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Head of the Class

By
Erin Schoen Marsh
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Our area is teeming with great and unique schools. guaranteed to meet the needs of your students. Meet local leaders as they share their visions, inspirations and for the new year.

fisher

Lynn Fisher, Head of the School
West Side Montessori 

What sets West Side Montessori (WSM) apart from other schools in the community?

(Our) philosophy of experiential learning inspires children to discover their potential and produces independent, self-motivated graduates. The highly-enriched curriculum includes world languages, introduced at age 3. Our forty-two teachers, administrators, and assistants fully implement a world-renowned curriculum for children, ages 13 months to 14 years.

What is something you hope to accomplish in 2017?

The school will complete the next phase of the 37- acre Toledo Campus development with the construction of larger art and music studios, a gymnasium/community gathering space, and additional classroom space. A tornado safe room will also add a new level of security for the 400+ students.

durant

Dr. Romules Durant, Superintedent
Toledo Public Schools

What is the biggest change you see
in the education system?

The biggest change I see is developing advanced pathways for students to acquire college credits and ‘on the job’ work experiences.

How did you become an educational leader?

I became an educational leader through spiritual revelations and committing to my purpose and passion in life.

What is something you hope to
accomplish in 2017?

We are hoping to continue to develop more relationships [with] more co-ops and internships for students, along with developing more career programs and career-based schools.

vanicewilliams

Vanice Williams, Administrator
Life Skills High School 

What sets your school apart from
other schools in the community?

Life Skills…is a dropout recovery community school that works with the ‘whole student.’ The students who come to our school come with various needs, whether it be academic or social, and we try to help them acquire resources that will help with the barriers that may prevent them from attending school regularly. Last year to meet the needs [of our students] we opened our first Clothing Closet, Hygiene Pantry, and Food Pantry. With an enrollment of 95 students and 95% below the poverty line, we felt [this] was a necessity.

What motivates you everyday?

I am motivated to help the community’s youth because I was one of them at one point. I faced some of the same challenges they face, [and] I used school as an outlet to escape from my troubled home life, and I want Life Skills to be an escape for my students. I want my daughter and students to see that you are bigger than your circumstances, and life comes with hurdles, but how many you can jump over will determine how close the finish line is.

boehm

Gary Boehm, Head of the School
Maumee Valley Country Day School

What sets MVCDS apart from other schools in the community?

We are the only preschool through Grade 12 Independent School in NW Ohio/SE Michigan. This means that we are able to provide continuous service to students from the time they start school through graduation. Being independent also means that we have great flexibility in how we teach and what we teach students. At Maumee Valley, we keep classes small so that students can receive the personal attention and care they need to be successful. We are also unique in that 100% of our graduates go to a four year college.

What is something you hope to accomplish in 2017?

We have embarked on a journey to make a Maumee Valley education personal, experiential, and global. Each year we set goals to bring that vision into reality. In our efforts to personalize learning, we envision a school where education is less standardized, and where each student has an evolving sense of who they are, what they are good at, where they are going, and a plan to achieve that.

As part of [that] vision, we are developing a network of alumni, parents, and community leaders to help us provide students with real world experiences and challenges. I’d like to see that network grow in 2017. In addition, I’d like our recently developed Campus Master Plan to move from the drawing board toward an actionable plan for campus improvements.

gilbert

Gina Gilbert, Director
Little Sprouts Academy 

What is your main goal for the school?

My main goal…is to maintain the positive reputation that precedes us and to build upon that….[and to] continue to provide phenomenal, first-rate early education to our students. This includes exceeding educational standards while providing our unique, family-oriented atmosphere.

What motivates you everyday?

I am motivated daily by the individual children we serve here. They come from many diverse backgrounds, but if you work in preschool or childcare long enough, you see the same eyes in different children. These children need a place where they are stimulated, read to, encouraged, and given all of the fundamental building blocks of education in a manner that shows them that learning is not just necessary, but fun. They need to feel safe, and they need to genuinely bond with their instructors. I feel that in our program, we offer just that.

flores

Nichole Flores, Principal
St. Ursula Academy 

What is the biggest change you see in the education system?

There are too many to name just one. However, one of St. Ursula Academy’s Core Values is openness to change, and we are ready for anything that may come our way.

What is something you hope to accomplish in 2017?

Our vision is that we are the premier education choice for young women and their parents, fostering a learning environment that develops young women of wisdom, service, and faith so that each is empowered to embrace the challenges of the world with leadership, courage, and compassion.

schild

Fr. Eric Schlid, President
Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School & St. Kateri Catholic Academy 

What is your main goal for the school?

My main goal for the school is to make disciples of Jesus Christ on the path to Heaven through the rigors of an academic and extracurricular experience that is challenging and rooted in excellence.

What motivates you everyday?

The students motivate me everyday. As an educational leader, everyday I am able to experience students through their failures and successes are learning and striving for excellence. It’s awesome to be able to see students who come from challenging situations come to a school where they know they’re loved and a part of the family. That motivates me to help inspire these kids to greatness.

miller

Debbie Miller, Owner
Little Wonders Child Care Center

How did you become an educational leader?

I started in the field of education in 1981 as a Penta student and continued my education at Owens College while still working in the education field. I have been a teacher, head teacher, supervisor, site director over many centers and ended my journey as the owner and director of Little Wonders Child Care Center. I have been in the education field for 35 years.

What sets your school apart from others
in the community?

I started the center to be convenient for parents by having extended hours and a part time and full time care for children of all ages. We allow the parents to move to morning to afternoons at anytime because not all parents have 9 to 5 jobs. Little Wonders opens at 4:30am and closes at 10:30pm. We have six different age groups starting at 6 weeks old all the way up to 12 years. We help with transportation to local schools like Coy, Toledo, Lake and Northwood, to name a few.

We are a step up to quality starr 4 center and participate in the USDA food program. We also have contracts with county assistances and a pre-K grant program that helps 4 years to come to preschool for free. We are part of the Healthy Foods Healthy Kids program. Finally, we offer a 3 and 4 year old Head Start program at the center that runs Monday through Friday from 8am-2pm.

jones

James Jones, Principal
The Autism Academy of Learning

What sets your school apart from other schools in the community?

The population of our school is what sets us apart. Our school is 100% special education. I would say 85-90% of our population has Autism and the other 10-15% has various other disabilities. Our school size sets us apart as well with having a max enrollment around 57 students it ensures a good staff to student ratio, which is important when dealing with this population.

What motivates you every day?

Coming to work every day knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life, by providing a safe place where students can learn the skills necessary to be successful. Also, knowing that I am surrounded by great staff that are able to deal with the ups and downs that come with working in this field.

adamski

Tiffany Adamski, Regional Director
iLead School

What is your main goal for the school?

My main goal for iLEAD Spring Meadows is for it to be a joyful learning community where we all (learners and facilitators) come together to learn and grow everyday. I love the quote, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” It is our goal at iLEAD to fan those flames of interest and inquiry, fostering an environment where everyone is free to think and inspired to lead.

What motivates you everyday?

The people in my iLEAD Spring Meadows learning community. From the eagerness and loving hearts of the learners, to the passionate and dauntless facilitators, our iLEAD family is an incredible group and I am so proud of them. They keep me on my toes trying to stay one step ahead of them with innovative programs and support but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are the reason I am here and I find joy each day in doing my very best for them.

cordella

Joseph Cordella, Principal
St. John’s Jesuit High School
and Academy 

What is the biggest change you see in the education system?

Clearly, technology is evolving faster than even the field of education, so at times it can be tempting for technology to drive changes. Jesuit educators value along with many other skills, the ability for students to be able to think critically as well as to see themselves as advocates for those populations that are underserved.

What sets your school apart from other schools in the community?

At St. John’s, we focus on educating the whole person, to allow each student to grow into their full and unique potential. With ongoing and individualized curriculum planning, our college preparatory program prepares our students for college and world beyond.

gibson

Scott Gibson, Superintendent
Toledo Christian

What is the main goal for the school?

At Toledo Christian we provide students with a safe, nurturing environment where they can excel academically, grow spiritually, and thrive relationally. The opportunities to play multiple high quality sports while participating in an outstanding fine arts programs sets us apart. Our mission is to Educate, Disciple, and Prepare students to follow Christ and impact culture and our graduates are well-equipped to confidently step into the next phase of their lives.

What motivates you every day?

At Toledo Christian our motivation is our students! Knowing that we have been blessed with the opportunity to leave a lifelong impression on the life of each student that walks through our doors is very rewarding

Monster Jam Monster Truck Racing

By
Toledo Parent Staff
-

Get ready to rev your engines when monster trucks take over downtown Toledo the weekend of February 17-19.

Get your tickets now to see ultimate destruction by monster trucks in the Huntington Center. There will be more than 19 different monster trucks competing in races, obstacles courses and other competitions.

7pm. $30.
The Huntington Center
500 Jefferson Ave. | 419-255-3300.
huntingtoncentertoledo.com

Hot Diggety DOG! Tony Packo’s— the Toledo icon still a crowd pleaser

By
Karen L. Zickes
-

If you have never been to the original Tony Packo’s in east Toledo at the corner of Front and Consaul Streets, shame on you! The walls are adorned with encased hot dog buns signed by hundreds of celebrities. Surely, then, those of us living right here in T-Town can pay a visit to Packo’s. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you.

Hungarian restaurant has
quite a history

Tony Packo was the son of Hungarian immigrants. With his wife Rose he opened the original restaurant in 1932. Other locations have since opened in the Toledo area including Packo’s At The Park near 5/3 Field.

Back then, it seemed fitting that Mr. Packo, who was Hungarian and residing in the Hungarian part of town, name his culinary creation a Hungarian hot dog. However, in the old country, a hot dog like Packo’s was not traditional fare. I am guessing many people never knew that funny little fact. Other menu items, though, are most certainly of authentic Hungarian origin.

In 1972 Burt Reynolds became the first celebrity to sign the now famous buns. And so began the tradition of special guests signing a bun to be encased and adorn the walls. The most recent celebs to visit, according to manager Mike Robinette were Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and the members of REO Speedwagon this past summer. However, it was Jamie Farr, a Toledo native, who really put Packo’s on the map with his character Klinger in the show M*A*S*H. Klinger, a Toledo native, spoke of his favorite Tony Packo hot dogs in several episodes, including the final show in 1983.

“Unique” is Packo’s middle name

The uniqueness of Packo’s starts with its wedge shaped building on the corner. When you enter, there are Tiffany lamps hanging throughout the restaurant and the tables are covered with traditional red and white checked tablecloths. Every employee I encountered that evening was upbeat and friendly. It had been years since I had stopped in, but the familiar feel remained. In a world of constant change, it was nice to step back into the restaurant and know the atmosphere, food, and service were just as I remembered. I’m also certain the prices hadn’t changed much either. Bonus!

The menu isn’t huge, but they have perfected what they make and it tasted exactly as I remember from years ago. They offer their chili, Hungarian hot dogs (with and without their famous chili sauce), chicken paprikas, stuffed cabbage, specials of the month and an array of comfort food sides such as hot potato salad, mac n cheese, green bean casserole and the like.

They also offer a kids menu that has a choice of five entrees, six sides, and a drink for about $4.99. Roast beef, yogurt, and pudding were a couple items I don’t usually see on kid menus. My friend’s kids were happy with the hot dog and corn dog sans Packo’s sauce. My three were all about the chili and hot dogs, but the adults at the table went for the special entrees.

We began with an appetizer that had something fried for everyone, but I loved the fried pickles (Packo pickles of course) and their special Packo ketchup. Oh that was a tasty treat. One of us enjoyed the meatloaf and mashed potatoes, a monthly special, and two of us enjoyed the paprikas and stuffed cabbage. And YES, I DID take a taste of everything on the table that evening! How could I not?

The traditional favorites of bread pudding, apple dumplings and strudel sounded wonderful, but we were fat-n-happy and taking doggie bags home. At the conclusion of our meal we enjoyed a trip through the Tony Packo’s gift shop where you can find anything pickles and peppers and hot dog and chili related. We enjoyed checking out a few of the signed buns covering the walls as well. Maybe after they read this article they’ll ask ME to sign a bun for them! One can always dream.

Bottom Line:

I would recommend everyone stop in Tony Packo’s at least once, but I’m sure after your first visit, you’ll find a reason to make a repeat trip to east Toledo. If hot dogs and chili are not your favorite things, you will find other selections to please your palate I assure you. The atmosphere is fun and the kids will be intrigued

shortcourse

Tony Packo’s

(original location)
1902 Front St. | 419-691-6054
Mon-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-11p.m.
Sun: 11:30a.m.-9p.m.
www.tonypacko.com

Resolve to Get Involved in 2017: Investing in our community by involving our children

By
Sam Melden
-

are all the rage this time of year. The simple idea of a new calendar brings hope and expectation for things to be, in some way, different. Too often those goals are formed out of the shadows in our lives, rather than in the light. We aren’t thin enough, so we want to lose weight. We’re watching too much T.V. so we drop our Netflix subscription. We aren’t close enough with a certain family member so we tell ourselves we will call them more frequently. A majority of New Year’s Resolutions seem to come from a place of improving our individual lives. What about our family life? As parents, what goals and resolutions do we want to pursue for our entire family?

Resolve for the family

The reason I like thinking about resolutions as a family affair is because I believe that family life is naturally conducive to setting goals, planning, routine and rhythm. Parenting is fundamentally incremental. Never simply linear, a parent understands the journey of raising children isn’t as much a clean, march forward as it is a dizzying back and forth, round and round, through various ups and downs. And then at the end, you look at this person who is kind of becoming what you hope they would, and you breath deep. Isn’t that just like a New Year’s resolution? You start out hoping your life will look a certain way and you really don’t know how you are going to get there, what bumps you will encounter along the way. Successful New Year’s Resolutions, like parenting, rely on incremental progress.

Getting started

Let me offer a suggestion as you begin thinking about what you would want your family to take on together in 2017. Choose something that will get your entire clan more engaged in the community, together. Resolving to get more engaged in that non-profit you love is wonderful, but is there a way for you to make that a family endeavor? If you found yourself discontented with the past political season we all just lived through, is there a way that you could resolve to get your entire family more engaged politically? Perhaps around a certain issue, perhaps just to become more informed.

The reason I bring up community involvement as a possible goal for 2017 is that we often tell ourselves the reason we aren’t more involved with our community is because of the requirements and responsibilities we have for our children. Isn’t that a bit backwards? Imagine if we set our family intentions first, and then allowed the individual goals to come next? Most parents I know would adamantly agree that their children and family are a top priority, and yet, over time, we allow a fragmented scheduling calendar to pull us in different directions. In turn we keep that core value on the shelf like a family heirloom instead of posted on the refrigerator, integrated into our daily lives.

A great investment

There is, of course, another reason getting involved in the community all together is a great idea. It is an investment. As we invest in our children we are investing in our community. We are helping create citizens that will grow up into the type of leader and community-minded people we would want as neighbors for ourselves. Resolving to get more involved in the community in a meaningful way as a family can help create a community where we would all want to be more involved.

If this all feels too idealistic, or you can’t think of too many examples you’ve seen of this type of family life, don’t worry. Your job with a New Year’s resolution isn’t to accomplish it all at once. Take a small step. You are creating memories that lead to traditions and taking small actions that lead to routine and rhythm. After all, remember teaching your kid how to brush her teeth? It all takes time. And it is all worth it.

Surviving Stage IV Lung Cancer: A mother’s story of hope and action

By
Heidi Borst
-
Bobbi Johnson-Filipiak, with her husband James, and daughter Kate, now 4.

Bobbi Johnson-Filipiak was in the best shape of her life at the time of her daughter Kate’s birth on December 11, 2012. Bobbi delivered by C-section to prevent complications from HELLP syndrome (a pregnancy complication involving the breakdown of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count). Because HELLP symptoms were still present two days later, Bobbi’s obstetrician ordered a brain scan to rule out injury.

In what turned out to be a life-saving error, the machine was mis-calibrated, and her chest was fortuitously scanned. Bobbi’s obstetrician discovered a small spot on her right lung, but assured her it was most likely a polyp. While a biopsy was the only way to be certain, there was no urgency, and Bobbi focused on her new baby girl. Six months later, a nagging feeling in her gut forced Bobbi to action. “You have to rule (cancer) out. I followed my instinct,” Bobbi said. The biopsy, done in June 2013, revealed NSCLC Stage III, a major form of lung cancer that can affect both smokers and non-smokers, like Bobbi.

The power of positivity:
fighting the fight

Resolved to remain optimistic, Bobbi geared up for intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatment from July-December 2013, all while juggling the needs of an infant and a full-time career as an HR executive. “Sometimes people victimize themselves, but that’s a horrible place to begin. You cannot let that be part of your thought process. Yes, you will have moments of weakness, but it is what you do after those moments that matters,” Bobbi said. Finally, on NYE 2013, 12 months later, came the highly anticipated call from her oncologist: All signs of cancer were gone.

Fast forward. After 18 months in remission, in mid 2015, routine scans revealed a recurrence. The cancer had metastasized through Bobbi’s lymph nodes to her kidney and brain, escalating it to Stage IV. Bobbi didn’t let the news unravel her, instead she immediately took action. She began treatment at the Cleveland Clinic in July 2015, as part of a clinical trial coupling chemotherapy with immunotherapy, a promising new treatment for advanced lung cancer. Bobbi remained optimistic. “I am blessed to have found it as early as I did. I am grateful I have cancer now versus 10, even five years ago. There are so many more options. It used to be that the life expectancy for Stage IV lung cancer was five years, but immunotherapy extends that. I don’t call it end stage cancer. With the right outlook and treatment I’m keeping my options open for the next advancement,” she said.

“Hey, cancer: you’re not
taking my hair”

While most chemotherapy patients resign themselves to complete hair loss, Bobbi wasn’t interested. Research led her to cold cap therapy, a treatment based out of Europe only recently available in the US. The cap (-32 degrees F) is worn on the head for the duration of each chemo infusion, preventing damage to hair follicle cells.

PARENT PROFILE_Bobbi Johnson-Filipiak uses cold cap therapy during chemo to save her hair

With this therapy, Bobbi has salvaged every gorgeous lock. “When chemo is knocking you down, why not have one major victory? To look in the mirror and see yourself, and your hair, that’s priceless. This gives you a chance to take control of something. It’s a boost of confidence when your insides feel like crap. It’s uplifting,” Bobbi said. (The Toledo Cancer Clinic is working to make the cold cap treatment affordable to all income levels, as insurance does not currently cover it.)

Inspiration to keep going

Still undergoing chemotherapy, Bobbi keeps her mind and body sound by incorporating exercise, nutrition, and holistic therapy such as Reiki, into her regime. She finds incredible strength in her husband James, and daughter Kate, now 4. “There’s no better incentive in life than looking at your daughter’s face and saying how can I not possibly give it my all? My daughter really is my inspiration. Kids, they know something we don’t. Life is a precious thing. I’m not going to let cancer define who I am. I feel like I can kick it…it’s a wake-up call to value what you have. Spend time with friends, spend time with family,” Bobbi said.

Bobbi wants to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. She is heavily involved with cancer advocacy and fundraising at The Victory Center, where she is on the Board of Directors. The Victory Center, a local resource for cancer patients and their families, provides access to many services, including yoga and art therapy. Support groups for family members who are grappling with a cancer diagnosis are also available. Learn more online

Q&A with Bobbi Johnson-Filipiak

What’s your favorite activity to do with family?
We love taking family walks with our beagle.

What’s the best holiday memory you have as a kid?
Receiving a Lifesaver storybook from my great grandmother on Christmas Eve.

What’s your go-to activity when you have a
few minutes to yourself?
I’m an Amazon prime junkie… I love online shopping, especially this time of year!

Describe your life in five words:
Faith, Family, Friends, Fun & Fitness

Sibshops Gatherings: A Place for Brothers and Sisters

By
Kimberly Feldkamp
-

This month a new program is starting for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibshops Gatherings is a safe place for kids to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and to talk openly about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. Open to kids ages 9-16, Sibshops have fun games and hands-on activities (like cooking!) that will keep your kids engaged in an energetic ways.

Sibshops are free, but registration is required and space is limited.

Sibshops Gatherings will be from 10am-1 pm January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, 2017 at the Alternate Learning Center 3939 Wrenwood, Toledo.

For more information and to register contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County Parent Mentor 419-214-3066 [email protected].

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