Neighborhood House Head Start April Newsletter

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 possible. 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 impressive 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 during 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:
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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:
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Children must wear close-toed shoes- no sandals or flip-flops!
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Keep an extra set of clothes at school in case of accidents
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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
SCC CLASSROOM TWO
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 students 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 insect 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!
Classroom 2 has been enjoying the change in weather, 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 flowers. 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 community. 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.
The afternoon class has been working with a puppet
named Choosy to make healthy food choices that help us
Teachers Emily, Claire, Zahra, and Liliya
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, Tarantula, and Triceratops. The last thing we’ve been working 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 another.
Teachers Kate, Cassie, Mackenzie, and Sara
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 children have been observing the insects and drawing about
them in their journals. This week we read “The Very Hungry 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 nasturtium 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 Ehlert. 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 screenings 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 nutritious 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
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 below! 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, including car seats, cribs, and booster seats, call 503-494-3735 or email Marianne Bridwell-Chapman at bridwell@ohsu.edu.
PARENT SPOTLIGHT: ANDREA THOMPSON
Andrea has a son in the Markham afternoon class. Andrea 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!
Upcoming Events & Reminders!
April 22—(SCC) Dental Screening & Fluoride Varnish,
9:30—11:30 AM and 1:30—3:30 PM
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 inventory 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 cooking with her son. Andrea loves being a mom. She stated
that she “loves how he tells me he loves me every day
April 29—(Markham) Dental Screening & Fluoride Var- [and] how he needs me”.
April 26—Early Head Start Group Social (Angelica’s
Group) 10:00 AM—12:30 PM
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
If Andrea could travel anywhere in the world, she would
travel to Dubai or South Africa. Andrea lived in South Africa for four months during college and studied Reconciliation 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.
May 16—Makeup Day for AM classes only (NO PM
CLASSES)
For future submissions, please email Hannah Nauen at: hnauen@nhweb.org or call 503-246-1663x7124