This month's newsletter topics
Back to School – First Day of School – Tuition and Billing – Enrichment Classes – Drop In Days and Credits – Immunization Form – See You Soon!
This month's newsletter topics
Back to School!
Tuesday, September 3rd –
Parents, caregivers and children visit between 10 AM and 12 PM to explore your classroom, make new friends and meet your teachers.
Wednesday, September 4th –
First day of school, 9 AM, Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM for morning class.
First day of school, 1 PM, Drop-off begins at 12:45 PM for afternoon class.
First Day of School
Wednesday, September 4th is our first day of school. School begins at 9 AM and ends at 12:30 PM. We will continue to have drop-off and pick-up outside of the playground. Please walk your children to the check-in area and take extra care while walking, biking or driving through the parking lot. We share the building with www.portlandforestschool.org, a school for kids in kindergarten to 8th grade, and www.portlanddramaclub.org, so there are many families and children around the building.
Each morning we will have a Question Of The Day for the students to answer. Then children will join friends on the playground.
Some children have a hard time saying goodbye. For these kids it seems to work the best to say goodbye quickly, reminding them you will be back after lunch, or snack in the afternoons. Pick-up time is 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM each day (for morning and afternoon classes, respectively). If your child is having a really hard time transitioning, we will let you know, and if it helps to send along a favorite toy or stuffed animal, that is OK!
Lunches and Snacks
If your child is in our morning class, they should pack a lunch each day. If your child is in the afternoon class, then they should eat lunch before school and pack a snack. We are a nut-free school as several children have severe nut allergies. Please do not send nut butters, nuts or bars with nuts to school. Thanks for your understanding.
Preschoolers are a wiggly bunch and often enjoy themselves and act silly during lunch time. We will pack up what they do not eat so they can snack on it later, and we will let you know if they need more.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), hot dogs, carrots and grapes are some of the top choking hazards when it comes to food. If your child loves these foods, it may be best to enjoy them at home instead of school lunches, or slice them up into manageable bites.
Please make sure your child has a water bottle and a lunch from home each day. Cloth, steel, or any non-breakable food containers are the best for preschoolers as glass containers break too often. We always have filtered water for kids if they need refills.
Many kids have the same lunch boxes, backpacks, coats and water bottles, so please make sure your child’s name is labeled on all of their things.
Tuition and Billing
Your September tuition payment is due upon registration. This will secure your child’s space in the preschool.
The tuition is an annual fee made up of nine equal monthly payments. Our school year runs September 4th to May 23rd. Holidays and staff planning days are already calculated into the tuition structure so tuition is the same every month. You will get a school calendar to help you plan for days off. Your October tuition will be billed early September and due Sept. 25th. Payments made after the 3rd of each month will be considered late. A $25 late fee will be added to the invoice on the 4th of the month.
Music Class
All students will be charged a one-time fee of $125 for the music program. Our music program brings musicians and special guest into the class weekly. The days will alternate so that everyone has a chance to participate in music several times a month. The music fee will be billed early in August and and due August 25th.
Enrichment classes
Enrichment classes begin September 16th. They are offered daily with enrollment for fall, winter and spring sessions. Both morning and afternoon students may join enrichment classes. These classes are a partnership with other local children’s programs. More information on the classes offered this fall can be found in this newsletter. These classes fill up quickly, and registration begins August 1st. Enrichment classes you sign up for will be billed in early August, and due August 25th.
If you need to make special payment arrangements, email Jennifer.
Drop-In Days and Credits
We will have a drop-in calendar for families to use. If you are going on vacation you can offer up your days, if someone takes your days, then you will get a credit. Drop-in days and credits will show up on the invoices following the month of use. A drop-in day for the morning class is $50, a credit is $45. A drop-in day for the afternoon class is $40, credit of $35.
Inclement Weather
Hands On follows Portland Public Schools decisions to close due to inclement weather. If PPS is closed, or opening late because of weather, Hands On will be closed. We will offer make-up days during the first week of summer camp.
Late Pick Up
Pick-up time for preschool is 12:30 PM for morning class and 3:30 PM for afternoon class. If you are more than 5 minutes late, you will be charged a late fee: $15 for the first 5-15 minutes you are late and $40 if you are later than 15 minutes. If you are more than 15 minutes late, teachers will begin calling your emergency contact numbers to arrange for someone to pick up your child.
Afternoon Enrichment Classes
Hands On partners with local children’s programs to offer enrichment classes after/before school. This year we are pleased to offer classes Monday-Friday. Each class is 45 minutes. These classes are optional, and you may join in the fall, winter or spring. Make sure to sign up for the appropriate time: Children enrolled in the afternoon preschool can join the enrichment classes starting at noon, while children attending morning preschool can sign up for classes starting at 12:45/50 PM and would stay until 1:30 PM. Often these classes fill up quickly as the maximum number of kids is smaller than our class size, so act fast if you’re interested!
Mondays
The Everybody Dance Project – https://www.idppdx.comhttps://everybodydanceproject.com/
September 16-November 18th,*No class October 14, November 4, 11
The Everybody Dance Project wants to be your child’s introduction to dance! EDP classes focus on the fundamentals of dance and tumbling through games and songs. Dancers learn to take turns, follow directions, and the fun of self-expression through movement! EDP offers classes and camps in NE and SE Portland.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Adventures in Spanish
Starts September 17 & 18, click link for more info and to register:
Hands On Art and Play 2024-25 Spanish
Welcome! Our small, play-based, interactive Spanish classes are a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and practice Spanish in a warm, supportive environment. Our classes are full of songs, games, books, and lots of movement! Plus, our teachers are trained to teach to a wide range of skill levels and ages. We’re glad you chose us!
Thursdays
NW Children’s Theater
Please email Jennifer to sign up for this class, jennifer@handsonartandplay.com.
$171 for 9 classes fall session, September 19-November 21
First Stage classes are specially designed for ages three to six years old. Children will explore theater through music, movement and storytelling with an emphasis on physical and emotional self-expression. First Stage teachers use role-playing and improvisation techniques to act out fairy tales and other stories. These classes promote a love for the performing arts and nurture creative energy while supporting developmental milestones, including: confidence, self-expression, critical thinking, cooperation, social skills, imagination, and motor skills.
Fridays
Play-full! With McKinley Hughes
September 20-Nov. 22.
$190, 10 classes
Please email Jennifer to sign up for this class, jennifer@handsonartandplay.com.
Play- full: Using the art of play and creativity to practice social and emotional wellness skills including mindfulness, emotional identification, emotional regulation, self expression, and empathy. McKinley will be using drama therapy, dance, and improvisation to empower kids to connect more deeply with themselves and each other in playful and fun ways.
McKinley has been working in arts education for the past decade. She is currently continuing her education by earning a masters degree in drama therapy. McKinley is extremely passionate about using theatre as a tool to for self expression and emotional healing. In all of her classes, McKinley strives to cultivate a learning environment where kiddos are encouraged to be brave, get silly, and have fun!
Colds, flu and sickness, Oh MY!
- If your child has a goopy nose, bad cough, diarrhea, stomach ache, sore throat or any condition that is contagious, they need to stay home.
- If your child tests positive for COVID, they need to stay out for the week. They can return when they are symptom-free for 24 hours and test negative for COVID on a rapid test.
- We do not require masks, but if you would like your child to wear one, please let us know.
Immunization Forms
Oregon law states that all children in school or day care (including preschool and Head Start) must have the required immunizations or an exemption. Here is a link to the immunization form for you to print, fill out and bring to school.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer.
Download the Immunization form here.
See you soon!
Please feel free to call, or email, with any questions you have before the beginning of the school year.
We are excited to see you in September!
