This year, we’ve put together resources to help moms and dads who are in various stages of their child’s educational journey. We have a homeschool activities roundup, an article to help all parents navigate the early days of school with minimal stress, open house spotlights, and briefs on what has been going on in our local school systems. For more resources, explore our Education page which is full of handy tips!

Open House Spotlights

School of Rock Perrysburg

Chappel Dr.
567-698-7625 

When Ron Rothenbuhler’s daughter, Isabella, had a positive experience at School of Rock in Ann Arbor, a major improvement in her drumming skills was just one outcome of her lessons. Rothenbuhler was also so inspired by the School of Rock’s effectiveness that he is now opening his own branch of the franchise in Levis Commons to provide the same opportunity to other local students. After receiving approval for the School of Rock’s final design around January 2023, Rothebuhler is hopeful the location will be open in late June. 

The first School of Rock (now a worldwide franchise) location was opened in Philadelphia by a traditional rock instructor named Paul Green, who found that students learn music better when they learn new skills in a band setting. Since Green opened the first location, School of Rock has expanded to 300 locations across the country. 

The Perrysburg location will teach students guitar, drums, bass, piano, and vocals, as well as feature classes for songwriting and performing. The location will feature several rehearsal spaces and two drum rooms.

At Perrysburg’s School of Rock, classes generally follow the same structure of one weekly private lesson combined with one group rehearsal. The School of Rock website includes a list of programs and a summary of what enrolled students can expect—click here to check out which School of Rock class might be best for your student!

Children’s Discovery Center 

Locations in Toledo, Holland, Perrysburg and Waterville

419-867-8570 | childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Call for an appointment to tour their locations

For more than 40 years, Children’s Discovery Center (CDC) has nurtured the curiosity and development of Toledo’s youngest minds, providing families with trusted care across five convenient locations. These internationally recognized, one-of-a-kind educational environments engage children with hands-on lessons guided by award winning, highly-trained educators. Beyond just child care, CDC’s premier S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, education, art and math) powered education and Reggio Emilia philosophy spark creativity, inspire imagination, encourage participation and meet Ohio state educational standards to prepare children for a lifetime love of learning. CDC is proud to offer programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as a Discovery School for kindergarten-aged children.

Maumee Valley Country Day School

Introducing the Super Cool Create Kit

Igniting Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in Kids 

Anthony Wayne Innovation & Design is thrilled to announce the launch of the Super Cool Create Kit, a STEAM project kit designed to empower children and foster their creative problem-solving skills. This innovative kit, developed by Bowling Green State University (BGSU) graduates, combines elements of art, design, and engineering to provide an engaging and educational experience for young minds. 

The Super Cool Create Kit offers a comprehensive package of materials and guidance to inspire children to explore their creativity and develop essential STEAM skills. Inside the box, kids will find pre-cut cardboard pieces, googly eyes, paper straws, pipe cleaners, adhesives, and inspiration sheets to guide them through the problem-solving process. For parents and educators, detailed instructions ensure a seamless experience as they engage with children during the planning, building, and presentation stages. 

This project has been made possible by the collaboration of two talented BGSU graduates, Mike Vanderpool and Michael Clink. They harnessed their passion for creativity and learning to create a kit that would revolutionize how children approach problem-solving. Utilizing the cutting-edge resources of the BGSU Collab Lab, they developed and refined prototypes of the Super Cool Create Kit, ensuring its effectiveness and educational value. 

“We believe in the power of creativity and collaboration to shape young minds. The Super Cool Create Kit provides children with an opportunity to explore, innovate, and develop their problem-solving skills,” said Vanderpool, creator of the Super Cool Create Kit. “We are excited to share our journey with parents, educators, and children as we encourage the next generation of innovative thinkers.”

Through a series of play tests and iterative design processes, Vanderpool and his daughter, Pippa, have fine-tuned the Super Cool Create Kit to deliver an outstanding experience. Starting from the ground zero of printing various pieces for building, they progressed through prototypes, optimizing the kit’s components and exploring safe and effective ways for children to connect the pieces. The just-released Mark III Prototype will be shared through a Kickstarter crowdfunding program, with the proceeds used to finalize the assembly of the kit, the pieces, and additional resources such as videos to help adults and children maximize the experience with the kit. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from parents and children during our play tests,” said Vanderpool. “The Super Cool Create Kit is different from most STEM kits and art projects you’ll find online and in stores. We really wanted to emphasize the ‘art’ part of the project by encouraging kids to think outside the box. Our kit encourages design thinking and innovative play. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives.” 

By embracing a STEAM-focused approach, the Super Cool Create Kit provides numerous benefits for learners of all ages. With hands-on learning experiences, it engages students actively, fosters creativity, and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The kit promotes collaboration, teamwork, and real-world application, preparing children for future careers in STEAM-related fields. Moreover, the Super Cool Create Kit ignites curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong love for learning. 

The Super Cool Create Kit is currently in its final playtest phase, with minor adjustments being made based on user feedback. The team has just launched its Kickstarter campaign to bring this remarkable kit to the hands of children worldwide. By supporting the Kickstarter campaign, backers can help make this inspiring story a reality. 

To learn more about the Super Cool Create Kit and stay updated on its progress, please visit supercoolkit.com.