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Airport Learning
Tree
P
Director: Penny Haakinson
Assistant Director: Ru Coyne
Front Desk: Debbi Alger & Deby Waldner
June 2015
Mothering Heights by Penny Haakinson
Contents
Mothering Heights
1
Upcoming Events
1
Front Desk News
2
The Month of June – Honoring Fathers
“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come
out and say, You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would
Snuggle Bunny News 3
reply, “we’re raising boys.” - Harmon Killebrew
Wobbly Lambs News 3
What a wonderful statement by this father! He really understood what’s important
in this world. If you look at most of the successful people in this world they will
Tiger Cubs I News
4
Tiger Cubs II New
4
Fuzzy Duck News
5
were of time spent together and not anything that he bought for you.
Bouncy Bear News
5
Here are some other quotes that say so well what Fathers are all about.
Kangaroo News
6
“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence
Panther News
6
Budington Kelland.
Family Matters
7
I guess there is no greater teacher than those of us that have been lucky enough
Menu
Attachment
Our Theme This
Month
Summer’s Here
Upcoming Events
6/11 Kindergarten
Graduation
6/12 PNO Hosted by
Debbi & Caitlyn
6/15 Summer Program
Begins
6/19 Father’s Day
Breakfast
always attribute their success to a strong relationship with their father or
mother. As you think of your own memories of your Father, I’ll bet the best ones
to watch our fathers live the lives that they were teaching us to live. I had a real
task master for a father, but even though I had to work very hard, I was watching
him work harder than I was. This toughness that he instilled in me has been a
great gift to me in my life, and a strong contributor to my success.
“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you
have to do it again tomorrow.” - Reed Markham
That is really the toughest part of good parenting. We have to find a way to take
our greatest parenting day and do it over and over again.
But the one thing I would like to say to all of you Dads is “WAY TO GO!!!!” You are
out there doing it each and every day and making a real difference in the lives of
your children who will become our future world. Enjoy this month and especially
Father’s Day. You deserve it.
Page 2
Front Desk News
Dear Parents…
Mother’s Day Success
What a wonderful celebration of all
the moms in our lives at our Mother’s
Tea. In addition to the memorable
performances, it was so nice to see all
of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts
and others at this special event. We
hope that everyone had a good time
mingling with other families as we
enjoyed the nice afternoon and some
refreshments. We love these
opportunities to bring our ALT
“family” together. Thanks so much for
taking the time to join us.
Coming Up – Father’s Day
Breakfast
We will be honoring the father figures
in our lives with our annual pancake
and sausage breakfast on Friday, June
19th from 7am – 9am. We hope you will
join us for this special occasion; these
events mean so much to your
child(ren).
Scholastic Book Order
Our last scholastic book order for
this school year will be submitted on
June 23rd. We will start back up in
September. Thank you for your
continued support.
Summer: Schedules, Shoes, and
Sunscreen
As we begin our journey into the
summer months, we need to remind
everyone of a few important things.
First, the school year is coming to an
end and most schoolagers will be done
the week of June 11th. Our summer
program will begin the week of June
15th. If you or someone you know has
an elementary student that would like
to have some summer fun, please give
them a referral card. We have three
field trips scheduled for each week
and plenty of cooking, science and
arts/crafts projects planned.
Children are sure to have a blast!
For those faimlies that will be leaving
for the summer months and/or have
vacations planned, please let the
front desk know of your schedule
changes. This is often a time when
staff want to take some time off to
be with their families, and we want to
make sure that we are staffed
appropirately.
Second, even though the first thing
we want to do when the weather gets
nice is break out the sandals and flip
flops, we want to remind you that
these do not make for safe climbing,
running, and playing in bark chips.
While flip flops are not allowed at
daycare, proper sandals are okay.
Please just make sure they are
sturdy and that they have a back to
them. Remember however that they
can still get bark chips in them and
be a hastle to play in. Tennis shoes
are always the favored choice.
Finally, as the sun continues to get
warmer, we need to start thinking
about sunscreen. We encourage
families to apply sunscreen to your
child(ren) prior to drop off and then
June Newsletter
we will reapply in the afternoon. Just
make sure you have filled out a
current authorization form and bring
in a bottle of sunscreen with your
child’s name on it. We will store them
up and out of reach of children,
PLEASE DO NOT leave it in your
child’s bag. Additionally, we cannot use
the aerosol spray cans of sunscreen.
New Faces
You will begin to see some new
teachers in the building as we gain
some help for the summer. They are a
great help to facilitate our full time
teachers spending time with their
families and taking vacations so please
introduce yourselves when you see a
new face.
Trading Days
Due to our almost full classrooms,
switching your days within a week may
not be an option. Please feel free to
ask at the front desk, but know that
it may not be available because our
classes are full most days.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear…
Kio
Corban
Maxwell H.
Teacher Jessica
and Teacher Robin
Happy Birthday to you!
Page 3
Classroom News
June Newsletter
Snuggle Bunnies loved by Char & Joy
This month brings some wonderful new friends. We would like to welcome Rhys and Saul to our
classroom. The sunny weather is upon us so please remember to provide short sleeve shirts or
onesies and shorts in the extra clothes bin. For our older friends, please bring shoes and
sunscreen as they may get to go outside. The room is getting busier and busier as these
bunnies get older and stronger. Their sensory awareness is blossoming too. We will focus on
this more and more in the coming months as we bring back sticky tape play, shredded paper
play, sensory boxes, and so much more. Remember tummy time is crucial to your little bunny’s
development so let’s play.
Wobbly Lambs loved by Jan & Denae
We are settling in nicely in the Wobbs room. The children are now accustomed to their new
surroundings. There will be a lot more outdoor time this month. Please apply sunscreen before
coming to school! They will be going out morning and afternoon for at least a half hour each
time. Our target goal for this month is to start our daily circle time. Now that everyone is
transitioned, it’s time for learning some new fun things. The alphabet and animal sounds and
movement plus we will be practicing counting with colors. Father’s Day is coming so something
fun to make for him is in the plans. Make sure we have shoes for outside! Summer is here this
month!
Classroom News
Page 4
June Newsletter
Tiger Cubs I loved by Jen, Denae, & Chela
Last month we had a great time
Pirate week will continue with Y
With summer coming up we look
celebrating Mother’s Day. We
for “Yoho a Pirate” week. We will
forward to lots of time outside
hope you enjoyed our songs to
make treasure chests and pirate
on our very shaded playground.
you and your gift. This month is
ships. During these weeks, look
On nice warm days we may also
my favorite time of year with
out for Captain Jen Sparrow and
play in the water so make sure
our pirate theme. We will be
listen for some fun pirate music
your child has a change of
switching
up
such as “We Are the Pirates
clothes. On hot days, we also
because I will be on vacation
Who Don’t Do Anything.” After
provide extra water for your
and don’t want to miss pirate
2 pirate weeks, we will come
child but sunscreen is up to you.
week. The first week of June
back to the letter W. We will
Just make sure you fill out the
our letter of the week will be V.
talk
form in the office and bring in
We will be dressing Vikings and
whales. We may even have a
tasting vegetables. We will then
watermelon treat. We will end
start our pirate weeks with “X”
the last few days of June with
marks the spot. We will be
letter Z where we talk about the
making treasure maps and flags.
zoo.
some
letters
about
watermelons
and
a bottle (no aerosol sprays).
Tiger Cubs II loved by Kim & Caitlyn
May has come and gone and we had a wonderful month in our Todds class. We all worked very
hard to put on a wonderful performance and show our mommies how much we love them, had a
super fun and messy ‘glow in the dark’ party and continued to enjoy the wonderful weather.
For the month of June, we will be learning the letters V, W, X, and Y and the numbers 2, 3, 4,
and 5. This month will be especially fun because we will be joining teacher Jennifer’s class for
two weeks of pirate fun. There will be pirate art, pirate themed circle time, and a pirate
party. We’ll also continue to take advantage of the awesome sunny weather and celebrating
Father’s Day by having a special pancake breakfast.
Last, with the hot weather fast approaching, please be aware that we will be spending a lot of
time playing outside. If you would like your child to wear sunscreen, please make sure to let us
know and fill out the appropriate form at the front desk. Please make sure your child also has
an extra change of clothes in case we play in water (which the Todds LOVE)!
Classroom News
Page 5
June Newsletter
Fuzzy Ducks loved by Deby, Amber, Karissa, & Stacey
May was full of changes with
field and look for treasures or
Also
some kids moving to JrK and
creatures. Colors for the month
which is a solid until you pick it
some coming to preschool from
are grey and purple. The shapes
up and it becomes a liquid. It
Todds. Everyone is adjusting
will be diamond and star and the
should be a big hit – along with
well. Mother’s Tea was a big hit.
letters will be E and F.
plenty of other fun discoveries.
We will learn about Elmer the
If
Elephant and F is for Frogs.
please feel free to talk to a
Where do they live? What
teacher. Also check your child’s
sounds do they make? We’ll try
art
our hand at mixing paints again
breakfast will be Friday, June
and
19th. We hope you can all make
We
worked
hard
for
the
performance and did a great
job. The lesson that the kids
loved most was dinosaur week from doing the dinosaur stomp
to finding dinosaur bones on the
playground and painting them.
experiment
with
what
happens when you mix white
June promises to be just as
with black or red with blue?
much fun. We will be going on
How many stars are in the sky?
we
you
file.
will
have
make
any
The
Oobleck
questions,
Father’s
Day
it.
more walks to run in the big
Bouncy Bears loved by Kayla & Chela
May was an exciting month in
During circle time, we will be
the activities and artwork. We
our classroom. The highlight
adding color, number and letter
are especially looking forward to
was the Mother’s Day Tea. We
of the week to our routine. A
the nice weather June has to
all had fun practicing our songs
very special Happy Birthday to
offer so we can have more
and singing them on stage. We
Maxwell!
activities outside.
also
enjoyed
learning
about
what a police officer does and
did some fun art activities with
things we found on our nature
walk.
Please remember that we do
wash sheets every week, but
blankets are to be washed at
home. Our room has been moving
around and changing a bit, we
We have plenty to look forward
are still trying to make it just
to in June. We will be focusing
right for all of our classroom
on oceans, flags for Flag Day,
needs. If you have any questions
vegetables, and the changes
about anything, please feel free
from spring to summer. We will
to ask. We have a lot of fun and
also be working hard on a
learning planned for our class.
special gift for Father’s Day.
We are all looking forward to
June Newsletter
Classroom News
Page 6
Kangaroos loved by Ru & McKenzie
We have made it to the end of our
We then shifted gears to talk about
His family moved to Michigan. We
school year! May was another
dinosaurs. This may have been our
had a lot of fun writing him notes
successful month that included a
favorite topic of the year. Some of
and drawing him a picture which we
Mother’s Day celebration, a lot of
us came into the theme with a lot of
then put into a book. We hope he
dinosaurs, and some end of the
background knowledge which allowed
has a wonderful time in his new
year
will
for the children to become the
home.
continue for the first week or so
teachers in some cases. It was quite
of June). We had so much fun
exciting. We even went outside and
preparing for Mother’s Day. Did
measured how long dinosaurs were.
you all enjoy your gifts? We had a
A Brachiosaurus really shocked us!
lot of fun picking the color of
The measurements also included a
paint for the jar then choosing a
Triceratops horn, a Tyrannosaurus
flower that would match nicely and
Rex, and a few other dinosaurs.
finally being very careful to put a
Finally we wrapped up some end of
perfect handprint on the jar.
the year things which included a lot
Hopefully they have found a nice
of reading practice. We have seen
home in your house. We also hope
quite a few light bulbs going off as
you
we
we recognize sight words, are able
prepared and the opportunity to
to sound out words, and are reading
have refreshments and visit with
sentences
other families.
comprehension questions about what
wrap
up
enjoyed
(which
the
we
songs
and
then
answering
we’ve read. Sadly, in May, we also
With the little time we have
together in June, we will prepare
for our Kindergarten graduation
and continue practicing our skills so
we are ready for school in the fall.
Please
check
cubbies
for
an
invitation to graduation which will
be held Thursday, June 11th at 4 pm
which will also be our last day of
school before we officially join the
school age children for the summer
program. Thank you to all of our
families for your support through
this wonderful school year! It has
been a lot of fun!
said goodbye to our friend Everett.
Panthers loved by Robin, McKenzie, Alicia & Ashley
In the month of May, we celebrated
We did a few wind projects - the
In the month of June, we will
Mother’s
annual
whirly-gig and the helicopter. We
continue with science experiments.
Mother’s Day Tea. It was a huge
added strips of streamers to gauge
Zoomers
success as we heard many mothers
airflow and air resistance. We also
pinwheels, and flex tangles are on
say it was the best recital ever,
did some fun fuse bead bracelets.
our agenda. School is out in June and
even better than the Christmas one.
We were amazed at the very cool
field trips begin – Woohoo!
How thankful we were that our
patterns the kids came up with. We
extra effort was noticed. In our
even made Penny a black and
science projects, two were a failure:
orange Beavers one to take on her
the
candy
trip to Texas. Lastly, we made
experiments. If you would like a
stress balls with flour and balloons.
penny
Day
and
with
our
the rock
copy of these projects to try at
home, just ask Teacher Robin.
made
out
of
straws,
Page
Page 77
Classroom News
May
Newsletter
June
Newsletter
May
Newsletter
Just For Fun
Home Depot: Kids Workshop
When: First Sat., 9-12pm
Where:
Various
Home
Depot
Locations Description: Free, monthly
hands-on, “how-to” craft* workshops
designed for kids ages 5-12.
6/6 Learn How to Build a Load ‘n Go
Truck
Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop
When: Sat. 10am
Where: Various Lowe’s Locations
Description: Free, monthly hands-on,
“how-to” craft workshops designed
for kids
6/13 Iron Man’s Avenjet
6/27 Captain America Motorcycle
Lakeshore Learning
When: Every Sat, 11am –3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning Store,
16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego
Description:
FREE
fun
craft
activities for ages 3+
Information:
503-620-9888
or
lakeshorelearning.com.
6/6 Beaded Bubble Wands
6/13 Design-Your-Own Race Cars
6/20 Great Catch! Fishing Pole
6/27 Storybook Cottage
$2 Days at OMSI
When: First Sun. of every month, 6/7
Where: OMSI
1945 SE Water St., Portland, OR
97214
Description: Enjoy discounted $2
admission to OMSI.
$4 Zoo Second Tuesday
When: Tue. June 9th, 10am – 4pm
Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW
Canyon Rd. Portland, OR 97221
Description: Enjoy all of the fun
wildlife and adventure at the Oregon
Zoo for a fraction of the cost with
$4 admission per person. Children 2
and under are, as always, admitted
free of charge. Ride transit and
receive an additional $1.50 off with
proof of ridership. There is a fee for
parking a well.
Wondrous Wednesdays
When: Wed. June 3rd 10am – 5pm
Where: World Forestry Center
4033 SW Canyon
Description:
Tour
the
World
Forestry Center for the discounted
price of $3 per person. Ride the wetfree rapids, try your smoke jumping
skills, and discover interesting things
about forests all over the world.
There is a fee for parking as well.
Guided Nature Hike
When: Saturdays, 10-11:30am
Where: Tyron Creek Park
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Description: Free guided nature
hikes exploring the forest and stream
ecosystems and natural history at
Tryon Creek State Natural Area.
Topics will vary from week to week
but will be appropriate for all ages.
Parents must accompany kids on all
hikes. No pre-registration required.
For more specific information or if
bringing groups larger than 10, call
(503) 636-9886 ext. 225.
6/6 The Unseen World of the Forest
Canopy
6/13 Urban Wildlife
6/20 Fish of Tryon Creek
Second Saturday at WREC
When: Sat. June 13th, 1pm – 3pm
Where: Water Resources Education
Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
Description: Second Saturdays at
the Water Resources Education
Center are not only fun, they're free!
Each second Saturday of the month,
from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their
families are invited to explore a
different topic through hands-on
activities, games and stories. The
Water Resources Education Center’s
regular June Second Saturday will
celebrate National Get Outdoors Day
at the Fort Vancouver National
Historic Site. Enjoy a fun-filled day
of activities to help get you and your
family outdoors!
Kids Morning Skate at Oaks Park
When: Saturdays, 10:30am - 12pm
Where: Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks
Park Way, Portland OR 97202
Description:
Get your family's
weekend rolling at Kids Morning
Skate! This session is specifically
designed for kids ten and younger and
features music chosen by kids for
kids, a 15 minute group lesson taught
by a USA Roller Sports certified
instructor, and cool skating games
like "Dead Bug", "Roller Limbo" and,
of course, "The Hokey Pokey"!
Includes conventional skates.
Ages 0-10, with family. $6 per child,
grown-ups free. oakspark.com
Check out these great sources for
more family fun activities…
Multnomah County Library
https://multcolib.org/events/progra
ms
Metro Parent
www.metro-parent.com/calendars
Vancouver Family Magazine
www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com/ca
lendar.html
PDX Kids Calendar
http://www.pdxkidscalendar.com/sum
mer-fun-events/