L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE | SPANISH IMMERSION BILINGUAL ENRICHMENT | AN INTERVIEW WITH PHOEBE WAHL HALLOWEEN & HARVEST FUN
nwkidsmagazine.com
Oct
2015
2 | NW Kids Magazine
L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
Birthday Party expo Saturday, October 10 10 am - 5 pm at OMSI
Illustration by EMILY WINFIELD MARTIN
Are you planning your kiddo’s next birthday party? Stop by the NW Kids Birthday Party Expo and find out how to plan the best party ever! • Discover all kinds of parties from themed to action • Learn about birthday party venues, purveyors and performers • Raffle and goody bags for attendees while supplies last
FREE ADMISSION TO EXPO! Giveaways including gift baskets, discounts, free parties and much more!
For more information, visit nwkidsmagazine.com NW Kids Magazine | 3
EDITORS’
Corner
Let it rain! We can’t believe we’re saying this, but we’re ready for the cool down. Plants need it and people need it! Plus, we’re headed into a season full of fun in the Portland area. It’s time for apple picking, mashing, pressing and eating. And who doesn’t love going to the pumpkin patch, running through corn mazes and prepping for Halloween? In this issue, you’ll get a little bit of all of it including an interview with cover illustrator Phoebe Wahl. Her work reminds of us what we love about any season, especially Fall. And as with every October issue, we help you prepare for the year following, especially if you will be sending kids off to school for the first time. Look to our Fall Open House Guide starting on p. 14 for information about partnering schools. And if you’re thinking about Spanish Immersion programs for your kids, you can head to p. 22 to read about a few select programs. Maybe your kids are already in school, but you’d like them to learn a second language. You can check out our Resource Guide on p. 26 for more information. And guess what, along with all of the other exciting happenings this month, NW Kids is holding its first ever Birthday Party Expo. Join us on Saturday, October 10th at OMSI from 10am-5pm and start planning your kiddo’s next party! We’ll be giving away free birthday parties and tons of goodies. See you there! Kelley & Beth
Cover Illustration by PHOEBE WAHL phoebewahl.com
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Contents OCTOBER 2015
8 Found Around Town: Halloween Goods 10 A Tale from the Chicken Coop: An Interview with Phoebe Wahl 14 School Open House Guide 22 Hola: Spanish-English Immersion Schools 28 Best of Portland and Beyond: Our Top Picks for Getting Out This Month 32 Rake In Fall’s Bounty: Art Projects to Celebrate the Season
Contents photography by KATI DIMOFF kdimoffphotography.com
NW Kids Magazine | 5
Listings All Families Surrogacy............................................9 Amazing Fairytale Parties.......................................2 Barre3....................................................................33 Bella Organic Farm................................................35 Bennett Suzuki......................................................29 Bridges Middle School..........................................27 Catlin Gabel...........................................................40 Cedarwood School................................................29 Coffee Kids............................................................35 Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children...............................33 Eco Maids..............................................................11 Fazio Farms............................................................35 French American International School.................39 French Prairie Gardens..........................................32 German International School...............................23 Glendoveer Tennis.................................................32 Goodtime Chinese School....................................27 International School.............................................27 Leisure Sports Inc Club Sport..................................9 Little Fruit Farm.....................................................29 Montessori School of Beaverton..........................27 Mother Earth School.............................................29 Nelson Pediatric Dentistry....................................38 Northwest Academy.............................................25 Northwest Chinese Academy...............................25 NWK Birthday Expo................................................3 Oregon Ballet Theatre...........................................13 Oregon Children’s Theatre.....................................38 Oregon Hope Chinese School...............................26 Oregon Zoo............................................................11 Plumper Pumpkin...................................................9 Portland Jewish Academy....................................29 Portland Life Consulting.........................................9 Portland Spirit.......................................................37 Portland Trampoline...............................................7 Riverdale School District.......................................13 Saturday Academy................................................29 Schoolita Alegria...................................................32 Sit Still...................................................................32 Small Friends School............................................25 Spanky’s Legendary Consignment.......................37 Spielwerk Toys.......................................................37 St. Matthew School..............................................13 Summa Academy.................................................21 SunGarden Montessori.........................................32 Sunshine Montessori............................................25 Sunstone Montessori............................................23 The Kids’ Backyard Store.........................................7 ThriftMouse Sale...................................................35 Trinity Lutheran.....................................................21 Urban Farm Store....................................................9 Valley Christian Preschool.....................................13 Westside Montessori International......................23 World of Smiles.......................................................2 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 Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator/ Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@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 Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • 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. Cover Illustration by Phoebe Wahl. Originally created for and published in the 2015 Taproot Magazine calendar.
WHAT WE’RE READING
NW Kids Magazine | 7
Hello Mummy! by Indikidual Skid Tee at Black Wagon, $50, blackwagon.com
The Inhuman Squishy Zombie by SmartLab Toys at Child’s Play, $28, childsplayportland.com
Piggy Paint at Bella Stella, $8, bellastellababy.com
FOUND Around Town Body Doodlers by International Arrivals at Child’s Play, $10, childsplayportland.com
Rapunzel dress at Amazing Fairytale Parties, $74, amazingfairytaleparties.com 8 | NW Kids Magazine
Elope Hats at Coffee Kids, $20 and up, coffee-kids.myshopify.com
"Jampires" by Sarah McIntyre and David O'Connell at Green Bean Books, $17, greenbeanbookspdx.com
Natural Face Paint at Spielwerk Toys, $15, spielwerktoys.com
NW Kids Magazine | 9
A Tale from the Chicken Coop:
An Interview with Phoebe Wahl
Photograph by DYLAN FURST
by ROBIN ANDERSON
Phoebe Wahl is an author-artist living in Bellingham, Washington. Her debut picture book “Sonya’s Chickens” is a beautiful tale of raising animals and how families care for one another.
“Sonya’s Chickens” captures the love children experience toward animals. What pets did you grow up with? We had a cat when I was very young, and then for most of my childhood I had rats! Despite their negative connotations rats make fantastic pets, they’re very smart, friendly and cuddly. We got chicks briefly when I was about eleven, but they all turned out to be roosters! I bonded with the runt, who we kept for a while. He would follow me around everywhere, and loved to be petted and held. We ended up giving him away to a nearby family, where he lived out his days in their house with them!
Do you raise chickens now? Not at the moment, hopefully someday, when I have my own garden too! Your book addresses the challenging subject of the circle of life when one of Sonya’s chickens is snatched up by a fox. Sonya’s father explains that the fox was tending to its family much like people and other animals do. What responses have you gotten from families who’ve read the book? So far I’ve only had really kind thanks from families on tackling this subject. I didn’t set out to write a book about death, but loss cropped up organically as part of the continued on p. 12
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the floorboards creak. My art practice feels like a constant attempt to capture the feeling of ‘home’, all of the wildness that surrounds it and the comforts and trappings inside it.
universal experience of having a pet. It seems to really resonate with people because it is such a common occurrence, and many parents have expressed being unsure of how to explain death (specifically in relation to the food chain) to children. They are grateful to have the book as a bit of a road map. It can be upsetting, as it really boils down to not having control over the natural world. I think it’s important for children to understand that, just as I think it’s important to honor children’s grief, and celebrate it in a way, as an indicator of being so wonderfully human. What are your favorite animals? Right now: otters, bats and pikas. Your illustrations have a beautiful homey feel to them. What has influenced your art? Much of my inspiration comes from the work of other illustrators: Alice Provenson, Barbara Cooney, Elsa Beskow, Tove Jansson, Faith Ringgold, William Steig, Andre Francois, Elisa Kleven, Garth Williams, Roger Duvoisin, Pauline Baynes, Francoise Seignobosc, and painters like Maud Lewis, Matisse, Cassatt, Kirchner, Burchfield and Grandma Moses. The bulk of my influences come from life experiences. Many of the landscapes and interiors I illustrate are chimeras of places I have known and loved. I know how they smell and feel, what birds you can hear, where 12 | NW Kids Magazine
What was it like growing up homeschooled? Wonderful! I was a kindergarten drop out, unschooled from then on. From a young age I was trusted with time and freedom to explore and delve into the things that made me come alive with passion and curiosity. There was no curriculum, no set schedule. I honed in on and gained confidence in the things that interested me, mostly art, writing, nature, dress-up, and reading “Little Women” over and over. What were your favorite parts about growing up in the Pacific Northwest? My favorite part is how readily available nature was. Lush forests, mountains and beaches are all close by. I spent much of my time as a kid laying in the yard, exploring, building forts and fairy houses, watching, listening, and smelling the landscapes around me. I think that kind of intimacy with the outdoors is invaluable. When you have a deep bond with a landscape, acting as a steward to preserve and celebrate your environment comes naturally, and will completely inform your life practices as an adult. What other projects are you working on? Right now I’m finishing up illustrating the 2016 calendar for Taproot Magazine. I make one for them annually, as well as products such as paper dolls and journals. I’m also working on my next book! I have so many more stories up my sleeve, the hardest part is deciding which one to focus on next! Phoebe Wahl will be reading her beautiful new picture book “Sonya’s Chickens” at Green Bean Books on Sunday, October 4th at 11am.
Robin Anderson loves sharing books for readers of all ages at Green Bean Books and Powell’s Books. Originally from outside of Buffalo, NY, she is proud to call Portland home.
NW Kids Magazine | 13
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE BRIDGES MIDDLE SCHOOL
CATLIN GABEL SCHOOL
CEDARWOOD WALDORF SCHOOL
ADDRESS
716 NE Marine Drive, Portland
8825 SW Barnes Road, Portland
3030 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland
PHONE
(503) 688.2923
(503) 297.1894
(503) 245.1477
WEBSITE
bridgesms.org
catlin.edu
cedarwoodschool.org
DESCRIPTION
Bridges Middle School is an independent nonprofit school in Portland, Oregon that provides a highly creative and focused school setting for 5th–8th grade students with learning differences.
Committed to inspiring students with dedicated teaching, caring relationships, a challenging curriculum, and community service.
Cedarwood School brings Waldorf education to life and strives to instill a love for learning. The curriculum weaves together the arts, academics and movement, with a reverence for the developing child.
OPEN HOUSE
Open enrollment, private admission tours scheduled individually.
November 1, 1-5pm
January 23, March 5
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
5th-8th grade
PreK-12th grade
PreK -8th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
N/A
756
320
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
9:1
7:1
15:1
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
No
Yes
Yes
TUITION RANGE
$20,500 annually
$21,050-$28,250 annually
$6,500-$12,500 annually
Yes
Yes
Yes
Special Education/ Individualized Instruction
Experiential
Waldorf
FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
LITTLE FRUIT FARM MONTESSORI
GOODTIME CHINESE SCHOOL
8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland
3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton
15285 NW Central Drive, Portland
16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton
(503) 292.7776
(503) 626.9089
(503) 277.3899
(503) 521.8603
faispdx.org
gspdx.org
goodtimechinese school.org
littlefruitfarmmontessori .com
The French American International School cultivates intellect and character through rigorous multilingual academic programs in an environment that promotes appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences.
German International Preschool and K to School is a collaborative 2nd grade Immersion Chinese programs. community with a student-centered learning environment that encourages growth into bilingual world citizens.
Quality home preschool, experienced devoted A.M.I. teacher, low student ratio, safe wholesome learning environment, indoor/ outdoor activities, ages 2-6.
Middle School: Nov. 5, Nov. 28, 6:30pm-8:30 pm Lower School: Nov. 11, Jan. 15, April 7, 9am-11am
October 28, 9am-11am January 24, 10am-11:30am
Every Friday 9am-10:30am by appointment
Tours on first Fridays every month
2 1/2-years-old/ Preschool-8th grade
Preschool -5th grade
3-7-years-old
2-10-years-old
565
200
113
16
9:1
9:1
8:1
8:1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$850 monthly
$425-$1000 monthly
$13,404-$17,601 annually Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Language Immersion
Language Immersion, IB
Language Immersion
Montessori
NW Kids Magazine | 15
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE MSB
MOTHER EARTH SCHOOL
NORTHWEST ACADEMY
ADDRESS
11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane, Portland
PO Box 82124, Portland
1130 SW Main Street, Portland
PHONE
(503) 439.1597
(503) 444.1588
(503) 223.3367 x104
WEBSITE
msb.org
MotherEarthSchool. com
nwacademy.org
DESCRIPTION
MSB is a private, AMI Montessori school serving 180 children, preschool through 6th grade.
Mother Earth School enlivens education for children through deep nature connection on the farm and in the forest.
Northwest Academy is committed to inspiring students to discover their intellectual and artistic voices in a creative and supportive atmosphere fueled by curiosity and constructive challenge.
OPEN HOUSE
October 14 & 29, 7pm January 9, 1:30pm
Thursdays by appointment
HS: Mondays, 9:30am11am, Sept. 28; Oct. 26; Nov. 16; Dec.14. MS: Mondays 1pm2:30pm, Oct. 5; Nov. 2; Dec. 7; Jan. 4; May 2
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
3-12-years-old
PreK-3rd grade
6th-12th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
180
47
240
15:1
8:1
5:1
No
Yes
No
$7,800-$9,800 annually
$4,700-$7,300 annually
$19,300-$20,500 annually
FINANCIAL AID
No
Yes
Yes
TEACHING METHOD
Montessori
Experiential, Language Immersion, Play-based, Whole child, Waldorf, Outdoor & Nature
Progressive, Independent, College Prep
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE TUITION RANGE
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE NORTHWEST CHINESE ACADEMY
OREGON HOPE CHINESE SCHOOL
PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SATURDAY ACADEMY
8565 SW BeavertonHillsdale Highway, Beaverton
4010 NW Kaiser Road, Portland
11733 SW 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland Breyman Avenue, Portland
5000 N Willamette Boulevard, Portland
(503) 546.3455
(971) 226.7240
(503) 244.0126
(503) 262.4840
(503) 200.5858
nwchinese academy.org
oregon-hope.org
pjaproud.org
riverdaleschool. com
saturdayacademy. org
NWCA provides an outstanding full time, true Mandarin language and cultural immersion education with accelerated English.
An OR state and IRS-recognized public benefit nonprofit that provides Saturday Chinese classes, Mandarin Kids, an early childhood program, Summer Camp, and AfterSchool Chinese.
PJA nurtures and inspires positive Jewish engagement, respect for human and religious differences, and responsibility for the world.
The best aspects of independent schooling in a public school setting, with small classes, enthusiastic teachers and challenging academics.
Saturday Academy offers hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math classes throughout the Portland Metro Area.
October 17, 10am-12pm January 10, 10am-12pm
E-mail or call for appointment
November 4, 10am December 2, 10am January 13, 10am
9th-12th grade: November 15, 1pm; K-8th grade: January 22, 9:30am
N/A
Preschool -8th grade
Preschool
6 weeks-8th grade PreK-12th grade
2nd-12th grade
100
200
360
360 (GS), 265 (HS)
Varies by class
10:1
6:1-10:1
Lower + MS:18:1, Infants: 4:1, Preschool: 8:1
13:1
12:1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$5,715-$14,600 annually
$145/term to $1,100 monthly
$8,000-$17,000 annually
$10,130-11,950 annually
$79-$589 depending on hours
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Language Immersion
Language Immersion
Experiential, Play- Experiential based, Whole child, Projectbased, Progressive
Experiential
NW Kids Magazine | 17
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE SCHOOLITA ALEGRIA
SMALL FRIENDS
ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ADDRESS
1814 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland
7475 SW Oleson Road, Portland
221 SE Walnut Street., Hillsboro
PHONE
(503) 288.5574
(503) 388.2266
(503) 648.2512
WEBSITE
schoolita-alegria.com
smallfriends school.com
stmatthewschool hillsboro.org
DESCRIPTION
Providing a strong Spanish base mixed with a Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilio style.
At Small Friends children explore, create and collaborate to deepen their understanding of their world.
United as a community of faith, St. Matthew Catholic School nurtures the heart and mind of every student to live, learn and serve with the compassion of Christ.
OPEN HOUSE
Open/by appointment
February 4, 7pm
November 1, 9am-1pm
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
3-5-years-old
3-5-years-old
PK3, PK4, K-8th grade
MAX ENROLLMENT
10
18 per class
300
10:1 or 2
4:1
17:1
Yes
No
Yes
$575-$825 monthly
$165-$205 monthly
$4,950-$7,200 annually
FINANCIAL AID
Yes
No
Yes
TEACHING METHOD
Language Immersion, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf
Experiential, Play-based
Whole Child
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE TUITION RANGE
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE SUMMA ACADEMY
SUNGARDEN MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE
2510 SW 1st Avenue, Portland
2284 Long Street, West Linn
4845 SW Murray Road, Beaverton
6318 SW Corbett Avenue, Portland
(K-5): 025 SW Sherman Street (PreK): 5210 SW Corbett Avenue
(503) 287.1785
(503) 655.2609
(503) 644.1466
(503) 768.3847
(503) 226.2496
summaacademy. org
sungarden montessori.org
sunshinemontessori.com
sunstone montessori.org
intlschool.org
Nurturing children’s natural love of learning and cultivating Academic Excellence and Emotional Intelligence by building confidence, creativity, compassion and inquisitive minds.
Providing authentic Montessori education for children 2 1/2- 6.
Well established preschool, with extended care serving the community since 1995.
A community of curious and compassionate learners serving children ages 15 months through 6th grade.
Spanish, Japanese or Chinese language immersion and inquiry-based, International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through 5th grade.
October 26, 6:30pm-8:30pm; January 30, 10am12pm; April 18, 9am-11am
October 24, 11am-1pm; January 30, 1pm3pm; April 2, 11am-1pm
October 2, 7pm
November 12, January 3 4:30-6:30pm
Kindergarten: Oct 16, 9-11am PreK: Oct 23, 9am-12pm
K-8th grade
2 1/2-6-years-old
2-years-old Kindergarten
15-months-old6th grade
PreK-5th grade
130
45
120
200
500
11:1
10:1
10:1 Preschool, 5:1 Toddler
15 mo: 4:1, 3-6 years: 10:1, 1st-6th grade: 15:1
11:1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$9,750-$13,250 annually
$650-$895 monthly
$850-$1025 monthly
$9,000-$20,000 annually
$9,510-$15,920 annually
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Experiential, Whole child, Natural Learning Relationships
Montessori
Montessori
Montessori
Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate (Inquiry-based)
SUNSHINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
SUNSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
NW Kids Magazine | 19
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE WESTSIDE MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
VALLEY CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
ADDRESS
5520 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland
8060 SW Brentwood Street, Portland
1870 NW 188th Avenue, Beaverton
PHONE
(503) 288.6403
(503) 292.3537
(503) 739.3949
trinityportland.org
valleychristian preschool.com
wmioregon.com
WEBSITE DESCRIPTION
Quality education founded on high academic standards, with the presence and example of Christ
VCP’s young learners explore and engage through our creative, play-based curriculum.
Christ-Centered early education founded on the vision of “Equipping the Next Generation” fostered through the value of training in the formative years to allow them to reach their full potential in all areas and stages of life.
Thursdays, 10am-2pm
January 12, 6:30-8pm
Every 4th Saturday of the month/By appointment only. Call 503-327-6681.
GRADE RANGE/ AGE RANGE
Preschool-8th grade
2-5-years-old
2.5-6-years-old
MAX ENROLLMENT
275
8-20 depending upon age/classroom
48
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
18:1
8:2-20:2 depending upon age/classroom
10:1
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Yes
No
Yes
$2,326-$6,684 annually
$125-$215 monthly
$600-$1,100 monthly
Yes
Yes
Yes
Traditional
Play-based, Reggio Emilia
Language Immersion, Montessori
OPEN HOUSE
TUITION RANGE FINANCIAL AID TEACHING METHOD
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Photograph courtesy of RON MILLER
by KELLEY GARDINER
HOLA: SPANISH-ENGLISH IMMERSION SCHOOLS Feel like expanding your children’s horizons? Exposing kids to different languages is said to prepare them for all kinds of subjects later on in life. It’s easier for children to acquire language when they’re young, so get them started early. These bilingual private schools in Portland teach Spanish alongside English, so your little one gets instruction in Spanish language with a side of empathy and appreciation for other cultures. APRENDE CON AMIGOS Children from 3-5 years (who are potty trained, please) can take part of this immersive experience. Estudiantes rotate through clusters of music and art, math and science, and language arts and social studies, all of which are taught in Spanish and English. Every day also includes outdoor play time at Patton Square City Park, just next door. This school where students learn with friends is “designed to enhance your child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and gross motor skills while supporting their learning of a second language in a fun and nurturing environment.” Half and full-day programs are available. 5206 N Interstate Avenue • 503-740-0304 www.aprendeconamigos.com
EDUPLIN SPANISH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL This Christian Spanish immersion program serves students two to five years old, and features instructors whose first language is Spanish. A one-acre private fenced wooded area gives your niños plenty of room to roam and explore. Preschool students attend two, three, or four mornings, and 22 | NW Kids Magazine
kindergarteners attend five mornings a week. Parents especially note the tender care and attention to emotional health their children receive alongside their education. Not ready quite ready to send the little ones off by themselves? Spanish “Mommy and Me” classes are also offered one day a week for moms of babies and toddlers. 9920 NW Cornell Road • 503-291-9182 www.eduplinscs.org
ESCUELA VIVA Infants through preschoolers (six months to five years) can benefit from the bilingual education at Escuela Viva, whether Spanish or or English is their first language. Parents appreciate the supportive and compassionate environment that teachers model for the students. Rather than immersion, teachers use a slow and steady approach to adding new language concepts and vocabulary into everyday activities such as songs and dances. There’s never any pressure to learn; just support for children as partners in learning. 1111 SE Pine Street • 503-282-2091 escuela-viva.com continued on p. 24
NW Kids Magazine | 23
FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Those who enter French American International School with a high level of Spanish (or French, German, or Mandarin) can continue those studies through three years at Gilkey Middle School. Students take some of their classes with a cohort who works in the same language, and other classes in English with students from other tracks. No matter the language, all students participate in community service projects and overnight field trips. Eighth graders enjoy two-week overseas trips. 8500 NW Johnson Street • 503-292-7776 faispdx.org
MONTESSORI OF ALAMEDA
MONTESSORI OF ALAMEDA Montessori of Alameda offers preschool and kindergarten, as well as a Montessori education for infants starting at three months of age. All classrooms are bilingual. As with most Montessori programs, days are structured carefully. Children are encouraged to learn and practice ageappropriate independence, all of which is designed to lead to self-confidence, motivation, and self-discipline. Kids are encouraged to learn through hands-on experience and problem-solving. Vegan and nut-free snacks are served here for full-day students, and parents pack lunches for their little ones. 4210 NE Going Street • 503-335-3321 montessoriofalameda.com
NORTHWEST ACADEMY Students who have come from language immersion backgrounds are welcome at the Northwest Academy’s high school program. All students are required to study World Languages, with Spanish, French, and Mandarin available. If your son or daughter is lucky enough to be fluent in one of these languages, they’ll enter at the Fluent level, which “emphasizes immersion in the target language” and allows students plenty of practice en español with their classmates. 1130 SW Main Street • 503-223-3367 nwacademy.org
SCHOOLITA ALEGRIA This small and close-knit preschool and kindergarten accepts ages 3-5. Due to its low capacity, enrollment for fall starts in January. Half-day (morning) or full-day (until 3 p.m.) care is offered. Each morning starts with 40 minutes of pure Español, and the remainder of the day is taken up by important pursuits like storytelling, outdoor play, and creative time. Influenced by Montessori, with Waldorf and Reggio Emilia elements, this school offers an intimate experience tailored to your child’s cohort. Potential parents can take a tour to check out the facilities and classes in action. If you’re interested, get your application in early. 1814 NE 33rd Avenue • 503-288-5574 schoolita-alegria.com
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Unlike the other schools on our list, programming at The International School goes all the way up to fifth grade. This school offers “true immersion” in a number of languages, including Spanish. That means as soon as students walk in, they’ll hear native speakers of Spanish using their own language. Students are immersed in Spanish for at least 80% of the time in preschool and kindergarten, and 65% of the time in upper grades, continued on p. 26
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as they take language arts, math, social studies and science all in their chosen language. Of course, there’s a strong English language program as well to prepare students for any course of study in the future. Fifth grade classes take a trip to study Spanish in Mexico. Don’t worry about homework help if you don’t speak the language—kids here are taught the skills to “become resourceful and independent learners.”
Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger, and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com
025 SW Sherman Street • 503-226-2496 intlschool.org
Resource Guide:
Afterschool & Weekend Bilingual Classes Chinese
BODHI TREE CHINESE SCHOOL bodhitreechineseschool.org/btcs/ index.dhtml GOODTIME CHINESE SCHOOL goodtimechineseschool.org OREGON HOPE CHINESE SCHOOL oregon-hope.org
French ATLAS IMMERSION ACADEMY sites.google.com/site/atlastrial2/ ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE PORTLAND afportland.org/french-portland/
German SOPHIE SCHOLL GERMAN SCHOOL sophieschollschule.org
Italian SCUOLA ITALIANA DI PORTLAND scuola.us
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Spanish PORTLAND EARLY LEARNING PROJECT portlandearlylearning.com PORTLANDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES portlandialanguages.com THE TIERRA CENTER tierracenter.com
French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian and ESL BERLITZ PORTLAND berlitzportland.com/kids
Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, ASL and more KIDS LIKE LANGUAGES kidslikelanguages.com
French & Spanish CULTURE CLUB cultureclubkids.com
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Best of Portland and beyond OUR TOP PICKS FOR GETTING OUT THIS MONTH
OCTOBER
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All Oct CORN MAIZE
Portland’s original cornfield maze! Get your rain gear on (it gets super muddy out there!) and tromp through the 5-acre field, with two miles of possible paths, dead ends, and turnarounds. $7, portlandmaze.com
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Oct 3-4 BIRDFEST & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
An autumntime celebration of fall migration, music, and nature. Two jam-packed days of events like bird language workshops and crane tours, canoeing and kayaking, kids’ games and activities, bluegrass music, and bird and nature themed movies. Free, ridgefieldfriends.org
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Oct 3-24 THE SUN SERPENT
Northwest Children’s Theater presents this mythical tale of Aztec brotherhood, performed through language, masks, and digital media for one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. $17-23, nwcts.org
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. 28 | NW Kids Magazine
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4
Oct 9-11, 16-18 PORTLAND NURSERY APPLE TASTING EVENT
The crisp fall chill brings the versatile apple its time to shine! Taste 60+ varieties of apples and pears, watch a cider-pressing demo and scarecrow contest, sample apple strudel and other baked goodies, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities. Free, portlandnursery.com
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Oct 10 NW KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY EXPO
Feeling stumped about how to make your kiddo’s next birthday party better than the last (and the last, and the last)? Come check out the Portland area’s coolest places to party - some of them even bring the party to you! Face painting, raffles, and other activities and entertainment - plus meet the NWK team! Free, nwkidsmagazine.com
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Oct 11 CATHY & MARCY W/ RED YARN!
Grammy award-winning folk and pop music duo Cathy & Marcy join local favorite Red Yarn in a rare all-ages show, featuring a mix of banjo, ukelele, electric guitar, steel drum, and many more instruments backing their infectious harmonies. $8, cathymarcy.com
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Oct 15 SPACE TRAVEL AND SURVIVAL
Experts from Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum will be on hand all day to educate the whole family on what it takes to travel through and survive in space, and even make it all the way to Mars. Free, register at beavertonlibrary.org
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 30 | NW Kids Magazine
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Oct 17 12TH ANNUAL WEST COAST GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA
Yes, seriously, you can come watch people in costumes ride giant pumpkins across a lake! Why not? If that’s just too boring for you, there’s also a pie-eating contest, 5k run/ walk, fall-inspired food and treats by local markets, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more. Free, tualatinoregon.gov
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Oct 17-18 SALMON HOMECOMING
Gather at Oxbow Regional Park to witness and celebrate this incredible phenomenon of nature: salmon fighting upstream in their last days for the sake of the life cycle. Naturalists are onsite to educate and help spot the spawning salmon. Stay for a campfire and hot chocolate, and/or learn the basics of mushroom hunting! $5-7 for parking, oregonmetro.gov
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Oct 24 LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK
This annual fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society takes walkers along the beautiful Willamette waterfront, with a brilliant fireworks display over the river midway through the course. Register now! Free registration, lightthenight.org
Oct 22-25 THRIFTMOUSE PRE-LOVED CONSIGNMENT SALE
Stock up for the season! Clean, quality items at bargain prices, all pre-owned by other families, including children’s and maternity clothing, kids’ furniture and baby equipment, outdoor gear, toys, and more. Pre-sale day on 10/22 for military/first responders, teachers, foster parents, and new moms. Free parking and admission, thriftmouse.com NW Kids Magazine | 31
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Rake In Fall’s Bounty: Art Projects to Celebrate the Season Article and photographs by KATIE BOEHNLEIN
After a warm summer, it is hard to believe that fall is upon us. Deep in our lush urban forests, Bigleaf Maple trees quietly release yellowing leaves, Banana Slugs hope for our rains to dampen dry soil, and Douglas Squirrels hoard their caches for the wet months ahead. Fall is my favorite season, alive with the bounty of the harvest. Unfortunately, fall is as fleeting as it as beautiful. Before we know it, our favorite trees will have dropped all their leaves, saving their energy for the warmer days of spring. Below you will find ideas for artists of all ages to preserve fall foliage well into the bare wetness of winter. If your family is interested in natural history, I have also supplied brief botanical information about native trees and shrubs to help you identify your collections. Happy Hunting! FORAGING FOR LEAVES It’s time to get some leaves! Pull on those rain boots and slickers, bring a tote bag for collecting, and to respect wildlife don’t forget to practice your quietest trail walking. Venture into the urban wildlands that surround you: Forest Park, Oaks Bottom, Mt. Tabor, Camassia Natural Area, Pier Park, keeping your eyes open for fall color. Pick up only the leaves that you think you will use at home; the rest are needed to feed woodland decomposers such as slugs, snails, beetles, and worms who transform leaves into rich forest soil in the winter. LET FALL INSPIRE YOU Once you return from your adventure(s), your leaf collection can be preserved in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you going: 34 | NW Kids Magazine
Title photograph by ANDREA HUNGERFORD
• Preserve leaves between pages of waxed paper. Gently melt the pages together by lightly ironing them. You will be left with a beautiful stained-glass-like leaf to hang in the window or use as a centerpiece on the dinner table. If you have younger children or you don’t want to risk the heat of the iron, sticky contact paper works just as well. • Take classic crayon leaf-rubbings to the next level by experimenting with many mediums! Place a piece of paper over your leaf of choice and reveal its unique texture by gently rubbing it with crayons, oil pastels, pencils, or even charcoal. You can even experiment with the type of paper you use: tissue paper, brown paper bags, and colored paper all make beautiful canvases for your creations. • Use leaves as stamps. One of the most beautiful (and messiest!) use of leaves is to use them as stamps or stencils. To use a leaf as a stamp, place your paper of choice on a sturdy table covered in newspaper. Place the leaf next to your blank paper and cover its surface with a thin layer of paint or ink (watercolor, acrylic paint, printing ink, or a stamp pad applied to surface). Using a pair of tweezers, gently pick up the stem of your leaf, turning it over onto the blank paper. Using a piece of scratch paper, cover the backside of the leaf and gently apply pressure, ensuring that the leaf ’s shape is permanently inscribed on your paper. Remove the scrap paper and the leaf with the tweezers, being careful not to smear your image. You will be left with a beautiful leaf print! You can reverse this process by continued on p. 36
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to be 12 inches across! In autumn, leaves from this tree turn a beautiful golden yellow color, blotched with green or brown. • Vine Maples (Acer circinatum) are technically a shrub and not a tree, but these plants can grow to be quite large, typically 10-15 feet tall with brilliant red leaves in the autumn. You will recognize a Vine Maple by it nine-lobed leaf, spelling out its name (v-i-n-e-m-a-p-l-e)! Native Americans used its flexible boughs to create sturdy baskets and snowshoes. Bigleaf Maple leaves can also be used for fearsome Halloween masks! using a leaf as a stencil. Place your leaf on the paper first, using paint or ink to color the area outside the leaf instead. Gently remove the leaf from your paper with tweezers to leave the leaf ’s blank outline on the page!
• Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is often found near rivers and other riparian habitats. Its leaves are oval-shaped, with deep, prominent veins rising diagonally from a center line. I often identify red alder trees by the miniature woody “cones” that they drop onto the ground.
• If you bring home green leaves, you can capture the plant’s natural ink. Arrange the green leaves in a design on a piece of blank paper and then cover the design with a piece of scratch paper. With a hammer or other flat-ended tool, gently tap the piece of scratch paper until you think the leaves have adequately released their paint. Remove the scratch paper and leaves- voilá!
• Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees are found near prominent water sources. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge along the Willamette River, for instance, is almost entirely made up of Cottonwood trees. Cottonwoods are easily identified by their heart-shaped leaves and (in the warmer months), seeds encased within wispy, cotton-like fluff that easily float in the wind.
• There are many uses for your creative experiments! Use your leaf images as holiday cards and stationery, as giftwrap, or simply frame them for memories of fall all year round!
• Sword Ferns (Polystichum munitum) are neither trees nor shrubs but are one of the most common plants in the Pacific Northwest and fun to use in art projects. Sword ferns are the hardiest of all ferns and darkest in color. If you are unsure about identifying a sword fern, look at each individual leaflet growing on the stem. Does it resemble a sword encased in a sheath?
KNOW YOUR TREES! The Portland area is characterized by lush, moss-strewn temperate rainforests. I have listed four broadleaf trees here, or trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Other trees and shrubs are conifers (producing cones) or those that stay green all year round (evergreen). The books mentioned below will serve as further reading and help with identification. • Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) trees are characterized by moss-covered bark and unusually large leaves. The leaves can grow 36 | NW Kids Magazine
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 grew up traversing the trails and staircases of Southwest Portland, which began a life-long passion for urban wildlife and adventure. Katie blogs about her nature adventures and travel at “In the Midst” at kboehnlein.wordpress.com.
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