Corvallis Parent: New April Classes for Kids, Parents and those Expecting, Schools Foundation and Jackson Street Fundraising Successes

The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation has announced a sweet success with its Hands Across Corvallis 2024 program – they raised $145,000 that will now benefit area kiddos. 

“We are overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support from our community,” said Erika Seirup, Community Engagement Manager at CPSF.  

The event, held annually in the Corvallis High School cafeteria, brought together 350 community members in a celebration of public education. The immersive event began with the ringing of an antique school bell; guests took their seats at cafeteria-style tables while high school volunteers served coffee and a light breakfast.  

Table centerpieces were an eclectic mix of colorful artwork created by Corvallis’ elementary schools, while the Sno-cone machine was hard at work towards the rear of the room. Student speakers shared their inspiring stories, highlighting the credit recovery program’s positive impact on their educational paths and future aspirations.  

In the 28 years since its founding, the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation has invested more than $12 million into the Corvallis School District. Two of its founding Trustees, Gretchen Morris and Tony Van Vliet, were among the event’s guests and received honorary recognition for their key contributions to establishing a successful Foundation in support of Corvallis’ public schools.  

“In the years since its founding, CPSF has grown far beyond the initial expectations. It is my hope that the work and the impact of the Foundation will continue well into future years,” said Morris. “Making high-quality public education available to all students is even more vital today to strengthen our community.”  

While the focus of the event was on summer programs, which play a crucial role in keeping students on track to graduate, the fundraiser supports all CPSF initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for Corvallis students.  

“Every donation sends a powerful message to students,” said Angela Hibbard, Executive Director of CPSF, “that their community cares deeply and is genuinely invested in their future.”  

And now, we shamelessly pitch: For more information on CPSF’s initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation website. We love the mission, and then there’s their annual grants to students and teachers – always awesome. Please support these folks if you can. 

Jackson Steet Scores a Million: So, hey, that’s not all. Big news over at Jackson Street Youth Services too – a $1 million gift through something called… Yield Giving Open Call. 

Jackson Street was one of 361 candidates selected out of 6,353 applicants nationwide. In a social media post, Jackson Street said, “This windfall couldn’t come at a better time, as we are significantly expanding our Outreach facilities and services in 2024. This money will immediately help us pay off our new Youth Service Center in Albany, and expand our staff benefits.” 

According to Yield, to date, they’ve gifted over $16.5 billion to more than 1,900+ non-profit to use as they see fit for the benefit of others. Now, click here to see what Jackson Street does!  

Upcoming Classes 

Childbirth Preparation: This 3-week course helps expectant parents prepare for birth and early parenting. Parents will learn about comfort measures for pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. View class flyer. 

This class is for expectant parents in the third trimester. 

Using the Injoy program, topics include: 

  • What to expect during pregnancy, labor and childbirth 
  • Medicated and non-medicated comfort measures 
  • Medical interventions associated with complications 
  • Cesarean birth 
  • Birth stories 
  • Care of the birthing parent and infant during the first hours, days, and weeks postpartum 
  • Breastfeeding 

Free Class meets on Wednesdays, April 3, 17, 24, 2024, 6:00-8:00 pm at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 3600 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. Conference Room A/B. To register or for more information contact Maternity Care Coordinator, Mandy Clark at 541-768-6908 or by email at manclark@samhealth.org. 

Baby Bundle Talk: Corvallis Clinic obstetricians present a 90-minute talk covering the most important topics for moms and dads-to-be. Learn all about the signs of labor, birthing options, techniques for coping with pain, when to call your doctor, partner help during labor, choosing your baby’s doctor, plus more.   

Class meets on April 10, 2024, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the the Asbury Dining Room, 3680 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. Parking is available at the back of the building, and the entrance to the classroom is under the blue awning. 

Cost: Free, registration required. 

Register online at www.corvallisclinic.com/baby-classes. All attendees will receive a reminder email with details the week of their class. 

Live & Learn with Your Baby: Your baby is born learning! Come join other parents and caregivers and their babies as you learn how to support your child’s emotional, physical, and intellectual development through songs, activities, and group discussions. All while building a community of support and friendships for you and your baby. View class flyer 

This class is for parents and their children ages 0-12 months. 

Class meets on Thursdays, 9:00-10:50 am from April 4 – June 6, 2024, at the LBCC Benton Center, BC-107, 757 NW Polk Ave., Corvallis. 

Cost: $25/adult or free for those who qualify. *Parenting Education Tuition Grant Application available within the Registration Form. 

Click here to registration. (Includes Tuition Grant application). 

For more info: parentinged@linnbenton.edu or call Parenting Education at 541-917-4899. 

Perinatal Support Connections: Perinatal Support Connections is for anyone who is currently pregnant, experienced a loss, recently had a baby or who has stopped breastfeeding and is experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety (PMADs). See class flyer. 

Some symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) can include feeling sad, irritable, guilty, anxious, panicky, quick to anger, difficulties eating or sleeping, having upsetting thoughts in your mind, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If symptoms last longer than two weeks or are affecting daily life, this support group is just for you.  

The Corvallis Perinatal Support Connections Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 6 pm at Monarch on 4th, 520 NW 4th Street, Corvallis. 

For more information, call 541-812-4301 or email hopeformotherssupportgroup@samhealth.org. 

Remember, you are not alone, and you will get better! 

Live & Learn Creative Development: A one-day-a-week art enrichment class with an emphasis on emphasis on playing and creating with your child. Learn how creative play and activities enhance your child’s development and growth. They do the messy projects you may not want to do at home! View class flyer 

This class is for parents/caregivers and their children 2 1/2 to 5 years old. 

Class meets on Thursdays, 9:30-11:20 am from April 4 – June 6, 2024, at the LBCC Benton Center, Room 109, 757 NW Polk Ave, Corvallis. 

Cost: $79/adult or *$44.50 for those who qualify. A Parenting Education Tuition Grant Application is available within the Registration Form. 

Click here to register online. (Includes Tuition Grant application). For more information, email parentinged@linnbenton.edu or call Parenting Education at 541-917-4899. 

Live & Learn with Your Two Year Old: Join other parents and caregivers, and their children, as you learn the importance of play-based learning in an environment set up for exploration with your two-year-old. Learn fun and easy ways to support your child’s development as you participate with your child in activities immersed in movement, music, stories, art, and science. View class flyer 

This class is for parents/caregivers and their children 24 to 36 months.  

Class meets on Tuesdays, 9:30-11:20 am from April 2 – June 4, 2024, at LBCC Benton Center, BC-107, 757 NW Polk Ave., Corvallis. 

Cost: $74.00/adult or $39.50 for those that qualify. A Parenting Education Tuition Grant Application is available within the Registration Form. 

Click here to register online. (Includes Tuition Grant application). For more information, email parentinged@linnbenton.edu or call Parenting Education at 541-917-4899. 

Live & Learn with Your Toddler Join other parents and caregivers as they learn about toddler development alongside their child through hands-on activities such as painting, building, dancing, storytelling, and more. Learn how to help your child gain confidence in a classroom while building a community of support and friendships for yourself. 

Activities are designed for parents/caregivers to participate with children who are steady walkers to age 24 months. 

Class meets on Mondays, 9:00 – 10:50 am from April 1 – June 5, 2024, at LBCC Benton Center, BC-107, 757 NW Polk Ave., Corvallis. 

Cost:  $74.00/adult or free for those who qualify. *Parenting Education Tuition Grant Application available within the Registration Form. 

Click here to register online. (Includes Tuition Grant application). For more information, email parentinged@linnbenton.edu or call Parenting Education at 541-917-4899. 

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