced early this fall. For the regular 2017 season schedule and more info, check out hillsborohops.com. - Zach Schroeder
Performances Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium Oct 22-Nov 20, $14-32, octc.org The Cat in the Hat Now thru Oct 23, $16-25, nwcts.org The Magical Music of Disney Oct 8-30, $10-18, portlandmusicaltheater.org Giants Oct 8-15, $29 and up, obt.org NW Kids Magazine | 9
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P’s & Q’s Market Quaint neighborhood market and deli with scrumptious homemade dine-in specials. 1301 NE Dekum, psandqsmarket.com
Dekum Street Doorway A quirky and colorful farm and garden store that’s a feast for the eyes. 728 NE Dekum, dekumstreetdoorway.com
2 hours on Dekum & Killingsworth This “up-and-coming” section of NE Portland, which includes the Woodlawn, Vernon and King neighborhoods, boasts classics like Podnah’s Pit and Firehouse and the lush greenery of Woodlawn and Alberta Parks. Here are our fave places to hang when we’re in the ‘hood.
Seastar Bakery & Handsome Pizza These sibling outposts share a space, as well as a knack for making eats that hit just the spot, whether it’s homemade pastries, brunch or woodfired pizza. 1603 NE Killingsworth, seastarbakery.com/handsomepizza.com 12 | NW Kids Magazine
Woodlawn Coffee and Pastry High ceilings and tons of seating, yummy sandwiches and pastries and a secret side patio. Everything you need in a local coffee shop. 808 NE Dekum, woodlawncoffee.com
Tamale Boy Lively atmosphere and covered outdoor seating, with rotating tamale specials and weekday happy hours. 1764 NE Dekum, tamaleboy.com
Podnah’s Pit There’s lots of BBQ in town, but Podnah’s still reigns supreme with generous portions and meltin-your-mouth brisket. Change it up and try their equally delicious brunch. 1625 NE Killingsworth, podnahspit.com
Hat Yai It’s one of the newest Asian eateries in town, but Hat Yai’s Thai fried chicken has already put it on the map. Hurry on over and put that chicken in your belly! 1605 NE Killingsworth, hatyaipdx.com
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Whether your child is taking a language class at school, enrolled in an immersion school or participating in an after school language program, there are plenty of things you can do right at home to enhance your child’s language education.
Home Stays
Photograph by QUINTIN SCHROEDER
Encouraging a Bilingual Education by AFTON NELSON
Studies show that learning a second language helps children as young as three to develop better cognitive skills, prepare themselves for higher academic achievement and gain a rich cultural experience.
Hosting a student from another country in your home might seem like a major commitment, but it doesn’t have to be. Many exchange programs offer shorter stay options for as little as two weeks. But whether you start off small or dive right in with a full school-year stay, you and your young language learner will benefit. I-Shüan Warr is a Portland parent who, along with her husband and two boys, has hosted exchange students from China and South Korea for both short and longer stays. She said they enjoyed hearing about life in other countries from a real person. “We could ask them any questions and had good discussions about differences and similarities between our cultures,” she said. “On the longer stays, there is plenty of time to ask about all kinds of things, not just the general questions.” Her two boys took a little prompting at first, but before long, they were engaging the students in discussions and activities. This allowed them to have a deeper connection to another culture. “It was also good practice for learning to interact with new people in general.”
Do Your Research Northwest Student Exchange nwse.com ANDEO International Homestays andeo.org/host International Student Exchange iseusa.org
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A Bilingual Home
Looking for more ways to enhance language learning at home? Jessica Amezcua, owner of Portland Early Learning Project, which offers Spanish after school classes, says that “learning another language doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be an adventure.” Here are some ways to do just that.
1. Have your child teach you something. Explaining reinforces learning. Have your child teach you the words for ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ then use them. “It’s okay to mix up languages,” says Amezcua. “If your child sees you learning, that’s a powerful motivator for her to keep trying too.”
2. Read books. “Books are one of the best ways to reinforce language,” Amezcua says. “The wording should be simple, but still interesting. Illustrations are especially important since they not only aid in understanding, but help hold the reader’s attention.” Check with your child’s teacher, a librarian or a good bookseller for recommendations.
3. Attend cultural events. Learning about a new country and their cultures, food, dance, costumes and traditions will give kids a stronger desire to learn a new language. Or make your own cultural event with a few new recipes and crafty décor. The internet is bursting with great ideas.
4. Play games. Name the colors of the cars as you drive through town, or the food as you shop at the grocery store. Check online for other game ideas, or download apps like DuoLingo or FluentU. Whatever you do to enhance language learning, Amezcua says to involve your child in the learning adventure. When learning is fun, everyone wins.
Visit our blog at nwkidsmagazine.com all through October for bilingual book picks from local book lovers and teachers! Afton Nelson is a Portland writer who loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family. Get to know her better at aftonnelson.com.
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Bauman’s Harvest Festival
Koch Family Farm
Voted #1 Pumpkin Patch in the Mid-Valley region! With over 20 different activities, there is something for the whole family. Crops available: 40 varieties of apples, sweet corn, pears, potatoes, onions, broccoli, celery and much more. Activities: Corn maze, dark hay maze, laser tag, hayrides, kids zone, obstacle course, wooden labyrinth, rope maze, swing line, apple cannon, apple sling shot and more. baumanshf.com
For over 80 years, Koch Family Farm has striven to provide the best-tasting, highest-quality, and freshest products possible. Crops available: Squash, Indian corn, straw, corn stalks, pumpkins. Activities: Hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, straw maze, baby farm animals (calves, piglets, lambs). kochfamilyfarm.com
Draper Girls Country Farm Family owned since 1962. U-pick season through the end of October, so get it while it lasts! Crops available: U-pick we-pick apples, pears, flowers. Activities: Petting zoo, giant swing, vacation rental, farm stay drapergirlscountryfarm.com
Fazio Farms Fun, quiet, farm experience from selecting pumpkins to an authentic hayride in the city. Corn maze, hay bale maze, food and more! Crops available: Sweet meat squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, pumpkins, apples, pears, frozen blueberries. Activities: Hay bale maze, hay pyramid, corn maze, pumpkin patch, food, games, hayride. faziofarms.com
French Prairie Gardens and Family Farm Creating farm fun for the whole family for 20 years. Pumpkin patch, pig races, mazes and more! Crops available: Pumpkins, apples, zucchini, super sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, broccoli. Activities: Tractor wagon ride, tube slide, corn maze, farm animals, Pigtucky Derby pig races, slingshot, corn cannon, hay maze, obstacle course, farm ninja course, Swing Central and Farmcade with NEW Hamster Rollers. fpgardens.com
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Fall H
Kruger’s Family Farm
Oregon Farm Loop
Family-friendly fun on a local farm 15 minutes from Downtown Portland. Fall activities every day throughout October. Crops available: Produce Market carrying all types of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins for U-pick. Activities: Maze, haunted maze, evening cabaret, pumpkin patch, hayrides, caramel apples, fresh roasted corn, animal barn. krugersfarm.com
Harvest time farm experiences on three farm loop routes: Farmlandia Farm Loop, Canby Farm Loop and Molalla Country Farm Loop. Crops available: A bounty of pumpkins, squash; sweet corn, fresh vegetables, apples, pears, cut flowers; nursery stock, meats, eggs, alpaca-fiber clothing, hazelnuts and honey. Activities: Pet friendly farm animals, hand pick crops, enjoy and learn from traditional farm games and fun including corn mazes, tractor rides, and hay mazes. oregonfarmloop.com
Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm Rolling hills and a beautiful view of the Willamette Valley, easy access to home grown produce and the wonder and beauty of a working farm. Crops available: 24 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, apples, turkey, pork, chickens, flowers, honey. Activities: Hay maze, hayride, farm animals, barrel train, pumpkin cannons, apple and corn cannons, pony rides, live music and face painting on weekends. plumperpumpkins.com
Sauvie Island Organics Winter CSA Dec-Mar Crops available: Beets, braising greens, cabbage, carrots, celeriac, chicories, herbs, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, onions, parsnips, potatoes, pie pumpkins, radish, rutabaga, turnips, shallots and numerous varieties of winter squash. sauvieislandorganics.com
Your local guide to
Harvest & Fun
(Pull it out and put it on your fridge!) NW Kids Magazine | 21
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE AGIA SOPHIA ACADEMY
APRENDE CON AMIGOS
BLUE FROGS JUMP LLC PRESCHOOL
BRIDGES MIDDLE SCHOOL
ADDRESS
14485 SW Walker Road, Beaverton
2036 NE MLK Boulevard, Portland
10207 NW Alpenglow Way, Portland
716 NE Marine Drive, Portland
PHONE
(503) 641.4600
None
(503) 925.3919
(503) 688.2922
WEBSITE
asapdx.org
aprendecon amigos.com
bluefrogsjump. com
bridgesms.org
DESCRIPTION
Montessori Primary Program (ages 3-6) & Orthodox Elementary School.
Children “learn with friends” through a research-based Spanish immersion program for 3-5 year old children.
Nationally accredited NAFCC and Oregon QRIS 5-star rated child centered preschool and childcare.
Private nonprofit school serving 5th-8th grade students with learning differences.
OPEN HOUSE
January 27, 5-7pm
Overlook: Dec 7 & Jan 4, 6-7pm, Feb 18, 3-4pm; Irvington: Jan 21, 3-4pm, Feb 20, 6-7pm, March 19, 3-4pm
October 29, 10am-12pm, January 21, 10am-12pm, February 18, 10am-12pm
Schedule private tour
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
PreK-5th grade
3-5 years old
2-5 years old
5th-8th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
65
45 students per site
16
40
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
9:1
7.5:1
6:1
Max: 10:1 Avg: 7:1
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
No
No
No
No
$395-1,035 monthly
$595-1,195 monthly
No
No
TUITION RANGE
$4,450-8,100 annually Yes
FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
Montessori
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Immersion
Experiential, Eclectic
See website Yes Individualized
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE CATLIN GABEL
CEDARWOOD WALDORF SCHOOL
CHILDROOTS
CLASS ACADEMY
FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
8825 SW Barnes Road, Portland
3030 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland
Multiple Locations
2730 NW Vaughn Street, Portland
8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland
(503) 297.1894
(503) 245.1477
(503) 235.1151
(503) 223.9099
(503) 292.7776
catlin.edu
cedarwoodschool. org
childroots.com
classacademy. com
faispdx.org
Catlin Gabel supports inspired learning leading to responsible action through dedicated teaching, caring relationships, a challenging curriculum and community service.
Cedarwood is an urban Waldorf School that has adapted Rudolf Steiner’s principles for a modern world.
ChildRoots is a progressive and thoughtful learning community in the heart of Portland for families with young children ages six weeks to six years.
CLASS Academy brings students to their potential through multisensory learning and age blended environments.
A preschool through grade 8 independent school offering an internationallyfocused curriculum in an immersion setting and an IB framework.
October 30, 1-4pm
October. 5, 10am-1pm, January 21, 10am -1pm, March 18, 10am-1pm
October 3, November 7, December 5, 6-8:30pm, all locations
October 15, 2pm, January 25, 6:30pm, April 20, 6:30pm
Open Tours most Wednesdays at 9am (Check website for dates.) Open House: November 9, 9am
PreK-12th grade
PreK-8th grade
6 weeks6 years old
PreK-8th grade
2 1/2 years old and above
See website
340
Depends upon classroom
175
See website
See website
15:1
Depends upon enrollment type
10:1
9:1
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
See website Yes Experiential
$3,500-12,700 annually Yes Waldorf
$755-1,590 monthly No Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, RIE, Magda Gerber
$915-955 No Age blended, spiral learning, multi-sensory
$13,900-16,813 annually Yes Language Immersion, IB
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
GLOBAL FRIENDS LANGUAGE SCHOOL
GOODTIME CHINESE SCHOOL
HOPE CHINESE CHARTER SCHOOL
ADDRESS
3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton
4505 NE 82nd Avenue, Portland
15285 NW Central Drive, #201, Portland
3500 SW 104th Avenue, Beaverton
PHONE
(503) 626.9089
(971) 506.3261
(503) 277.3899
(971) 226.7500
WEBSITE
gspdx.org
globalfriendslang uageschool.com
goodtimechinese school.org
hopeccs.org
DESCRIPTION
ÜBER creative. ÜBER innovative. ÜBER global. ExÜBERance in Learning.
Come explore, share, play, learn, laugh, grow and speak Chinese with us!
Chinese Immersion program, bilingual preschool and kindergarten, winter and summer camp.
Educating for Global Fluency: Mandarin immersion elementary school.
OPEN HOUSE
October 27 9-10am; January 22 10-11:30am
October 17, 4:30-6pm, November 5, 10am-12pm, December 4, 3-5pm
Call to schedule
See website for dates from November to April
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
Preschool5th grade
1-5 years old
PreK-5th grade
PreK-5th grade (growing to 8th)
MAX ENROLLMENT
200
16
113
See website
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
9:1
4:1
10:1
See website
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
TUITION RANGE
$10,000-14,000 annually Yes
FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
Experiential, Language immersion, Play-based, Whole child
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$595-995 monthly Yes Experiential, Language immersion, Montessori, Playbased, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Waldorf
See website Yes Experiential, Language immersion
Tuition free N/A Language Immersion
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 025 SW Sherman Street, Portland
LITTLE FRUIT FARM MONTESSORI 16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF BEAVERTON (MSB) 11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland
NORTHWEST CHINESE ACADEMY 8565 SW BeavertonHillsdale Hwy, Beaverton
OREGON HOPE CHINESE SCHOOL 4010 NW Kaiser Road, Portland
(503) 226.2496
(503) 521.8603
(503) 439.1597
(503) 546.3455
(971) 226.7240
intlschool.org
littlefruitfarm montessori.com
msb.org
nwchinese academy.org
oregon-hope.org
Spanish, Japanese or Chinese language immersion and inquiry-based, International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through 5th grade.
Traditional Montessori program in a nurturing home environment, beautiful classrooms and gardens, experienced devoted teachers.
Nurturing individuals 3 to 12 years old with Montessori education.
To immerse children in Chinese language and culture so they are comfortable as global citizens.
OHCS provides Chinese immersion preschool, afterschool Chinese club, Saturday Chinese classes and summer camps.
October 28, 9am-12pm
October 8, 10am-1pm
January 7, 2-3pm
October 6, 9:30-11am, November 2, 5-7pm, December 3, 10am-12pm
Call for a tour
3 years old5th grade
2 1/26 years old
2 1/212 years old
Preschool6th grade
2 1/2 years old and up
500
12
185
90
100
11:1
6:1
15:1
7:1
6:1
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
$10,000-17,000 annually Yes Language immersion, International Baccalaureate PYP
$600-1000 monthly No Montessori
$8,100-10,300 annually Yes Montessori
$3,200-14,933 annually Yes Language Immersion
$175-1,050 monthly No Language Immersion, Montessori
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE PORTLAND EARLY LEARNING PROJECT
PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
RAINDROP PLAYMATES
RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
ADDRESS
Multiple Locations
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland
9100 SW Wilshire Street, Portland
11733 SW Breyman Avenue, Portland
PHONE
(503) 284.0610
(503) 244.0126
(503) 297.7246
(503) 262.4840
WEBSITE
portlandearly learning.com
pjaproud.org
raindroplaymates. org
riverdaleschool. com
DESCRIPTION
We teach parent-child, preschool, elementary and Spanish classes, plus offer FREE Story Times around town!
PJA ensures an academically excellent environment in which children thrive. PJA nurtures and inspires positive Jewish engagement, respect for human and religious differences and responsibility for the world.
Play based learning, mixed age group, bilingual environment English/Korean, Community builder, part time program.
The best aspects of independent schooling in a public school setting, with small classes, enthusiastic teachers and challenging academics.
OPEN HOUSE
N/A
November 8, 10am, December 7, 10am; January 12, 10am
Anytime by appointment
High School Info Day, November 6, 1pm. Grade School Tours through February.
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
18 months old5th grade
6 weeks old8th grade
3-5 years old
PreK-12th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
12
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
10:1 (preschool) 12:1 (elementary)
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
No
TUITION RANGE
$15.20 per class Yes
FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
Play-based
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N/A Depends on grade level Yes $8,250-17,760 annually Yes Project-Based Learning
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400 (GS), 265 (HS)
4:1
13:1
No
Yes
$237-592 monthly No Experiential, Language immersion, Play-based
$10,130-11,950 annually Yes Experiential
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE SATURDAY ACADEMY
SKINNER ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
SMALL FRIENDS PRESCHOOL
SMART BABY PRESCHOOL
ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Multiple locations
5001 NE 66th Avenue, Vancouver, WA
7475 SW Oleson Road, Portland
21029 SW Brackenwood Lane, Beaverton
221 SE Walnut Street., Hillsboro
(503) 200.5858
(360) 696.4862
(503) 388.2266
(971) 227.6124
(503) 648.2512
saturdayacademy. org
skinner montessori.com
smallfriends school.com
smartbaby preschool.com
stmatthewschool hillsboro.org
Hands-on, indepth education in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Follow Your Curiosity!
Touching both the heart and the mind of every student.
At Small Friends children explore, create and collaborate to deepen their understanding of their world.
Helping each child reach challenging and achievable goals, using Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
United as a community of faith, St. Matthew Catholic School nurtures the heart and mind of every student to live, learn and serve with the compassion of Christ.
See website
November 15, 6:30-8pm February 15, 6:30-8pm May 9, 6:30-8pm
February 2, 7pm
October 23, 10am
November 2, 2-4pm & 6-7:30pm
Grades 2-12
2 1/2 years old6th grade
3-5 years old
2-6 years old
PK3, PK4, K-8th grade
Varies by class or camp.
120
72 (18 per class)
16
See website
10:1
4:1
10:1
See website
Yes
No
No
Varies by class or camp. Yes Experiential
$5,800-8,200 annually No Montessori
$168-215 monthly Yes Experiential, Play-based, Whole child
See website No Language immersion, Montessori
300 17:1 Yes $5,075-7,500 annually Yes Whole Child
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE SWALLOWTAIL WALDORF SCHOOL AND FARM
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
SUMMA ACADEMY
SUNSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
ADDRESS
2510 SW 1st Avenue, Portland
6318 SW Corbett Avenue, Portland
460 S. Heather Street, Cornelius
5520 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland
PHONE
(503) 287.1785
(503) 768.3847
(503) 846.0336
(503) 288.6403
WEBSITE
summaacademy. org
sunstone montessori.org
swallowtailschool. org
trinityportland. org
DESCRIPTION
An independent K-8 school in Downtown Portland educating the whole child, emphasizing Project-Based Learning.
We develop a community of curious, independent and compassionate people.
Artistically educating the whole child; head, heart and hands.
Empowered by Christ’s love, Trinity students engage in academic rigor to be life-long learners and serve others.
OPEN HOUSE
October 19, 5-7pm, January 28, 10am-1pm, June 28, 4:306pm
November 10, January 12, 5-7pm
October 20, 5:30-7pm
February 23, 6:30-8pm, April 27, 6:30-8pm
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
K-8th grade
16 months old6th grade
Parent-Child8th grade
Preschool8th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
120
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
11:1
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Yes
TUITION RANGE
$13,500-14,000 annually Yes
FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Project-Based Learning
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190 16-36 mo: 4:1, 3-6 years: 10:1, 6-12 years: 15:1 Yes $9,329-21,000 annually Yes Montessori
225
220
11:1
15:1
Yes
Yes
$7,000-10,100 annually Yes Experiential, Whole child, Waldorf
$2,375-6,885 annually Yes Well-balanced direct and studentcentered instruction; Appropriate academic rigor
VALLEY CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
WEST HILLS MONTESSORI
8060 SW Brentwood Street, Portland
Multiple Locations
(503) 292.3537x146
(503) 246.5495
valleychristian preschool.com
westhillsmontessori.com
Learning, growing, sharing in God’s love.
Meeting the social, emotional and intellectual needs of children through joyful exploration and hands-on learning.
January 17, 6:30-7:30pm
March 5, 11am1pm (SW Campus) March 12, 11am1pm (Lake Oswego Campus)
2-5 years old
Toddler, Preschool, Elementary
75
Based on age range
See website
Based on age range
No
Yes
$175-215 monthly Yes Reggio Emilia
$785-1,060 monthly No Montessori
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What are FSA/HSAs?
How do I use it?
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are programs that can help families save money on health expenses by using tax advantages. Now stick with us here, because we know this isn’t the most thrilling topic in the world, but isn’t saving money at least a little exciting?
You can use the accounts to pay for any qualified medical expenses; plans provide a list of what counts or doesn’t count (i.e. necessary dental procedures qualify, but most “cosmetic” procedures such as veneers or teeth whitening don’t). Withdrawal methods depend on the provider you use, so choose carefully. Some give you a debit card you can use at the point of sale, whereas others require disbursement and reimbursement paperwork.
HSAs are health savings accounts. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals tax-free, and accounts earn tax-free interest. In order to qualify for an HSA, you need to be enrolled in a highdeductible health plan. The money rolls over every year, so you never “lose” it, even if you open it with an employer and you leave. Many people use this as part of a long-term savings strategy. Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, are opened through an employer and contributions are pre-tax (whoo!). You can pay for medical expenses, deductibles and co-payments, but not insurance premiums. Though employers can allow a “grace period,” in general you must use all the funds you contribute within the plan year; unused funds are forfeited, so use it or lose it!
Because FSA account balances need to be used within the plan year, you’ll want to contribute only what you plan to spend. Need new glasses this year? Dentist tell you there’s a root canal in your future? Budget for that when you make your contributions. FSAs are not intended to cover large and unexpected health care costs, but rather the mundane and regular. This is a brief overview; check with a financial advisor or Human Resources department if you have questions before opening an account.
Save Well! Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts Q&A
by KELLEY GARDINER
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Tips and tricks for maximizing benefits • Decide if you’re going to use your HSA benefits a little bit each year, or more as a long-term savings account for possible/inevitable expenses as you age, before searching for an account. • Unlike FSAs, you don’t HAVE to spend your HSA money each year. Don’t be afraid to spend it if needed, though. Longterm saving is great, but if you have medical bills, it will probably cost you less to use the HSA funds. • Make sure you know what qualified expenses are (most over the counter medications aren’t, but if you can get a prescription for them, they may then qualify). Keep good records, to stay away from any tax penalties. • If you’re offered an employer’s health plan, read up carefully on copays and prescription costs so you know how much you can expect to pay in a year. Information provided by Myoptic Optometry and Wendi Tjostolvson, Billing Coordinator at World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com.
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GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA
Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures
All Oct
Portland MAiZE
Sauvie Island celebrates the 50th anniversary of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” with eight acres of cornfield shaped into a mosaic of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, with a-maze-ing labyrinthine twists and turns, raffles and more. Don’t forget your raingear, and a flashlight if coming after dark! $6-8, portlandmaze.com
Oct 15
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
A can’t miss event, with huge pumpkinraft races with creative costumes and wacky boat designs, live music, a kids’ costume contest, pumpkin pie eating contests, kids’ pumpkin carving, face painting, pumpkin golf, plus hot food and drinks – that is if you have any room left after the pie eating contest! Free, tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta
Oct 21-31
Harvest Carnivals and Halloween Fun
Have some spooktacular and wholesome fun with Portland Parks and Rec. Minimal to no cost for entry; show up for lots of costume wearing, food eating, face
painting, crafts, games and much more! Check the website for the park nearest you or go crazy and hit ‘em all. Why not? Free-$12, portlandoregon.gov/parks/ article/464028
Oct 25-31 Eek Week
Join the Portland Children’s Museum for a week of Halloween fun with photo shoots, pumpkin carving, spooky story times, sock puppet monster making, glow in the dark painting, an interactive trick-ortreat quest inside the museum and much more. Treats are all candy-free goodies, ensuring you and the littles a Halloween everyone can enjoy! Free with $10.75 admission, portlandcm.org
Oct 30 Howloween
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Yes, but not to worry, Dorothy! Come dressed up in your most ferocious fangs, claws and stripes and join the scavenger hunt that leads you around the zoo, teaching kids about animals and their habitats. Free with $9.95-14.95 zoo admission (kids 2 and under always free), oregonzoo.org For more October fun, check out Performances on p. 9 and our Harvest Resource Guide on p. 20.
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events NW Kids Magazine | 35
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"What do you like the MOST about preschool?" ChildRoots kids give their (very honest) answers
"Um... everything! Playing outside!" -Bo
"Eating food like split peas. Summer camp! Experiments!" -Violet
"The rocks. What’s your name?" -Egan
"My tutu takes up a lot of room" -Lucia
"Yeahhhhhh!" -Owen
"Drawing" -River
"Everything! The books!" - Rowan
"One time I was sad one day when my dad just left but now I like it. -Carmen
"Strawberries and art" -Silas
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