magazine
L I V E • PLAY • DO
2021-2022 Preschool Guide JULY 2021 - DIGITAL EDITION nwkidsmagazine.com
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Editor’s Note We are officially in the swing of summer and my, what a difference a year makes! With many Covid restrictions lifted or loosened, this summer brings the possibility of travel, more time spent with friends and family and much more normality. Along with that comes the ability to plan for the next school year. If you’re looking for the perfect preschool, head to page 8 and check out our 2021-22 Preschool Guide. There you’ll find everything from language immersion to Waldorf, and everything in between. Also, read our review of two new meal kit delivery boxes and learn how to volunteer to create care kits for people who are experiencing homelessness. I hope you’re enjoying your summer! We’ll see you in August for our Back to School issue! Cheers,
Mary
Cover photography by
PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
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Contents JULY 2021 8 2021-22 Preschool Guide 15 Bits & Bytes 16 Culinary Corner 20 Make Care Kits for People Experiencing Homelessness
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magazine 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.
Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings Bennett Suzuki.............................. 14 Cedarwood Waldorf School.............. 7 FAIS. ................................................ 2 German International School........... 3 Happy Hollow Children’s Center..... 16 Heidi Timmons............................... 19 Little Fruit Farm............................. 14 Montessori School of Alameda. . ..... 14 MSB............................................... 16
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NWK Virtual Camp Expo.. ............... 22 OES.. ................................................ 3 Play Fit Fun. . .................................. 16 Portland Symphonic Girlchoir........ 19 Sprout and Spark............................. 7 The Children’s Garden ................... 14 Youngset Preschool.. ...................... 14 Xstream Learning Center.. ................ 7
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2021-22 Preschool Guide Choosing the right preschool for your child can feel overwhelming. We have a pretty fantastic list to get you started on your search!
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MULTIPLE LOCATIONS The Children’s Garden
At The Children’s Garden, children from infancy to kindergarten build strong academic and social skills, while gaining a lifetime love for learning. Ages 6 weeks - 5 years $978 - $1,680/mo Mindfulness 1405 SW Morrison St, 2035 NW Front Ave Suite 100 503-228-2443, 503-277-5535 thechildrensgarden.com
S/SE PORTLAND Cedarwood Waldorf School
Cedarwood isn’t just a school. It’s a place for the whole family to learn and grow and connect with community. Pre-K - 8th grade $7,850 - $17,500/yr Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf 3030 SW 2nd Ave 503-245-1477 cedarwoodschool.org
Tucker Maxon School
TMS creates a foundation for reading, math, art and music. They are playbased with a big playground and gym. Experiential, nurturing, progressive, fun, safe. Ages 3 - 5 $9,700 - $11,550/yr Play-based 2860 SE Holgate Blvd 503-235-6551 tuckermaxon.org
Portland Waldorf School
We educate for the whole of life in order to uplift humanity. Students emerge as creative, independent thinkers who meet the world with purpose. Ages 3 - 6 $8,510-$15,880/yr Play-based, Waldorf 2300 SE Harrison St, Milwaukie 503-654-2200 portlandwaldorf.org
The International School
Give an education that extends beyond borders! Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish immersion. International Baccalaureate. Multicultural community. Founded in 1990. Age 3 - 5th Grade $12,460 - $20,590/yr Language immersion, International Baccalaureate 2305 S Water Ave 503-226-2496 intlschool.org
SW PORTLAND Catlin Gabel School
Catlin Gabel fosters compassionate and curious citizens of the world by inspiring a love of learning and the courage to take responsible action. Preschool -12th grade $29,700/yr (preschool and kindergarten) Experiential, Whole child, Progressive 8825 SW Barnes Rd 503-297-1894 catlin.edu continued on p. 12
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Oregon Episcopal School
OES prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth. Pre-K - 12th grade Flexible Tuition Available Experiential, Reggio Emilia 6300 SW Nicol Rd 503-768-3115 oes.edu
Portland Jewish Academy
PJA provides welcoming and inclusive settings that recognize children’s diverse abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles. Infant through Pre-K $573 - $1,957/mo Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Online/Virtual 6651 SW Capitol Hwy 503-244-0126 pjaproud.org
Sprout and Spark Preschool
Their goal is inspiring joy, creativity, resilience, and curiosity in each child and helping them grow into responsible, independent, and compassionate lifelong learners. Ages 18 months - 6 years $9,900 - $14,500/yr Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School 3430 SW Palatine St 503-719-4365 sproutandspark.com
Youngset Preschool
Their goal is to provide a preschool experience that provides the skills to succeed in kindergarten in a warm, caring and child-centered learning environment. Ages 3 - 5 $180 - $460/mo Play-based 1838 SW Jefferson St 503-997-1653 youngsetpreschool.org 12 | NW Kids Magazine
N/NE PORTLAND Little Otters
Little Otters is a nurturing and happy environment for children ages 1-7. They provide a unique curriculum and 3 organic/ vegetarian meals a day. Ages 1 - 7 $450 - $1,200/mo Language immersion, Play-based, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf 10339 NE Prescott St 503-252-5105 littleottersinc.com
Montessori of Alameda
Montessori of Alameda in Portland provides a bilingual (Spanish and English) educational experience for children up to the kindergarten level. Ages 3 months - 6 years $1,075 - $1,700/mo Montessori 4210 NE Going St 503-335-3321 montessoriofalameda.com
NW PORTLAND French American International School
Develop internationally minded and actively engaged citizens who help create a better and more peaceful world. Ages 2.5 - 14 TPS-K: $19,411/yr, 1st-5th: $19,866/yr, 6th-8th: $22,780/yr Language immersion, Playbased, Whole child, International Baccalaureate (IB) 8500 NW Johnson St 503-292-7776 faispdx.org
MSB
MSB is a renowned Montessori School located on a serene campus in the hills of Portland. Preschool - 6th grade $10,150 - $12,980/yr Montessori 11065 NW Crystal Creek Ln 503-439-1597 msb.org
Xstream Preschool
Build upon children’s natural curiosity about the world by offering ample opportunity to explore, finding what interests them and expanding into new directions. Ages 2.5 - 12 Call for tuition details Reggio Emilia 2029 NW Miller Rd 503-914-9995 xstreamlc.com
BEAVERTON/HILLSBORO Agia Sophia Academy
Educating the whole child with rich academic & arts curriculum, Christian values, love of learning, personal responsibility & respect for others. Ages 3 - 12 $5,600-$10,400/yr Montessori, Whole child, Christian 14485 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton 503-641-4600 asapdx.org
German International School
As an IB World school, they educate their students to be internationally-minded while immersing their preschoolers in German or Mandarin language-learning. Twos - 5th grade $11,585 - $15,485/yr Language immersion, International Baccalaureate 3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton 503-626-9089 gspdx.org
Happy Hollow Children’s Center
Happy Hollow is a community of learners & mentors who place kindness, mindfulness, collaboration & self-regulation at the forefront of their daily intentions. 30 months - Age 5 $765 - -$1,260/mo Play-based, Whole child 4455 SW 99th Ave, Beaverton 503-646-3214 happy-hollow.net
Little Fruit Farm Montessori Supporting children’s natural development, curiosity and exploration. Low student teacher ratios, beautiful home and garden environments. Toddler - Pre-K Call for tuition details Montessori 16445 SW Melinda St, Beaverton 503-521-8603 littlefruitfarmmontessori.com
OUTER METRO The Gardner School of Arts & Sciences
Their play based program is rooted in the idea that all children are able to learn and are curious. Their 5 acre campus supports creative, hands-on play. preschool-6th grade Tuition varies based on enrollment Experiential, Play-based, Whole child, Nature focused 16413 NE 50th Ave, Vancouver WA 360-574-5752 gardnerschool.org
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BITS & BYTES
The award-winning Portland Symphonic Girlchoir provides a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community of singers ages 5-18 with the highest caliber choral music education. Showcasing its young artists, Girlchoir is noted for captivating and engaging audiences in Portland and around the world with their musicality, professionalism, artistry and inspired beautiful singing. PSG is currently enrolling singers entering grades K – 12 in September for their exciting in-person 33rd Season (following CDC and OHA guidelines), which includes national and international tours. PSG rehearses and performs in Downtown Portland. Financial assistance is available. Visit girlchoir.com for more information.
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Culinary Corner:
Meal Kits Delivered
My family consists of vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian eaters and this can create a challenge when planning and preparing dinners for the week. While many Covid restrictions are being lifted and there are more options available to us, I know I’m not alone in suffering from cooking fatigue. We’ve tried a number of meal delivery box subscriptions over the years, but have not stuck with one. Recently, our family had the chance to try two new-to-us boxes. Here’s what we thought!
One Potato One Potato, founded by Catherine McCord of Weelicious fame, is specifically geared toward families. They offer a vegetarian box and an omnivore box, with additional customization and add-ons available (smoothie packs and cookie dough!). We were particularly interested in their new partnership with Miyoko’s Creamery, who create fantastic nut-based dairy substitutes. For our three meals, we chose a variety of vegan and vegetarian and received the ingredients to make vegan tacos, vegan burgers with fries and a sweet corn arancini with fresh melon salad. Both the taco and burger options allow you to customize with beef, chicken or vegan protein options. continued on p. 18
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When the box arrived, my kids went to get it from the front door and let me tell you, they were not overstating how heavy this box was. It was absolutely filled to the brim with well-packed produce, condiments, etc… The instruction cards are included and quite easy to follow; even including tips for getting the kids involved in the meal prep. We made all three meals over the course of the week and all were delicious. This combination of meals and ingredients were a hit with the whole family. My youngest was less enthusiastic about trying the vegan cheese. Not a problem! He got some of his usual cheddar on his burger and was as happy as a clam. BONUS: The portions were more than generous for our family of four and all of the meals provided leftovers. We will try One Potato again and have been eyeing some of the cookie dough and smoothie pack add-ons as well! For a family of 4 (or 2 adults and a teen!), the pricing is $8.73/serving, whether you choose 2 meals/week or 3. Smoothie packs and cookie dough rolls are $5.95/each. onepotato.com
Acme Farms + Kitchen Acme Farms, located in beautiful Bellingham, WA, has a variety of options for omnivore, pescatarian, veggie and vegan palates as well. Their focus is on local and farm fresh and they put particular emphasis on also supporting non-farming local food purveyors and giving back to the community as well. They offer a wide variety of curated boxes, including grilling boxes, kid boxes and produce boxes, in addition to rotating add-ons. While they also have the option to build your own box, we chose the curated vegetarian box with four meals for four. This included fresh gemelli pasta with the ingredients to make our own pesto; green goddess soup with the makings for a side salad, a vegan tofu stirfry and a creamy polenta with spring veggie ragu. 18 | NW Kids Magazine
This box arrived on a very hot day and I was worried that the vegetables would be wilted, even from delivery. When we opened the box, it was absolutely packed with fresh and perky vegetables and lots of them! Other than a prepared salad dressing, the Acme Farms box is definitely meant to put your knife and culinary skills to work! While all recipes were clear and easy to follow and there were plenty of opportunities for the kids to help, there’s a bit more prep. It was a treat to toast the pine nuts and to chop the many greens, veggies and herbs that went into preparing these delicious meals. Having not made fresh pesto in years, my kids came to see what that delightful smell was when the food processor was whirring! Their add-ons include fresh pasta, fresh local (Bellingham) bread and many more goodies. Having gone to college in Bellingham, I have yet to find a bagel that matches The Bagelry’s bagels and each week they rotate flavors and offer 4 bagels with a tub of cream cheese. I’m keeping an eye out for my favorite flavor and will plan my next box accordingly! Currently, they offer delivery to the greater Whatcom/ Skagit County area, greater Portland, Seattle and Las Vegas regions. With such a wide variety of box options and add-ons the pricing varies, but a Vegetarian Box with 4 meals for for is $119 + $7 shipping. theacmebox.com NW Kids Magazine | 19
Make Care Kits for People Experiencing Homelessness by JULIE SHOWERS
Families can volunteer from home to help people experiencing homelessness by packing essential items into care kits. The kits are distributed during meals services at Blanchet House of Hospitality in downtown Portland. The nonprofit serves three hot meals daily, Mon-Sat, to anyone who would like them. During meal services, they offer clothes, sleeping essentials, water, and hygiene products too. During the hot, dry days of summer, finding clean drinking water can be very difficult for people living without shelter. Blanchet House has developed a summer care kit that addresses this need along with other basic comfort items. Kids of all ages can gather supplies from a dollar store, Blanchet’s Amazon wish list, or hold a supply drive. Supply drives are a great way to stay connected with your school community and friends during the summer months. Download a how-to instruction sheet or find more information at BlanchetHouse.org/Care-Kits.
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Blanchet House Summer Care Kit How-To People who find their way to Blanchet House’s doors are in most need of the following items. Feel free to alter care kit contents so long as all items fit in one bag. Please do not include literature, medications like Tylenol, or liquid hand sanitizer.
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Gallon Size Plastic Zippered Bag Plastic is durable, reusable, and more useful to people living without shelter.
Reusable Plastic Bottle (empty) or Bottle of Water Blanchet House is a hub for drinking water. They will fill empty water bottles.
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Travel-size Hygiene Products (1-4)
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Wrapped Snacks
• Band-aids • Sunscreen • Lip balm • Large wet wipes • Socks or underwear
Keep in mind that many people have dental issues so include easy to chew foods. • Soft granola bars • Fruit snacks • Chips Care kits can be dropped off at Blanchet House, 310 NW Glisan, Mon-Sat, 8-10:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thank you for helping to alleviate suffering in our community! Find many other ways to help at BlanchetHouse.org/Get-Involved. NW Kids Magazine | 21