Backpack Program

We are excited to announce that Sunshine School is hosting the 2nd annual food drive to benefit the Backpack Program and Take Action Inc.  Beginning Monday, November 19th-Christmas, we will be accepting non-perishable food items here at Sunshine School.  

Take Action Inc was formed in response to symptoms of hunger in children at one local school.  With  donations of food and funds, Take Action Inc now provides food each weekend to roughly 650 children in 21 Portland area schools.  

The Backpack program works like this:  every Friday volunteers fill backpacks with food items for students to take home over the weekend, ensuring they will have something to eat at home.  Volunteers work closely with the staff at each school to ensures that the right kinds of food get to the right children in an organized manner.  The program is personalized for each child and works to address the environmental issues putting the child at risk.  For more information visit www.takeactioninc.org.  

Sunshine School will be collecting food items in the front entry of the school. The following is a list of suggested items.  Keep in mind that foods should healthy, kid friendly, and easy to prep.

• instant oatmeal
• canned chicken or tuna
• canned soups
• nuts or raisins
• peanut better
• breakfast bars
• fruit cups
• applesauce
• canned vegetables
• dried fruits
• cereal
• rice
• healthy snacks
• beans

The Sunshine School teachers and staff will be talking with students about helping others in need.  If you wish to donate, we encourage you to involved your kids in the process.  Take them shopping to pick out food to donate.  In addition to food donations, Take Action Inc will also accept monetary donations.  Checks can be made out to Take Action Inc.  You can also donate online at www.takeactioninc.org.  Take Action Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization.  

Welcome baby Arianna Grace

Carolyn and her husband Ben welcomed sweet little Arianna Grace into the world on yesterday morning.  She weighs 5lb, 4oz and is 17 1/2 inches long.  Mom and baby are doing well!  Congratulations to Carolyn and Ben!

Looking for babysitters?

Are you looking for highly qualified babysitters? We have some college students on staff who are interested in earning extra money babysitting. 

  

Michelle Gaulke: (503) 545-7176 

Ruth Imig: (503) 740-3265

Marisa Ortloff: (503)757-1506

Kara Welch: (907) 388-2298

November Newsletter

Family Movie Night

All Sunshine families are invited to join us for a Family Movie Night on Friday, November 9^th at 6:30 pm. We will be watching Meet the Robinsons (rated G). Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas and to bring a blanket and pillow to snuggle up and watch the movie on the big screens in the church sanctuary. Feel free to invite family and friends to join you!

Thanksgiving School Closure

Sunshine School will be closed on Thursday, November 22^nd and Friday, November 23^rd for Thanksgiving. If you have elementary students who will be attending Sunshine School on Monday the 19^th, Tuesday the 20^th, or Wednesday the 21^st, please contact the Sunshine School office.

Staff Changes

Welcome to Miss Abigail, our new preschool teacher! Abigail has spent time working with kids at summer camps and in Sunday School, and she has a BA in English, with a Spanish minor, and a Masters in Intercultural Studies. She considers Portland her home, although she has spent many years traveling and living all over the world. Her favorite thing about working with Preschool kids is “seeing their eyes light up as they learn and knowing good seeds planted will bear much fruit. … I’m excited to be working at Sunshine and look forward to learning and growing along with the kids.” Outside of work, Abigail enjoys horseback riding, reading, playing piano, writing, hanging out with friends, and drinking good coffee.

Abigail is spending the last few days of October training and getting to know her kids and then diving in with her group! Be sure to introduce yourself to Abigail when you see her at school!

  

Preschool Christmas Program

Friday, December 7^th at 6:30 pm

All Sunshine School families are invited to join us for our Christmas Program on Friday, December 7^th at 6:30 pm. All preschool students will be practicing to sing on stage at this event!

Upcoming Preschool Themes and Events:

October 29 – November 2

Theme: Fall Fun

Color & Shape: Color Review & Rectangle

Letter & Number: G & 6

Fruit or Vegetable: Pumpkins

Bible: Moses

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Special Events: Fall Fun Day on Tuesday 10/30

                       Harvest Party on Wednesday 10/31 at 6:00 pm

November 5-9

Theme: Nutrition & Grocery Store

Color & Shape: Blue & Shape Review

Letter & Number: H & 7

Fruit or Vegetable: Carrots

Bible: The 10 Commandments

Memory Verse: The 10 Commandments (Exodus 20)

Special Event: Family Movie Night on Friday 11/9 at 6:30 pm

November 12-16

Theme: Restaurant, Cooking, & Thanksgiving

Color & Shape: Blue & Triangle

Letter & Number: E-H Review & 8

Fruit or Vegetable: Carrots

Bible: Thankfulness

Memory Verse: The 10 Commandments (Exodus 20)

Special Event: Blue Day on Tuesday 11/13

November 19-23

Theme: Thanksgiving

Color & Shape: Blue + Yellow = Green & Triangle

Letter & Number: I & 9

Fruit or Vegetable: Cabbage

Bible: Bible Review

Memory Verse: The 10 Commandments (Exodus 20)

Special Event: Sunshine School Closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday 11/22 & Friday 11/23

November 26-30

Theme: Library

Color & Shape: Green & Triangle

Letter & Number: J & 10

Fruit or Vegetable: Cabbage

Bible: Joshua & the Wall of Jericho

Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9

Special Event: Green Day on Wednesday 11/28

Celebrate Atkinson!

Atkinson Elementary is hosting an event tonight called "Celebrate Atkinson."  For those interested in Atkinson Elementary for your child, you are invited to come and hear more about the school.  See information below:

Principal Debbie Armendariz and the Atkinson Site Council invite you to join us to Celebrate Atkinson!  Principal Debbie will give a state of the school address and parents will provide information about all the fantastic programs at Atkinson.  Come to learn about the many opportunities for involvement throughout the year.  Additionally, we have invited Portland School Board member Trudy Sargeant to update us on the proposed Portland Public Schools bond measure.   

Childcare and pizza for the kids will be provided at no charge. Thursday, October 25 Doors open at 6:15, program begins at 6:30

Sunshine School Facebook Pages

We now have Sunshine School Facebook Pages!  

Click on the links below and LIKE our page!  We'll use this to do quick updates and reminders of upcoming events.  

www.facebook.com/sunshineschoolpdx 

www.facebook.com/sunshineafterschool

www.facebook.com/campsprout

Taborview Coffee is now open! 

Every Monday 7am-9:30am

One less thing to think about on Monday mornings.  Get your morning coffee when you drop off your kids at Sunshine School!  And if you don't have to rush off to work, you are welcome to stay and read the paper or a book quietly.  Stay-at-home moms or dads are welcome to come with or without kids and hang out with other parents.  Even if Mondays aren't a scheduled day for your child, you're welcome to come and hang out at Taborview.  There will be toys and books for kids to play with.  

Taborview is located at the main church lobby/entrance.  Signs are posted to direct you from Sunshine School to Taborview.  We take cash or credit cards.  You can even pre-pay for the month and not have to worry about having money with you.  

Suggested donations:

$2 espresso drinks

$1 drip coffee

Proudly serving:

Staff Change

We are sad to announce that Miss Amanda, our preschool teacher for the 3 1/2- 4 year old class, will be leaving Sunshine School this month. We have loved having Amanda here at Sunshine School for the past two years, in both the Wobbler Room and in the Preschool, and we are excited for her as she pursues an exciting new job opportunity!  

Amanda wrote to the families in her class, "I have truly enjoyed the time I have been given to spend with your children here at Sunshine School. They are all unique and delightful in their own way, and I truly feel blessed to be their teacher... The staff here is a wonderful and encouraging group, and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work with them. Your child is in good hands here, and I will truly miss this great environment."

We will miss Amanda, but be sure to stop in and say good bye to her before she leaves!

 We are currently working on finding a replacement for Miss Amanda's position, and we will be sure to introduce the new teacher to you as soon as possible!

School Picture Day!

Picture Day Schedule:

Monday 10/15:

Pre-arranged Individual and Sibling Portraits

(Please sign up on the clipboard in the front hallway)

Tuesday 10/16:

9:00: Mrs. Jaime’s Class Photo, followed by Individual Portraits of children in Mrs. Jaime’s Class (until 10:30)

10:30: Ms. Amanda’s Class Photo, followed by Individual portraits of children in Ms. Amanda’s Class (until 12:00)

Wednesday 10/17:

8:30—9:15: Individual Portraits of children in the Wobbler Class

9:15: Wobbler Class Photo

9:30: Mrs. Sarah’s Class Photo, followed by Individual Portraits of children in Mrs. Sarah’s Class (until 11:00)

11:00: Mrs. Gibbs’s Class Photo, followed by Individual Portraits of children in Mrs. Gibbs’s Class (until 12:15)

Reminders:

· If you want to order photos, you must bring an order form with payment at the time photos are taken.

· There will not be a class photo for infants. Individual Portraits of infants will be taken as children are awake and the photographer is available.

· If you want your child to be in his or her class photo, he or she must be here at the time the class photo is scheduled.

· If you want Individual Portraits but your child cannot be here during the scheduled day and time for his or her class, you must sign up for a Monday time slot.

Please call or email if you have any questions about school pictures!

Family & Business Directory

Our 2012-2013 Sunshine School Family & Business Directory is ready! Check your child's cubby to find your family copy. We hope that this will be a useful tool for your family as you connect with other families here at Sunshine School!

Sign-in Reminder

Just a reminder, please remember to sign in your student(s) every day when you drop off at Sunshine School, and sign them out every day at pick up time. For the safety of our students, it is important to keep our sign in sheets accurate.

Thank you for your help!

October Newsletter

School Photos

Meghann Street at Your Street Photography is coming to take School Photos on Monday, 10/15 through Wednesday, 10/17. She will be taking a class photo of each preschool class and of the wobbler class, and she will be taking individual and/ or sibling photos of students who bring their order form and payment at the time photos are taken. There is a set schedule for each class, so for more information, please refer to the handout that will be available in your child’s cubby.

Harvest Party

Wednesday 10/31, 6-8 pm

Sunshine Families are invited to attend the Kid’s Klub Harvest Party! Come dressed in your best (non-scary) costume, and enjoy Halloween games, activities, and treats at a safe, indoor event! Dinner is available at 6 pm ($2 for adults, $1 for kids), and activities begin at 6:30 pm.

Staff Changes

We have 3 new part-time staff members. Michelle is our new Afternoon Assistant in the Lamb’s Fold, Katie is the new Afternoon Assistant a few days per week in the Preschool, and JJ is our new Afternoon Assistant in the Afterschool Program. Welcome, Michelle, Katie, and JJ!

Monday Morning Coffee!

Starting on October 8^th, the Taborview Coffee espresso bar, located in the northeast corner of the building, will be open to Sunshine School parents, 7am - 10 am every Monday morning! All espresso drinks are $2 suggested donation. You are welcome to stay and visit or enjoy a book, and there will be toys available to younger children; or you can just pick up a coffee drink on your way to work!

Upcoming Preschool Themes and Events:

October 1-5

Theme: Music & Instruments

Color & Shape: Yellow & Square

Letter & Number: D & 3

Fruit or Vegetable: Apples

Bible: Abraham

Memory Verse: Romans 4:21-22

Special Events: Yellow Day on Thursday 10/4

October 8-12

Theme: Dance & Physical Fitness

Color & Shape: Red + Yellow = Orange; Square

Letter & Number: A-D Review & 4

Fruit or Vegetable: Apples

Bible: Isaac

Memory Verse: Romans 4:21-22

October 15-19

Theme: Health & Hygiene

Color & Shape: Orange & Rectangle

Letter & Number: E & 5

Fruit or Vegetable: Pumpkins

Bible: Joseph

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Special Events: School Pictures on Monday 10/15 – Wednesday 10/17

October 22-26

Theme: Farms, Food, & Harvest

Color & Shape: Orange & Rectangle

Letter & Number: F & 0-5 Review

Fruit or Vegetable: Pumpkins

Bible: Sharing

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Special Events:          Fruit & Veggie Tasting on Wednesday 10/24

                                Orange Day on Friday 10/26

October 29 – November 2

Theme: Fall Fun

Color & Shape: Color Review & Rectangle

Letter & Number: G & 6

Fruit or Vegetable: Pumpkins

Bible: Moses

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32

Special Events:          Fall Fun Day on Tuesday 10/30

                                Harvest Party on Wednesday 10/31 at 6:00 pm

Tomatoes!

In preschool, we are wrapping up our 2 week focus on tomatoes! As a new component of our curriculum this year, the preschool classes will focus on a new fruit or vegetable every few weeks. For tomatoes, the kids have created tomato art, read tomato books, played games with a tomato theme, sung songs about tomatoes, watched tomatoes grow in our playground garden, and had a chance to taste tomatoes. Today, the preschoolers all had a chance to taste a tomato salsa with corn chips. Starting next week, the preschool classes will start a 2-week focus on beets!

Open House 2012

Thank you to everyone who came to our Back to School Open House and BBQ last night! It was a great time to meet new people and connect with families!

September 2012 Newsletter

Back to School BBQ & Open House

Tuesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm

All Sunshine School families are invited to join us for a BBQ dinner and a chance to meet our staff and tour our school! BBQ dinner will be served 6-7 pm, and the school will be open to families until 8 pm. If it is raining, we will be unable to serve dinner due to lack of space to prepare or eat the food. However, the Open House will continue as scheduled, despite the weather, and we will still serve dessert!

South Tabor Neighborhood Association Harvest Festival

Sunday, September 16

The South Tabor Neighborhood Association is hosting a Harvest Festival on the field behind Sunshine School. There will be food, music, kids crafts, a garden produce exchange, and lots of other fun events!

Menu Change Reminder

The Sunshine School kitchen is currently undergoing a major remodeling project, and this means that all Sunshine School families will need to provide their children’s lunches from the first day of the new school year until December 31.

A few things to remember:

○       Sunshine School is a nut-free school! No nuts, please, including peanut butter.

○       If you are sending a peanut butter alternative (such as sunflower butter), please leave a note in your child’s lunch so that the staff are aware. If we suspect that your child’s lunch contains nuts, we will put that food aside and call home to confirm. 

○       Your child’s lunch should be ready to eat (no heating, dishes, or silverware required).

○       Please only bring enough food for one day’s lunch. We cannot store food for children overnight. Lunchboxes will go home daily.

○       Be sure that your child’s lunch box is clearly labeled with your child’s name.

○       If your child’s lunchbox also contains an alternate snack for the morning or afternoon, please let your child’s teacher know.

Staff Changes

We have had several staff members move into new positions this month. Miss Alyssa has moved from working with Preschool to being our Afterschool Program Coordinator. Miss Amanda has filled Miss Alyssa’s position as Preschool Teacher, and Mrs. Talissyn has left the Wobbler program to become the Preschool Floater. In the Wobbler Room, Miss Kara, our former Lamb’s Fold Afternoon Assistant, now works exclusively in the Wobbler Room with Mrs. Yvonne.

If you see a staff member that you do not recognize, please introduce yourself! Also, please be patient with our staff members as they learn to recognize the names and faces of parents. Be sure you have photo ID available when you pick up your child in case some one who opens the door does not recognize you. Thank you for your understanding!

Upcoming Preschool Themes and Events:

September 3-7

Theme: Welcome to School & School Rules

Color & Shape: Red & Circle

Fruit or Vegetable: Tomatoes

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:1

September 10-14

Theme: God Made Me

Color & Shape: Red & Circle

Letter & Number: A & 0 (zero)

Fruit or Vegetable: Tomatoes

Bible: Creation

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:1

Special Events:   Back to School BBQ & Open House on Tuesday 9/11, 6-8 pm

                         Librarian visits Preschool on Friday 9/14

                         STNA Harvest Festival on Sunday 9/16

September 17-21

Theme: 5 Senses (Sight, Touch, & Hearing)

Color & Shape: Red & Circle

Letter & Number: B & 1

Fruit or Vegetable: Beets

Bible: Noah & the Ark

Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:1

Special Events: Red Day on Wednesday 9/19

September 24-28

Theme: 5 Senses (Small & Taste)

Color & Shape: Yellow & Square

Letter & Number: D & 3

Fruit or Vegetable: Beets

Bible: Obedience

Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:1

Fall 2012 Menu

fall menu 2012

Menu Change and School Closure

Menu Change Reminder:

Beginning September 1, all Sunshine School families will need to provide their children’s lunches daily.

The Sunshine School kitchen will be undergoing a major remodel from September 1 through December 31, and Sunshine School will NOT be able to provide lunches for students. Sunshine will continue to provide morning and afternoon snacks for Wobblers, Preschool, and Afterschool students, and we will continue to provide milk and water at meals.

A few things to remember:

· Sunshine School is a NUT FREE SCHOOL. Do not send any form of nuts (including peanut butter). Please read labels carefully if you are sending any granola, bars, or trail mix and be sure that there are no nuts. (Sunflower butter is a great alternative to Peanut Butter!)

· You will need to provide any forks, spoons, or dishes that your child requires, and we will not be able to wash any dishes

· We will not be able to heat any children’s lunches. Their food must be ready to serve right out of their lunchbox.

· We will provide refrigeration for student lunches.

· Parents will be responsible to bring enough lunch food for their child each day (we cannot store food for multiple days).

Also, please remember that Sunshine School is CLOSED August 27- September 3. The first day of the 2012-2013 School Year is on Tuesday, September 4. 

Upcoming Events

Preschool Olympics

Friday, August 17

This will be a fun day of group and individual activities, and lots of team spirit! Make sure your child comes dressed in comfortable shoes for running and jumping and arrives at school by 10:00 to participate. This is not a competitive event, but rather just a great time to be active, enjoy the sunshine, and cheer each other on!

We would love to have some parent volunteers help with the set-up and running of this event. If you would like to help, sign up for a shift (either 8:30 - 10:00 or 10:00 - 11:30) by the preschool sign-in sheet. Also, preschool students who do not normally attend on Fridays are welcome to join us for this event (10:00 - 11:30) if accompanied by a parent.

Wobbler Water Play

Friday, August 17

The Wobblers will be having a water fun day this Friday! Parents are asked to bring a towel and water appropriate shoes, such as water socks, sandals, or crocs. (No flip flops, please.) Students are welcome to bring swimsuits, or they can just play in the sprinkler in their diapers. Wobblers who do not normally attend on Fridays are welcome to join us for this event if accompanied by a parent. 

Afterschool Program for Fall 2012

Registration packets are now available for our Afterschool Program for Fall 2012! 

We have distributed packets to all of our current pre-kindergarten students and to students previously enrolled in our Afterschool Program. If you or anyone you know is interested in our Afterschool Program, please let us know and we would be happy to give you a registration packet! 

This fall, students will be able to choose from several enrichment options, including Music Foundations, Cooking Classes, Art Foundations, and Beginning Piano Lessons. Students can enroll for before or after school care for one or more mornings and or afternoons each week, or students can sign up to take just an 8 week enrichment class of your choice. We are excited to offer these new options, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have about our program!

Water Play Extravaganza!

The preschool students enjoyed a sunny morning of swimsuits, bubbles, sprinklers, and water balloons! 

Infant Room Mural

Our Infant Room Peter Rabbit mural is finished! Stop by and have a look! More changes still to come in this room.

Date Changes for Upcoming Events

Water Play Extravaganza: Friday 8/3

The Preschool Water Play Extravaganza has been moved to Friday, August 3rd to follow a sunnier forecast. Please have your child bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes (crocs or sandals work well, but please no flip-flops). If your child does not normally attend on Fridays but would like to come play in the water with us, he or she is welcome to do so if accompanied by a parent. Please talk to your child's teacher to confirm the times that your child's class will be participating in this event.

Hike to Mt. Tabor Park: Tuesday 8/7

The next Preschool Hike to Mt. Tabor Park has been moved to Tuesday, August 7th (rather than Monday, August 6th). Please make sure that your child wears good walking shoes and arrives at school by 9:45 am!

August Newsletter

School Closure Days

Sunshine School will be CLOSED on the following days:

*The week of August 27 - 31 for Teacher Planning

*Monday, September 3 for Labor Day

The 2012-2013 school year will begin on Tuesday, September 4th. 

New Date! Summer Picnic on August 26

starting at 11:30

Trinity Fellowship Church is hosting a family picnic out on the field. There will be food, games, and a water slide! Lunch is $2 per adult and $1 per child, and you can bring a salad or dessert to share. For information, call Kelly Shoman at 503-348-0532.

2012-2013 Afterschool Program

Monday - Friday, 3 - 6 pm

Your child can work on homework, have a snack, take classes and lessons that supplement their academics, and be ready for family time by the end of your work day! Sunshine's flexible Afterschool Program is available to students in Kindergarten through fifth grade at Bridger and Atkinson Elementary Schools. (Students from other schools are welcome, but parents would need to arrange transportation.) Fall line-up of Enrichment Classes:

Cooking * Art * Music * Much More!

August Newsletter: Lamb's Fold

Infants

Tia is turning one on August 14th. Happy Birthday, Tia!

Our kids are growing quickly! Gemma is walking, Ella is crawling, and Indy is sitting up!

Just a few reminders for parents. Please be sure to take your child's blanket and dishes home to clean on a regular basis. Generally, blankets and water sippy cups only need to go home about once a week, and the more consistent we can be about this, the better we can fight germs and viruses that spread so quickly with these little ones.

Also, if you are putting food in the Infant Room fridge, please be sure that it is clearly marked with your child's name. When staff members find unlabeled food, they have no way to know which child it belongs to. 

Wobblers

Parker is turning three on August 5th! Happy Birthday, Parker!

We welcomed a new student to the Wobbler Room this month. Welcome, McClain!

Summer has been fun in the Wobbler Room! The kids have been enjoying a lot of time outside in the sun, and they have particularly been enjoying playing with the water table and watching our school garden grow on the playground. The wobblers have also been participating in the Summer Reading Program through the library, and they are trying to earn their class prize by reading books together every day.

Please remember to bring a crib sheet and a blanket for your child to use during nap time. We do have extras to use when needed, but we do not have enough extras to rely on exclusively. Also, please be sure to take your child's nap things home on a weekly basis to wash and return clean. 

August Newsletter: Preschool

Upcoming Events & Themes

July 30 - August 3

Theme: Ocean Life & Beach

Bible Theme: Serve Community

Special Events: Preschool Water Play Extravaganza, 8/3

August 6 - 10

Theme: Camping & Hiking

Bible Theme: Serve Community

Special Events: Walk to Mt. Tabor, 8/6

August 13 - 17

Theme: Sports
Bible Theme: Serve Jesus
Special Events: Preschool Olympics, 8/17

August 20 - 24

Theme: How has our garden grown?

Bible Theme: Serve Jesus
Special Events: Walk to Mt. Tabor, 8/21

August 27 - 31

Sunshine School is Closed for Teacher Planning

August Menu

August 2012

Rodeo Fun Day

Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who helped us with Rodeo Fun Day! We had a fun morning of cowboy songs, horseshoes, fresh squeezed lemonade, boot races, and musical saddles!