Fall 2021
What a wonderful group of kids and families we have this year. Our teachers are enjoying getting to know everyone and the children are making new friends. Our students love to play in all three outdoor spaces, and really enjoy the classroom with all of the toys. Inside our students do an excellent job keeping their masks on. These kids are a joy to spend the days with each week!
Our Day
Our classes are off to a great start. The children are learning so many things and we have fun every day! We start each class on the playground. The kids enjoy playing with each other, running around, swinging and climbing, playing in the sandbox and cooking in the mud kitchen. There is an outdoor classroom in the back of the playground with toys and puzzles. These kids keep busy!
Then we move along to the courtyard garden wear the kids can play in the “forest”, water and care or our plants, hula hoop and play with the farm animals and the sensory bin!
From there we go to the secret garden which is a perfect place to have music class, scavenger hunts and other games.
Then it is off to explore the classroom. Children keep busy building in the Lego and blocks area, dressing up and playing in the kitchen and working on the daily art project.
Once all the students have done their art projects we gather as a big group to sing our songs, then split into two smaller groups, by age, to do our listening, learning and circle time work.
Ask your child to sing one of our songs, “The leaves are falling down” or “I am raking the leaves!”
During circle time we do our daily jobs, such as updating the calendar, giving a weather report, and learning the letter and number of the day. We also learn numbers and letters through activities and games. Last month we used apples, acorns and squirrels to help with our math games. Other times we practice writing our alphabet letter of the week, listening to stories or even having an impromptu show and tell! The children love the small groups and enjoy being able to learn and play with their friends. Ask your child what job they had in school today.
During circle time we do our daily jobs, such as updating the calendar, giving a weather report, and learning the letter and number of the day. We also learn numbers and letters through activities and games. Last month we used apples, acorns and squirrels to help with our math games. Other times we practice writing our alphabet letter of the week, listening to stories or even having an impromptu show and tell! The children love the small groups and enjoy being able to learn and play with their friends. Ask your child what job they had in school today.
Then we have our meal, lunch for morning cohort and snack for the afternoon groups. When we are done we play games or work at the tables until all of our friends are ready to go. Then we are off to the playground for more fun before our school day ends! Rain or shine, so make sure to bring a coat!
School Pictures
It is that time again! School pictures will be Tuesday and Wednesday, October 12th and 13th. Douglas Frierott is a former Hands On parent and has been doing our class pictures for many years. All children will get their picture takes for our yearbook, but you are not obligated to buy photos or the yearbook. Douglas will put all photos up on a password secured site and you can choose the ones you want him to print.
Individual photos will be taken without a mask, but our group photos will have everyone wearing a mask.
If your child does not attend school on Tuesday or Wednesday, you can still join us! Siblings can also have photos taken, but please email Jennifer so we can schedule it.
Please let us know if you would like to have your child’s siblings photos taken, as well. If your child does not attend school on Wednesday or Thursday you can still join us for photos but only during your child’s cohort.
Hello parents! It’s time for the annual fall class photos… Yes, things are a bit different this year, in all our lives, but some simple things still go on. Here are the details for this year’s photos: – The dates for this year’s photos are Tuesday, Oct. 12 and Wednesday, Oct. 13. – As usual, the class groups will have their photos taken together, and then I will spend a short time with each child capturing individual photos. – The cost for a 5×7 print of the class group photo is $25. – The cost for the group photo AND a 5×7 print OR hi-res digital file of your child, is $35. – Additional 5×7 prints or hi-res digital files of your child are $25 each. – ALL the hi-res digital files of your child, both a color and a sepia-toned version of each image, can be purchased for $125. – All of the kids’ individual photos will be put up on the web for viewing and ordering following the photo shoot. A payment drop envelope will be provided prior to the days of the photo shoots. Payment is due on the day of the photo shoots. Any questions can be directed to me via email: douglas@douglasfrierott.com I look forward to photographing your kids this year and capturing their myriad personalities for you! Thanks, Douglas Frierott Website: douglasfrierott.com
Please let us know if you would like to have your child’s siblings photos taken, as well. If your child does not attend school on Wednesday or Thursday you can still join us for photos but only during your child’s cohort.
October and November Calendar
Halloween
October is a busy month. Children and families are settling in to their new schedules and the holidays are just around the corner. Preschool children love to celebrate and have parties. Our first party will be Halloween!
Because Hands On children attend our school on different schedules, we try to make sure that we include a few celebrations that everyone can attend. Our first celebration of the year is Halloween! Dress up and dance with our special guest Red Yarn!
Our Halloween party will be on Friday, October 29th, 11:45-12:30 for the morning class, and 1-1:45 for the afternoon class. All families are invited to dress up and celebrate with us! Even if your child doesn’t come to school on a Friday, you are welcome to join us for the party! Younger siblings may attend as well. Please make sure you wear a mask and only attend the cohort party your child regularly attends, morning or afternoon. We will have our party outside weather permitting, or in the large Parish Hall of the building.
Look for a sign-up sheet mid-October on the check in table to see how you can help.
Talk About Trees
Each month we look forward to a visit from “Talk About Trees”. Talk About Trees is an interactive, science-based program for preschool through eighth grade students. This program brings the forest into schools and helps to encourage awareness and appreciation for the value of trees and forests in our daily lives. The program also encourages an understanding about the protection, management and conservation of the renewable forest. Joan, a former Hands On parent, leads the Talk About Trees program and works with all of our students outside on a nature talk and walk. We will learn about trees with needles and trees with leaves, look at fruit and nuts that come from trees, as well as all different types of cones.
Fall Calendar
October
Oct. 6-Music with World Fusion Events-Capoeira For Children with Tiziu! Let’s visit Brazil with Tiziu and learn a few words in Portuguese, dance and learn all about Capoeira and the Berimbau – a musical instrument used in Capoeira.
Octo. 11, NO SCHOOL-Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct. 12,15 –Talk About Trees Oregon Forest Program
October 12th and 13th-School Pictures 9:30 AM morning classes, 1:15 PM afternoon class.
Oct. 20- Music Class
Oct.29- Halloween Party! Children can wear, or bring costumes, to school and we will have a Halloween party with special guest Red Yarn! Look for a sign-up sheet mid-October to help.
November
Monday, November 1nd – Pajama Day! You are probably tired from all that trick or treating, so wear pajamas to school and have breakfast for lunch! Look for a sign-up sheet mid-October to see how you can help.
November 11-No School, Veteran’s Day.
Mon-Friday, Nov. 22-26 –No School, enjoy Thanksgiving vacation!
Colds, flu and sickness, Oh MY!
It is the season of germs!
If your child has a runny nose–
Keep them home until they are 24 hours symptom free.
If your child a fever, or cough, keep them home 10 days. If you want to come back to school earlier, then your child needs a negative COVID test. • If a child with symptoms of COVID-19 tests negative, they may return 24 hours after resolution of cough and fever without the use of fever-reducing medication. • If a child or staff member with symptoms of COVID-19 is advised by a medical professional they can return to care (e.g., diagnosed with something else and given antibiotics), they are allowed return to care. Documentation from the medical professional is required. The person must be fever-free for at least 24 hours.
If a child has symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, headache, sore throat, or rash, they must be excluded and advised to consult a medical professional. • If seen by a medical professional and is cleared, they can remain in or return to the program following the documented direction of the medical professional. • If not seen by a medical professional, they may return 24 hours after resolution of symptoms.
Teachers
This year, we have 7 classroom teachers! This month we are excited to introduce you all of our teachers!
Jennifer Founder/Teacher, 2000
Hello, my name is Jennifer. I founded Hands On Art & Play in 2000 in my home when my youngest child was 2 years old. I was looking for flexible childcare for my own children but couldn’t find a place that didn’t require a 20- or 40-hour a week commitment. I decided to start my own school and combined my training in art and child development in a program that nurtures and encourages preschoolers.
As Hands On grew, we moved into a new space outside my home and then into our space at St. David’s, where we have been for 17 years. Hands On has grown from a two-day a week program to a five-day program with morning and afternoon preschool, summer camps and enrichment classes. We currently have 56 enrolled families, seven regular teachers and four enrichment teachers, as well as many visiting artists, musicians, and guests. I am proud of the community we have built, and I love the families and children at Hands On.
I have a BA in Art and Counseling from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Before starting Hands On, I worked as a preschool teacher and family advocate. I was the Children’s Program Coordinator for The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, CARDV, in Corvallis. I love art and continue developing my skills through classes and work with area artists. Now that my children are 27 and 23, and my husband and I are empty nesters, I have even more time to create my own art.
Kathy, 2003
Kathy studied Early Childhood Education at Portland Community College and then worked in a childcare center before opening her own in-home daycare for children ages 3 months to 5 years old, for four years. Kathy began working at Hands On in Fall 2003. “I have the great advantage of living in the neighborhood where I teach. It’s fun to see our preschoolers and their families outside of the classroom, whether it is at the park, or on a walk, or even at the market. My sense of community begins here at Hands On Art & Play, but extends beyond the walls of our building.”
Julie, 2005
Hi, I’m Teacher Julie. I’m a graduate of the University of Oregon and have training in Montessori. I continue to further my professional skills by taking classes and attending workshops. I recently started attending PSU. I began working at Hands On when my kids were here attending preschool, now they are both in college!
Quinn, 2014
Quinn graduated from Oregon State University in June with a degree in renewable materials and will be attending Portland State University in the fall to pursue a degree in graphic design. She was a preschool student at Hands On, and a summer camp teacher here since 2014! She is excited to join the teaching staff this school year!
Sandy, 2020
Sandy Hodge is a credentialed educator who has worked for over 30 years with children. Her experience includes teaching in a variety of settings, such as a Head Start preschool, a program for children with special needs, and classrooms in both public and private schools. For the past several years, Sandy served as the Educational Director and teacher of the 4-year old class at Hancock Street Co-op Preschool. Sandy lives in SE Portland with her husband Malcolm and her goofy dog Cocoa. She has two adult children who live in San Diego CA and on Bainbridge Island WA, and they both also work with kids! Sandy loves to be outside, and you might find her walking with her dog, riding her bike or getting messy in her garden. She believes that kids and adults are life-long learners, and Sandy states that she is currently fumbling her way through learning to knit and to play guitar 😊. Sandy says that she can’t wait to spend time with our Hands-On community and that she is excited to be back in the classroom with the kids and the fun!
Erica, 2021
Hi! I am Erica. I am excited to join Hands On! Both of my children attended this wonderful school, and I am so glad to be a part of the team. I am a graduate of Washington State University where I was not only a student, but also a member of the swim team. I have been working in Portland Public Schools for the past 3 years with a focus on Special Education. I supported elementary school aged children in a Communications Behavior classroom for 2 years. During online learning, I worked with children who needed reading and math support. I love watching kids grow, learn, and accomplish their goals.
Rebecca, 2021
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I’ve lived in Portland my whole life. I am excited to be joining the staff at Hands On Art & Play this year. I’ve worked with preschool age children for several years and I enjoy helping them learn and make friendships. I’m a caring person who understands kids very well. I am passionate about working with children and love getting to know their cute personalities. In my free time, I like exploring different cities, going on long walks and taking care of dogs in the neighborhood. I look forward to meeting you all.
Reminders:
- Tuition payments are due on the 1st and late after the 5th of each month.
- Morning preschool starts at 9 AM and ends at 12:30 PM. Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM.
- Afternoon preschool begins at 1 PM and ends at 3:30 PM. Drop-off begins at 12:45 PM.
- Please send your child to school with a coat and make sure it has the child’s name in it. Some children will have the same coat and this makes it easier for them to find if they take it off on the playground.
- Don’t forget to pack extra clothes for your child to leave at school. We have some, but often kids are more comfortable in their own extra clothes.
- Please pack non-breakable dishes in lunches.
We are collecting:
Please help us collect items we need for some of our projects this year. Here is a list of what we are looking for currently:
- Picture frames, any size, old or new.
- Shoe boxes, any size.
Apples!
We have been learning about apples! We read books about apples, sang songs about apples, printed with apples, studied them, made sparkly apples and pretend apple pies!