We have been told that you are getting ready to move up to Kindergarten!! In celebration of this big event, Ms. Sally Ann and the Kindergarten class have come up with a week of fun activities for you and your parents. During this time you can choose what activities you want to attend and you can check out what CHA Kindergarten is all about! The festivities will take place the week of April 11th through April 15th. If you have any questions please ask!
Monday – April 11th: Breakfast in Kindergarten. Please join Ms. Sally Ann for breakfast in the Kindergarten room from 8:00-8:30.
Tuesday – April 12th: Game Day. You are invited to come and play games with the current Kindergarteners from 2:00-3:00.
Wednesday – April 13th: Craft Day. Come and make fun crafts with your mom and dad from 3:30-5:00.
Thursday – April 14th: Hour in Kindergarten. Moms and Dads this is where you can come spend an hour, from 9:00-10:00, in Kindergarten and see the kiddos in action.
Friday – April 15th: Social Hour. Bring your Mom and Dad to the Kindergarten room for a fun snack and free play from 3:30-4:30.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ms. Erin R.'s Class is Growing Sunflowers!
In the last month or so my friends and I have been talking about farms and farmers. We have spent a lot of time talking about plants as well. We know that plants need sun, water, and food to grow. We also know that flowers have roots, a stem, leaves, seeds and a flower. A couple of weeks ago we planted sunflower seeds, with everyone having their own flower. After planting them in plastic cups in the art room, we placed our cups by the window, allowing them to receive sunlight. Over the last two weeks we have been watching them grow. Everyone was very excited when sprouts of green first started to appear. So far everyone's flowers have made it above the dirt. We are all anxiously waiting to see the flowers!
"Spiders" at Pre-school
The Jean Road preschoolers have been learning about spiders this week. Spider math activities, vocabulary cards, going on a spider hunt, and more! Creating dough art spiders was the highlight of the week. The children helped measure and mix the dough before creating their own spider. Each one has its own personality. Some have four, six, or eight legs. After baking and drying the children painted their creation. Polka dots, eyes, and smiles were plentiful. Each one is adorable and unique. No need to worry, these spiders won’t bite!
Friday, March 18, 2011
St. Patrick's Day Limricks by Ms. Hailey's Class
One of the ways that our class celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this week was to write limericks. A limerick is a kind of a witty, humorous, or nonsense poem, one in five-line amphibrachic meter. Limericks follow a strict rhyme scheme. Here is what the kids wrote:
Misread by Conor Mendenhall
There was boy who was misread
His days and nights were filled with dread
Until he saw a lassie
Who wasn’t too classy
Together they made their homestead.
Lazy Cop by Amanda Kahuna
There was a cop who lived on top
Of the shop that had a big drop
He was so crazy
He really was lazy
And flopped on top of the big glop.
The leprechaun cop and badge.
Dog by Caden Koranda
There was a skinny, furry dog
Who found a pot filled with bog
He licked ‘til he saw gold
In a big black fold
He sat very rich on a log
Rock the Jock by Cameron Cook
There was a rock whose name was Jock
Who lived on the dock with a hawk
It is really dark
The dogs always bark
Those darn dogs will die on the dock.
Leprechaun from Sean by Carter Koranda
There was a leprechaun from Sean
He once love Hong Kong’s leprechaun
They met in Hong Kong
And once played ping-pong
He loved to play and mow its lawn.
Fernando by Bailey Keller
There was a man named Fernando
He really likes island Hondo
He liked Kong Fu
He said trains choo, choo
He liked his fiend Armando.
Misread by Conor Mendenhall
There was boy who was misread
His days and nights were filled with dread
Until he saw a lassie
Who wasn’t too classy
Together they made their homestead.
Lazy Cop by Amanda Kahuna
There was a cop who lived on top
Of the shop that had a big drop
He was so crazy
He really was lazy
And flopped on top of the big glop.
The leprechaun cop and badge.
Dog by Caden Koranda
There was a skinny, furry dog
Who found a pot filled with bog
He licked ‘til he saw gold
In a big black fold
He sat very rich on a log
Rock the Jock by Cameron Cook
There was a rock whose name was Jock
Who lived on the dock with a hawk
It is really dark
The dogs always bark
Those darn dogs will die on the dock.
Leprechaun from Sean by Carter Koranda
There was a leprechaun from Sean
He once love Hong Kong’s leprechaun
They met in Hong Kong
And once played ping-pong
He loved to play and mow its lawn.
Fernando by Bailey Keller
There was a man named Fernando
He really likes island Hondo
He liked Kong Fu
He said trains choo, choo
He liked his fiend Armando.
Preperatory Kindergarten- Space Exploration
Wiley - This is a space dog and alien, rocket ship, space anteater, spaceant, moon planet and a striped planet.
Jonathan - The Aliens are having a race to see who gets to the rocket ship first. Who gets to the rocket ship first, gets to ride to the moon. The other Alien that doesn't win the race, has to walk to the moon because the moon is the Mars, but the stars are trying to get to the Alien who tries to walk to the moon.
Will - The Alien is trying to get on a Space Car. The car is trying to save the Alien from the space bird. The Spaceship is trying to land in the car; the car has a landing space in the car.
Ashkon - The Alien is trying to climb up the satellite, but the satellite is too fast. The Space Dragon is trying to go to eat this little part of the satellite, because he wants to go through. The Alien, after he climbs the satellite, is going to jump up to the moon. The rocket ship was going to land on the Moon but he almost landed in the Universe.
Arianna - This is a space dog that has a honk on his head. Those are stars, sun, monster, Earth that we live on, rocket ship, and planet. This is a Valentine Day in this place.
Nicholas - The spaceship is trying to get inside the moon. There is a person inside, and the space dinosaur is falling in my name and when he gets past the name he will get extinct.
Hailey - There are shooting stars here and stars are trying to get the firefrom the rocket ship. The pink is trying to get to the red to play, but the green doesn't want the pink to get to the red.
Jack - There is a purple thing, it's a giant space monster. He is bad. The purple monster is fighting the green yellow alien. They both have swords and swords are wiggling to go backwards. The red swirls are lights. They appear and disappear when do away left or right.
Gus - I painted Earth, rocket ship, space bug, Moon, alien, and a space car.
Friday Newsflash 3.18.2011
Friday Newsflash
March 18, 2011
I. Spring Break Week-
Spring Break week starts Monday! This means no curriculum, no homework, no uniforms for the Meridian Campus, and an all around fun time! We are open for our regular hours as usual. Let the fun begin!
II. CHAF Auction Ticket Sales-
CHAF Auction Ticket Sales are underway! You can purchase your Auction tickets from your child's teacher. Don't forget to ask your child's grandparents, other family, or family friends to come as well. Tickets will be $40 (single)/ $75 (couple), with a five dollar discount per ticket $35 (single)/ $65 (couple) if purchased before April 1st. This includes a complete wine/beer, a complete Italian Buffet, dessert, and coffee. Don't forget to get your tickets as soon as possible!!
III. CHAF Auction Event Childcare-
Many parents shared with us at the Parent’s Night Out that using CHA teachers for childcare is their only avenue for an enjoyable evening out. We would like to have a large and festive community gathering at our May 14th Auction, therefore, CHAF is trying to accommodate these parents (or grandparents!) who otherwise would not be able to attend. Therefore, if you need childcare to attend the auction (cost would be $50 for 5 hours, a tax deductible donation to CHAF), please contact Susan Stober at susan@childrens-hour.com . Although this request is simply a survey right now, CHAF will make every attempt to provide some limited childcare for this important event. Thank you!
IV. CHAF Auction Donations-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations thus far! We have received a lot of especially wonderful auction items. If you have not yet asked your personal connections for their special donation, now is the time. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. The next Auction meeting has a new date! The meeting will take place on March 31st at 5:00pm in the Meridian Campus Library. Don't forget that there is a contest to see which class can bring in the most donations!
V. New Families-
We are welcoming two new families this week! We are pleased that the Parsons and Rodgers families have joined our schools! Tristan Parsons has joined Mr. Alex's transitional kindergarten class and Marilena Rodgers has joined the Older Toddler room at Jean Rd. with Ms. Carmen and Ms. Rodica.
VI. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
VII. Menu-
Monday- Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, pears
Tuesday- Welsh Rarebit with tomatoes, French bread, applesauce
Wednesday- Taco soup, corn chips, peaches
Thursday- Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges
Friday- Chicken, baked beans, fruit salad
March 18, 2011
I. Spring Break Week-
Spring Break week starts Monday! This means no curriculum, no homework, no uniforms for the Meridian Campus, and an all around fun time! We are open for our regular hours as usual. Let the fun begin!
II. CHAF Auction Ticket Sales-
CHAF Auction Ticket Sales are underway! You can purchase your Auction tickets from your child's teacher. Don't forget to ask your child's grandparents, other family, or family friends to come as well. Tickets will be $40 (single)/ $75 (couple), with a five dollar discount per ticket $35 (single)/ $65 (couple) if purchased before April 1st. This includes a complete wine/beer, a complete Italian Buffet, dessert, and coffee. Don't forget to get your tickets as soon as possible!!
III. CHAF Auction Event Childcare-
Many parents shared with us at the Parent’s Night Out that using CHA teachers for childcare is their only avenue for an enjoyable evening out. We would like to have a large and festive community gathering at our May 14th Auction, therefore, CHAF is trying to accommodate these parents (or grandparents!) who otherwise would not be able to attend. Therefore, if you need childcare to attend the auction (cost would be $50 for 5 hours, a tax deductible donation to CHAF), please contact Susan Stober at susan@childrens-hour.com . Although this request is simply a survey right now, CHAF will make every attempt to provide some limited childcare for this important event. Thank you!
IV. CHAF Auction Donations-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations thus far! We have received a lot of especially wonderful auction items. If you have not yet asked your personal connections for their special donation, now is the time. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. The next Auction meeting has a new date! The meeting will take place on March 31st at 5:00pm in the Meridian Campus Library. Don't forget that there is a contest to see which class can bring in the most donations!
V. New Families-
We are welcoming two new families this week! We are pleased that the Parsons and Rodgers families have joined our schools! Tristan Parsons has joined Mr. Alex's transitional kindergarten class and Marilena Rodgers has joined the Older Toddler room at Jean Rd. with Ms. Carmen and Ms. Rodica.
VI. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
VII. Menu-
Monday- Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, pears
Tuesday- Welsh Rarebit with tomatoes, French bread, applesauce
Wednesday- Taco soup, corn chips, peaches
Thursday- Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges
Friday- Chicken, baked beans, fruit salad
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Letters to the CHA Leprechaun from the 1st and 2nd Graders
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Every year a Leprechaun comes and messes up our rooms looking for gold. We are curious about this Leprechaun, so this year we each wrote it a letter, and left him some gold! Here are our special "Letters to the Leprechaun."
Dear Leprechaun,
Please don't make a mess. Please take these coins. Please tell me, what is your name? Please don't do anything to the party things. Do you like chocolate because everyone likes chocolate?
Love,
Bella Mann
Dear Leprechaun,
Please don't flip over our desks and accept this piece of chocolate. What's your name? You have a nice hat.
Love,
Christiaan Bedford
Dear Leprechaun,
Why do you mess things up? Where do you live? Do you like me? Can you give us gold? I like you.
From,
Dane Everley
Dear Leprechaun,
Please eat this chocolate. Do you have gold? Do you find gold at the end of rainbows? Did you know St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday? I gave you extra chocolate gold because you are special.
Love,
Brock Fiorello
Dear Leprechaun,
Please don't make a mess. Please take these coins. Please tell me, what is your name? Please don't do anything to the party things. Do you like chocolate because everyone likes chocolate?
Love,
Bella Mann
Dear Leprechaun,
Please don't flip over our desks and accept this piece of chocolate. What's your name? You have a nice hat.
Love,
Christiaan Bedford
Dear Leprechaun,
Why do you mess things up? Where do you live? Do you like me? Can you give us gold? I like you.
From,
Dane Everley
Dear Leprechaun,
Please eat this chocolate. Do you have gold? Do you find gold at the end of rainbows? Did you know St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday? I gave you extra chocolate gold because you are special.
Love,
Brock Fiorello
Preschool Happenings
The preschool class at Jean road is working hard on their early math skills. One to one correspondence and counting to 12 are some of our current goals. One of the fun activities we did last week incorporated our math skills as well as our rain and weather unit. The children painted clouds then made rain drops from tin foil. The clouds had the numerals from 0 – 12 written on them. The preschoolers had a great time counting and creating sets of rain drops to match their cloud.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Musical Update from Music Together
Hello Children’s Hour Academy Parents,
It has been such a joy working with all of your kids. They are doing a great job embodying the Sticks collection and so many of them are making huge leaps in their individual musical growth. The youngest ones are often humming the resting tone when the song is over, the older ones anticipate my every move and once I get a pitch they often start the song for me. Many will look at the song card I show them and instead of answering the question of, “what song is this?” they just look at the song card and start singing the song. And, more often than not they are in tune, or very, very close. I have noticed a big leap in many that now have the rhythm in their feet and hands, another big leap in the life of a child. Many of the mobile toddlers see me walk by and sign, “MORE”, and then when we are doing music class they feel the end of the song coming up and stand in front of me and sign for more! It is very cute and a huge indicator that they are absorbing each experience at a profound level.
A big Thank You for all that turned out for the PJ Jam. I don’t think we have ever had that big of a turn out, and it was so much fun! It was also great to meet many parents that I hadn’t had the chance to meet yet and to hear their stories of how much the whole family is enjoying the music.
We are going to be taking the Sticks collection to the end of the academic year. If you are getting burnt out on the Sticks collection or want the experience of a parent/child class with new music, Maracas is the collection I am starting in April, please check out the class schedule on my website or e mail me if you are interested in a class.
For those of you that have attended a Parent Education Event or Teacher Training you know that I reference Dr. Oliver Sacks’ research when talking about how the young brain processes, absorbs and uses music. He has a new movie coming out called, “The Music Never Stopped”. Here is the link for the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=mejPllxcEJI It looks like it is well done and should be quite touching. Dr. Sacks loves a good story that pulls the heartstrings.
Thank you for being such wonderful parents. Sing often, and dance, Best, cv
Craig Van Ness
Director/Teacher
Willamette River Music Together
503.329.8751
7410 SW Oleson Rd. #387
Portland, OR. 97223
www.willametterivermusictogether.com
It has been such a joy working with all of your kids. They are doing a great job embodying the Sticks collection and so many of them are making huge leaps in their individual musical growth. The youngest ones are often humming the resting tone when the song is over, the older ones anticipate my every move and once I get a pitch they often start the song for me. Many will look at the song card I show them and instead of answering the question of, “what song is this?” they just look at the song card and start singing the song. And, more often than not they are in tune, or very, very close. I have noticed a big leap in many that now have the rhythm in their feet and hands, another big leap in the life of a child. Many of the mobile toddlers see me walk by and sign, “MORE”, and then when we are doing music class they feel the end of the song coming up and stand in front of me and sign for more! It is very cute and a huge indicator that they are absorbing each experience at a profound level.
A big Thank You for all that turned out for the PJ Jam. I don’t think we have ever had that big of a turn out, and it was so much fun! It was also great to meet many parents that I hadn’t had the chance to meet yet and to hear their stories of how much the whole family is enjoying the music.
We are going to be taking the Sticks collection to the end of the academic year. If you are getting burnt out on the Sticks collection or want the experience of a parent/child class with new music, Maracas is the collection I am starting in April, please check out the class schedule on my website or e mail me if you are interested in a class.
For those of you that have attended a Parent Education Event or Teacher Training you know that I reference Dr. Oliver Sacks’ research when talking about how the young brain processes, absorbs and uses music. He has a new movie coming out called, “The Music Never Stopped”. Here is the link for the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=mejPllxcEJI It looks like it is well done and should be quite touching. Dr. Sacks loves a good story that pulls the heartstrings.
Thank you for being such wonderful parents. Sing often, and dance, Best, cv
Craig Van Ness
Director/Teacher
Willamette River Music Together
503.329.8751
7410 SW Oleson Rd. #387
Portland, OR. 97223
www.willametterivermusictogether.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Kindergarten Cuteness!
The Kindergarteners in Ms. Sally Ann's class are making huge strides in their reading!
Free Choice is ALWAYS a favorite!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Newsflash 3.11.2011
Friday Newsflash
March 11, 2011
I. CHAF Auction Ticket Sales-
Ticket sales start Monday for the big event!!! You can purchase your Auction tickets from your child's teacher. Don't forget to ask your child's grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors to come as well. Tickets will be $40 (single)/ $75 (couple), with a five dollar discount per ticket $35 (single)/ $65 (couple) if purchased before April 1st. This includes a complete Italian Buffet with dessert and wine/beer. Don't forget to get your tickets as soon as possible!!
II. CHAF Auction-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations thus far! If you have not yet asked your personal connections for their special donation, now is the time. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. The next Auction meeting will take place on April 7th at 5:15 in the library. If you are interested in knowing what auction items you might want to bid on, come to the meeting and get involved!
III. Class Contest for Donations-
Are you competitive? There is currently a class contest to see who can get the most donations per student. Have you procured any auction items towards your classroom? This includes purchased auction tickets, so buy yours now! The contest ends April 1st!
IV. Kindergarten Needs Jeans-
The Kindergarten class still needs jeans for their class auction project. So before you take those old jeans to Goodwill, consider donating them to the Kindergarten class. All types of jeans will be accepted. The donation deadline is extended until March 18th.
V. New Staff and Families-
At the Jean Road Campus we have hired a new teacher for the Early Toddler Room. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Kim who will be joining Ms. Sarah and the Early Toddlers! Also, Mr. Alex's class at the Meridian campus has a new friend! Lily Olson has joined the rest of Alex's Transitional Kindergarten class. Welcome Lily and family!
VI. Scholastic-
Your current Scholastic order forms are due on March 18th. Now is a great time to purchase books to read for Spring Break and even summer reading! Everyone loves a new book!
VII. Spring Break/ No Curriculum-
Spring Break is just around the corner! The week of March 21st through the 25th is our Spring Break week. We will be open as usual, but with a break from typical curriculum. Also, the Meridian campus students are not required to wear uniforms during Spring Break week. Please let us know if your child will or will not be attending this week so we can plan accordingly. Thank you!
VIII. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
IX. Menu-
Monday- Chicken burgers, French fries, pears
Tuesday- Beef stew, bread and butter, applesauce
Wednesday- Minestrone soup, saltines, peaches
March 11, 2011
I. CHAF Auction Ticket Sales-
Ticket sales start Monday for the big event!!! You can purchase your Auction tickets from your child's teacher. Don't forget to ask your child's grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors to come as well. Tickets will be $40 (single)/ $75 (couple), with a five dollar discount per ticket $35 (single)/ $65 (couple) if purchased before April 1st. This includes a complete Italian Buffet with dessert and wine/beer. Don't forget to get your tickets as soon as possible!!
II. CHAF Auction-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations thus far! If you have not yet asked your personal connections for their special donation, now is the time. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. The next Auction meeting will take place on April 7th at 5:15 in the library. If you are interested in knowing what auction items you might want to bid on, come to the meeting and get involved!
III. Class Contest for Donations-
Are you competitive? There is currently a class contest to see who can get the most donations per student. Have you procured any auction items towards your classroom? This includes purchased auction tickets, so buy yours now! The contest ends April 1st!
IV. Kindergarten Needs Jeans-
The Kindergarten class still needs jeans for their class auction project. So before you take those old jeans to Goodwill, consider donating them to the Kindergarten class. All types of jeans will be accepted. The donation deadline is extended until March 18th.
V. New Staff and Families-
At the Jean Road Campus we have hired a new teacher for the Early Toddler Room. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Kim who will be joining Ms. Sarah and the Early Toddlers! Also, Mr. Alex's class at the Meridian campus has a new friend! Lily Olson has joined the rest of Alex's Transitional Kindergarten class. Welcome Lily and family!
VI. Scholastic-
Your current Scholastic order forms are due on March 18th. Now is a great time to purchase books to read for Spring Break and even summer reading! Everyone loves a new book!
VII. Spring Break/ No Curriculum-
Spring Break is just around the corner! The week of March 21st through the 25th is our Spring Break week. We will be open as usual, but with a break from typical curriculum. Also, the Meridian campus students are not required to wear uniforms during Spring Break week. Please let us know if your child will or will not be attending this week so we can plan accordingly. Thank you!
VIII. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
IX. Menu-
Monday- Chicken burgers, French fries, pears
Tuesday- Beef stew, bread and butter, applesauce
Wednesday- Minestrone soup, saltines, peaches
Thursday, March 10, 2011
"If There Was a Fish In My Bathtub..." By: Ms. Sally Jo's Class
"If There Was a fish In My bathtub....."
Journals from March 10th, 2011
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would scream. Well, I mean my Mom would SCREEEAAAM! I would play with it. I would eat it. Oops, I forgot to cook it!"
By: Brock Fiorello
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would make it all bubbly. I would play with it. I would have fun. It would be called Rupunzel."
By: Bella Mann
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would play with it. Next, I would make it bubbly. Next, I would name it. Next, I would sell it."
By: Parker Banks
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would flush it down my drain. I could also eat it for dinner. Or it could be my playing friend. I could take it wherever I go!"
By: Zander Groman
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would play Throw-a-Fish, Catch-a-Fish. Then I would put it back in the sea. Next I would give it a kiss. Finally, I would say good-bye and watch it swim away."
By: Alex Miller
Journals from March 10th, 2011
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would scream. Well, I mean my Mom would SCREEEAAAM! I would play with it. I would eat it. Oops, I forgot to cook it!"
By: Brock Fiorello
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would make it all bubbly. I would play with it. I would have fun. It would be called Rupunzel."
By: Bella Mann
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would play with it. Next, I would make it bubbly. Next, I would name it. Next, I would sell it."
By: Parker Banks
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would flush it down my drain. I could also eat it for dinner. Or it could be my playing friend. I could take it wherever I go!"
By: Zander Groman
"If there was a fish in my bathtub I would play Throw-a-Fish, Catch-a-Fish. Then I would put it back in the sea. Next I would give it a kiss. Finally, I would say good-bye and watch it swim away."
By: Alex Miller
Monday, March 7, 2011
Newsflash 3.4.2011
Friday Newsflash
March 4, 2011
I. CHAF Auction-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations! If you have personal connections with businesses or even out of town family that you think might still be willing to donate, don't hesitate to ask. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for May 14th. The next Auction meeting will take place on April 7th at 5:15 in the library. We hope to see you there!
II. Kindergarten Needs Jeans-
Speaking of the auction, Ms. Sally Ann's Kindergarten Class is collecting jeans of all sizes for their class auction project. If you have any pair of old jeans with or without holes, please bring them to Ms. Sally Ann at the Meridian campus by next Friday! Thank you.
III. New Families-
This week we are proud to announce that two new families have joined the Meridian Campus. Please join us in welcoming Abigail Rosenfeld to Ms. Erin R.'s class and Gianni Hunt to Mr. Alex's class. We are glad that you are here! Welcome to our CHA family!
IV. German Fasching-
This Tuesday, March 8th, all Meridian Campus students are invited to dress up in their costumes and to join in a children’s celebration of German FASCHING! We dress up in our costumes at 2:30 and start with dancing to German tunes in the gym at 2:45! Next, children will dine on German Strueselkuchen, and finish with a musical parade to collect bonbons (candy) and show off their outfits! Because of this fun event, scheduled German classes will not take place on Tuesday.
V. Scholastic-
Have you checked your mailbox for your Scholastic order? The current scholastic order forms are due on March 18th. This is a great time to start stocking up on books for Summer reading!
VI. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
March 4, 2011
I. CHAF Auction-
A big thank you to everyone who has procured Auction Donations! If you have personal connections with businesses or even out of town family that you think might still be willing to donate, don't hesitate to ask. We will continue to collect donations through the month of March. If you need more information feel free to contact the CHAF President, Jennifer Gerritz at jgerritz@gmail.com. Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for May 14th. The next Auction meeting will take place on April 7th at 5:15 in the library. We hope to see you there!
II. Kindergarten Needs Jeans-
Speaking of the auction, Ms. Sally Ann's Kindergarten Class is collecting jeans of all sizes for their class auction project. If you have any pair of old jeans with or without holes, please bring them to Ms. Sally Ann at the Meridian campus by next Friday! Thank you.
III. New Families-
This week we are proud to announce that two new families have joined the Meridian Campus. Please join us in welcoming Abigail Rosenfeld to Ms. Erin R.'s class and Gianni Hunt to Mr. Alex's class. We are glad that you are here! Welcome to our CHA family!
IV. German Fasching-
This Tuesday, March 8th, all Meridian Campus students are invited to dress up in their costumes and to join in a children’s celebration of German FASCHING! We dress up in our costumes at 2:30 and start with dancing to German tunes in the gym at 2:45! Next, children will dine on German Strueselkuchen, and finish with a musical parade to collect bonbons (candy) and show off their outfits! Because of this fun event, scheduled German classes will not take place on Tuesday.
V. Scholastic-
Have you checked your mailbox for your Scholastic order? The current scholastic order forms are due on March 18th. This is a great time to start stocking up on books for Summer reading!
VI. Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog-
Be sure that you are keeping up to date on all of the latest CHA information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our updated online blog.
Facebook www.facebook.com/thechildrenshouracademy
Twitter www.twitter.com/thechildrenshr
CHA Blog www.chaconnection.blogspot.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Dr. Seuss Inspired Nonsense Stories by Ms. Mariola's Class
*** Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss – A celebration of imagination***
What would you do or say if you met Dr. Seuss?
Jessie – I would make him a maker that makes silly sounds and a new story about … if the butterfly eats a peanut it will turn into a unicorn.
Arianna – We can make him a card that’s funny and says funny words like bla, bla, bla…and we can make him a book that says Dr. Seuss.
Jonathan – Maybe we can make up a story. Maybe a frog can land on a dragon and the dragon can land on the butterfly and then the butterfly will eat a hamburger that has a frog inside.
Will – I could give him another Dr. Seuss book and a story; “Alien turns into a dragon, when the dragon lands on the castle it will turn back into an alien… and alien will turn into a flower”.
Gus – Story for Dr. Seuss; “ If Butterflies lands on the flower and it can taste the honey in the flower, then it will turn into a bee. Then bee lands on hello kitty and turns into a bear”.
Ashkon – Story for Dr. Seuss; “The butterfly landed on the frog and frog jumped away on the grass, and the dragonfly said “Have you met a butterfly?” and the frog said, “Yes!”
Hailey – You can love him. Story for Dr. Seuss; “ A bird landed on the volcano and before it exploded the bird said to the giraffe “Oh, oh I think your name is Beeswax”
Wiley – Story for Dr. Seuss; You could give him a star with picture of a kid… and a light bulb can fall on it and then a bird can land on a bear and a bear will turn into a blanket and a blanket turns back into a bear.
Nicholas - You can give Dr. Seuss a toy monster truck.
What would you do or say if you met Dr. Seuss?
Jessie – I would make him a maker that makes silly sounds and a new story about … if the butterfly eats a peanut it will turn into a unicorn.
Arianna – We can make him a card that’s funny and says funny words like bla, bla, bla…and we can make him a book that says Dr. Seuss.
Jonathan – Maybe we can make up a story. Maybe a frog can land on a dragon and the dragon can land on the butterfly and then the butterfly will eat a hamburger that has a frog inside.
Will – I could give him another Dr. Seuss book and a story; “Alien turns into a dragon, when the dragon lands on the castle it will turn back into an alien… and alien will turn into a flower”.
Gus – Story for Dr. Seuss; “ If Butterflies lands on the flower and it can taste the honey in the flower, then it will turn into a bee. Then bee lands on hello kitty and turns into a bear”.
Ashkon – Story for Dr. Seuss; “The butterfly landed on the frog and frog jumped away on the grass, and the dragonfly said “Have you met a butterfly?” and the frog said, “Yes!”
Hailey – You can love him. Story for Dr. Seuss; “ A bird landed on the volcano and before it exploded the bird said to the giraffe “Oh, oh I think your name is Beeswax”
Wiley – Story for Dr. Seuss; You could give him a star with picture of a kid… and a light bulb can fall on it and then a bird can land on a bear and a bear will turn into a blanket and a blanket turns back into a bear.
Nicholas - You can give Dr. Seuss a toy monster truck.
Yummy Breakfast Crepes
Every week our class participates in a cooking project. Cooking is great for team building, using math in real life not to mention the fact that it is just fun. Today, we made yummy GFCF crapes. The recipe below was easy to follow not to mention super delicious--enjoy!
Ms. Hayley
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Easy Breakfast Crepes
SERVES 4
1 cup brown rice flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup milk (plain-flavored rice, soy, hemp or almond milk)
2 large eggs**
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon oil
Fill with bananas and your favorite chocolate sauce
1. Mix flour and sugar in a blender or mixing bowl. Add milk, eggs and vanilla and combine well. Batter should be thin, like cake batter. If it’s too runny, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
2. Place oil in a heavy skillet or non-stick pan and heat skillet to medium high. Pour enough batter into the skillet to coat the bottom of the pan. Tilt the pan until batter is evenly distributed. Cook until bubbles cover the crepe. Peek at the bottom; crepe should cook until bottom is lightly browned. (Patience is key here. If you flip too early, you’ll split the crepe). Flip crepe with a spatula and cook briefly until done. Repeat until all batter is used.
**Tip: Eating egg free? An egg substitute may make these crepes more brittle. To help prevent this, add ¼ cup more milk and 1 teaspoon oil to the batter. Keep crepes small, about 4 to 5 inches in diameter
Ms. Hayley
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Easy Breakfast Crepes
SERVES 4
1 cup brown rice flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup milk (plain-flavored rice, soy, hemp or almond milk)
2 large eggs**
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon oil
Fill with bananas and your favorite chocolate sauce
1. Mix flour and sugar in a blender or mixing bowl. Add milk, eggs and vanilla and combine well. Batter should be thin, like cake batter. If it’s too runny, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
2. Place oil in a heavy skillet or non-stick pan and heat skillet to medium high. Pour enough batter into the skillet to coat the bottom of the pan. Tilt the pan until batter is evenly distributed. Cook until bubbles cover the crepe. Peek at the bottom; crepe should cook until bottom is lightly browned. (Patience is key here. If you flip too early, you’ll split the crepe). Flip crepe with a spatula and cook briefly until done. Repeat until all batter is used.
**Tip: Eating egg free? An egg substitute may make these crepes more brittle. To help prevent this, add ¼ cup more milk and 1 teaspoon oil to the batter. Keep crepes small, about 4 to 5 inches in diameter
Fasching Invitation to Meridian Campus Students
Fasching
Oh, no! The fools are loose for that crazy, wacky time of the year, those days of fun and folly, of masks, parties, and parades of the Fasching season!
This Tuesday, March 8th, all Meridian Campus students are invited to dress up in their (non-scary!) costumes and to join in a children’s celebration of German FASCHING! We dress up in our costumes at 2:30 and start with dancing to German tunes in the gym at 2:45! Next, children will dine on German Strueselkuchen, and finish with a musical parade to collect bonbons and show off their outfits!
What is Fasching? Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval, Carnevale or Masopust –the names differ in the various regions of Germany, but they all mean the same thing: the “foolish” late-winter days, dedicated to merry-making and fun during the fourth season. Fasching is all about having a good sense of humor, yet having respect and staying within limits. Many Fasching clubs throughout Germany will host costume balls and dances in addition to prank sessions (called Kappensitzungen). This is a time for carnivals, laughter, fun, dancing parties and parades!
Machen wir SPASS!! Bis dann!
Oh, no! The fools are loose for that crazy, wacky time of the year, those days of fun and folly, of masks, parties, and parades of the Fasching season!
This Tuesday, March 8th, all Meridian Campus students are invited to dress up in their (non-scary!) costumes and to join in a children’s celebration of German FASCHING! We dress up in our costumes at 2:30 and start with dancing to German tunes in the gym at 2:45! Next, children will dine on German Strueselkuchen, and finish with a musical parade to collect bonbons and show off their outfits!
What is Fasching? Fasching, Fastnacht, Karneval, Carnevale or Masopust –the names differ in the various regions of Germany, but they all mean the same thing: the “foolish” late-winter days, dedicated to merry-making and fun during the fourth season. Fasching is all about having a good sense of humor, yet having respect and staying within limits. Many Fasching clubs throughout Germany will host costume balls and dances in addition to prank sessions (called Kappensitzungen). This is a time for carnivals, laughter, fun, dancing parties and parades!
Machen wir SPASS!! Bis dann!
Fun Family Activities This Weekend!
Owl Fest at Tryon Creek State Park Visitor's Center
Where: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, Or
When: Mar 5, 2011 at 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Portland is teeming with owl activity in the spring. If you love owls, come out to Tryon Creek State Natural Area for an evening of owl celebration. Activities for the entire family including owl pellet dissection, book reading and signing by local authors, snacks, guided hikes and up close encounters with the Audubon education owls – Hazel and Julio. Appropriate for all ages. Advance registration not required but guided hikes are on a first come, first served basis.
Kids’ Morning Skate at Oaks Park
Where: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way,Portland, Or
When: March 5 at 10:30 am – noon
Cost: $5.50/kids
Ages: 2-10
Start you weekend with healthy family fun! A weekly skate session for kids and their parents includes a group lesson, skating games, songs, and other activities. Fee includes skate rental
Grand Lodge’s 89th Birthday
Where: 3505 Pacific Avenue Forest Grove, Or
When: March 5th at 4 pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Bring the whole family out to Forest Grove to celebrate the Grand Lodge’s birthday. They’ll have kids’ stuff, food and beer specials, and live music.
ComedySportz 4 Kidz
Where: 1963 NW Kearney Street Portland, Or
When: March 6 at 4pm
Cost: $8/adults, $6/kids (0-12)
Now there’s a special ComedySportz show just for kids! It’s ComedySportz 4 Kidz focuses the games and suggestions on the 12-and-under crowd, use lots of audience volunteers and generally have a rip-roaring good time.
Where: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, Or
When: Mar 5, 2011 at 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Portland is teeming with owl activity in the spring. If you love owls, come out to Tryon Creek State Natural Area for an evening of owl celebration. Activities for the entire family including owl pellet dissection, book reading and signing by local authors, snacks, guided hikes and up close encounters with the Audubon education owls – Hazel and Julio. Appropriate for all ages. Advance registration not required but guided hikes are on a first come, first served basis.
Kids’ Morning Skate at Oaks Park
Where: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way,Portland, Or
When: March 5 at 10:30 am – noon
Cost: $5.50/kids
Ages: 2-10
Start you weekend with healthy family fun! A weekly skate session for kids and their parents includes a group lesson, skating games, songs, and other activities. Fee includes skate rental
Grand Lodge’s 89th Birthday
Where: 3505 Pacific Avenue Forest Grove, Or
When: March 5th at 4 pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Bring the whole family out to Forest Grove to celebrate the Grand Lodge’s birthday. They’ll have kids’ stuff, food and beer specials, and live music.
ComedySportz 4 Kidz
Where: 1963 NW Kearney Street Portland, Or
When: March 6 at 4pm
Cost: $8/adults, $6/kids (0-12)
Now there’s a special ComedySportz show just for kids! It’s ComedySportz 4 Kidz focuses the games and suggestions on the 12-and-under crowd, use lots of audience volunteers and generally have a rip-roaring good time.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Great article for Raising Children!
Loving the Child You Have
Written by Laurie Davala
With so much research supporting inborn temperament, the days of believing children are born as “blank slates” are long gone. Yet parents still struggle with the underlying belief that our children’s emotions, intelligence, behavior, preferences, etc. are all products of our parenting and fully under our control. Thus, we often find ourselves putting greater effort into changing characteristics we dislike in our children than into appreciating them as unique individuals. The reality, that each child enters the world with a blueprint from which all characteristics must stem, is both freeing and confining—freeing in that our parenting is not wholly responsible for our children’s every flaw and confining in that we can only work with what we have.
Jane Nelsen, Ed.D. and coauthor of Positive Discipline for Preschoolers, says “one of the most beautiful ways of expressing love for a child is learning to love that child—not the child you wish you had.” So how do we push aside our deep-rooted expectations and achieve such an expression of love? The following suggestions provide a solid start.
Keep perspective
Every one of us has undesirable traits—stubbornness, defensiveness, impatience, negativity, over-sensitivity, under-sensitivity—traits we may spend a lifetime working on and never quite overcome. No matter how perfect our parenting, our children are human and come into this world with certain challenges they will continue to face for life just like the rest of us.
Be realistic
In How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen, child and family therapist Dr. H. Norman Wright states that “every child is predisposed toward certain personality characteristics.” Making children who are genetically prone to certain characteristics suppress and replace them is somewhat like making children destined for shortness tall. You can raise them on whole foods and exercise, but they will never reach six feet. That’s not to say we shouldn’t provide emotional sustenance to help hesitant children experience adventure or negative children see the positive, but we must recognize that each child starts from a different place and with different wiring.
Remember self-esteem
If we put incredible energy into changing our children’s natural temperaments, their temperaments inevitably remain, but their self-esteem suffers as they watch us try hard to change them. Sharon Smith says her five-year-old daughter Marie complains daily of the slightest bump or bruise despite Sharon’s attempts to downplay their significance. Since this attention to minor details appears to be part of Marie’s temperament, efforts to change it likely leave her feeling misunderstood or weak. Accepting such traits as differences in personality, rather than as flaws, reduces damage to self-esteem. But take heart, most “weaknesses” have strengths on the flipside, and the child who obsesses over the smallest detail today may be the brain surgeon of tomorrow.
Avoid comparisons
Thoughts like, “Whenever Jesse fails, he just works that much harder,” or “When I was a kid, I ate whatever was on my plate without complaining,” can hinder perspective-taking. Each set of genes and upbringing results in different strengths and weaknesses. Leadership expert Donna Thomas-Rodgers tried to impose who she was on her daughter for years before recognizing that her daughter entered this world with a personality nothing like her own. Once she accepted and nurtured her daughter’s differences, their arguments virtually disappeared and the two at last grew very close (and needless to say, enjoyed each other far more!)
Acknowledge development
Most of us avoid reprimanding our young children for not performing cognitively beyond their years, yet may be quick to judge them for developmentally normal behavior such as failing to share a prized possession. (By the way, how often do we share our prized possessions?) Unfortunately, the latter is at least as damaging, and while reading and math are relatively black and white, behavior has incredibly complex intricacies even adults never fully master. Learning that letters make certain sounds is far simpler, for example, than learning that it’s okay to spend considerable energy practicing to defeat others in soccer, but not to reveal your honest feelings about winning in their presence.
Value differences
We all know to value diversity in others or in characteristics our children possess that we admire. But what about those talents or interests that just aren’t particularly important to us? What if we’re a family who values academics and one of our children pursues gardening? Judy Davids said her son Dylan developed a passion for video games and Pokemon cards, a distress to his father who preferred “real” sports. Though Judy did not understand his enthusiasm, she recognized it and enrolled him in animation classes. At age 17, Dylan got accepted into two universities with game design programs. His parents’ acceptance allowed him to use the potent combination of passion and talent to excel in a career he loves.
Focus on the positive
Everywhere, we hear advice to catch our children behaving and to acknowledge them for it. Of course this is great advice, but can we take it a step further? Instead of looking for the positive as another means of improving our children, can we look for the positive to improve our view of them? When we focus on positives, we find that what we perceive as negative matters to us far less and often fades away.
Do unto others…
Our children do not need parents who find and improve upon their every “flaw,” but who celebrate and foster their unique personalities and love them as they are. If our message gets through, they will learn from our example and accept others. And if we’re lucky, they might even grow up Loving the Parents They Have.
Laurie Davala, mother of two, formerly taught early childhood special education and now writes children’s books and parenting articles.
Written by Laurie Davala
With so much research supporting inborn temperament, the days of believing children are born as “blank slates” are long gone. Yet parents still struggle with the underlying belief that our children’s emotions, intelligence, behavior, preferences, etc. are all products of our parenting and fully under our control. Thus, we often find ourselves putting greater effort into changing characteristics we dislike in our children than into appreciating them as unique individuals. The reality, that each child enters the world with a blueprint from which all characteristics must stem, is both freeing and confining—freeing in that our parenting is not wholly responsible for our children’s every flaw and confining in that we can only work with what we have.
Jane Nelsen, Ed.D. and coauthor of Positive Discipline for Preschoolers, says “one of the most beautiful ways of expressing love for a child is learning to love that child—not the child you wish you had.” So how do we push aside our deep-rooted expectations and achieve such an expression of love? The following suggestions provide a solid start.
Keep perspective
Every one of us has undesirable traits—stubbornness, defensiveness, impatience, negativity, over-sensitivity, under-sensitivity—traits we may spend a lifetime working on and never quite overcome. No matter how perfect our parenting, our children are human and come into this world with certain challenges they will continue to face for life just like the rest of us.
Be realistic
In How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen, child and family therapist Dr. H. Norman Wright states that “every child is predisposed toward certain personality characteristics.” Making children who are genetically prone to certain characteristics suppress and replace them is somewhat like making children destined for shortness tall. You can raise them on whole foods and exercise, but they will never reach six feet. That’s not to say we shouldn’t provide emotional sustenance to help hesitant children experience adventure or negative children see the positive, but we must recognize that each child starts from a different place and with different wiring.
Remember self-esteem
If we put incredible energy into changing our children’s natural temperaments, their temperaments inevitably remain, but their self-esteem suffers as they watch us try hard to change them. Sharon Smith says her five-year-old daughter Marie complains daily of the slightest bump or bruise despite Sharon’s attempts to downplay their significance. Since this attention to minor details appears to be part of Marie’s temperament, efforts to change it likely leave her feeling misunderstood or weak. Accepting such traits as differences in personality, rather than as flaws, reduces damage to self-esteem. But take heart, most “weaknesses” have strengths on the flipside, and the child who obsesses over the smallest detail today may be the brain surgeon of tomorrow.
Avoid comparisons
Thoughts like, “Whenever Jesse fails, he just works that much harder,” or “When I was a kid, I ate whatever was on my plate without complaining,” can hinder perspective-taking. Each set of genes and upbringing results in different strengths and weaknesses. Leadership expert Donna Thomas-Rodgers tried to impose who she was on her daughter for years before recognizing that her daughter entered this world with a personality nothing like her own. Once she accepted and nurtured her daughter’s differences, their arguments virtually disappeared and the two at last grew very close (and needless to say, enjoyed each other far more!)
Acknowledge development
Most of us avoid reprimanding our young children for not performing cognitively beyond their years, yet may be quick to judge them for developmentally normal behavior such as failing to share a prized possession. (By the way, how often do we share our prized possessions?) Unfortunately, the latter is at least as damaging, and while reading and math are relatively black and white, behavior has incredibly complex intricacies even adults never fully master. Learning that letters make certain sounds is far simpler, for example, than learning that it’s okay to spend considerable energy practicing to defeat others in soccer, but not to reveal your honest feelings about winning in their presence.
Value differences
We all know to value diversity in others or in characteristics our children possess that we admire. But what about those talents or interests that just aren’t particularly important to us? What if we’re a family who values academics and one of our children pursues gardening? Judy Davids said her son Dylan developed a passion for video games and Pokemon cards, a distress to his father who preferred “real” sports. Though Judy did not understand his enthusiasm, she recognized it and enrolled him in animation classes. At age 17, Dylan got accepted into two universities with game design programs. His parents’ acceptance allowed him to use the potent combination of passion and talent to excel in a career he loves.
Focus on the positive
Everywhere, we hear advice to catch our children behaving and to acknowledge them for it. Of course this is great advice, but can we take it a step further? Instead of looking for the positive as another means of improving our children, can we look for the positive to improve our view of them? When we focus on positives, we find that what we perceive as negative matters to us far less and often fades away.
Do unto others…
Our children do not need parents who find and improve upon their every “flaw,” but who celebrate and foster their unique personalities and love them as they are. If our message gets through, they will learn from our example and accept others. And if we’re lucky, they might even grow up Loving the Parents They Have.
Laurie Davala, mother of two, formerly taught early childhood special education and now writes children’s books and parenting articles.
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