January
January went by fast! Last month we had fun learning about the Lunar New Year, Alaska and the story of Balto, the sled dog.
The students also enjoyed building and playing with ice. We explored why polar bears don’t get as cold as we do when we have our “paws” in ice, even though our body temperature is the same. We used some blubber (Crisco) to help keep our “paws” warm and it was really fun! The students were amazed to see how the blubber kept out the cold.
Themes this Month
- Friendship and Valentine’s Day
- Where do you live? What are your parents’ names?
- Portland, Oregon
Special Guests
Last month, we enjoyed special guests Takumi Kato, Tallulah’s Daddy, Gerardo Calderon and a little grandparent story time! We love having special guests visit our school each week!
Art
We are busy in the art area every day! Sometimes we work on projects for a long time, like creating our Valentine boxes, holiday gifts and writing letters. Other days we do a craft, or a painting, and sometimes we experiment with colors!
February
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 14th and 15th- Valentine’s Day Party-Each Class will celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Monday, Feb. 20 – NO SCHOOL – Presidents’ Day
Parent/Teacher conferences –
We love spending the day with the students, and often pick up time is busy and we may not get to talk with you as much as we wish we could. Parent/Teacher conferences are a great time to catch up! It is totally optional, but is a great time to ask questions and celebrate your child’s accomplishments. Conferences can be in-person, or virtual. A conference sign-up sheet will be at check -in Monday, Feb. 6th. Email Jennifer if the conference form is all filled up and you would like to schedule at time to meet.
Snow Days
We follow Portland Public Schools’ decisions regarding snow days, if PPS is closed, or opening late, due to weather, Hands On will be closed. If Hands On closes because of weather, we will let you know as soon as possible by sending an email, updating our phone message and website. If we have to close we will close for the whole school day, both morning and afternoon. You will be offered make up days for each day Hands On is closed due to weather.
Valentine’s Day
We will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 & 15th to make sure most everyone gets in on the fun.
You do not need to address cards to individual children, but make sure each card is signed from your child.
Example, “To my friend, Love Holly” or “From, Junot”
We have 28 kids in the morning class, and 20 in the afternoon. Everyone will have plenty of love in their Valentine box so please make as many cards you feel comfortable making, 12, 20, 28 or 48!
Please bring in your child’s cards no later than Feb. 13th, the earlier the better! The students will have lots of work to do delivering all their cards to their friend’s mailboxes.
Cards can be store-bought or homemade, and include treats & toys. Children will be encouraged to save any treats for after school, and ask parents first.
Summer Camps and Fall Preschool Registration
Fall and summer registration is open! Please register early to get your first choice of days. Our classes and camps are filling up!