For some districts the new school year is underway, and for others it is just around the corner. The back to school shopping, open houses and school routines are here again, but this year we’re here to help you get a leg up. Teachers and education experts from around the area share advice on what they really want parents to know this year.
Amy Meagher
Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
“I wish parents would focus more on social-emotional development. The other things – letters, numbers, shapes, colors – your child will learn them. Children need to know how to regulate their emotions. And when they are little, it is our job to help them by using co-regulation skills. Preschool children should be able to name and express their feelings. All feelings are valid – it’s how we react and deal with those feelings that’s important. It’s acceptable to say, “I need a break for a moment” and walk away. Finally, I wish that all parents would teach their children to be kind! Kindness, empathy, and respect for others are lessons that make a lasting difference—not only in a child’s life but in the lives of everyone around them.”
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Olivia Rinehart
Kindergarten teacher
“Being a kindergarten teacher, you are preparing to have a group of students each year that need continuous lessons on life skills, focus skills and the practice of being in school in general. Something I wish parents know, as a teacher, is that our love for your child is unconditional. We want the best for them just as much as you do, so being on the same page throughout the year is incredibly important. Lastly, practice at home and throughout the summer goes a very long way. It may take some patience and maintenance but seeing the outcome in the classroom not only will make you and I feel ecstatic, but your child will feel important too.”
Mairin Remaklus
Kindergarten – 2nd grade special education teacher
“As a special education teacher, I work with a wide variety of children, each with unique needs. I believe it is important for parents to understand that, in order for their children to grow, they must be given opportunities to try new things and build independence. They may struggle or experience setbacks at first, but that is part of the learning process. Consistency, along with regular attendance, plays a vital role in a child’s progress. At the same time, however, there is an important balance between allowing room for growth and providing the structure needed to prevent unsafe behaviors. As teachers, we are committed to helping your child succeed and share the same goal of supporting their development.”
Jennifer Bradford
Intervention Specialist Grades 6-12
“Working with students with disabilities is deeply rewarding, but the demands placed on their primary caretakers can be exceptionally challenging. As a teacher, I wish that parents knew the unlimited amount of resources that are available to families with children with disabilities. From respite care to financial assistance to parent mentoring, comprehensive support is accessible for nearly every facet of daily life. Leveraging these external services is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a vital strategy for maximizing a child’s success both within the classroom and in their future independence. Raising a child requires a community, and utilizing these resources provides the essential foundation families need to thrive.”
Colleen Bickel
7th grade science teacher
“Dear Families,
If there is one thing I could tell you that can help your child better navigate their middle school years it is to stay involved in your child’s education. It may be tough as middle schoolers tend to want more independence but know that your involvement matters. Ask your child about what they’re learning, encourage them to notice the world around them, and celebrate their effort when they take on challenges. Simple conversations can help reinforce the value of education and we, as a team, can help students gain the confidence to grow into lifelong learners.”
Emily Remaklus
9th grade English teacher
“Let your child fail. I know this one sounds pretty harsh, and I don’t mean let them fail a class, but especially early in high school is the time where parents can take a step back, let their child take accountability for their education, and let them make their own mistakes. One of the best ways to learn is through trying something new or difficult, failing and trying again in a new way. Let them make mistakes and experience failure while they’re in a safe setting like school, so they can build the skills and resiliency they need to be successful later in life.”
Elizabeth Denham
Educational Consultant in Career and Technical Education
“One of the biggest lessons we teach in Career and Technical Education extends beyond technical skills—it’s accountability. In the workplace, employers expect individuals to arrive prepared, meet deadlines, ask questions when they need help, and take ownership of their performance. We encourage students to develop these same habits in the classroom. While teachers are here to support, guide, and provide opportunities for success, students must also be willing to put in the effort required to achieve their goals. Learning to take responsibility for outcomes is one of the most valuable employability skills a student can develop.”
Lexie Beckman
High school dropout prevention and credit recovery teacher
“One thing I wish more parents understood is that rescuing your child today can unintentionally make tomorrow harder for them. Life will expect them to meet deadlines, communicate professionally, solve problems, and take responsibility for their choices. School is the safest place to learn those skills. When parents and teachers set high expectations while offering encouragement and support, we prepare students not just to graduate, but to succeed long after they leave our classrooms. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to raise young people who know how to face challenges instead of expecting someone else to fix them.”
On Friday-Sunday, July 17-19, the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau Balloon & Fireworks Festival 2026 will be taking place with live music, helicopter rides, tethered balloon rides, a beer garden and more. On Friday and Saturday there will be Kids activities from 5-9pm, including inflatables, carnival games, face painting and temporary tattoos by H
The museum also offers rotating activities and seasonal programming that add even more opportunities for learning and engagement throughout the year. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend visit or a planned summer outing, families will find something new to spark imagination on every trip. 
Have up close animal encounters at African Safari Wildlife Park. During the Drive-Thru Safari experience, animals will walk right up to your car so you can feed them snacks. Produce and grain snacks are available for purchase. African Safari Wildlife Park is open rain or shine, however, some animals may not be out if it is too cold or rainy, such as giraffes. Some of the animals that guests may get to meet during the Drive- Thru Safari experience are American bison, Grant’s zebra, elk, emu and much more. The Walk-Thru Safari experience is open from mid-May through early October. Guests can feed animals approved food during scheduled encounters. Some of the animals that can be seen through this experience are Bennett’s wallaby, Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, red kangaroo and more.
For families looking to leave town and explore a new city, Fort Wayne, Ind. is a family-friendly option with a variety of attractions to explore. Through the adventure pass, families can visit Fort Wayne Zoo, Science Central, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory,Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The History Center, Firefighters Museum, The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research and Fort Wayne Visitors Center. This deal allows families to save up to 30% per ticket. Downtown Fort Wayne is a walkable city for families. Promenade Park offers fun such as the kids’ canal, kayak rentals and treetop canopy trail. The city holds annual events throughout the year. Upcoming events in May and June include the Cherry Blossom Festival, Fort4Fitness Spring Cycle, Arab Fest, Fort4Fitness Run Wild, Germanfest, BBQ Ribfest, Middle Waves, Allen County Fair, Greekfest and the Fort4Fitness Summer Sunset Relay.
