Summer Fun Crabbing at the Coast Great Summer

Free
Ready for a sweet school year
August 2013
Could
My Child
Have
Dyslexia?
Musical
Instruments:
Rent or Buy?
Summer Fun
Early
Childhood
Ed
Crabbing
in at
Oregon
the Coast
… plusGreat
plenty
of
summer fun!
Summer
Reads
Back to
School
pages 15-30
Contents
Features
Could My Child Have Dyslexia? ............................................................... 10
Go to the Head of the Class! ...................................................................... 16
Finding your volunteer fit
Musical Instruments 101 .............................................................................. 22
Should you rent or buy your child’s first instrument?
10
16
The Future of Early Childhood Education in Oregon .......................... 26
A Q&A with Jada Rupley, director of Oregon’s Early Learning System
Departments
Parent Postings ............................................................................................... 6
Announcements, events, news briefs and more
A Day in the ‘Hood ........................................................................................ 32
Alberta Arts District
22
32
Out & About .................................................................................................. 36
The Portland Japanese Garden
Family Fare ..................................................................................................... 38
Las Primas
The Prosperous Parent ................................................................................. 40
The 529 College Savings Plan
Angels Among Us ........................................................................................ 41
Oregon Family Support Network
36
41
August Family Calendar ............................................................................ 42
Advertising Sections
Back to School ........................................................................................... 15 – 30
Parties ................................................................................................................. 47
Exclusively on Metro-Parent.com
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metro-parent.com
August 2013
5
Parent Postings
Curious about
charter schools?
The annual Oregon Charter
School Conference will be held
from 8 am-4 pm Aug. 14, with
workshops for parents who want
to learn more about these public
school options. The full day costs
$40, including lunch and materials.
Portland Village School, 7654 N
Delaware. Call 971-282-2530 or visit
oregonleaguecharters.org to register
or learn more.
High marks for
Doernbecher
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
was ranked among the nation’s top
children’s hospitals in a recent list
compiled by U.S. News and World
Report, improving its standing in
eight of 10 pediatric specialties
ranked. The local hospital ranked
19th in cancer treatment, 42nd in
cardiology and heart surgery, 30th
in diabetes and endocrinology,
28th in nephrology, 40th in neurology and neurosurgery, 49th in
orthopedics, 50th in pulmonology
and 26th in urology.
Hospitals must apply to be
ranked and must provide extensive
data about services, capabilities
and outcomes. Randall Children’s
Hospital at Legacy Emanuel did
not participate this year, though
a spokesman says they’ll apply in
2014.
6
August 2013
metro-parent.com
At the Northwest Children’s Theater’s new
Creative Arts Preschool, children will learn and
explore the world through the arts.
NWCT debuts creative
arts preschool
Students in a new preschool
program offered by the Northwest
Children’s Theater and School will
discover ways to interact and communicate with the world around
them through the arts. Housed
in the theater’s historic home at
1819 NW Everett, the school aims
to encourage positive interactions,
effective communication, physical
development and artistic expression
for children ages 3-5. Classes begin
Sept. 18. For more information or
to arrange a tour, visit nwcts.org or
email [email protected].
The International School
expands
The International School is
opening a dedicated Early Childhood campus for its Spanish,
Chinese and Japanese preschool
immersion programs. The new site
at 5210 SW Corbett will accommodate more than 120 students,
with 50 percent learning Spanish,
38 percent learning Chinese and 12
percent learning Japanese. Big kids
in kindergarten through fifth grade
will remain at the school’s South
Waterfront location. Learn more at
intlschool.org.
Autism and motor skills
Kids on the autism spectrum
often have deficits in motor skills
and those skills should be developed
along with social skills, a new study
led by an Oregon State University
(OSU) professor found. The study
looked at 35 high-functioning
kids between 6 and 15 years old
diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder and learning in typical
classrooms. The researchers studied
the children’s “object-control”
motor skills, such as catching and
throwing. Kids struggling with object-control skills were more likely
to have more severe social and communication problems than those
with better object-control skills.
“Something which seems as
simple as learning to ride a bike can
be crucial for a child with autism,”
says the study’s lead author, Megan
MacDonald, an assistant professor
in OSU’s College of Public Health
and Human Sciences and an expert
on the movement skills of children
with autism spectrum disorder. “Being able to ride a bike means more
independence and autonomy. They
can ride to the corner store or ride
to a friend’s house. Those kind of
small victories are huge.”
Now there are three more
reasons to visit the Oregon Coast
Aquarium. The Newport attraction
has welcomed three horned puffins
to their Seabird Aviary – and they’re
pretty darn cute!
The two female and one male
teenagers soon will be joined by
more Fratercula corniculata from
Alaska. Puffins live about 20 years,
and aquarium reps says they “soar
through water, diving up to 80 feet
deep, to hunt for small fish, squid
and crustaceans. To take off into
the air puffins need a good runway,
but once aloft their rapidly beating
wings propel them as fast as 40
miles per hour.”
Learn more at aquarium.org.
PHOTO BY BRENT MCWHIRTER, COURTESY OF OREGON COAST AQUARIUM
This anti-crime, communitybuilding event on Aug. 6 means
block parties and park events
throughout the area. Beaverton will
host a party from 6-8 pm at the City
Park Fountain. Oregon City gathers
from 5:30 to 8:30 in Chapin Park
with music, kid’s activities, first
responders and more. Many neighborhoods host their own events.
Learn more about the national
program at natw.org. Find events
in Portland at portlandoregon.gov
(search “National Night Out”).
Meet the puffins
PHOTO BY DAVID KINDER, COURTESY OF NWCT
Get neighborly on
National Night Out
Visit the adorable new puffins at the Oregon
Coast Aquarium.
Craft beer for good
causes.
Portland-area families love their
craft beer almost as much as they
love supporting local charities. The
new family-friendly Oregon Public
House, located at 700 NE Dekum,
combines the two by donating
100 percent of its net profits to
charity. Customers can choose
whether their money goes to Friends
of Trees, My Voice Music, The Neo
Fund, Portland Opportunities
Industrialization Center, Compassion First, Habitat for Humanity or
Black United Fund. Learn more at
oregonpublichouse.com.
Nurture yourself
this summer
Join us for 30 days of
unlimited yoga or other
movement classes
for just $45*
Spa Treatments
Yoga and Workshops
Chiropractic Services
Boutique including gifts
and Medela products
LaurieL Photography
*One-time use only
metro-parent.com
August 2013
7
Parent Postings
Metro Parent
Serving the Families of the Portland Metropolitan Area
Join the fun Aug. 17 when FACT hosts a play
day at Arbor Lodge Park’s accessible Harper’s
Playground in north Portland.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR
FACT play days for all
Join FACT for a day of fun at
Arbor Lodge Park’s accessible playground with music, face painting, a
Burgerville food cart, sports, resource
information and more. The free
event runs from 10 am-2 pm Aug. 17
at 6825 N Delaware.
FACT – a leadership organization for individuals experiencing
disabilities and their families – also is
hosting a family swim event Aug. 25
from 6:15-8:15 pm at Wilson Pool,
1151 SW Vermont. Learn more at
888-988-3228 or factoregon.org.
Co-working comes
to Milagros
Milagros Boutique (5433 NE
30th), known for hosting kid-friendly shows and parenting workshops,
has ended daytime programming
during the week to launch a new
co-working space for parents. The
space is available from 9 am-5:30 pm
weekdays, with high-speed Wi-Fi,
some office equipment and space
for up to 20 workers. There also will
be a play area, changing table and
nursing/pumping spot so working
parents can bring their kids.
Parents can rent monthly ($229),
weekly ($79), daily ($19) or hourly
(rate TBD). Get in touch with Tony
Fuentes (tony@milagrosboutique.
com, 971-570-6930) to learn more or
reserve space. Entertainers and parenting groups will continue to use
the boutique’s space during evenings
and weekends.
Metro Parent
P.O. Box 13660
Portland, OR 97213-0660
Phone: 503-460-2774; Fax: 503-331-3445
Publisher
Keith Goben, 503-460-2774
[email protected]
Editor
Emily Puro, 503-922-0893
[email protected]
Managing Editor
Calendar Editor
Teresa Carson
[email protected]
Director of Online, Social Media
& Marketing Strategy
Tabitha Rhodes, 503-975-6978
[email protected]
Contributing Writers
Sandy Bumpus, Teresa Carson,
Cathie Ericson, Eric Houghton, Anne Laufe,
Heather Lee Leap
Advertising Account Executives
Westside/National/Outside Metro Area
Debbie Dille, 503-997-4044
fax: 503-352-4373
[email protected]
Eastside/Vancouver/Washington
Ali King, 503-331-8184
fax: 503-331-3445
[email protected]
Design & Production Susan Bard
For distribution issues,
e-mail us at
[email protected]
For calendar submissions,
e-mail us at [email protected]
Metro Parent is published monthly by
Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. and is
copyright 2013 Metro Parent Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole
or in part without written permission is
prohibited. Metro Parent is distributed free
of charge throughout the Portland, Oregon
metropolitan area.
Metro 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.
Metro Parent does not discriminate on the
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Although every effort is taken to ensure the
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cannot be held responsible for the use
or misuse of any information contained
herein. The contents of Metro Parent and its
website are for informational purposes only
and are not intended to be a substitute for
professional advice or treatment.
8
August 2013
metro-parent.com
Could My Child Have
Dyslexia?
W
hen Lisa Lyon’s son, Theo Mathews-Lyon, was in first grade, he took
all the books off his shelves and shoved them into a dresser drawer.
“He said we should sell them at Powell’s,” recalls Lyon, who lives in
northeast Portland.
Now two years later, Lyon recognizes that her son’s desire to get rid of
his books was a sign of how bad he felt about not being able to learn to
read. Other clues to Theo’s emotional state included increased clinginess
and a dampening of his outgoing personality, both of which emerged in
preschool. At the end of first grade, Theo’s teacher suggested he attend
summer school because his reading skills weren’t on par with his peers.
Rather than enroll their son in the summer program, Lyon and her
husband decided to wait and see how he did in
school the following year. When Theo contin- “A lot of these kids
ued to flounder in second grade, they sought
are so smart they
a private evaluation to determine the cause of
can memorize words
his reading difficulties.
through third grade,
The battery of tests Theo completed showed
but after that it gets
he has dyslexia, a learning disability that
harder to keep up.”
makes it hard for him to connect speech
Lisa Lyon, NE Portland
sounds to written letters. Since the diagnosis,
Theo has gotten intensive tutoring and is
slowly learning to read. His mom describes the
process as laborious, but she’s thankful they diagnosed Theo’s disability when they did.
“A lot of these kids are so smart they can
memorize words through third grade,”
Lyon says, “but after that it gets harder to
keep up.”
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder
that makes it difficult for children to read and spell.
Those with dyslexia also might have difficulty with writing (known as dysgraphia) and mathematics (dyscalculia).
Dyslexia is the most common
cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties, affecting males,
females and people from diverse
ethnic and socioeconomic
backgrounds nearly equally, according to information provided
by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). IDA estimates 15
to 20 percent of the population has
language-based learning disabilities
such as dyslexia.
Since being diagnosed with dyslexia about a year ago,
Theo Mathews-Lyon, 8, has gotten intensive tutoring
and is slowly learning to read. His mom describes the
process as laborious, but she’s thankful they diagnosed
Theo’s disability and can focus on helping him develop
the tools he’ll need to succeed.
10
August 2013
metro-parent.com
By Anne Laufe
Dyslexia often runs in families. It is not linked to low IQ; indeed,
recent research suggests individuals with dyslexia tend to be highly
creative, empathetic and good at problem solving.
Although dyslexia is a life-long condition, those diagnosed with it
can learn to read through a highly structured, multisensory approach.
They also can learn coping strategies such as listening to books on tape and
using voice-to-text software.
Kelly Arnold, a tutor for children and adults with dyslexia, is particularly
excited about the new technologies being developed for those who have
trouble with reading and writing. Her own son, now in college, is severely
dyslexic.
“He uses Siri all the time,” says Arnold, who runs Better Learning Solutions, a tutoring service in Beaverton, “and voice recognition technology is
a huge bonus for him.” (Siri is a virtual assistant that runs on some iPhones.)
Other helpful aids include the Live Scribe Smartpen, which records lectures while a student takes notes; and the Intel reader, a mobile device that
reads printed text aloud.
Even with these adaptive technologies, children need to be able to read
to succeed in school and in life. And while those diagnosed with dyslexia
later in life can learn to read, experts agree that early intervention, while
language centers in the brain are still developing, is the best way to reduce
the long-term impacts of the disorder.
Early signs of dyslexia
“We know from brain
research that treatment
As early as preschool and kindergarten,
early retrains the brain.
children with dyslexia might have trouble
keeping up with their peers. Early warn
warnIt’s oh-my-God effective.
ing signs include struggling to rhyme or
It’s magic.”
articulate words, trouble associating sounds
Cynthia Arnold,
with individual letters, difficulty identify
identifyNew Leaves Clinic
ing printed letters or numbers, and delayed
speech.
Some experts believe identifying dyslexia in children as young
as 4 years old is helpful because adults can then use a different
method to teach them to read from the outset.
“The most recent research is testing kids at age 4,” says
Cheryl Anthony, who runs Successful Learning Educational
Services, a company providing testing and tutoring services
in the Portland-Vancouver area. “They can pinpoint if they’re
dyslexic or not. Why wait?”
Anthony adds that children that young often are already
aware they’re falling behind, which can make them feel
anxious and cause them to start acting out or resist going to
school.
Colleen O’Mahoney, a psychologist who runs Multnomah
Educational Testing in Portland, prefers to wait until kids are
slightly older before evaluating them for dyslexia.
“There’s a danger as we focus earlier and earlier on reading in
school,” says O’Mahoney. “For some kiddos, it’s just not devel
developmentally appropriate. We don’t want anyone to panic.”
PHOTO BY FOTO PLAYGROUND (MYFOTOPLAYGROUND.COM),
COURTESY OF THE MATHEWS-LYON FAMILY
“These kids have amazing strengths that other kids
don’t have,” says Meg Hartley of her son, Kohan, 8,
pictured with his dad, Lyric. Now homeschooled and
working with a tutor, Kohan is making progress. “It’s
very labored and everything is slooooow,” says his
mom, “but now he can advocate for himself and tell
me what he’s interested in.”
She does say
some interventions, such
as the multisensory approach used
by many tutors in the area, can be
helpful with 4- and 5-year-olds who
are clearly struggling with phonemic
awareness (matching sounds to let
letters), whether they’re diagnosed with a
language-based learning disorder or not.
As kids progress in elementary school,
warning signs of a language-based learn
learning disorder include trouble spelling basic
words, guessing words instead of trying
to sound them out, inability to recall dede
tails after reading a story, reading simple
sentences word by word or very slowly,
and avoiding reading out loud.
If, by the end of first grade or the
beginning of second, parents or teach
teachers are noticing any of these behaviors,
PHOTO BY FOTO PLAYGROUND (MYFOTOPLAYGROUND.COM),
COURTESY OF THE HARTLEY FAMILY
a full educational assessment could be
warranted, says O’Mahoney.
‘Dimensions of
Intervening at an early age also can
Dyslexia’ Workshop keep children from developing a negative self-image.
Sept. 21
“You don’t want that self-esteem
The Oregon Branch of the Interproblem to develop,” says O’Mahoney.
national Dyslexia Association (OR“In the absence of a better explanaBIDA) is hosting a Parent-Student
tion, kids will always jump to the
Workshop in Bend, Oregon, Sept.
conclusion that they’re dumb.
21. The program is titled “DimenThey don’t understand that their eyes
sions of Dyslexia” and includes
and their brain just aren’t communian in-depth overview of dyslexia,
cating well.”
a panel made up of dyslexic students, details about how technology can help students in school
What parents can do
and in life, advocacy discussions
Cynthia Arnold, a Beaverton psyand more.
chologist who specializes in developThe workshop runs from 8 am-5
mental differences, says parents who
pm at the Center for Health and
think their child might have dyslexia
Learning at St. Charles Medical
should first arm themselves with inCenter, 2500 NE Neff Rd., Bend.
formation. She recommends the Yale
Students in middle school and
Center for Dyslexia and Creativity and
above are welcome to attend.
the International Dyslexia Association
Costs vary by age, member stawebsites as good places to start. (See
tus and date of registration, with
“Resources” on page 14.) She and many
discounts for registering before
Aug. 24. Visit orbida.org (select
parents of dyslexic children also rec“Events” then “2013 Parent Work- ommend the book Overcoming Dyslexia
shop”) for details.
by Sally Shaywitz (Vintage, 2005) as an
excellent primer that can help readers
understand the disorder and identify the warning signs.
Parents of public school children who believe their child might have
dyslexia can request a meeting with the school’s educational and behavioral
screening team. Typically this team is made up of a school psychologist,
classroom teacher and special education teacher. The team will begin by
Could My Child Have Dyslexia? continues on page 12
metro-parent.com
August 2013
11
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BREBNER FAMILY
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE BREBNER FAMILY
Could My Child Have Dyslexia? continued from page 11
Milo, Angus and Max Brebner, ages 9, 15 and
17, attend Park Academy, a private school on
the Marylhurst University campus designed
for students with dyslexia and other language
learning differences.
Park Academy
Located on the Marylhurst University campus near Lake Oswego, Park
Academy is a small private school designed for students with dyslexia and
other language learning differences.
Founded in 2005, Park Academy uses
structured, multisensory approaches
like the Barton Reading and Spelling
System to teach kids in fourth through
twelfth grades.
Head of School Paula Kinney says
many of the students who attend
Park Academy started having trouble
in their traditional schools in third
or fourth grade. Students might say
they no longer like school, stop doing
homework, or start acting out because
of their frustration.
“They’re so wounded when they get
here,” says Kinney, “but it doesn’t
take long before they start feeling
good about coming to school.”
Nine-year-old Milo Brebner fits that
description perfectly. Before arriving
at Park Academy, he was failing his
third grade math class because he
couldn’t read the test questions
quickly enough. His handwriting was
illegible and his self-esteem was
plummeting.
After a year and a half at Park Academy, Milo’s reading and confidence
both have improved, says his father,
Dave Brebner.
“The teachers there were able to
see,” says Brebner, “that inside this
person is a kid who can listen and
learn and express himself.”
- Anne Laufe
12
August 2013
metro-parent.com
identifying where the student is struggling and
providing interventions to support him, such as a
second reading class or priority seating in his current classroom.
Diann Drummond, special education parent
liaison for Portland Public Schools, says parents
sometimes feel they’re caught up in an endless cycle
of data gathering, but it’s necessary for teachers to
take the time to observe which interventions are
effective and which aren’t.
After a specific period
of time set by the team,
“In the absence of a
if the child is not making
better explanation, kids
significant progress in
will always jump to the
the problem area(s), the
conclusion that they’re
school might recommend
dumb. They don’t uneither special education,
derstand their eyes and
which would provide
the student with an
their brain just aren’t
Individualized Education
communicating well.”
Plan (IEP) and support
Colleen O’Mahoney, Multfrom a special education
nomah Educational Testing
teacher, or a 504 Plan,
which would require the
student’s general education teachers to make specific
accommodations.
When meeting with the intervention team, parents
also can request their child be tested for a specific
learning disability. Because dyslexia is not identified
as a discrete disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees a free
and appropriate education to all children in the United
States, school professionals often use terms like “language learning disability” or “difficulty with phonemic
awareness” – rather than dyslexia – to describe a child’s
diagnosis.
A diagnosis of a language learning disability is made
if the child’s skills fall below expectations, based on
other cognitive abilities, in the following areas: language, reading, spelling, writing, or ability to identify
and blend together individual sounds in words (phonological awareness).
Some parents might prefer to have their child
evaluated outside the school setting. They can choose
between a reading specialist, who can assess the child’s
reading ability, or an educational psychologist, who
can run a full battery of tests, assessing both cognitive
and academic skills.
Cynthia Arnold urges parents who can afford it –
even if it’s a stretch financially – to have a full assessment performed by a psychologist. This way, they can
be sure they’re not missing other problems that might
affect a child’s ability to read, such as attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, or central
auditory processing dysfunction.
This note was written by 9-year-old Milo Brebner about the tragic events
of Sept. 11, 2001. It says: “I was devastated when I learned that young
men would risk their lives for hatred.” Milo’s father, Dave Brebner, has
shared it to show that, although his son’s handwriting and spelling are
nearly illegible, his thoughts are profound and articulate.
For those who aren’t able to have the full psychological workup done, many reading specialists can
administer a less expensive diagnostic test to determine
if a child will benefit from multisensory tutoring. Lyon
recommends the Blosser Center for Dyslexia Resources
in northeast Portland, where academic testing and a
written report costs $400.
What resources are available?
Public school students identified with dyslexia or
a language learning disability spend part of each day
or part of each week – depending on the severity of
their disability – in a Learning Center. Here they work
one-on-one or in small groups with a special education
teacher trained in curriculum specifically designed for
challenged readers.
Many parents also arrange private, one-on-one
tutoring for their children. Specialized tutors trained in
structured, sequential, multisensory teaching approaches, including the Orton-Gillingham approach, the Barton Reading and Spelling System, and Lindamood-Bell
Learning Processes, have achieved great success with
dyslexic students of all ages. These approaches include
visual, auditory and kinesthetic lessons to teach reading and present the building blocks of written language
in a highly systematic way.
While the process can be slow, sometimes taking
up to two or three years of tutoring two or more times
each week, most kids who stick with it do learn to read.
“We know from brain research that treatment early
retrains the brain,” says Cynthia Arnold. “It’s oh-myGod effective. It’s magic.”
Like Lyon, southeast Portland mom Meg Hartley also
saw behavior changes in her son as he dropped further
behind his peers in reading and math. Once a happygo-lucky kid, in second grade he became angry and
easily frustrated. Hartley found a tutor trained in the
Orton-Gillingham approach and her son, Kohan, began
meeting with the tutor twice a week.
Hartley and her husband decided to homeschool
Kohan for third grade, continuing with the tutoring
sessions and working with him on reading skills at
home.
Could My Child Have Dyslexia? continues on page 14
metro-parent.com
August 2013
13
Resources for Individuals with Dyslexia
Tutors
• Better Learning Solutions: 15862 SW Bristlecone, Tigard. 503-896-3606.
betterlearningsolutions.net
• Blosser Center for Dyslexia Resources: 1907 NE 45th. 503-234-4060.
blossercenter.org
• Language Skills Therapy: 10700 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton.
503-924-3157. languageskillstherapy.org
• Northwest Reading Clinic: 7000 SW Hampton, Ste. 240, Tigard;
503-620-2223. 12000 NE 95th, Ste. 506, Vancouver; 360-891-4488.
northwestreadingclinic.com
• Successful Learning Educational Services: 16318 NE 33rd, Ridgefield, Wash.
360-258-0392. successfullrng.com
Psychologists
• Cynthia Arnold, New Leaves Clinic: 1500 NW Bethany, Ste. 200, Beaverton.
503-274-0996. newleavesclinic.com
• Colleen O’Mahoney, Multnomah Educational Testing: 7825 SW 35th.
503-244-7513. multnomahtesting.com
Books
• Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Backed Program for
Reading Problems at Any Level by Sally Shaywitz (Vintage, 2005)
• The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
by Brock L. Eide and Fernette F. Eide (Plume, 2012)
• The Hank Zipzer Series (Penguin): Actor Henry Winkler, who has dyslexia, wrote
these books starring Hank Zipzer, who also has dyslexia, for kids struggling to
learn to read.
Websites & Organizations
• The 1 in 5 Initiative: An online support community for those with dyslexia. explore1in5.org
• BookShare: An online library for people with print disabilities. bookshare.org
• Decoding Dyslexia Oregon: The local chapter of a national movement to improve public school instruction for kids with dyslexia. decodingdyslexiaor.org
• International Dyslexia Association: An international organization dedicated to
helping individuals with dyslexia and their families. interdys.org
• Learning Ally: Audiobooks and other resources for adults and children with
dyslexia. learningally.org
• Oregon Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (ORBIDA): Find
support groups, workshops, family fun days and other events as well as resources and information for families of children with dyslexia. orbida.org
• Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity: Find information on all aspects of
dyslexia, including research and advocacy. dyslexia.yale.edu
Could My Child Have Dyslexia? continued from page 12
“He is making progress with the reading,” Hartley says. “It’s very labored
and everything is slooooow, but now he can advocate for himself and tell
me what he’s interested in.”
Hartley focuses on her son’s strengths, she adds, which has improved his
self-esteem and evened out his temperament.
“I’m starting to see that he has a deep sense of empathy and an ability to
connect with other people. He also loves sports and being in the woods,”
she says. “These kids have amazing strengths that other kids don’t have.
Some things are harder, but some things are easier for them.”
Anne Laufe is a Portland freelance writer and mom.
14
August 2013
metro-parent.com
back to school
metro-parent.com
August 2013
15
Erica Perez Igl
begins each week by
volunteering in her
children’s classrooms
at northeast Portland’s
Alameda Elementary
School. Here she and
her kids, Anthony and
Monica, get ready for
the first day of school.
MILY
PEREz IGL FA
URTESY THE
PHOTO CO
Go to
the
Head
of the
Class!
By Cathie Ericson
“PTA opened the door
to the bigger picture of
the school and gives me
the ear of the principal
and staff.”
Donna Halpin,
Sojourner School PTA,
North Clackamas
Volunteers who work directly with students are a huge help to the kids and the teacher.
Plus, it’s fun to get to know the other students in your child’s class.
Finding your
volunteer fit
i
f there were a proven way to help kids succeed in
school, what parent wouldn’t embrace it? Besides the
oft-repeated advice of providing a good breakfast, ample
sleep and a supportive study environment, what more
can parents do?
The secret lies in not just telling our kids school is
important but showing them – by showing up!
Parent involvement matters
Dozens of studies have demonstrated parental involvement pays off in higher grades, improved test scores and
increased attendance. And the good news is, it’s never
been easier to help out in your child’s school. Email has
replaced phone trees, free online services like SignUp
Genius allow parents to view available volunteer slots, and
schools know today’s parents expect flexible opportunities
and the chance to choose volunteer activities that are
personally meaningful.
The Oregon PTA challenges parents to give at least three
hours per year, says Jackee Duvall, who served as president
of organization from June 2011 through May 2013.
“It’s not a lot when you realize how easy it is and how
many ways you can contribute,” Duvall notes. “You don’t
have to chair a committee or commit to a weekly duty.
Just start.”
Some parents prefer a hands-on role, working directly
with kids in the classroom. Others crave the adult interaction a parent organization or committee offers. The bottom line is, whatever your interests or schedule parameters, there’s a volunteer role that fits.
Flexible scheduling
The “old school” model of parents leading a reading
group every Wednesday or hanging around gossiping at a
PTA meeting has been expelled. Schools and volunteer op16
August 2013
metro-parent.com
portunities have adapted to today’s increasingly stretched
parents, and a new model has emerged where parents help
when and how they can.
Parents who work outside the home might find it
difficult to volunteer in their children’s classrooms on a
regular basis, but that sort of “hands-on” volunteering
is only one piece of the puzzle. Instead, you can chair a
committee that allows you to do a majority of the work
from your computer on your own time, or take artwork
home to mount while you monitor basketball practice.
And every school appreciates parents who bring food for
the staff luncheon or art supplies for the class party.
In short, there are as many jobs as there are parents –
and skill sets.
Erica Perez Igl, who helms a thriving marketing and PR
consultancy, shares her expertise by helping promote the
annual auction and other fundraisers at northeast Portland’s Alameda Elementary School. When her children,
Monica, now 6, and Anthony, 9, attended ChildRoots
Center for Young Children in southeast Portland, she provided marketing and publicity for its innovative nutrition
program that includes an onsite chef.
Becky Rice, whose kids will be in first and third grades
at Raleigh Park Elementary in the Beaverton School District this year, prefers direct classroom time, but she has
to work around her schedule as a pharmaceutical
representative.
“I offer to be the room parent, which means I schedule
the daily parent volunteers,” Rice says. “I slot myself in
when more classroom help is needed, and then I plan my
sales calls accordingly.”
And volunteering isn’t just for moms. Rick King served
as PTA president for da Vinci Arts Middle School in northeast Portland for the past two years. Upon attending two
Oregon state PTA conventions, King realized more and
more dads are joining in – not only as field trip chaperones or carnival booth runners but as leaders in their
school communities.
What drives school volunteers?
Besides the obvious desire to help their children’s
teachers and schools, local parents volunteer for a host of
reasons. For Perez Igl, spending Monday in her children’s
classes kicks off the week on a positive note.
Go to the Head of the Class continues on page 18
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August 2013
17
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Go to the Head of the Class continued from page 16
“It sets the tone,” she says. “I know
what will be going on and how I can
support my kids at home.”
Donna Halpin, whose daughter
is entering fifth grade at Sojourner
School, a K-5 in the North Clackamas
School District, appreciates getting to
know her daughter’s peers by helping
in the classroom. She also attends
PTA meetings to fraternize with fellow parents and staff.
“PTA opened the door to the
PHOTO COURTES
Y OF THE DObli
bigger picture of the school and
E FamilY
gives me the ear of the principal and
“Volunteering is a great way to connect
school and home,” says fourth grade
staff,” Halpin says.
teacher Lisa Love, pictured working with
King echoes that sentiment.
McKenna Doblie at Wilsonville’s Boeckman
“For me, it’s not about keeping tabs
Creek Primary School. “It gives parents an
opportunity to see what’s happening in the
on what my kids are doing,” he says,
classroom and provides teachers some in“but having a better understanding of
sight into the personal life of their students.”
what’s going on in the whole school.”
By scheduling the classroom volunteers, Rice says she’s had the best of
both worlds: Not only does she enjoy working one-on-one with the kids but
she’s appreciated the chance to get to know other parents – a familiar refrain
from active volunteers.
“Volunteering is a great way to connect school and home,” says Lisa
Love, a teacher at Boeckman Creek Primary School in Wilsonville. “It gives
parents an opportunity to see what’s happening in the classroom and provides teachers some insight into the personal life of their students by knowing their families.”
Supporting educational goals
Even when you’re not working directly with students, volunteering in
the school goes a long way toward supporting the work of your children’s
teachers.
According to Love, when parent volunteers assist with administrative
tasks such as copying and laminating, it frees up her time “for more in-depth
planning and communication with the parents and students.”
She also appreciates when parents share their professional experience or
personal talents with her students. Over the years, she’s hosted artists, writers, engineers, firefighters, nurses and dentists.
Some participate in “career days,” where they
“It’s great for kids to
discuss their professions. Others have shared
see their parents taktheir talents, such as the artist who helped with
book illustrations and the writer who helped edit ing pride in their local
school and lending a
and produce a class poetry book.
Andria Doblie, who has taught a variety
hand in whatever way
of grades in the Oregon City School District
they can.”
and also serves as a parent volunteer, identifies
Andria Doblie, Wilsonville
parents who have a knack for working with kids
and enlists them to help with small math groups
or work individually with a struggling reader. But it’s not just the classroom
help that’s important, she notes. With PTA, Site Council, foundations and
other organizations within the school community, there are countless ways
to be involved and make a difference.
“Schools are under-staffed and under-funded, so anything parents can do
to pitch in is greatly appreciated,” Doblie says. “It’s great for kids to see their
parents taking pride in their local school and lending a hand in whatever
way they can.”
Go to the Head of the Class continues on page 20
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metro-parent.com
back to school
If your schedule doesn’t
allow you to volunteer
during the school day,
consider prepping
materials at home, joining a committee that
meets in the evenings,
or taking on a project
you can complete from
your computer.
Six Myths About School Volunteering
Whether your kids are just starting school or have been attending for years,
it can be difficult to take the plunge into volunteering. What’s holding you
back?
Here are six common myths about volunteering – and the straight scoop on
why they shouldn’t deter you!
1 You need special skills to make a difference. Many parents choose tasks
that fit their existing skill sets – whether that’s marketing for the auction or
balancing the books for the PTA – but you don’t need specialized skills to
make a difference. Anyone can read with first graders, greet kids in the morning or bake brownies for a meet and greet.
2 You have to volunteer during the school day. Many volunteer opportunities do not require you to help in the classroom or attend meetings. Parent
volunteers can compile spreadsheets of volunteer interests, coordinate the
school directory, procure for an auction or other special event, sort box tops,
grade papers and more.
3 Volunteer tasks are menial and dull. For every parent who enjoys the
soothing routine of making copies and stapling there are those who prefer
more of a challenge. Organizing a fundraiser, developing a website or managing the school’s social media presence all provide a chance to utilize your skills
as well as excellent “real-world experience” for parents hoping to transition
back to the work force.
4 They don’t need me. As students grow older, many parents start to feel
their support is no longer needed. It is! You might be supervising a group of
middle school students planning their own event rather than organizing the
logistics yourself, or answering phones in the office rather than helping in the
classroom, but your help is needed and appreciated nonetheless.
5 Volunteering means constantly asking for money. While fundraisers
make up some of the higher-profile volunteer opportunities, other volunteer
opportunities are equally important. If raising money isn’t your thing, help
organize the talent show, assist with an art lesson, shelve books or choose
another task that feels more comfortable.
6 If I volunteer once, they’ll never leave me alone. Sure, teachers and parent groups do tend to ask existing volunteers to help with new projects, but
it’s easy to say you’re already committed or focusing your energy on other
areas. Do what you can and don’t feel guilty about expressing – and sticking
to – your limits.
– Cathie Erickson
metro-parent.com
August 2013
19
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When Parental Help is Required
Many private schools have a requirement that parents volunteer a certain
number of hours or pay an annual fee, citing parent volunteers as a key component in keeping tuition low and further cementing the family’s commitment
to the school.
At Horizon Christian Schools in Tualatin, for example, the annual requirement
is 30 hours or $250. Principal Judi Smith says the vast majority of parents –
about 90 percent, she estimates – choose to put in their volunteer time.
“We are always looking for ways to strengthen the partnership between the
school and the families,” Smith says. “We want our parents to feel successful
and find a volunteer opportunity that is meaningful to them. Our experience
is that even the parents who plan to do their minimum get hooked and give
far more.”
Cor Deo Christian Academy in Beaverton has a similar requirement. Says Bonnie Nieuwstraten, who will have two children enrolled at the school this year,
“I chose to help with lunch every Wednesday, where I see all the kids from
kindergarten to eighth grade cycle through. I love getting to know them in a
relaxed environment.”
Though the word “required” can sound ominous, most parents agree their
involvement fulfills an important role in the school community. All volunteers
know “many hands make light work,” and private schools ensure those hands
are available.
– Cathie Erickson
Go to the Head of the Class continued from page 18
Making the most of your volunteer time
To be most effective and get the most out of your experience as a school
volunteer, Doblie suggests talking to your child’s teacher about your skills
and comfort level.
“It can be frustrating for parents who don’t feel a teacher is making use
of their talents,” she says. “When and if this happens, parents need to be
patient and keep offering to help. Most teachers welcome parents and try to
find a task that’s mutually beneficial.”
She also reminds parents that it’s important to be reliable.
“It’s a pain if you have a project planned that requires another adult and
then they don’t show,” she says. “Fortunately this is extremely rare.”
Duvall advises parents to be up front with teachers about their availability.
“Let the teacher know you don’t have a lot of time but you want to
help,” she says. “Say, ‘Is there a short-term project?’ or ‘Could you drop some
work to correct in my kid’s backpack?’ Sometimes teachers start the year with
a specific list of what they need, but others prefer you initiate the conversation.”
Most importantly, don’t take on more than you can reasonably handle.
“Know your limits and be clear,” Duvall says. “You won’t be effective and
you won’t enjoy the kids if you are burned out.”
King was inspired to become president of his son’s middle school PTA by
a casual remark from a fellow parent at a back-to-school event.
“He said, ‘These three years will go by in a flash,’” King recalls, “and it’s
so true.”
His message for parents is simple and easy to follow: “Get involved on
any level. Do something.”
Cathie Ericson is a Portland-area freelance writer and an overcommitted volunteer at her three
boys’ schools. This article was originally printed in Metro Parent’s Education & Enrichment
Guide 2012-13.
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back to school
Musical
Instruments
101
W
hen Josh Kingsley was in fifth grade, he told his parents he
wanted to play drums.
“My dad wouldn’t let me,” Kingsley sighs. “My parents went up to
the attic, found my mom’s old clarinet, handed it to me and said, ‘This
is what you’ll play.’”
That worked out splendidly for little Josh. Now all
grown up, he’s founder of Portland Chamber Music
and has taught music in public and private schools
and to private students. He can’t imagine not
playing the clarinet.
When it comes to a child’s first instrument,
a lot of families follow Kingsley’s parents’ lead.
“Many families have a closet classic,” says
Mark Jaquess, manager of Tigard Music. He
recommends families take their stored treasure
to a reputable repair shop to make sure the
instrument is serviced and up to the task.
If Aunt Tilly’s trumpet isn’t available,
experts advise parents to rent or lease a first
instrument.
“Rental is the best way (to get started),”
says Wayne Thompson, director of band and
orchestra sales at Vancouver’s Beacock Music, which
rents a variety of instruments.
In school, band teachers often let kids try out
different instruments the first week or two to get
an idea of what they might like to play. Some
music stores let kids try different instruinstru
ments, too.
“Kids often want to know, ‘What
is the easiest instrument to play?’,”
Jaquess says. “I tell them, ‘Whatever
you like to listen to because you’ll
By Teresa Carson
be practicing it a lot.’”
Nancy Ives, principal cello
with the Oregon Symphony,
says rentals are an especially
Is That Instrument Insured? good bet for string instruments
because they come in different
Be sure you have insurance on your child’s
sizes and children need to get
musical instrument, either through your
bigger instruments as they
homeowner’s policy or rental outlet. Kids
grow.
leave instruments on the bus or out in
“It doesn’t make sense to
the rain. They get stolen. Anything
buy if they are not going to use it
can happen – and often does.
very long,” Ives says.
Sometimes kids don’t stick with
the first instrument they choose. Others
Should
you rent
or buy
your
child 's
first
instrument?
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metro-parent.com
decide band – and all that practicing – just isn’t for them. If you’ve rented
their instrument, you won’t lose out on a big investment when they make
a change.
Rentals for most instruments run about $20-$30 per month. Leases that
cover the entire school year run about $150. Many stores also offer rent-toown programs.
If your child is joining the school band, ask the band teacher to recommend a local store with good rental instruments and service. The teacher
also might be able to steer you toward a particular brand of instrument.
Families need to strike a balance between getting an instrument of
adequate quality and staying within their budget.
“If the quality is bad enough, it can discourage the kid from music
altogether,” says Ives.
Some super-cheap imports can fall into that demoralizing category.
Portland Public Schools rents instruments for $50 per school year.
Lindy Wunn, the district’s music shop technician, works hard to keep the
instruments in tip-top shape, though he does acknowledge, “Most of our
instruments have been kind of beaten up.”
Still, Ives learned the oboe on a school instrument. If money is tight
and your child is interested in joining the school band or orchestra, check
with your district about rental programs.
If your child sticks with a particular instrument, you’ll probably trade
up to better models – probably several times. At that point, buying a quality
used instrument can be a good option.
“I’m a big fan of used for that first step up,” Kingsley says. “Some
parents get obsessed with buying an expensive instrument, but I tell them
it’s like basketball. Your shoes make a little difference, but it isn’t the whole
game.”
Musical Instruments 101 continues on page 24
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August 2013
23
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Renting is a good idea with many
instruments – especially string instruments, because children need to
move to larger models as they grow.
Musical Instruments 101 continued from page 22
Most music stores sell new and used instruments. If your child has a private teacher, ask the “Some parents get obteacher for guidance. Ives has even gone to music sessed with buying an
stores with her students’ families to check out
expensive instrument,
instruments firsthand.
but I tell them it’s
Although you’ll find used instruments at
like basketball. Your
bargain prices on popular Internet sites, experts
shoes make a little
advise parents to exercise caution and have the
difference,
but it isn’t
instrument inspected by a good technician before
the whole game.”
shelling out a wad of cash.
Josh Kingsley,
“It’s like buying a house,” says Thompson.
Portland Chamber Music
“You get it inspected.”
If you do purchase online, Ives notes, you
won’t have access to support from a local shop.
If something happens to your child’s instrument, for example, many music
shops will put a rush on repairs for instruments rented from them, and
some even provide loners. With instruments rented over the Internet, you
generally don’t have a local repair option.
Whether you borrow, rent or buy your child’s first musical instrument,
experts agree that for the child learning music, the experience will be
priceless.
Teresa Carson is managing editor of Metro Parent.
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A quality preschool program
helps young children gain
important skills in fun, age
appropriate ways.
Childhood Education
in Oregon
A Q&A with Jada Rupley,
Oregon’s Early Learning
System Director
N
early a year after Jada Rupley took the helm of Oregon’s Early Learning
System, we asked her to share her thoughts on the state of early childhood
education in Oregon, and what the future holds for Oregon’s youngest
learners.
The following has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Read the full interview at metro-parent.com.
Metro Parent: You’ve been in your job nearly a
year now. What are the most important initiatives
launched regarding preschools in the past year?
Jada Rupley: We’ve started work on a number of fronts,
Left: Prior to her appointment as director of Oregon’s Early
Learning System in 2012, Jada Rupley served as associate
superintendent of ESD 112 in Vancouver, Wash.; co-chair of
the State of Washington’s Early Learning Advisory Council; a
school psychologist in special education; and an elementary
school teacher.
but the goal is simple: work to ensure our youngest
Oregonians enter kindergarten with the tools they need
to succeed in school and beyond.
In the past year, we submitted a plan
My vision of the past year has focused on one principle
for early English Language Learners in
– change. Change in how families and children receive
preschool settings, initiated work to conservices across the state, change in ensuring quality and
nect preschool teachers with kindergarten
improvements, and change for a focus on better results and
teachers to ensure a smooth transition, and
outcomes.
started work to implement early literacy in
Successful early learning efforts include more than a single
all pre-K programs because preschool plays
CIL
UN
CO
service or program. Our biggest focus right now is coordinating
LEARNING
EGON’S EARLY
TESY OF OR
a
major
role
in ensuring children are reading at grade
UR
CO
O
OT
programs and services locally and across the state to get our
PH
level by third grade.
young children ready to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
Research proves time and again that early learning is one of the best
One priority is supporting families to make sure a child’s earliest years,
investments our state can make, and these initiatives support that. It’s been
before preschool, include a healthy and nurturing environment through
a busy year, and this is just a snapshot of what’s happening to support
quality health and child care and a stable family environment. Then, at prefamilies in Oregon.
school age, we want to make sure all our kids have access to a quality learning environment to get ready for that important transition to kindergarten.
MP: What are Oregon’s strengths in early learning?
This is an exciting time for Oregon families because Governor Kitzhaber’s
proposed budget dedicates additional resources to Oregon Pre-K (state-fundJR: Among our greatest strengths are the facts that our Governor is champied Head Start) at the same time President Obama has unveiled a Preschool
oning this work as part of his visionary education agenda; his vision makes
for All proposal. These additional resources would allow Oregon to expand
the connection between health care and education in the early years; and
preschool access to all of our neediest children.
the Legislature is committed to increased investments in early learning.
Oregon is the lone state in the country that has matched and exceeded
Another major strength is the network of people throughout the state
federal investments in pre-kindergarten education. We’re connecting the
committed to working together to get kids ready for school. Not to say
dots between child care, health care and preschool by creating a child care
Oregon hasn’t faced challenges, but the kind of transformation we’re
rating system to help parents recognize quality environments and using
looking at requires that we find efficient solutions to problems and that all
the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (asqoregon.com) as a screening tool for
Oregonians be willing to roll up their sleeves, problem solve, make adjustparents to understand their child’s development and make necessary
ments and build on past experience with an eye toward future results.
adjustments.
Early Childhood Education continues on page 28
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27
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Research proves time
and again that early
learning is one of the
best investments our
state can make.
Early Childhood Education
continued from page 26
MP: What could Oregon be
doing better for its tiniest
scholars?
JR: Right now, only 60 percent
of Oregon’s youngest children
enter kindergarten with the
tools they need to succeed. With
Helping early childhood educators collaborate
45,000 new Oregonians born
locally and across the state can lead to a better
early learning system for all.
every year, this is an issue that
drives every part of our work.
Now is the time to turn our collective focus to better coordinating services
so we get better results. We can’t keep leaving 40 percent of our kids behind
at the starting line.
We will continue to connect early childhood education to health care,
use federal and local resources to ensure quality child care, and work to encourage collaboration and communication between everyone who supports
a child’s transition to kindergarten.
MP: What do you see as preschool’s main role in a child’s life?
JR: In short, prepare students for a successful transition into the K-12
system. Preschool is a vehicle for the rest of a child’s life in a few ways: It
provides early opportunities for play and social interaction, which are key
to kindergarten readiness; and it’s the link between the early years, kindergarten and beyond.
That doesn’t mean it should be all work and no play. We are focused on
getting children ready for school in a developmentally appropriate and fun
way. Beyond building positive social skills, and helping parents develop in
their role as their child’s first teacher, preschool offers children the opportunity to develop skills in a familiar setting on a regular basis. These skills
include getting along with other children; recognizing numbers, letters,
shapes and sounds; becoming comfortable with tools such as pencils and
scissors; and learning how to communicate effectively.
MP: The Early Learning System’s mission includes getting Oregon’s kids
to kindergarten “ready to succeed.” What are the most important ways
to do that?
JR: This goes back to that old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The
Early Learning Council is focused on creating a system where communities
Early Childhood Education continues on page 30
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Early Childhood Education continued from page 28
across our state recognize the importance of a comprehensive early childhood care and education system – and embrace the group responsibility for
outcomes. Coordinating our services and programs into a cohesive system
at every level is our key strategy.
Some of the most important pieces of being ready for kindergarten
involve a child’s behavior and emotional development, such as eagerness to
learn and the ability to follow directions, work well with others, recognize
numbers and letters, and use a pencil or crayon correctly.
Parents, as your child’s first and most important teacher, setting aside
time every day to help your child build these skills is crucial. Create projects
to work on together. Help them work through challenges. Pose problems
and ask questions for them to think through and solve. Introduce literacy
and numeracy recognition into their daily lives through simple prompts
throughout the day. Working with your child in this way, before preschool,
gives them the base they’ll need to further develop their skills in kindergarten and beyond.
MP: How do public and private preschool programs work together?
How do you make sure everyone is on the same page?
JR: Communication. Communication. Communication. While preschools
may be different, they all share the same values and mission in supporting Oregon’s youngest learners. Preschools should share success stories,
models for what’s working, ideas for addressing challenges and training
opportunities for teachers. Collaborating, creating events and forums, and
simply focusing on communication between preschools across the state will
ultimately make us better as a whole.
MP: What is the most important piece of advice you would give parents
of babies or toddlers?
JR: That’s an easy one. Read and talk to your child every day! Start your development plan before they’re born and follow through when they arrive.
Local libraries host numerous events and opportunities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Visit your library often to foster imagination and
instill a love of literacy in your child as early as possible. Families should be
learning together every day to set the stage for their child’s lifelong success.
Learn more and share your thoughts with the Early Learning Council
at oregonearlylearning.com, or connect with them on Facebook
(facebook.com/EarlyLearningCouncil) or Twitter (@OREarlyLearning).
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A Day in the ‘Hood
Funky fun in the
By Cathie Ericson
Alberta Arts District
k
ERICSON
PHOTO BY CATHIE
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIMOSA STUDIOS
PHOTO BY CATHIE ERICSON
Top: At Mimosa Studios, artists of all
ages can discover the joy of creating
art.
Middle: Support your local artist and
score a small work of art to take home
from the Radio Room’s “Art-O-Mat”
local art dispenser.
Bottom: Tristan and Melina Blaquiere
enjoy some tasty Salt & Straw ice
cream on a day out with mom on
Alberta.
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nown for its artsy vibe, NE
Alberta is an eclectic street bursting with opportunities for family
fun. The welcoming neighborhood
positively bustles with wagons, bike
trailers, strollers, kids and dogs.
Start your morning with breakfast
in a cozy old-school booth at Radio
Room. While you wait for your food
to arrive, spring for a $5 token for the
“Art-O-Mat,” a vending machine that
dispenses small works by local artists.
Fuel Bistro & Coffee Bar is another
great breakfast option. Kids can enjoy
fresh-baked Belgian waffles while you
indulge in something more upscale like
cinnamon-ginger-walnut pancakes.
Both Radio Room and Fuel serve
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Shopping is an especially entertaining experience in the Alberta Arts District. You can browse the toys, clothes
and books at Grasshopper, then pop
into Green Bean Books with their
wonderful play area, comfy couches, vintage
vending machines filled with tiny treasures and
more. Helpful signs throughout the bookstore offer suggestions. (“If you liked [this book], you’ll love
[this one]!”) They also host English and Spanish
story times, craft activities and more.
Looking for new wheels? The Community
Cycling Center has a large selection of refurbished bikes for sale. (Check out the vintage
Schwinns, even if you’re not in the market!) The
nonprofit uses proceeds from the sale of new and
used bikes and parts as well as repair services to
fund year-round bicycle education programs for
youth and adults.
When lunchtime rolls around, many families
head to the Grilled Cheese Grill. You can eat inside the old school bus retrofitted as a dining area or enjoy
the sun at an outdoor picnic table. Picky eaters can order
their sammy “preschool style” – with the crusts cut off –
but you’ll find a number of tempting concoctions for more
refined palates, too.
For even more “upscale” grilled cheese creations, check
out The Cheese Plate PDX, another food cart focusing on
everyone’s favorite sandwich. Among their exotic combinations is the “Lavender Grilled Cheese,” featuring local
smoked chevre and fontina cheeses with Alma lavender
caramel on brioche.
Alberta Street Fair Aug. 10!
Don’t miss NE Alberta’s party of the year – the Alberta
Street Fair – from 11 am-6 pm Aug. 10. The event focuses
on local products, artists, crafts and food, with festivities
along NE Alberta from about 11th to 30th.
A children’s parade will begin in the Alberta Co-op parking
lot (NE 15th) at 11 am. Wear your Halloween costumes,
bring musical instruments if you have them and gather in
the parking lot at 10:30 am to join the fun.
Metro Parent and PDX Kids Calendar are proud to be hosting the children’s area this year, with six craft tables and an
entertainment stage at NE Alberta and 18th.
For more information, a schedule of performances and
parade details, visit albertamainst.org.
Now it’s time to embrace your inner artist with a visit
to Mimosa Studios. In addition to hosting artsy birthday
parties, the family-owned paint-your-own-pottery shop
welcomes drop-ins. (You might want to call ahead to reserve
a spot for larger groups and weekend visits.)
Next, stop into Collage for everything you need to create your own Etsy or Pinterest project at home. For kids,
there’s a huge supply of stickers, papers, stamps, beads, ribbon, pipe cleaners and more.
All this creativity (and walking) can make you thirsty, so
stop at Sip Juice Cart for a variety of refreshing beverages,
from green smoothies to strawberry basil lemonade and
more. Round out your snack break with some house-made
pie, pastries and other treats from Random Order Coffeehouse & Bakery, or check out Back to Eden Bakery for an
enticing array of vegan, gluten-free pastries, frozen treats,
soups, salads and more.
If it’s ice cream you’re craving, don’t miss Salt & Straw.
Focusing on fresh, local, sustainable ingredients, it’s pure
Portland on a cone. Sure, the little ones might balk at
“Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero” or “Honey Balsamic
Strawberry with Cracked Pepper,” but you can bet they’ll
scream for “Chocolate with Gooey Brownies” or “Cinnamon Snicker Doodle.”
The line at Salt & Straw is almost always out the door,
but the service is efficient and kids can pass the time by
checking out the cool toys at Screaming Sky Gallery, conveniently located next door.
For an active break, take a short walk up to Alberta Park.
There’s a basketball court, off-leash dog area, playground
and plenty of grassy fields for running off your sugar rush.
Alberta Arts District continues on page 34
metro-parent.com
August 2013
33
the nonprofit community cycling center uses
money raised through the sale of new and used
bikes, parts and repairs to fund a number of
cycling-related programs for kids and adults.
PHOTO BY BRITT APPLETON
Family-friendly Alberta
Food and Drink:
Back to Eden Bakery: 2217 NE Alberta. 503-477-5022. backtoedenbakery.com
The Cheese Plate PDX: 2231 NE Alberta. 503-422-8707. thecheeseplatepdx.com
Fuel Bistro & Coffee Bar: 1452 NE Alberta. 503-335-3835. fuelpdx.com
Grilled Cheese Grill: 1027 NE Alberta. 503-206-8959. grilledcheesegrill.com
Radio Room: 1101 NE Alberta. 503-287-2346. radioroompdx.com
Random Order Pie Bar: 1800 NE Alberta. 971-340-6995. randomordercoffee.com
Salt & Straw: 2035 NE Alberta. 503-208-3867. saltandstraw.com
Sip Juice Cart: 2210 NE Alberta. 503-680-5639. sipjuicecart.com
get
moving
Balloon Volleyball
Shopping:
Candy Babel: 1237 NE Alberta. 503-867-0591. candybabel.com
Collage: 1639 NE Alberta. 503-249-2190. collagepdx.com
Community Cycling Center: 1700 NE Alberta. 503-287-8786.
communitycyclingcenter.org
Grasshopper: 1816 NE Alberta. 503-335-3131. grasshopperstore.com
Green Bean Books: 1600 NE Alberta. 503-954-2354. greenbeanbookspdx.com
Take wooden paint stirrers and
tape them to sturdy paper plates
to make a racket. Then, blow up
balloons and tie a piece of yarn
across a 10 foot area in the room.
Hit the balloon back and forth
without letting it touch the
ground. To make it more
challenging, put the rackets
down and get in a “crab walk”
position with your belly facing
the ceiling. Now, hit the ball back
and forth using only your feet!
Screaming Sky Gallery: 2025 NE Alberta. 503-922-1500. screamingskygallery.com
Family Fun
Alberta Park: NE 22nd & Killingsworth.
portlandonline.com/parks/
Mimosa Studios: 1718 NE Alberta.
503-288-0770. mimosa-studios.com
Alberta Arts District continued from page 32
The Little Gym of Lake Oswego/Tualatin
www.thelittlegym.com/LakeOswegoOR
(503) 595-9702
“(The) staff offer an amazing combination of
professionalism, talent, patience, and skill that
has helped our son develop confidence and
physical coordination.”
~ Anne Phillips
34
August 2013
metro-parent.com
Getting There
Public Transportation: TriMet’s #8 and #9 bus lines
intersect NE Alberta, and
the #72 line runs up and
down most of the street.
Parking: Ample free street
parking is available on NE
Alberta and side streets.
Check signs for time limits.
And speaking of sugar rush, be sure to
stock up for later at Candy Babel. The shop
features a huge selection of candy from
Biking: NE Alberta is
around the world – including vegan and
extremely bike friendly.
gluten-free choices. With a mission to “eduDownload a City of
Portland Bike/Walk Map
cate through candy,” they strive to provide
at portlandoregon.gov
unusual treats and the friendly shopkeepers
(search “Bike Maps”).
encourage tasting.
Whether it’s eating, shopping, or letting
your creative juices flow, you can’t beat the
funky, family-friendly vibe of the Alberta Arts District.
Cathie Ericson is a Portland-area freelance writer and mom.
DIAPER SERVICE and
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www.tideedidee.com
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1 FREE WEEK DIAPER SERVICE
with 4 prepaid weeks
One Coupon per customer, please
Vancouver and Salem (800) 540-4547
Portland (503) 777-3856
metro-parent.com
August 2013
35
Out & About
If You Go:
onsidered the most authentic Japanese garden
outside Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a 5.5acre refuge of peace and tranquility. Locals often bring
out-of-town guests here as an example of the serene
beauty of the Pacific Northwest, but it’s also a wonderful place for families to slow down and experience
nature in a new way.
This is not the place for a vigorous hike. Traditional
Japanese gardens are intentionally designed to create a
sense of peace, allowing visitors to feel they’re part of
nature. Guests are asked to keep to the paths, but parents might be surprised to see how the garden’s magic
can bring out the inquisitive and contemplative side of
normally rambunctious children.
As spokesperson for the garden, Ingrid Arnett
frequently explores the grounds with her own children,
ages 4 and 7. She encourages families to pick up a copy
of the children’s treasure map at the admissions gate.
“Kids do so well when they are learning,” says
Arnett. “They like the treasure map because they have a
task to fulfill.”
Following the map on a recent visit helped my
8-year-old daughter focus on the experience and kept
our whole family engaged. Not all the items on the
map are in plain view, so rather than rushing ahead to
find the next treasure, the kids had to slow down and
look carefully.
Benches are placed throughout the garden for stunning views, contemplation, nursing a baby or simply
resting tired feet. Arnett deepens the experience for her
children by explaining aspects of the garden’s design in
a way they can appreciate.
“When the stones change under your feet, the garden is trying to tell you something,” she says. Where
it’s easier to walk, you can look up and around. On the
uneven, stone steps of the Natural Garden, your focus
is naturally drawn to elements closer to the ground.
The grounds are divided into five separate and distinct traditional Japanese garden styles: the Tea Garden,
Strolling Pond Garden, Natural Garden, Flat Garden,
and Sand and Stone Garden.
The ceremonial Kashentei Tea House is located
in the Tea Garden. Traditional tea ceremonies are
presented at 1 and 2 pm on the third Saturday of each
month from May through October.
The Strolling Pond Garden’s path encircles the
upper pond, leads along a stream and connects to the
wooden Zig Zag Bridge. Surrounded by beds of iris, the
36
the Portland Japanese Garden, a peaceful,
welcoming retreat for people of all ages, is
celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The Portland
Japanese Garden
A tranquil retreat in the city
bridge is a great spot to stop and watch the brightly
colored koi that swim between the ponds.
The Natural Garden is nestled into a hillside.
Uneven terrain, including tiers of stone steps, make it
unsuitable for strollers and a challenge for many toddlers and people with mobility challenges. The stone
steps and bridges lead over and around small ponds
and trickling waterfalls, so even on a hot day the Natural Garden feels cool as you listen to the murmuring of
the water.
After the rainforest-like feel of the Natural Garden,
the open space and white gravel of the Sand and Stone
Garden stir new feelings. This garden is designed in the
style traditionally found in Zen monasteries.
The Flat Garden, with its raked sand, is similar to
the Sand and Stone Garden but incorporates plants
into the design. The adjacent Pavilion is used for special events and exhibits.
Though the five gardens are distinct, they flow into
one another gracefully, delighting the senses as you
stroll throughout the grounds. A unique retreat in the
heart of the city, the Portland Japanese Garden is a
place to connect to culture, family and the past, and
a place where children and adults can grow closer to
nature.
Heather Lee Leap is a Portland freelance writer and mom.
Portland Japanese Garden | 611 SW Kingston Ave. | 503-223-1321 | japanesegarden.com
Hours: Mon. noon-7 pm; Tues.-Sun. 9 am-7 pm
Guided Tours (free with admission): 10:45 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm daily, April-Oct.
(No 10:45 am tour on Mon. From Nov.-March, tours are held at 1pm weekends only.)
Admission: $9.50 adults; $6.75 ages 6-17; free ages 0-5
Good to Know: Tri-Met shuttle service is available from the MAX station at the Oregon Zoo through Labor Day.
Pets and outside food and drink are not allowed in the garden.
August 2013
metro-parent.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JAPANESE GARDEN
C
By Heather Lee Leap
Celebrate the Garden
Sept. 15
This year marks the Portland Japanese Garden’s 50th anniversary. To
celebrate, a Family Festival is set for
Sept. 15 showcasing the five traditional festivals presented at the garden
each year: O-Shogatsu, a New Year’s
celebration; Hina Matsuri, the Doll
Festival; Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day;
Tanabata, the Star Festival; and Kiku
Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Viewing
Festival.
As an introduction to the five festivals,
the Family Festival will feature handson fun for the whole family. Children
will have an opportunity to dress in
a kimono, learn the art of origami
and participate in a traditional tea
ceremony. The event will feature a
book signing by author and illustrator
Betty Reynolds and performances and
workshops by Taiko drumming group
Takohachi. A new family activity map
will be available, too.
The Family Festival runs from 10 am-4
pm Sept. 15 and is included with
garden admission. Visit japanesegarden.com for more details on this and
other garden events, including the five
festivals.
metro-parent.com
August 2013
37
Family Fare
S
ince 2011, visitors to Las Primas have been enjoying
the rich and varied tastes of authentic Peruvian street
food. Chef and co-owner Catalina Acuña grew up eating
in the neighborhoods of Lima. Now she and her cousin,
native Oregonian Sadie Morrison, share their passion
for Peruvian food and culture with all who enter.
You can see that passion in the art and textiles on
the walls, the bottle caps and candy wrappers that
cover the countertops along the windows, and the giant
chalkboard menu behind the counter. The dishes are
deceptively simple, but each time I visit I discover new
tastes to enjoy.
Perhaps most impressive is the restaurant’s ample
open space. Until we ate here, I hadn’t realized how
challenging the tight quarters at most restaurants can
be for parents. At Las Primas, you’ll find a large, airy
dining area with plenty of room between tables. That
means your car seat on the floor or your child in a high
chair won’t trip the wait staff or block other patrons’
movement, and kids can get to the play area and back
without banging into chairs or other diners.
PHOTOS BY ERIC HOUGHTON
By Eric Houghton
Liquid Refreshment: A range of adult drinks feature
tropical themes with plenty of vodka, rum and housemade sangria, plus draft and bottled beer and house
wine. A separate section highlights drinks based on
Pisco, Peruvian white brandy.
Non-alcoholic choices include milk, juice and soda
(including Peruvian Inca Kola) as well as some interesting house-made juice drinks such as Chica Morada, a
sweet Peruvian purple corn concoction.
What’s Cooking: Whether you’re looking for a snack,
a drink or a full lunch or dinner, your choices are
plentiful and affordable. For appetizers, we’ve particularly enjoyed the empanadas and the classic papas fritas
What’s Cool for Kids: The play area is set up mainly
– crispy, skinny French fries. Sandwiches are large and
for kids preschool-aged and older, though there’s space
fresh and should satisfy most appetites. If it’s your first
for younger kids to play if you bring your own blocks
visit, try the signature Butifarra, generously piled with
or other small toys. The kid-height foosball table is
pepper-rubbed sliced pork, mild chili pepper mayo,
definitely a favorite, and kids and adults both apprecilettuce and lime-marinated red onion with cilantro
ate the basket of Etch-a-Sketches.
(salsa criolla). It’s served with your choice of fries or
To really get your Peru on, try Sapo (Spanish for
green salad. Other sandwiches feature house-made
frog). This traditional Incan game requires you to toss
sausage, slow roasted chicken, stir-fried beef and
coins into slots on the top of a wooden cabinet or,
pan-roasted tilapia, along with vegetarian and vegan
for the highest score, into a metal frog’s open mouth.
options. If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, get a
When you succeed, yell out “Sapo!” to share your
plate, served with Peruvian-style potatoes, quinoa salad, A kid-sized foosball table, Etch-a-Sketches and an
victory.
authentic Peruvian Sapo machine mean fun for all
green salad and salsa criolla.
at Las Primas.
Ringing It Up: True to their street food origins, prices
My wife enjoyed a tilapia plate while the vegetarat Las Primas are very reasonable. Sandwiches run
ian family in our group was pleased with the vegetable
$8.50-$9, plates $10.50-$12, appetizers $2-$5, and soups and salads $5-$8.
medley plate and the Portbello Peruano sandwich. Soups and salads also are
For children 10 and younger, plates are $5.
available a la carte, and dessert choices change regularly. Fleur De Lis bakery
provides fresh rolls for the sandwiches each morning.
Keep In Mind: During Happy Hour, from 3-6 pm daily, you can try a
variety of signature dishes, along with several beverages (one drink
The kids’ menu offers a variety of smaller plates. My kids both order
minimum), at even lower prices.
the sliced house-made sausages on a bed of fries with sliced cucumbers, but
yours might prefer the corn and cheese empanada, roasted tilapia, chicken,
When and Where: Open 11 am-9 pm Tues.-Sun. 3971 N Williams Ave.
or sandwiches with cheese and/or pork. My kids highly recommend a
503-206-5790. lasprimaskitchen.com
churro for dessert!
38
August 2013
metro-parent.com
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metro-parent.com
August 2013
39
The Prosperous Parent
Getting the Most Out of a
529 College Savings Plan
C
ollege is expensive – really expensive! – and price
increases show no signs of slowing down. Fortunately,
529 college savings plans can simplify the process and
provide tax incentives to help families save for higher
education.
“Start early,” advises Betty Lochner, director of
Washington state’s 529 plan. “Start (contributing to a
529 plan) as soon as you can. Start even before your
children are born.”
Few families take that advice, but the point is, it’s
never too early to start saving for college.
Every state offers a 529 plan, with two main plan
types available. One is a savings plan, which is the type
Oregon offers. These accounts are not government-insured like bank deposits – they carry the same risks as
other mutual fund investments – but earnings are not
taxed if you use them for qualified education expenses.
The second type is a prepaid tuition plan, which
is what Washington state offers. Through this type
of plan – dubbed GET for “Guaranteed Education
Tuition” in Washington – you purchase tuition “units”
at current prices to be applied toward future tuition.
Every 100 units purchased will be worth one academic
year of resident undergraduate tuition plus statemandated fees at Washington’s most expensive public
universities whenever your child is ready to use them,
regardless of how much tuition has increased over
time.
Earnings from a 529 plan can be used at most trade
schools and colleges in any state, regardless of where
the account is set up. Also, many states allow you to
open a 529 even if you’re not a resident. (In other
words, you can live in Oregon, invest in Utah’s plan
and go to college in Vermont, in most cases.) To enroll
in Washington’s GET plan, you must be a resident but
can keep the account if you move. You also can apply
the value of GET units to tuition in other states.
In Oregon and many other states, you can take a
state income tax deduction for 529 contributions as
long as you’re enrolled in your own state’s plan. These
accounts can be opened by parents, grandparents or
others for a designated beneficiary.
It’s important to understand each plan’s account
fees as they impact your earnings. Plan details can be
40
August 2013
metro-parent.com
By Teresa Carson
found in the offering
Learn More
circular and on each
plan’s website.
Oregon College Savings Plan:
“We always tell paroregoncollegesavings.com
ents that even a little
Washington’s GET Plan:
goes a long way,” says
get.wa.gov
Michael Parker, executive director of Oregon’s College Savings Plans Network: Information on 529s,
529 College Savings
including plan comparisons
Network. “If you save
and a college cost calculator.
regularly only $25 per
collegesavings.org
month, it adds up.”
To help you save
Savingforcollege.com:
consistently, 529s can
Detailed information about
set up automatic deeach state’s plan, performance
posits from your bank
information and a college
account, and some
cost calculator.
employers can even
savingforcollege.com
arrange 529 payroll deductions, Parker says.
“Don’t procrastinate,” urges Lochner, who’s also
vice chair of the College Savings Plan Network, a
national clearinghouse for information about stateadministered college savings programs. “You need to
have a long-term plan to save for college.”
Indeed, few families can “pay as you go” or expect
a child to work his way through college. One year at
the University of Oregon costs almost $23,000 – or
$92,000 for four years – at today’s prices. The current cost for a private four-year college education can
exceed $250,000.
Parker encourages parents to let friends and family
know when they open a 529 account as contributions
make great birthday and holiday gifts, too.
It might seem like college is a long way off when
you’re changing diapers and baby proofing the house,
but it comes up quickly.
“We try to get to parents when their children are
babies or in kindergarten,” Lochner says. “If you wait
to start saving for college when your child is in high
school, it’s usually too late.”
Teresa Carson is managing editor of Metro Parent and the mother of
two, with only one more year of college left to finance!
Angels Among Us
I
Oregon
Family
Support
Network
n the state of Oregon, at least one
out of every eight children will experience significant mental health challenges.
That’s roughly two to three children in
every average-sized elementary school
classroom in Oregon.
As parents, most of us know how
to get help for our children when they
are sick or injured. We go to the doctor.
We know the doctor will be able to treat
the sore throat, tummy ache or broken
bone. And when our child’s health issues
become more serious, we know there are
specialists who can help.
For many parents and families, however, addressing the needs of children
with serious mental health challenges
is another matter. The stigma alone can
make it difficult for many parents to seek
help. They don’t know where to turn
for support or how to get the help their
child and family needs. A doctor can help
with diagnosis and medication, but more
often than not families who have children with significant mental health
challenges need good information and support to make the best choices
regarding their child’s care.
Where can parents go when they need support – or to talk about how
difficult things have been at home, in their child’s school or in the community?
The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) is here to help. OFSN has
been around for more than 21 years, helping families and youth navigate a
complex system of services and supports. In the grassroots tradition, OFSN
utilizes the experience, knowledge and wisdom of parents and families who
have raised a child diagnosed with a mental health condition to reach out
and support other families and youth.
OFSN is a statewide, family-run organization. This means biological,
adoptive and other relative caregivers are given preference in the hiring
process. When families call for help and support, they speak with someone
who shares their experience and knows what it is like to walk in their shoes.
This can be very helpful, especially for a parent in crisis or someone who
needs to discuss their frustration in a supportive setting without worrying
about judgment or blame.
Many families who come to OFSN for support feel a sense of frustration,
failure, guilt or isolation because of the nature of their child’s behavior.
Often they have lost important social connections because of their child’s
behavior. That behavior is the result of a hidden disability – such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Early Onset Bipolar Disorder, AD/HD or trauma-related
conditions, to name just a few. One can’t “see” what’s causing the problems
and often people make inaccurate assumptions about the child or family
because of the behavior.
OFSN serves over 1,400 families each year and offers supports in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill, Linn, Benton, Deschutes,
Lincoln and Crook counties. Services provided in each community vary
slightly to meet the needs of families and youth who live there.
oFsN helps families struggling with mental and
behavioral challenges find a supportive community and
access the resources they need to navigate an often
overwhelmingly complex mental health system.
Helping
families
navigate
mental health
challenges
By Sandy Bumpus, Executive Director
Some of the services and supports currently offered by OFSN include:
One-on-One Peer Support Services: Support groups and assistance with
navigating systems and services.
Collaborative Parenting Series: An 8-10 week series on working collaboratively with your child to solve problems and address significant negative behaviors, based on the book The Explosive Child by Ross Green (Harper, 1998).
Game Night: An interactive evening that builds social connections for children, youth and families in a relaxed and fun environment.
Support Groups: Based on the needs of local families.
Education/Training Opportunities: Assisting families with education and
navigating health/mental health systems. Opportunities also exist through
Journey to Advocacy, or Parents & Professionals as Policy Partners, for parents who serve on policy advisory committees and want to learn to tell their
story in a way that will influence positive development around their own
child’s needs as well as the broader children’s mental health policy, services
and supports.
“The services and supports provided by OFSN have really helped our
family,” says one parent who lives in Benton County. “I used to think our
lives would feel somewhat chaotic forever, and that my child would be
seen in a negative light for the rest of his life – at least through his school
years. But, through OFSN, I learned he is doing the best he can, and how
to work with him when his behaviors are more challenging. It’s been good
to connect with other families who have been through this experience. We
support each other.”
OFSN understands children and families do the best they can, given very
difficult challenges. We’re here to help them feel more empowered, supported and connected throughout their experiences.
Learn more at ofsn.org, 503-363-8068.
metro-parent.com
August 2013
41
August Family Calendar
Join Metro
Parent and PDX
kids calendar
for fun, FREE
activities at
area events all
month long!
Find MANY more events
and activities every day at
PDXKidsCalendar.com.
Fabulous Freebies
FREE Friday at Portland Children’s Museum. Fun from 4 -8 pm Aug. 2.
4015 SW Canyon. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org
Wilsonville Fun in the Park. Loads of fun with Rocket Hounds, Katie Rose Trio,
Radio Disney, clown, juggler, inflatables, reptile show, more. 10 am-5 pm
Aug. 3. Activities free, vendors charge. Town Center Park, 29250 SW Parkway Ct.
funinthepark.com
Fremont Fest. Children’s area with bounce house, crafts, face painting,
more. Parade staging at 9 am. Three stages for music, entertainment.
10 am-6 pm Aug. 3. NE Fremont between 42nd & 52nd. 971-404-9673.
businessonfremont.com
Big Truck Day. Admire big trucks, video games, crafts, games, more.
10 am-2 pm Aug. 10. Conestoga Recreation Center, 9985 SW 125th,
Beaverton. 503-629-6313. thprd.org
Summer Fun
with
MP-PKC
PHOTO COURTESY OF PDX KIDS CALENDAR
Metro Parent and PDX Kids
Calendar are hitting the streets
this month to host free activities at
family-friendly events around town.
stop by our booth at the events below
for crafts, photo opportunities, entertainment, give aways and more! (activities
(
vary by event; see PDXkidscalendar.com
for more details.)
Superhero Fun Run. kids run/walk, 2, 5
su
or 10k. Dress like a superhero, meet superheroes, more. 9 am-noon aug. 3. kids free,
$10 adult, $15 couple, benefits music in schools.
65 sW
W Yamhill. 503-746-6000. superherofunrun.com
Musicalu. Gresham Arts Plaza rocks with kid-friendly music.
11 am-noon. Aug. 10: Mr. Hoo. Aug 24: The Toy Trains. Gresham Arts
Plaza, 401 NE 2nd. 503-618-2247. greshamoregon.gov
Active Transportation Day. Music by the Alphabeticians, make a
bike bucket, helmet giveaway, bike tune-up, more. 3-5 pm Aug. 17.
Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate. 503-988-5389. multcolib.org
The Boy Who Loved Band Aids. Courtney Campbell’s upbeat
songs and stories. 10:30-11:15 am Aug. 23. FREE, tkts 30 min prior.
Central Library, 801 SW 10th. 503-988-5123. multcolib.org
FREE 4th Friday at PAM. 5-8 pm Aug. 23. Portland Art Museum,
1219 SW Park. 503-226-2811.portlandartmuseum.org
Rox In Sox. children’s music and book festival with kiddo
entertainment, authors, yoga, crafts, face painting, more.
10 am-6 pm aug. 3. Donate sox, shoes or books. West End bldg.,
4101 kruse Way. roxinsox.com
Cha Cha the Clown
with sons, Loopie and
Silly Boy, will bring
smiles to the crowd at
Wilsonville Fun in the
Park Aug. 3.
Alberta Street Fair. Music, entertainment, parade (11 am), kids’
stage, more. 11 am-6 pm aug. 10. between 11th & 30th. 503-6833252. albertamainst.org. (Read more about the Alberta Arts District
and the fair in a Day in the ‘Hood on page 32.)
Woodstock Farmers Market. Music, produce, more.
10 am-2 pm aug. 18. FREE. 4600 sE Woodstock.
woodstockmarketpdx.com
Moreland Farmers Market. More farmers market fun. 3-7 pm
aug. 28. FREE. sE bybee & 14th. morelandfarmersmarket.org
42
August 2013
metro-parent.com
PHOTO BY DANNY ABR
EGO, PORTLAND REIG
N
Hawthorne Street Fair. Music, vendors, games, bounce house,
pirates, more. 11 am-7 pm aug. 18. FREE. between 12th & 52nd.
503-775-7633. hawthornestreetfair.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Multnomah Days. street fair extraordinaire, with a parade (10 am),
kids’ zone, ping pong to benefit Neighborhood house and more.
8 am-4 pm aug. 17. sW capitol between 33rd & 39th.
multnomahvillage.org
Catch the hot air balloon fun Aug. 9-11
at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum’s
Loose Goose festival in McMinnville.
there’s monstrous fun
– including Monster
trucks! – at the clark
county Fair aug. 2-11.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVERGREEN AVIATION & SPACE MUSEUM
Fair & Festival Fun
Clark County Fair. Carnival midway, concerts, petting
zoo, Dock Dogs, monster trucks and more fair fun.
8 am-11 pm Aug. 2. 10 am-11 pm Aug. 3, 9, 10. 10
am-10 pm, Aug. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11. $10 adults, $7 ages
7-12, free ages 0-7. Parking $6. 17402 NE Defel Rd.,
Ridgefield, Wa. 360-397-6180. clarkcofair.com
PHOTO BY MITCH CAN
TON
Van Gogh Days. Celebrate sunflowers with music,
games, treasure hunt, more. Noon-4 pm. Aug. 3, 4.
FREE admission, goodies to buy. Rasmussen Farms,
3020 Thomsen Rd., Hood River. 541-386-4622.
rasmussenfarms.com
Tualatin Crawfish Festival. Entertainment, crawfish
cook 5:30-9:30 pm Aug. 9 (free admission). Aug 10: dog show, kid’s activities, entertainment, eating contests, more. 10 am-10 pm. Fireworks at dusk. Parade 10 am
along Boones Ferry through Commons. $4 adults, $2 ages 6-17, $1 ages 2-5, free
ages 0-2. Extra charge for crawfish and some activities. Tualatin Commons and Park,
8325 SW Nyberg St., 8515 SW Tualatin. tualatincrawfishfestival.com
Loose Goose Hot Air Balloon Rally. Balloons take off in the morning; lit up at
night. 6 am Aug. 9, 10, 11. Night flight and summer concert 5:30 pm Aug. 10.
Balloon watching FREE, concert $3. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, 460 NE
Capt. Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville. 503-434-4185. evergreenmuseum.org
Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo. 4-H, carnival, family entertainment, talent
show, more. 10 am-11 pm Aug. 13, 14, 15. 10 am-midnight Aug. 16, 17. 10 am-8 pm
Aug. 18. $9 ages 13+, $5 ages 7-12, free ages 0-6. Extra charge for rodeo, rides.
694 NE 4th, Canby. 503-266-1136. clackamas.us/fair/fair.html
Seaport Celebration. Go behind the scenes at a working dock, plus music,
displays, face painting, photo booth, $5 jet boat rides, more. 10 am-4 pm Aug. 17.
FREE. Adults need photo ID. Port of Portland Terminal 4, 110040 N Lombard.
503-415-6532. seaportcelebration.com
Festa Italiana. Music, marionette show, entertainment, all things Italian. 11 am11 pm Aug. 22, 23, 24. FREE, vendors charge. Pioneer Courthouse Square,
701 SE 6th. 503-223-1613. thesquarepdx.org
Oregon State Fair. Oregon’s big party. Prize-winning pickles, animals, big name
concerts, talent shows, midway and a lot more fair fun. 10 am-9 pm Aug. 25, 26, 27,
28, 29, Sept. 1, 2. 10 am-11 pm Aug. 23, 24, 30, 31. $11 adults, $6 ages 6-12, free
ages 0-5. Extra charge for rides, some concerts and activities. 2330 17th NE, Salem.
800-833-0011. oregonstatefair.org
Art in the Pearl. 100+ artists show their work, plus entertainment, hands-on art
for kids, more. 10 am-6 pm Aug. 31, Sept. 1. 10 am-5 pm Sept. 2. FREE, vendors
charge. North Park Blocks. 503-722-9017. artinthepearl.com
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August Family Calendar
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP
kids can experience the fun of paddling on 34-foot long canoes aug. 8
at Willamette Park in Portland and
aug. 20 at heritage Park in camas.
Go Outside and Play!
Big Canoe Paddle. 34-ft. canoes. Ages 5+. FREE, registration required. 6-7:30 pm
Aug. 8: Willamette Park, SW Macadam & Nebraska. 10 am-noon Aug. 20: Heritage
Park on NW Lake, Camas. 503-226-1565. estuarypartnership.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
Forest Defense. Stinging, biting
and itching – how forest life defends
itself. 11:30 am Aug. 10. 1:30 pm
Aug. 11. FREE. Tillamook Forest
Center, 45500 Wilson River Hwy.,
Tillamook. 503-815-6800.
tillamookforestcenter.org
Outdoor Games of Mexico.
Bilingual play. 1:30-2:30 pm Aug. 11.
FREE. Tigard Library, 13500 SW Hall.
503-684-6537. calendar.wccls.org
Kids Pedal. A 3-mile ride for kids 10
and younger. Part of the Providence
Bridge Pedal. 10 am Aug. 11. FREE,
advance registration required (1,000
rider limit). Naito Pkwy & Morrison.
503-281-9198. blog.bridgepedal.com
Ever wondered why bees and nettles sting? Discover how plants and animals defend themselves
at the Tillamook Forest Center’s Forest Defense
program Aug 10 and 11.
Bat Chat Night Hike. Find and learn
about bats with naturalists and a bat detector. Ages 6+, grown-up required.
7:30-9:30 pm Aug. 22. FREE, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park,
11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org
Bug Fest. Celebrate invertebrates. 11 am-4 pm Aug. 24. $3, free ages 0-2. Nature
Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Millikan, Beaverton. 503-629-6350. thprd.com
Sunday Parkways Southeast. Bike, walk, skate or scooter through 9 miles of
closed streets. Activities at parks including Laurelhurst, Ivon, Mt. Tabor. 11-4 pm
Aug. 25. FREE. 503-823-5185. portlandsundayparkways.com
Forest Park Hike. Guided walk, science activities. Ages 4-10, with grown-up.
9:30-11:30 am Aug. 31. FREE, reservations required. Wildwood trailhead at
NW Germantown. 503-223-5449. forestparkconservancy.org
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Catch a Show
Broadway Rose Theatre x2. Catch two
family-friendly shows this month: Snow White,
a musical of the classic fairy tale. 11 am
Aug. 7, 8, 9,10. $8. Deb Fennell Auditorium,
SW 9000 Durham Rd., Tigard. Once on
This Island, a performance by the teen
workshop. 2 pm Aug 14, 15, 16, 17. 6 pm
Aug. 16. $8. New Stage, 12850 SW Grant,
Tigard. 503-620-5262. broadwayrose.org
Washington Park Summer Festival.
Ten nights of free performances in the
Rose Garden Amphitheater. Artists range
from Portland Opera to the Vagabond Opera
and lots in between. 6 pm Aug. 1-10. 410 SW
Kingston. 503-823-7529. portlandoregon.gov
Regal Summer Movie Express. A dozen
Portland-area Regal movie theaters screen
G- or PG-rated movies at 10 am Tuesdays and
Wednesdays through Aug. 21 for $1. Check
website for theaters and schedules.
regmovies.com
Jillian Sternke plays
Snow White in Broadway
Rose Theatre Company’s
musical version of the
classic Aug. 7-10.
PHOTO BY LIz WADE, COURTESY OF BROADWAY ROSE THEATER COMPANY
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August 2013
45
August Family Calendar
What Should
We Do Today?
(Numbers indicate the date
or dates of each event.)
celebrate antique
machines at the
Great oregon
steam-Up
aug. 3-4.
SUNDAY
25. National Park Service Birthday.
Ft. Vancouver celebrates with fun educational programs. 9 am-5 pm. FREE.
1001 E 5th. 360-816-6200. nps.gov/fova
6. Creature Feature. Steve
Lattanzi’s slithery friends.
7 pm. FREE. Tualatin
Commons Park, 8325 SW
Nyberg. 503-691-3071.
tualatinoregon.gov
6. Reptile Man. 11 am-noon.
FREE w/admission $10 ages
1-54. Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon. 503223-6500. portlandcm.org
4. $2 Day at OMSI. 9:30 am-5:30 pm.
Parking $3. 1945 SE Water. 503-7974000. omsi.edu.
3, 4. Great Oregon Steam-Up. Watch
antique machines at work, ride trolley
and miniature railroad, demos, music,
more. Vintage equipment parade
1:30 daily. 7 am-6 pm. $10, free
ages 0-11. Antique Powerland, 3995
Brooklake NE, Brooks. 503-393-2424.
antiquepowerland.com
TUESDAY
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT OREGON STEAM-UP
MONDAY
5, 12, 19, 26. Story and Stroll.
Naturalist-led story, walk. Best ages
2-6. 10-11:15 am. FREE, reservations
required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321
SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225.
tryonfriends.org
5, 28. Dinosaur Excavation. Archeological dig to uncover dinosaurs.
10-11 am. FREE w/admission $10 ages
1-54. Portland Children’s Museum,
4015 SW Canyon. 503-223-6500.
portlandcm.org
5. Big Nate Kid’s Program. Crafts,
games based on the Big Nate book
series. Grades 2-5. 4-5 pm. FREE, reservations required. Beaverton Library,
12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600.
beavertonlibrary.org
6, 13, 20, 27. Chipper’s Preschool Rides. Kids under 6
enjoy rides at their own pace.
9:30-11:30 rides, 11:30-noon
story and snack. Every Tues.
and Wed. $6.50 per child,
parents ride free. Oaks Park,
7805 SE Oaks Park Way. 503-233-5777.
oakspark.com
13. Hopworks Tot Tuesday. Every
second Tues. 11 am. Arts activity, story
time, light snacks. Ages 1-8. FREE. Hopworks Urban Brewery, 2944 SE Powell.
503-232-4677. hopworksbeer.com
13. I Dig Dinosaurs. Dragon Theater
Puppets. 7-8 pm. FREE. Tigard Library,
13500 SW Hall. 503-684-6537.
calendar.wccls.org
27. Scout’s Grand Adventure. Penny’s
Puppets perform. 3-3:45 pm. FREE.
Northwest Library, 2300 NW Thurman.
503-988-5560. multcolib.org
12. Penny’s Puppets. Catch a
fun show. 10 am. $10 donation
per family. The Warehouse
Café, 3434 SE Milwaukie. 503206-5766. knowthyfood.com
19. Dragonflies and Damselflies. Learn
about these amazing insects and find
them in nearby ponds. Entering grades
1-3. 3:30-4:30 pm. FREE, reservations required. Hillsboro Library, 2850
Brookwood. 503-615-6500. hillsboro.
plinkit.org
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OREGON zOO
12. Star Parties. Watch the
spectacular Perseid meteor
shower. Bring a flashlight with
red light. Dusk. FREE, $5 parking. Rose City Astronomers,
OMSI. Two locations: Rooster
Rock State Park (exit 25 off I-84)
and Stub Stewart State Park
(off OR-47). 503-797-4610 xt 2.
omsi.edu/starparties
Catch live performances, animal activities and
more at the Oregon zoo’s Sunset at the zoo
from 5-8 pm Aug 7.
PaRtiEs
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
7. Wondrous Wednesday. $3 admission to the World Forestry Center
Discovery Museum every first Wed.
10 am-5 pm. 4033 SW Canyon.
503-228-1367. worldforestry.org
9. Kids Day at the Museum. Survival in
the Oregon Territory. Learn about hunting, farming, gathering with hands-on
activities. Best ages 6-12. 1-3:30 pm.
FREE. Museum of the Oregon Territory,
211 Tumwater, Oregon City. 503-6570891. clackamashistory.org
7. Sunset at the Zoo. Animal activities,
music, more. 5-8 pm Aug. 7, 21. Free w/
admission $11.50 adults, $8.50 kids 3-11,
free 0-2. $4 to park. 4001 SW Canyon.
503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org
7, 14. Clever Quwi. Tears of Joy Theatre’s bilingual tale of a trickster guinea
pig. FREE. 4:30-5:15 pm Aug. 7: Kenton
Library, 8226 N Denver, 503-988-5370.
2:30-3:15 Aug. 14: Sellwood Community
Center, 1436 SE Spokane, 503-988-5398.
multcolib.org
7, 14, 21, 28. Chipper’s Preschool
Rides. See Tuesday.
14. Terrific Teeth. See sharks plus
crafts, stories, songs. Ages 3-5, with
grown-up. 10:30-11 am. FREE w/admission $18.95 adults, $16.95 ages 13-17,
$11.95 ages 3-12, free ages 2-0. Oregon
Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd.,
Newport. 541-867-3474. aquarium.org
28. Dinosaur Excavation. See Monday.
THURSDAY
1. Master of Marvels. Magic show.
11 am. FREE. Three Creeks Community
Library, 800 C NE Tenney, Vancouver.
360-571-9696. fvrl.org
1. Dig Deep Down. Dan Crow sings.
11-11:45 am. FREE. St. Johns Library,
7510 N Charleston. 503-988-5397.
multcolib.org
8. Tot Thursday. Crafts, story time.
Ages 1-6. 11 am. FREE. Hopworks
BikeBar, 3947 N Williams. 503-232-4677.
hopworksbeer.com
8. Uke and Me Sing Melody. Cinda
and audience sing, laugh, dance. Ages
0-5. 11:15 am-noon. FREE. Troutdale
Library, 2451 SW Cherry Park, 503-9885355. multcolib.org
8. Travels with Flat Stanley. Stories,
craft. Ages 5+. 2 pm. FREE. Ledding
Library, 10660 SE 21st, Milwaukie.
503-786-7580. milwaukieoregon.gov
23. Evergreen Home School Day.
Astronaut training plus fun in the waterpark. 8:30 am-2 pm. $20, reservations
required. Wings & Waves Waterpark,
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith
Way, McMinnville. 503-434-4185.
evergreenmuseum.org
SATURDAY
3, 10, 17, 24. Kids Cook. Kids tour the
market, cook. Ages 7-11. 8:30 am-10
am. Aug. 3: Lemon Berry Pancakes.
Aug. 10: Tomato Bruschetta. Aug. 17:
Berry Short Cakes. Aug. 24: Fruit Tarts.
$5 per child, reservations please. PSU
Market, SW Park & Montgomery. 503241-0032. portlandfarmersmarket.org
3. Obonfest. Japanese festival of ancestors with taiko drumming, dancing,
food, more. 3-9 pm. FREE. Oregon
Buddhist Temple, 3720 SE 34th. 503234-9456. oregonbuddhisttemple.com
ADVERTISERS INDEX
3. Great
Oregon SteamUp. See Sunday.
17. Parent’s
Survival Night.
Fitness fun, crafts,
music, snack for
kids while parents
get an evening
out. Ages 3-12.
6-9:30 pm. $26,
member discount,
reservations
please. The Little
Gym, 17890 SW
McEwan.
Lake Oswego.
503-595-9702.
tlglakeoswegoor.
com
17. Reptile Expo.
Watch and buy reptiles, amphibians,
arachnids, more. 10 am-4 pm. $8 adult,
$4 ages 6-12, free ages 0-5. Wilsonville
Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th. 503-4128181. nwreptileexpos.com
MUSEUM
MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE
7. Red Yarn’s Garden Tales. Songs,
puppets. 2-2:45 pm. FREE. Gresham
Library, 385 NW Miller. 503-98-5387.
multcolib.org
The Portland Children’s Museum invites
families to become archeologists for a
morning at Dinosaur Excavation events
Aug. 5 and 28. The museum’s Dinosaurs:
Land of Fire and Ice exhibit runs through
Sept. 22.
ABC Doula .................................................... 7
Academy Theater....................................... 33
AFS USA Intercultural
Student Exchange...................................... 18
AHSC Yu Miao Chinese Immersion
Preschool..................................................... 21
Barnes-Miller Child Development............ 19
Beanstalk Children’s Resale ...................... 28
Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio....................... 7
Cedarwood School .................................... 19
Child’s View Montessori ............................ 15
Children of the Sea .................................... 37
Chinese American International School .. 46
CLASS Academy ........................................ 17
Clogs-N-More Kids .................................... 11
Creative Children’s Center ........................ 21
Creative Roots/All Around the World...... 27
Dentistry for Kids.......................................... 3
Dizzy Castle................................................. 39
Dragon Theater Puppets .......................... 47
EcoMaids of Portland ................................ 39
Estacada Charters ...................................... 29
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum ..... 31
FACT: Family and Community Together . 28
Franciscan Montessori Earth School........ 21
French American International School .... 21
The Gardner School................................... 23
German American School ......................... 20
Gifted Journeys .......................................... 14
Gresham Pediatric Dentistry ..................... 35
Growing Generations ................................ 13
Harmony Road Music,
Westside Music School ............................. 34
Hollywood Children’s Dentistry .................. 8
Hopworks Urban Brewery ......................... 39
Joy Central.................................................. 29
Kaiser Permanente....................................... 4
Las Primas Restaurant................................ 39
Learning Palace .......................................... 23
Legacy Health Randall Children’s
Emergency Care........................................... 9
LEGO Kid Fest............................................ 48
Little Engineers........................................... 30
Little Garden Preschool............................. 24
The Little Gym ............................................ 34
Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry .................. 7
Living Wisdom School ............................... 20
Mad Science ............................................... 47
Metropolitan Pediatric Clinic .................... 13
Mimosa Studios.......................................... 33
MomsMakingSixFigures.com ..................... 8
Mt Hood Ski Bowl ...................................... 37
Multisensory Learning Academy .............. 20
Music Together........................................... 33
The Nest Playschool .................................. 24
North Clackamas Aquatic Park................. 33
Northwest Children’s Theater ................... 29
Northwest Chinese Academy................... 28
Northwest Primary Care ............................ 37
Northwest Surrogacy Center ...................... 8
Oaks Park Association ............................... 43
Odyssey School.......................................... 15
OHSU Doernbecher Children’s
Safety Center ................................................ 7
Oregon Children’s Theatre Co. ................ 35
Oregon Coast Aquarium........................... 43
Oregon Coast Scenic Railway................... 44
Oregon Episcopal School ......................... 25
Oregon Gymnastics Academy ................. 27
Oregon Music Teachers Association ....... 33
Oregon Repertory Singers ........................ 23
Oregon Virtual Academy - K12................. 15
Oregon zoo ................................................ 45
Pediatric Associates of the NW .................. 2
Pediatric Dental Group.............................. 39
Penny’s Puppet Productions ..................... 47
Portland Boychoir....................................... 46
Portland Christian Schools ........................ 23
Portland Symphonic Girlchoir................... 46
Portland Waldorf School ........................... 27
Reading Eggs ............................................. 30
The Reading Toolkit ................................... 15
Rose City Music Academy......................... 29
Saturday Academy ..................................... 24
Schoolhouse Supplies ............................... 24
Scuola Italiana............................................. 15
Sip PDX LLC................................................ 33
Small Friends Inc. Preschool ..................... 23
Successful Learning Educational Services..11
Summa Academy ....................................... 27
Suzuki Piano Studio ................................... 23
Thorsen’s Surrogate Agency, LLC ............ 34
Tidee Didee ................................................ 35
Tillamook Forest Center............................ 46
Tintype Portland......................................... 35
Tiny Revolution Montessori ...................... 27
Trinity Lutheran School .............................. 19
Tucker Maxon School ................................ 21
Village Free School .................................... 27
Village Home .............................................. 15
Westside Dance & Gymnastics................. 23
Women’s Healthcare Associates .............. 11
World Forestry Center ............................... 44
World of Smiles .......................................... 14
zenana Spa and Wellness Center, LLC...... 7
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