L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
2018 Schools & Open House Guide It’s That Time: College Prep
nwkidsmagazine.com
FEBRUARY 2018
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Editor’s Note I first took a second language in college: Russian. Why Russian? Well, Spanish was full and French started at 7am. Russian at 10:30 in the morning seemed like an easy way to get my credits and get out. Well, I ended up living in Russia, teaching English there, and married to a Russian. But even with all of this exposure, my Russian will never be more than “pretty good.” I know the grammatical rules. I understand the case system. However, I will never have the intuitive flair for using the language beautifully. Much like the fact that I can serviceably paint a wall but never a portrait, I am missing the art of the language. I will never have the kind of aptitude that allows language to touch souls. My kids, however, have been speaking Russian their entire lives. They laugh at the jokes and pick up on sarcasm. One of the reasons for their proficiency is the fact that they’ve been attending Russian Immersion School in Portland Public Schools since kindergarten. They can recite poems in Russian and they know all of the cartoon characters (Cheburashka? Yep, him too.). Learning another language opens doors to cultures and people that may seem inscrutable on the surface. It brings greater understanding of the world around us, and there is a great deal of evidence that bilingualism helps out in other academic pursuits. This month, we’re featuring bilingual education in Portland. Look into all of these great schools and give your child the gift of a wider world.
Melissa
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Contents FEBRUARY 2018 7 Getting Ready for College
18 Spring Open House Guide
10 Organized for the New Year
32 Starting Kids Out with a Second Language
13 The Metro’s Other Museums
38 February Events
Cover photography by BEN MCLEOD, CEDARWOOD Contents photography by CHILDROOTS
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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor Melissa Kniazeva melissa@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com
Photograph by THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
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.
Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Client Services Coordinator / Web Editor Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences..31 Aim High Martial Arts...................................15 Aprende con Amigos.....................................27 Atlas Immersion Academy............................37 Bamboo International School........................30 Barre3.............................................................17 Bennett Suzuki...............................................39 Blue Frogs Jump............................................37 Bridges Middle School...................................30 CAIS Oregon...................................................34 Canoe Island French Camp.............................. 8 Cathedral School............................................30 Cedarwood School........................................... 2 Childpeace Montessori School......................27 Childroots.......................................................22 Childswork Learning Center...........................37 Christian Youth Theater..................................35 Club Pilates....................................................... 8 Cornerstone Montessori.................................34 French American International School..........31 6 | NW Kids Magazine
German International School.......................... 2 Hearing Resources Audiology Center.............. 8 Holy Trinity Catholic School...........................27 ID Tech............................................................12 Japanese Abacus School................................30 Keys To Life Music..........................................39 Little Fruit Farm..............................................34 North Avenue Education.................................. 8 NW Chinese Academy...................................23 Odyssey School..............................................23 Oregon Ballet Theatre....................................35 Oregon Episcopal School...............................23 Owl and the Dove..........................................37 Play Fit Fun.....................................................16 Portland Children’s Museum.........................35 Portland Children’s Museum.........................34 Portland Early Learning Project.....................37 Portland Parks and Rec..................................16 Portland Trampoline........................................ 3 Pottery Fun....................................................... 8
Saturday Academy.........................................27 Scuola Italiana di Portland............................34 Sit Still............................................................12 Small Friends................................................... 2 Soccer Shots...................................................40 Spielwerk Toys................................................17 St Therese School...........................................28 Sunstone Montessori.....................................26 Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm..........26 The International School................................15 The Kids’ Backyard Store.................................. 3 ThriftMouse....................................................17 TinkerMaker Toys (Art of STEM)....................36 Tucker Maxon.................................................15 West Hills Montessori....................................28 Westside Montessori.....................................29 WeVillage.......................................................34 XSTREAM Learning Center.............................15 Youngset Preschool........................................29
Getting Ready for College by GESSE STARK-SMITH
So, your child is going to college? Congratulations! All the hard work is done, right? Well, mostly. You’ve helped your child through many years of schooling and guided them in finding a school that’s a good fit, but they’re still going to need your support in getting prepared for this big transition. What do they need to think about beyond academics?
DORM LIFE
EXTRACURRICULARS
If your child is headed to the dorms, make sure they do some research on their options. Are there different price points for different choices? What do you get for the money? More space, a nicer building or less roommates? Will they be on the meal plan and if so which one? This may seem obvious, but does your child know how to do laundry? No time like the present to practice!
Depending on the school, there will be a wide array of extracurricular activities. Your child may want to pursue the familiar ones, but encourage them to think about trying something new. Their college may offer options far beyond the choices at their high school and this is a great time to explore.
Photograph by COLBY C
WORK EXPERIENCE Work study is a key component of many financial aid packages, but even if your family doesn’t qualify, your new scholar should look into job opportunities. It can be a great way to meet people while gaining practical skills and some extra cash. Student positions probably exist in the college library, cafeteria and in different academic departments.
ON-SITE SUPPORT How to prepare for college social life? That can depend so much on the young person in question and your family values. At the very least, make sure your child knows about support available on campus--from mental health services to self-defense training. Your child is about to have a lot of wonderful new experiences and you’ve prepared them to make choices that work for them. That doesn’t mean they won’t experience some bumpy times along the way and knowing that help is available can make a tough situation much more manageable. Your child is about to experience a really big growth spurt, but this one isn’t so much about getting taller--it’s more of an intellectual and emotional growth-spurt. Don’t be surprised if they come home with a new philosophy of life or a new haircut. Trying out new approaches and learning new ideas is what it’s all about. Luckily for them, they’ve got your support! Be ready to let your child explore and to offer laundry advice when applicable.
Gesse Stark-Smith is librarian and freelance writer. A native Seattleite she enjoys exploring the Portland area, baking and reading cozy mysteries. NW Kids Magazine | 7
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Portland College Prep Help North Avenue Education Expert tutors are trained to prepare students for success on college entrance exams while offering coaching for admissions essays or research projects, and highly-credentialed, personalized instruction in nearly any subject area. 1235 SW 16th Avenue northaveeducation.com
Saturday Academy Saturday Academy helps kids develop the skills they need to succeed. Students learn SAT prep, study skills, writing and public speaking so that they can get the most out of college. Multiple locations saturdayacademy.org
TEST PREP College Admission Coach
Photograph by SATURDAY ACADEMY
Huntington Learning Center 14649 SW Teal Boulevard, Beaverton huntingtonhelps.com/center/ beaverton
Khan Academy khanacademy.org
Logos Academy PDX Contact for session information logosacademypdx.com
Multnomah County Library View ‘LearningExpress Library’ for SAT practice tests multcolib.org
Stumptown Test Prep 6222 SW Virginia Avenue stumptowntestprep.com
601 SE Manchester Place collegeadmissioncoach.com
COLLEGE SKILLS
Cornerstone Learning
Contact for session information girlsincpnw.org/eureka/
Contact for session information cstonelearning.com
ESM Prep 818 SW 3rd Avenue esmprep.com
Girls Inc. Eureka!
Minds Matter Multiple locations mindsmatterportland.org NW Kids Magazine | 9
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Tips for Getting Your Family Organized in 2018
Article and photographs by MARYJO MONROE
Spring is the most popular time of the year for starting organizing projects, so here are 10 tips to start your family down the path to organization from a professional organizer:
1
Have a family meeting to make sure everyone is on board with your resolution to get more organized. Is everyone willing to work toward this goal? If family members can’t agree on what the problem is, they won’t agree on what the solution is.
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Pick a room in your house to work in and start by clearing out the clutter. Plan to organize for no more than four hours each day in order to prevent burn-out. On the day you start decluttering, minimize distractions (phones!) and turn up the music to get the energy pumping. Set aside four boxes (donate, trash, recycle, keep) and start sorting!
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Can’t decide whether to keep an item? Ask yourself, “do I use it” or “do I love it?” If you can’t answer yes to one of those questions, the item goes. After you finish sorting everything, get those unwanted things out of the house pronto before they end up back in the mix! (See sidebar for my favorite familyfriendly charities to donate to.)
6
Find homes for things you want to keep by designating zones in your room. For example, a garage might have a camping zone, sports equipment zone, tool zone, etc. By dividing your room up into zones, it makes it easier to find and put things away.
7
Think of eye-level as your prime real estate, and store frequently used items there. It’s the first place you look, so it’s the logical place for items that get a lot of use. Store seldom-used items up high or down low.
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Matching bins on shelves are a great way to corral groups of similar items, such as kids’ toys or office supplies. Make sure to stick big labels on the bins so everyone knows what lives in there.
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You did the hard work of decluttering. Now maintain your organization by scheduling a 15-minute clean-up every night after dinner. Each adult pairs up with a child or two and spends 15 minutes in a room doing a quick tidy-up. You’ll be amazed at how organized your home stays with this daily routine.
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Still feeling stuck? Consider hiring a professional organizer to kick-start your decluttering efforts. Blogs, podcasts, and organizing-related Facebook groups can also give you inspiration. Happy Organizing!
MaryJo Monroe has been a professional organizer with her company reSPACEd (respacedpdx.com) for 10 years. When she’s not helping families dig out from their stuff, she enjoys hiking and biking around her North Portland neighborhood with her 12-year-old son and husband.
Favorite Family-Friendly Charities to DonateYour Stuff To SCHOOLHOUSE SUPPLIES. Accepts arts and crafts, office supplies. Runs a free store for public school teachers so they don’t have to pay for classroom supplies from their own pocket. PORTLAND PTA CLOTHING CLOSET. Accepts kids’ clothing, shoes, backpacks. Low-income Portland Public School kids can pick up free clothing here. DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Accepts women’s professional clothing, shoes, accessories. Provides appropriate clothing for low-income women who are going to job interviews. COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE. Accepts furniture, small appliances, housewares. Provides house furnishings for families in need. IMPACT NORTHWEST. Accepts toys, kid clothing, some baby gear. Works with lowincome and at-risk families. MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY. Accepts books, DVDs, CDs. Donate up to two grocery bags of books to any library branch. NW Kids Magazine | 11
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off the beaten path: The Metro Area’s Other Museums by JOSH GOLLER
Portland’s major museums and exhibits are almost impossible to miss. Last year’s Pompeii exhibit at OMSI got the splashy billboard treatment, and advertisements abound for the Portland Art Museum’s current “Animating Life” exhibit, which celebrates nearby Laika animation studio and its beloved films such as ParaNorman and Coraline. Those venturing to Washington Park will conveniently find— within a stone’s throw of each other—the trifecta of the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Children’s Museum, and the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. A s dazzling as these higher-profile museums can be, Portland and its suburbs offer a much broader array of museum experiences that are sure to educate and entertain inquisitive children and adults alike. It’s when you venture off the beaten path that you and your kids can discover some of the metro area’s true hidden gems—in the following case, quite literally. Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals Opened in 1997, this rock museum is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, drawing from a collection of 20,000 specimens. Situated in Hillsboro, the Rice museum offers scheduled guided tours and exhibits are clearly marked for those families that wish to explore on their own. The main gallery of the museum features 4,000 crystals, including precious crystals consisting of diamonds, rubies, and gold, along with far more unusual minerals like benitoite, paravauxite, and many others that are equally difficult to spell. In addition to the exhibits themselves, the Rice Museum also hosts a wide variety of classes and workshops on such topics as fossils, rock and mineral identification, geohazards such as earthquakes and volcanos, and meteorite identification. Museum staff also offers to customize handson activities and lecture formats for all age levels from kindergarten to college, and the museum offers a wide range of “portable” earth science programs tailored toward schools, home-schoolers, and other groups. continued on p. 14 NW Kids Magazine | 13
Photograph courtesy of NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE
Fort Vancouver
Take a trip across the Columbia River and you’ll find one of the more compelling National Historic Sites in the area—Fort Vancouver. Established as a fur-trading outpost in 1825 by the London-based Hudson Bay Company, the fort and its nearby village became the primary colonial settlement in the Pacific Northwest at that time, drawing in fur traders and their families from around the globe to make it one of the most culturally diverse settlements in the history of the region. Kids are also encouraged to take part in the “junior ranger” program, which includes an activity booklet for children age 6 to 12, a junior ranger badge, and a brief “swearing in” ceremony in which junior rangers commit to enjoying and helping to protect all the national parks they visit. Fort Vancouver even offers several youth volunteer programs for children age 10-18 to learn about the history of site and develop their abilities in “historic interpretation, demonstrating skills from the past, and speaking in public.” And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out nearby Pearson Air Museum, which is located at Pearson Field, an airstrip which, in operation since 1925, is one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the United States. Photograph by ANDREI KNIAZEV
Oregon Maritime Museum An important part of maritime history floats along the waterfront of the Willamette River. The Portland holds the distinction of being the “last steam-powered, sternwheel tugboat to be built in the United States,” first put into operation in 1947.
Three days a week, it’s open for 45-minute guided tours. Volunteer docents lead visitors through the pilot house and engine room, both of which still utilize equipment that was used in the early 20th century. Museum artifacts and memorabilia extend beyond the history of the Portland itself, to include “objects and displays that relate to steam power, sailing vessels, battleship Oregon, underwater diving, and the shipyards during WWII that built the liberty ships and the merchant marines who sailed them.” By all means, take your kids to those major museum exhibits that roll through town. They’re great. But don’t forget to check out those museums that are off the beaten path, because they contain a wealth of educational and entertainment experiences that relate to history, science, and culture of the Pacific Northwest. This is a short-form article. To read this in its entirety, visit nwkidsmagazine.com 14 | NW Kids Magazine
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Aprende con Amigos Multiple locations send email to info@aprendeconamigos.com
Atlas Immersion Academy Multiple locations 503-238-9838
Childpeace Montessori School Multiple locations 503-222-1197
ChildRoots Multiple locations 503-235-1151
West Hills Montessori Multiple locations 503-246-5495
Children “learn with friends” through an innovative and research-based Spanish immersion program for potty-trained children three to six years of age.
3-6 years old
Foreign language immersionFrench & Spanish
Infants-school age
To guide the development of the whole child, socially and academically, through the principles of AMI Montessori education in an urban setting.
15 months 8th grade
We see all children as authentic, powerful individuals.
6 weeks6 years old
Meeting the social, emotional and intellectual needs of children through joyful exploration and hands-on learning
15 months12 years old
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences 0234 SW Bancroft Street 971-221-2311
Bridges Middle School 2510 SW 1st Avenue 503-688-2922
Chinese American International School 1855 South Shore Boulevard 503-348-3028
Cedarwood Waldorf School 3030 SW 2nd Avenue 503-245-1477
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Re-imagine your child’s education in an environment that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, innovation, contribution, and leadership... where learners aspire and thrive
K-8th grade 4-14 years old
The only middle school in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences, Bridges offers its students small classes, individualized academics, and a safe place to learn.
5th-8th grade
Offering a developmentally appropriate Immersion education and culture program for preschool and kindergarten; after school program for 1st+ grades.
3-5 years old part time/full time; 6+ years old after school 3 hours weekly
Cedarwood brings Waldorf education to life, instilling a love for learning while weaving together arts, academics and movement with a reverence for the developing child.
PreK-8th grade
OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$425-1,080 monthly
Language immersion, Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia
February 19, Overlook 6-7 pm; March 15, Irvington 6-7pm
aprendeconamigos.com
$750-$1,500 monthly
Language immersion
Please call for more info
atlasimmersionacademy.com
$10,00018,000 annually
Experiential, Montessori, Whole child
Check our web site
childpeace.org
$790-1,670 monthly
Play-based, Reggio Tours are offered at Emilia, Whole rotating locations on the child, RIE first Monday of every month from 6:30-8pm
childroots.com
$820-1,110 monthly
Montessori
Please call for more info
westhills-montessori.com
$13,125-14,900 annually
Whole Child, Special Education
K/Lower School: February 15, 7-8:30pm; Upper School: February 22, 7-8:30pm
renaissanceschoolportland.org
$23,000 annually
Learning Differences
February 17 - or schedule a private tour and admissions meeting.
bridgesms.org
$3,325-9,615 (PreK/K); $1,739 (after School) annually
Experiential, Language immersion, Whole child
Appointments appreciated
caisoregon.org
$13,030 annually
Waldorf
Please call for more info
cedarwoodschool.org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND (continued) Holy Trinity Catholic School 13755 SW Walker Road 503-644-5748
Holy Trinity Catholic School provides a compassionate, faith filled environment inspiring students to academic excellence.
Northwest Chinese Academy Think Critically. Think Creatively. East meets
PreK-8th grade
Preschool5th grade
8565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway 503-546-3455
West.
Odyssey Program
Odyssey is a history-based, focus-option emphasizing experiential learning, team teaching and rigorous academics in a small, motivating community.
K-8th grade
OES offers an inquiry-based education, where open minds may inquire, explore, and grow.
PreK-12th grade
An academically rich environment which honors the whole child. PJA nurtures & inspires Jewish engagement, respect, & responsibility for the world.
Infant-8th grade
At Small Friends children explore, create and collaborate to deepen their understanding of their world.
3-5 years old
Sunstone empowers children to fulfill their highest potential, socially, academically, and emotionally.
16 months6th grade
Picture your child: fluent in another language, at home in other cultures, engaged in academics and the arts! Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese immersion. International Baccalaureate World School. Founded 1990.
PreK-5th grade
A cooperative preschool offering a two-year, play-based program for children ages 3 to 5.
3-5 years old
1849 SW 58th Avenue 503-916-6310
Oregon Episcopal School 6300 SW Nicol Road 503-768-3115
Portland Jewish Academy 6651 SW Capitol Highway 503-244-0126
Small Friends Preschool 7475 SW Oleson Road 503-388-2266
Sunstone Montessori School 6318 SW Corbett Avenue 503-768-3847
The International School 025 SW Sherman Street 503-226-2496
Youngset Preschool 1838 SW Jefferson Street 503-221-0224
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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$6,250-8,700 annually
Whole Child
Please call for more info
htsch.org
$750-14,933 annually
Language immersion
3rd Tuesday of every month 9-11am; March 10, 10am-12pm
nwchineseacademy.org
N/A
Experiential
February 15 & 22 March 1 6-7:30pm
pps.net/Domain/3755
$18,000-32,200 annually
Experiential, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
Please call for more info
oes.edu
$5,100-18,450 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Project-based Learning
Please call for more info
pjaproud.org
$175-224 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child
February 1, 7pm
smallfriendsschool.com
$990-1,850 monthly
Montessori
Please call for more info
sunstonemontessori.org
$10,460-17,800 annually
Language immersion, International Baccalaureate
Please call for more info
intlschool.org
$176-414 monthly
Play-based, Parent Cooperative, Whole Child
Please call for more info
youngsetpreschool.com
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
SOUTHEAST PORTLAND Childswork Learning Center 4235 SE Salmon Street 503-234-3611
Trackers Forest School 4617 SE Milwaukie Avenue 503-345-3312
Tucker Maxon School 2860 SE Holgate Boulevard 503-235-6551
We are a nonprofit preschool and kindergarten with a constructivist, playbased philosophy.
Parent/Child Twos, Preschool 3-5 years old and Kindergarten
Trackers’ interdisciplinary curriculum blends academics with hands-on learning, centered around observation in and participation with nature.
K-2nd grade and 6th-9th grade
Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential in school and life.
Preschool5th grade
NORTHWEST PORTLAND Bamboo International School English and Chinese dual-language preschool. 2-5 years old 14695 NW West Union Road 503-531-4094
Blue Frogs Jump LLC Preschool
We strive to provide a high-quality program which positively impacts our children’s futures.
2-5 years old
A school where well-rounded academic excellence meets Catholic traditions and values. Also an Apple Distinguished School and 1 to 1 with iPads.
PreK-8th grade
IB World School PS-8th grade with 15 acres including playground, gymnasiums, nature trail, multisensory park, outdoor classrooms, & Center for Arts.
Preschool (2.5 years old)8th grade
Confidence and discipline are the main pillars of Japanese Abacus (mental mathematics). Schedule a free assessment for your child 5 years and over.
5+ years old
Scuola Italiana di Portland promotes the Italian language and culture to children and adults in a student-centered environment.
3-5 years old
10207 NW Alpenglow Way 503-925-3919
Cathedral School 110 NW 17th Avenue 503-275-9370
French American International School 8500 NW Johnson Street 503-292-7776 ext 310
Japanese Abacus Math School - JAMS 15160 NW Laidlaw Road, 215 (2nd floor), 503-386-1407
Scuola Italiana di Portland 1542 NW 14th Avenue 971-270-0470
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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
Depends on class
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Constructivist
Tours twice a month. Call to schedule.
childswork.org
$13,550 annually
Experiential, Montessori, Whole child, Forest School
February 7, 6-7pm
TrackersPDX.com
$7,450-17,000 annually
Social and Emotional Intelligence
February 28, 9-11am March 10, 12:30-3pm April 25, Time TBD
tuckermaxon.org
Call for information
Language immersion
Please call for more info
bamboointlschool.com
$645-1,495 monthly
Experiential, Please call to schedule Play-based, a tour Whole Child, Eclectic
bluefrogsjump.com
$6,300-8,300 annually
Catholic Pre-K - 8, 1:1 with iPads, Apple Distinguished School
Please call for more info
cathedral-or.org
$13,900 -18,217 annually
Language immersion, Whole child, International Baccalaureate (IB)
April 5, 9am
faispdx.org
$958 per term
Abacus Mental Math
Please call for more info
jamsportland.com
$450-925 monthly
Language immersion, Reggio Emilia
February 17 9-11am
scuola.us
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
NORTHEAST PORTLAND Owl and the Dove NE Portland, Woodlawn Neighborhood Teri@owlandthedove.com
St. Therese Catholic School 1260 NE 132nd Avenue 503-253-9400
We connect children with the natural world; teaching music, mindfulness, art, kindergarten readiness, life skills, and a love for learning!
18 months5 years old
Academic excellence, faith formation, before & after school care, accredited.
PreK-8th grade
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO German International School 3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton 503-626-9089
Little Fruit Farm Montessori 16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton 503-521-8603
Westside Montessori International 1870 NW 188th Avenue, Beaverton 971-727-8496
We are global citizens focused on developing students’ social, academic, and emotional wellbeing. Teachers inspire children to learn and strive for openness, compassion, and tolerance.
3-11 years old or Preschool5th grade
Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments.
Toddler-PreK
“Equipping the Next Generation” through training in the formative years to allow children to reach full potential in adulthood.
Infant, Toddler, Primary: 6 weeks6 years old
Multi-sensory activities nurture intellectual, social, creative and moral growth while developing independence, self-esteem, and a love for learning.
2.5 years old-K
A Waldorf school offering Pre-K through 8th Grade. Through an experiential approach to education our children grow into socially and environmentally responsible citizens.
PreK-8th grade, 3-14 years old
OUTER METRO AREA Cornerstone Montessori Children’s House 31700 NW Commercial St. #580, North Plains 503-647-7402
Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm 460 S. Heather Street, Cornelius 503-846-0336
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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
Email for information
Montessori, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
Email for information
owlandthedove.com
See website
Faith-based
Tours available. Please call for more info
stthereseschool.org
$11,600-14,900 annually
Language immersion, International Baccalaureate
Please call for more info
gspdx.org
Please call
Montessori
Please call for more info
littlefruitfarmmontessori.com
$1,000-1,500 monthly
Montessori
Fridays 10am-12pm
wmioregon.com
$300-340 monthly
Montessori
Call for an appointment
montessoricornerstone.com
$7,300-10,800 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Waldorf
Please call for more info
swallowtailschool.org
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The Benefits of a
Bilingual Education by AFTON NELSON Photograph by FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
“Bilingualism is an experience that shapes our brain for a lifetime,” says Gigi Luk, associate professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Repeated studies continue to show that as early as age three, the benefits from bilingual education range from academic to social and beyond. Portland public schools was at the center of one such study. The four-year study, conducted by Jennifer Steele of American University, found that students enrolled in dual-language programs (classes which use two languages for instruction) outperformed their peers in English-reading skills by a full school year’s worth of learning by the end of middle school. In other studies, students in duallanguage classrooms were happier, had better attendance, fewer behavioral problems, and higher parental involvement. Here are a few more reasons to consider a bilingual education for your child. 32 | NW Kids Magazine
COGNITIVE BENEFITS Former Washington resident, Anna Mock spoke almost exclusively to her children in German, a language both she and her husband learned while living and studying in Germany during college. While she switched to mostly English about five years ago, her children—now ten, eight and six—are all a full year ahead of their grade year in math and above grade level in vocabulary. “Even though they might not use an above average vocabulary, they understand an above average vocabulary.” While Mock’s observations are anecdotal, many studies back her up. Kids who speak two languages often exhibit better problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, memory and multi-tasking.
ATTENTION Jessica Amezcua director and instructor of Spanish Language in Play at Portland Early Learning Project adds, “learning a second language uses brain muscles in ways that make room for advanced learning.” According to researchers at
York University in Toronto, exercising the brain this way actually improves attention. The bilingual brain is better at maintaining focus and in the ability to switch from one task to another.
EMPATHY Bilingual children have a virtual passport into other cultures. “When kids learn Spanish,” Amezcua says, “they learn there are different people behind the language, with their own customs and culture.” It gives them the tools to view their own culture through a different lens.
PORTLAND LANGUAGE SCHOOLS Aprende con Amigos Language(s): Spanish Multiple locations aprendeconamigos.com
Atlas Immersion Academy Language(s): French, Spanish Multiple locations atlasimmersionacademy.com
Bamboo International School Language(s): Chinese 14695 NW West Union Rd bamboointlschool.com
Chinese American International School Language(s): Chinese 1855 South Shore Blvd, Lake Oswego caisoregon.org
French American International School
“A little bit of language now can lead to other things later like travel, work and ultimately understanding.” Whether your child is taking a language class at school, enrolled in an immersion school, or participating in an after school language program, the effects of learning a language create ripples of benefits for years to come. Afton Nelson is a Portland mom and writer who loves exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her three boys. Learn more about her at aftonnelson.com.
JAMS Japanese Abacus Math School Language(s): Japanese 15160 NW Laidlaw Rd. #215; 2nd floor jamsportland.com
NW Chinese Academy Language(s): Chinese 8565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy nwchineseacademy.org
Portland Early Learning Project Language(s): Spanish Location varies, check website portlandearlylearning.com
Portland Kinderschule Language(s): German 2201 SW Vermont St. portlandkinderschule.com
Schoolita Alegria Language(s): Spanish 1814 NE 33rd Ave. schoolita-alegria.com
Language(s): French, German, Spanish, Mandarin 8500 NW Johnson St. faispdx.org
Scuola Italiana di Portland
German International School
The International School
Language(s): German 3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton gspdx.org
Language(s): Italian 1542 NW 14th Ave. scuola.us Language(s): Japanese, Chinese, Spanish 025 SW Sherman St. intlschool.org NW Kids Magazine | 33
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The PJA Perspective Portland Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding journalists from PJA’s writing club for 6th-8th graders to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life – from their perspective.
The Gift of Languages by ANNA FUSS
Ich liebe die Deutsche sprache! Speaking another language is much less an ability and more of an experience. It allows you to explore more of the world and gain experiences, making memories that you wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a conversation starter or people trying to talk to you using Google Translate. Once you tell people you speak another language, you already know they’re going to ask you to say something in that language, as if you had to prove that you can really speak it.
Every summer, when I get to Germany, it feels like I don’t have to think, and suddenly, I’ve slipped into a different world. I speak with my cousin as if I had been growing up with her all my life. All in all, I love speaking a different language, and I think it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given. At PJA, I get even more opportunities to learn new languages, adding on Hebrew and Spanish to my growing roster of ways to speak with others around the world!
Anna Fuss is a current eighth grader at PJA who enjoys artistic activities and traveling across the world, especially to visit her family in Germany.
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Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures
Feb 1-3
Portland Winter Lights Festival at OMSI’s Waterfront
Walk on the waterfront and view dozens of pieces of outdoor illuminated art along with amazing performances. Free, pdxwlf.com
Feb 3
Princess Promenade 2018 at Sherwood Center for the Arts This daddy-daughter dance makes little girls feel like royalty with snacks, face painting, and costumed princesses. $10 - $50, sherwoodcenterforthearts.org
Feb 8
Legos at the Library Fairview-Columbia Library Let your imagination be your blueprint, and maybe your structure will be put on display. This event takes place in various locations on multiple days. Check the website for details.Free, multcolib.org/events/ legos-library
Feb 10
Create Your Own Topiary at Al’s Garden Center, Sherwood Learn the art of making a topiary and create your own design out of soft wire. Soon, vines will cover your design. This event takes place in various locations on multiple days. Check the website for details. $7.50, als-gardencenter.com/ kidsclub/event/86-create-your-owntopiary-s
Feb 14
Animating Life – LAIKA Studios at Portland Art Museum Take an hour to learn about the art and science of animation with the local studio that made Coraline. Space is limited. Free for children under 17 and under, portlandartmuseum.org
Feb 17
“I Love The Zoo” Overnight at The Oregon Zoo
Love the zoo? Get your kids this overnight package full of behind-the-scenes bonuses including animal encounters and meals. $50, oregonzoo.org/events/i-love-zooovernight
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Oregon Ballet Theater, Courtesy Washington Ballet - Photo by Media4Artists L Theo Kossenas
Feb 18
Feb 24-Mar 4
Every week, four of the best performers in family music history play for the kids (Mom and Dad will love it, too!), with food and a bar for the grown-ups. $8, secretsociety.net/event/1619719-notso-secret-family-show-portland/
You are late for a very important date! It’s a showcase of dance, athleticism, costumes, and storytelling as nearly 100 dancers bring to life the Lewis Carroll classic. $29+, obt.org
The Not-So-Secret Family Show
ALICE (in wonderland) at Oregon Ballet Theater
Feb 20
Urbanism and Technology at OMSI
Visit the Empirical Theatre to learn about the huge advances of technology, shared economy, and transportation in this two hour talk. $5, omsi.edu
Feb 22
Tiny Tots at Northwest Library
This is a fun, interactive program for oneyear-olds to come in with a parent and have fun with songs, activities and stories. This is also available at other locations on other dates. Free, multcolib.org/events/tinytots/84044
Share Fair
Feb 25 Share Fair
With over thirty-five local farms, this fair educates on community supported farms and is a great way to meet those who grow your food. Free, 907 NW Erving. facebook.com/events/393901041049000
Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events
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