magazine
School Open House Guide | Cat Doorman Art a la Carte | Theater Picks nwkidsmagazine.com
Jan
2013
2 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 3
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online calendar
editors’
Corner
Welcome 2013 and Happy New Year from NW Kids magazine. We’re looking forward to a year rich with engaging editorial and all the resources you’ve come to expect from us. In the works for the coming months is our 2nd annual camp expo in April, the baby issue in May, our kids cover contest for the June cover and well, you’ll just have to wait and see what else is coming, but it will be good! January and February bring the excitement and anticipation of school enrollment for the following year. We have compiled a comprehensive list of schools in the Portland area, features of each and a full listing of open house times, so you can make informed decisions before you head out to tour schools. We’re also featuring music, arts and theater this month, so be sure to check out the article about Art a la Carte, an open studio for young artists. Along with these great resources, we’re also pleased to introduce a new column from Joel Newman, coach and founder of Soccer Shots, a great asset on how to keep kids active and healthy. Don’t miss Joel’s upcoming columns this year on ways to get kids moving. We are thrilled to usher in the new year with a few improvements to the look of the magazine and the NW Kids website. You will still have access to all of the usual calendar outings and resources in print, but we have made a few design changes to include more photos. On the website, we have expanded our calendar lisitngs and have more of a calendar “board” for easy perusing. We’re pretty smitten with the new look and hope you enjoy it too. As always, we’d love to hear from you. Here’s to a fabulous 2013, friends! Cheers, Kelley and Beth
“ Laugh every day, make a fool of your self as much as you can, be brave and always jump into the deep end, and the unknown. Work hard and find things that make you work harder, it should always feel good at the end of the day. And learn to be as loud as you can in what you feel, and also to be the best listener as well. Hold on to your dreams tight and keep dreaming. Above all, play.” - John Ellingson of Northwest Children’s Theater and School 4 | NW Kids Magazine
Contents January 2013
Art Freedom For Everyone: Art a la Carte 8
Calendar of Events 26
Hanging Around with Cat Doorman 10
Notes from a Coach: Healthy Tips & Ideas for Keeping Kids Active 30
School Open House Guide 14
Found Around Town Art & Music 32
Lights, Drama, Action! 5 Picks for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater 24
Resource Guide Art & Craft 34
Photograph by Jen Downer shesawthings.com
Listings A Walk on the Wild Side...............................35 Agia Sophia Academy...................................11 Ainsworth Elementary.................................21 Amanda Arp....................................................9 Aprende con Amigos....................................29 Barre3..............................................................3 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio..........................9 Beth Israel Preschool.....................................11 Bodhi Tree Center..........................................21 Bridges Middle School..................................11 Burlingame Preschool...................................31 Child’s View Montessori................................11 Dove Christian Preschool..............................21 Fine Art Starts!..............................................13 French American International School.........21 German American School.............................31 Growing Seeds..............................................28 Harmony Road Music Center..........................7 Hi 5 Dental......................................................9 Hilltop Preschool & Kindergarten.................31 International Leadership Academy..............33 Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Winterfest.....................................................34 Justus Orthodontics........................................9 Kids’ Backyard Store........................................2 Little Fruit Farm Montessori..........................29 Living Wisdom School..................................11 Marylhurst School........................................21 Micha-el School............................................31 Montessori of Alameda / Maria’s Place........29 Morgan Stanley.............................................35 My Masterpiece Art Studio.............................7 Oregon Children’s Theatre...............................7 Oregon Episcopal School..............................33 Oregon Hope Chinese School.......................31 Oswego Playschool.......................................13 Park Academy...............................................28 Park Family Dentistry......................................9 Peanut Gallery Playschool............................33 Portland Language Arts...............................13 Portland Montessori.....................................33 Portland Spirit...............................................35 Portland Trampoline.......................................2 Reversed Lens Photography...........................3 Scuola Italiana..............................................13 Small Friends School....................................28 Soccer Shots..................................................36 Spielwerk Toys.................................................7 St. Cecilia School...........................................25 St. Clare School.............................................11 Sweetpeas Kidzone.......................................31 Trillium Preschool.........................................11 Trinity Lutheran School.................................13 Tualatin Valley Preschool..............................34 Tucker-Maxon School...................................21 Village Home................................................33 Westside Montessori International..............13 WeVillage......................................................29 World of Smiles...............................................9 6 | NW Kids Magazine
magazine Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator / Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
what we’re listening to
NW Kids Magazine | 7
A rt Freedom e For Everyon By Kelley Schaefer-Levi
“Art does not have to look like anything!” reads a sign on the wall of Art a la Carte’s new studio in NE Portland. Words at the core of founder Aria Chittenden’s philosophy about how to empower kids to create art of their own definition; it’s also the cornerstone of Art a la Carte’s mission. Chittenden opened her studio earlier in 2012 in a historical house in Sellwood with the idea that children could come in, find a variety of diverse supplies and create whatever they feel like creating. Kids of all ages are encouraged to make art in all its forms. It’s more than crafting, not to say crafting isn’t cool, but one of Art a la Carte’s goals is to get kids thinking about the unlimited potential of creating art without boundaries. The new location is a spacious, open studio filled with lots of light and is fully stocked with all kinds of media for creating any project kids could imagine. From feathers and paint to egg cartons, army men, corks from wine bottles to glitter, glue, pom poms, stamps and more. Some favorite creations are creatures of all kinds. Chittenden 8 | NW Kids Magazine
explains, “Kids often leave with monsters or animals they’ve spent a lot of time on.” Art a la Carte promotes art freedom and wants visitors to leave the studio having had a good time while not feeling limited to creating something according to a certain standard. Chittenden is passionate about offering kids an unstructured environment different from what they may experience at school or in other art camp programs. “If you want to create your own work of art from unconventional materials, and the finished result doesn’t look like something recognizable to others—that’s the point!” she says. Check Out Art a la Carte is a great spot for spending long afternoons creating. For a nominal fee kids can hang out with friends and make art. Families on financial assistance get a discount making access possible for everyone. The studio is also available for birthday parties and Spring and Winter break camps. Visit Art a la Carte on First Friday each month where kids can utilize the studio for $2. For more information on upcoming events, parties and camps visit, artalacartepdx.com
NW Kids Magazine | 9
hanging around with Cat doorman Cat Doorman is multi-talented mom, musician, artist and app illustrator Julianna Bright. She loves books and music, and has recently combined the two in her soon to be released debut, The Cat Doorman Songbook. Bright has also just completed her first interactive app for kids with Night & Day studios called Little Red Wagon under the Cat Doorman moniker. The songbook has been playing in our households over the last few weeks, and we adore it. The kids have been requesting more Cat Doorman and it’s no wonder why. Bright’s voice is beautiful and the accompanying arrangements are heartwarming, fun and empowering for kids and adults alike. We’ve been listening to the album’s opening track, “Peaceful” endlessly as a reminder that life is good and filled to the brim with all things wonderful. We recently had the opportunity to ask Bright a few questions about her inspirations and how Cat Doorman came to be. Here’s what she had to say.—KSL & BF
How long have you been writing and performing as a musician? I’ve been performing for almost 20 years. I think I always wanted to write and sing, but when I first began playing in bands I was way too shy to even try. The drums were perfect for me; a little barrier I could bang on while I found my bearings on stage. I started singing behind the drums and have mostly written very collaboratively in bands, though I’ve always loved writing lyrics. I’d say it’s only been in the last few years that I’ve felt confident enough in my own music writing abilities that I’ve been able to bring songs to my insanely talented collaborators and stand by my decisions. Another step along the path to overcoming the old shyness, I suppose!
Photographs by Jason Quigley
Can you tell us about ‘little red wagon’? and Cat Doorman? My friends, Nat Sims and Erin Rackleman run a Portland company called Night & Day Studios that makes educational apps for kids. Last year, they approached me and asked if I’d want to illustrate and make the music for one of their apps. And, “YES!” I said. It was such an enormously fun and huge project. Literally hundreds of hand painted illustrations on paper...the lovely warmth of a book with all this super fun interactivity. The song is an adaptation of the classic kids’ song “Little Brass Wagon,” with altered lyrics that tell the story of a little girl procuring treats from a dairy, bakery, garden and orchard to share with her friends at a picnic. I recorded the continued on p. 12
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NW Kids Magazine | 11
early part of the year. We’re scheduling Cat Doorman shows for the winter and early spring. My grown up band, Golden Bears, will be finishing up a new record to release in early fall. I’ll be getting to work on another app with Night & Day. And after 13 years together, my steady and I are getting married.
song with Chris Funk (Decemberists, Black Prairie) and said, “make it sound like a teddy bear jug band!” And he totally did! Cat Doorman is the... I don’t know .... identity? that formed around this effort. Recording the song with Funk was so fun and it felt like it belonged on an album. So last summer I wrote most of the songs on ‘Songbook’ (a few are co-written and one is a Syd Barrett cover) and my partner, Seth Lorinczi, recorded it in our home this early autumn with the help of many, many talented Portlanders. Do you have a favorite song on the album? Right now my favorite song is “Two Old Shoes.” I adore the piano arrangement Nick Reddel came up with and Seth’s horn arrangements are so great. It kind of chokes me up every time, so hopefully I’ll be able to get through it live. What inspires you to create music and art? I just feel like myself when I’m doing these things. What do you have in the works for 2013? I’m working on a video for Cat Doorman with my pal, the musician and video artist Alexis Gideon, so that will come out in early 2013. Alexis and I have a band together too called Sleepheart and we’ll finish up our record the 12 | NW Kids Magazine
What do you enjoy about living in Portland with your family? The community. Our friends. And even when the rain threatens to break my spirit, I abide it and find a way to be thankful for it. I love how green this place is. What’s your idea of the perfect day? There are two versions. There’s the full day to myself in my studio: loads of tea, pushing a paintbrush around on paper, listening to science podcasts. And then there’s the Saturday where we all manage to sleep in a little, come downstairs in our pjs, make pancakes, work a giant puzzle or make a hammerhead shark out of egg cartons and paper. Take the dog to a park. Head to the nursery. Work in the yard a bit and then make a lovely dinner together. What’s on your playlist? Between the different bands, it’s been such a busy year for writing. I find when I’m in this mode I have two settings for the off hours. It’s either classical piano music or total, rock-nroll garbage. So I’ve been listening to a lot of Satie and Bach and Dvorak OR the Stooges and Ty Segall. The Cat Doorman Songbook will become available this month. Cat Doorman is playing a sold out show on January 6th at Youwho with Blind Pilot. You can also see her perform at Mississippi Studios on January 26th for her record release party. For more information visit, catdoorman.com.
NW Kids Magazine | 13
School Open House Guide Agia Sophia Academy
Ainsworth Elementary
Aprende con Amigos
address
14485 SW Walker Road Beaverton
2425 SW Vista Avenue Portland
5206 N. Interstate Avenue, Portland
phone
(503) 641.4600
(503) 916.6288
(503) 740.0304
website
ASApdx.org
ps.k12.or.us/schools/ p ainsworth
a prendeconamigos. com
description
A rich academic and arts curriculum grounded in Christian values. Fosters a love of learning, personal responsibility and respect for others.
Supports all students in achieving their highest educational and personal potential and inspires in them a lifelong love of learning.
Children â&#x20AC;&#x153;learn with friendsâ&#x20AC;? through an innovative and research-based Spanish immersion program for potty-trained children three to five years old.
open house
January 31 5pm-7pm
January 30 6:30pm
January 16, February 17, March 5
grade range/ age range
PreK-5th Grade
K-5
3-5 years old
full-day kindy
Yes
Yes
No
max enrollment
15 per classroom
45
student teacher 10:1 ratio
7.5:1
Before/After School Care
No
Yes
No
Religious Affiliation
Orthodox Christian
None
None
Tuition Range
$5,000-$7,500 annually
$335-$875 monthly
Financial Aid
Yes
No
Teaching Method
Montessori for ages 3-6
Spanish Immersion
Speciality Program
Kodaly Music, BrainDance P.E., Latin and Greek languages, Art.
14 | NW Kids Magazine
Music, Art, Language, PE.
Yoga for Kids.
Beth israel Preschool
Bridges Middle School
Burlingame Preschool
Child’s View Montessori School
1972 NW Flanders Street, Portland
205 NE 50th Avenue Portland
2401 SW Taylor’s Ferry Road, Ste B, Portland
4729 SW Taylors Ferry Road, Portland
(503) 222.2037
(503) 688.2922
(503) 244.0689
(503) 243.9422
bethisrael-pdx.org
ridgesMiddleSchool. B org
burlingamepreschool. org
childsview.net
Art based preschool curriculum based in Jewish framework. Focus on physical skill development, selfexpression, social skills, coping strategies, and cognitive learning.
A private nonprofit school where caring and fine teaching take 5th-8th graders to new levels of confidence and competence.
A play-based, cooperative preschool designed to build confidence and a love of learning in all children; a foundation for future school success.
Child’s View is an ecofriendly, Montessori program serving children 2.5-6 years that fosters a love of nature and peaceful living.
January 5 9:30am-10:30am
January 23, 6:30pm March 20, 6:30pm May 16, 6:30pm July 18, 6:30pm
February 9, 10am-12pm Jan. 23, 9am-12pm April 6, 10am-12pm
2.5-5 years old
5-8th Grade
2-5 years old
2.5-6 years old
No
No
No
Yes
50
45
16-20
50
7:1
9:1
6:1
10:1
Yes
No
No
Yes
Jewish
None
No
No
Competitive
$16,700 annually
$125-$180 monthly
$645-$895 monthly
Yes
Yes
No
No
Cooperative
Montessori
Constructivist, child centered art base curriculum We have after school enrichment classes ranging from Art, Science, Spanish, dance & movement and music.
Creative, focused setting for students with learning differences. Small class sizes & individualized instruction.
Yoga
NW Kids Magazine | 15
School Open House Guide Dove Christian Preschool
French American International School
German American School of Portland
address
7555 SW 45th Street Portland
8500 NW Johnson Street Portland
3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton
phone
(503) 246.5459
(503) 292.7776
(503) 626.9089
website
dovepreschool.com
faispdx.org
gspdx.org
description
Experienced teachers lead small classrooms focusing on academics, social development, play time, and the arts.
The oldest, most established, and only fully accredited preschool through grade eight program of its kind in Portland.
GSP offers a bilingual curriculum promoting flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to languages and cultures, improved listening skills, and prepares children to be world citizens.
open house
January 24
Lower School: January 18, 9-11am; Middle School: January 31, 6:30pm8:00pm
January 15, 6pm February 13, 6pm March 14, 9am April 16, 9am
grade range/ age range
3-5 years old
Age 2.5-8th Grade
Preschool-5th grade
full-day kindy
No
Yes
Yes
max enrollment
18
250
student teacher 9:1 ratio
9:1
8:1
Before/After School Care
No
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Presbyterian
No
None
$12,000-$15,000 annually
$9,085-$11,900 annually
Yes
Yes
Teaching Method
Language Immersion
German Immersion
Speciality Program
Music, Art, Multiple Our immersion program Languages, Sports/Move- is enriched by music, art ment, Summer Camps, and athletics. PM Classes.
Tuition Range Financial Aid
16 | NW Kids Magazine
Yes
Hilltop Preschool & Kindergarten
International Leadership Academy
Living Wisdom School
Micha-el School
5700 SW Dosch Road Portland
14790 SW Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego
4855 SW Watson Avenue, Beaverton
13515A SE Rusk Road, Milwaukie
(503) 245.3183
(503) 490.0686
(503) 671.9112
(503) 882.3322
pcctoday.com/hilltop
ilapdx.org
livingwisdomportland. org
micha-el school.org
Christian school offering opportunities for growth, freedom, and exploration. Developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet individual needs. Offers Spanish and Chinese in the classroom.
Provides a scholarly, innovative, multilingual and multicultural education to help students maximize their lifelong potential and meet challenges with confidence.
A holistic education in a supportive, nurturing environment. Our curriculum supports the balanced growth of mind, body and spirit.
A warm and vibrant community dedicated to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development of children. Music and academic lessons integrate artistic activities on a daily basis.
Tours daily beginning Jan. 1, 2013
January 17, 6-8pm February 11, March 11, April 11, May 13, June 7, 8am-12pm
January 29, 11am
January 23, 6pm-8pm March 13, 6pm-8pm
3 by Sept. 1 through Kindergarten
PK-5th Grade (2-10 years old)
PK-7th Grade
Ages 3.5-14 years old
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
100
75
41
135
10:1 Preschool 15:1 Kindergarten
10:1 PK; 12:1 K 16:1 Grades1-5
7:1
10:1 Kindergarten 20:1 Grades
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
None
Ananda
N/A
$190-$450 monthly
$7,000-$8,500 annually
$2,500-$7,400 annually $252-$780 monthly
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Academic
Constructivism
Education for Life
Waldorf
Language, Music Classes, Soccer Shots.
Music, Art, Spanish, Body in Motion, French.
Music, Art, Spanish, PE, Yoga, Community Service, Outdoor learning at rural campus.
Music, Spanish & German, movement, eurythmy, handwork and woodworking. NW Kids Magazine | 17
School Open House Guide Oregon Episcopal School
Oregon Hope Chinese School
Park Academy
address
6300 SW Nicol Road Portland
14986 NW Cornell Road Portland
17600 Pacific Highway Portland
phone
(503) 768.3115
(971) 226.7240
(503) 697.6213
website
oes.edu
oregon-hope.org
parkacademy.org
description
OES offers an inquirybased education that prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning and to cultivate their power for good.
OHCS is an OR state and IRS recognized public nonprofit, providing Saturday Chinese classes and Mandarin Kids, an early childhood program.
Welcomes students whose learning styles, specifically dyslexia, have not been addressed in a traditional school setting.
open house
January 15 7pm-8:30pm PK - 5th Grade
January 16, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 15 at 10am
January 24
grade range/ age range
PK-12th Grade
PK-12th Grade
4-12th Grade
full-day kindy
Yes
Yes
No
max enrollment
200
52
student teacher 7:1 ratio
7:1
12:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Independent Episcopal
None
N/A
Tuition Range
$13,710- $25,340 annually $299-$899 monthly
$15, 500 annually
Financial Aid
Yes
No
Yes
Chinese Mandarin Immersion
Multi Sensory
Music, Art, Go, Dance.
Barton Reading, ASL, Spanish, Music, Art, Film, Drumming, Theater and Technology.
Teaching Method Speciality Program
18 | NW Kids Magazine
Specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, PE, Technology, and Spanish.
Portland Language Arts
Scuola Italiana di Portland
Small Friends School
St. Cecilia School
10180 NW Brady Lane Portland
PO Box 6507 Portland
7475 SW Oleson Road Portland
12250 SW 5th Street Beaverton
(971) 506.8838
(971) 270.0470
(503) 388.2266
(503) 644.2619
portlandlanguagearts. com
scuola.us
smallfriendsschool.com
stceciliaschool.us
Help children to become proficient in 2+ languages, develop self-confidence, respect for others and their opinions and a passion for life-long learning.
Authentic, full immersion Italian language and culture lessons for children 18 months and older at multiple Portland metro area locations.
At Small Friends, children explore, create, observe, experiment and collaborate to construct a deeper understanding of their world.
Partnering with parents to prepare students to be responsible citizens and life-long learners with strong Catholic values.
January 19, 10am-12pm May & September, 10am February 16, 10amto 12pm 12pm March 9, 10am-12pm
PK: February 7, 7pm; Kindergarten: March 7, 7pm
January 27 10am-12:30pm
2-5 years old, 5-12 years old afternoon Chinese
18 months and older
Ages 3-6 years old
PK-8th Grade
Yes
No
12
No
Yes
PK: 18, K: 16
30 per grade
4:1
4:1, Preschool 6:1, 6+ years
Preschool: 4:1 Kindergarten 8:1
14:1
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
None
Catholic
None $395-$995 monthly
$10-$13 hourly
$150-$400 monthly
$1,560-$6,110 annually
No
No
No
Yes
Collaboration
Reggio Emilia, full immersion
Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
N/A
Chinese immersion, Spanish enrichment, Music Together.
Reggio Emilia immersion preschool, after-school language immersion & more.
Co-curricular offerings include PE & Health, Music, Computer, Spanish, Art Literacy, Sports & more. NW Kids Magazine | 19
School Open House Guide St. Clare school
Sweet PEAS Kidzone
The Marylhurst School
address
1807 SW Freeman Street, Portland
15320 NW Central Drive, D-12, Portland
817 12th Street Oregon City
phone
(503) 244.7600
(503) 533.5252
(503) 650.0978
website
stclarepdx.org
sweetpeaskidzone.com
t hemarylhurstschool. com
description
St. Clare is a Catholic, parish-school community, rooted in Gospel Values, and dedicated to the spritual and educational development of the whole child.
Our goal is to create a safe foundation, where learning is fun, imagination flows, and creativity is encouraged.
Each child travels a unique path. In our community of creators, explorers and citizens, we honor each journey.
open house
January 27, 12pm-2pm
February 5, 6-8pm February 9, 12pm-2pm
January 26 9am-12pm
grade range/ age range
K-8th Grade
3-6 years old PK, Kindergarten
PK-6th Grade
full-day kindy
Yes
Yes
Yes
max enrollment
252
45
180
student teacher 12:1 ratio
7:1
8:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Catholic
No
N/A
$200-$900 monthly
$1,300-$6,800 annually
Yes
Yes
Whole Child Learning
Emergent, progressive
Indoor Playground, Rock Wall, Music, Art, and 2nd Language Offered, Library Visits, Field Trips and more.
Enrichment programs in art, science, music, Spanish, Soccer Shots.
Tuition Range Financial Aid
Yes
Teaching Method Speciality Program
20 | NW Kids Magazine
Music, Art, Physical Education.
NW Kids Magazine | 21
School Open House Guide The Peanut Gallery Playschool
The Portland Montessori School
Trillium Charter School
address
NE Portland
4911 NE Couch Street Portland
5420 N Interstate Avenue, Portland
phone
(503) 998.7259
(503) 688.2992
(503) 285.3833
website
thepeanutgallery playschool.com
portlandmontessori.org
t rilliumcharterschool. org
description
Unique, certified inhome PK, influenced by constructivism and Reggio Emilia, but our biggest influence is the individual children in our classroom.
The Portland Montessori School has a proud tradition of educating children for life. We are committed to helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Academically rigorous constructivist learning environment that engages each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique spirit and intellect, develops creative, critical thinking skills, and cultivates compassionate, active citizens.
open house
January 27 10am-12pm
January 26 11am-4pm
Charter School Open House March 6
grade range/ age range
18 months to not yet 4 by September 2013
Early Childhood (2.5-6) through 5th Grade
Preschool and K-12th Grade
full-day kindy
No
Yes
Yes
max enrollment
16
20 per classroom
360
student teacher 16:3 mornings ratio 8:1 after care
10:1
Before/After School Care
Yes
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
No
None
None
Tuition Range
see website for details
$6,090-$8,735 annually
PK tuition only
Financial Aid
No
Yes
No
Teaching Method
Reggio inspired
Montessori
Democratic/ Constructivist
Speciality Program
22 | NW Kids Magazine
Music, sports, Soccer Shots, language, movement, cooking, among others.
Trinity Lutheran School
Tualatin Valley Preschool
Tucker-Maxon School
Westside Montessori International
5520 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland
9230 SW Siletz Drive Tualatin
2860 SE Holgate Boulevard, Portland
1870 NW 188th Avenue Beaverton
(503) 288.6403
(503) 691.9866
(503) 235.6551
(503) 739.3949
trinityportland.org
tualatinvalleypreschool. org
tuckermaxon.org
wmioregon.com
Empowered by Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love, Trinity students engage in academic rigor to be life-long learners and serve others.
Tualatin Valley Preschoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play-based philosophy has been gently guiding children to new understandings and connections since 1974.
Nationally recognized private school where deaf and hearing children are talking, learning, and achieving excellence together.
Westside Montessori believes in the value of training the children in their formative years. Offering a solid foundation towards being a person of purpose & excellence.
January 28 6-7:30pm
February 8-9 9am-1pm
February 28, 4-5:30pm April 18, 4-5:30pm
January 12, 10am February 9 , 10am
Age 3-8th Grade
3-5 years old
PK-5th Grade
2.5-6 years old
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
200
PK:14, K-5: 18
45
15:1
7:1
12:1
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Lutheran
No
No
Christian
$3,000-$6,000 annually
$100-$125 monthly
TBA
$570-$950 monthly
No
Yes
Creative Curriculum
Montessori
Language-rich environment, critical thinking, Art, Choir, P.E. and more. Aftercare options available.
Aftercare focus: Arts & Craft, Music, Poetry & Literature, P.E., Theater, Sports, Photography, Community Service.
Yes Play-based
Music, Art, Spanish, Choir, Band, Sports. P.E.
NW Kids Magazine | 23
Lights, Drama, Action! 5 Picks for
Children’s Theater
By jana wingate
Photograph by david kinder
When I was in elementary school my mom took me to see the play Peter Pan. I don’t remember much of the play itself, but the magic of that day has stayed with me. Now that I have a child of my own, we are creating those same types of memories together. I want her to experience the adventure that is live theater; to be whisked away to a different land of imagination and entertainment. Fortunately, we live in a fabulous city where you can take your family on a theatrical journey, too. Here are five different theaters that are waiting for you to explore.
Tears of Joy Puppet Theater Let Tears of Joy tell you a tale with the use of puppets. They believe in the beauty, power and vitality of puppetry as a performing art form with unique theatrical capabilities for audiences of all ages. Tears of Joy have been enriching lives through art in Portland since 1973. With education in mind, they have designed one-person shows that engaging and interactive to come to your local preschool or library. To experience one of their six productions a year, visit tojt.org
Oregon Children’s Theatre For over twenty years, OCT has been presenting productions and teaching young actors in Portland. They strive to enrich lives while helping children develop a lifetime appreciation for the arts. They do 24 | NW Kids Magazine
this through the stage, but also through teaching, helping children gain skills that will serve them on stage and throughout their lives. You can support this amazing theater company by experiencing one of their many live stage shows, which also include many young actors, visit octc.org to find out more.
Imago Theater As a world renowned touring company, Imago Theater has dared to push the boundaries of tradition. As they state it, they blur the lines of the expected to break new ground, exploding boundaries, yet maintain humor and humanity. Their critically acclaimed productions have even played on Broadway. To experience this one of a kind theater, please visit imagotheatre.com
Northwest Children’s Theater and School Bringing storybook tales to life with their own unique twist, the NW Children’s Theater has been captivating audiences for almost twenty years. Boasting one of the largest theater schools on the west coast, NWCT has a mission of educating, entertaining and enriching the lives of young audiences. NWCT also offers year-round theater classes and camps for your budding young actor to participate in. To visit this remarkable theater, visit nwcts.org for their upcoming shows.
Ladybug Theater As the oldest surviving live theater in Portland, the Ladybug Theater is a great
way to keep your kids entertained. They have shows all year round, which include special Wednesday and Thursday morning preschool shows. Performing fairy tales with a twist, the Ladybug wants to teach theater as a positive experience, allowing improvisation and audience participation. Ladybug also provides acting and drama classes, which are taught by the troupe’s actors. To find out more about this unique theater, visit ladybugtheater.org
Jana is the Mother of 5 year old Rowyn, and lives with her Husband and Daughter in North Portland. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA Degree in Journalism.
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Monthly
Calendar
Performances Jan 1, 4-6
Northwest Childrens Theater – Peter Pan
A NWCT world premiere! The story of the boy who never grows up comes to life onstage, with all of your favorite fantastical characters. $18$22, times vary. nwcts.org
Jan 27
Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata PYP
Come listen to Portland’s young classical music talents in the Wieden+Kennedy building in the Pearl. $15-20, 4pm. portlandyouthphil.org
Events
Jan 5
Tues in Jan
Simple, yet engaging theatrical storytelling of a princess in search of a priceless treasure. $1-2, 2-3:30pm. pdxmetroarts.org
Artist Heather Stellpflug from Creative Recycling Workshops teaches kids how to make art from recycled materials. Ages 2-5, free, 11:30am-12:30pm. queensmab.com
Once Upon a Time Family Theatre The Golden Goose
Jan 6
Oregon Symphony – Inspector Crescendo
Queens Mab - Recycled Art
Tues in Jan
Green Bean Books - Storytime
Calling all detectives! A musical mystery in which the entire Orchestra are suspects in the case. $10-$36, 2pm. orsymphony.org
A weekly foray into the wonderful world of books. Free, 11-11:30am. greenbeanbookspdx.com
Jan 19-20, 26-27
Thurs in Jan
C.S. Lewis’s fantastical adventure into a snowy world, where four ordinary children become heroes. $18-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm. octc.org
Come check out the play space for free! A good time for non-members to learn more about membership. Art materials are first come, first served. 10am-12pm. swapnplay.org
Oregon Children’s Theatre – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
St. Johns Swapnplay Playspace Open Play
JAN 26
Thurs in Jan
Cat Doorman
Don’t miss Sneakin’ Out & Cat Doorman at Mississippi Studios. Tickets $6 -$10. Babies carried in are free. Doors open at 2pm, show at 3pm. mississippistudios.com
A Children’s Place Bookstore Storytime
A cozy little bookshop in NE hosts storytime for kids of all ages. Free, 10:3011am. achildrensplacebookstore.com
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. 26 | NW Kids Magazine
January 2013 Jan 4
Portland Children’s Museum Free First Friday Play and learn for free! 4-8pm. portlandcm.org
Jan 5 & 12
Al’s Garden Center Kids Club Grow a Dirt Baby
A fun and inventive science experiment! Kids learn how to use soil and water to help their “dirt babies” sprout hair. Locations vary. $5, 11am. als-gardencenter.com
Jan 6
Portland Japanese Garden O-Shogatsu, the New Year’s Festival
Bring the little ones for crafts, activities, and healthy snacks! Stick around for lunch specials and let the kids run wild in the play area. 11am-12pm. hopworksbeer.com
Jan 12
Washington County Museum Family Day
Free interactive history and art activities for all ages. Take home your very own projects! Free, 10am-1pm. washingtoncountymuseum.org
JAN 12
Green Bean Books Johanna Wright
Celebrate Japanese New Year in the beautiful gardens and witness kakizome, the writing of the first calligraphy of the new year. $6.75-9.50, 12-3pm. japanesegarden.com
Join local author and illustrator extraordinaire, Johanna Wright, as she reads from her new book, Bunnies on Ice. Free, 2pm. greenbeanbookspdx.com
Jan 6
Jan 13
OMSI - $2 Days
Discover the wonders of science! $2, 9:30am5:30pm. omsi.edu
Jan 8
Belmont Library - Knitting for Beginners
Bring your own needles and yarn and learn to knit, or practice some new techniques with expert guidance. Ages 8 and up, free, 3:305:30pm. multcolib.org
Jan 10
Hopworks BikeBar - Tot Thursday
Curious Comedy Theater Curious Garden
Comedy for kids! Laugh along with your curious garden friends and remember, the show starts with an open mic for all those aspiring comics. $5 suggested donation, 10:30am. curiouscomedy.org
Jan 19
Mississippi Pizza - The Toy Trains
Rock music for kids - both covers of popular hits and original songs. Chow down and rock out! $5, kids under 12 free, 4-5pm. mississippipizza.com
Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month NW Kids Magazine | 27
Calendar contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Jan 20
Flying Cat Coffee - The Alphabeticians Rock the Alphabet
How many ways can you sing the alphabet? Come find out over yummy breakfast and coffee. You might even feel like dancing! $5 suggested donation, 10-11am. flyingcatcoffee.com
Jan 25
Portland Art Museum Free Admission
Spend a Friday evening taking in visual masterpieces. 5-8pm. portlandartmuseum.org
Jan 26
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum - Reaching for the Stars A day exclusively dedicated to visitors with special needs, with accommodated workshops and activities, and even some Stormtroopers. $5, 10am-3pm. evergreenmuseum.org
Jan 27
Mochitsuki 2013: 17th Annual Japanese New Year Celebration
Welcome the Year of the Snake with drumming, dancing, origami, and watching the making of mochi - sticky rice cakes. Oh, and you can eat it, too! $4-12, kids 0-3 free, 11am-4pm. mochipdx.org
Jan 27
MJCC - Winter Family Funfest
Enjoy round robin activities and entertainment from NWCTS actors. Learn about Jewish preschools, playgroups and camps. 3pm-4:30pm, free and open to all. jewishportland.org/funfest
28 | NW Kids Magazine
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Notes from a Coach: Healthy Tips & Ideas for Keeping Kids Active By joel newman
Get Outside, It’s only Winter I hear a subtle rumble of concern amongst parents. As we enter the winter months, they begin to see forces aligning against one of their key interests; making sure their child gets an ample amount of physical activity. Let’s face it, the opportunity for exercise, and in turn the amount of exercise kids get, diminishes as the weather worsens. Unfortunately, we know kids energy levels and their need for a healthy fitness habit does not. The question becomes, how does one help their child embrace a habit of fitness during the months when the weather gods give us their worst? I think we need to start deep and set the tone early. We teach our kids that we don’t let the weather decide what we are and aren’t going to do. Whether or not we brave the weather ourselves, we should always encourage our kids to play outside, as long as they are dressed appropriately. Schools have a mandate to ensure kids get physical activity and parents should tow that line during vacations and weekends. In my experience, kids born here, having only known the wet and cold, rarely see it as a reason they shouldn’t be out playing with their friends. For the soccer classes I run for kids ages 3-8, we play unless its below 40 and raining steadily. In class, when it’s colder, it’s rare that the kids 30 | NW Kids Magazine
and myself aren’t peeling off layers after 5-10 minutes of running around. The second key to maintaining your kids’ fitness level is building a structured plan. Kids may fight it, but they crave structure and by planning it out, you ensure that you don’t miss it, too. Find something healthy that you can do with them or enable them to do. I suggest a weekly activity. This could be as easy as a community center swim class, a family hike every Sunday at a neighborhood park (after pancakes?), or “Playground Thursdays” where you and the kiddo(s) visit new and favorite playgrounds. By having the fitness activity built into your calendar, your child will begin to expect and look forward to it. Having this steady activity also opens up learning discussions on the way to and from the activity, as they process their experiences. Discussing the importance of winter fitness could be a great topic. My third recommendation comes from our staff: get creative. We teach soccer classes where up to 12 young kids might be dribbling a soccer ball within a small space, like a preschool classroom. A few cones won’t stop a 4-year-old from kicking their ball wherever, so we switch tactics and engage them with imaginative play. We tell them that the cones define Soccer Island! and around the island are sea creatures who will swim away with their ball. If you don’t factor in the weather too much, plan, playfully define your space, create fun rules, get a little silly and a bit permissive in letting your kid burn some energy—the kids will take care of the rest! Joel Newman coaches and runs Soccer Shots of Portland, a fun, noncompetitive soccer program for kids ages 2-8. After 8 years working as a consultant for the Australian government, Joel realized he wanted a life out of the office and on the field, so he relocated to Portland and started Soccer Shots. Joel holds a BA in Religious Studies and an MBA from OSU. For more information, email joel@soccershots.org.
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Pound and Tap Bench from Hape
at Child’s Play, $30
Children’s Ukulele by Janod at Kids at Heart Toys, $30
found
Iron Me On 20 Sheets of Awesome Iron-On Decals at Black Wagon, $15
around Town
Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Water Color Pencils (set of 12) at Blick, $30
Nature Kaleidoscope Kit
at Bella Stella, $13
Musical Handbells
at Finnegan’s Toys, $35
Tako Fibers Embroidery Kit at Lark Press, $30
32 | NW Kids Magazine
Classic Etch A Sketch
at Piccolo Mondo Toys, $16
Kiddy Platter by Smarty Parents
at smartyparents.com, $30
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resource guide:
Art & Craft
100th Monkey Studios 100thmonkeystudios.com Art a la Carte artalacartepdx.com Ceramicafe ceramiCafeNW.com Chocolate Craft Studio chocolatecraftkits.com Collage collagepdx.blogspot.com Creative Recycling Workshops and Green Crafts facebook.com/CreativeRecylingWorkshops Fine Art Starts fineartstarts.com Gossamar gossamarfiberarts.com Green Bean Books greenbeanbookspdx.com Mimosa Studios mimosa-studios.com Multnomah Arts Center multnomahartscenter.org Multnomah County Library events.multcolib.org My Masterpiece Art Studio mymasterpieceartstudio.com Piccasitos piccasitos.com Portland Child Art Studio portlandchildartstuido.com
34 | NW Kids Magazine
Portland Parks and Recreation Community Centers portlandparks.com/register Pottery Fun potteryfunpdx.com SCRAP scrappdx.org Spark Arts Center sparkartscenter.com Spielwerk Toys spielwerktoys.com The Treehouse m.misstreehouse.com Vibe of Portland vibeofportland.com
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