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Choose Your Seat! Northwest Ohio Offers Excellent Educational Options

By
Toledo Parent Staff
-

By Beth Lawson, Director of Media & Communications for School Choice Ohio

Ohio has become a national leader in educational options and school choice programs with the passage of HB 33 which included universal school choice for all Ohio students. One goal of this legislation was to put true educational choice into the hands of each family…not just those that have the ability and resources to pay tuition.

All students are different! While the majority of students and families are happy with their local public school district, there are other students who need a different environment, learning style or educational focus in order to truly shine.  

Northwest Ohio offers a wide variety of educational options for families to choose from for student education.

Public school districts provide a tuition-free education that is available to all students who reside within the district. Many public-school districts offer additional educational options within their district such as open enrollment, career tech/vocational programs, and magnet schools which are schools with a specific educational focus.

Joint vocational school districts are tuition-free, public schools that primarily provide students with vocational and workforce related training programs. 

Private schools are non-public schools that hold a charter from the state of Ohio and must maintain compliance with Ohio’s Operating Standards. Private schools are not directly supported by local or state tax dollars and require the family to pay tuition.

Community (charter) schools offer options for families seeking a non-traditional, K-12 public educational setting for their students. Community schools are tuition-free, public, non-profit, non-religious schools that receive state and federal funds but operate independently of traditional school districts.

Non-chartered, non-tax supported schools are schools that choose not to be chartered by the state of Ohio.  Each NCNT school must certify in an annual report to its families that the school meets Ohio’s Operating Standards. Families are required to pay tuition.  

Home education is an option for families who want to take on the responsibility and actively participate in their child’s education. There are several home education groups and resources available to families who choose home education for their students.

How does universal school choice work?

If a family chooses a private education for their student, Ohio provides a scholarship to help cover the cost of tuition.  The full scholarship award is $6166 for K-8 and $8408 for high school annually. The scholarship is prorated for students whose family income is above 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).  The scholarship may not cover all the costs associated with a private education.  Tuition assistance programs, low-income write-offs, parent volunteer programs and other resources may be available to further assist in covering the cost of tuition.

Special needs scholarships

Ohio offers two different scholarships to assist students with special needs: the Autism Scholarship and the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (JPSN). Scholarship funding helps parents access resources and educational services specific to their child’s learning needs.

You’re invited!

Celebrate National School Choice Week and learn more about all of the educational options in Northwest Ohio by attending the 2024 Northwest Ohio K-12 School Fair on Saturday, January 27 at the Toledo Zoo’s Malawi Event Center from 11am to 2pm. 

The event will feature a wide variety of school options including public, charter, STEMM, private and home education groups and resources.  It will be a fun day for the whole family to enjoy music, food, activities and prizes.  To register to attend the FREE event, visit scohio.org/event/2024-nw-ohio-school-fair.

RELATED: What Universal School Choice Means for Ohio students

Enjoy a Quick and Quality Family Dinner at Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub

By
Laurie Bertke
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It’s hard to go wrong with bar and grill fare when dining out with kids, and Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub has all the crowd pleasers you would expect — plus some delightfully creative comfort foods on the menu for grown-ups.

Odds are good you live near a Sidelines if you reside in the greater Toledo area. Chris Etts, Eric Sitter and Jerry Edmunson founded the business just over the Michigan border in Lambertville in 2000, and it has since grown to include six additional locations in northwest Ohio.

Despite this rapid expansion, director of operations Thomas Morris said each location runs more like a small, family-owned business than a chain. He attributes the success of Sidelines to its dedicated employees, many of whom have worked for the group for a long time and know their regular customers. He notes Sidelines also gives back to schools and other nonprofit organizations through its fundraising programs.

The menu, refreshed several times a year, is rooted in the usual sports bar favorites — build-your-own-burgers, pizza, chicken wings and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

“Our most popular [menu item] is our fowl balls,” Morris said. “[They are made with] fresh chicken tenderloins that are delivered daily that we cut up into small pieces, and we flash fry those to order. That’s our bread and butter; people really enjoy those.” Customers can choose from a variety of sauces, seasonings and toppings for the chicken chunks.

Pub favorites and comfort foods

We visited the Maumee Sidelines location on a Thursday evening. There were plenty of tables available when we arrived and we seated ourselves at a roomy booth that comfortably fit our family of five. The vibe at Sidelines is that of a typical sports bar, with plenty of flatscreen televisions lining the walls and a moderate noise level. 

After we were seated it took about five minutes for a server to greet us and take our drink order. 

Once we received our drinks, there was an additional delay of 10 minutes or so before our server reappeared and we were able to put in our food order. That wait did slightly extend the time for our dining experience from the time we walked in to the time we got our food. While this is not an issue for our family with older children, it could be more challenging with a squirmy baby or toddler in tow.  

We ordered an appetizer of pickle chips ($9.99), which had a tangy dill flavor and a light, battered coating. They were a hit that disappeared quickly at our table. 

The menu features most of the entrees you would expect at a sports bar, with a few standout surprises such as the white cheddar parmesan mac and cheese ($12.99 + extra for add-ins).The mac and cheese is offered with the ability to select from a long list of proteins and veggies that can be added to customize the dish. I ordered it with grilled chicken, and was pleasantly surprised at the generous quantity of tender chicken that was baked into the creamy pasta. The portion size was enough to provide leftovers to enjoy for lunch the next day. 

My husband ordered the meatball pizza ($12.99) and appreciated the neatly sliced meatballs and the light, thin crust. One of our sons also sampled the meatballs on an oven-baked grinder ($14.99), which came topped with a red sauce and a five-cheese blend. His only critique was that the sauce was a bit heavy. 

My oldest ordered his stand-by,  an American cheeseburger, which is a 1/2 pound patty of premium fresh-ground steak served on a Kaiser roll. Sidelines offers a wide assortment of toppings to choose from to customize each burger. 

There is a sizable kids menu with entrees for $5.49 that include two sides and a drink, and kids eat free on Wednesdays. Our daughter usually likes to do her own review of chicken tenders at most places where we eat out, and she said the ones at Sidelines were among the best she has sampled.  

Bottom line

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food at Sidelines, which sets it apart from the typical sports bar. Service at the location we visited was a little slow but the restaurant offers easy carryout and delivery ordering on its website, which our family will add to our rotation of favorite spots for quick dinners in the future. 

RELATED: Ralphie’s Sports Eatery: Kid-Approved Foods, Friendly Atmosphere

Head of Class 2024

By
Mary Genson
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Our children’s education is in the hands of the leaders who have stepped up to help provide the best learning situation for local students. However, learning does not stop when students come home for the day. We spoke with local leaders who shared their best advice to parents as well as information about their programs. 

Joella Simmons

School Leader
HOPE Learning Academy
4234 Monroe St, Toledo.
419-297-6313
hopelearningacademy.org

Advice for parents: 

I am Joella Simmons, a mom of three and the School Leader of HOPE Learning Academy. I firmly believe that every child has the potential to thrive academically and personally. Here is my best advice for Nurturing Your Child’s Education. 

  1. You are your child’s first teacher. 
  2. Understand your child’s unique learning style.
  3. Find a school that can meet their individual needs. 
  4. Create a partnership with the school and teachers. 
  5. Stay engaged with your child’s education.  

The best advice that I can give any parent is that you are your child’s first teacher. Start early by teaching academic and social skills. Every child learns differently. Observe and identify their learning style — whether visual, verbal or hands-on. Recognizing these preferences empowers you to support and advocate for your child’s unique needs. Research schools and choose one that fits your child’s needs. View educators as partners in their education. Collaborate with them to address challenges and celebrate successes, creating a supportive network for your child’s educational journey. Stay engaged, offer consistent support, and watch your child grow into a successful and fulfilled adult. 

About HOPE Learning Academy:

HOPE Learning Academy is all about creating a positive, safe space where kids are not just valued but also where their unique learning needs are met. Our mission is simple: we’re here to help each student reach their highest potential. 

At HOPE, we’re committed to making a real difference in your child’s education. We have small classes, with a max of ten students, so everyone gets the attention they deserve. Plus, our dyslexia support program and social skills program, along with sensory integration, make learning a personalized and holistic experience. Join us at HOPE Learning Academy, where education goes above and beyond, and your child can truly shine! 

Scott Henry

Headmaster
Northwest Ohio Classical Academy
5025 Glendale Ave, Toledo.
567-420-6180 

Advice for parents: 

Parents have the most influence over child development and learning from the time they are babies. Two simple ways to make a big impact include introducing simple concepts in daily life and reading to your child. Asking for right and left hands and feet as you are doing activities and getting dressed will help children learn their right from left, for instance. Reading good books to your child is the best thing to develop an inquiring mind. Stories have a way of inspiring wonder and a love of learning. While there are great cognitive benefits to reading to your child, early introduction to examples of virtuous heroes set examples of good character for children to emulate.

About Northwest Ohio Classical Academy:

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy trains the minds and improves the hearts of students through the use of a classical curriculum for the purpose of developing virtuous citizens. The focus of an American classical education is to educate the whole child: mind and soul. Through discussion of history, literature, the arts, and sciences, students gain an appreciation of not only the world around them, but an understanding of human nature. This informs their growth as individuals and how to interact with those around them. Learning is a habit of the mind as well as the soul, as students acquire knowledge and put on virtue. Ultimately, this habit is developed through inspiring wonder of that which is good, true, and beautiful. The result is an educated and good person who can think, reason, and communicate with those around them.

Shannon Bedard

Educare Academy’s Regional Director
Various locations

Parenting advice:

Time is the best gift that you can give a child. In a world that’s always busy, time may be our most valuable resource. Children thrive when given the gift of time and intentional attention. It matters less what you are doing with your child and more that you are doing it. 

About Educare Academy:

At Educare Academy, we meet each individual child’s needs while fostering their growth. We use the whole-child approach. The whole-child approach to teaching supports and nurtures all areas of children’s development and learning  — from social-emotional and cognitive skills to literacy, math and science understanding. Our goal is to develop healthy and well-rounded children who are equipped with the skills they need for life.

 

Letter from the Editor: A Full Circle Moment

By
Mary Genson
-

When I was growing up in Holland, Ohio, Toledo Parent was the source for many of my mom’s brilliant ideas. It takes a lot to keep three kids entertained, but each day she would have something new and exciting for us to do. We frequented various events hosted by the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Museum of Art and the Metroparks — once, we even went to the Cat in the Hat’s birthday party. Because of those childhood experiences, I have always considered Toledo a city with consistent and meaningful activities for families. It has been instilled in me to be on the lookout for what is happening in the community around me. 

As I step into the role of Toledo Parent Assignment Editor, I will strive to maintain and grow this publication as the fantastic resource it was for me when I was growing up in the Toledo area.

We start the new year with an issue focusing on health and wellness and a look into some of our community’s leaders in education. The start of a new year is the perfect time to seek advice from local experts. 

It is also time to submit nominations for this year’s Family Favorites Awards. Let us know your favorites — restaurants, where you like to hang out, your favorite medical professionals and many other categories. Be sure to check out our January/February giveaway and our features on sledding hills, gaming, a local yoga and mindfulness teacher and more. 

Until next time,

Mary Genson
Assignment Editor
Toledo Area Parent

Open House Guide 2024

By
Mary Genson
-

Where you decide to send your child matters deeply when it comes to their educational experience. We have several schools and programs in our community that vary in style, giving parents the opportunity to choose what makes the most sense for their child. 

Children’s Discovery Center

Locations in Holland, Maumee, Toledo, Perrysburg and Waterville
419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com

Children’s Discovery Center has been serving the Toledo community for more than 41 years and now has five locations throughout the area. Fostering your child’s natural curiosity and nurturing their development is always at the forefront of what they do, offering a unique educational experience with award-winning child care. The Centers promote a S.T.E.A.M. powered curriculum that educates children and prepares them for their future.

Children bloom in CDC’s one-of-a-kind classrooms, each equipped with unique workstations. These internationally recognized educational environments offer learning experiences that engage curious minds. CDC also has a premier Reggio Emilia educational approach, sparking creativity and inspiring imagination in each child, while adhering to Ohio state educational standards. For four decades, CDC has viewed its families as an extension of their own, guiding Toledo’s children toward brighter futures. Learn more at childrensdiscoverycenters.com. Call one of their locations to schedule a tour.

Toledo Christian

2303 Brookford Dr., Toledo
419-389-8700
ToledoChristian.com

Toledo Christian Schools has been a member of the Toledo community since 1975. From our humble beginnings in downtown Toledo to today, we have been committed to providing our students with the best in Christian education while creating a life-long community for our families, alumni, and friends of TC. We believe strongly in partnering with Christian families to provide a college-preparatory Bible-centered educational program to educate, disciple, and prepare students to follow Christ and impact culture.

Choosing the right education for your child is pivotal and significantly impacts who they become. There is no better environment than one that sets its foundation on the word of God. We would love for your family to partner with us in shaping today’s youth into godly men and women for tomorrow. Join us at our next Open House on Saturday, February 10 to see firsthand what makes TC the right fit for your Preschool through Twelfth Grade student!  Schedule now at toledochristian.com!

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy

5025 Glendale Ave., Toledo.
567-420-6180
nocacademy.org

 Are you seeking an exceptional educational experience rooted in academic excellence and virtue? Look no further than Northwest Ohio Classical Academy! Our curriculum focuses on a classical education model, equipping students with critical thinking skills, a love for learning, and a solid foundation for future success. 

Experience a supportive community of students, teachers and families. Various extracurricular activities, events and volunteer opportunities enrich the educational journey of our students. We prioritize virtue and character development, teaching values that will guide your child not just academically, but also in life.

Discover our commitment to nurturing young minds through an American classical education! Together, let’s shape a brighter future for your child at NOCA! Now accepting applications in K – 12th grade! Apply now at nocacademy.org. Visit our Enrollment Open House on January 20 from 1:00-3:00 PM.  

 

Health & Wellness Guide 2024

By
Mary Genson
-

With fresh beginnings and resolutions, the new year is a great time to reevaluate how we take care of ourselves. Self care is important and that includes making sure you are regularly making appointments to gather input and advice from local experts. To start the year off right, we asked local health care professionals for their tips for guiding our well being through healthy habits.

Dr. Sarah Hansen, DMD, MDS

HLS Orthodontics
Locations in Sylvania and Maumee, Ohio, and Lambertville, Mich.
419-882-1017
perfectbraces.com

What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health?

Baby teeth are so important! Even though they eventually fall out, they work as space holders in the mouth until they are no longer needed. Often when baby teeth are exposed to too much sugar or aren’t cleaned properly, they may need to be removed before they are ready to fall out. This causes the back teeth to shift forward, leaving no room for the permanent teeth to replace them. This can create the need for an early phase of orthodontic treatment, or may make future treatment longer and more complex.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy dental habits at a young age is to help your children learn, and get used to a routine of proper brushing and flossing. One way is for them to watch you! When they see you brush and floss, they will be more likely to try. As soon as you see baby teeth erupting, it’s time to start brushing them, and as soon as a baby tooth touches the one next to it, it’s time to start flossing. Even if regular floss is difficult to use, flosser picks and water flossing are great alternatives!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle?

You don’t have to totally give up the things that you love in order to have a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes making a simple switch like cutting back on sugary drinks can make a big difference. Replacing sugary drinks with water and substituting a sugar-free option, like a cappuccino or cold brew, can keep your teeth healthier.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy?

I love seeing how patient smiles and self-confidence change as a result of orthodontic treatment. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and straight teeth can greatly improve how you view yourself! It’s wonderful seeing patients who wouldn’t smile much before or during treatment finally show off their teeth at the end.

Dr. Jon Frankel, DDS

Jon Frankel Dentistry
5012 Talmadge Rd., #100
419-474-9611
jonfrankeldentistry.com

What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health?

 A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. There is a strong correlation between heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

 How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

 Bring your child to the dentist when the first tooth pops through. If you have dental fear, do not share that concern with your children. Make visits to the dentist, eating healthy, and brushing and flossing fun and engaging.

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle?

 For children, make toothbrush selection a special treat, play a two-minute favorite song, or use a toothbrushing app to make the time fly while brushing your teeth. Brush your teeth with your children demonstrating proper technique and a commitment to oral health. As parents, give yourself an incentive. Perhaps teeth whitening or a new electric toothbrush. Don’t forget to floss. It is the only way to clean in-between your teeth.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy?

 When happy, healthy families come for regularly scheduled visits, the joy is contagious. The excitement children display when they pick their television channel, the color of their toothbrush, and a special gift from our treasure chest is simply the best.

Parents who give their children the gift of regularly scheduled dental visits are also giving them the enhanced potential for healthy lives.  What could be better?

Ashley Bush, MSW, LISW-S, PMH-C

Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, and Wellness, LLC.
112 E Dudley St, Maumee.
419-326-5732
bloomwomenscounseling.com

What’s something, with regard to your specialty, that you wish people knew about their health?

It’s very hard to be physically well if your mental health is suffering. Mental health IS health!

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age? 

Parents can help their children thrive by working to remove the stigma from mental healthcare. At some point in their lives, most people have a need for mental healthcare. If we remove the stigma and shame around seeking care for our minds as well as our bodies, we can impact the world for generations to come!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new, healthy lifestyle? 

Work to understand why you’ve struggled to stick to healthy lifestyles before and remove those barriers. A qualified mental health provider can help you process these barriers more fully. 

What part of your practice brings you the most joy?

 Seeing our clients grow, thrive and live happy lives bring us so much joy.

Dr. Nick Goin

Innate Health Chiropractic
26580 N. Dixie Hwy, Ste 101, Perrysburg.
419-872-2255
getinnatehealth.com

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty?

You don’t have to have neck or back pain to see a chiropractor. A large portion of our practice comes for healing from other health challenges like colic, reflux, digestive issues, poor sleep, anxiety, ADHD, ear infections, prenatal care and baby positioning and much more.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy habits is to lead by example and educate. Children often imitate what they see around them. When they understand why they are making certain decisions, it will become who they are. Make it fun!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle?

My best advice for people beginning a new healthy lifestyle is to start with addition not subtraction. Start by adding something healthy into your lifestyle rather than taking something away. You will be more successful with the change and feel more empowered to sustain it.

What about your practice brings you the most joy?

What brings me the most joy is seeing the testimonies of healing. Our bodies are made for health when given the right things and have an amazing ability to heal from the inside out. Chiropractic care is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Dr. Regina Eich, MD

Maumee Pediatric Associates
520 W Sophia St, Maumee.
419-893-1880
maumeepeds.com

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? 

Children have ways of letting us know what is bothering them; we just have to listen to them.

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

The best way to instill healthy habits in their children is for parents to have healthy habits for themselves and try to find ways to include their children.

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle?

Don’t try to do too much at one time.  Focus on one area or one healthy activity at a time  and then build from there. Taking on too much at one time can be overwhelming and lead to a sense of frustration and failure.

What part of your practice brings you the most joy?

The humorous perspective kids have on the world and their honest candid ways of expressing that!

Dr. Erin Knierim, DMD, MS

3036 West Sylvania, Toledo.
419-474-0733
drknierim.com

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? 

A pediatric dentist is more than a dentist that loves kids — we have a minimum of 2 additional years of specialized training where we learn to treat the unique needs of your growing child. We love hanging out with kids all day (and their parents too) and have limited our practices only to them.  Kids should start seeing us by their first birthday!

How can parents instill healthy habits in their children from a young age?

Start creating healthy habits early on, and lead by example. Kids look up to parents and older siblings; if you model healthy habits they will naturally want to be a part of your good health practices!

What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle?

Celebrate the small wins, don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t get to meet your goal every time. Change doesn’t have to be perfect, just keep moving in the right direction!

What part of your practice brings you the most joy?

I think the most joyful and rewarding part of my practice is when you can take a child from fearing the dentist to someone who actually likes coming to see me. It’s not always an easy process, sometimes you take one step forward and two steps back, but it is so worth it! I am so thankful for the chance to build relationships with my young patients and show them that the dentist is a safe and fun place!

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