BackToSchool2017

A special advertising section of ThisWeek Community News • Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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submitted 133 online nominations, from parents, current and former students, colleagues and even family members.

Our editorial staffs reviewed the submissions and narrowed the list to 15 finalists—five per category. It was a tough choice. This year’s pool clearly showed there are many excellent teachers in the region who impress and inspire students, parents and colleagues through their work in the classroom.

Readers voted on the finalists from March 27 to May 1 to determine the winners, who were recognized at awards ceremonies at their schools. Teachers did not know they won in advance, nor did students or most of the staff. Each received a summer fun prize basket (which included a family membership to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, tickets to the Columbus Clippers and Zoombezi Bay, a Kroger gift card and other items) as well as a framed certificate and banner.

Past Winners: 2013 Judges’ Choice Winners Sequoia Temple, kindergarten, Maize Elementary School (Columbus City Schools) Pamela Reed, sixth-grade English and language arts, Buckeye Middle School (Columbus City Schools) Susan Burnett, grades 9-12 intervention specialist, Cruiser Academy (Groveport Madison School District) People’s Choice Winner: Abby Farris, second grade, Glacier Ridge Elementary School (Dublin City School District) 2015 Krista Hyme, kindergarten, Johnnycake Corners Elementary School (Olentangy Local School District) Lisa Picou, fifth-grade math, Buckeye Valley Middle School (Buckeye Valley Local School District) Cynthia Macioce, drama, Gahanna Lincoln High School (Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools)

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As any parent of school-age children knows, teachers play a critical role in students’ education, social development and well-being.

In recognition of this, Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News partnered for the fourth year to honor some of Central Ohio’s top teachers.

We’re pleased to present the results of the 2017 Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News Teachers of the Year awards, which recognize three deserving educators—one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

We launched the project by mailing letters to principals and school district communications staffers to let them know about the recognition program and to urge them to nominate worthy teachers. The effort also was promoted on the websites and social media pages of both Parent and ThisWeek.

From Feb. 1 to March 15, readers

2016 Buffy Burroughs, first grade, Avondale Elementary School (Columbus City Schools) Julie Mizer, eighth-grade math, Hilliard Memorial Middle School (Hilliard City School District) Marcella Cua, visual arts, Briggs High School (Columbus City Schools)

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

Teachers of the Year

Parents say Anderson inspires students

By Alan Froman ThisWeekNews.com Buckeye Woods Elementary School teacher Amy Anderson believes engaging her students is the key to educating them.

“I try to make the classroom a fun place to be,” she said. “I want it to be a place they want to come to every day. If they’re having fun, they are more likely to be learning.

“I’ll often use a sports theme and I’ll be the coach, athlete and cheerleader,” the third-grade teacher said. “I have my pompoms to help cheer my students on.”

She also has a song for her students almost every day. “That’s my big thing—I can come up with a song about everything,” she said. “For math, we did a ‘Math Macarena’ to learn about geometry.”

Jennifer O’Bryan knows firsthand the impact Anderson’s methods can have on a student, and it led her to nominate Anderson for the Columbus Parent/ ThisWeek Community News Teachers of the Year award. Anderson, who was named the elementary school winner, was honored at a May 18 assembly at the school. O’Bryan’s son, Alex, was in Anderson’s class five years ago. “He was struggling a bit the first two years and school wasn’t a place he really wanted to be,” O’Bryan said. “But Mrs. Anderson made learning fun and he began to look forward to going to school.

“He’s going into eighth grade now, and he still has her picture up in his room,” O’Bryan said. “He adored her and she’s still an inspiration and influence on him to this day. What more can you say about a teacher?”

Andrea Chaffin’s son, Connor, spent

“

Teachers and parents both want the same thing for students, but it comes from different perspectives.”

— Amy Anderson Buckeye Woods Elementary School Winner, Elementary School Teacher of the Year

the past school year in Anderson’s class.

Chaffin, who also nominated Anderson, served as a volunteer in the classroom.

“She’s an amazing teacher,” Chaffin said.

“The way she comes up with different themes for her lessons, she’s always trying to put a fun spin on things. It helps keep her students engaged.

“I told Mrs. Anderson that if he could, my son would bottle her up and take her with him to fourth grade,” Chaffin said. “I feel so lucky to have her impact my son’s academics. She’s left her mark on him.”

Anderson, 44, has taught most of her 22-year career in the South-Western City School District, including the past 11 years at Buckeye Woods. Before that, she taught at the district’s Finland Middle School and Alton Hall Elementary School. She began her career teaching in Cleveland.

She originally intended to become a youth minister. “I made the change in college,” Anderson said. “I realized I loved the chance teaching would give to be able to impact children on a daily basis.

Anderson gets high-fives from students at a special assembly Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Buckeye Woods Elementary School. Rob Hardin | Columbus Parent photo

“Teaching was the right choice for me,” she said. “It’s not just my career—it’s my passion.”

For Anderson, the best part of teaching is making a connection with her students.

The biggest change over her career has been the increased emphasis on standardized testing at the elementary school level, she said. “Especially with something like the third-grade reading guarantee, that’s a lot of stress to be putting on 8- and 9-year-olds, and they do feel that pressure,” she said.

Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1994 from Capital University and a master’s degree in the art of teaching and learning in 2001 from Nova Southeastern University. She and her husband, Kyle, live in Dublin with their

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459 Orange Point Dr., Suite E. Lewis Center, OH 43035

three children, ages 19, 11 and 6.

“I became a better teacher after becoming a mother,” Anderson said. “It helped me understand what parents were looking for. Teachers and parents both want the same thing for students, but it comes from different perspectives.”

Buckeye Woods Principal Jenniffer Kauffeld said the care and concern Anderson has for her students as individuals shines through in her teaching.

“Amy has such a positive impact on her students. She brings a sense of fun to everything she does in the classroom,” Kauffeld said.

“I was truly honored to win this award, but I know I’m just part of an amazing team of teachers at Buckeye Woods,” Anderson said.

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Teachers of the Year

Retiring Potter beloved by students

By Nate Ellis ThisWeekNews.com After four decades in education, a fifth-grade language arts teacher at The Wellington School is stepping away from the classroom as the middle school winner of the Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News Teachers of the Year award. Mary Potter is retiring after 40 years on the job— including the last 32 at Wellington.

“I get everything I could possibly need or want from the kids,” Potter said after receiving the award at a June 2 assembly, where students’ affection for her was obvious. “The love and caring I carry out of here … I’ve got all the gifts I need.”

Potter, 66, has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in education from Ohio State University. She began her career as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in the South-Western City School District, where she taught for eight years, before stints at OSU and Otterbein University supervising student teachers and designing programs to implement computers into classrooms throughout Ohio.

The latter work brought her to Wellington, where she initially integrated technology into classrooms by training teachers and students in computer skills.

Although the school lacked technology resources at the time, Potter took the job because she wanted to work with younger students again and because there were opportunities to teach them in new ways.

“It was kids thinking, kids problemsolving,” she said. “The sky was the limit.

“They gave me total freedom to run with it with all sorts of kids. It didn’t have to be one-size-fits-all.”

Eventually, Potter became a language arts teacher at Wellington. She spent 15 years teaching seventh-graders, then transitioned to fifth grade.

Potter was nominated by a group of colleagues and parents, led by the school’s assistant marketing director, Caroline Haskett. “With the uncanny ability to listen to so many children at once and, yet, still hear their individual voices, Mrs. Potter has dedicated her life for the last 30 years to finding out what makes kids tick,” her nominators wrote. “The palpable compassion she shows for her students extends far beyond the walls of Wellington.

“She never hesitates to volunteer her

Middle School Teachers of the Year winner Mary Potter (center), pictured in her classroom with Head of School Rob Brisk (back), students, family and friends. Dan Trittschuh | Columbus Parent photo

time or her home to someone struggling.

From organizing clothing and book drives to personally delivering homemade peanut (butter) and jelly sandwiches to the homeless, she has been a longtime proponent for the importance of service learning for all ages. Her dream is for every Wellington family to find a way to serve the community.”

During her time at Wellington, Potter said some of the biggest changes came through the implementation of technology, which shifted teaching from textbooks and memorization to something more dynamic. “The ability to think, figure out what’s needed and relevant, sort what’s most important and interesting, figuring out how to cite and organize what they’ve gathered as important and interesting, and then the best way to show that they know and understand will give kids more mileage in school and life itself,” she said.

Head of Middle School Erin Noviski praised Potter’s influence. “In her 32 years

“

I get everything I could possibly need or want from the kids.”

— mary potter The Wellington School Winner, Middle School Teacher of the Year

at The Wellington School, Mary Potter has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with each and every one of her students by nurturing, challenging and inspiring them to grow into confident and capable adults. Mary’s passionate commitment to service learning is reflected in her students’ dedication to giving back to others long after they leave Wellington.

“Mary Potter is, without a doubt, one

of the most positively influential teachers I have ever known and a true treasure for families of The Wellington School.”

Potter, a longtime Upper Arlington resident who has two grown children, Sarah Potter and Seth Potter, said that even as she retires, she will continue to volunteer and help those in need. It’s a commitment that was engrained in her by her parents, who often took in children from the school on the Hilltop in West Columbus where the family lived, and where her father taught for 30 years. He inspired her to become a teacher. “My dad brought kids home who had no shoes, no food,” she said. “That’s where it all started.

“I think you kind of know when it’s the right time to retire, and there are things I want to do service-wise,” Potter said. “I know you don’t look at all students and people the same.

“They’re not all the same. Some people just need that window opened for their opportunities.”

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Teachers of the Year

Halleck solves higher math challenges

By Alan Froman ThisWeekNews.com For Central Crossing High School’s Kristy Halleck, the equation is simple. A math devotee whose teachers inspired her to pursue a career in education, Halleck has spent virtually her entire career teaching the subject she loves in her hometown school district.

“When I graduated from college, I wanted to come back to Grove City to teach, but you don’t always get so lucky,” she said. “I was lucky.

“Teaching in Grove City, it’s a small way I can give back to a community that’s given so much to me,” said Halleck, who was selected as the high school winner of the Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News Teachers of the Year award.

The Grove City High School graduate received her bachelor’s degree in secondary math education in 2002 from Miami University and a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2006 from the University of Dayton. “I actually didn’t start out wanting to be a teacher,” she said. “I was thinking of studying premed because I thought I’d want to be a veterinarian. For a while I was interested in meteorology.

“There were a lot of things I thought about, but none of them set right with me, except teaching,” she said.

Halleck, 36, has taught at Central Crossing for 14 years. Aside from some early tutoring, her entire career has been spent at the school.

She cited three educators who influenced her career path: Lori Fullen, her sophomore-year Algebra 2 teacher, who made the recommendation that Halleck be hired at Central Crossing; Jerry Nuckles, now retired, who taught Halleck in pre-calculus during her junior year and Advanced Placement Calculus her senior year; and Central Crossing Principal Jill Burke, who taught Halleck ninth-grade geometry. “All three of these teachers inspired me by the way they taught their class and related to their students,” Halleck said. “They helped lead me to becoming a teacher.”

While it was Halleck’s mother, Susan Greenway, who nominated her for the award, her principal agreed Halleck deserves the accolades. “Even as a

High School Teachers of the Year winner Kristy Halleck (center) is surrounded by family following an awards presentation on Friday, May 19, 2017. Tim Johnson | Columbus Parent photo

student, Kristy always had such a positive demeanor and worked really hard,” Burke said. “She’s just the same as a teacher.”

Burke said she often gets to see Halleck at work in the classroom. “Whether she’s teaching Algebra 1 or AP Statistics, Kristy connects with her students and gets along so well with the kids,” Burke said. “She never tries to force her way of teaching on a student. She’s always looking to find the best way to help each individual student learn.”

Making a connection with students is the foundation of teaching, Halleck said.

“Building a relationship with my students is the key to my success as a teacher,” she said. “I think that’s true for any teacher in any subject.

“I try to get to know the student and find the key for what will get them to do the work they need to do in the class,” Halleck said. “That’s always the big challenge for a teacher: figuring out how to reach every

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student.

“Every student can learn, they just all learn differently,” she said.

Halleck currently teaches pre-calculus and AP Statistics, and has also taught algebra and geometry. “I always hoped to be able to teach some of the higher-level math courses,” she said. “I enjoy seeing students reach for and achieve at those

higher levels.”

Seeing her former students succeed in college is her biggest reward, she said.

“With social media and Facebook, you can see what your students are doing in their lives,” Halleck said. “I try to keep in touch with as many of them as I can. It’s so exciting to see them heading off into new adventures and knowing you had a small part in helping set them off on the right path.”

Halleck has been married for 14 years to her high school sweetheart, Brian. They have three daughters, 10-year-old twins and a 3-year-old.

Although she knew she was a finalist for the award, Halleck said it still came as a shock when she learned she was a winner during a May 19 awards presentation at Central Crossing. “What made it special was to have my family—my husband and daughters, my parents and my in-laws— there to share in the moment,” she said.

Thank you for advertising in Back to School This proof is for text, caption/photos and headline and layout may be slightly different Back in printed version.Expo This Guide is your |final proof; please check it carefully To School Thursday, July 27, 2017 and send us any changes/corrections by MONDAY JULY 17.

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Performance Academies The mission of Performance Academies is to prepare students in grades K-8 for success in high school and beyond.

Performance Academies stresses the values of academics, as well as lifelong health and fitness, to address the needs of the whole child. The Academies use McGraw Hill Reading and Saxon Math materials to deliver high-quality instruction in an extendedschool-day environment.

Performance Academies has designed a proven educational program based on the following characteristics: Quality teachers: Each Academy hires only statelicensed instructors and employs ongoing training and mentorship programs for all of its staff.

Safety, discipline and character: Safety and

discipline are vital to the school. This includes the use of uniforms and clear rules of conduct. Throughout all the Academy’s programs, and functions, building character is key to our mission.

Imagine it: Several studies support the use of this phonics-based program for reading and language acquisition. Its integration of new concepts and repeated practice have been

shown to be effective with our students.

Saxon Math: Saxon Math is based on two premises.

First, intellectual skills can be broken into simpler and simpler skills; and second, that practice over time builds mastery. Empirical research also shows that Saxon can significantly increase math achievement.

Small class/school size: Each academy strives to maintain small class

sizes and a low student to teacher ratio. Small classes allow for personalized attention and enhances a staff ’s familiarity of students’ educational and family needs.

Time on task: Students at Academy receive at least two hours of reading each day and 90 minutes of Math.

Additionally, each Academy employs an extended school day. Daily homework reinforcing the day’s lessons is also required.

Ongoing assessment: In addition to all required state achievement, diagnostic, and proficiency tests, each Academy administers a fall and spring pre- and posttest, as well as curriculumbased measures in the classroom.

Daily fitness: Using the Ohio Model Curriculum, each Academy provides 1.4 hours of fitness every day.

The fitness program builds character, teamwork skills, self-esteem and physical health.

Child Find: Child Find refers to the efforts put forth by each Academy to identify, locate and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities and determine the child’s need for special education and related services. Each Academy provides ongoing

screening services to ensure all students receive a free, appropriate public education.

Performance Academies have some enrollment

opportunities for the 2017/2018 school year. For additional information on free tuition for grades K-8, call 614-512-2151 or visit performanceacademies.com.

There are six Performance Academies locations in Columbus: South Scioto Preparatory Academy 2200 Winslow Drive Columbus, Ohio 43207 (phone) 614-445-7684 (fax) 614-445-7688 Columbus Preparatory and Fitness Academy 1258 Demorest Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43204 (phone) 614-318-0606 (fax) 614-351-9804 Northland Preparatory and Fitness Academy 1875 Morse Road Columbus, Ohio 43229 (phone) 614-318-0600 (fax) 614-262-9111

Whitehall Preparatory and Fitness Academy 3474 East Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43227 (phone) 614-324-4585 (fax) 614-238-3184 Columbus Performance Academy 274 East 1st Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43201 (phone) 614-318-0720 (fax) 614-375-1995 Eastland Performance Academy 2220 S. Hamilton Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43232 (phone) 614-314-6301 (fax) 614-577-1933

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Saturday, August 5 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fenlon St.

Join us for the second annual Back to School Expo at Easton!

presents

FREE EVENT for the entire family!

Visit with local businesses offering advice, showonly specials and hands-on activities. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, demonstrations and contests on the main stage. Stay and play in the family fun zone.

NEW BOND STREET

EXHIBITORS

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Aqua-Tots Powell/Westerville Brain Balance Columbus Children’s Theatre Columbus Dispatch Cool Cat Sites Fitness 19 Game-U Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Grand Prix Karting Lane Avenue Chiropractic Lazer Kraze Learning Rx Madison Christian School Math Plus Academy Meijer Northside Christian School Nutcracker Family Restaurant Performance Academies Sequoia Pro Bowl Sky Zone Trampoline Park Simon Kenton Council – Boy Scouts of America Sprint Stars Indoor Sports

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Main Stage Entertainment Performance Academies • Student Performance Grand Prix Karting • Games & Prizes Stars Indoor Sports • Demo of Group Sports Games for Kids Sky Zone Trampoline Park • Dodgeball Skills Lazer Kraze • Galatic Partner Game Fitness 19 • Fitness Contests for Kids & Parents Sprint • Home Security Innovations/Child Safety Safety Technology/Child Monitoring Columbus Children’s Theatre • Performance + Interactive Games Learning Rx • Brain Games

Indoor Sports

Nutcracker • Pie Eating Contests for Kids, Teens & Parents.

Register now for your spot! 740-964-0056.

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

2017 Back to School Expo Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Performance Academies

Performance Academies is the presenting sponsor of the 2017 Back to School Expo.

Performance Academies prepares students in grades K-8 for success in high school and beyond at six schools in Central Ohio: Columbus Performance Academy, Columbus Preparatory and Fitness Academy, Eastland Performance Academy, Northland Preparatory and Fitness Academy, South Scioto Performance Academy and Whitehall Preparatory and Fitness Academy.

Our tuition-free academies offer small class sizes, an extended school day and an academic program that includes McGraw Hill Reading and Saxon Math materials.

Each day, students receive two hours of reading/language arts, 1.5 hours of math and an hour each of science and social studies instruction. Homework reinforcing the day’s lessons is required. Daily character education also is a focus.

Safety and discipline are vital. All students wear uniforms and there are clear rules of conduct.

Using the Ohio Model Curriculum, each Academy provides 1.4 hours of fitness every day to build character, teamwork skills, self-esteem and physical health.

We hire only state-licensed instructors and employ ongoing training and mentorship programs.

In addition to all required state tests, each Academy administers fall and spring pre- and post-tests and curriculum-based measures in the classroom.

fast-paced game that combines lacrosse and basketball while players drive cyber carts.

The first Thursday of every month is Special Needs Night, where children with special needs can bring a friend to play for free with the purchase of their laser tag pass. In Gahanna, they also may bring a friend to jump on the indoor trampoline. Special requests may be honored to ensure all guests can enjoy the fun.

Lazer Kraze gives back to their community, including partnering with Konnecting Kids, so party guests can donate gifts to less-fortunate children, and donating more than $1.3 million in products and services between its four locations.

Indoor Sports EVENT PASSPORT SPONSOR

Stars Indoor Sports

Stop by the Welcome Table to get your event passport, sponsored by Stars Indoor Sports. Get the passport stamped as you visit each Back to School exhibitor, and turn in the completed passport for a chance to win great prizes.

Stars Indoor Sports is a 75,000-square-foot indoor sports facility located in North Columbus that offers indoor baseball, dodgeball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer and softball leagues. Stars Indoor Sports also offers a variety of youth programs such as the Little Stars soccer instructional classes, fun camps, our inflatable fun zone, birthday parties and field trips. Finally, don’t forget that you can hold your next corporate event, family reunion, bar mitzvah, after-prom, graduation party, overnight event or wedding at Stars Indoor Sports.

STAGE SPONSOR

Grand Prix Karting

Stop by the Grand Prix Karting main stage for a complete schedule of entertainment.

Grand Prix Karting is Central Ohio’s year-round destination for indoor racing excitement. Kart racing offers a thrilling experience that few activities can match.

Grand Prix Karting features two quarter-mile tracks housed in our 120,000-square-foot facility. When our two tracks are joined, we have one of the largest indoor tracks in North America.

Our high-performance gas Sodi Racing Karts are capable of speeds over 30 mph, and our junior karts reach speeds of over 20 mph. Whether you come to race individually, with friends and family, or as part of a group, party or corporate outing, you’ll discover there’s nothing like the excitement of kart racing Grand Prix Karting also offers a Kidzone with electric karts for ages 4-7, mini golf, a play area and party rooms.

We also have three escape rooms and indoor tactical laser tag. In Modern Laser Warfare, participants experience exciting missions based on first-person-combat video games, using the most advanced wireless laser-tag technology. Take your game to a whole new level when you maneuver around 4,800 square feet of indoor arena, with a realistic urban setting.

EVENT BAG SPONSOR

FAMILY FUN ZONE SPONSOR

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Stop by the Sky Zone Family Fun Zone for games and activities!

Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park.

We’re the inventors of “fun fitness” and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We’ve been voted Best Indoor Play Space and Best Birthday Party Venue by Columbus Parent readers.

Experience WOW—the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 6,000 foam cubes.

We are dedicated to providing our customers with the pure joy that comes with flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers and people who believe that jumping is freedom.

We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.

Sky Zone Columbus, located in Lewis Center, was the very first Sky Zone franchisee to open, in September 2010. We offer open jump, SkyFit fitness classes, Ultimate Dodgeball and Foam Zone. For just about any age, shape or size, Sky Zone Columbus is the ultimate 3-D play experience.

Lazer Kraze

Don’t forget to pick up a free event bag, sponsored by Lazer Kraze.

Lazer Kraze has been hosting fun at their family entertainment centers for more than 12 years, including parties and family- and team-building events.

The company recently opened its second Central Ohio location on North Hamilton Road in Gahanna.

Both locations feature a multilevel, high-tech laser tag arena as well as arcades. Lazer Kraze in Lewis Center is known for its huge inflatables, while the Gahanna location features an indoor trampoline park and Cyber Sport—a

Back2SchoolEaston.com

#B2SEaston

FAMILY FUN ZONE ACTIVITIES

Cool Cat Sites Entertainment

Thank you to Cool Cat Sites Entertainment for providing the games and activities in the Family Fun Zone.

Cool Cat Sites Entertainment has been serving Central Ohio and surrounding areas for more than 35 years—bringing the fun to you. Let our staff help you plan your next event, whether it’s at home, school, work, church, camp, a festival, graduation or family picnic.

We offer more than 40 different character-themed bounce houses, including the all-new “Frozen” bounce house and five-in-one, Justice League, Ohio State University football, and Disney’s Mickey Mouse Park for toddlers.

Rent hamster balls, dunk tanks, a wrecking ball, mechanical bull and the new 27-foot monster obstacle course.

We also offer concessions, entertainers (including clowns and magicians), face painting, money machines, movie screens, pony rides, a petting zoo, mini golf and more.

Cool Cat Sites Entertainment is inspected, licensed and insured by the state of Ohio.

DIGITAL EDITION/ SLIDESHOW SPONSOR

Fitness 19

See the ThisWeek Community News Back to School section online and a slideshow of the 2017 event at thisweeknews.com and columbusparent.com, brought to you by Fitness 19.

Fitness 19 was founded in 2003 by fitness industry veterans who believed the traditional health club model wasn’t meeting the needs of most people. They started Fitness 19 to give customers more of what they really want out of a fitness membership. The result is a simple fitness club concept: an affordable, family-friendly facility that offers state-of-the-art cardio, strength and free-weight equipment.

Fitness 19 Westerville and Fitness 19 Dublin are proud to support our local school communities. Affordable prices paired with a family-friendly environment and state-ofthe-art equipment combine to create a unique and inviting experience. We strive to make each member feel welcome and to create an atmosphere that is comfortable for our members. Also, Fitness 19 encourages and allows children age 12 and older to workout alongside their parents.

We will MATCH or BEAT any competitor’s price!

Churches Festivals Schools Grand Openings

(614) 471-3628

Inflatable Games Moon Bounce Gladiator Joust Bungee Run Sumo Wrestling Velcro Wall Big Glove Boxing Inflatable Slides Water Slides Obstacle Courses Toddler Inflatables Mechanical Bull

Variety Acts Clowns Magicians Juggler Ventriloquist Disc Jockeys Caricature Art Face Painting Pony Rides Petting Zoo

www.coolcatsites.com

Extras Snowcones Cottoncandy Popcorn Dunk Tank Putt-Putt Golf Sky Dancers Carnival Games

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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A Look Back: 2016 Back to School Expo

Scenes from last year’s Expo, clockwise from left: Robotics Competition; Fashion Show; 2016 Back to School Expo on Fenlon Street; local exhibitors; Westerville Central High School band & cheerleaders; Mad Science demo from the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland

Serving Central Ohio families for 46 years!

College-prep Christian education For families committed to their relationship with Christ.

Students learn Christ, love Christ and serve Christ in the local church.

Small classes mean personal attention with loving teachers Now enrolling students from K4 through grade 12

CALL FOR A FREE TOUR 614-882-1493 NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2655 W. Schrock Road, Westerville www.ncslions.org

1 Act Musical with No Intermission | 60 Minutes Recommended for Ages 6+

Thur and Fri at 7:30pm Sat and Sun at 1pm & 3:30pm Sep 29 & Oct 6 at 10am Fri, Sep 29 at 1pm

Tickets: $20–$30 Thursdays: $17, All Seats Purchase Tickets: CCT at 614.224.6672 CAPA at 614.469.0939 TicketMaster.com

ETS TICK E: AL ON S 17 1, 20 Aug am @ 10

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Speed, Adventure and Family Fun at Grand Prix Karting

Here we grow again!

Fitness 19 Westerville opened in August 2010 and will be opening its second location in the central Ohio market in in early August with a 10,000-square-foot facility in Dublin.

The Fitness 19 concept was launched in Seattle 15 years ago as a family-friendly facility that offered state-of-the-art cardio, strength and free-weight equipment without the hassle of long-term contracts.

Fitness 19 strives to support active, happy families, with locations strategically located near individual’s homes as well as

where they shop and dine, so going to the gym is convenient.

Amenities include personal training, group fitness classes, spinning, tanning, showers, red light therapy, HydroMassage, a kid’s club and guest pass privileges.

Fitness 19 offers month-to-month memberships that start at an attractive rate. No one is locked into a hefty commitment. Monthly fees never increases, and individuals can cancel at anytime.

Visit our websites for more information or give us a call. We hope to see you soon.

Grand Prix Karting is central Ohio’s premier destination for speed and adventure. Only minutes from downtown Columbus, there’s something for the whole family. With our two indoor karting tracks that reach speeds up to 30 mph; Modern Laser Warfare, our next gen tactical laser tag attraction; our next generation Escape Rooms and our KIDZone with Kiddie Karts, PLAYZone, and Mini Golf, you’ll find a day full of family fun!

Grand Prix Karting also has three different-sized event spaces available to accommodate your group up to 250! This is a sure-fire way to make your next birthday party, family event, or corporate outing a day they won’t forget. And getting in on the action is easy: just talk to our event coordinators about what we can do to make your next event special and we’ll

do the rest.

And now try “Clue’d In: THE Escape Room Experience.” Engage yourself as you solve a series of riddles and clues to crack the code and escape before time runs out. Become Victorian era detectives, doctors in a lab, or even clandestine spies; there’ something for everyone!

You’ll find Grand Prix Karting at 1300 Alum Creek Drive in Columbus, Ohio, just three exits east of downtown on I-70. Just on trip there with your friends, family or co-workers and you’ll find out why we say it’s “Where Speed and Adventure Meets Family Fun!” GPKColumbus.com

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Sky Zone offers one-of-a-kind experience for kids of all ages Did you know that the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park franchise opened right here in Columbus?

While visiting family in St. Louis, Laura Knipfer, of Westerville, was drawn into a Sky Zone Trampoline Park and became so enamored with the fun concept that she pursued the unknown franchise opportunity. In 2010 she opened the company’s very first franchise in Lewis Center.

Today, Sky Zone has 177 parks in seven countries, and Knipfer operates three franchises in Columbus and Cincinnati.

“Sky Zone offers kids, teens and adults a oneof-a-kind experience, fusing fun and fitness to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Knipfer, whose Columbus destination has been consistently recognized as the “Best Birthday Party” and “Best Indoor Play Space” by Columbus Parent, Columbus Monthly, Columbus Dispatch and This Week publications.

As a supporter of the community, Sky Zone Columbus sponsors local schools and nonprofit organizations like Autism Village. “During the school year, we hold a special needs sensoryfriendly night on the last Monday of each month, where children and adults with special needs and their siblings, family and friends can jump with special pricing and dialed down distractions, it’s one of my favorite programs that we offer,” Knipfer said.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park features a wide array of fun, fit and low-impact activities ranging from Open Jump, Ultimate Dodgeball and Foam Zone, to Toddler Time and SkyFitness workout classes.

Sky Zone is the perfect facility for groups seeking memorable events such as birthday parties, corporate team building, field trips and much more. For just about any age, shape or size, Sky Zone is the ultimate 3-D play experience.

For more information, visit www.SkyZone.com/ Columbus.

We are the inventors of fun fitness and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. Experience wow – the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes.

We are dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes with flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.

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Lazer Kraze entertains and gives back to the community Lazer Kraze has been hosting fun at their family entertainment centers for nearly 13 years.

Now with their second Columbus location open on North Hamilton Road in Gahanna, Lazer Kraze will host even more parties, family and team-building events and more.

Both Columbus locations feature a multilevel, hightech laser tag arena as well as great arcades. Lazer Kraze in Lewis Center is known for its awesome birthday parties with laser tag and huge inflatables, while the new Gahanna location features combination parties with laser tag and an indoor trampoline park and Cyber Sport. Cyber Sport, an awesome new attraction to the Columbus area, is a fast-paced game that is a cross between lacrosse and basketball and is played while maneuvering each player’s own cyber cart.

Special Needs Night is the first Thursday every month at Lazer Kraze. On this night, kids with special needs bring a friend to play free with them with the purchase of their laser tag pass. In Gahanna, they may also bring a friend to jump with them on the indoor trampoline. Special requests may be honored on these

nights to ensure all guests can enjoy the fun.

Lazer Kraze is happy to give back to the community in many ways. With Konnecting Kids, party guests have the ability to donate gifts to less fortunate children who otherwise might not receive birthday presents. Lazer Kraze has also proudly donated more than $1.4 million in products and services between its four locations.

The Driven Foundation, a nonprofit that benefits atrisk youth and families, helps

Lazer Kraze host parties at no charge to families who have children fighting life-threatening illnesses or other such devastating situations in their families.

Other non-profits working with low-income groups often receive free or deeply discounted rates.

Lazer Kraze hosts day camps all summer long for great reduced rates, and non-profits of all kinds get great group rates any time.

Corporate groups come in any time of day whether Lazer Kraze is open or closed

to use meeting rooms and team-build with some of the coolest concepts available in the market and enjoy fresh-made pizzas or catering in from Columbus’ great restaurants.

Visit LazerKraze.com for more information on attractions, parties, corporate events and group outings. Lazer Kraze is your party headquarters destination.

Avoid back injuries by choosing the right backpack Finding the right backpack is an essential component of back-to-school shopping.

Children may have their own ideas of what’s in style, but parents should look for backpacks that are functional before factoring in style.

Marrying form and function together can be challenging, but it’s necessary to prevent students from developing back problems. But parents must give consideration to more than just the size of their children’s backpacks.

Depending on school schedules, students may be carrying backpacks for up to 10 hours per day, five days per week. Backpacks may be filled with several pounds of stuff, such as textbooks, binders, laptops, and other supplies, potentially leading to injury.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child’s body weight. But many students pack their bags with much more weight than that.

Improperly sized, worn and overstuffed backpacks can injure joints and lead to neck, back and shoulder injuries. They also may affect children’s posture.

• Choose a streamlined model. Select a backpack that will get the job done without much added bulk. Many backpacks have been designed to hold technological devices as more

and more schools integrate technology into the classroom. A less bulky bag might be lighter and easy to carry.

• Consider shopping at a sporting goods store. Employees at camping and sporting goods retailers understand how to fit backpacks for hikers and outdoor adventurers.

They can help measure a student and find a pack that will fit his or her body frame. Also, these retailers may have a wider selection of backpacks than some other stores, increasing the chances of finding the right fit.

• Select a pack with a waist strap. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the body is not designed to carry items hanging from shoulders. By using the waist strap in conjunction with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used each time the pack is worn.

• Backpacks should be loaded properly.

Heavy items should be near the center bottom to distribute the load, rather than placed on top. Students should only carry what is necessary, visiting lockers or desks as needed to lighten their packs.

Backpack fit and functionality is something parents should take seriously when shopping for school supplies.

Did you know?

Modern technology has forever transformed the classroom. As calculators replaced abacuses, mobile phone apps have now replaced calculators, and such advancements continue to change how students learn. One way schools are notably different from those of the past is through the absence of a once major component of the classroom layout.

Chalkboards are either missing or completely retrofitted in modern learning environments. Within the last few years, schools have increasingly opted for cleaner “white boards” or “smartboards,” which are digitally connected to computers and offer touch interfaces similar to those on tablets and smartphones. As ebooks replace textbooks and more assignments are handed in via digital documents, lockers and backpacks may be the next to vanish.

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It’s about more than just sports

On the morning of June 25, approximately 1500 men, women and children from Muslim American Society (MAS) congregated at Stars Indoor Sports, a 75,000-square-foot indoor sports facility located at 6124 Busch Blvd, at The Continent, to pray at the end of Ramadan. Less than 12 hours prior, Stars Indoor Sports hosted Warrior Nation Fight Series 46, a mixed martial arts (MMA) event that had more than 700 in attendance. While the quick turnaround had its challenges, hosting special events is nothing new for the Stars Indoor Sports’ staff.

“Since we opened our doors in 2012, we’ve hosted approximately 14-18 special events at the facility, varying from MMA fights to the Ohio

Persian Society’s cat show in December 2015,” said Benjamin Zirkes, the facility’s operations director. “We’ve held a billiards tournament, several cultural concerts/festivals, a cat show, and that doesn’t even include the various sports tournaments that we have held over the years.

Each bring their own requests and challenges, but it’s always entertaining to see our frequent customers’ disbelief over how the fields can be transformed for these special events. People come from not only across the state for these events, but we’ve had several people come from out of state to see various bands or for the cat show.”

Upcoming events for the remainder of 2017 include an Indian cultural festival through Gujarati Mandal of Central Ohio

(GMOCO) in late September and another Warrior Nation Fight Series hopefully in October.

Stars Indoor Sports offers indoor baseball, dodgeball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer and softball leagues. Stars Indoor Sports also offers a variety of youth programs, such as the Little Stars soccer instructional classes, FUN camps, birthday parties and field trips. In addition, the facility is well equipped to host your next corporate event, family reunion, bar mitzvah, after prom, graduation party, overnight event or wedding. For more information, call (614)9853003 or email operations@ starsindoorsports.com today.

EVERY FRIDAY 10:30 AM TO NOON AUGUST 4 DARE TO DESIGN FASHION SHOW AUGUST 11 ALOHA! LUAU ISLAND BEACH PARTY AUGUST 18 TOUCH-A-TRUCK PREVIEW BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY LOCATION: OUTDOOR FOUNTAIN AREA Rain location will be near the Children’s Play Area. Partnering with radio station Sunny95 each week, we’ll have music, crafts, entertainment, characters and more! Visit www. polarisfashionplace.com for updates and more details.

ColumbusParent.com

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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Help kids avoid sleep deprivation School-aged children are busier than ever before, and some may be sacrificing sleep to accommodate their lifestyles. The National Sleep Foundation says school-aged children need between nine and 11 hours of sleep each night to function at a healthy level.

Sleep deprivation can be linked to a host of health ailments, including issues affecting the development of the brain. Growing evidence suggests that lack of sleep can cause disturbances in metabolic rates that could affect the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that, for each additional hour of sleep a child gets, the risk of that child becoming overweight or obese decreases by 9

percent. Children who slept the least, according to the research, had a 92 percent higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to children with longer sleep duration.

The NSF adds that poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems that impact kids’ ability to learn in school.

To promote good sleep habits in children, parents and other caregivers can establish consistent sleep/ wake routines; ensure children avoid excess caffeine, particularly late in the day; create a cool, dark sleep environment; keep televisions and other media devices out of bedrooms; and help children work through stressors that may impact sleep.

Back to School Expo Guide Thursday, July 27, 2017 local sales director: Doug Dixon retail sales manager: Heather Kritter production manager: Rebecca Zimmer 7801 N. Central Drive Lewis Center, OH 43035 (740) 888-6048 advertising@ thisweeknews.com

account executives: Dale Ball Jamie Blary Michele Brogan Diana Carilli Tracy Douds Brittny Hausfeld Ben Jameson Britany Martindale Ruthanne Roork Seth Rozen Marcus Uhl

Back to School Expo Guide is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Back to School Expo Guide is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

Some Guy’s coming TO COLumbuS Be there when chef,

restaurateur and TV star Guy Fieri makes a rare central Ohio appearance and cooking demonstration on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the 2017 Dispatch Fall Home Show and Pet Expo.

Fans!

TiCKeTS GO ON SALe AuG. 14 Sign up for an email alert at GuyInColumbus.com

Exhibitors! reSerVe yOur SPACe TODAy!

We’re anticipating record crowds and want you to be a part of the action.

To reserve your space, visit DispatchHomeAnd GardenShow.com or call 614-461-5257.

Appearance sponsored by

SePT. 8-10 • OhiO exPO CeNTer

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Back To School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 27, 2017

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OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS

Now!

Serving Grades

You Have a Choice!

K-8

CHALLENGING CURRICULUM AND DAILY SPORTS INSTRUCTION! ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN Small Class Sizes Extended School Day from 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Strong Academics—2 hours of reading/language

arts, 1.5 hours of math, 1 hour each of science and social studies daily Daily Character Education

Daily Fitness Instruction in Martial Arts, Soccer, and Tennis No Tuition!

All Students Wear Uniforms Teachers and Staff Who Care!

Individualized Instruction to Meet the Needs of the Whole Child

Choose from 1 of 6 conveniently located campuses!

1258 Demorest Rd. Columbus OH 43204 jluelleman@performanceacademies.com

1875 Morse Rd. Columbus OH 43229 lhursey@performanceacademies.com

3474 Livingston Ave. Columbus OH 43227 mdolan@performanceacademies.com

614-318-0606

614-318-0600

614-324-4585

Information Meetings will be held at each school for interested parents.

Please check the websites for dates and times.

274 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 200 Columbus, Ohio 43201 ahaman@performanceacademies.com

2200 Winslow Drive Columbus, Ohio 43207 ddrake@performanceacademies.com

614-318-0720

614-445-7684

2220 South Hamilton Rd. Columbus OH 43232 E-mail: ntate@performanceacademies.com or jpammer@performanceacademies.com

www.performanceacademies.com

614-314-6301