2026 August Growing Tree News

Signing Out Class of 2026

ADDISON, BEN, BODI, CALEB, CANNON, FLETCHER, GREY, HUXLEY, JACKIE, JACKSON, LANDON, LILLIAN, MILLIE, NELL, OLIVE, OLIVER, POPPY, TATE, TAYLOR, TOWNES, WESLEY!!

The Value of Walking Into the Classroom Independently

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to do things for themselves. When children walk into their classroom on their own, they begin the day with confidence, independence, and pride.

Walking in independently helps children:

• Build self-confidence and resilience.
• Practice separating from their families in a healthy, supportive way.
• Develop responsibility by carrying their own belongings and following their morning routine.
• Feel capable and trusted by the adults in their lives.
• Transition more smoothly into a day of learning and play.

While it can be tempting to carry a child who is tired, hesitant, or emotional, allowing them to take those few steps on their own sends a powerful message: “I believe you can do this.” That confidence often carries with them throughout the rest of the day.

At Growing Tree, we encourage children to enter the classroom with confidence, knowing their teachers are ready to welcome them with warmth, comfort, and encouragement. We are always here to support children through difficult goodbyes, while helping them develop the independence they need to thrive.

Sunscreen:

It’s still sunscreen weather! Growing Tree applies sunscreen to children twice daily from April through October. We supply Rocky Mountain Sunscreen for your convenience, or you are welcome to bring your own. If you change your sunscreen brand, you’ll need to re-sign the sunscreen consent form (the teachers have it). Licensing doesn’t allow us to apply any sunscreen without a signed consent.

Annual Paperwork

You should have received a folder with lots of paperwork to fill out. Please return the folder to the front desk by August 3rd.

Growing Tree Closed

Growing Tree will be closed from August 31 to September 7. The staff will use this time to prepare classrooms for the new school year, take time for themselves, and enjoy the remaining summer days. Growing Tree also uses this period for major projects. This year, we will focus on the driveway and parking lot. Children will return on Tuesday, September 8, and join their new teachers in a new classroom.

Play Lists:

Class playlists have been updated on the website under the Parent Tab. Please review to ensure your information is correct.

Please visit: thegrowingtree.org <parents<playlists
Log-in information is username: parent password: gtcc2023.

Immunization Rates:

Growing Tree’s and Deschutes County’s 2024 Immunization Rates are available for review on our website under Parents<Parent Handbook.

Brightwheel Sign In/Out

Please sign your child in and out daily using your Brightwheel App. QR codes are available at the front door and on each classroom window; we even have paper codes for your car as a convenience.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Take Blue Bags to Bottle Drop –
• Clean rain gutters out.
• Pick up trash and pull weeds around the perimeter of the Center.

First Friday

First Friday is August 7, 2026 Growing Tree provides a parent’s night out on the First Friday of each month. This is an excellent opportunity for a date night or quiet time. The evening includes dinner, crafts, and a movie. Children should bring their pajamas. Cost: $40 per child

• Time: 5:30-10:00pm
• Cost: $40 per child Cash, Check or Venmo
• Bring pajamas
• Enjoy your evening

Helpful Hints

• All clothes from home should be labeled with your child’s name.
• Please take your child’s nap supplies home each Friday to wash and return them on Monday.
• Please check your child’s file folder on Fridays.

Blue Bags:

• Blue bags are available for your recyclable bottles and cans. Each sleeve of bags earns you one volunteer hour. Please drop your full blue bags at any bottle drop location. If you want to drop off Growing Tree’s recycling at one of the bottle drop locations, you will also earn one volunteer hour. To date, Growing Tree has received over $2000 from your recycling.
• Bottle drop locations
  • New bottle drop location at the Albertson on 3rd an Revere.
  • Fred Meyer has a bottle drop.
  • Bottle Drop 755 NE 2nd St

Wishing you an enjoyable August!

Tammy