L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
2017 Schools &
Open House Guide Kids' Eye Health: Understanding blue light Museums for the whole family
nwkidsmagazine.com
JANUARY 2017
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Editor’s Note Hello, 2017. The start of a new year comes with feelings of new beginnings and clean slates. 2016 was a turbulent year for our country at times, and an important reminder to look closely at what is immediately around and dear to us, no matter what’s happening in the greater arena that may cloud our ability to see clearly. Fittingly, we’re featuring vision this month (what’s cuter than kids in glasses?), with important information on blue light from Myoptic Optometry on p. 12 and a deeply moving poem on p. 38, the latest in our collaboration with the talented student writers at Portland Jewish Academy. It’s also time to plan for the 2017-2018 school year! My goodness! Luckily, we’re back with our Annual Schools & Open House Guide, this time with a lovely makeover to an even easier to read and reference format. Check it out, starting with some tips on maximizing the open house experience, on p. 16. Over 30 schools await you and your eager little learners! Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, and remember, keep those eyes – and hearts – open to hope.
Karel
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Contents JANUARY 2017 9 Bits & Bytes 12 Blue Light Basics & 3 Ways to Protect Young Eyes 16 2017 Schools & Open House Guide
35 Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds 36 Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures 38 The PJA Perspective
Cover and contents photography courtesy of MYOPTIC OPTOMETRY
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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 Aprende con Amigos.....................................28 Art of STEM....................................................29 Barre3............................................................... 7 Bennett Suzuki...............................................14 Blue Frogs Jump............................................14 Bridges Middle School...................................32 ChildRoots........................................................ 3 Childswork.....................................................28 Chinese American International School........14 Class Academy...............................................29 Cornerstone Montessori.................................14 Engineering for Kids......................................22 Gallagher’s Rug and Carpet Care..................... 8 German International School........................15 iFLY Portland..................................................38 International School......................................32 Jauregui Violin Studio....................................14 KLA School.....................................................34 Little Fruit Farm..............................................28 Montessori School of Beaverton...................32 My Masterpiece Art Studio............................14 6 | NW Kids Magazine
Myoptic Optometry.......................................13 Nectar Frozen Yogurt........................................ 8 New Day School.............................................22 Northwest Chinese Academy........................22 Oregon Children’s Theatre..............................10 Oregon Episcopal School...............................40 Park Academy................................................22 Peanut Gallery...............................................14 Play Fit Fun.....................................................10 Portland Jewish Academy.............................29 Portland Trampoline......................................39 Raindrop Playmates.......................................15 Riverdale School District................................22 Saturday Academy.........................................29 Serpa Audiology............................................38 Sit Still............................................................11 Skinner Montessori........................................30 Small Friends School.....................................22 Smart Baby Preschool....................................14 Spielwerk Toys.................................................. 7 St Cecilia.........................................................31
St Gabriel Episcopal School...........................14 St Matthew School........................................28 St Therese School...........................................14 St Thomas More.............................................28 Sunstone Montessori.....................................22 Swallowtail School........................................33 The Kids’ Backyard Store................................39 The Marylhurst School..................................32 ThriftMouse...................................................... 7 Trillium Preschool..........................................34 Trinity Lutheran..............................................33 Tucker Maxon................................................... 2 Valley Christian Preschool..............................34 Vivid Eye Care.................................................13 West Hills Montessori....................................22 Yeates Academy.............................................34 Yoga Playgrounds..........................................11 Youngset Preschool........................................14 Zenana Spa....................................................11
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BITS & BYTES New in Town LAIKA’s world, in the pocket of the Pacific Northwest LAIKA Studios, the feature film animation powerhouse that brought Kubo and the Two Strings to theaters in 2016, is located just outside Portland in Hillsboro. Marketing/brand manager Mark Shapiro got together with NW Kids to talk about LAIKA and the fusion of art and science. LAIKA was awarded a Scientific and Technology Oscar plaque in 2016 for the studio’s innovation in 3-D printing. Has there ever been pushback against combining technology with art? Creativity has so many components and it grows with technology. We embrace the collaboration of art and science in our features. We make stop-motion films [with puppets] but our VFX artists enhance scenes with another form of artwork in the style of mind-boggling visual effects. How can parents make sure their children are exposed to quality animation? What is quality animation, anyway? You can find exhilarating films through a number of resources, including your own library. But looking deeper, I find great animated content via a number of websites, but I would highlight the National Film Board (Canada) and ACMEfilmworks’s Show of Shows! (animationshowofshows.com). What’s special about working with puppets? Puppets have a personality all their own, even when they’re not moving. And when they are animated, there is something about that that gives them this sense of life. Visit laika.com for more information and to find out about the fifth LAIKA movie, to be announced soon. -Erin Crouch
Photograph by LIDA NYE PHOTOGRAPHY
1.Fresh from Seattle, Rachel Marshall of Rachel’s Ginger Beer fame has opened her first Portland spot on SE Hawthorne, at the corner of 37th Ave. Both the kiddos and your inner kid will love the creative flavors, like white peach and cucumber + tarragon, while your adult self might indulge in a ginger beer cocktail. Bubbles got your tummy rumbling? Rachel’s also serves fried chicken sandwiches and hush puppies. We’re there, like, yesterday. 3646 SE Hawthorne, rachelsgingerbeer.com. 2.You may have noticed a delightfully airy shop on the NW 19th and Northrup block; we sure did. The Yo Store, or, endearingly, Yo!, features lovingly curated vintage and new items from owner Sarah Radcliffe, whose baby son Finn inspires her kids’ selections, aptly named “Tinies.” 935 NW 19th, yoportland.com. 3. Dekum/Woodlawn favorite Tamale Boy opened its second location – yay! – on N Russell, as a collaboration with new neighbor Labrewatory. Get yummy appetizers, exclusive to the Russell menu, or stop in for Sunday brunch whenever you manage to get everyone dressed and out the door – it’s served all day. 668 N Russell, tamaleboy.com.
Performances Finding Neverland Jan 3-8, starts at $25 Fly Guy: The Musical Jan 14-Feb 12, $14-32, octc.org The Tail of Sleeping Beauty: With Puppets! Jan 28-Feb 26, $16-25, nwcts.org Young Playwrights Festival Jan 28, $10, fertilegroundpdx.org NW Kids Magazine | 9
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Blue Light Basics
+ 3 Ways to Protect Young Eyes by MYOPTIC OPTOMETRY
These days, we use screens for almost everything; this goes for our kids, too. Whether it’s following their favorite YouTuber, playing Angry Birds or FaceTiming with Grandma, kids are staring intently at those phones, tablets and PCs. Even schools are replacing books with iPads. Technology is a wonderful thing, but too much can lead to serious side effects. One important topic is blue light and its long term effects on our eyes.
What is blue light? Blue light or HEV (high-energy visible) light is a specific wavelength of light (380-500 nanometers) that exists all around us and is emitted in large amounts from digital devices and fluorescent and LED lights.
How does blue light help us? Not all blue light is bad. The sun emits blue light, which helps regulate our sleep patterns. Blue light also helps increase our reaction time and keep us in a better mood.
But what can happen with too much blue light? Recent research shows that long-term exposure can contribute to permanent retinal damage. Blue light also increases strain to the eyes due to a natural flickering of shorter wavelength light. Blue light exposure is up 38% in kids, who have larger pupils and whose anatomy does not filter as much blue light as that of adults, making them even more susceptible.
How do we protect our kids eyes from excessive blue light? 1. Glasses. Glasses can limit the amount of blue light entering the eye with special coatings or yellow tinted lenses. These glasses can be purchased with or without prescription. 2. Apps. Apps like Flux (justgetflux.com) and Night Shift on iPhones and iPads can reduce the output of blue light by shifting the screen colors to more of an orange hue. These apps are designed to aid in sleep but can easily be programmed to operate all day. 3. Turn it off. Nothing reduces blue light like walking away from the screen. Play dates, enrolling in classes and reading a good old fashioned book are great alternatives.
Myoptic Optometry is a team of eye care professionals dedicated to providing the best in promoting eye health and education. Find them online at myopticpdx.com or at any of their 3 locations in wonderful neighborhoods of Williams, Laurelhurst or Sellwood. Photograph courtesy of MYOPTIC OPTOMETRY 12 | NW Kids Magazine
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2017 Schools & Open House Guide by AFTON NELSON
Feeling a little anxious about making one of the most important decisions in your kiddo's life? We feel you. To help you out, we've put together a handy, easy-to-reference guide of choice area schools and their open house dates, sorted by geographic area.
Photograph by NICK MACDONALD of PERFECT SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHY for CHILDROOTS 16 | NW Kids Magazine
Before you dive in, check out some expert tips gathered by contributor Afton Nelson.
Wondering which school is right for your child? Searching the internet and talking to your friends will only get you so far. If you really want to know what a school is like, you need to go on a tour or attend an open house. Sonya Rheingold from ChildRoots and Inge Hoogerhuis with Portland Jewish Academy shared their tips for how to get the most out of school open houses. Overall, pay attention to how the school feels to you. Do the teachers and students look engaged and happy, and are they open to greeting and meeting guests? Trust your intuition. If the school doesn’t feel warm, inviting and enticing to you, it probably won’t be a good fit for your family.
Preschool Questions
Grade School Questions
• What’s the class size and the staff to child ratio?
• What is the school’s disciplinary policy?
• Are meals, snacks and diapers provided?
• How are report cards handled?
• What does child selection process look like? • What is the educational philosophy?
• Are independent or private schools accredited by independent and reputable accrediting organizations, such as NWAIS or NAIS?
• What would a typical day look like?
• How long has the school been in existence?
• How do you handle conflict?
• Is the school’s financial picture solid?
• Do children play outside daily?
• Are the teachers certified?
• How are naps handled?
• Are there instructional aides?
• How are diaper changes and toilet training handled?
• How long has the average teacher been at the school? What is the turnover?
• How do you ensure my child will be ready for kindergarten? • How does the school nurture a greater sense of community? • How does the school communicate with families? • What is the educational background and experience of the teachers and staff?
• How do families communicate with the school? • What resources do you have for kids with learning challenges? • What is your homework policy? • How are STEAM subjects integrated into the classroom?
• Will the school provide references?
Afton Nelson is a Portland writer and mother who loves exploring the Pacific NW with her three boys. Learn more about her at aftonnelson.com. NW Kids Magazine | 17
SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
NORTH/NORTHEAST Bridges Middle School
Non-profit private school providing individualized instruction and socialemotional support for students with learning differences.
5th-8th grade
Academic excellence, faith formation, before & after school care, accredited.
PreK-8th grade
Small Reggio-inspired preschool nestled in the Cully neighborhood of NE Portland.
2-5 years old
We believe children are strong, competent, inventive and full of ideas to explore.
3-5 years old
5420 N Interstate Avenue 503-285-3833
Trinity Lutheran Christian School
Academic excellence. Inspired by Christ Since 1891.
PreK-8th grade
At Childswork, we nurture wonder, we embrace joy and we foster discovery.
3-6 years old
Vegan school whose mission-driven learning environment provides for the education of body, mind and spirit.
2.5 to 5 years old
Full-time and outdoors, the Trackers Forest School blends academics and nature education.
Grade K,1, 6-7
Tucker Maxon teaches every child to reach their full potential in school and in life.
Early Intervention, PreK, Elementary
716 NE Marine Drive 503-688-2922
St. Therese Catholic School 1260 NE 132nd Avenue 503-253-9400
The Peanut Gallery Playschool NE Portland 503-998-7259
Trillium Charter School
5520 NE Killingsworth Street 503-288-6403
SOUTHEAST PORTLAND Childswork Learning Center 4235 SE Salmon Street 503-234-3611
New Day School 1825 SE Clinton Street 503-231-7425
Trackers Forest School 4617 SE Milwaukie Avenue 503-345-3312
Tucker Maxon School 2860 SE Holgate Boulevard 503-235-6551
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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$23,000 annually
Special Education
February 8, 9-10am March 11, 10-11am
bridgesms.org
$5,000-$16,000 annually
Faith-based
January 29, 12:30-2pm March 7, 6-7pm
stthereseschool.org
See website
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia
February 25, 10am-12pm
thepeanutgallery playschool.com
No tuition or admission fee
Play-based, Whole child
February 16, 5:30-7pm
trilliumcharterschool.org
$2,400-$7,000 annually
Blend of student centered and direct instruction
February 23 and by appointment
trinityportland.org
Variable
Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child, Constructivist/ emergent curriculum
Tours held several times a month; call for reservation
childswork.org
$651-1,141 monthly
Play-based, Whole child, Neo-Humanist Education
January 7, 10-11am
newdayschool.org
$13,250 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Forest School
January 11
trackerspdx.com/forest/ school
$7,150-7,900 annually
Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Communication
January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, 4-5:30pm
tuckermaxon.org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
NORTHWEST PORTLAND Blue Frogs Jump LLC Preschool Eclectic philosophy focusing on
2-5 years old
10207 NW Alpenglow Way 503-925-3919
confidence, skill-building and fostering capable, considerate, responsible learners and community members.
CLASS Academy
CLASS Academy provides a hands-on, multi-sensory, kinesthetic curriculum with small, individualized age/skill blended class sizes.
PreK-8th grade
SGES empowers young learners and their families by honoring discovery, diversity and the joy of learning.
3-5 years old
OES offers an inquiry-based education, where open minds may inquire, explore and grow.
PreK -12th grade
A community of respect; a challenging, engaging academic program. Students think for themselves and work for the world.
6 weeks-8th grade
Bilingual English and Korean preschool offering classes for toddler through pre-K!
20 monthsKindergarten
Independent schooling aspects in a public school setting: small classes, enthusiastic teachers and challenging academics.
PreK-12th grade
At Small Friends children explore, create and collaborate to deepen their understanding of their world.
3-5 years old
A Gospel values-centered Catholic school, dedicated to maximizing the spiritual and educational development of the whole child.
K-8th grade
2730 NW Vaughn Street 503-223-9099
St. Gabriel Episcopal School 17435 NW West Union Road 503-928-1359
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND Oregon Episcopal School 6300 SW Nicol Road 503-768-3115
Portland Jewish Academy 6651 SW Capitol Highway 503-244-0126
Raindrop Playmates 9100 SW Wilshire Street 503-297-7246
Riverdale School District 11733 SW Breyman Avenue 503-262-4840
Small Friends School 7475 SW Oleson Road 503-388-2266
St. Thomas More Catholic School 3521 SW Patton Road 503-222-6105 20 | NW Kids Magazine
OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$550-1,195 monthly
Experiential, January 21, 10am-12pm Play-based, Eclectic
bluefrogsjump.com
$915-950 monthly
Whole child, Tactile, Kinesthetic, Intentional exploration
January 25
classacademy.com
See website
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
January 28, 12:30-3pm or call for tour
stgabrielschoolpdx.com
See website
Experiential, Reggio Emilia
January 10, 7-8:30pm
oes.edu
$8,250-17,760 annually
Project-based learning
Janaury 12, 10am
pjaproud.org
$1,100-1,200 monthly for full time; part time available
Experiential, Language immersion, Play-based, Reggio Emilia
January 28, 10am-1pm; February 11, 10am-1pm
raindroplaymates.org
$10,130-11,950 annually
Experiential
Grade school (PreK-8) tours and high school (9-12) shadow days through February
riverdaleschool.com
$168-215 monthly Play-based
February 2, 7-8:30 pm
smallfriendsschool.com
$6,250-8,470 annually
January 26, January 29
stmpdxschool.org
Whole child, Art, Spanish, Music, Computer Skills, Library
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
SOUTHWEST PORTLAND (CONTINUED) Sunstone Montessori School 6318 SW Corbett Avenue 503-768-3847
The International School 025 SW Sherman Street 503-226-2496
Valley Christian Preschool 8060 SW Brentwood Avenue 503-292-3537 x146
Youngset Preschool 1838 SW Jefferson Street 503-221-0224
Sunstone is a community that cultivates the curious, compassionate and independent being of every child.
16 months-12 yrs old
Full Spanish, Japanese or Chinese language immersion and inquirybased, International Baccalaureate approach. Since 1990.
3 years old-5th grade
Valley Christian Preschool embraces childhood in partnership with families and God.
2-5 years old
Teachers, children and parents work together to create a play-based learning environment that respects each child.
3-5 years old
German language immersion school that provides innovative learning experiences, creative programming and a diverse, globally-minded community.
PreK-5th grade
Innovative, Reggio Emilia based center providing children with quality early learning experience.
6 weeks-PreK
Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Students integrate academics with explorations in nature throughout their school day.
3-12 years old
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO German International School 3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton 503-626-9089
KLA School of Hillsboro 1855 NE 48th Avenue, Hillsboro 503-333-2002
Little Fruit Farm Montessori 16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton 503-521-8603
Montessori School of Beaverton 11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Beaverton 503-439-1597 24 | NW Kids Magazine
OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
$950-1,750 monthly
Experiential, Montessori, Whole child
January 12, 5-7pm
$10,000-17,000 annually
Language January 24, 6-8pm immersion, Playbased, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
WEBSITE
sunstonemontessori.org
intlschool.org
$125-215 monthly Reggio Emilia
January 17, 6:30-7:30pm
valleychristianpreschool. com
See website
Play-based, Co-op
January 25, 7pm or call for a tour!
youngsetpreschool.com
$11,200-14,500 annually
Language immersion
January 22, 10-11:30am
gspdx.org
$500-1,500 monthly depending on number of days and selected schedule
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, 8pm
klaschoolshillsboro.com
$450-1,000 monthly
Montessori
Please call
littlefruitfarmmontessori. com
$8,000-11,000 annually
Montessori, Outdoor
January 7, 2-3pm
msb.org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO (CONTINUED) Northwest Chinese Academy 8565 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton 503-546-3455
Smart Baby Preschool 21029 SW Brackenwood Lane, Beaverton 971-227-6124
St. Cecilia School 12250 SW 5th Street, Beaverton 503-644-2619
St. Matthew Catholic School 221 SE Walnut Street, Hillsboro 503-648-2512
NWCA is the highest percentage Mandarin immersion school in Oregon, serving a diverse student population.
PreK-6th grade
Committed to providing bilingual English/Russian learning for each child, preparing for early success and school readiness.
2-6 years old
Academic excellence, state-of-the-art learning center and leader in digital learning.
PreK-8th grade
Nurtures students’ hearts and minds to live, learn and serve with the compassion of Christ, united in faith.
PreK ages 3-4, K-8th grade
Developmentally appropriate Chinese immersion program for preschool and kindergarten students; afterschool program for grades 1+.
PreK, Kindergarten; After school 1st-5th grade
To empower students with diverse learning differences, particularly dyslexia.
3rd-12th grade
Educating the whole child; head, heart and hands.
Parent-Child 8th grade
Committed to teaching to where each child is at.
2.5 years old 6th grade
Founded in 1972, Marylhurst honors the journey of each child in a progressive education community.
PreK-8th grade
OUTER METRO AREA Chinese American International School 1855 South Shore Boulevard, Lake Oswego 503-348-3028
Park Academy 1915 South Shore Boulevard, Lake Oswego 503-594-8800
Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm 460 S. Heather Street, Cornelius 503-846-0336
Skinner Elementary Montessori School 5001 NE 66th Ave, Vancouver 360-696-4862
The Marylhurst School 1232 Linn Avenue, Oregon City 503-650-0978
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OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$3,200-14,933 annually
Language Immersion
January 7, 10am-12pm February 11, 10am-12pm March 7, 9:30am-11am April 1, 10am-12pm May 11, 9:30am-11am
nwchineseacademy.org
Please contact school
Language immersion
January 22
smartbabypreschool.com
$2,190-7,410 annually
Whole child, faith-based
January 22, 10-12:30pm
stceciliaschool.us
$5,075-7,200 annually
Whole child
February 2, 4-7:30pm
stmatthewschoolhillsboro. org
$1,680-9,290 annually
Experiential, Language immersion, Whole child
Personal tours are available September through June. Please call for appointments. Mornings preferred
caisoregon.org
Contact for tuition
Dyslexia, Language-based learning differences
January 26, 6:30-8pm
parkacademy.org
$7,000-10,100 annually
Experiential, Whole child, Waldorf
January 28, 11am-2pm
swallowtailschool.org
$5,800-8,200 annually
Montessori, Daily French & calligraphy
February 15, 6:30-8pm
skinnermontessori.com
$1,350-8,400 annually
Experiential, Play-based, Progressive
January 28, 10am-1pm
themarylhurstschool.org
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SCHOOLS SCHOOLS
DESCRIPTION
AGES/GRADES
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Aprende con Amigos Multiple locations 503-206-8765
ChildRoots Multiple locations 503-235-1151
Saturday Academy Multiple locations 503-200-5858
West Hills Montessori Multiple locations 503-246-5495
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“Learn with friends� through a research-based Spanish immersion program for children 3-5 years old.
3-5 years old
Progressive and thoughtful learning community; nurturing environments where children are treated with compassion, deep respect and love.
6 weeks-6 years old
Follow your curiosity! Classes and camps in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts.
2nd-12th grade
Meeting the social, emotional and intellectual needs of children through joyful exploration and hands-on learning.
Toddler, PreK, Elementary
OPEN HOUSE GUIDE TUITION
SPECIALIZATION
OPEN HOUSE INFO
WEBSITE
$395-1,035 monthly
Language immersion
Overlook: January 4, 3-4pm; Feb 18, 6-7pm Irvington: January 21, 3-4pm; Feb 20, 3-4pm
aprendeconamigos.com
$755-1,590 monthly
Experiential, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Whole child
1st Monday of each month, 6:30 pm
childroots.com
$79-600 monthly
Experiential, Hands-on, indepth classes taught by industry professionals
Please contact school
saturdayacademy.org
$785-1,060 monthly
Montessori
SW Campus: March 5, 11am-1pm; Lake Oswego Campus: March 12, 11am-1pm
westhills-montessori.com
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Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds by KATIE BOEHNLEIN
Take advantage of tours and free play areas • OMSI’s Science Playground, Sandland, and Discovery Lab are perfect for your little explorers under age six. • Tour OMSI’s USS Blueback, a unique submarine on display in the Willamette River! • The Portland Art Museum offers family tours every Sunday at 12:30pm, and admission is always free for kids under the age of 17. • The Children’s Museum 1.3 acre Outdoor Adventure area is a great place to take fresh-air breaks.
Encourage curiosity • Allow your kids to explore what they’re attracted to, even if it means splitting up your group. • While at the museum, ask: “What do you like most about this exhibit? What do you want to learn more about?”
Scope out free or reduced admission We all know what winter in Portland means: short days, gloomy skies and insistent rains. Looking for ways to explore the metro area with your family despite the weather? We’re lucky that Portland has a diversity of museums abound for discovery in the wettest and coldest months. Ahead, some tips to make museum-going a breeze and more importantly, fun for all involved.
Plan your visit ahead of time • Peruse museum websites before leaving the house to see what’s current and special. • Sign up for special programs ahead of time. • PRO TIP: The quietest time to visit museums is usually weekday afternoons.
• Washington County residents: Check out a “Cultural Pass to Adventure” from your local library to visit many of the places below once for free! • Oregon Historical Society: Always free for Multnomah County residents • OMSI: $2 first Sundays • Portland Children’s Museum: Free first Fridays 4-8pm; free first full weekend of every month for Bank of America cardholders • Portland Art Museum: Always free for 17 and under, free first Thursdays 5-8pm, $5 Fridays 5-8pm • Pittock Mansion: Always free for 6 and under. (Note: This museum is closed in January) • Fort Vancouver: Visitors Center & Pearson Air Museum always free, reconstructed Fort free for 15 and under • Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum: Always free for 5 and under • Historic Belmont Firehouse: call ahead to schedule free tours Katie Boehnlein is a teacher and writer living in Oregon where you can find her exploring the beautiful natural areas of Portland and Ashland on foot and by bike. She blogs about her nature adventures and travel at kboehnlein.wordpress.com. NW Kids Magazine | 35
MOCHITSUKI 2017
Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures
Thru Jan 8
Jan 5
Your last chance to catch Imago Theatre’s breathtaking multimedia “story-within-a-story-within-a-ship”! Vaudeville-style performance, exquisite puppetry, shadow theatre and animated set pieces keep you gasping at every turn. $19.50-42.50, imagotheatre.com
Ever wanted to make your own screenprinted poster or t-shirt? Now you can! Kids will learn how to make their own stencils and how to pull a print. (Poster and fabric swatches provided, but bring your own t-shirt.) Free, multcolib.org/ events/stencil-screen-print-families
La Belle: Lost in the World of the Automaton
Stencil Screen Print for Families
Thru Jan 15 Very Eric Carle Traveling Exhibit
Catch this phenomenal exhibit before it leaves the Portland Children’s Museum. Eric Carle’s books come to life, as children peer through holes left by the Very Hungry Caterpillar or weave a web with the Very Busy Spider. $10.95 (free for kids 1 and under), portlandcm.org
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Jan 7 & Jan 21 Lantern Tour: An Evening at the Fort
Learn about the history of Fort Vancouver while watching dramatic reenactments in this atmospheric setting. Warm cider provided at the end of the tour! $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 15, nps.gov/fova
to their villages. Although there is plenty of clowning, there are also some challenging social justice subjects, which make this best suited for young people 12 and up. $20-27, milagro.org
Jan 14
Don’t Let the Pigeon Take Over the Library
The preschool set will be delighted by Rick Huddle’s musical homage to Mo Willems. Pigeon, Duckling and other favorite characters appear in these charming songs and skits. Free, multcolib.org/events/dont-let-pigeontake-over-library
Jan 28-Feb 6
Chinese New Year Events at Lan Su Chinese Garden
Jan 8
Story and Stroll Sundays: What’s Underground
The Friends of Tyron Creek hold this program several times a week, focusing on different STEAM subjects. Children 2-6 years old will enjoy this exploration of nature, literature and art. Free, tryonfriends.org
Jan 12-21
Milagro Theater presents: El Payaso
This world premiere relates the story of an American engineer who worked with rural Nicaraguans to bring electricity
Lan Su is hosting New Year celebrations for two weeks, including Lion Dances, family friendly craft activities, a Chinese Wishing Tree and much more. Everything is included with standard admission, except for the breathtaking Lantern Viewing Evenings, which start at $15 for young people. $7 for students, $9.50 general admission, lansugarden.org
Jan 29
Mochitsuki 2017
Enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese performances celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Craft activities for kids and food vendors make this festival a hit with the whole family. $4-12, mochipdx.org
Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events NW Kids Magazine | 37
The PJA Perspective
20/20
by HENRY SEAL
My crystalized prize Darting back and forth Stretching cautiously Realizing Dilating Don’t cry tonight You won’t be able to see the blood moon, she said Love is pain Darting back and forth Stretching cautiously Realizing Dreams are seen One instant One shot Your pupils won’t let you down Pain will The earth tears open with light Bleeding a sweet summer aroma that you cannot see Life isn’t through your eyes It’s through your heart Henry, 13, lives in Portland with his two brothers, mom, dad and dog. He loves playing soccer, skiing and hanging out with family and friends. Writing poetry has always been an outlet for Henry. 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. NW 38 | Kids NW Magazine Kids Magazine | 38
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