l i v e • play • do
magazine
School Open House Guide | Martial Arts Gymnastics | Johnny & Jason Valentine’s Day Fun nwkidsmagazine.com
Feb
2014
2 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 3
Mayu, age 8
Marianna, age 11
Zadie, age 5
Nathan, age 8
Elena, age 6
Color Me Cover Contest Gallery Grand prizewinner and cover illustrator, Ella, is 9.5 years old and is a fourth grader at St. Ignatius Catholic School in Portland where she loves math and her teacher, Mrs. Robinson. She is filled to the brim with creativity and in her spare time loves to draw, write stories and cook. Ella is a foodie, and her favorite thing on the planet is the cheese counter at Pastaworks. She wants to be a chef when she gets older and is excited about her upcoming cooking classes at “Turnip the Heat�.
Chloe, age 7
Addie, age 5
MJ, age 8
Lucie, age 4
Nico, age 5
Neveah, age 8
Emma, age 4
Titus, age 7
Lillian, age 7
Ayla, age 5
4 | NW Kids Magazine
Sophie, age 9
Brooke, age 7
Faryne, age 8
Amelia, age 6
Ella, age 10
Contents february 2014
Nikhil, age 2
8 Notes from a Coach: Movement is Essential to Development
Angelene, age 6
10 Head Over Heels: Falling in Love with Gymnastics 14 Johnny & Jason Interview One Another Gabriel, age 5
16 How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School for Your Kids
Scarlet, age 6
20 School Open House Guide 28 Best of Portland and Beyond: Our Top Picks for Getting Out This Month Earth, age 11
Pascal, age 6
Milla, age 11
Griffin, age 4
Leah, age 4
Avery, age 7
Maia, age 8 NW Kids Magazine | 5
Listings Aadland Dental.............................................13 Aim High Martial Arts..................................17 Amiguitos Preschool.....................................23 Aspire Total Fitness..........................................9 Barre3............................................................11 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio........................23 Beth Israel Preschool.....................................23 Blue Frogs Jump...........................................23 Cedarwood....................................................21 Coffee Kids....................................................13 Cornerstone Montessori................................23 Delphian School............................................18 Dizzy Castle...................................................18 Eco Maids........................................................7 French American International School.........25 GoodTime Chinese School............................19 Goody’s..........................................................17 Imagine Play.................................................17 Just Between Friends....................................13 KUIK...............................................................23 Laurelwood.....................................................7 Little Fruit Farm.............................................19 My MasterPiece Art Studio...........................19 Naydenov Gymnastics....................................9 Odyssey.........................................................17 Oregon Episcopal School..............................21 Oregon Gymnastics Academy........................9 Oregon Hope Chinese School.......................23 Oregon Rail Heritage Center.........................13 Peg Stilts.......................................................15 Portland Aquarium.......................................11 Portland Language Arts...............................18 Portland Trampolines......................................2 Precision Elite Gymnastics............................15 Renzo Gracie...................................................9 Rising Star Chinese School...........................23 School of Rock...............................................19 Scuola Italiana..............................................23 Small Friends School....................................19 Spielwerk Toys.................................................7 St. Gabriel Episcopal School.........................23 Sweet Peas Kidzone......................................18 The Art Of Movement.....................................9 The Bar Method Portland...............................3 The German American School......................25 The Kids’ Backyard Store.................................2 Trillium Preschool.........................................23 Trinity Lutheran School.................................25 Tulen Center..................................................15 Village Home Education Resource Center....25 Whole Foods Market.....................................32 World Forestry Center.....................................3 World of Smiles.............................................17 Zenana Spa.....................................................7 Zenger Farms................................................13 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. 6 | NW Kids Magazine
magazine Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator Brenna Burke brenna@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Calendar Contributor Jana Wingate calendar@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids
what we’re excited about
NW Kids Magazine | 7
Notes from a Coach: Healthy Tips & Ideas for Keeping Kids Active By joel newman
Movement is Essential to Development If your child is in preschool or kindergarten, they’re in the middle of a developmental journey. Their body is figuring out how to move them through the world. It may not yet have the motor movements to navigate uneven surfaces, to stop quickly at edges or adjust to multiple stimuli, but the body is programmed to teach itself those things. Your child’s curious exploration is at once uniquely their own and a biological impulse they can’t help but live out. The benefits of movement and play extend beyond motor development. Children’s neural pathways are influenced in their development through the exploration, thinking, problem solving and language expression which occur during play episodes. This means it’s the job of child development specialists and parents to give young children as much experience with movement as we can. Despite having a reputation for buzzing activity, research suggests that kids have become increasingly sedentary over the last few decades. This means that whatever we’re doing isn’t quite working, and to get our kids to the activity level they need to best prepare them for a healthy life, we need a little more structure. Here are some easy, thrifty and fun ways to include more movement into your child’s life: 8 | NW Kids Magazine
The structure of time: Movement should be a habit and a habit typically means a schedule. Pick a day, an activity and do it. Take a long walk to the bagel shop every Tuesday morning. On Thursdays, decide to walk, jog or bike to the X instead of driving. X could be school, Grandma’s, the library, something currently on your family’s itinerary or something you’ve wanted on it? The structure of toys: It’s not hard to bring a ball to a park but without one, your child might not have nearly the same activity level. Simple games like catch keep kids active and challenge kids to adjust to multiple stimuli. Find a toy your child loves to get active with and be sure to have it on hand for free time. The structure of simple challenges and races: Movement can be spur of the moment, imaginative and casual. Kids like to run and many think they’re fast. Encourage them to run by racing them or timing them as they run to a tree and back. Challenge them to go faster the next time or mix it up by creating an obstacle course. Encourage them to help you think up the obstacle course. Your child will probably enjoy showing you what they can do. The structure of classes: Whether it’s dance, yoga, swim, soccer or judo, there are lots of movement and exercise classes for kids. Most will let you try them once to see if your child will like it. Find out what your child is interested in and get them into a group that models regular activity. The structure of play dates: Kids like to challenge each other and often encourage physical activity from one another. Building a regular playdate with a friend or group of parents both builds movement into the schedule and gives your children some people besides you to get active with. Joel Newman coaches and runs Soccer Shots of Portland, a fun, noncompetitive soccer program for kids ages 2-8. Joel holds a BA in Religious Studies and an MBA from OSU. For more information, email joel@soccershots.org.
NW Kids Magazine | 9
Head Over Heels: Falling in Love with Gymnastics
W
hen we had just welcomed our second child into the world, we thought it a good idea to get big sister out of the house for an organized activity that might deplete some of her energy stores. We looked around at a few community center classes and decided on toddler gymnastics. Amelia took right to it and asked incessantly when her next “NATCH-uh-sticks” class would be. For two and three-year-olds, my husband and I figured that “class” would consist of little kids running around like crazy, but it was appropriately structured and the children definitely picked up some skills, both social and directly related to the sport. Being one of our first ever group classes, I remember being amazed at how children gained confidence simply by watching their peers. A child who refused to try a somersault, even when encouraged by a loving parent, suddenly gave it a go after a few other littles somersaulted. It wasn’t long before the class was doing a full circuit with each child allowing other children to complete the apparatus in front of them. Needless to say, it was a very positive experience. My kids have since tried all different sorts of classes all over our area, but we hadn’t revisited gymnastics. Then last spring, I was looking for a class in which they could both participate and found a several week gymnastics class. Lucas was hesitant at first; he definitely noticed that he was the only boy in a sea of girls. But 10 | NW Kids Magazine
Article and Photography by laura jost after he saw the trampoline and a set of bars, he just had to try them. After we navigated that first class, he was ready for more. We also recently visited an open gym at Naydenov Gymnastics and the kids were absolutely off the rails with all of the amazing equipment available to them. Now that we are back to the cold, post-holiday time of year, BOTH kids have asked to take gymnastics again. Lucas even preferred that option to taking another soccer class with a buddy of his, so I know he loves it. Here’s what I love. Gymnastics is a team endeavor, but each individual is responsible for themselves. There are so many physical skills to master that kids in class can shine in totally different ways. Kiddos don’t just learn from the teacher, they learn by modelling skills for each other. The coordination, strength, and flexibility that they gain are evident in their other activities, regardless of how frequently you participate. As SOON as Amelia started mastering her bridge, she was finally able to cross the bars at school. Now she is a certifiable monkey, though we have learned that having two monkeys in one house can make for some trouble. We have seen both kids improve balance on their scooters and bikes as well as being more confident jumping off of playground equipment (and, let’s face it, the couch). Whether your child could use some extra balance, a non-impact team sports environment, or they’ve got their eye on a gold medal in the vault, there is a class out there that will fit your family. continued on p. 12
NW Kids Magazine | 11
Other Circus Arts and Strength and Balance Programs
Gymnastics
Aspire Fitness Happy Valley, OR Programs include resistance training, fitness boot camps, to circuit training (ages 9-13) aspiretotalfitness.com
Naydenov Gymnastics Vancouver, WA Programs include Boys/Girls Only, Special Abilities, to Cheer and Tumbling (18 months+) ngymnastics.com
Do Jump SE and SW Program includes Aerial, Acrobatics, Physical Theatre, Trapeze and Baby Circus (ages 1+) echotheaterpdx.org/dojump/
Oregon Gymnastics Academy Beaverton, OR Programs include Trampoline to Special Needs (12 months+) ogagym.org
Joy Now Arts Project SE and North Portland Program includes Circus Arts, Music & Performance (ages 5+) joynowproject.org
Precision Elite Gymnastics Clackamas, OR Programs include Preschool to Boys Only (12 months+) precisionelitegymnastics.com
The Playground Gym NE Portland Programs include Circus Arts and Parkour (5 years+) theplaygroundgym.org
Portland Parks and Recreation Portland Metro Area Programs include Trampoline to Circus Arts camps (12 months+) portlandparks.org
Peg Stilts Portland, OR Programs include stilt walking (8 years+) pegstilts.com
Rose City Gymnastics NE Portland Programs include Toddler and Preschool (18 months-adult) rosecitygym.com The Children’s Gym NE Portland Programs include Toddlers to Boys Only (18 months+) childrensgym.com The Little Gym Lake Oswego, OR Programs include Boys/Girls Only (3-12 years) thelittlegym.com 12 | NW Kids Magazine
A-WOL Dance Collective Portland, OR Programs include Aerial and Acrobatics (4 years+) awoldance.org The Circus Project NW Portland Programs include Aerial and Acrobatics (1.5 years+) thecircusproject.org Laura Jost attempted her first backhandspring in high school and landed squarely on her head in front of a significant number of people. She is determined that her children will not suffer the same fate.
NW Kids Magazine | 13
interview one another! Johnny Keener and Jason Greene play music for young kids and their adults. Performing mostly in and around Portland, they’ve teamed up to craft music for kids that is exciting and fun for everyone. They recently interviewed each other, here’s how it went. Jason: When did we first meet, and how long have we been playing music together? Johnny: Oh, about a hundred years ago. Jason: Seems like it. Johnny: We met when we both worked at the Portland Children’s Museum around 2000, and we started playing music pretty much right away in one form or another! Johnny: Hey Jason, How long have you been playing music, and what was the name of your first band? Jason: My first band was in junior high and we were called George & the Green Peas. So what was your first band’s name? Johnny: I think we were called “Stage Left.” (laughter all around) That’s a pretty silly name! My first show was at the Grassy Lick Elementary School talent show, and we played “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by the Beatles. Silly name, silly song! Jason: You’ve played for lots of audiences, so what is it that you like about playing for kids and their families? Johnny: I like the feeling that comes from people of all ages being in a room together enjoying music, because it’s something that everybody can share, and my performance feeds off of that good feeling. Jason: Can you think of one of your favorite songs from your childhood? Johnny: I remember that my first real favorite song was “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys, because I loved that “Oom Papa Mow Mow” part (as Jason starts singing “Oom Papa Mow 14 | NW Kids Magazine
Mow”). Jason: I love that song! Johnny: How about you? Jason: I used to love that song “Red Baron”. I think it might be “Bloody Red Baron”, but I’m not sure if I should say that! I used to listen to that on my dad’s record player. Johnny: What do you dig about living in Portland? Jason: Isn’t it obvious? (laughs) There is so much I dig about living in Portland. Johnny: Okay, tell me something that you did last week that could only happen in Portland. Jason: I was honored to be part of the Crafty Wonderland. ( Jason makes toys from recycled skateboards under the name Board Games). Jason: Are you happy with our new record? Johnny: I really am. I feel like it captures a lot of energy, and that you can really feel that we’ve known each other for a long time when you listen to it. Jason: I’m really proud that we did it ourselves. Johnny: So, let’s say you wanted a copy of “Be Alive” for your very own. How would you get your hands and/or ears on one? Jason: You can find our CDs at our shows. We have a regular show at Mississippi Pizza, every second Thursday of the month from 6-8pm that we play with Mo Phillips. It’s also available at Portland Children’s Museum, Thinker Toys, Green Bean Books, Tender Loving Empire, Treehouse Children’s Boutique, Spielwerk Toys, and Coffee Kids. It’s also available through our website, johnnyandjason.com, where you can find out about our other shows, too.
NW Kids Magazine | 15
How to choose the right martial arts school for your kids by Daniel Sikkens How can a parent find the right martial arts school for their kids? One that provides an education and will positively impact growth and development? Most people in today’s world are not looking to train their 5-year-old to be the next world-fighting champion, but are looking for self-confidence, better grades, and the development of respectful behavior in social settings. The best way to ensure that your child will receive the best possible martial arts education is to ask the right questions. Here are some helpful tips when looking at schools. “One of the first questions I receive, when taking a phone call from a new student’s parents is, tell me the price,” says Cyrus Cross of Aim High Academy of Martial Arts. Pricing. It’s important, when choosing a school, that you know what you are willing to spend per month and that the monthly tuition is comparable to the other schools in the area. Sometimes you might be asked to commit to a contract. Some schools use contracts drafted by third party companies that could ruin credit and cause heartache down the road. Look for a facility that offers month to month pricing and inhouse commitments. “The karate school should be seen as a school. The instructor’s credentials, the safety of the facility, and the online reviews are all important factors, ” says Adrienne Null, mother of a 6-yearold black belt. The Facility. The school should be clean, well laid out with new equipment and no nasty smells. It doesn’t need to look like The Nines, but should be set up so that both parents and students are comfortable and safe. The Staff. Take a moment to interview the staff and the person teaching your child. How 16 | NW Kids Magazine
Photograph courtesy of Aim High Academy of Martial Arts
many years, and successful results, does the educator have in teaching the curriculum? Do young teens or adults teach classes? What are the facility’s policies on ‘being alone with a child’, if any? These questions must be asked before trusting a child to an educator. Remember the instructor could be one of the most impactful persons in a child’s life next to parents and batman, make sure he or she deserves that ‘hero’ status. Style. There are a lot of different ‘styles’ of martial arts. The style, for a child, really isn’t as important as the way it’s taught. What is being taught? Kicks and punches may be the vehicle to spark the child’s interest, but a base of life skills should be what’s actually taught. Healthy habits, good grades, mindset development, anger management, acts of kindness, positive attitude development and so on should be the basis of each lesson. Regardless of style, the student should ‘click’ with his or her teacher. Look for best application of life skills first, then style second. Interview Parents. Sit and watch a class, interview parents who are there, and ask them why they are there. Get a feeling for the culture of the school and see if that clicks with you. Parents can give you the best insight about a new facility. There’s a lot that goes into this kind of education. Where other sports are great for youth, martial arts isn’t considered a seasonal sport, it’s an ongoing, ever-developing education, and not one to be taken lightly. Do your research and trust your gut, and I’m sure you’ll find a great facility. Daniel Sikkens is a professional consultant to the martial arts industry, and Executive Director of Aim High Academy of Martial Arts, a nonprofit organization with two locations in Beaverton and Gresham. For more information visit, aimhighma.org
NW Kids Magazine | 17
18 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 19
School Open House Guide Amiguitos Preschool
Beth israel Preschool
Blue Frogs Jump Preschool
address
5101 SE Aldercrest Road, Milwaukie
1972 NW Flanders Street, Portland
11865 NW Vaughn Court, Portland
phone
(503) 653.4081
(503) 222.2037
(503) 925.3919
website
amiguitos.org
bethisrael-pdx.org
BlueFrogsJump.com
description
Amiguitos Preschool is a Spanish immersion school. Children acquire a second language in a nurturing environment with loving, experienced teachers whose native language is Spanish.
A safe, nurturing environment where children embark on a Jewish journey; love for learning is supported through inquiry, discovery, play; and our intentional approach to teaching fosters the development of the whole child.
Nationally Accredited (National Association of Family Child Care), Eco- Healthy, Certified Family Childcare, childcentered balanced eclectic preschool and pre-k.
open house
Tours by appointment
February 18 5:30pm - 7pm
grade range/ age range
PreK-1st Grade
2.5-5 years old
2.5-6 years old
full-day kindy
Yes
No
No
max enrollment
50
13
student teacher 7:1 ratio
8:1
6:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
None
Jewish
None
Tuition Range
See website
$250 -$565 monthly
$560 to $1,080 monthly
Financial Aid
No
Yes
No
Teaching Method
Play based & art based preschool inspired by the Reggio Approach
Balanced Eclectic
Speciality Program
Lunch bunch and Enrichment classes such as Art, Dance, Science Buddies and Spanish.
Art, Storytelling, HWT, French, Cooking, Science, Nature, Gardening, Literacy, Math, Practical life, Play, Imagination, Problem Solving, Fun
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NW Kids Magazine | 21
School Open House Guide Cedarwood Waldorf School
Cornerstone Montessori
Delphian School
address
3030 SW 2nd Avenue Portland
PO Box 580 North Plains
20950 SW Rock Creek Road, Sheridan
phone
(503) 245.1477
(503) 647.7402
(503) 843.3521
website
cedarwoodschool.org m ontessoricornerstone. com
delphian.org
description
Cedarwood instills a love for learning, the curriculum weaves together arts, academics and movement with a reverence for the developing child.
Individualized program meeting unique developmental needs of each child. Interactive environment helps develop self-esteem, independence, innerdiscipline, and love of learning.
Empower young people with effective study skills, a solid academic foundation, a strong sense of personal integrity and a wide range of abilities.
Call for an appointment
Call for appointment
open house grade range/ age range
Parent child and PreK to 8th grade
2.5 years old Kindergarten
K-12
full-day kindy
Yes
No
Yes
max enrollment
327
16
student teacher 14:1 ratio
8:1
7:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
No
Yes
Religious Affiliation
None
Christian
Tuition Range
$1,725-$10,768 annually
$280-$320 monthly
$26,080-$43,960 annually
Financial Aid
Yes
No
Yes
Teaching Method
Waldorf
Montessori
Speciality Program
Spanish, Japanese, Art, Handwork, Woodworking, Music, Movement, Eurythm
22 | NW Kids Magazine
Music, Art, Drama, Pottery, English Language, Athletics, Yoga
NW Kids Magazine | 23
School Open House Guide French American International School
German American School of Portland
GoodTime Chinese School
address
8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland
3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton
12512 NW Central Drive, Ste 201, Portland
phone
(503) 292.7776
(503) 626.9089
(503) 616.5585
website
faispdx.org
gspdx.org
goodtimechinese school.org
description
The French American International School is a preschool through grade eight independent school with an internationallyfocused curriculum.
Providing an excellent education for children preschool through 5th grade. Through our curriculum students develop and maintain fluency in both the German and English languages.
Immersion Chinese preschool, afterschool, Saturday school, summer camp and winter camp. Sept 2014, we will be offering elementary school.
open house
February 22, March 22, April 26, May 31, 1-2:30pm
grade range/ age range
Age 2.5 through 8th grade
Preschool-5th grade
PreK-5th grade/ 3-12 years old
full-day kindy
Yes
Yes
Yes
max enrollment
550
180
50
student teacher 9:1 in PS-K ratio 16:1 in 1st-8th grade
8:1
8:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
None
None
No
Tuition Range
$12,600-$16,500 annually
$9,585-$12,400 annually
$7,100-$8,000 annually
Financial Aid
Yes
Yes
Yes
Teaching Method
French immersion & IB in Lower School; International curriculum & IB in Middle School
Speciality Program
Music, Art, Sports & Movement
Immersion program enriched with music, art, sport and second step.
Immersion Chinese Bilingual School.
24 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 25
School Open House Guide little fruit farm Montessori
Odyssey K-8 Program
Oregon Episcopal School
address
16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton
5037 SW Iowa Street Portland
6300 SW Nicol Road Portland
phone
(503) 521.8603
(503) 916.6300
(503) 768.3115
website
littlefruitfarmmontessori odysseyprogram.org .com
description
A certified, licensed homebased Montessori preschool providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Elementary afterschool care/tutoring available.
open house
The Odyssey Program is a history focus option for Portland Public Schools (PPS) housed at Hayhurst School in SW Portland.
oes.edu OES offers an inquirybased education, where open minds may inquire, explore, and grow in order to succeed in a global community.
February 12 February 26 March 11
grade range/ age range
Preschool/ Early Elementary
K-8th Grade
PK-12th Grade
full-day kindy
Yes
Yes
Yes
max enrollment
10
N/A
850
student teacher 10:1 ratio
N/A
7:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
No
N/A
Independent with Episcopal roots
Tuition Range
$500-$800 monthly
N/A
$14,361-$26,544 annually
Financial Aid
No
Yes
Yes
Teaching Method
Montessori
Multi-faceted
Speciality Program
Music, Movement, Art, Soccer, Gardening, Cooking, Singing and Creative Movement.
26 | NW Kids Magazine
Music, Art, Spanish, Mandarin, French, PE, Athletic Teams, Technology, Laptop program.
Oregon Hope Chinese School
Portland Language Arts
Rising Star Scuola Italiana Chinese School di Portland
4010 NW Kaiser Road Portland
10180 NW Brady Lane Portland
12555 SW 4th Street Beaverton
PO Box 6507 Portland
(971) 226.7240
(971) 506.8838
(971) 225.0698
(971) 270.0470
oregon-hope.org
portlandlanguagearts. com
r isingstarchineseschool. scuola.us com
There is an array of classes at Oregon Hope Chinese School to suit every student’s needs. Children as young as three years old can enroll and learn Chinese.
PLA is a Chinese Immersion Preschool. We strive to cultivate our students to be creative, expressive and intellectually curious through a multilingual academic program in an environment that celebrates diversity of cultures and experiences.
Rising Star Chinese School serves young children by providing a developmentallybased curriculum which promotes each child’s social emotional, physical and cognitive development.
February 9, 1:30-4:30pm Spring/Summer February 18, 9:3011:30am
Preschool-8th Grade
2-5 years old
Preschool, After School, Age 3 and up
18 months 12 years old
Yes
Yes
No
No
200
16
50
7:1
8:1
8:1
4:1 Preschool 6:1 other age groups
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
None
N/A
None $150-$899 monthly
Promoting the Italian language and culture to children and adults in a student-centered environment; nurturing responsible, global citizens.
$10/hr preschool; $13/hr language classes
No
No
No
No
Chinese Immersion
Montessori / Reggio Emilia
Chinese immersion, play-based, and reggioinspired
Reggio Emilia preschool
Music, Chinese painting, Chinese dance, Go.
After school Chinese for 5-12 year olds, Music Together, Movement, Chinese Cooking
Art Lessons, Language Classes, Music/ Movement and Yoga.
We include a music program with our Reggio Emilia preschool program. NW Kids Magazine | 27
School Open House Guide Small Friends School
St. Gabriel preSchool
Sweet PEAS Kidzone
address
7475 SW Oleson Road Portland
17435 NW West Union Road, Portland
15320 NW Central Drive, D-12, Portland
phone
(503) 388.2266
(503) 928.1359
(503) 533.5252
website
smallfriendsschool.com
stgabrielonline.org/ preschool
sweetpeaskidzone.com
description
At Small Friends, children explore, create, observe, experiment and collaborate to construct a deeper understanding of their world.
A nurturing and sustainable community dedicated to teaching children to thrive through learning experiences based on imagination, creativity and curiosity.
Creating a safe foundation where learning is fun, imagination flows, and creativity is encouraged.
open house
Preschool: February 6, 7:00pm; K: March 6, 7pm
grade range/ age range
Preschool 3-5 years old; K 5-6 years old
Preschool 3-4 years old
3-6 years old PK, Kindergarten
full-day kindy
No
No
Yes
max enrollment
PK: 18/class, K: 16/class
15/class
45
student teacher Preschool: 4.5:1 ratio Kindergarten: 8:1
15:2
7:1
Before/After School Care
No
No
Yes
Religious Affiliation
None
Episcopal
No
Tuition Range
$156 - $415 monthly
$400-$600 monthly
$200-$900 monthly
Financial Aid
No
No
Yes
Teaching Method
Play-based
Reggio Emilia
Whole Child Learning
Our student-directed program is immersed in art, music, and outdoor experiences.
Indoor Playground, Rock Wall, Music, Art, and 2nd Language Offered, Library Visits, Field Trips and more.
Speciality Program
28 | NW Kids Magazine
Call to schedule a tour.
Tigard Playschool, Inc.
Trillium preSchool
Trinity Lutheran School
Village Home Education Resource Center
9845 SW Walnut Place, Tigard
5420 N Interstate Avenue, Portland
5520 NE Killingsworth Portland
Beaverton and NE Portland
(503) 639.8110
(503) 285.3833
(503) 288.6403
(503) 597.9100
tigardplayschool.com
t rilliumcharterschool. org
TrinityPortland.org
villagehome.org
Tigard Playschool is an affordable, play-based cooperative preschool with outstanding teachers.
Trillium Preschool sees every child as a capable, intelligent, curious individual within a community. We believe in the significance of listening, following interest, documenting and reflecting the unfolding of development.
Trinity Lutheran School exists to develop students who are: Empowered by Christ’s love. Trinity Students engage in academic rigor to be life-long learners and serve others.
Village Home offers over 200 engaging, grade-free, mixed-age classes Pre-K through high school. Discover learning that is fun!
February 7, 2-5pm
February 13, 6-7:30 pm April 17, 6-7:30 pm
February 20 6:30pm - 8pm
March 3 (Beaverton) March 5 (NE Portland)
2-5 years old
3-5 years old
Preschool to 8th Grade
PreK - High School
No
No
Yes
No
18-20 depending on class
24
300
480
4:1
8:1
16:1
10:1
Yes
No
Yes
No
None
None
Lutheran
None
$145-235 monthly depending on class
$360-720 monthly
$2,205 - $6,300 annually
$65 - $125 per class
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Play-based
Social Constructivist, Democratic, Reggio Inspired
Challenging Career and College Ready Instruction.
Eclectic
Music, gardening.
Challenging curriculum, small class size, family centered, diverse student body, computer lab, sports, music, drama, art, and more.
Drama, Science, Art, Math, Foreign Language, LA, History, Social Studies, Individual and Team Competitions NW Kids Magazine | 29
Best of Portland and beyond Our top picks for getting out this month
February
1
Come celebrate the New Year at the Lan Su Chinese Gardens in downtown Portland. This is the year of the Horse and the Chinese New Year festivities will be filled with fun activities for the whole family through February 15. lansugarden.org
3 Strap on those roller skates and get your groove on at Oaks Park! Oaks Park allows the youngest to the oldest to roll to some fun tunes. On Valentine’s Day be sure to check out the Oaks Park coupons page for a special Open Skate Session and receive two skating admissions for just $9.00! If you’re not into skating yourself, that’s no problem, you can catch some wild roller derby action with our own Rose City Rollers. Dates and times for skating and roller derby can be found at oakspark.com
2 Now through mid M arch, the Oregon Pacific Rail Road offers your budding engineer a chance to ride the rails of the 110 year old historic route, running through the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Trips last about 50 minutes and allow gorgeous views along the Willamette. To take this historic ride, conduct your way to oregonpacificrr.com for a full schedule.
4
Grab your sleeping bag it’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special kids-only overnight at the Oregon Zoo. On February 14th, kiddos ages 7-13 will be able to find out what really happens at the zoo after dark. Guided tours, animals visitors and behind-thescenes peeks are just a few of the perks of this nighttime adventure. $48 per child and all meals & snacks are included; 5pm-9:30am. oregonzoo.org/events/i-love-zoo-overnight
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. 30 | NW Kids Magazine
5
Be lulled into dreamland with the cherished bedtime story of Goodnight Moon presented by the Northwest Children’s Theater. With singing bears and cows jumping over the moon, children of all ages will be entertained by this great theater company. “Goodnight Moon” is running now through March 2. nwcts.org
6
Why do Portlanders love their bikes so much? The Children’s Museums latest exhibit, “Cycle City: A Spin on Bikes”, is here to show you why. Spin on Bikes is an interactive play land featuring materials donated by local bicycle enthusiasts trying to inspire the next generation of “bicycle buffs”. Come and experience the way of the wheel with the Children’s Museum through April 27. portlandcm.org
Children’s bookstore, Green Bean Books will be featuring Monsters Under Bridges, by local author and illustrator team Jolby and Rachel Roellke Coddington. Monsters Under Bridges will take you and your child on an adventure through the bridges of the Pacific Northwest and their special inhabitants that live under them, monsters. Come join the authors at Green Bean on Saturday, February 22 at 1pm for a special reading and drawing activity. greenbeanbookspdx.com
8 7
Physics and skate boarding, what do these two things have in common? OMSI and Tony Hawk have teamed up to show you the link between science and sport with their newest exhibition “Tony Hawk, Rad Science.” To investigate your own theory of relativity at OMSI, please visit omsi.edu for pricing, now running through May 4.
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Now it is time to put your bike riding skills to the test at the Lumberyard. Think skate park for bikes, featuring numerous ramps, jumps and skill sections to test your bicycling ability. This uniquely Portland Bike Park offers clinics, after school programs, and for kids 6 and under, the opportunity to ride for just $6 from nine until noon. . lumberyardmtb.com/pages/home Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month NW Kids Magazine | 31