PDX Parent February 2024

FREE

PRESCHOOL OUT-OF-DOORS, PG. 24

for the long days and short years

n d n u i F F yo u r

Valentine’s Day events more, pg. 36

PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | FEBRUARY 2024

Cedarwood is a school where the whole family can learn, grow, and connect with community.

Cedarwood Waldorf School is a close-knit community of families who care for each other. When you become a Cedarwood family you are supported by a group of parents, faculty, and staff who invite you into their classes and homes. You will be a part of family events, camping trips, parent evenings and social gatherings welcoming you to a creative, thoughtful, and inspiring circle.

From early childhood through the completion of eighth grade, our students are met with openness to possibility, given time to develop resiliency, and taught skills to turn challenges into opportunities. The vision of Waldorf education is that it is an education for every child.

With that in mind our community honors diversity, and actively seeks opportunities to learn from all cultures and traditions.

Each day our students are met with kindness, simplicity, and engaging experiences. In Cedarwood’s early childhood classrooms and outdoors, the students immerse themselves in the work of childhood, which we believe is play. Children enjoy a variety of hands-on practical activities in a class community that develops a sense of competence, confidence, community, and valuable skills.

Now accepting applications for Pre-K- 8th grade.

Schedule a tour to experience the Cedarwood difference www.cedarwoodschool.org

3030 SW Second Avenue | Portland, OR 97202 (503) 245-1477

contents

DENISE C ASTAÑON

34

Kids can climb, jump and swing at the new Gresham Sky Zone.

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Our Gun Violence Problem......................................................................................... 18

Editor’s Note............................................................................................................................... 4

An alarmingly high number of kids are hurt by gun violence each year. What can we actually do to keep kids safe? Local gun-safety

Play Room..................................................................................................................................... 6

advocates weigh in.

Places to learn about Black history; get your family in a Rose

By Beth Peters.

Festival parade; and lead contamination in applesauce packs.

Preschool En Plein Air.................................................................................................... 24

Field Trip.....................................................................................................................................34

Portlanders are known for their love of the outdoors. And that goes

Bounce around at the new Sky Zone Gresham trampoline park.

for the preschool-aged Portlanders as well! Find out why kids and

By Denise Castañon.

parents rave about outdoor preschool.

Time Out......................................................................................................................................36

By Bethany Marcel.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year; the Portland Winter Light Festival dazzles on dark nights; get artsy at Northwest Children’s Theater’s Spotlight family arts festival; and much more.

Sneak Peek Summer Camps................................................................................ 8-17 Preschool & Early Education Guide................................................ 23, 28-33 * cover stories

PDX FOR EST SCHOOL

24

RESOURCES:

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3

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e MAT T TUOHY

for the long days and short years

Sounding Off This month, editor Denise Castañon encouraged me to write the Editor’s Note. In this issue, we mention lots of info on preschools and plenty of ideas for February fun with your kids. But the feature, Our Gun Violence Problem by freelance writer Beth Peters, was one we’d been wanting to do for a while. It’s also, unfortunately, one that resonated with me.

I recently became a mom to a healthy, smiley baby boy. But his arrival was a tumultuous event. I went into labor early in the morning on Saturday, July 22. My husband Matt and I arrived at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center nervous and excited to become a family of three. If you followed the news from that day, then you already know about the shooting on the hospital’s maternity ward.

Security guard Bobby Smallwood lost his life that morning, shot with a gun by a man who had a history of violence and had smuggled in at least two guns onto the secure hospital floor.

We frantically evacuated to the floor’s stairwell, while warnings of an active shooter blared over the PA. In the stairwell, parents cradling brand-new infants, staff, and Matt and I huddled in a corner.

At this point, I was in active labor. My body and mind felt split in two: I felt scared and helpless, until the intense waves of pain took over everything as I gripped the stairway railing.

Because the area became a crime scene, we were eventually escorted by security out of the hospital as the PA alarms continued. We were transferred to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Shortly after, my son was born and all of my and Matt’s energy, focus and emotions went to caring for our newborn.

While our day had a happy ending, the shooting will forever be intertwined in the story of his birth. And the ripple effects, great and small, will continue to impact the other families and staff in the hospital that day, the gunman’s former partner and her baby, and, of course, the family and friends of Bobby Smallwood.

A maternity ward in a hospital should be one of the safest places. Thanks to gun violence, no place is truly ever safe. Beth’s feature tackles how to talk to other parents about guns, and legislation trying to make our communities safer. In the meantime, more people lose their lives to gun violence at such a high rate that we have become virtually desensitized to the stories and statistics.

Nonetheless, I still have hope. I have faith in humanity’s innate kindness toward each other, believing that it’s possible to exist with significantly fewer guns. If not during my lifetime, then hopefully during that of my son.

ON OUR COVER

A big thanks to Beaverton-based photographer Ranjani of Grace Photography PDX for the adorable, Valentine’s Day-themed photo of 6-year-old Ava (her daughter) and 9-year-old Vihaan. She loves capturing special moments in maternity, newborn and family sessions in her studio and in outdoor settings. In addition to her busy photography schedule, she’s passionate about mentoring other photographers. “My goal is to empower individuals to create their own schedules, spend quality time with their families, and earn for themselves rather than being tied to traditional employment,” she says. See more of her vibrant and richly colorful photos at gracephotographypdx.com or on Instagram @gracephotographypdx.

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PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Jill Weisensee, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com E-newsletter Editor Anne King anne.king@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Eastside and Vancouver Account Executive Alice Schulz, 971-236-4037 alice.schulz@pdxparent.com Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. Vice President of Operations Rose Caudillo operations@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July)

by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.

The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS The Choice that Makes a Difference!

play it forward

Your Lottery Play Makes a Difference for Oregon Students Academic Excellence • Faith Formation • Rich Co-Curricular Activities • Before and After School Care Registered and Recognized by the State of Oregon Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA)

All Saints School

Enrollment opens January 1, 2024.

Open houses: Jan 11 PreK & K 6:30 p.m.

Jan 18 PreK-8 6:30 p.m.

Jan 21 PreK-8 1:00 p.m.

601 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 503-236-6205 allsaintsportland.com

St. John the Apostle

Grades PreK - 8. Call for current openings. Open House dates: January 28, 9:30am - 1:30pm February 6, 5:00 - 7:00pm 516 Fifth St., Oregon City, OR 97045 503-742-8230 | sja-eagles.com

St. Rose School St. Clare School

Open House: January 28, 12-2 pm Call for private tour and application process.

1807 SW Freeman St., Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 | stclarepdx.org

Open House: Thurs, February 1, 5pm Call for tour information!

5309 NE Alameda St., Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 | strosepdx.org

The Madeleine School St. Ignatius School

Developing students to build a just and compassionate world.

Preschool through 8th grade Open House: January 28th, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Tour our school and meet our teachers! Immediate openings available for some grade levels.

Portland, OR 97229 (503) 774-5533 | sispdx.org

Open House: Sunday, January 28, 11:30-1:30 pm Tour our school and meet the teachers and families.

3240 NE 23rd Ave., Portland, OR 97212 503-288-9197 | themadeleine.edu

It All Started in 1995 Although the Oregon Lottery wasn’t founded with the goal of supporting education, after ten years, Oregon voters decided it would be a wise idea to use a portion of Lottery proceeds to support our schools. Today more than fifty percent of all Lottery proceeds go to supporting Oregon public schools, from kindergarten all the way through college. In total, that’s more than nine billion dollars since 1995.

Dollars Flow Across the State The dollars flow to all 197 school districts in every county of the state. Their impact is felt in tiny, oneroom schools like Ashwood School in Jefferson County to Sherwood High School’s massive new campus in Washington County. The dollars help with the costs of everything from teacher salaries to classroom technology, textbooks, enrichment programs and more.

When lots of Oregonians each play their favorite lottery games — like Powerball, Keno, Scratch-its and more — dollars add up for education. Your play today helps make a better future possible for students, and, through them, for all of us.

Thank you for playing!

Valley Catholic Elementary School St. John Fisher

4581 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR 97219 503-246-3234 | sjfschool.org

Developing students into lifelong learners.

4420 S.W. St. Mary’s Drive, Beaverton, OR 97078 503-718-6501 | ssmo.org/vcs/ schools/elementary/

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p l ay r o o m

TOP

Ways to learn about local Black history

5

1

This Black History Month — and every month — celebrate and uplift Black history in our community at these five places and resources in the Portland area.

2

Stop by “The Dream’’ statue outside of

the Oregon Convention Center (oregoncc.org). This 8-foot-tall bronze statue, made by Michael Florin Dente, depicts Martin Luther King, Jr. and three additional allegorical figures.

Tune into The Numberz FM (thenumberz.fm). Co-

3

founded by DJ Ambush and housed in the Portland Art Museum, the digital station is Portland’s first and only Blackled radio station. The Numberz spotlights Black stories, voices, music and more.

Verdell Burdine Rutherford

Park — featuring a colorful and accessible play space — in the Centennial neighborhood, was renovated and

renamed in 2020. It’s the first Portland park named after a local Black leader. Notably, Rutherford helped pass the Public Accommodations Act of

4

1953, which outlawed discrimination in public places on the basis of race, religion or national origin.

Walk along Alberta Street and discover

five neighborhood markers — which run along 11th to 24th Avenues — that spotlight stories, places, and events in this historic Black neighborhood.

Pro tip: For a city-wide tour of more Black-centered places, visit portland.

5

gov/bps/planning/historic-resources/african-american-historic-sites-initiative OR EGON CONVENTION CENTER

Oregon Black Pioneers' — a statewide Black historical society — digital

exhibit, “Racing to Change: Oregon’s Civil Rights Years” details the Civil Rights movement in the state. The online exhibit is easy to follow

racing-to-change. — Tiffany Hill

3

2

GAIL PAR K

Ask Dr. Baynham Q: I recently read about lead in children’s applesauce pouches.

What should I be aware of when it comes to feeding my 4-year-old these fruit purees? Should I stop?

A: Last fall, three brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled due to high levels of lead: WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis. The source of the lead was the cinnamon, which was produced in Ecuador. Some of

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media. Visit oregonblackpioneers.org/exhibit/

the pouches contained up to 200 times

NAIM HASAN

THE PORTL AND ART MUSEUM

1

and features detailed historical photos and

The biggest source of lead exposure for kids is still lead paint, which is most likely to be found in homes built prior to 1978.

the acceptable level for lead. The FDA is

Symptoms of lead poisoning in children

now screening all international shipments

include headache, irritability, constipation

of cinnamon for lead. So far, at least 69

and stomachaches. It can also affect

children across 14 states were reported

behavior and learning. There are usually

to have elevated blood lead levels due to

no immediate effects after lead exposure,

consuming these pouches.

so the only way to know would be through

How does this happen? Other countries

a blood test. This is partly why all children

may add lead to spices to enhance their

in the U.S. are screened for lead exposure

color and increase weight. Lead can also

at the one year check up. If you think

be found in imported candies, vitamins

your child has been exposed to lead, call

and cosmetics. The U.S. does monitor

your pediatrician to discuss next steps for

for this, which is how it was found in the

testing.

applesauce, but it’s still good to be cautious when considering what products to buy.

If you still have these pouches, squeeze them into the trash then throw away

PORTL AND ROSE FESTIVAL

In the Know:

Join the Parade!

If your family loves going to the Rose Festival’s Junior Parade, this year you can step up your

Helping to create

peace of mind and serene living is what we’re here to do!

Delivering exceptional service to our clients while operating

game and be in the parade!

with extremely high levels of

Rose Festival organizers are

integrity, attention to detail,

looking for creative, Portlandloving families to bring back

and passion for what we do.

the parade’s tradition of “family floats” to the beloved community event. Head to rosefestival.org/ events/2024/2024juniorparade to find out how your crew can get involved in the ultimate, family-

When our clients are happy, we’re happy.

friendly Portland parade. This year’s Fred Meyer Junior Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5.

— Denise Castañon

the empty containers. This will prevent anyone from accidentally retrieving them from the trash. I for one never expected to find myself saying “we don’t eat things from the

503-791-3447

trash” as often as I do with a 2and 5-year-old.

emmaculatepdx

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes

emmaculatecleaningpdx.com

to raise healthy, resilient children.

Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

emmy@ emmaculatecleaningpdx.com pdxparent.com

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Get a jump on

booking summer

camps with our Sneak Peek Guide — and don’t miss our huge Ultimate Summer Camps Guide in our March issue.

Test out camps in person at

PDX Parent’s Summer Camps Expo , Saturday, March 16, 10 am-2 pm at the Lloyd Center Mall.

Pdxparent.com/camp-expo

Summer will be here before we know it! check out our new office in beaverton, near washington square!

Schedule your well child, school, or camp checkup now! patient

Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Pediatrics

8333 SE 13th Ave Portland, OR 97202

6234 N Greeley Ave Portland, OR 97217

9925 SW Nimbus Ave Beaverton, OR 97008

Sellwood

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portal

North

Westside

TRACKERS EARTH Address

4617 SE MILWAUKIE AVE PORTLAND, OR 97202 Website

TRACKERSPDX.COM/YOUTH/CAMPS/ SUMMER-CAMP Camp Phone

503-345-3312 Early Bird Discount Offered

$50 OFF ALL CAMPS (ENDS MARCH 8) Cost

$465 WEEK, DAY CAMP STUDIO (ONSITE) $565 WEEK, DAY CAMP ADVENTURE (MOBILE) $838 WEEK, OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE Dates

JUNE 17 - AUGUST 23, 2024 Ages

GRADES K-12 Location

SE PDX / NE PDX / W PDX / OVERNIGHT Before/After Care

YES Camp Type/Theme

OLD SCHOOL CAMPS ARTS, CRAFTS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Explore Trackers Earth's awardwinning programs! Kids can get outdoors, find friends, and learn new skills with expert Guides.

Choose Studio Classes (onsite) or Adventure Camps (mobile) from the following subjects: → Stealth, Archery & Wilderness Survival → Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Cooking → Animals, Farms & Wild Food Foraging → Role-Playing Games, Secret Agents & Wizards → Sewing, Woodworking & Handcrafts → Pottery, Metalsmithing & Blacksmithing Trackers offers old school camp adventures for Grades K-12 with day & overnight options!

WHY KIDS ♥ Trackers teaches awesome outdoor skills such as woodworking, wilderness survival, archery, boating, wild foods foraging, and more! Kids understand that Trackers goes beyond just camp, with their Guides helping and trusting them to be the competent and capable bad asses they know they are.

WHY PARENTS ♥ Parents understand that Trackers helps connect kids to nature and community, guiding them to develop reallife skills, thoughtfulness, and resilience. They appreciate its mission: guiding kids to become caretakers who live truly adventurous stories, now and into their future adulthood.

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OMSI

SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES Address

1945 SE WATER AVE, PORTLAND OR 97214 Website

WWW.OMSI.EDU/CAMPS-CLASSES Camp Phone

(503) 797-4661 Early Bird Discount Offered

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Sibling Discount

NO Cost $

295-$2,035 Dates

DAY CAMPS: JUNE 17-AUGUST 30 OVERNIGHT CAMPS: JUNE 24-SEPTEMBER 2 Ages

5-18 Registration Deadline

OPEN UNTIL FULL (THEY FILL FAST!) Location

PORTLAND, OR / FOSSIL, OR / NEWPORT, OR / AND MORE! Before/After Care

NO Camp Type/Theme

STEAM, DAY AND OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS Counselor-to-Camper Ratio

DAY CAMPS 1-10, OVERNIGHT CAMPS 1-8

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Direct a movie, explore the seashore, or go whitewater rafting. All while making lifelong friends! OMSI camps and classes are unforgettable experiences, with overnight camps for grades 2-12 and day camps for grades K-8.

At OMSI’s overnight camps, you can choose coastal adventures or desert exploration! Examine tide pools on the coast or hunt for fossils in Eastern Oregon.

OMSI’s day camps in Portland feature chemistry, space, dinosaurs, robots, LEGO, and more!

WHY KIDS ♥

Search for fossils, learn the science behind soccer or music, explore creatures of air, land, and sea, and so much more, all while sharing the adventure with friends!

WHY PARENTS ♥

Let your kids invent, imagine, design, program, engineer, and explore this summer! OMSI offers a broad array of STEAM activities unlike anywhere else to spark curiosity and inspire your kids’ love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S THEATER SUMMER CAMP Website

NWCTS.ORG/SUMMER-CAMP-24

WHY KIDS ♥ Whether you’re new to theater or you’re ready to enhance you singing, dancing, and acting skills, there’s something for everyone at NWCT!

Registration Deadline

ONGOING BUT CAMPS FILL UP FAST! Cost $

240 - $960 Dates

JUNE 17 – AUGUST 23

"The adventures!"

"Making friends!"

"Learning new games and songs!"

"Performing on the last day!"

WHY PARENTS ♥ "All three of my children love the activities, teachers, and performing! I'm continually impressed with the quality of programming and caring of staff. It's been wonderful watching my kids' confidence grow with each performance!"

Ages

4 - 14 Location

MULTIPLE Camp Type

THEATER

ADVENTURE AWAITS THIS SUMMER AT LOVEGOOD Website

LOVEGOOD.COMPANY Early Bird Discount Offered

YES Dates

CAMPS RUN JUNE THROUGH AUGUST

Adventure awaits this summer at Lovegood with our musical theatre summer camps for ages 6-14!

Students will strengthen their acting, voice and movement skills through learning scenes, songs, and choreography.

We are offering Disney's Finding Nemo KIDS and Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark!

WHY KIDS ♥ Campers get to be a part of telling the story of epic adventures! Grow your skills to act, sing and dance while you learn about all of the magic that goes into live theatre!

WHY PARENTS ♥ While growing in skills for the stage, students will also grow in their courage, ownership, receptivity and authenticity. Our summer staff creates an exciting, engaging and encouraging learning environment.

Ages

6-14 Location

LOVEGOOD PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY Camp Type

PERFORMING ARTS

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ELECTRONIC MUSIC CLUB Website

WWW.ELECTRONICMUSICCLUB.NET Camp Phone

(503) 208-6602 Sibling Discount

10% Cost $

375 - $425 Dates

6/17 - 8/16 Ages

8-13 Registration Deadline

6/1 Location

UNITY OF PORTLAND 4525 SE STARK ST. PORTLAND, OR 97215 Before/After Care

NO Camp Type/Theme

MUSIC CAMP Counselor-to-Camper Ratio

5-1

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Embark on a musical journey at our Summer Camps, where kids can navigate drag-anddrop looping, build their own synthesizers, and collaborate on creative projects. We are introducing new themes this year for our weeklong camps like Pop Song Production, Hip Hop Beat Making, and Video Game Music, offering your child extraordinary ways to interact with technology. Let your child explore the boundless possibilities of sound in a fun and supportive environment.

WHY KIDS ♥

Kids love crafting their own music in styles they adore, using engaging and fun tools.

With our projects as a starting point, they relish the freedom to take their work and music in countless exciting directions, enjoying the chance to call their own creative shots!

WHY PARENTS ♥

Parents appreciate the wellstructured nature of our camps, where students have the opportunity to flex their creative muscles. They also love the chance to hear their child's accomplishments at the end of the camp and take pride in sharing their compositions with friends and family.

CHILDSWORK

LEARNING CENTER Join us for a special summer camp just for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Our generalist camp has seasoned teachers that lead children ages 3-6 in outside play, nature exploration, water play, crafting, cooking, and more.

Website

CHILDSWORK.ORG Early Bird Discount Offered

REGISTER BEFORE FEB 29 AT CHILDSWORK.ORG/ SUMMER-CAMP

SUMMER AT OES Offering students a variety of inquiry-based summer enrichment programs that build joy, wonder, and respect for one another.

Website

OES.EDU/SUMMER Early Bird Discount Offered

NO Registration Deadline

STARTS MARCH 1, 2024

Registration Deadline

Cost

OPEN UNTIL FULL

$525 PER WEEK

Cost

Financial Aid Offered

250-$550/WEEK, DEPENDING ON CHOSEN SESSION $

YES Dates

Dates

JUNE 24-AUGUST 9

JUNE 17-AUGUST 16

Ages

Ages

PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 5

3-6

Location

Location

OES

MONTAVILLA AND SOUTH TABOR

EKONE

PARKOUR VISIONS CAMPS

SUMMER CAMP At Ekone, we work and play outside, running through the woods, swimming in the pond, and being in community. Our approach to horsemanship is based on empathetic relationship.

Campers ride bareback to gain balance and build connection.

Website

EKONE.ORG Registration Deadline

OPEN UNTIL FILLED Cost $

900-$1,500 Dates

Outdoor parkour camps are high-energy, interactive experiences. By overcoming challenges, students build confidence, focus, and creativity. Every camp includes falling safety, skill practice, games, and obstacle courses.

Open to all levels.

Website

PARKOURVISIONS.ORG Early Bird Discount Offered

YES Registration Deadline

AUGUST 11 Cost

ONE WEEK SESSIONS, JUNE-AUGUST

$

300-$330 Dates

Ages

JUNE 17 - AUGUST 23

8-18

Ages

Location

5-17

GOLDENDALE, WA

Location

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

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SKYHAWKS

SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS Website

REGISTER.SKYHAWKS.COM Early Bird Discount Offered

Skyhawks progression of camps and programs, led by our expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for an introduction to a sport or those who want to refine and master their sport-specific skills.

Skyhawks Sports Academy has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979!

REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 15TH AND SAVE 10% USING CODE EARLYBIRDOR Cost

WHY KIDS ♥ Kids walk away from our Skyhawks camps with a big smile on their faces, feeling good about learning new skills, meeting new friends, and being able to play fun games and activities with positive role models as coaches!

WHY PARENTS ♥

$179 - $299/WEEK Dates

Every day at every camp, our team is committed to making sure your child walks into a safe and welcoming environment and leaves a Skyhawks program with new skills, new friends, and a lifelong love for a healthy, active

WEEKLY Ages

2-14 Location

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Camp Type

SPORTS CAMPS

lifestyle!

VIBE

SUMMER CAMP

WHY KIDS ♥

Website

VIBEPDX.ORG Early Bird Discount Offered

REGISTER BEFORE 1/31 WITH CODE CODE EARLY_BIRD_24 Registration Deadline

NONE Cost

$339-$347 Dates

JUNE 17TH- AUGUST 30TH Ages

5-13 Location

SE, N, NE Camp Type

ART AND MUSIC

Vibe Art Camps provide a full-day immersive experience across multiple locations. Campers explore diverse art forms from jewelry to digital arts with professional guidance, fostering creativity and community in inspiring spaces, creating a vibrant artistic journey for young talents.

Kids enjoy hands on experiences creating art in a wide range of mediums, finding their own voice in a busy world. Everyone is bound to make a friend or two along the way as we create together and explore what art offers us.

WHY PARENTS ♥ Parents love Vibe Camps for cultivating their children's creativity in a safe and nurturing environment. Our team of teaching artists emphasize exploration and growth, providing a unique artistic experience that will leave a positive impact on confidence and creating lasting memories for all.

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THE EVERYBODY DANCE PROJECT Join The Everybody Dance Project for our dance summer camps! Dancers learn the fundamentals of ballet, tumbling, and hip hop, as well as a routine to perform at the end of each week. Crafts and playtime included too!

Website

EVERYBODYDANCEPROJECT.COM Early Bird Discount Offered

REGISTER BEFORE MARCH Registration Deadline

JULY 1

SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER CAMP INTENSIVES

Website

Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy offers skill-based musical theatre training for youth. Summer intensives provide cast members opportunities for broadening their musical theatre skills.

SPOTLIGHTMUSICAL THEATRE.COM Early Bird Discount Offered

REGISTER WITH CODE 24WORM PRIOR TO FEB 3RD

Cost

Cost

310 $ 270 *EARLY BIRD

$235-$540

Dates

7 CAMPS, JUL 22-AUG 9

$

Dates

JUNE 17-AUGUST 16

Ages

Ages

5-18

3-8

Location

Location

WEST LINN LUTHERAN CHURCH

3132 SE 67TH AVE

CAMP COLLINS Dream, Discover, and Create!

Camp Collins registration is now open! Your kids will enjoy a week of summer camp in a natural, enriching, and fun environment. YMCA Camp Collins registration is now available for summer overnight camp, including traditional and teen camps.

Other regional camps open 2/5/24!

Website

YMCACW.ORG/CAMP-COLLINS Registration Deadline

2 WEEKS BEFORE SESSION START Cost

VARIOUS, OPEN DOOR FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE Dates

JUNE - AUGUST

K-LEAN'S

TENNIS SUMMER CAMP

@ GLENDOVEER GOLF & TENNIS Tennis/Golf development programs focusing on providing a FUN, fast-paced, and game-based approach.

Our approach adds excitement and passion for the game, as they learn through a progression of drills and games directed at their level of play.

Website

WWW.K-LEANS.COM Early Bird Discount Offered

YES Registration Deadline

APRIL 1, 2024 Cost $

328 (4 HR), $548 (ALL DAY) Dates

JUNE 17-AUGUST 15 Ages

Ages

6-14

GRADES 2-8

Location Location

CAMP COLLINS

14015 NE GLISAN ST. PORTLAND, OR 97230 pdxparent.com

| February 2024

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NORTH CLACKAMAS PARKS & RECREATION DISTRICT

BALANCE SOCCER

Sign up for 2024 summer camps for ages 3 and up!

Outdoor explorers, soccer, track & field, and more.

Summer registration opens April 2 for residents.

Website

The most fun OVERNIGHT soccer camp ever! Balance Soccer guides kids towards confidence and self reliance.

This all-inclusive camp in the woods will get kids off their screens and into nature! 350" slip-n-slide, outdoor pool, capture the flag, plus more!

BALANCESOCCER.COM/ CAMPS Registration Deadline

JUNE 15TH

Website

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From fine dining to pub fare, 20 spots to eat with kids in Portland.

Our

Gun Violence

BY MEG ASBY, DENISE CASTAÑON AND BETHANY MARCEL

DENISE C ASTAÑON

Problem

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The same day she returned to

Nationally, an alarmingly high number of children are killed, wounded and exposed to gun violence each year. What can we actually do to keep kids safe?

Local gun-safety advocates share ideas.

BY BETH PETERS

work from maternity leave in September 1995, Doreen Dodgen-Magee, who works as a psychologist in Lake Oswego, learned that her brother-in-law had purchased a gun, driven to her mother-in-law’s home just north of Silverton in Scotts Mills, and killed his wife and three daughters, the youngest of whom was 5 months old.

“My strongest memory of that following year is not of the many grand juries, press conferences, meetings with district attorneys, or even the evidence list peppered with body parts,” Dodgen-Magee says in a February 2020 blog post on her personal website. “It is, instead, that of cleaning my niece’s blood out of my mother-in-law’s hair and re-bandaging the wounds from the shot she took while trying to protect her granddaughter.”

(Dodgen-Magee’s brother-in-law, David Whitson, was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison before dying by suicide in prison in June 1996, says DodgenMagee.)

Her sister-in-law's and nieces’ deaths eventually led Dodgen-Magee to her current role as gun violence prevention speaker and advocate. It’s work she feels inspired to do because, as she puts it, “our story is America’s story.”

But is it Oregon’s story? In a country where firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 19, according to 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), what does that data look like locally? And what can we do to keep kids safe?

How bad is it?

An estimated 19,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded by guns every year in the U.S., with an estimated 3 million more exposed to gun violence, per gun violence prevention nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety.

In Oregon, those numbers are somewhat better. Everytown ranks Oregon as No. 9 in the country for gun-law strength, though our gun violence rate trends slightly above the national average (14.9 gun deaths per 100,000 residents versus a national average of 14.8).

Our state lags the most when it comes to suicides by firearm; as of 2020, 81% of gun deaths in Oregon were suicides as compared pdxparent.com

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DOR EEN DODGEN MAGEE

Top left: Thomas Magee and Dr. Doreen DodgenMagee. Thomas is Doreen’s husband and the brother of Laura, who was killed by gun violence.

NEW TON AC TION ALLIANCE

to 59% nationwide, according to data from Everytown.

Most recently, Oregon made headlines for Measure 114. The gun violence prevention law passed with 50.7% of votes in November 2022. It requires a permit to purchase a gun; calls for a ban on the sale, transfer, and manufacture of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds; and bans gun sales or gun transfers until a background check is complete. (Due to legal challenges, the law has yet to take effect.)

Many of these measures would have saved her sister-in-law and nieces, says DodgenMagee.

“People try to tell me that I am trying to take their guns away. That is not my intent,” she says.

“My intent is to make sure that all Oregonians can live in a state where there are very common sense and practical ways in which people store their firearms and the ways in which people acquire their firearms.”

Education makes a difference When it comes to kids, common sense ways to prioritize safety can seem painfully obvious, says Amie Wexler, the Oregon co-chapter lead of Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention organization..

Wexler points to Moms Demand Action’s educational branch including the program Be SMART (SMART is an acronym that focuses on educating people about secure gun storage; it stands for Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize, and Tell).

It’s not political, Wexler adds. “Everyone wants to keep children safe from gun violence,” she says.

Be SMART offers presentations to schools, PTAs, and other civic groups about how to securely store guns, the signs of teen suicide, and how to ask others if they have a gun in the home and if so, how it’s stored. It’s free to

Top right: Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee’s three nieces who were killed by gun violence in 1995.

request and host a Be SMART presentation, and each presentation often includes the distribution of free trigger and cable locks.

Moms Demand Action say they typically average one presentation per month in the Portland-metro area.

“We train people to make these presentations, too,” Wexler says. “It’s actually quite easy. We have a script that people can follow and a PowerPoint presentation that they can give. It’s a very easy way to get involved and know that you’re making a direct impact on your community.”

If you’re interested in either inviting or joining Be SMART, email oregon@momschapterleaders.org or visit BeSmartForKids.org. You can also attend a monthly virtual Be SMART presentation for volunteers. Learn more at besmartforkids.org/support-us/trainings.

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What can you do to protect your family from gun violence?

Just as Be SMART encourages conversations between community members, talking to your kid and to the adult guardians of their friends is just as important, says DodgenMagee.

“We’re not afraid anymore to ask people about what their kids are watching on screens or what they’re eating or are they smoking, but we are so terrified to ask about guns,” she says. “Ask, ‘Hey, before our playdate, I just want to confirm that if you have firearms in the house that they’re safely secured and stored.’”

A similar conversation would have made a difference for Jennifer Langston, who works with the Oregon chapter of Moms Demand Action.

“My [12-year-old] nephew and [10-year-old] daughter found a gun [in my nephew’s home].

They were playing with it and it went off,” she says. While neither child was injured, the gun left a bullet hole in the wall — it’s how Langston’s brother-in-law, the owner of the gun and the father of the 10-year-old, realized something had happened in the first place.

“That’s something that parents may think about: Children don’t always tell us everything that’s going on,” Langston says.

When her brother-in-law went to check the gun, he found it jammed and ended up shooting himself in the hand. “And this is a fellow who I know to be safe with firearms, but there are times when people aren’t thinking straight after a traumatic event.”

Safe storage of guns can be one of the most

effective ways to save lives, adds DodgenMagee. She points to state legislation passed in 2021 that requires Oregon gun owners to store their firearms in a gun room or safe, and use a trigger lock when the gun is not being carried or under their control.

One 2005 study from doctors at Group Health Cooperative in Washington state, which also included data from Oregon, found that there was an 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens in households that locked both firearms and ammunition.

And still, only about half of all gun owners in the U.S. practice safe and secure storage for all of their guns, says Cassandra Crifasi, gun owner and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

“Other research has found that around 4 to 5 million kids live in homes with at least one gun that is not stored safely and securely,” Crifasi said in a May 2023 interview with Johns Hopkins. “That’s 4 to 5 million kids who could very quickly gain access to a loaded and unlocked firearm.”

Another option for families: Oregon’s robust but little-known red flag law, also known as an extreme risk protection order.

Any family member or household member may petition their county’s circuit court for an order that a person is a danger to themselves or others. If approved, the court then holds a hearing, typically within 24 hours, that can result in an order for the person in question to surrender weapons and concealed handgun permits.

The goal is to remove that most crucial of ingredients when it comes to gun violence: easy access. “Anything that we can do that puts a little bit of a pause between an impulse to use a firearm and the ability to use one is likely to save lives,” says Dodgen-Magee.

Langston, herself a survivor of gun violence, recalls one instance where such a law would have helped. “This man did not physically harm me. What he did was threaten to harm himself,” she says.

“If I had taken more steps and just picked up the phone, I wouldn’t have gotten shot.”

But do red flag laws work? In many situations, particularly in preventing suicide, the answer is yes.

Garen Wintemute, director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis Health, told NPR in May 2022 that for every 10 to 20 red flag orders that are issued, the

HOW TO BRING UP GUNS BEFORE A PLAYDATE Normalize the conversation. Make this part of the same conversation you’d have about food allergies, pets in the home, or other relevant details before a playdate.

Disclose if you own a gun. If you own a gun, be proactive in sharing how it’s stored and if your child has ever seen it or knows where it is.

Focus on storage. Center your questions on how a firearm is stored rather than the right or wrong of owning one. This will make for a more productive talk.

Remember: Kids are curious. Frame your questions from a place of kids being curious rather than a discussion about gun ownership in the U.S. Chances are you all want to keep your kids safe, regardless of any political differences.

Source including communication templates for having this conversation: Be SMART

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total number of suicides goes down by one.

The data is tougher to find for mass shootings since mass shootings are statistically more rare than suicides, the NPR report added.

The bigger problem is that people often don’t know that red flag laws even exist, says Wexler of Moms Demand Action.

Oregon’s version was used more than 560 times between January 2018 and June 2022, according to an August 2023 audit from the secretary of state. The number would likely be higher but “the general public — and even law enforcement — don’t know enough about it,” says an August 2023 article from OPB. Notably, Oregon’s red flag law was a bipartisan effort, says Wexler. Republican Brian Boquist drafted the bill after his own experience with gun violence: His stepson died by suicide with a firearm in 2016.

So, now what?

It’s the effectiveness of measures like red flag laws that inspires Dodgen-Magee to keep going when faced with setbacks like the November 2023 ruling of a Harney County judge that permanently blocked Measure 114 from taking effect.

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The petition to request a red flag order is four pages long and available online at doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/resources/oregons-red-flaglaw. That’s also where you’ll find details about who must appear, inperson or virtually, at the hearing and how long the order can last.

While the outcome of the ruling is still ongoing, the pushback can be demoralizing, says Dodgen-Magee, until you remember that “everyone told [the advocates of Measure 114] that [the measure] couldn’t happen and then it actually happened.”

As for how to support Measure 114, Dodgen-Magee’s advice may sound familiar to a parent: Say thank-you. “[The Measure 114 campaign] is a place where all kinds of skills can be helpful in keeping momentum going and keeping morale up,” she says. “The simplest act of writing a thank-you note [to the campaign team] can do major work.”

Also consider if you have a unique skill that might be useful to the campaign or any similar gun violence prevention movement.

Examples include sharing stories like Dodgen1

1/12/24

9:51 AM

Magee or Langston, or connecting people like Wexler, who joined Moms Demand Action in 2015 after the October 2015 shooting on the Umpqua Community College campus in Roseburg that killed 10, including the shooter.

“People don’t need to take huge political action,” says Dodgen-Magee. “Take it seriously that the folks who brought this bill forward and made it happen are our neighbors. … We tend to minimize the power of community encouragement and it’s a really big and important thing.”

A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, Beth Peters (she/her) is a new Portland mom who’s always looking for a good story in her city.

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Preschool En

Ai

Find out what local parents are saying about the benefits, challenges and joys of outdoor preschool.

BY BETHANY MARCEL

Wander the rainy streets of our city long enough and you’re likely to see small children bundled up in rain gear, climbing on

playgrounds and stomping through mud puddles. It’s no secret that Portlanders of all ages love the outdoors — no matter the weather. But what if your kiddo could be outside year-round, for hours each day, learning and growing in their confidence?

Portland has a growing number of schools that let children do just that, starting with preschoolers. Here’s how outdoor preschools operate, the benefits and drawbacks, and what families love most about these nontraditional schools.

What is outdoor preschool, Outdoor preschool follows the childrens’ and what are the benefits? natural rhythms and interests, which can As you might expect, outdoor preschool takes place almost exclusively outdoors.

It encourages children’s physical, social and emotional growth. Children gain an appreciation and understanding of the natural world. There are also similarities to more traditional schools. Most outdoor schools offer snack time (and lunch, if school takes place in the afternoon), have access to private bathrooms, and many even do a structured circle time. But there are differences as well.

Many outdoor preschools foster child-led learning. “We’re allowing kids to be able to say what they want to be doing,” says Sara Murphy, a teacher at Little House Nature Preschool and Kindergarten in Milwaukie.

“We have an idea of what our day looks like, but we’re adapting it to the kids and allowing them to really be kids.”

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lead to greater confidence. “Children get physically confident in their own bodies, and this extends to their social confidence," says Murphy. “When they feel like they know how to scramble up a hill or take all their layers on and off by themselves, then we see those same kids grow in their ability to advocate for themselves. … We see the connection between their body development and their sense of self-efficacy, and what they can change in the world.”

“It’s really powerful to watch,” says Hana Bressler, director and teacher at Portland Outdoor Forest Preschool. Students at Portland Outdoor Forest Preschool, based in Washington Park, attend school from 9 am to 1 pm; the preschool also offers a summer program.

“We wish more parents knew about the benefits,” adds Christine Goodale, teacher

and director of Little House, which offers a morning preschool program from 8:30 am to noon, or an afternoon option for pre-K and kindergarten from 1 pm to 4 pm, and runs on an 11-month term from September to July.

The school, located in Milwaukie, looks like a forested wonderland. There are children running, playing and laughing in a wooded area. There are chickens and bunnies, which the children help feed and take care of. Little House also features a large garden space, a mud hill and a partially covered play area called the Cloud Room set up with wooden furniture, colorful rugs, books and toys.

Goodale says the Cloud Room is often used as a “transition space,” noting that kids sometimes need time to adjust before playing entirely outside. It’s also a good space for when it’s pouring, but even then, many kids still prefer to play and run outside.

Another benefit to outdoor education is that it teaches children about the natural world and encourages observation. “There’s a lot you can observe and learn being outdoors,” Goodale says. “We’re often out here and the kids are noticing an eagle flying by, so we observe it. A lot of what we do is whatever is inspiring us at the moment based on what’s happening in the world.”

Bressler emphasizes this as well. “We’re studying weather systems. We’re studying how this plant interacts with this other plant.

Plein

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PDX FOR EST SCHOOL

We’re studying different kinds of animals that live in the area. Instead of looking something up on the internet and trying to make a science project in class, we get to actually catch the salamander and study it and see how it moves.”

What do parents and kids think about outdoor preschool?

Local parent Emily (who preferred not to have her last name published) says outdoor preschool has been regulating for her 4-year-old daughter Hazel. Hazel attends the preschool program at Premier NW Kids Forest School in Vancouver, Washington, which offers a half-day program during the school year. “I feel like she learns and interacts best with her peers outdoors,” she says about Hazel’s experiences. “She can be a little sound sensitive when other kids are loud inside, but it doesn’t bother her outside, so this seems to really help her relax and enjoy playing, even with rambunctious kids.”

Several parents mentioned the peacefulness and tranquility, as well as how beneficial outdoor school has been for kids who have had a difficult time acclimating to more traditional school structures, due to the pandemic or other reasons. pdxparent.com

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Another bonus? Children who attend preschool outdoors get sick less often than their indoor classroom peers. “I love that she’s never gotten sick from school,” says Emily.

Cassie Capone, whose child Brooks attended Little House for two years from the ages of 3 to 5, says that Brooks, “thrived and would often come home beaming and telling me about the chickens and bunnies, or point out edible plants as we walked around our neighborhood.”

Kristen Hirte, whose 4-year-old currently attends Little House, says, “To have our son come home muddy, tired and smiling and

talking about how he got to feed the bunnies with carrots he helped grow in the garden, and how they’re making muffins with the eggs that they collected from the chickens.

It’s just so incredibly fulfilling. They’re learning skills that are unique — and yet so fundamental to what this generation needs to get back in touch with.”

But what about the challenges?

No one denies that there are also challenges to

being outdoors. Our longer, hotter summers can pose difficulties. And the cold and rain can grow tiresome — but there are also ways to overcome those issues. “We wear a lot of gear,” says Bressler. (See Best Outdoor Gear on page 27 for recommendations.) “We think a lot about terrain, about hazards in the forest and how to mitigate risk. We work closely with [Washington Park] arborists to make sure everything is safe.”

At Little House, the kids bundle up in layers, too. But they also have a small, saunalike enclosed room with a heater used as a warming station. Goodale adds that they also warm rocks and put them inside mittens, which the children can hold. And while Premier NW Kids Forest School is entirely outdoors, with no covered space, teachers have taught students similar tricks as well, like “tucking hand warmers inside mittens, and making sure the rain suit is over the boot not tucked into it.” When you’re outside, small tricks like this can go a long way.

Outdoor school may be a great fit for children with certain conditions — such as sensory-processing disorders — but potentially not for students who are in wheelchairs or have other physical disabilities. While teachers acknowledge each child has different needs, they are open to finding solutions. “One size does not fit all and we would love to discuss accommodations for

LIT TLE HOUSE NATUR E PR ESCHOOL AND K INDERGARTEN

>> The Cloud Room at Little House Nature Preschool and Kindergarten in Milwaukie provides partial coverage from the elements and is a good transition space for kids.

C ASSIE C APONE

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BEST OUTDOOR GEAR

your family,” says Bressler.

Hirte adds that another challenge can be “learning in an environment that doesn’t have any walls.” For instance, it can sometimes be difficult for children to do circle time when there’s no formal classroom. “You can’t always just take off for the woods, right?” says Hirte, with a laugh. But she adds that the teachers have been incredible at troubleshooting with parents, and that things like arriving early to walk around can help tremendously.

In the end, even the challenges offer an opportunity to stay present. “It’s about finding joy in whatever is happening,” says Murphy.

If your kiddo is going to splash, climb, run and tumble outdoors all year long, then they’d better have the right gear. Read on to see the gear most recommended by parents and providers! Pro tip: Several parents and providers mentioned that quality outdoor gear can get expensive. They recommend swapping gear with other parents as kids grow!

Bogs Winter Boots Several parents recommended these durable boots, which come in a variety of fun colors and designs. “The handles are great and they’re totally waterproof,” says Kristen Hirte. Find them at bogsfootwear.com. If you’re looking for an alternative, Emily recommends the Jan & Jul Toasty-Dry Lite Boots. “They have a nice wide toe and they’re super light, so my daughter has no problem running and climbing in them.” Find them at janandjul.com/product/toasty-dry-lite-winterboots-black-birch.

Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Suspender Rain Pants Almost every parent mentioned the Polarn O. Pyret brand, and it’s also the brand Christine Goodale recommends in their gear list. Cassie Capone recommends not only their suspender rain pants, but their rain jacket, wool gloves and waterproof gloves as well. They’re not cheap, but parents say they’re a great investment — and that kids can wear them for multiple years. Find them at polarnopyretusa.com/ Waterproof-SuspenderRain-Pants-2-6yrs-21355.

Bethany Marcel is a writer and editor living in Southwest Portland with her husband and 5-year-old daughter.

You can find more of her work at bethanymarcel.com.

Didriksons Rain Mittens These mittens are guaranteed to keep your kiddo’s hands warm. Hana Bressler highly recommends them and says, “They can tighten, but they’re also loose enough that children can easily put them on and pull them off.” Find them at didriksons.com/en/kids/accessories/gloves-mittens.

Find Little House at littlehousenatureschool.com.

Find Premier NW Kids Forest School at premiernwkids.com.

Reima Rainy Rain Hat DIDRIKSONS

Find PDX Outdoor Forest Preschool at pdxforestschool.com.

PDX FOR EST SCHOOL

For parents thinking about enrolling their child at an outdoor preschool, Hirte recommends taking a tour. “And if that’s not enough, ask for a second tour!”

Like most schools, outdoor preschools typically offer a chance to meet with the director and teachers, and to tour the school to learn more.

Bressler says Portland Outdoor Forest Preschool also offers field days that are open to the public, where parents can come see how they operate. They generally do about six per year.

Parents describe outdoor preschool as a magical experience. But can words alone do it justice?

“The feeling you get seeing your kid come home having that experience day after day after day,” says Hirte. “It’s indescribable.”

BOGS

What about parents who still have hesitations?

When the rain starts pouring, a good hat can come in handy. And Hana Bressler recommends this classic and adorable hat in their gear list. Find it at us.reima.com/products/rain-hat-rainy-1.

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15544 Clackamas River Dr., Oregon City, OR 97045 mainoffice@themarylhurstschool.org | themarylhurstschool.org 503-650-0978 The Marylhurst School The Marylhurst School preschool program nurtures a child’s imagination, interests, and social relationships. Rooted in play, our preschool program incorporates a multicultural curriculum that introduces students to early literacy and numeracy while nurturing lifelong skills of sharing, persistence, and creativity.

Founded in 1972, The Marylhurst School is a progressive, independent school for students in Preschool through 8th grade. Our campus in Oregon City sits on 38 acres and offers a nature-rich environment where children can come into their own.

From the earliest grades, Marylhurst students learn independence as they play, explore, and learn outdoors.

5309 NE Alameda St. Portland, OR 97213 info@strosepdx.org | strosepdxschool.org 503-281-1912 St. Rose School Discover the little school where big things happen! Since 1913, St. Rose School has helped raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on faith and values. Our comprehensive PreK-8 education helps form lifelong learners who respect others and serve their community. Learn more at strosepdx.org.

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168 NE Eighth Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123 hillsboroparentpreschool.org | info@HillsboroParentPreschool.org 503-648-4781 Hillsboro Parent Preschool For over 40 years, Hillsboro Parent Preschool has been inspiring young minds with a mix of hands-on STEAM learning and active, play-oriented education. Our educational philosophy is influenced by Reggio Emilia, encouraging children to express and interpret the world in their own way, nurturing a genuine eagerness for exploration and discovery.

In our co-op community, we thrive on mutual support and the active engagement of families, creating a rich, collaborative learning environment. We welcome you to join our community, where education is an exciting adventure and every child is empowered to chart their course in a lifelong journey of learning.

1920 NE Stucki Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97006 cityviewcharter.org | Preschool@cityviewcharter.org 503-844-9424 City View Charter School's Preschool City View Charter School is a public tuition-free charter school in Hillsboro, Oregon. We are currently serving grades K-8. In Fall 2024, we will start the school year in our new facility with all grades, our before and after school program and our brand new preschool! We are excited to expand our program and to share our vision and mission with more families. For more information, please visit our website at www.cityviewcharter.org.

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4817 SW 53rd Ave. Portland, OR 97221 pdxmc.org 503-972-7100

6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219 pjaproud.org | office@pjaproud.org 503-244-0126

Portland Montessori Collaborative Founded in 2012, Portland Montessori Collaborative, or pdxMC, is a Montessori preschool in SW Portland/Bridlemile neighborhood which serves children three months through five years. We boast homemade snacks and meals lovingly prepared by our in house chef with an emphasis on local and organic foods. Founded in the spirit of environmental sustainability, our program uses cloth diapers, and educates for peace, social justice and ecological intelligence.

Portland Jewish Academy Portland Jewish Academy's preschool program focuses on creating an inclusive, engaged community. The curriculum is centered in Jewish values, and encourages inquiry-based exploration that nurtures students' development.

Full and half-day options available. Open to everyone.

Our school provides a Montessori curriculum for even our youngest learners. Like Maria Montessori, we believe that “The task of educators is immense because human progress and world peace are in their hands.”

2305 S Water Ave Portland, OR 97201 intlschool.org | admissions@intlschool.org 503-226-2496

13505 SE River Rd., Portland, OR 97222 rosevilla.org/preschool | preschool@rosevilla.org 503-652-3201

International School of Portland Since 1990, International School of Portland (ISP) has offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness.

• One of only two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish) under one roof.

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Rosebud Preschool is Portland’s only Reggio-inspired, intergenerational preschool for children ages 24 months to five years old. Located on the campus of Rose Villa Senior Living, we combine the colorful, creative, child-centered approach of Reggio education with meaningful programming that includes Rose Villa residents to create opportunities for intergenerational learning.

• From Preschool – 5th Grade.

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3430SW SWPalatine PalatineSt., St.,Portland, Portland,OR OR97219 97219 3430 sproutandspark.com| |sproutsparkschool@gmail.com sproutsparkschool@gmail.com sproutandspark.com 503-719-4365 503-719-4365

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Sproutand andSpark Spark Sprout We strive We to spark creativity, resilience,resilience, and curiosity each child strivejoy, to spark joy, creativity, and in curiosity in and delight in child helping grow into responsible, independent, and each andthem delight in helping them grow into responsible, compassionate lifelong learners. independent, and compassionate lifelong learners.

Serving ages 2.5-6

Serving ages 2.5-6

7:1 Ratio

7:1 Ratio

Sellwood Schoolhouse Sellwood Schoolhouse is a play-based preschool located in the heart of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. Rooted in play, our preschool program incorporates a child-led curriculum that introduces students to early literacy and numeracy while nurturing lifelong skills of cooperation, empathy, and a positive sense of self. Our program is staffed by warm and highly trained teachers in playful and low ratio environments.

Offering a blended curriculum of: of: Offering a blended curriculum

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• Mixed-age classrooms

• Montessori • Montessori

• Morning Preschool & Afternoon Playgroup

• Reggio and Montessori Inspired classrooms

• Reggio-Emilia • Reggio-Emilia • Unstructured Forest Play • Unstructured Forest Play Guided by highly educated, experienced teachers.

Guided by highly educated, experienced teachers.

1920 NE Stucki Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97006 www.cityviewcharter.org | Preschool@cityviewcharter.org 503-844-9424 City View Charter School's Preschool City View Charter School is a public tuition-free charter school in Hillsboro, Oregon. We are currently serving grades K-8. In Fall 2024, we will start the school year in our new facility with all grades, our before and after school program and our brand new preschool! We are excited to expand our program and to share our vision and mission with more families. For more information, please visit our website at www.cityviewcharter.org.

4737 Southeast 44th Ave. Portland, OR 97206 lilyposa.com info@lilyposa.com 503-389-3916 Lilyposa Schoolhouse Schoolhouse is a half day, year round play-based preschool in SE Portland.

Their program integrates open-ended, cooperative play with plenty of arts, music, and outside time with supportive and kind teachers. Their focus is on social-emotional learning and skill building. They help children develop skills to become critical thinkers who are excited about learning.

4729 SW Taylors Ferry Rd. Portland, OR 97219 villagepreschoolofportland.com info@villagepreschoolofportland.com 503-245-0482 Village Preschool of Portland Village Preschool is a cooperative play school for students ages 3-6. Parents in SW Portland came together to form an educational space for their children to grow, play, and learn together while participating meaningfully in their children’s early education. We encourage self-reliance and confidence with compassionate support. *Learning through play *Daily outdoor time *Everyone is welcome *Safe environment

Now Enrolling Preschool through 7th grade Mandarin, German, and English programs

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P RP ER SE CS HC OH OO L O&L E&AE RA LY E DE UD CU AT ION ID R LY C AT I OG NUG UEI D E

14750 SE Clinton St. Portland, OR 97236 fmes.org 503-760-8220

4737 Southeast 44th Ave. Portland, OR 97206 lilyposa.com info@lilyposa.com 503-389-3916 Lilyposa Schoolhouse Lilyposa Schoolhouse is a half day, year round play-based preschool in SE Portland. Their program integrates open-ended, cooperative play with plenty of arts, music, and outside time with supportive and kind teachers. Their focus is on social-emotional learning and skill building. They help children develop skills to become critical thinkers who are excited about learning.

Franciscan Montessori Earth School

4729 SW Taylors Ferry Rd. Portland, OR 97219 villagepreschoolofportland.com info@villagepreschoolofportland.com 503-245-0482 Village Preschool of Portland Village Preschool is a cooperative play school for students ages 3-6. Parents in SW Portland came together to form an educational space for their children to grow, play, and learn together while participating meaningfully in their children’s early education. We encourage self-reliance and confidence with compassionate support. *Learning through play *Daily outdoor time *Everyone is welcome *Safe environment

Family Festival

We offer a remarkably different education for children aged 2.5 to 14 years on 10 picturesque acres. Students are empowered to become confident, self motivated learners for life.

- Montessori curriculum - Small class size

- Before and after care

- Foreign Language programs

- Gardening program

- On campus extracurricular activities

- CYO sanctioned sports program

Schedule a virtual or in-person tour of campus!

Open to Learning & Growing

SAVE THE DATE!

June 22,

At OES, we offer a child-centered environment that fosters an enthusiasm for learning. The cornerstones of our Beginning Years program (Pre-K through Grade 1) are curiosity, relationship, building meaning, communication, agency, and balance. These cornerstones are lived each day through playing, inquiring, and creating.

10 am–2 pm

The social-emotional development of our youngest learners lays the foundation for the risk-taking, focus, connection, and lifelong learning that lies ahead of them in their years at OES and beyond.

2024

AT TOPAZ FARM ON SAUVIE ISLAND

oes.edu

pdxparent.com/family-festival

FREE!

Pre-K through Grade 12 pdxparent.com

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P R E S C H O O L & E A R LY E D U C AT I O N G U I D E

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P R E S C H O O L & E A R LY E D U C AT I O N G U I D E

1305 NE 52nd Ave. Portland, OR 97213 heartwoodpreschool.com heartwoodpreschool@gmail.com 503-235-0631 Heartwood Preschool Heartwood Preschool is a child-centered education community that provides for the development of the whole child while fostering curiosity, creativity, confidence, friendship, empathy, and a love of nature. We are an arts-based preschool and the only Music Together Preschool in Portland.

We have been state-certified since 2003.

2300 SE Harrison St. Milwaukie, OR 97222 portlandwaldorf.org admissions@portlandwaldorf.org 503-654-2200 Portland Waldorf School Young children thrive in our nurturing environment, supported by mindful teachers.

Our programs focus on playoriented learning that fosters imagination, creativity, and exploration. Classes enjoy daily outdoor play, seasonal stories, crafts, and more. Offering full & half days, parent & child classes, and extended care hours.

1119 SE Market St. (cross street SE 11th, 3 blocks south of Hawthorne) Portland, OR 97214 tara-school.org info@tara-school.org 503-345-1128 Maitripa Tara School The Maitripa Tara School’s mission is to support and develop the Good Heart and the potential of all beings, while sharing, growing and learning in a community of care, love and respect.

A Montessori Preschool founded on the three pillars of wisdom, compassion and ethics and a permaculture approach to care for, and connect to ourselves and the natural world.

Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)

• Locally owned and operated • Serving the community since 1996 • Qualified & consistent staff

525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)

10525 SE Cherry Blossom Dr. Portland, OR 97216 Tabor campus address: 6161 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97215 childswork.org info@childswork.org (503) 234-3611 Childswork Learning Center Childswork is a nonprofit constructivist, Reggio-inspired preschool. Since 1984, our early childhood education center has served a diverse population of children and families, focusing on the development of the whole child with respect and compassion. Childswork is a safe place to explore, make messes and learn through play!

Early Learning School 14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 503-579-0600 | childs-place.com Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)

• Large outdoor play areas • Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily

Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com Ages: Infant through Kindergarten Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)

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field trip

Jump In The new Sky Zone trampoline park in Gresham provides high-flying fun for kids of all ages.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

Last year was the year of Sky Zone parties for my 11-year-old

If You Go

Sky Zone Gresham, 2990 NE Hogan Dr., Gresham.

503-616-3986, skyzone.com/ gresham. Open SundayThursday, 9 am-9 pm; and Friday-Saturday, 9 am-10 pm.

Signed waiver and orange Sky Zone jump socks required.

For more information about membership benefits visit, skyzone.com/memberships.

For more information about birthday parties visit, skyzone.com/parties.

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daughter, Adela. She bounced, flipped and flew at the Sky Zone Vancouver location at least three times between birthday parties and end-of-season celebrations. So when I heard about a new Sky Zone opening up in Gresham, I was excited to have a trampoline park option that was slightly less of a slog for us coming from Southeast Portland.

Adela, my 9-year-old son, Cruz and I headed to the new location on a soggy Sunday around noon. We checked in after a short wait. (The line was much longer on our way out.) I’d already purchased elite membership admission for all of us online. ($32.99 per kid with a $9.95 parent add-on.) It was actually cheaper than an all-day, one-time admission, which is $38.99. The membership is monthto-month, so if you are truly just planning to visit once, the trick is to cancel before being charged for the next month’s admission. (And whether or not the cancellation process is easy!) Pro tip: I set a calendar reminder on my phone.

Upon entering, I noticed that the Gresham location felt smaller than the Vancouver one. But surprisingly my kids actually liked that aspect. It didn’t feel as overwhelming to them. And while it was slightly smaller, it still packed in plenty of fun activities including: bouncy basketball courts, a dodgeball venue, a gated toddler zone, a freestyle jump area and a king of the hill battle area. The foam-block

pits found at the Vancouver location were noticeably missing. This was both a pro and a con. Those pits are extremely fun, but the blocks break apart and little bits of foam stick everywhere on kids. Adela’s favorite pieces of equipment were the zip line and free jump (pictured top left). For

both, the cushy landing for jumpers was a giant, squishy inflatable pad.

And her younger brother, Cruz liked the Ninja Warrior obstacle course and Warp Wall. Adela also liked the obstacle course (pictured above and bottom left). “I liked that it was over a pad instead of webbing and that lots

of kids could be on it at the same time,” she says.

Even though I had been to Sky Zone a few times, I’d never actually gone on the equipment.

This time, I bounced around on the freestyle trampolines, scampered over the giant, inflatable boulder balls and even jumped from the Drop Zone onto the inflatable mattress after a few hilarious, failed attempts.

(My brain just kept telling me “do not jump!”)

I managed not to hurt myself, but I was pretty sore later in the day.

With our membership we could have stayed as long as we liked. But after about an hour and a half we were pretty hungry. The Fuel Zone offers concession-style snacks.

We grabbed ice cream bars from the cooler and I ordered a soft pretzel.

The good thing: our membership gave

us a 20% discount. The bad thing: Hot food takes forever to come out. I knew this from previous experience, but had forgotten. Pro tip: If you even think you may want chicken fingers, fries, a soft pretzel or pizza, order it way before you and your kids are actually hungry. I waited half an hour for that one pretzel. I finally went to the counter and asked for it, waited another 5 minutes, and then got it.

After about two hours of leaping, falling, bouncing and swinging, the kids were ready to head home. On the way out, they said they liked the new Gresham Sky Zone even better than the Vancouver one. We might head back again before I cancel that monthly membership after all.

PDX Parent's editor Denise Castañon loves sharing new ideas with other Portland parents.

You can find her cooking, eating, crafting and writing in Southeast where she lives with her husband, 9-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter.

PRESENTS

PETER PAN

FEB 17 – 25, 2024 | KELLER AUDITORIUM Find your

World

tickets start at $29 | obt.org

Young dancers can explore the music, story, and characters of Peter Pan + meet Tinkerbell in this special one-day class on March 2! Visit school.obt.org pdxparent.com

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time out

February 2024

Go. Play.

Explore. glow up

WONDERWOOD SPRINGS

BROOK E HOYER

The biggest and brightest February event — the Portland Winter Light Festival — is back with more than 125 artists displaying glowing works in Pioneer Courthouse Square and all over the city. Expect an enchanting array of light-based sculptures, projections, digital-interactive art, pop-up art in storefront windows, performances and more. And new this year, your family can dress up as sea creatures and walk in the Little Luminaries children’s procession on Saturday, February 3! (Procession meets at 6 pm near Pioneer Courthouse Square; check the website for the exact location.) February 2-10, with live events on Friday and Saturday nights. Find a map with locations at pdxwlf.com. Free. — Denise Castañon

fore!

In case you needed another reason to visit Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Springs, this month, the immersive cafe now has indoor mini golf. Enjoy a round of nine holes with your family before or after some soft serve. Admission is $10 per person; kids 3 and under are free. Pro tip: Be sure to check out the PDX Parent hole! Visit wonderwoodsprings.com for more info. — Tiffany Hill

curtains up

NWC T

​​ ready to soak up Portland’s Get incredible kid-friendly arts scene at Northwest Children’s Theater’s Spotlight: A Family Arts Festival.

Every corner of NWCT’s home, The Judy, will be filled with dance, theater, visual art and more. Check out LEGO art from Brick Bending, the cartoon illustrations of Becky Hawkins, music from Portland kindie great Mo Phillips, and much more! Most enjoyed by ages 5 and up. Saturday and Sunday, February 24-25, 11am-3pm. At The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway, T-100. Find tickets at nwcts.org/spotlight, and pay-whatyou-can options will be available at the door. — D.C.

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fat Tuesday fun For a taste of New Orleans in Portland, head to the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus’s annual Portland Mardi Gras Parade. The parade high steps along North Mississippi Avenue on Fat Tuesday. Pro tip: Restaurants along the way will offer food and drink specials! Tuesday, February 13. Meet at Luke’s Frame Shop (4703 N Albina Ave.) at 5:30 pm for the kids’ costume contest. Parade starts at 7 pm at North Humboldt and Mississippi. Find out more at portlandmardigras.com. Free. — D.C.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Chinese New Year Cultural Fair hosted by the Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. It’s the year of the dragon and the day will be packed with martial arts demonstrations, delicious food, dance performances, nonprofit info, and arts and crafts for kids. Saturday, February 3, 11 am-5 pm. Oregon Convention Center.

Oregonccba.org.

easy, tiger If in your household Daniel Tiger is almost like another parent — but one who your kids will actually listen to — you’ll want your family to see Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day! when it rolls into town. Daniel and his friends come alive on stage with new songs, fun, and, of course, valuable lessons on kindness, helping others and being a good friend. Saturday, February 3, 2 pm. At Keller Auditorium. Tickets starting at $32 at portland5.com or danieltigerlive.com. — D.C.

MILL S ENTERTAINMENT

Or head to the Lan Su Chinese Garden for evening lantern lighting. This year you can choose from one of two experiences. Go for a lively and electrifying evening watching Portland Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team lead an illuminated dragon procession. Or welcome the New Year in a serene and tranquil atmosphere at the newly opened Lan Su teahouse — they’ll offer a special tea tasting menu with a background of soothing live music.

Wednesday, February 7 to Saturday, March, 2; special, sensoryfriendly teahouse night with no music on Tuesday, February 27.

Find out times, costs and more information at lansugarden.org/lunar-new-year-lanternviewing-2024. — D.C.

spirited away Catch Totoro, Kiki, Howl, Ponyo and more on the big screen during the ninth annual Studio Ghibli Film Fest at OMSI. While the festival started in January, there are screenings of your favorite Hayao Miyazaki animated films happening everyday until February 25! Tickets are $8 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 3 to 13. Visit omsi.edu/exhibits/studio-ghibli-film-festival. — T.H.

STUDIO GHIBLI

R EMAINING LIGHT PHOTOGR APHY

year of the dragon

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time out

spread the love Center your Valentine’s tradition on kindness by sharing cards with seniors at The Community for Positive Aging center. Have your family make or sign Valentine’s day cards (small ones like those passed out at school or regular-sized cards) with heartfelt messages. The Community for Positive Aging will attach candy to the cards and pass them out to seniors on Valentine’s Day. Please drop-off cards at 1820 NE 40th Ave.

by February 12. Communityfpa.org.

Make a needle-felted sweet treat with your kiddo at the library. This event is great for beginners and you’ll learn how to craft a softsculpture of a cake, cookie or confection out of fiber and felting needles. Tuesday, February 13, 5-7pm. At Troutdale Library. Multcolib.org/ events-classes/valentine-needle-felting. Free.

If spending time outdoors getting dirty is your kid’s love language, sign the family up for the My Muddy Valentine Obstacle Mud Run. This unique 5K race with 19 obstacles sends runners through pits of muds, up walls, under bridges and more.

And there’s a kids’ 1-mile obstacle course as well. Post-race expect, pancakes, s’mores, beer and cider for grown-ups — and hot showers. Saturday, February 10. Kids’ race starts at 8:30 am.

Race fees start at $39. Register at terrapinevents.com/events/mymuddy-valentine-5k-obstacle-mud-run.

Let your little Valentine get creative with a kid’s cupcake decorating class at Bob’s Red Mill. Your child will receive step-by-step instructions on how to decorate mini and regular-sized cupcakes with fun sprinkles and candy.

(Parents must accompany kids during the class!) Saturday, February 10, 12:30-1:30 pm. At Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Restaurant, 5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie. $25 per child, parents do not need to purchase tickets for themselves. Go to facebook.com/WholeGrainStore/ events to purchase tickets. — D.C.

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

February 24 & 25

ONE WEEKEND ONLY AT

NWCTS.ORG

1000 SW Broadway, T-100 Downtown Portland SPONSORED BY

503.222.2190 38

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OPEN HOUSE

Portland Village School Your Tuition-Free, K-8, Public Waldorf School Educating and nurturing the whole child - head, heart, and hands

PREK-6

NOW ENROLLING

Open House

Mixed Age Kindergarten Ages 3.5 - 6

503.882.3322

|

WWW.MICHA-ELSCHOOL.ORG

Find more schools to tour at pdxparent.com/ school-open-houses.

Join us for our Journey Through the Grades Saturday, February 24th, 10:00am to noon Applications for our 2024-2025 weighted enrollment lottery due April 3rd

www.portlandvillageschool.org 7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland, OR, 97217

503-445-0056

Moving to our New Home, 4650 S Macadam Ave, by fall 2024!

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