PDX Parent October 2019

Checking out a NEW PLAY CAFÉ, pg. 24

FAMILY-FRIENDLY pub GRUB, pg. 28

FREE

FALL SHOWS for the whole family, pg. 16

for the long days and short years

2019 Education Guide Plus: A New Way to PTA, pg. 36

3 1 Days of Halloween Daily picks for spooky fun + DIY decorations

PDXPARENT.COM

pdxparent.com | October2019 2019 1 PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | OCTOBER

FOR KIDS IT’S FREE !

1st SATURDAY of EVERY MONTH 9AM - 10AM Inside the Food Court

Kids will enjoy meeting a new character each month, fun activities, dress up, snacks and more!

2019 SCHEDULE

October 5th Thomas the Train

November 2nd All About Transportation

December 7th Pictures & Cookies with Santa Claus

Events are best suited for kids up to 8 years of age.

Exit 17 off I-84 • Troutdale • (503) 669-8060 • ShopColumbiaGorgeOutlets.com

contents CITY OF TUALATIN

14 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Halloween Countdown................ 14

Editor’s Note............................................... 6

Pumpkin patches, costume contests, creepy displays — we’ve got picks for every day of October on our Halloween and harvest calendar. By Sarah Vanbuskirk.

Who Runs the Stage … Girls!..... 16 The girls have it! Take a sneak peek at the girl power themes running through fall’s family-friendly shows.

By Alexis Rehrmann.

Building a Better PTA..................36 Meet the dynamic Portland PTA

Play Room..................................................... 8 Internet for all, kid climate advocates, and music to learn by.

Adulting........................................................22 An estate plan can be put together with less time and effort than you

Family Supper............................................... 28 Pub classics take flight at Grixsen Brewing Company, a family-friendly Division Street tap room. (And there’s a play area!) By Erin J. Bernard.

Recipe File.........................................................29 Three-ingredient peanut butter cups

might think. Here’s why every young

the kids will swoon over. By Judith Rich.

family needs one. By Erin J. Bernard.

Time Out............................................................. 30

Field Trip......................................................24

Free fun for Blazers fans, all-you-can-eat

Pancakes, coffee, painting and a ball pit? We check out the fun on offer at Milwaukie’s newly opened Two Sisters Play Café. By Ali Wilkinson.

members who have radically

Hands On....................................................26

reframed their meetings. The

Try paper-mache one of two ways for

goal: an inclusive organization,

DIY Halloween or Día de los Muertos

accessible to all parents.

decorations. By Julz Nally and

By Denise Castañon.

Consu Tolosa.

mac ‘n’ cheese, and Mickey on ice.

Parentlandia................................................... 34 A comic for parents. By Tom Toro.

EDUCATION GUIDE 2019-2020.....35

RESOURCES Fall Fun....................................................................13

* cover stories

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

5

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

for the long days and short years

Scary Stuff

I

t’s the season of scary, spooky fun. But you know what really scares me? Well, spiders. Always spiders. But what also really scares me is thinking about what will happen to my kids should something happen to my husband and me. This in part inspired our editorial team to start a new column that’s kicking off this month. It’s called Adulting, and in it, we’ll explore all those life tasks you know you should be working on (cause, news flash, we are the grown-ups now), but may find daunting to start. Like setting up a will and estate plan.

Something I am guilty of not doing yet. (And my kids are 7 and 4! So I can’t even use the excuse that I have “baby brain.”)

My hope is that this month’s column will give you (well, us) some good reasons to start planning and offer easy and practical steps pointing you in the right direction.

And from saving for college to repairing credit after falling for a scam, DENISE CASTAÑON we’ll be covering a new topic every other month to help (us all) tackle those grown-up duties that fall to us now that we are the parents. (Seriously, I’m in my 40s, and it still occasionally shocks me that I am now the responsible one.)

But don’t worry, we’re not all focused on the serious business of adulting. It’s October, after all. And practically every kid we know — and a fair number of adults — are obsessed with the candy fest that is Halloween.

We’ve brought back our Countdown to Halloween calendar (page 14).

Writer Sarah Vanbuskirk packed it with daily ideas to celebrate harvest and Halloween. Think: apple festivals, pumpkin patches, haunted houses and much more.

And finally we anchor our annual Education Guide with a story about an amazing PTA in Northeast Portland that is radically reshaping the way they do business, page 36. I was lucky enough to sit down with two board members and the principal to pick their brains on how they are making meetings fun and inclusive, and building bridges with families who speak languages other than English. I’m hoping you’ll be as inspired as I was by their story. (Now I’m off to go work on my estate plan.)

— On our cover: Julie Court Jacob, aka Traveling Julie, snapped this totes adorbs photo during a family session at The Grotto in Northeast Portland. “I love this photo because it shows

pdxparent.com

Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774

Lu is going as a black cat and Maria is going as Captain Marvel.

publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Erin J. Bernard erin.bernard@pdxparent.com

Gabi has her heart set on being a rainbow unicorn, and, per family tradition, her Papa and I will dress as unicorns, too!

Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Calendar / Newsletter Editor Amy Conway calendar@pdxparent.com Customer Accounts Manager

Issac is going to be Captain America and Maya is going to be Black Widow.

Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light

Adam is going as DJ Marshmello and is giving out marshmallows to kids. Luke is going to be Michael Myers (ugh).

melissa.light@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-914-6151

Sam is going as Buckethead Zombie and planning to wear a real bucket on his head!

jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com President Keith Goben, 503-460-2774 keith.goben@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 by Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and is copyright 2019 Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. 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, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and its agents and em-

too! (And the homemade Max costume that

use or misuse of any information contained

Find more of Jacob’s work at travelingjulie.com. |

Portland, OR 97213-0660

ployees cannot be held responsible for the

book, Where the Wild Things Are is too cute.)

October 2019

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660

such joy and personality!” says Jacob. We do, pays homage to Maurice Sendak’s classic

6

What is your kid going to be for Halloween?

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.

Climate-Change Mobilizers Through Affected Generation,

If the thought of oceans rising and the planet warming

the two Cleveland High School

has you worried, then you are

sophomores plan to help

not alone. “Thinking 20 or

environmental nonprofits

30 years in the future keeps

upgrade their online presence

me up at night,” says 14-year-

by redesigning their websites

old Jeremy Clark.

and providing high-quality

But Jeremy and his

photos and videos about climate

friend 15-year-old Charlie

change. They are even crafting a

Abrams are doing more than

short film. For all their work, they

worrying. The duo founded

were awarded the Gloria Barron

Affected Generation, a

Prize for Young Heroes, which

youth-led nonprofit that

JEREMY CLARK

is working to fight climate

have made a significant positive

change and help implement effective climate policy. Charlie and

difference to people and our planet. They’ll take home $10,000 to

Jeremy have testified, marched and spoken out in support of

use for their nonprofit or toward education.

Finally, here’s what Jeremy and Charlie ask you as a parent to

Oregon’s Clean Energy Jobs Bill, which would force the state’s largest polluters to pay a fine for every ton of carbon they

do: Teach your kids that climate change is real and reduce your

produce. They also helped organize the 3,000-student-strong

carbon footprint, even in small ways — such as eating vegan or

Portland School Strike for Climate on March 15. “If we fail to take

vegetarian one day a week. And they also ask you to contact

drastic measures to combat climate change, future generations

your legislators and tell them you support effective climate policy

will be born into a crisis they never caused,” says Jeremy, “And

and then vote. Because they can’t. (Learn more about their work

my generation will be the first to have to deal with that crisis.”

at affectedgeneration.org.) — Denise Castañon

Tracy Weldon, Lake

children to exercise their creative muscles and dream.”

The Bright Parenting app.

If you find yourself repeating, “Just put your shoes on!” in an increasingly higher volume every morning before school, this app is for you. (And to give credit, we heard about it from a mom in the Portland-area Working Moms Facebook group!)

This ingenious app gives quick parenting strategies to help address common kid behaviors that parents find … annoying.

You can pick behaviors you’d like to see less of in your kids (say, whining) and then get mini lessons on parenting strategies to reduce the behaviors. Bright labels itself as an app for parents who “strive to balance being nurturing and setting clear limits.” Sounds good to us! Pro tip: Get the “Daily Practices” messaged to your phone. For iPhone and Android.

Free version offers limited tips and lessons. $4.99 a month or $39.99 per

You can find My Blank Page at ashlandwells.com or at amazon.com. — D.C.

year unlocks all lessons. — D.C.

Who:

Oswego author and mother to 2-year-old,

Ryan, with another son on the way.

What:

Weldon recently published her first children’s

book, My Blank Page. “One of the most rewarding parts of creating My

Blank Page was reading it to my son for the first time. He loves the illustrations!”

Why:

“My goal in creating the book is to highlight the importance

of imaginative play in a child’s development,” says Weldon. “Whether they finish the story and want to draw,

TRACY WELDON

make paper airplanes, or embark on their own pirate adventure, my wish

is that this book can interrupt a TV show or video game long enough to encourage

8

honors kids and teens who

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

We Recommend...

p l ay r o o m

Kids to Know: The

TOP 5 ... Candy-free Handouts Whether you want neighborhood kids to have allergy-friendly treats or just can’t stand the thought of more candy in your house, here are some ideas for no-sugar swag to pass out to trick-or-treaters on October 31.

➊ Mini Play-Doh containers. 50 for $9.99 at Costco. ➋ Classic vampire teeth. 6 for $1 at target.com. ➌ Fake bloody fingers.

12 for $2.50 at The Lippman Co., 50 SE Yamhill St. ➍ Glow bracelets, or anything that glows, really. 50 bracelets for $3 at target.com. ➎ Sticky fling toys. Cats and pumpkins available at orientaltrading.com. 72 for $8.89.

DENISE CASTAÑON

Chalkboard:

— D.C.

Making Connections

Even the most Waldorf-y families among us are eventually going to need the Internet. And given Portland’s techy bona fides, it comes as no surprise that the city routinely tops lists as one of the most connected in the country. Even for no-screen-time families, the Internet is an essential and not a luxury these days.

Without it, it’s hard to search for a job or research information or keep up with the news as it happens. But as many readers know all too well, the cost of at-home Internet can be eyebrow raising at best, and wallet-busting at worst. For fast speeds and other bells and whistles, costs can top out at more than $100 per month. If that’s beyond your household’s budget, don’t despair; there are alternatives. One is still years away for Multnomah County residents, but worth following nonetheless: Multnomah County is studying the feasibility of building a massive fiber network to provide public residential internet service. (If

92.1: Percentage of OREGON FAMILIES with a computer at home. «» 84.7: high-speed Percentage of OREGON FAMILIES with a internet connection.

3:

«»

The NUMBER of major internet service providers in the Portland-metro area — Frontier, Comcast and CenturyLink. «»

$9.95: Price for a NO-FRILLS HOME INTERNET subscription, via Comcast’s Internet Essentials program. «»

$300,000: The amount Multnomah County is SPENDING TO ANALYZE THE POSSIBILITY of building a PUBLIC INTERNET SERVICE.

SOURCES: US CENSUS BUREAU, THE OREGONIAN, COMCAST

you live in Hillsboro, know that the city is several steps ahead on this and has a seven-year plan to provide internet service citywide.) For now, those whose children are eligible for free and reduced lunch from school, or are enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can check out Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which provides at-home Wi-Fi at respectable speeds for just $9.95 per month, with no long-term contract, no credit check and no installation fees. For details, check out internetessentials.com.

— Julia Silverman

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

9

p l ay r o o m

Ask Dr. Doug

Q

: I’m prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during our dreary

A

CANTA LAS LETRAS

Playlist:

We’ll Dance to That!

Learning a second language is all about mastering new sounds, and as any parent can tell you, that means a whole lotta repetition — hence the monotonous register of many alphabet-focused kids’ music albums. But practicing your Spanish-language ABCs need not be an exercise in tedium, insists Latin GRAMMY-award winning kids’ music duo 123 Andrés. (aka, Andrés and Christina.)

Their latest album, Canta las Letras,

takes listeners on a highCANTA LAS LETRAS

energy tour of Spanishlanguage letters and letter combinations,

winters. I noticed my 9-year-old also seems down during that time of year, too. Can kids get SAD? If so, what symptoms should we look for and how can we help him?

: Feeling blue in the winter is common, especially in our wet and gray city. There

is a reason coffee sales (and flights to sunny spots) increase in the winter around here! While we all usually feel more tired and grumpy in the winter, seasonal affective disorder is a specific type of depression that worsens in the winter with the arrival of shorter days and less light, and then gets better in the spring when longer days return.

SAD is more common in adults, usually showing up in the teens and early 20s, but it can certainly affect kids, too. Girls are four times more likely than boys to experience it, and chances increase with a family history of depression or other mood issues.

Symptoms of SAD are similar to depression, except they follow a predictable and seasonal pattern through the year. These include: sadness, irritability, not enjoying things we normally do, less energy, sleeping more, overeating and difficulty concentrating. We don’t understand exactly why SAD happens, but our best explanation links it to the longer periods of darkness in the winter, which impact our levels of the sleep- and mood-regulating brain chemicals melatonin and serotonin.

Unfortunately SAD may be overlooked in children. Often depression and anxiety show up as irritability rather than sadness in kids. Symptoms may also get blamed on issues at school, or holiday travel and changes to routine. Regardless of what might be causing it, if you feel like your son is struggling, talk to his pediatrician.

What can we do about it? The same types of treatment that work for adults can be helpful for kids. Start with the healthy habits we should all be Got a question for practicing year-round — a regular bedtime with a Dr. Doug? Send it to consistent routine, eating a balanced diet, getting AsktheDr@pdxparent.com. outside and getting out of breath from exercising, ideally every day.

Light therapy may be helpful — this means exposing ourselves to bright light in the morning, since our day/night rhythms are set by how much light we see and when. While there isn’t much research on light therapy in children, it may be worth a try after discussing it with your pediatrician. Light boxes can be purchased locally and online. (I find it easiest to put the light nearby while kids are eating breakfast or playing in the morning, ideally for 20 to 30 minutes.) If it helps, you should see moods brightening within two weeks. For some children, we may need to explore counseling and medication as well.

I also want to stress that we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of our kids. Make sure to prioritize your self-care. Kids are remarkably attuned to us, and if we’re irritable or depressed, it impacts their moods, too.

I hope your family is healthy and happy this winter!

?

evoking visuals of everything from koala bears the new sounds stick. Cue it up and dance along to 38 carefully crafted ditties, or just let the music roll in the background while you go about your day. This catchy, eclectic gem stands up well to heavy living-room rotation.

123andres.com. — Erin J. Bernard

10

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

Dr. Doug Lincoln practices general pediatrics at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Happy Valley. He is board certified in both pediatrics and preventive medicine, with special interests in helping parents meet their breastfeeding goals, caring for neurodiverse children with behavioral health needs, and advocating for children via teaching and policy. As a dad of two boys, he understands the joy and hard work that comes with parenting. Find out more about Dr. Doug and Metropolitan Pediatrics at metropediatrics.com.

DR. DOUG

and popsicles to mosquitos and elk to help

Pop culture and public art collide in Springfield,

on that famous orange

Getaway: Springfield, Oregon

couch. (Tour maps at eugene

Oregon, the

cascadescoast.

(purported)

org.) Indoors,

ancestral home

obstacle-

of The Simpsons.

course gym

A self-guided

Northwest

walking tour

Ninja Park

showcases

boasts warped

20 essential

walls, double

public-art stops

ladders and

highlighting local

cliff-hanging

history, but the

challenges.

real stars of the

Skip dinner at

show are Homer,

Moe’s Tavern:

Marge, Maggie,

It’s noisy, and there’s

Lisa and Bart — the working-

THOMAS MOSSER

no Duff beer on tap. D’oh!

class family that made this former mill town infamous. A self-guided Unofficial Simpsons Tour passes a series of landmarks that inspired

Instead, visit Plank Town Brewing Company, housed in a historic building and serving up kid-approved mac ’n’ cheese

(or were inspired by) the long-lived sitcom. Admire Simpsons-

and sweet-potato fries. Staying over? Check out Village Inn

adjacent art, including the “official” Simpsons Mural, then cozy

— an affordable, locally owned motel with a pool and free basic

up to life-sized statues of Homer, Marge, Maggie, Lisa and Bart

breakfast. — E.J.B.

Apps We Love:

Go with the Flow Music

I’ve always found music really

does tame the savage beast — and there’s nothing more savage than a hangry kindergartener at 5 pm when dinner is still in the works. I’ve been using Pandora for ages, but wanted to

Amazon Music With Amazon Music, you’ve got access to a library of 2 million songs.

(You can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited for a monthly fee — and access 50 million songs.) For the kiddos, I especially liked the chill vibe of the Frances England Station, which also included songs from The Okee Dokee Brothers and Elizabeth Mitchell. Expect more upbeat tunes on the preset station Toddler Time with hits like Baby Shark, Kidz Bop and Pixar soundtracks.

Amazon also gives you the option to block explicit lyrics. Free with Prime membership with no commercials and no limit on skips! iHeart Radio Family This whole app is specifically for kids, with pre-programmed channels featuring music, stories and podcasts. The downside is you don’t have the ability to choose a specific artist’s station, or even see which artist is currently playing. But there is a wide variety of commercial-free stations — I especially liked Rock the Cradle, which played Bowie’s version of The Man Who Sold the World. And I loved that the app featured Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.

check out other free streaming apps that have dedicated channels for kiddos with fewer commercials.

Spotify This app offers a very wide selection of artists to create stations based on your preferences. I found lots of kindie choices, including Lucky Diaz, Jazzy Ash and our very own Red Yarn. The free version gives you the option of watching a 30-second video to get 30 minutes of ad-free music. It’s easy to block explicit content, too. — D.C.

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

11

12

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

FA L L F U N

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

13

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

MONDAY

Your teens will love scaring themselves silly at Milburn’s Haunted Manor.

This attraction boasts two haunted houses, The Dark and The Manor ($12 each, or $20 for both). Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus October 30 and 31.) milburnmanor.com.

6

7

Time to nail down your costume choices. Plan out your purchases, create a costume from items you already own or start making said costumes to avoid the dreaded rush or crowds in the last days leading up to All Hallows’ Eve.

BY SARAH VANBUSKIRK

Mark down the days to the candy-and-costume fest that is October 31 with our calendar of spooky Halloween and celebratory harvest activities for every day of October.

SUNDAY

8

Visit the original Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch for hayrides, an epic corn maze, an animal barn, food booths, rides on the Cow Train (weekends only) and, of course, pumpkin picking.

Open daily, 10 am-6 pm. thepumpkinpatch.com.

9

Take your arts and crafts game to the dark side by making Halloweenthemed crafts, such as spooky hand puppets, Halloween paper chains and monster paper rings.

For inspiration, check out: easypeasyandfun. com/halloween-craftsideas.

2

Dare to visit the ultimate Halloween cemetery, the Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie, where months of planning DAVIS GRAVEYARD create a killer undead graveyard spectacular. Best for kids who don’t spook easily.

Check davisgraveyard. com for times.

Devour freshly made pumpkinspice doughnuts at Bushue’s Family Farm.

Hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy everything from hayrides to decorating Dirt Babies (like homemade chia pets).

Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am5 pm. bushuefarming. com/pumpkins.

1

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

BUSHUE’S FAMILY FARM

14 Snuggle up with some great Halloween reads, such as Room on the Broom, By the Light of the Halloween Moon, Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt, Too Many Pumpkins, and, for older kiddos, the Harry Potter series.

10

3

5

Bite your way through dozens of juicy apple and pear varieties at The Portland Nursery’s annual Apple Tasting festival. October 11-13 and 18-20, 10 am-5 pm.

11

Run for your lives down the Wenzel Farm Fantasy Trail, a ghoulishly decorated wooded path.

Pro tip: Visit during daytime hours with littles who don’t appreciate scares. Weekends (12 pm5 pm) or under the stars (7 pm-10 pm) nightly through October 30. $7 adults, $6 children 12 and under. fantasytrail. com.

12

Pay homage to the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest (celebrating 193 years young) at Fort Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree Festival, 11 am-3 pm, at Old Apple Tree Park.

Festivities include a chance to get a cutting from this older and wiser apple tree.

It’s alive! Drop off your third to sixth graders to create their own Frankentoy at Beaverton City Library, 4:30 pm-5:30 pm. Kids will take apart old toys and transform them into their own monstrous creations.

Registration required. beavertonlibrary.org.

Whip up some tasty pumpkin bread using this easy and delicious recipe from Foster’s Market.

Pro tip: This recipe works perfectly as muffins, too, and is fantastic with a few handfuls of chocolate chips thrown into the batter. fostersmarket. com/pumpkin-bread.

4

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

27

Visit the Magness Memorial Tree Farm for its annual Vampire-O event.

Participants new to this theatrical sport, which combines elements of tag and scavenger hunting, can take a tutorial on how to play. All ages welcome, but best suited for older elementary-school aged kids. croc.org.

Celebrate fall’s bounty on the Hood River Fruit Loop. Be sure to visit: the Packer Farm Place for a kid-friendly corn maze, and Draper Girls Country Farm for U-pick apples and pears — and to feed goats. hoodriverfruitloop.com.

20

DENISE CASTAÑON

28

If your child’s costume requires any face painting or elaborate hairstyles, now’s the time to practice. Just about every store in town seems to carry halloween makeup, so head to your favorite store and stock up as needed.

CITY OF TUALATIN

21

Take in the 15th Annual Pumpkin Regatta at the Lake at Tualatin Commons to see costumed paddlers in 1,000-pound pumpkins navigate a course around the lake. 10 am. tualatinoregon.gov/ pumpkinregatta.

Get a jump on holiday baking by making and decorating Halloween-themed sugar cookies. For full spooky effect, pick up Wilton’s 18-piece Halloween Metal Cutter Set, $14.95 at amazon. com.

Multnomah County Library offers frightnight-themed events all month long. Today, hear storytelling duo Anne & Norm spin spine-tingling tales and sing spooky songs at An OldFashioned Halloween.

5:30 pm, Holgate Library.

29

Plan out your trickor-treating route and any meet-ups with friends along the way now so you’ll be good to go on the big night. Make sure you’ve got treat bags ready as well. Pro tip: Walk your route to take in all the spook-tacular decorations without the sugar high.

22

ANNE & NORM BRECKE - MIKE BICKNELL PHOTO

14

Soak up the spooky scene in St. Helens as the town celebrates its status as the location of the 1990s TV movie Halloweentown with a frightful bevy of events, games, scarecrows and more. discovercolumbiacounty. com.

15

Make snack time deliciously creepy with treats like ants on a log, mozzarella eyeballs, spider-web crispy treats and more. The internet offers thousands of gory-but-edible ideas.

Start here: pinterest.com/ myrecipes/halloweentreats.

Take the littlest trick-ortreaters to the Portland Children’s Museum BOOseum! candy-free party.

11 am-3 pm. And when your big kids hit the neighborhood after dark, be sure snap lots of pics before all that candy kicks in.

31

24

Make a bootiful lantern at Beaverton City Library’s Spooky Lantern event for children grades two to five. Registration required.

4 pm-5 pm. beavertonlibrary. org.

Time for a costume trial run.

Don your outfits, complete with any finishing touches, to make sure everything fits, nothing’s missing, and that your little one is happy with his or her look. Better to fix any issues now rather than deal with a meltdown on the big day!

23

16

Check out the specialty varieties at Fazio Farms.

They’ve got ghostly white, pie pumpkins and Wee Bee Little baby pumpkins. Don’t miss the corn maze either! Visit faziofarms.com for days and times.

17

Stop by The Lippman Company or any area costume or dollar store (or go online) to pick up decorations to get your d yard house and into the creepy spirit.

Think glow-in-the-dark eyeballs,, big spiders, lots of webbing and ghosts.

30

DENISE CASTAÑON

Tap into the scary spirit by watching some spooky films, such as It’s the Great, Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, Super Monsters Save Halloween, and Goosebumps.

PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

13

25

Take a trip back in time at Oregon Heritage Farms. Gobble up apple-cider doughnuts, slingshot apples at targets, and, of course, pick pumpkins. Daily in October, 10 am-5 pm.

OREGON HERITAGE FARMS

Get out the carving knives and turn those pumpkins into jack-o’lanterns. Or try drawing faces on some of your pumpkins with Sharpies.

18

SPONSORED BY

OREGON ZOO

26

The Oregon Zoo’s Howloween event includes scavenger hunts, watching elephants stomp on pumpkins and celebrating national vampire (bat) week.

Last two weekends in October, 9:30 am-3 pm.

19

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!

It’s a bat mobile!

Fashion one yourself at the Northwest Public Library. Participants will work with bamboo twigs, paper, wire and other supplies to make their own hanging masterpiece. First come, first served. 2 pm. multcolib.org/events/ bat-mobiles.

CLIP + SAVE

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

15

DENISE CASTAÑON

Who Runs the Stage . . .

Girls!

From scientists to superheroes, girls are front and center on our city’s stages, and they’re ready to share valuable lessons with all the budding feminists in your family.

BY ALEXIS REHRMANN

Me…Jane October 19 to November 17 OREGON CHILDREN’S THEATRE BEST FOR AGES 5 AND OLDER

OWEN CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY

16

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

“I

was craving a great female character to headline a play,” explains Marcella Crowson, director of Me… Jane. She found one in an imaginative musical about the dreams and adventures of a young Jane Goodall.

This is the story of 10-year-old Jane Goodall and her stuffed monkey doll, Jubilee. Based on the book by Patrick McDonnell, Me…Jane is a joyous celebration of Goodall’s early love of animals, her curiosity and her marvel of the world around her. “We go lots of places with Jane. Her backyard becomes a laboratory to explore the natural world,” says Crowson. “We go to Africa and back again.”

Five actors tell the story, playing Goodall, Goodall’s mother, chickens, squirrels and a menagerie of wildlife.

There are 18 songs in the hour-long show. “The music is beautiful, and there’s so much that’s funny,” says Crowson. Three squirrels, intoxicated by all the things they’re going to dig up, even sing a song called, Spring Feast. “The squirrels are going nuts, pun intended,” laughs Crowson.

The girl who grew up to be a famous animal rights activist and scientist knew what she wanted to do from a very young age. Goodall pursued a dream that lit her up and inspired a lifelong adventure. “It’s a play with a girl at the center of it, but it isn’t a girl play,” explains Crowson. Me…Jane is for everyone — girls, boys and adults, too.

“Children are smart. They can be very astute about where their passion lies at a very young age,” says Crowson. “Our job as adults is to make a way for them to honor those instincts. Adults and children will recognize the value of sticking to a dream.” » Also onstage: Dragons Love Tacos comes to the Oregon Children’s Theatre stage in January. A show for all ages and every child who loves dragons. «

F

or book lovers, the second Saturday in November is one unmissable day: The Portland Book Festival returns to the Park Blocks. With 100-plus authors and nine stages, the literary happening mixes art and authors, performance and panel discussions, illustration and exploration. It’s a celebration for everyone who loves books.

Here’s how to make the most of the festival with kids: Park your stroller at the Oregon Historical Society. Storytime at the kids’ stage begins at 9 am. Emily Arrow, a musician who writes songs based on picture books, will host and sing! As the day goes on, the books age up. In the afternoon, look for panel discussions with your favorite grade-school authors.

Then, pop into a pop-up event at the Portland Art Museum.

Writers are paired with art in the museum collection that matches a theme in their work. You might catch a reading, a discussion or a live illustration.

You can also meet the makers IRL. At the book fair, children’s books get their own special section, and writers and illustrators are on hand to sign books and meet your kiddos. It can be really powerful for kids to realize that the books they love are written by real people, including many female authors. Meet Vicki Conrad, who wrote a Beverly Cleary biography for young readers. Just Like Beverly tells the story of the cherished children’s author’s Oregon

Portland Book Festival November 9 LITERARY ARTS ALL AGES: FREE FOR KIDS

PORTLAND BOOK FESTIVAL

girlhood. Author and athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad will also be at the festival with The Proudest Blue, a story of hijab and family. (At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Muhammad was the first American athlete to compete wearing a hijab.) For school-age readers, the festival features fantastic graphic novelists, from Rivka Galchen and her Rat Rule 79, to Raina Telgemeier and her newest book: Guts.

“One of the coolest parts about going to the book festival is discovering something new,” says Bullock. “Be open to discoverable moments and those chance encounters. Be open to the unexpected.”

the cleverest witch of her age, there will be music from the Harry Potter movies, too.

“It always starts with a bang,” says Huynh. Musical ideas are introduced to OREGON SYMPHONY, invite listening: Kids are WITH PACIFIC YOUTH encouraged to imagine a CHOIR AND DANCE WEST story, picture an image, listen for a particular instrument BEST FOR AGES 4 or find a character’s theme.

AND OLDER There’s also lots to see onstage. From the orchestra to the kids performing with the Portland Youth Choir and Dance West, there are nearly 100 people onstage.

Mahon narrates in costume; perhaps she’ll be a wizardin-training or a grand magician. You’ll have to come and see, and you’re welcome to bring your wand and don your wizarding robes, too.

“Coming to a live performance is such a great way to see how noise and sound can be made naturally. There’s no speaker system in the world that sounds as good as a live orchestra,” promises Huynh. Who knows? Your kid might just fall in love with the violin.

“These concerts are kids’ concerts, but there’s as much joy on the faces of the adults — to have that moment with their child,” says Mahon.

Castles and Wizards November 10

JOE CANTRELL / NARRATOR PAM MAHON

“L

istening is a learned thing. We all need to practice,” says Pam Mahon, teaching artist and narrator of the Oregon

Symphony’s beloved Kids Series concerts. And what better way to practice listening than to fall under the spell of Castles and Wizards

and the Oregon Symphony?

You’ll hear classical orchestra greats, like Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and a pop-culture smash from powerful princesses that your little ones probably already know (and love). “Frozen 2 is coming out, so we’ll do Let it Go,” promises the conductor, Norman Huynh.

Listen for Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia and a new composition

by Anna Clyne titled Masquerade. And for fans of Hermione Granger,

» Also onstage: Oregon Symphony will perform Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra at the Kids Series concert on February 2. «

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

17

A PDX Performing Ar ts Scavenger Hunt!

See if you can spot these connections on Portland stages this fall. It’s fun, and it will help your kids get more out of the shows.

“We all gravitate toward things that we’re familiar with,” says Oregon Symphony Conductor Norman Huynh.

Matilda: The Musical December 7 to January 5 NORTHWEST CHILDREN’S THEATER BEST FOR AGES 5 AND OLDER

I

n Matilda: The Musical, only the kids can save the day. The musical was a Broadway smash hit and Tony award winner, so expect great music and big dance numbers in this NWCT production.

Based on a classic children’s book by Roald Dahl, Matilda: The Musical combines the funny and the frightening to delicious effect. “Our audiences love Roald Dahl,” says Sarah Jane Hardy, artistic director of the Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT). NWCT has a long relationship with Dahl’s storytelling style, having staged works like Willy Wonka, The BFG and James and the Giant Peach.

Matilda lives in a Gotham-esque world where the adults are ridiculous, very bad or useless.

“There are many, many, bad guys in the show,” says Hardy. “They are all ridiculous. They look silly. They’re not smart. They make dumb choices, and they do dumb things.”

18

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

➊ Go see the

DAVID KINDER

So Matilda must use her skills (and one special superpower) to save herself, write her own story, and lead a revolution against an evil headmistress.

“Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it,” Matilda sings. “Even if you’re little you can do a lot.

You mustn’t let a little thing like little stop you.”

“Matilda is a cerebral, intellectual, imaginative, creative, powerful, young female child. She’s a remarkable character and so desperately needed right now for children,” says Hardy.

Matilda’s class agrees, with lyrics that seem eerily relevant to today’s climate. “We are revolting children living in revolting times,” they sing. “We’ll be revolting children till our revolt is done.”

And who knows, watching Matilda challenge her circumstances might just ignite some activism in your child. “It’s tremendously powerful for kids to hear that you can write your own story,” says Hardy. “It sparks passion, imagination, belief in yourself.” » Also onstage: How I Became a Pirate sets sail now through October 13 at NWCT. Most enjoyed by kids ages 4 and older. «

Oregon Symphony

perform Castles and Wizards. Listen for a piece of music from Tchiakovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, then see OBT’s ballet and try to hear the same theme.

➋ At the Portland

Book Festival, watch the cast of Matilda:

The Musical preview a song on the kids’ stage. Then go see the show at NWCT and sing along!

➌ Check out Me…

Jane at the library, or any of the other

books that inspired shows, and read before you go.

CHRISTOPHER PEDDECORD

“W

hen you experience beauty, it’s another way of appreciating the world around you,” says Kevin Irving, artistic director at Oregon Ballet Theater (OBT). “In a ballet performance, parents can share that with their kids.”

The Sleeping Beauty, with music by Tchaikovsky, is a pinnacle of classical ballet. It is a sincere and beautiful fairy tale, lushly lit and gorgeously costumed, with no room for cynicism or sarcasm. But in 2019, what do we tell our kids about this classical, un-ironic princess?

Beautiful and helpless, she pricks her finger on a needle and falls asleep until a prince comes to her rescue.

Irving encourages us to look to the ballerina behind that story. In any ballet performance, one of the lessons onstage is that dreams are built on hard work. “For the women who practice professional ballet, the amount of muscle, determination and real grit that they have is often not apparent in the art form,” he says. “Every morning, that ballerina is working to become a stronger performer and athlete. It takes a lot of power to be that delicate.”

The Sleeping Beauty is long, running 2 hours and 45 minutes, with two intermissions (the last act is the shortest).

If your kids have made it through The Nutcracker, they’ll love it, and OBT loves having children at their shows.

“It’s a grown-up evening, but it’s not

The Sleeping Beauty February 15-23 OREGON BALLET THEATER BEST FOR AGES 7 AND OLDER

entertainment that requires a lot of handholding,” says Irving. The familiar story invites children and adults to discover the beauty of ballet. “It’ll feel familiar, but in a way, more alive.” » Also onstage: Viva MOMIX!, presented by White Bird Dance, combines physicality, humor and spectacular imagery. Show runs October 3-5. Appropriate for all ages. «

Alexis Rehrmann is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Portland Monthly magazine. She studied theater at NYU, where she majored in directing and being a theater nerd. Now a parent, she delights in discovering the Portland performance scene with her 5-year-old kiddo in tow.

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

19

20

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

a d u lt i n g

Estate Planning, Demystified Yes, you’re young and still growing that nest egg — but there’s much to be gained from cinching your estate plan now. We break down the how and the why. BY ERIN J. BERNARD

E

ven if you don’t (yet) possess the cash-money of Kim Kardashian or the purse strings of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, your family probably needs an estate plan.

Yes, you’re still building up, but there are many benefits to gaming out the unexpected, starting now, says Stefan M.v.O. Wolf, an attorney at Portland- and Vancouver-based law firm Gevurtz Menashe and a young father himself.

“The peace of mind is the biggest benefit,” he explains. “With little kids, we do all kinds of stuff planning for them, making sure they are taken care of and safe and eat the right foods and get the right sleep.

Estate planning is also about making sure kids are taken care of.”

Estate-planning attorneys like Wolf can walk you through the entire process (no financial statements or spreadsheets required, promise!) in just a few hours over the course of about a month. Along the way, you’ll confront questions that you’ve either been avoiding (no judgment, we’ve been there) or just haven’t thought to ask about your assets, family dynamics and long-term wishes. (You can also go online to sites like nolo.com and draft up a basic plan on your own, though missing a beat might spell trouble later.)

Herewith, four more good reasons to get serious about estate planning.

1. Estate plans do more than dole out dollars. An estate plan is a series of documents laying out your wishes in legally binding terms. Most importantly, it names a guardian for your minor children and makes clear provisions for the distribution of your estate. “Estate” might seem a grand term when your “holdings” consist of a house with a mortgage, two aging cars, a smallish retirement account and maybe some heirloom jewelry, but you probably have more assets than you think, says Wolf. A lifeinsurance policy alone ups the ante considerably: “You get [the policy] set up and hope you never need it and forget it,” he explains, but in the event of your death, “all of a sudden, there are significant assets that need to be dealt with.”

2. Your 18-year-old kid has zero common sense. We know. You probably don’t even have an 18-year-old kid. But you will, someday, and if the unexpected happens and you haven’t laid things out carefully, that future teenager could have access to their entire inheritance, in cash, on their 18th birthday. Coincidentally, notes Wolf, 18 is also the average number of months it takes for an inheritance to disappear completely — poof! Terrified yet? Don’t be, says Wolf: Simple provisions can ensure that, should something happen to you, that million-dollar life insurance payoff will be doled out S-L-O-W-L-Y, over decades. (You can also stipulate access to funds for things like education or home buying.)

3. Your wishes are not as straightforward as you think. “My family knows what I want.” Wolf hears this a lot from clients, and it’s not always true, especially in the aftermath of an unexpected death.

And let’s get real: Many parents have at least one family member they’d never ever want raising their kids (ever!), though they might not have expressed the sentiment aloud. An estate plan smooths the path by outlining, in stark terms, your exact desires. “People have different ideas about what they think somebody intended or didn’t intend,” says Wolf. “If you have an estate plan in place, it reduces potential conflict and arguments.” And all this goes double for single parents!

4. A solid estate plan can grow with your family. Separations, deaths, divorces, remarriages, growing kids with ever-changing needs — even if your health and luck hold out, a lot can change over the course of your child-rearing years. Once you’ve got a plan firmly in place, Wolf recommends reviewing it annually with an attorney and adapting it to fit shifting situations. It’s a smart way to ensure children with ongoing special needs are provided for, or to protect an older child struggling with mental health issues or other life challenges. Can we divine what’s ahead for our families? Nope. But we sure can plan.

Erin J. Bernard is PDX Parent’s managing editor. She doesn’t have an estate plan yet, but ask her again in three months. (Or maybe six.)

22

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

23

field trip

There’s a new play space in town. We test-drive the pancakes, ball pit and art projects on offer at Milwaukie’s Two Sisters Play Café.

Eat. Play. Lo

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALI WILKINSON

i

For more ideas for fun outings, visit: pdxparent.com/ field-trip.

t was a sad day when Pied Piper Play Café closed in Southeast Portland. The idea was genius in its simplicity: a place for young kids to play while grownups had a chance to caffeinate and meet with friends, get in an hour of work — or, hey, even read a few pages of a book! (Remember those things?) So when rumors started of a new play café in Milwaukie, Southeast Portland residents watched Facebook like a hawk, counting down to opening day.

24

It seemed to take ages, but Two Sisters Play Café is now officially open. Conveniently located on the first stop of the MAX Orange Line, it’s an easy jaunt for parents of young kids in the southeast, and a worthy destination for those farther flung. (Pro tip: There’s no parking lot; street parking is available.)

I took my three kids, ages 5, 7 and 9, to the café just after 7:30 am on an August morning. (Summer sleepin? Bah! But come the start of school, no alarm will wake my children.)

For the better part of an hour, we had the place to ourselves — but it was filling up fast by the time we left around 10 am.

The space is divided into three rooms. First, the dining area, where you can fill up on eggs, pancakes and other breakfast favorites. There are also plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. (Huzzah, New Cascadia!) My kids went for pancakes, pancakes and (wait for it) pancakes — with a side of bacon. I went for the eggs and hash browns.

The hash browns were spot-on — crispy and not at all greasy. And, of key importance, the café had delicious espresso drinks in abundance.

Two Sisters also has a lunch menu, which includes kids’ menu staples like PB&J and grilled cheese with a side (chips, veggies or applesauce), as well as paninis and salads for more sophisticated palates.

Directly behind the dining area, with a cut-out window to observe, is the play area. There is a small fee to play, but it is very small ($2 for one child; $3 for two). The main attraction of the play space is a large multilevel climbing structure, complete with ball pit. The structure is meant for kids under 5, but because we were the only ones there at first, the

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

café’s co-owner, Anne, let all my kids play on it. Even with permission, this is probably the last year Grady, age 9, physically could play in it — unless they’re reenacting Jack and the Beanstalk and are short one giant.

The other toys in the play area, too, are mostly aimed at younger kids. Think lots of Fisher-Price Little People toys, trucks, dress-up clothes and other toys squarely in the toddler sweet spot. Teddy and Clara both had fun — in particular with a few Etch A Sketches and a magnetic dress-up doll — but there were fewer toys that interested Grady.

However, if you are bringing older kids, you’ll be saved by the third room — an art space. You can buy either a

ove.

BEFORE YOU GO: Two Sisters Play Café, 11923 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwuakie.

Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am5 pm; Friday, 7:30 am-6 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8 am-3 pm.

503-344-4883, twosistersplaycafe.net.

Check their website, or the kids calendar at pdxparent. com for special events, including performances by some of your favorite local kindie artists.

blank canvas ($5) or a pre-drawn sketch to color in ($8), and spend as much time as you like creating your masterpiece.

Clara and Grady opted to create their own, while Teddy chose to paint a pre-drawn pot of gold and rainbow. The fee includes all the paint you can use as well as the use of a smock. (Although, for my kids, no measly smock can protect their clothes.)

Of key importance for parents: the bathroom situation. There are two of them, both very clean, with changing tables and emergency diaper supplies, should you run out.

When we left, close to three hours after arriving, the kids were already clamoring to come back. They loved the art project, and the license to play with someone else’s toys for awhile. Oh, and the pancakes. Those were pretty great, too.

Ali Wilkinson is a Portland-based writer, lawyer and mother of three kids (ages 5, 7 and 9). She’s also the co-founder of PDX Kids Calendar. When not scouring Portland for great pancakes, she enjoys running, hiking and exploring Portland with her family.

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

25

hands on

Paper-mache, Two Ways P

aper-mache is a fun and inexpensive way for kids and adults to create sculptures using recycled materials and papers. You can use anything — newspaper, toilet paper rolls, bubble wrap, gift wrap, grocery bags or cardboard — to sculpt any particular shape you dream up. Start this activity by drawing ideas, search

T AR ST RE: MATERIALS E H

Recycled materials Masking tape

For more kid-friendly projects visit: pdxparent.com / hands-on.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY JULZ NALLY AND CONSU TOLOSA

around your home for materials to sculpt with, and then have fun playing. And we give you two ways to paper-mache, so you can use whichever material you have handy. Pro tip: If you need a smoother or faster-drying project, choose the paint-and-glue version.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Create your shape by using the recycled materials and tape to sculpt your piece into place. For October, we suggest pumpkins, sugar skulls and bats!

Paint or paint pens

2. To create pieces to hang on a string, twist a piece of wire or a bread tie into a loop and attach or insert it into the top or back of your sculpture.

Wire, yarn or string

3. Choose either style of paper-mache in the boxes below.

Paintbrush

26

Get creative with paper-mache for Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

PAINT-AND-GLUE PAPER-MACHE • Tissue paper

• Craft or tempera paint • White glue

1. In a bowl, mix 2 parts white glue to 1 part craft or tempera paint, and mix with a paintbrush.

2. Tear your tissue paper into small pieces.

3. Use the paintbrush to apply your tissue paper 4. Once it’s dry, you can paint more details on your creation using paint, paint pens or markers.

FLOUR-PASTE PAPER-MACHE • 1 cup flour

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons salt

• Newspaper

1. Add flour, water and salt to a medium-sized bowl and mix together until smooth.

2. Next, tear newspaper into 3-inch-by-1-inch strips. (Bigger pieces

require more strips, smaller pieces, fewer. Be sure to have plenty on

hand so you won’t have to try to rip more pieces with sticky fingers!)

3. Dip the newspaper into the paper-mache paste and remove excess with your fingers.

4. Add the gooey newspaper strip to your sculpture, and continue this process until you have covered your creation with

one to two layers of newspaper. Use your fingers or a paintbrush to smooth out your layers.

5. You can dry your piece with heat from the sun, a fan or

blow-dryer. If you’ve added wire, avoid touching the metal.

6. Once it’s dry, you can paint your piece with paint and/or paint pens.

Julz Nally is an artist/illustrator and children’s art teacher. Her work can be found on Burgerville’s kids’ meal seed packets or at julznally.com.

For info on her winter classes, visit julznally.com/winter-offerings. Consu Tolosa is a Portland-based Uruguayan painter and illustrator. She loves creating bold contemporary abstracts and colorful and quirky characters she calls Personitas. You can learn more about her classes and workshops at consutolosa.com.

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

fa m i ly s u p p e r

The Beer Necessities Brews, families and ’90s nostalgia mix at Division Street’s Grixsen Brewing Company. STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERIN J. BERNARD

For more kid-friendly restaurant reviews, visit: pdxparent.com /family-supper.

W

28

hat on earth is a Grixsen?

It’s a made-up word, according to the Grixsen Brewing Company’s website, hybridizing the family names of three friends who founded this Division Street tap room in 2016, and it describes someone who is honest, righteous and celebrates uniqueness in others.

But was this family-calibrated food-and-drink stop really ready to celebrate the righteously untempered honesty of a hungry 3-yearold on a weeklong nap-strike?

Our family headed to Southeast Portland on a recent Saturday afternoon to find out.

The open-plan taproom oozed chill vibes from the moment we wandered in: Soft breezes flowed through the eating area, courtesy of roll-up garage doors, while speakers (not-too-loudly) pumped out ’90s superhits from The Backstreet Boys, Alanis and Mariah, cueing instant nostalgia for this Millennial couple.

Our 3-year-old, Gabi, made straight for the raised play platform in one corner, scattered with preschool-friendly toys and viewable from anywhere in the eating area, and we seated ourselves and perused the menu.

Grixsen bills itself as offering “pub classics with a Northwest flair.”

Pro tip: Their daily 4 pm-6 pm happy hour offers tasty, budgetfriendly shareables like locally sourced soft pretzels with house queso ($6), nachos ($6) and fries ($5). A separate kids’ menu offered GF, vegan and veggie-friendly options — music to the ears of this wheat-sensitive family.

I chose the Saint Ricky cocktail ($9), the husband ordered a house beer flight ($10), and for food we went with the fried chicken sandwich ($14), wurst plate ($11) and carnitas tacos ($11). Gabi remained absorbed by the toys, so we ordered her the GF grilled cheese with fries ($6).

The drinks were a mixed bag: My spendy cocktail tasted like it had been sitting in a pitcher, but my husband, Emiliano, loved his

Ancestry Brewing recently added a Hawthorne Street tap room to its low-fuss Three more surefire lineup (they’ve also got a neighborhood pub in Sellwood), family pub picks. but we’re partial to the Tualatin flagship space, which adjoins Ancestry’s brewery and overlooks a wetlands. ancestrybrewing.com.

Parental Pub-hopping

six-flavor beer taster, especially the Kiss the Sky IPA (“not too big or hazy”) and the pilsner (“refreshing”).

Gabi’s GF grilled cheese arrived served up on a puffy hamburger bun instead of sandwich bread. She took one look, worked her face into a pout and pushed the plate back, announcing, “I wanted a big sandwich!”

When I threatened to eat it for her, though, she came around and eventually gobbled the entire thing up, no more objections.

The tacos and chicken sandwich were lovingly presented, but the taste wasn’t a homerun, and the portions were small for the prices.

The standout: The Weiss-wurst, with its assortment of pickled/ fermented accompaniments, was our fave.

Still, we liked Grixsen enough to return for brunch (available till 2 p.m. on weekends), and though the GF offerings were modest, the chicken and waffles ($14) and half-portion breakfast burrito (only $5!) were tasty, and Gabi dug the accompanying hash browns.

(My bacon-garnished Bloody Mary ($10) was also solid, but again, expensive for its size.)

The best part: taking our time with the meals. Gabi let us linger for almost two hours while she played, and thanks to the spacious no-fuss layout and low-key servers, we never felt like a bother. Pro tip: Per the sign pegged to the wall, anticipate the affections of “wellbehaved dogs,” which are allowed inside. This being Portland, they roam, so prepare for occasional unsolicited knee licks.

If you fancy a low-key lunch date, but don’t want to spring for a sitter, this is your spot. And the space would also work well for a multi-family meet-up. (And, yes, clean changing tables and high chairs are on hand.) Bring the kids and the dog — everybody really is welcome at Grixsen.

Grixsen Brewing Company, 1001 SE Division St., Suite 2. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 pm-10 pm; Friday, 4 pm-11 pm; Saturday, noon-11 pm; Sunday, noon-9 pm. 971-347-3100, grixsen.com.

In Hillsdale, grab a brew at Sasquatch Brewing Co.’s brewpub, which cultivates a relaxed neighborhood vibe and offers a special (and surprisingly cheap) “Northwest Menu” just for kids under 12. sasquatchbrewery.com.

Have a pint and change the world at Dekum’s nonprofit Oregon Public House, whose spacious back end is often claimed by a small herd of feasting families. Pro tip: Tables near the play area are scarce; get there early or be prepared to hover. oregonpublichouse.com.

Erin J. Bernard, PDX Parent’s managing editor, developed a wheat allergy at midlife but is grateful that at least she can still drink Bloody Marys.

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

recipe file

Looking for more kid-friendly recipes?

Visit: pdxparent.com /recipe-file.

STORY AND PHOTO

BY JUDITH RICH

Satisfy a sweet tooth with this homemade chocolate-peanut-butter candy.

PB Dreams W

ho doesn’t love a good ol’ classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? It’s what chocolate peanut butter dreams are made of — and kids wholeheartedly agree. I recently tried my hand at making the homemade version with just three simple ingredients, one of which makes the treat easier to sink your teeth into.

While I usually involve at least one of my kiddos in food prep, this one may be best suited for the grownups, as it involves lots of careful measuring and pouring. Not to worry though, as those little hands will gladly help you polish them off. And as you may remember, “there’s no wrong way” to do that.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Makes 18 small pieces 1 ½ 12-ounce bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 18 ounces total 2 tablespoons coconut oil ¾ cup smooth peanut butter 18 mini cupcake liners

Directions 1. Combine chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and melt in microwave for 1 minute. Mix well until fully incorporated and smooth.

2. Spoon melted chocolate on the bottom of each cupcake liner (about half an inch).

3. Place in refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes and let solidify.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into the peanut butter and microwave for 30 seconds. Mix well until fully incorporated and smooth.

5. Take cupcake liners out of the fridge and add a layer of peanut butter on top (about a quarter of an inch).

6. Top with remainder of melted chocolate (reheat in the microwave if you need to) and place back in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Remove from refrigerator for the last time and enjoy. You can also rest at room temperature so they’re softer and easier to bite into.

Judith Rich creates kid-inspired recipes and writes about her family’s dining-out adventures in and around Portland at her blog, Eaty Pie. Find her at eatypie.com. pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

29

time out

October 2019

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Go. Play.

Explore. calling all songbirds let’s go blazers!

The heart shown last season by the Portland Trailblazers converted even CJ McCollum’s Twitter taunter Jennifer into a fan. Cheer for Rip City at the free 2019 Blazers Fan Fest. The team will play an intrasquad scrimmage two days before their first preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Sunday, October 6. Doors at 4pm; scrimmage at 5 pm. Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Got a tween with an interest in birding and wildlife?

Hit the BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival to discover the magic of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and its star resident — the Sandhill Crane, endangered in Washington State. It’s part benefit and part interpretive educational adventure, and offerings include hikes through the refuge, kids’ staging areas and an Audubon Live Bird Show. Saturday, October 5, with some events on Friday, October 4. 28908 N Main Ave., Ridgefield, Washington. Find out more at ridgefieldfriends.org/ birdfest-bluegrass.

First come, first served general admission seating, so get there early! Free.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

green acres

the chosen one

SAUVIE ISLAND CENTER

You and the kids can explore the science behind how food grows at the Sauvie Island Center’s Fall Family Farm Day. You’ll learn about healthy soil, harvest fresh veggies and meet the hardworking pollinators that help plants grow. Pro tip: This month’s event is slated for a no-school day!

Friday, October 11. 10 am-1 pm.

Sauvie Island Center, 13901 NW Howell Park Rd. Register at sauvieislandcenter.org.

Share your teenager into the campy goodness that is 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (The Kristy Swanson movie version — not the Sarah Michelle Gellar TV show.) It’s playing as part of a series from the Northwest Film Center. You might get a little sad when you see Luke Perry in all his ’90s glory, but try to be cool to avoid eyerolls from your kid. Sunday, October 13, 7 pm. Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum. $10 per adult, $8 for students and kids. Get tickets at nwfilm.org/films/buffythe-vampire-slayer.

30

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

get us to the greek (food) We’re drooling a little at the thought of the spanakopita, souvlaki, gyro, baklava and other Greek delicacies that will be on hand at the Portland Greek Festival. After you fill your plate (and get seconds) check out the folk dancers, cooking demonstrations and the imported crafts market. And there’s a kids’ corner with facepainting, coloring, games and more. Friday to Sunday, October 4-6. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St. Visit portlandgreekfestival.com for times and more info.

read you must The Force awakens at Multnomah County Library’s Star Wars reading party. Fans are invited to join in on the Star Wars-themed fun including music, special guest readers and swag. Saturday, October 12, 1 pm-2 pm.

Capitol Hill Library. Free.

love never dies In case you haven’t seen the movie Coco, Día de los Muertos is not

PCSO

“Mexican

safari sounds

Halloween.”

Why wait till Halloween to debut your family’s totally on-point costume creations?

Get spiffed up early and hit the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra for the Symphonic Safari, a musical afternoon full of Halloween- and Día de los Muertos-inspired fun. Explore interactive arts and crafts and games, and visit an instrument petting zoo before the big show begins. Then, when the orchestra strikes up, audience members embark on a one-of-a-kind musical “safari,” winding through the orchestra as it plays. Sunday, October 20. Activities at 1 pm; concert at 3 pm. Parkrose High School. $15 per adult, $5 per kid. Get more info at columbiasymphony.org.

Dead is

Day of the a time to remember loved ones who have died. At the Multnomah County Library’s Decorate Your Own Sugar Skull events, your family can learn more about the significance of the holiday as you paint your own edible sugar skulls to dedicate to an ancestor or loved one. In English and Spanish: North Portland Library, Sunday, October 6, 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm.

In Spanish: Gregory Heights Library, Saturday, October 19, 1 pm-3 pm and Holgate Library, Saturday, October 26, noon2 pm. Free.

welcome back salmon Witness the beginning — and end — of the salmon life cycle at Metro’s Salmon Homecoming event. Metro staff and volunteers will be on hand to point out salmon spawning along the Sandy River and members of our local Native community will lead guided walks and share the Indigenous perspective on animals, plants and water. After tromping around the water’s edge, take the chill off by sipping hot cocoa or cider around a campfire. Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, 11 am-4 pm. Oxbow Regional Park.

Free admission, but parking is $5 per car and $7 per bus. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/events/salmon-homecoming/2019-10-19.

Looking for accessible events for kids of all abilities? Check out

an accessible and inclusive digital directory

at pdxparent.com/inclusive-pdx-events-calendar. pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

31

time out

music for the outdoors The Okee Dokee Brothers, a Minnesota-based kindie duo, are rambling through Portland this fall. (Their albums are on heavy rotation at our house.) You won’t want to miss their nature-inspired anthems and funny on-stage banter.

Saturday, October 26, 11 am.

Aladdin Theater. Tickets at ticketfly.com.

Should you shoehorn your kiddo into last year’s barely used Columbia Sportswear coat? Should you splurge on the next size up? The Trackers Earth Kids Outdoor Gear Swap offers an economical and eco-friendly third option: Trade it in! How it works: You drop off your (clean, gently used) outdoor duds for kids ages 3 to 15 at Trackers anytime between now and 9 am on swap day. Then, you return on the day of to hunt for better-fitting or better-suited items. Saturday, October 26, 10 am-12 pm. Trackers Earth, 4617 SE Milwaukie Ave. Free.

For a full list of accepted items and details, call 503-345-3312.

way cheesy Portland doesn’t mess around with its macaroni and cheese, and the second annual Portland Mac + Cheese Festival unites under one roof our mac-crazed city’s many takes on this classic comfort food. Attendees young and old can sample the wares from local favorites like Le Bistro Montage, Miss Delta and Snackrilege. (Portions unlimited!)

Lactose-intolerant kids can also get in on the goodness during a vegan mac-andcheese session. Runs Friday to Sunday, October 25-27, Castaway Portland, 1900 NW 18th Ave. Hours vary. $45 per adult (includes three beverage tickets), $20 per kid (ages 6-12).

MAC AND CHEESE FEST INTERNATIONAL TOUR

swap to!

THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS

one cool show Join the adventure as Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party. During this year’s ice-skating theatrical spectacular, Mickey will follow a map to rescue Tinkerbell from the despicable Captain Hook. He’ll get help from Coco’s Miguel, the princesses of Arendelle, and Moana of Motunui among others. Pro tip: The show is always amazing, but pretty long for the very littlest guys. Friday-Sunday, October 25-27. Moda Center. Visit disneyonice.com for times and prices.

FELD ENTERTAINMENT

Get social with us!

32

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

! /pdxparentonline

( @pdx_parent

% /pdx_parent/

$ /pdx_parent/

pa r e n t l a n d i a

“We couldn’t find a sitter.”

Tom Toro is a freelance cartoonist and writer whose work appears in The New Yorker, Paris Review, American Bystander and elsewhere.

His collection of Trump cartoons TINY HANDS was published in 2017 by Dock Street Press. His fiction writing has been shortlisted for the Disquiet International Literary Prize. Tom is currently developing an animated TV show, and finishing a graphic memoir about becoming an artist during turbulent times. He lives in Portland with his wife, preschooler and cat. To see more of his work, visit tomtoro.com.

34

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

the 2019-2020

LACOUR + NIESEN PHOTOGRAPHERS

Education Guide

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

35

Building a

36

Better PTA October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

KLAY ARSENAULT

Left to right, Scott PTA President Kristen Hoffman and Principal Megan McCarter help dish out dinner at a Scott Elementary PTA meeting.

This dynamic Portland PTA is increasing parent participation by removing barriers, building relationships and making meetings more fun. They have tamales, too.

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

PTA mom. We all know the stereotype. From Big Little Lies to Bad Moms, we see it all the time. Entitled, overbearing and judgey moms who don’t really care so much about the school as they do their individual child’s success. But at Scott Elementary School in Northeast’s Cully neighborhood, that tired (and often unfair) trope is nowhere to be found. In the 2018-2019 school year Kristen Hoffman took the reins of the Scott PTA, and along with her board, radically changed the way their PTA operates. Why? To reach every single family in the school, especially the school’s large Latinx community and the growing group of Somali families.

Scott is one of the most diverse schools in Portland Public Schools.

The school is home to a dual-language Spanish immersion program, and Latinx students make up 41 percent of the school’s population.

Black students account for 18 percent of the population; Asian and Pacific Islanders account for 4 percent of the students; Native students make up 2 percent of the population; 7 percent of Scott students are multiracial; white students are just under 30 percent of the population. It’s also a high-poverty, Title 1 school with more than 95 percent of students on free and reduced lunch. In addition to Spanish and English, Vietnamese and Somali are spoken by Scott families.

“For being in Portland, which isn’t a very diverse city, we have a really diverse school, which I think is something that is very amazing,” says Scott Principal Megan McCarter, who has just started her second year at the school. “It’s one of the reasons that I wanted to come to the school. It’s something that I know our families really value.”

So how have Hoffman and her crew gone about making the PTA an organization for all? They started with listening. “Our goal was to hold inclusive community events in order to give a voice to all of our communities to better listen and understand each other’s needs,” says Hoffman. “With that we knew that we would have to get outside of the box of what a normal PTA meeting is. Or what typically has been done in PTA, [and turn meetings] into an opportunity to hold community events.”

donated from ¿Por Qué No? In March, the PTA invited the Cully neighborhood group Acción Intercultural con Corazón (Intercultural Action with Heart) to do a presentation. The group acts out real-life stories of racism and discrimination to start conversations about how schools can prevent harm and repair relationships. Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero attended that meeting. “I will invite anyone to come to our meetings,” says Hoffman. “PPS board members, the superintendent, the assistant superintendent, the regional directors.

The superintendent, he came to the dramatic piece ... I think it was super helpful for him to sit at the table and be able to have these conversations with people in the school.”

In case you were wondering, yes, they do follow Robert’s Rules of Order, but they conduct their PTA business and vote very quickly at the start of the meeting, usually while people are still eating. “We start the business part out by celebrating what we’ve been able to accomplish,” says Hoffman. “And keep it short,” adds Treasurer Klay Arsenault.

But they didn’t just change the style of the meetings; they also changed locations to be closer to the hub of the communities they were trying to reach. The aim was to make it a meeting families could easily walk to. The tamale-making party was held at the Ortiz Community Center. Another was held at the Living Cully Plaza. And they made sure each evening meeting included a meal and child care.

“PTA meetings are typically like 6 to 8 pm and if you are asking people who work, or people with large families to be a part of something — maybe they have a baby and 2-year-old and a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old — you can’t expect them to gather everyone up and leave the house at 6 o’clock to come to a meeting where there is no food and nothing to do for the kids,” says Arsenault. “Because what really helps with including people is to understand that there is more going on than just their life at school. They’ve got a lot going on.”

Principal McCarter acknowledges a big part of the PTA’s new vision included a core understanding. “They completely assumed that every single family wants to be involved with the school and with their kid. And [if they are not involved] it’s not because they

“They have basically taken PTA meetings, something that would not necessarily appeal in terms of what’s in the meeting, when the meetings are ... and kind of flipped that on its head,” says McCarter. “[They asked] ‘How can we change how we do things to better meet the needs of all of our families?’ Instead of being, ‘Why aren’t our families coming?’ It’s more about, ‘What do we need to change?’”

hold inclusive community events in order to give a voice to all of our communities to better listen and KLAY ARSENAULT

For example, in December when Hispanic and Latinx families would traditionally gather to make tamales, the month’s PTA meeting was a tamale-making party.

Two Latina parents led the preparation of the tamales.

February’s meeting was Un Festival de Ciencia, a night of fun science activities from OMSI, with dinner

“Our goal was to

understand each other’s needs,” says Hoffman.

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

37

don’t want to, but because it doesn’t work for them,” says McCarter.

So one of the big ways they tried to reach more families was making sure flyers and documents were translated into languages other than English. Even the school’s website through PPS features tabs in both English and Spanish. “We also were committed to holding some of our PTA meetings in Spanish,” says Hoffman.

with and better understand what we as a group with resources can do to help that person.”

Friends having fun at the Scott PTA family bowling event at KingPins.

KLAY ARSENAULT “I thought it was a really great idea the PTA had,” says McCarter. “It gave a great experience to both sides, Going ‘Oh it’s all in Spanish, so now this is really comfortable for me.’

And then really uncomfortable for people who are normally pretty comfortable.”

“I went to a few meetings that the Latino Network put on, and it was in Spanish and sitting there with the headsets and English interpretation, you realize how hard it is to be able to effectively communicate things listening to a headset,” says Hoffman.

“It’s hard to not only comprehend, but stay engaged,” adds Arsenault.

Hoffman intends to hold more meetings in Spanish during the 2019-2020 school year. And says hiring high-quality, professional translators for meetings in English is key.

Recruiting bilingual parents who are leaders within their communities has also been crucial. Those parents have helped them build bridges and invite additional parents to meetings. “Part of what we’re doing is not necessarily being a PTA, but trying to make those personal connections,” says Arsenault, “Because everybody understands personal connection. And if you can make a personal connection with somebody who is maybe a different culture than yours, then you can more easily explain what’s happening within the organization.

And you can better understand what that person is challenged

And working closely with McCarter, who shared the goal of making Scott a place where all families are welcomed and valued, has also made a big difference for how much the PTA has been able to accomplish. “We have parents who have done more at this school than I have seen at any school I have worked at,” says McCarter. “I tell the PTA, ‘You guys do stuff that I had to have staff members do!’ Scott’s a really special place, and it’s a really committed community and group of teachers. … We still have a long way to go to get the school where we want it to be. But a great foundation has been laid over the years by this very committed group within our neighborhood.”

Hoffman notes that they are lucky to have a number of community organizers and activist parents at the school. But they often reach out beyond the immediate school community as well. “We’ve been committed as a PTA to work with lots of different community organizations that are doing great work in our neighborhood that we don’t have to recreate,” says Hoffman. They’ve partnered with Living Cully, Portland Backpack, Latino Network, IRCO and KALEO Communities Church, where Hoffman’s husband is one of the pastors.

“We made a commitment, our board, that the PTA is not just a fundraising group for the school,” says Hoffman. “We help provide things for our teachers. But all of our effort and energy is not just gonna be on the sole goal of bringing in all this money. We really decided together that our goal was to bring our community together and our effort and energy was going to be on that.”

Hoffman, Arsenault and McCarter do acknowledge that they still have a ways to go. “We’ve been really good at getting attention for the work that we are trying to do,” says Arsenault. “But we haven’t necessarily created a completely totally diverse, inclusive PTA board.”

“We’re not exemplar yet!” says McCarter.

But the work they started last year has seen results. The 2018-2019 membership in the PTA increased 113 percent from the year before.

Superintendent Guerrero, who had attended their March meeting, gave them the Superintendent’s Award at the PPS/PTA Volunteer Celebration last June.

“Our goal this year as a PTA is to have 450 members because there are that many students at the school, and we want each student to have an advocate for them,” says Hoffman.

“Kristen sets very high goals, but she manages to always reach those goals,” says Arsenault. “Don’t underestimate her ability.”

Editor Denise Castañon loves the work the Scott PTA is doing. And making tamales. Maybe she’ll go to their next tamale-making party.

38

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

the 2019-2020

Education Guide ART INSTRUCTION / CRAFTS

CHILDCARE/ DAYCARE SERVICES

Journey Theater Arts Group

(AFTER-SCHOOL & WEEKEND)

Mr. David’s School of Film Offering Lego Animation and Movie Making Classes for kids age 5-13 years old. Make films using LEGO, clay, paper and more while also allowing for both structured and self-directed creation!

SE Belmont Portland, OR 97215 818-744-4887 Mrdavidfilm@gmail.com mrdavidfilm.com

Vibe of Portland Vibe Studios in SE & St. Johns provide art and music educational opportunities for artists ages 18 months-Adults through classes, camps, workshops, art parties, community engagement activities and more!

5633 SE Division St Portland, OR 97206

Alder Street Learning Center Alder Street Learning Center is a nonprofit preschool of the arts located in Downtown Portland. Ballet, tap, music, acting, yoga, sign language, Spanish, ABC’s and 123’s are all part of our emergent curriculum and made available to your child at no extra charge. ASLC has great rates, children, families and staff.

1200 SW Alder St Portland, OR 97205 503-228-5855 aslcpdx@gmail.com alderstreetlearningcenter.org

7441 N Leavitt Ave Portland, OR 97203 503-560-3592 info@vibepdx.org vibepdx.org See ad on page 52

Northwest Early Learning School Childcare, preschool for infants through Kindergarten, Fresh organic food , music , great structured learning program by experienced teachers. large outdoor play area. Close to Nike and freeway.

525 SW 150th Beaverton, OR 97006 503-626-0457 info@nwlearning.com nwlearning.com See ad on page 44

Portland Montessori Collaborative Montessori school for infants through Kindergarten. Exceptional staff, home cooked meals, and park like outdoor environment.

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

Tabor Tots Preschools Sites 1 & 2 Located at the base of Mount Tabor park in SE Portland, Oregon. These two licensed & certified Family facilities are FILLED with “building a strong foundation of love.” Site 1 2 & 3 year olds: Call T Andy today for your personal guided tour 503-8881784. Site 2 3 & 4 year olds: T Marta 503-233-3838. Toilet Normalizing/3 yummy meals/outside Play/ mud too!

Exclusively full time, year round!

2134 SE 53rd Avenue Portland, OR 97215 503-888-1784 Site 2 6415 SE Morrison St Portland, OR 97215 503-233-3838 andrew@tabortotspreschool.com tabortotspreschool.com See ad on page 42

DRAMA/THEATER Imago Theatre ZOOZOO performs glowing bug eyes, insomniac hippos, arrogant anteaters, introverted frogs, magical polar bears, acrobatic worms, self-touting accordions tricky penguins fill the stage with wonder, awe and humor. 3 years 17 SE 8th Ave Portland, OR 97214 503-231-9581 imagotheatre@gmail.com imagotheater.com See ad on page 20

Discover character and confidence in this family friendly theater arts program!

Offering drama, voice, dance, improv, stage combat, tech design and more, join the fun and community at Journey Theater.

1400 NE 136th Ste 201 Vancouver, WA 98684 Class locations in Portland, Beaverton and two in Vancouver.

360-750-8550 info@journeytheater.org journeytheater.org

Northwest Children’s Theater and School NWCT offers theater classes for all ages and skill levels. Explore drama through creative play, strengthen a specific skill, and experience the thrill of performing in a play!

1819 NW Everett St Portland, OR 97209 503-222-2190 info@nwcts.org nwcts.org See ad on page 47

Shaking the Tree Theatre Shaking the Tree Theatre offers classes and summer camps for elementary, middle and high school students. Unleash your imagination and come build worlds with us!

823 SE Grant St Portland, OR 97214 503-235-0635 info@shaking-the-tree.com shaking-the-tree.com/classes See ad on page 20

See ad on page 54

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

39

1855 South Shore Bl Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-348-3028 spons@caisoregon.org caisoregon.org

Fast Facts from FACT Oregon

See ad on page 56

In Oregon, 78,667 students — or 13.6% of all students statewide — annually receive special education services.

What Is an IEP? An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a written document developed by the IEP team (including the parents) that: • I s created for a student receiving special education services.

•D escribes the child’s strengths and unique needs.

• Includes parental concerns and input.

• Identifies goals the child will work toward.

German International School of Portland Oregon Children’s Theatre OCT’s Acting Academy offers afterschool and weekend classes for students ages 3 to 18. Our staff of professional theater and teaching artists engage new and experienced students in a welcoming environment that encourages each student to grow as an artist and as a person.

Every class features a final class demonstration for friends and family to attend.

1939 NE Sandy Bl Portland, OR 97232 503-228-9571 info@octc.org octc.org See ad on page 21

•D escribes how goals will be achieved with supplementary aids and services.

• Identifies placement decisions.

• Is reviewed and updated at least annually.

• Can be revisited at any time by parental request.

Top 10 Tips for an Awesome School Year: 1. Clearly convey your family’s vision for your child.

2. Create and update your child’s One-Page Profile.

3. Prepare and share parental input.

4. Be confident in your role as a parent expert.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (AFTER-SCHOOL & WEEKEND) Portland Early Learning Project PELP offers a variety of play-based Spanish classes & FREE Story Times throughout Portland. Songs, games, and lots of movement make their award-winning programs fun & engaging for everyone!

Various locations throughout Portland Metro 503-284-0610 Tanya@portlandearlylearning.com portlandearlylearning.com See ad on page 48

At GIS we offer a bilingual and integrated approach to learning. We strive for our children to become independent, globally minded, lifelong learners.

3900 SW Murray Bl Beaverton, OR 97005 503-626-9089 info@gspdx.org gspdx.org See ad on page 53

International Leadership Academy Infants/Toddlers/Preschool/Elementary/ Inclusive services/Private school/Science / Nature Program/Early Care/ After School Program/ Music/ PE/ Summer Camps/ Tutorials/Drama/ Archery/ Fitness/ Certified teachers for Infants to 5th grade/teachers from French Ministry of Education/ advanced ED certified 14788 Boones Ferry Rd Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-662-8452 patricia@ilapdx.org ilapdx.org See ad on page 43

The International School For our children, a world of possibilities awaits. Since 1990, we’ve provided a unique blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community. Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish.

International Baccalaureate.

025 SW Sherman St Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2496 x110 admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org See ad on page 48

5. Keep positive, and stay solution-oriented.

6. Remember: You are a valued member of the IEP team.

7. Follow up … in writing!

8. Stay involved and in touch with your child’s school team.

9. Check out FACT Oregon’s Special Education Toolkit and One-Page Profile templates.

10. Visit factoregon.org or call 503-786-6082 for resources and peer-to-peer support!

40

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (SCHOOL) Chinese American International School CAIS students learn and thrive in our multicultural classrooms with a developmentally appropriate preschool and kindergarten immersion education and culture program, and an after-school program for 1st grade and above. CAIS teachers appreciate each student’s unique approach to learning and provide a well-rounded curriculum in a fun, nurturing environment.

GYMNASTICS & DANCE Circus Project The Circus Project offers a variety of circus classes for ages 2 through teens. Circus camps are highly physical and also exercise your creativity. Try trapeze, juggling, or aerial fabric!

1420 NW 17th Ave Ste 388 Portland, OR 97209 503-764-9174 frontdesk@thecircusproject.org thecircusproject.org See ad on page 45

HOME SCHOOLING RESOURCES HELP Elevate Learning Processing, Inc. (HELP) HELP tests, evaluates, and treats people with various learning challenges. HELP identifies underdeveloped cognitive functions and corrects them at the source.

Our program improves focus, memory, time management, organization, cause/effect.

17600 Pacific Hwy Marylhurst, OR 97036 503-635-3389 info@helpadd.org helpadd.org

Heron Books Our homeschool curriculum courses are created to protect and nurture children’s natural curiosity in the world around them. Using an independentstudy approach, we engage learners with hands-on application that connects ideas with life. Our goal is to empower students to own their education and create independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

20950 SW Rock Creek Rd Sheridan, OR 97328 503-843-3834 hello@heronbooks.com heronbooks.com See ad on page 58

Village Home Education Resource Center Village Home offers engaging classes without grading and testing designed for homeschoolers. Learners choose inspiring, mixed-age classes in all subjects. Village Home encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Village Home believes learning is fun, and our classes encourage selfdirected, active learning. Looking for a p/t all-day option? Check out our Day Program!

5150 SW Watson Ave Beaverton, OR 97005 503-597-9100 1800 SE Water Ave Portland, OR 97214 215 Hrbetz Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 info@villagehome.org villagehome.org See ad on page 58

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Mary Reilly Music Studio SE Portland studio currently accepting new students. Free initial session! Private Piano, Theory, Music & Movement, Performance Technique. Classically trained pianist with global teaching experience in Music and Montessori education.

2800 SE Harrison St Portland, OR 97214 971-400-3104 mreillypiano@gmail.com pdxpianolessons.com

PDX Guitar 4 Kids We give in-home music lessons to families throughout Portland. We’re an affordable service with a “follow the fun” approach to learning. And the first lesson is free!

In-home 360-421-2730 pdxguitar4kids@gmail.com guitar4kids.fun

42

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

43

PRESCHOOLS AHSC Yu Miao Chinese Immersion Preschool Yu Miao provides children a head start in the Mandarin Chinese language while learning everything that they would at a typical preschool, we also have before and after care.

5239 SE Woodstock Bl Portland, OR 97206 503-775-3767 yumiao@ahscpdx.org ahscpdx.org/yumiao.html See ad on page 58

The Children’s Garden The Children’s Garden serves children ages 6 weeks to 6 years with full-time, part-time and after school programs. Our holistic and individualized approach integrates a proprietary Mindfulness curriculum and ensures that each child’s unique needs are met. Our goal is to foster your child’s emotional intelligence, personal growth, and self-esteem.

1405 SW Morrison St Portland, OR 97205 503-228-2443 info@thechildrensgarden.com thechildrensgarden.com See ad on page 57

Childswork Learning Center Childswork is a nonprofit early childhood education center. We offer developmentally appropriate, play-based, child-centered programs that focus on development of the whole child. Our programs are inspired by Reggio Emilia.

4235 SE Salmon St Portland, OR 97215 503-234-3611 julie@childswork.org childswork.org See ad on page 43

Guidepost Montessori at Beaverton Guidepost Montessori is a new preschool for ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. At Guidepost, your child will enter a wonderful world of activities, tools, and learning materials designed to captivate and inspire. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your child’s mind develops rapidly, and he establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age!

9945 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy Beaverton, OR 97005 503-567-1844 beaverton@guidepostmontessori.com guidepostmontessori.com See ad on page 41

The International School For our children, a world of possibilities awaits. Since 1990, we’ve provided a unique blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community.

Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish. International Baccalaureate.

025 SW Sherman St Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2496 x110 admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org See ad on page 48

MSB MSB is where academics come alive, boundaries to success and progress are lifted and children love to learn! In our 4th decade, MSB continues to provide Montessori education for children 3 through 12 years of age. Our students integrate academics with explorations in nature throughout their school day.

11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane Portland, OR 97229 503-439-1597 info@msb.org msb.org See ad on page 50

44

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

How to Find After-school Care •A sk at your school.

Opal Beginning School at Portland Children’s Museum Opal Beginning School holds a powerful image of ALL children as intelligent, creative, and competent with gifts and abilities that the world needs. Ages 3-5 4015 SW Canyon Rd Portland, OR 97221 503-471-9917 office@opalschool.org portlandcm.org/opalschool See ad on page 46

•L ook on school and PTA websites.

• Check 211info.org.

• Visit the website pdxafterschool.com.

• Contact Nancy Hauth at PPS at nhauth@ pps.net.

•C heck out the district’s Civic Use of Buildings calendar.

Want more options?

•A sk a program to come to your school.

•A sk other families if they are interested because you might need a minimum number.

•T alk to the PTA and principal.

Oregon Episcopal School OES is a Pre-K-12 independent school nestled on a 59-acre campus in SW Portland. We offer an inquiry-based education, where open minds may inquire, explore, and grow.

6300 SW Nicol Rd Portland, OR 97223 503-768-3115 admit@oes.edu oes.edu See ad on page 46

Spectra Sensory Playschool Specialized Preschool for children with Autism & related learning disabilities.

Through movement, sensory integration, small class sizes and high structure, we strive to help each child reach their full potential.

8344 SW Nimbus Ave Beaverton, OR 97008 503-754-9794 karissa@spectrapdx.com spectrapdx.com/preschool

Sunshine Montessori Preschool and Childcare Center We have been serving the Beaverton families since 1995 and offer year around Montessori education, toddler through kindergarten, with extended care. Large playground with basketball, tennis and large play structures. Music program and hot meals provided. Our children are thriving in area private and public elementary schools.

4845 SW Murray Blvd Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 info@sunshine-montessori.com sunshine-montessori.com See ad on page 52

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

45

PRIVATE SCHOOLS A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences

Tabor Tots Preschools Sites 1 & 2 Located at the base of Mount Tabor park in SE Portland, Oregon. These two licensed & certified Family facilities are FILLED with “building a strong foundation of love.� Site 1 2&3 year olds: Call T Andy today for your personal guided tour 503-888-1784. Site 2 3 & 4 year olds: T Marta 503-233-3838. Toilet Normalizing/ 3 yummy meals/outside Play/ mud too!

Exclusively full time, year round!

2134 SE 53rd Avenue Portland, OR 97215 503-888-1784 Site 2 6415 SE Morrison St Portland, OR 97215 503-233-3838 andrew@tabortotspreschool.com tabortotspreschool.com

Exhilarating application, collaboration, cultivating the need to know... these occupations are found in vibrant learning environments. Renaissance children stretch, explain, reflect, and extend their reasoning and relationships for life-learning.

0234 SW Bancroft St Portland, OR 97239 971-221-2311 info@renpdx.org renpdx.org See ad on page 43

Arbor School of Arts & Sciences Cultivating intellect, character, and creativity in a small school setting. Arbor School of Arts and Sciences is a non-profit, K-8, independent school situated on a lovely 22 acre campus.

4201 SW Borland Rd Tualatin, OR 97062 503-638-6399 info@arborschool.org arborschool.org See ad on page 55

See ad on page 42

Whole Child Montessori Center Since 1983, Whole Child has nurtured an engaging school community for little ones aged 3-6. We offer an interactive Montessori environment that fosters curiosity, joy, lively intellect, and social harmony.

5909 SE 40th Ave Portland, OR 97202 503-771-6366 enrollment@wholechildmontessori.org wholechildmontessori.org

Young Wonders Preschool We provide a creative, nurturing space to have fun, try new things and explore!

Students engage in activities including art, language, math, music and outdoor play.

Contact us to visit.

4324 NE 17th Ave Portland, OR 97211 503-281-3819 youngwonderspreschool@gmail.com youngwonderspreschool.com

46

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

Bridges Middle School Bridges is the only middle school in Oregon specifically designed for students with learning differences to reach their maximum potential--in a loving, nurturing atmosphere centrally located in downtown Portland. Learn about our unique academic program, enrollment process and important admission deadlines at our Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2019, 10-11:00AM visit us online to submit an admission inquiry.

2510 SW 1st Ave Portland, OR 97201 503-688-2922 info@bridgesms.org bridgesms.org See ad on page 57

Catholic Schools Catholic schools: We transform the world! Accredited through the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA), our schools provide caring, engaging and supportive communities for your child’s intellectual, spiritual and social growth.

We foster faith-centered academic excellence, critical thinking & creativity, service opportunities and enriching cocurricular programs. Visit www.archdpdx. org/schools to find a Catholic school in your community.

Locations throughout the Portland metro area and SW Washington archdpdx.org/schools See ad on page 51

Cedarwood Waldorf School Cedarwood is known for its uniquely contemporary expression of Waldorf education. Our students are met with openness to possibility, given time and tools to develop resiliency, and taught skills to turn challenges into opportunities. We welcome students from birth through middle school to join our dynamic community where learning is brought to life.

3030 SW 2nd Ave Portland, OR 97201 503-245-1477 admissions@cedarwoodschool.org cedarwoodschool.org See ad on page 45

Delphian School

Catlin Gabel School Catlin Gabel is an independent, coeducational day school serving students in grades preschool - 12. We support inspired learning leading to responsible action through dedicated teaching, caring relationships, challenging curriculum, and service. We value everyone’s effort, imagination, and contributions. We celebrate being inclusive and the partnership between family and school. See for yourself at our Open House October 27th. Register at Catlin.edu/OpenHouse.

8825 SW Barnes Rd Portland, OR 97225 503-297-1894 info@catlin.edu catlin.edu See ad on page 60

Delphian is a K-12 accredited private school offering day, 5-day boarding and full boarding. It is a diverse, safe-haven for children with a world-class education.

Financial aid and scholarships available.

20950 SW Rock Creek Rd Sheridan, OR 97378 503-843-3521 info@delphian.org delphian.org See ad on page 49

Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy FMES provides students from early childhood through young adolescence the tools to acquire individual fulfillment, academic excellence, moral and spiritual development, confidence, and independence for lifelong learning.

Through the academic and experiential learning process developed by Maria Montessori and influenced by the spirituality of Saint Francis, students learn to care for and respect themselves, others, and the earth.

14750 SE Clinton Portland, OR 97236 503-760-8220 info@fmes.org fmes.org See ad on page 43

48

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

49

Living Wisdom School French American International School Portland’s longest-established language immersion school and only IB school for PS-8th grade. We develop global citizens, foster multi-language ability, shape active learners, and deliver academic excellence.

8500 NW Johnson St. Portland, OR 97229 503-292-7776 admissions@faispdx.org faispdx.org

Living Wisdom School serves children from preschool to 5th grade through the lens of Education for Life, a holistic educational model that seeks to bring out the best in each child through a balanced curriculum and a supportive, nurturing environment.

4855 SW Watson Ave Beaverton, OR 97005 503-671-9112 office@livingwisdomportland.org livingwisdomportland.org See ad on page 55

See ad on page 59

German International School of Portland At GIS we offer a bilingual and integrated approach to learning. We strive for our children to become independent, globally minded, lifelong learners. Come visit our school to learn more.

3900 SW Murray Bl Beaverton, OR 97005 503-626-9089 info@gspdx.org gspdx.org See ad on page 53

The International School For our children, a world of possibilities awaits. Since 1990, we’ve provided a unique blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community. Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish.

International Baccalaureate.

025 SW Sherman St Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2496 x110 admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org See ad on page 48

50

September 2019

|

pdxparent.com

The Marylhurst School Founded in 1972, The Marylhurst School serves 150 students, preschool through 8th grade, in a progressive education community. Small multi-age classes are each staffed with two full-time teachers.

Our students have placed at the state-wide science fair, published award winning poems, performed with local professional theatre companies and attend top regional high schools.

19915 Old River Dr West Linn, OR 97068 503-650-0978 info@themarylhurstschool.org themarylhurstschool.org See ad on page 54

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The Choice that Makes a Difference!

• 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)

St. Agatha Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Open House info: January 30, 6-8pm 7960 SE 15th Ave. Portland, OR 97202 503-234-5500 Fax: 503-232-7240 info@stagatha.us www.stagathaschoolpdx.us

St. Matthew Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Kindergarten Open House: November 4, 3:30-6pm 221 SE Walnut St. Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-648-2512 info@stmatthewschoolhillsboro.org www.stmatthewschoolhillsboro.org

St. Cecilia School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 26, 10am-12:30pm 12250 SW 5th St. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-2619 www.stceciliaschool.us

St. Pius X Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 PreK-Kindergarten Open House: November 7, 3:30-6pm Open Houses: January 19, 10am–12:30pm; January 23, 5-7pm 1260 NW Saltzman Road Portland, OR 97229 503-644-3244 www.stpiuspanthers.org

St. Clare School • Grades K-8 Enrolling now for 19-20, apply online!

Open House: January 26, 12-2pm 1807 SW Freeman St. Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 info@stclarepdx.org www.stclarepdx.org

St. John Fisher School • Grades K-8 Open House: January 26, 10am 4581 SW Nevada St. Portland, OR 97219 503-246-3234 mholub@sjfschool.org www.sjfschool.org

St. John the Apostle Catholic School Grades PreK-8 Now accepting applications, apply online today!

Open Houses: January 26, 9:30am-12:30 pm; January 28, 8am-3pm; February 4, 5-7pm 516 Fifth St. Oregon City, OR 97045 503-742-8230 • Fax: 503-742-8239 www.sja-eagles.com

St. Rose School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 30, 6pm 5309 NE Alameda St. Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 www.strosepdx.org St. Thomas More Catholic School • Grades K-8 Open Houses: January 23, 9-11am; January 26, 12-2pm 3521 SW Patton Rd. Portland, OR 97221 503-222-6105 stmschool@stmpdx.org www.stmpdxschool.org The Madeleine School • Grades K-8 New Parent Info Night: February 11, 7pm School Tours: February 12, 10am–1pm 3240 NE 23rd Ave. Portland, OR 97212 503-288-9197 kchambers@themadeleine.edu www.themadeleine.edu Valley Catholic Early Learning, Elementary & Middle School Open House: January 12: Elementary, 1–3pm Early Learning & Middle, 2–4pm 4420 SW St. Marys Drive Beaverton, OR 97078 503-644-3745 www.valley catholic.org

St Pius X Catholic School

Northwest Academy Northwest Academy is an independent college preparatory school, grades 6 - 12, with a full arts program, located in the heart of downtown Portland. Smaller class sizes and an engaging curriculum develop critical, creative thinkers. Our graduates are accepted into leading colleges and art schools. Accredited by NWAIS. Visit www.nwacademy.org for tour and shadow day information.

1130 SW Main St Portland, OR 97205 503-223-3367 x104 nwa@nwacademy.org nwacademy.org

Oregon Episcopal School OES is a Pre-K-12 independent school nestled on a 59-acre campus in SW Portland. We offer an inquiry-based education, where open minds may inquire, explore, and grow.

6300 SW Nicol Rd Portland, OR 97223 503-768-3115 admit@oes.edu oes.edu See ad on page 46

St. Pius X provides a Catholic education building community and fostering academic excellence. We promote the holistic development of each child and strive to meet needs through a student-centered environment.

1280 NW Saltzman Rd Portland, OR 97229 503-644-3244 schooloffice@stpius.org stpius.org See ad on page 51

St. Clare School Fully accredited, K-8 parish-school community rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to the spiritual and educational development of the whole child.

Conveniently located off Interstate 5 and Barbur Blvd.

1807 SW Freeman St Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 info@stclarepdx.org stclarepdx.org See ad on page 51

St. Rose School Situated in the heart of Northeast Portland, St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on Catholic faith and values. Grades offered: PK-8.

5309 NE Alameda St Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 info@strosepdx.org strosepdx.org See ad on page 51

Portland Jewish Academy Families of all backgrounds are welcome at Portland Jewish Academy. We are proud to be an inclusive Jewish community preschool and day school, providing a strong foundation of academics, Jewish values and learning, and community service. Our graduates excel in high school, college and in life.

They think for themselves and work for the world.

6651 SW Capitol Hwy Portland, OR 97219 503-244-0126 office@pjaproud.org pjaproud.org See ad on page 49

52

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

Swallowtail Waldorf School and Farm Beyond city lights, where open spaces invite freedom and inspiration, is Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm.

Swallowtail has a main campus in Cornelius and a farm campus in Hillsboro.

The PreK-8th Grade curriculum nurtures curiosity and critical thinking. The daily rhythm includes art, music, and plenty of time outdoors. At the heart of Swallowtail is an active and supportive community.

460 S Heather St Cornelius, OR 97113 503-846-0336 info@swallowtailschool.org swallowtailschool.org

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

53

Venn Academy All aspects of Venn Academy grow out of relationship and connection. Venn is an independent K-8 school in SE Portland, founded on the principles of equity, relationship-based education, and empowered learning through small class sizes and personalized instruction.

Students see that the classroom respects and values who they are and what they bring. Strengths are seen and nurtured, challenges overcome.

4525 SE Stark St Portland, OR 97215 971-279-5255 john@vennacademypdx.org vennacademypdx.org

Trackers Forest School Imagine a classroom in the trees. At Trackers Forest School, we journey to green spaces to blend academics with hands-on learning in the forest, fields, and farms of the Pacific Northwest.

4617 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland, OR 97202 503-345-3312 info@trackersearth.com trackerspdx.com See ad on page 53

PUBLIC & CHARTER SCHOOLS

Milwaukie Academy of the Arts College prep for students who think like artists! Give your teen skills needed now and in the future at the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts, a free public charter high school. By integrating music, theatre, art, photography, digital design and more throughout a rigorous academic curriculum, we increase motivation and achievement for all of our students in a nurturing environment.

2301 SE Willard St Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-353-5843 weathersk@nclack.k12.or.us academyofthearts.org

Multnomah Learning Academy - MLA K-8 K-8 Public Charter School Tuition Free.

Elementary/Middle School 22565 NE Halsey St Fairview, OR 97024 503-405-7868 3240 S Troutdale Rd Troutdale, OR 97060 503-912-3900 officeadmin@mla.k12.or.us mla.k12.or.us See ad on page 55

Riverdale School District A Riverdale education produces students who use their minds well by marrying core academic disciplines with art, music and experiential learning from PreK-12th grade.

Limited spaces available for out-of-district students.

11733 SW Breyman Ave Portland, OR 97219

Frontier Charter Academy An innovative, free, online, public charter school serving grades K-11 (adding 12th next year) 290 First St Gervais, OR 97026 503-476-7134 enroll@frontiercharteracademy.org frontiercharteracademy.org See ad on page 42

54

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

503-262-4847 hchandler@riverdale.k12.or.us riverdaleschool.com See ad on page 42

pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

55

Chalkboard: GRADUATION STATION

78.6 percent of high school students

in Oregon GRADUATE WITHIN FOUR YEARS. NATIONALLY, in 2017, 84.6 percent of high-schoolers graduated in four years.

The best states, Iowa and New Jersey, graduate 91 and 90.5 percent of students within four years.

Portland Village School Portland Village School K-8 Mission: To advance an arts integrated, Waldorf inspired education that teaches respect and reverence by developing the head, heart and hands of children from all backgrounds and cultures. Learn more about us at our Open House, Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 6-8pm. Bring your friends & family and come check us out!

7654 N Delaware Ave Portland, OR 97217 503-445-0056 admissions@portlandvillageschool.org portlandvillageschool.org

6,401Oregon students left high school

without a diploma in the 2017-2018 school year.

By 2025, OREGON’S GOAL

90

is for percent of students to graduate within four years.

SOURCE: OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The historically low graduation rate for Oregon high schoolers is slowly ticking up. Numbers from the 2017-2018 school year show that graduation rates are up a solid 2 percent from the previous school year. That translates to 950 more students getting a diploma throughout the state, and

RETAIL & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Columbia River Maritime Museum The Columbia River Maritime Museum is your source for student focused, activity based learning programs. Join us onsite for handson learning labs for grades 2-8. Or invite us to your school with our free outreach program, Museum in the Schools bringing the museum to you.

1792 Marine Dr Astoria, OR 97103 503-325-2323 admin@crmm.org crmm.org See ad on page 55

it’s a 6.7 percent increase from 2013-2014. More good news: Former Englishlanguage learners who exited the ELL program prior to graduating are earning diplomas at a higher rate than their peers — 82.5 percent.

Officials say schools statewide are doing a better job of focusing on equity, monitoring student progress and offering concrete and immediate support when students fall behind. However some students’ needs still aren’t being met. Just 54 percent of Oregon’s homeless teens can expect to graduate within the allotted four years, and black students in our state graduate at a rate of 68 percent. Julia Silverman and Denise Castañon

SPORTS / FITNESS Children of the Sea Swim School Children of the Sea offers swim lessons starting at 4 months and up to approximately 10 years old! New location in Portland coming soon. Check our website for more details!

Portland, OR 503-620-5970 swim@childrenofthesea.com childrenofthesea.com See ad on page 43

56

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com

As one of the few schools in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences and the only one focused exclusively on middle school, Bridges offers its 5th through 8th grade students small class sizes, differentiated di instruction, and a safe place to learn and grow.

Admission inquiries for the 2020/21 school year are now being accepted online at BridgesMS.org. Space is limited. Preference given to 5th grade applicants.

Learn about our unique academic program, our application process and important admission deadlines at our Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

You can find us in the heart of downtown at 2510 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97201 503-688-2922 pdxparent.com

|

October 2019

57

TUTORIAL / LEARNING SERVICES HELP Elevate Learning Processing, Inc. (HELP)

K-Lean’s Tennis @ Glendoveer Golf & Tennis Tennis development programs. We focus on providing a FUN, fast paced, and a game based approach. Our approach adds excitement and enjoyment for the kids as they learn through a progression of drills and games specific for each of the levels of play. We teach with passion, loads of energy, and space for kids to realize and attain their potential.

14015 NE Glisan St Portland, OR 97230 503-253-7507 kworley@playglendoveer.com k-leans.com See ad on page 50

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District NCPRD offers hundreds of recreation classes and programs, including sports, aquatics and dance -- all in a positive and fun learning environment.

Multiple Locations North Clackamas, OR 97045 503-742-4348 info@ncprd.com ncprd.com See ad on page 20

Stronger Skatepark Stronger Skatepark offers classes, lessons, and camps throughout the year for skateboarding, scootering, and roller skating on ramps. Our skate after school club is starting this October on Wednesday afternoons.

6102 SE King Rd Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-850-4572 contact@strongerskatepark.com strognerskatepark.com See ad on page 12

HELP tests, evaluates, and treats people with various learning challenges. HELP identifies underdeveloped cognitive functions and corrects them at the source.

Our program improves focus, memory, time management, organization, cause/effect.

17600 Pacific Hwy Marylhurst, OR 97036 503-635-3389 info@helpadd.org helpadd.org

Huntington Learning Center For 41 years, Huntington’s highly trained tutors have worked with students of all ages and abilities. We provide individualized tutoring in academic fundamentals, advanced subjects, or preparation for standardized exams.

15220 NW Laidlaw Rd Portland, OR 97229 503-533-5700 pdxhlc@gmail.com huntingtonhelps.com/center/Portland 14649 SW Teal Blvd Beaverton, OR 97007 503-524-4744 bvrhlc@gmail.com huntingtonhelps.com/center/Beaverton See ad on page 49

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Lake Grove We offer after school math and reading enrichment for grades pre-K to 12 through individualized learning plans. Self-learning and study skills encourage academic success into high school and beyond.

16063 Boones Ferry Rd Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-635-2647 debrasiegel@ikumon.com kumon.com/lake-grove See ad on page 55

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Lake Oswego We offer after school math and reading enrichment for grades pre-K to 12 through individualized learning plans. Self-learning and study skills encourage academic success into high school and beyond.

333 S State St Ste C Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-974-8181 susanbradley@ikumon.com kumon.com/lake-oswego See ad on page 55

58

October 2019

|

pdxparent.com