Neighborhood House Head Start

April Newsletter

Lena (Family Services Coordinator) (x7307): I would like to thank every parent that shared their ideas with me this year. We can’t do our jobs without your input. We hope that you know that all our staff members always want to hear from you and would be happy to discuss any of your suggestions.

In the next few days, there will be a PARENT SURVEY in your child’s cubby (for Head Start families). I hope you will take the time to fill it out and get it back to your teacher or any staff member by May 2nd. Thank you!

We are so lucky to have such a great variety of languages, cultures, and beliefs here at Neighborhood House Head Start. We want to learn and include all of you in our conversation to become the very best Head Start program possi-ble. Happy Spring!

Sherry (Volunteer Coordinator) (x7305): Along with our wonderful parents and community volunteers, we have students from local Middle and High Schools

who volunteer in our classrooms. Lexi Krate and Alison Grommes come to SCC from Robert Gray every morning. Here

are their thoughts about being in the classroom. Alison shared, “I like hanging out with the kids. I think it’s really im-

pressive that the kids know multiple languages.” Lexi noted, “The kids have gotten really good at sharing and solving

their own problems.” She then went on to say, “It’s my favorite part of the day.” Alison agreed. Teacher Larine Wallace

expressed, “When they come, I can spend more time one on one with the kids. The girls

know our routines and the individual needs of the children.” Teacher Jane Chan summed it

up this way: “Both girls are so good at building relationships with the kids. The community

that they have built is heartwarming to see.”

Ann (Health and Safety Coordinator) (x7302):

Limiting the number of times your child has a drink that contains natural or added sugar dur-ing the day helps prevent tooth decay and supports healthy growth. Water is the best drink to serve between meals. Here are some tips to encourage your child to drink water: Be a good role model by drinking water instead of drinks with sugar.

Offer water when your child is thirsty between meals.

Let your child drink from single-use bendy, silly, or colored straws, or choose a favorite cup or water bottle.

Carry water bottles to refill with tap water.

Add a lemon, lime, or orange slice or fresh mint leaves to water.

Set up a station where your child can get a drink of water when he or she is thirsty.

Cari (Education Coordinator) (x7209): Spring is here! As the weather begins to get warmer, please dress your child in appropriate clothing and remember:

Children must wear close-toed shoes- no sandals or flip-flops!

Keep an extra set of clothes at school in case of accidents

Apply sunscreen as needed before class

For future submissions, please email Hannah Nauen at: hnauen@nhweb.org or call 503-246-1663x7124

Classroom updates! SCC CLASSROOM ONE

The morning class has been working on two things: the post office and bugs! With the post office study, students have been making letters for one another and putting them in our class mail boxes. It’s great to watch the stu-dents deliver mail to their classmates. The second study is our in-depth look at all things creepy-crawly. After visits from Blue Death Feigning Beetles, Roly Polys, and Grubs, the students have been talking about what it means to be an insect. They discovered that all insects must have 6 legs and may or may not have wings. One particular in-sect we’ve been focusing on is the ant. We have an ant farm in class. One non-insect we’ve been talking about this week is the spider. We will also have snails and butterflies soon!

The afternoon class has been working with a puppet named Choosy to make healthy food choices that help us to grow. We spent some time exploring peppers. First we sorted them by color, tasted them, picked out the seeds and saved some for planting. Miss Cassie had a big bag and by the end of the day they were all gone!

We’ve also been working on letter sounds. We’ve been very successful with sharing bags! Each child goes home with a paper bag with a letter on the front. With their parents’ help they are filling the bag with items that start with that letter. For example, T is for Transformers, Ta-rantula, and Triceratops. The last thing we’ve been work-ing on is “filling the bucket”. We read a book that talks about how doing things for others makes people happy and “fills their bucket.” Students are being good friends and showing compassion and empathy towards one an-other.

Teachers Kate, Cassie, Mackenzie, and Sara

SCC CLASSROOM TWO

Classroom 2 has been enjoying the change in weath-er, warmer temperatures, and sunnier skies by starting to dig up our garden and planting seeds in our classroom. We have been exploring how plants grow and have been hands-on with the edible parts of plants, seeds, roots, stems, leaves and flow-ers. We have had a lot of fun in our superhero unit, exploring what makes a superhero and how we can be superheroes in our classroom and communi-ty. It's been a blast following our student's creative minds as we create superhero capes, identities and animal costumes. This month we've welcomed Teacher Zahra into our classroom and she has taught us several great new songs in Swahili.

Teachers Emily, Claire, Zahra, and Liliya

SCC CLASSROOM THREE

The morning class in Room Three has been learning how to use their problem-solvers. They are doing a great job using the problem-solvers when they need them!

Last week our ant farm and caterpillars arrived! The chil-dren have been observing the insects and drawing about them in their journals. This week we read “The Very Hun-gry Caterpillar” to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly before our caterpillars become butterflies!

The afternoon class in Room Three has just finished a big unit on ANIMALS. We talked about animals that would make good pets and what it means to be a “wild animal”. We played Vet Hospital and spent time caring for hurt animals. We learned the word “extinct” when we learned about dinosaurs. Finally, we talked about bugs, spiders, and birds. Our class enjoyed making a bug to take home as well as a “bug” made with crackers, pretzels, and soy nut butter. Those bugs were YUMMY!

Teachers Larine, Mary, Jane, Jordan, and Kimberley

Classroom updates! MARKHAM

In April, Markham children studied seeds and plants. We started the unit off by discussing what plants need to grow (water, sun, soil, and air). Next, the children had the opportunity to watch na-sturtium seeds germinate by placing the seeds in moist plastic bag “greenhouses.” As the seeds sprouted, children were introduced to the parts of plants, including seeds, roots, stem leaves, and flowers.

During small group activities, we created silly-face people using small plastic cups decorated with stickers, markers, and grass seed for hair. Right now our little people are all bald but we are anxiously awaiting ‘hair’ growth. The boys and girls also planted bush bean seeds and will track growth throughout the next two weeks.

We were so excited to find dandelions so we could blow the seeds away just like in the books we have been reading. One of our favorite books this month has been “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Eh-lert. This great little book helps children understand how to plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings, and nurture their growth. Check it out at your local library.

The children have been working hard planting a communal garden outside. Our small playground is filled with flowers and garden tools. We have especially enjoyed our large homemade greenhouse used to keep veggies and flowers warm at night and during the cooler spring days.

Now that warm weather has finally arrived, please remember to send your children to school in closed-toe shoes, NOT flip-flops or open-toed shoes. These shoes can be a safety issue when we play outside.

Teachers Hayley, Ruba, and Anne

EARLY HEAD START

We had a lot of fun this month! Families were involved

in activities that stimulate senses and feelings. They

had the opportunity to reinforce PBIS learning skills

and practice in a multicultural environment.

Ann, our Health Coordinator, organized lead screen-

ings with Multnomah Health Department.

Kati and Diane brought back the Home Visit nutrition

projects. Last month was a delicious hummus recipe.

This month, we will make Yogurt Parfait, a very nutri-

tious snack.

Angelica’s group has a Group Social on April 26th at

10:00 AM—12:30 PM. Be there or be square!

Michelle, Angelica, and Magdalena

Upcoming Events & Reminders!

April 22—(SCC) Dental Screening & Fluoride Varnish,

9:30—11:30 AM and 1:30—3:30 PM

April 26—Early Head Start Group Social (Angelica’s

Group) 10:00 AM—12:30 PM

April 29—(Markham) Dental Screening & Fluoride Var-

nish, 9:30—11:30 AM and 1:30—3:30 PM

May 2—Makeup Day for both AM & PM classes (bring

your child to school!)

May 4—Stephens Creek Crossing LAST Family Fun

Night, 4:30—6:30 PM

May 11—Markham/EHS LAST Family Fun Night, 4:30—

6:30 PM

May 16—Makeup Day for AM classes only (NO PM

CLASSES)

Parent Engagement Corner

Family Fun Nights! I’m sure you already know that our Family Fun Nights include free dinner, childcare,

and trainings on relevant topics for parents such as stress management. But did you also know that at every

Family Fun Night, there is a free raffle for several fun toys and prizes? Attend a Family Fun Night and win big! Dates are be-

low! Next month is the LAST Family Fun Night of the year, so come out and have some fun!!!

Children’s Museum! Your family may be able to attend the Portland Children’s Museum for the low cost of $1 per

person! If you are receiving some form of public income-related assistance (WIC, free/reduced school lunch, TANF, Section

8/Public Housing, Medicaid, or Low Income Energy Assistance) you are eligible to get into the museum for ONE DOLLAR per

person. Visit www.portlandcm.org/join/family-access-program for more information.

Safety Resources! At our Markham/EHS Family Fun Night on April 13, we had a presentation from the Tom Sargent

Safety Center at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. If you want information on buying safety equipment for your child, in-

cluding car seats, cribs, and booster seats, call 503-494-3735 or email Marianne Bridwell-Chapman at bridwell@ohsu.edu.

For future submissions, please email Hannah Nauen at: hnauen@nhweb.org or call 503-246-1663x7124

PARENT SPOTLIGHT: ANDREA THOMPSON

Andrea has a son in the Markham afternoon class. An-drea first found Head Start when she moved to Portland to attend law school at Lewis & Clark in 2014. Andrea is now in her second year at Lewis & Clark Law School, and her son, Aric Jeremiah, is in his second year at Head Start! Besides being a law student, Andrea has her own online business, called “Vintage Noire Genéve”. She partners with vintage stores around the country and has an inven-tory of rare finds and custom designs. Andrea has always loved vintage clothing. She used to wear big vintage hats to church with her grandmother. She is still very close with her grandma. As you can see, Andrea is a very busy woman! In her free time, Andrea enjoys watching movies, reading, and cook-ing with her son. Andrea loves being a mom. She stated that she “loves how he tells me he loves me every day [and] how he needs me”. If Andrea could travel anywhere in the world, she would travel to Dubai or South Africa. Andrea lived in South Af-rica for four months during college and studied Reconcili-ation and Development in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Andrea used this experience by participating in Head Start Policy Council earlier this year. She has been a great addition to Head Start and we love having her family in our program.