This month's newsletter topics
Back to School – Frist Day of School – September Tuition and Billing – Afternoon Classes – Early Drop Off – Late Pick Up – Drop In Days and Credits – Immunization Form – See You Soon!
This month's newsletter topics
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Hands On Art and Play is excited to be celebrating our 18th school year! Hands On started in my home with 6 children, my youngest daughter included. We quickly moved into classroom space in a neighborhood church that winter and added another teacher and 6 more kids. We started as a small 2 day a week class and now we offer morning and afternoon preschool programs, summer camps and enrichment classes. We love our wonderful community of over 50 families and devoted teachers. Hands On is looking forward to another great school year! -Teacher Jennifer
Back to School!
Tuesday, September 4th –
Parents and children drop in between 10 AM and noon to see your classroom, make new friends and meet your teachers.
Wednesday, September 5th –
First day of school, 9 AM
First Day of School
Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 5. Parents and children are invited to join us the day before, anytime between 10 AM and noon, to visit your classroom, meet your teachers and make new friends.
Then on Wednesday, September 5th school begins at 9 AM and ends at 12:30. Please walk your children in and help them find their cubby, coat hook, and own name to put in the basket. Children can then get started on a table activity. You are welcome to work with your children at the table for a few minutes to help them get settled.
Some children have a hard time saying goodbye. For these kids it seems to work the best to say goodbye quickly and say that you will be back after lunch. Pick up time is 12:30 each day. If your child is having a really hard time we will let you know.
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.
It is also a good idea to have an extra set of clothes to leave at school, and a coat or sweater for outside play. We play outside every day, even in the rain, so feel free to leave boots or gloves in your child’s cubby.
September Tuition and Billing
Your first tuition payment is due no later than September 1. This will secure your child’s space in the preschool. If you need to make special payment arrangements, email Jennifer.
The tuition is an annual fee made up of nine equal monthly payments. Our school year runs September 5 to May 24. Holidays are already calculated into the tuition structure so you are not paying for days we do not have school.
All other tuition payments are due by the 1st of each month and late after the 5th. You will be charged a $25 late fee if you haven’t paid by the 5th. A $25 return check fee will be applied to all returned checks.
Music Class
All students attending Tuesdays and Wednesdays mornings will be charged a one-time fee of $125 for the music program. The music fee can be divided into two payments, one in September and the other in January. If your child attends a Tuesday afternoon and would like to be part of our music program you have the option of arriving at 11:45 every other Tuesday for music class for a $75 fee.
Afternoon Classes
Hands On partners with local children’s programs to offer enrichment classes after school. This year we are pleased to offer dance on Mondays and Tuesday, Spanish on Wednesdays and yoga on Thursdays. You can sign up and learn more about these programs at our visiting day on September 4th or by contacting the programs directly. Children enrolled in the afternoon preschool on Tuesday or Thursday will be part of the dance and yoga classes at no additional charge.
Rachael Brown Dance (Mondays & Tuesdays) –
During this class students will learn basic dance moves and concepts, including basic ballet positions and steps, all while incorporating the art of imagination. Dance is a great way to help your child develop motor skills, foster a positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. Students perform what they have learned for their friends and family during the last class of the season.
For more information, email rachaelbrowndance@gmail.com
Spanish with Portland Early Learning (Wednesdays) –
Portland Early Learning Project is excited to be offering Spanish again for the 2018-19 school year at Hands On Art & Play. Our classes are energetic and fun and are taught by highly trained teachers who foster emerging language skills in small class settings. Students learn early literacy and Spanish language skills through picture/word pairing, hands-on reading activities, moving, singing and game playing in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Classes will be on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30.
More information can be found at:
Yoga Playgrounds (Thursdays) –
In these fun and active classes kids will stretch and energize their bodies and minds through individual and group poses, mindfulness games and creative relaxation techniques. Packed with playfulness, positivity and fun, these classes give kids the tools they need to manage their behaviors to lead happier, healthier and more peaceful lives
Please go to www.yogaplaygrounds.com for more info.
Early Drop Off
Early care, 8:30-9AM , will be billed at a rate of $5 per use and is billed the following month after use. Children attending 4 or 5 days of school a week may drop off early free of charge.
Late Pick Up
Pick-up time from morning preschool is 12:30. If your child is not picked up by 12:35 PM, you will be charged a late fee. $15 for the first 15 minutes you are late and $40 if you are later than 15 minutes. If you are 15 minutes late teachers will begin calling your emergency contact numbers to arrange for someone to pick up your child.
Drop In Days and Credits
Drop in days and credits will show up on the invoices following the month of use. A drop in day is $40. A day credit is $35.
If Hands On is closed due to bad weather you will receive a make-up day. Look at our school calendar by the cubbies to see our drop in day and credit calendar.
Immunization Form
Oregon law states that all children in school or day care (including preschool and Head Start) must have the required immunizations or a medical or religious exemption. Here is a link to the immunization form for you to print, fill out and bring to school. If you are a returning family, the forms will be available the first week of school to add any updates.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer.
Download the Immunization form here.
See You Soon!
We are all very excited to start another great year of preschool!
Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you have before the beginning of the school year.