Back to School Expo Guide 2016

A special advertising section of ThisWeek Community News • Thursday, July 28, 2016

presents

Back to School Expo INSIDE: • Event preview • 2016 Teachers of the Year • Safety tips • College students can cut expenses

Saturday, Aug. 13 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at

• STEM programs

Supported by:

Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

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MADISON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Preschool through High School The mission of Madison Christian School is to partner with parents and churches to lead students toward God, scripturally educating the whole person spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially and physically to become strong Christian leaders.

3565 Bixby Rd. Groveport OH 43125 614-497-3456 mcseaglesoh.org/

ThisWeekNews.com

Teachers of the Year

Three local educators are recognized

By Julanne Hohbach As central Ohio students prepare to head back to class, teachers will once again occupy a substantial portion of their day.

To recognize the importance educators play in children’s growth and development, this year Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News partnered to find some of the best teachers that local school districts have to offer.

We’re pleased to present the results of the Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News 2016 Teachers of the Year contest.

This year’s winners—one each

at the elementary, middle and high school levels—were among almost 70 nominations that came from districts all over central Ohio. These teachers were nominated by their peers, former colleagues and even students.

We took nominations on our website from Feb. 1 to March 17.

Prior to that, we mailed letters to principals, superintendents and school public information officers to tell them about the contest and urge them to nominate a deserving teacher.

From the nominees, we chose 15 finalists and put them up for a public vote, which was conducted online

March 24 through May 2. The top vote getter in each grade-level bracket earned the Teachers of the Year title.

Representatives from Parent and ThisWeek made presentations at the winners’ schools during student assemblies. Teachers did not know they won in advance, and neither did students or most of the staff.

Winners received a banner to hang in their classroom, a framed certificate and $100 in Target gift cards.

Keep reading to learn more about each of our winners, and go to ColumbusParent.com to see videos from the awards assemblies.

HILLIARD MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mizer lauded for her support of students

By Kevin Corvo When Julie Mizer arrived in the Hilliard City School District as a student teacher in 1998, she soon learned it was a place she never wants to leave.

“It’s truly a family,” said Mizer, an eighth-grade math teacher at Hilliard Memorial Middle School.

Mizer, 40, has helped her students master math since Memorial, a former sixthgrade building and high school, became a middle school in 2001. She taught full time for two years at the neighboring Heritage Middle School before moving to Memorial.

Her student teaching assignment was a case of luck of the draw for Mizer, who at the time was completing her master’s degree in education at Ohio State University.

“I had never even heard of Hilliard. I didn’t know it existed. … I had to ask someone how to get there,” she said.

Mizer, who now lives in Dublin, graduated

from River View High School in Warsaw in Coshocton County and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her master’s degree in education in six years from Ohio State.

While working toward her master’s degree, Mizer was required to be a student teacher at an urban school—Independence High School in Columbus— and a suburban district, which turned out to be Hilliard, where she was assigned to Heritage Middle School.

“Once I got to Hilliard, I knew it was a district I never wanted to leave,” she said.

Doug Lowery, thenprincipal at Heritage, offered Mizer a full-time position after she completed her student-teacher requirements, and she joined the full-time staff in 1999.

Two years later, she moved to Memorial.

“Julie is one of those teachers that kids absolutely love,” Memorial

Joshua A. Bickel | ThisWeek

Principal Barry Bay (left) and Julie Mizer Principal Barry Bay said.

“She is dedicated to making sure that every student learns and grows, while also ensuring that every student feels welcomed and valued.”

Mizer said her greatest thrill is watching her students “get it,” referring

to the moment when a student grasps a mathematical process or formula.

She credits her own high school math teacher, Debbie English, with inspiring her to achieve her See MIZER on page 8

7 ways to make mornings less hectic

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Many families find the rush is on to make it to school and work on time each morning. Feeling rushed in the morning is a recipe for added stress.

Rushing through things is a poor way to begin a day, and those feelings of uneasiness can put a damper on the rest of the day ahead.

Making mornings less hectic involves a few different strategies that parents and kids can easily incorporate into their daily routines.

• Wake up slightly earlier.

Getting up earlier than normal, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes before you’re accustomed to getting out of bed, can help reduce morning stress.

Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button over and over again. A few extra minutes each morning can make you feel more relaxed and make for a smooth, stress-free start to the day.

• Get some work done the night before. Prepare lunches the night before and have them ready in the refrigerator. In addition, lay your clothes for the following day out each

night. This saves time and takes a couple more things off your morning to-do list.

• Ease back into a routine. As a new school year dawns or a long vacation comes to an end, begin going to bed earlier and start waking up earlier as well. This can make the transition from carefree mornings to busy mornings go more smoothly.

• Prep backpacks in the evening. Look through folders, sign paperwork, check assignments, and do whatever is you need to do the night before to save your family from having to scramble in the morning.

This ensures those permission slips

get signed and items make it back into school bags.

• Opt for school lunch a few times. Look ahead on the school lunch menu and speak with children about which meals they enjoy. Let kids purchase school lunch on those days to give yourself a day off from lunch detail.

• Have quick breakfast foods available. Smoothies, cereal bars, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals are fast and nutritious ways to start the day.

• Carpool whenever possible.

Busy families can save themselves extra work by proposing a neighborhood carpool. Sharing school dropoff detail frees time up for parents once or twice a week, and kids may enjoy traveling to school with their friends.

Mornings can be tricky when family members are getting ready for school and work at the same time.

By practicing a few daily rituals, itÕs possible to curb the rush and start the day happier and more relaxed.

ThisWeekNews.com

Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

Red Cross offers back to school safety tips How to ensure the first day back is a safe one Summer vacation is sadly nearing its end, and its time for kids to saddle up and get prepared to start learning again!

Learning is not the only thing kids should be prepared to do this year, however; they should also get prepared to practice their school safety.

Keeping children safe is the top priority, especially for younger children and those heading to school for the first time. Parents should take the following steps: • Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.

• Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

School bus safety If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps for students include: • Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.

• Only board your bus and never an alternate one.

• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.

• Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.

• Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.

What drivers should know Drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones. Motorists should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean.

Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

Get to school safely If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.

If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.

Some students ride their bike to school.

They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.

When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards.

Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

Take a first aid class Red Cross training can give you the confidence and skills to help with everyday emergencies from paper cuts to school sports injuries. A variety courses are available. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App so you’ll have access to expert advice whenever and wherever you need it.

First aid app Download the free Red Cross First Aid App. Users receive instant access to expert advice for everyday emergencies whenever and wherever they need it. Use the Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, people can visit redcross. org/oh/columbus/project-prepare.

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Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

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How college students can cut living expenses The cost of college tuition is a concern for many college-bound students and their families.

The cost of a college education continues to rise, but it’s not just tuition and room and board that students and their families must account for.

College students may underestimate cost-ofliving expenses when planning their school-year budgets. But such expenses can be substantial, catching even the most well-prepared students off guard. Fortunately, there are several ways for college students to save money on living expenses and still make the most of their time on campus. • Venture off campus.

Towns that rely heavily on colleges or universities to support their economies typically offer great deals to students willing to venture off campus. Local businesses, including bars, restaurants and entertainment venues like mini golf facilities or bowling alleys, may offer student discounts to entice kids to leave campus. Students can take advantage of these offerings to save on food and entertainment, which tend to be among the more pricey cost-of-living expenses college students contend with. • Buy secondhand furnishings. College students living in their own apartments or dorm rooms may not have the financial resources to purchase new furniture. Rather than purchasing brand new items they are likely

to discard after moving out or graduating, college students can purchase secondhand items from local thrift stores or used furniture retailers that offer sturdy furnishings at low prices. • Become a resident advisor. Resident advisors, often referred to as “R.A.’s,â€? typically receive free or reduced room and board in exchange for living in the dorms and monitoring the floors they live on.

Competition to be an R.A. can be competitive, but students who become R.A.’s can save thousands of dollars on room and board costs over the course of their time at school. • Make your own meals. Meal plans may be ideal for college students during their freshmen years, when students may still be adjusting to campus life. But older college students can skip the meal plan in favor of preparing their own meals.

Doing so can save students

substantial amounts of money, and some students may even prefer the variety available at the local

grocery store over the more limited offerings available at dining halls or other campus eateries. • Move off campus.

Some schools do not permit freshmen and sophomores to live off-campus, but older students may find that private housing is more affordable than on-campus apartments or dormitories.

Students eligible to live in off-campus housing can contact local real estate agents to get a feel for the off-campus housing market before making a final decision.

Cost-of-living expenses at colleges and universities can be considerable, but savvy students can find various ways to save money.

Did you know?

According to data reported to U.S. News & World Report from 711 ranked private universities (‘ranked’ schools meet certain criteria established by U.S. News & World Report), the average tuition and fees for private universities during the 2015-2016 school year was $32,599. Among the schools that reported their figures to U.S. News & Report, Vassar College in New York charged the most at $51,300, narrowly exceeding another school in the Empire State, Sarah Lawrence College, which charged its students $51,034 for the 2015-2016 school year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Berea College in Kentucky charged just $870 in tuition and fees during the 2015-2016 school year. But that extraordinarily low tuition is somewhat misleading, as Berea College provides every admitted student the equivalent of a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.

American college students might be surprised to learn that the burden of college tuition is perhaps not as burdensome for students born overseas. For example, the most expensive university in England, the University of Cambridge, will charge its domestic and European Union students the maximum tuition fees allowed for the 2016-2017 school year. That translates to £9,000, or just more than $13,000, for one of the world’s most highly regarded institutions.

Back to School Expo Guide

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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 28, 2016

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Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

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Saturday, Aug. 13 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

presents

Back to School Expo

ThisWeekNews.com

Join us at Easton for a one-stop shop for Back to School resources for families with children, ages preschool to college.

Join these wonderful exhibitors and enjoy free giveaways and Expo special offers, plus a karaoke contest, Marburn Academy robotics demonstration, Columbus Children’s Theatre touring company, Fashion Show from 1 to 2 p.m. and more!

WELCOME TABLE

FREE EVENT

MAIN STAGE EXHIBITORS

Y Macy’s

NEW BOND STREET

Kona Grill

Brookstone

Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

True Religion

Flip Flop Shops

PINK

The Salon at Macy’s James Mammography Center SEAN WRIGHT WAY

Avalon Nails

R

Express Men

BuildA-Bear

Cosi Moochie & Co.

THE STRAND EAST

American Girl

Evereve

Marmi

Gymboree

vineyard vines

J. Jill Eddie Bauer

FENLON SQUARE PARKING GARAGE

The Children’s Place

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Stride Rite Rusty Bucket

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Free People Paper Source GRAMERCY STREET

EASTON LOOP EAST

Starbucks Café FENLON STREET

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Awesome Family Entertainment Beauty Brands BMI Federal Credit Union Chiller Columbus Arts and Technology Academy Columbus Children’s Theatre Columbus Humanities Arts & Tech Columbus Parent Cookie Cutters Creative Child Care, Inc. First Service Federal Credit Union Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Grand Prix Karting Hard Knocks Karaoke Warehouse Lakeshore Learning Learning RX Lucky Shoes Macy’s Madison Christian School Marburn Academy New Balance Northside Christian School Ohio Tuition Trust Authority OrthoNeuro Sequoia Pro Bowl Sprint ThisWeek Community News Three Bags Full Virtual Community School of Ohio

ThisWeekNews.com

Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

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Meet the sponsors bringing you the 2016 Back to School Expo Presenting Sponsor

EVENT BAG SPONSOR

FAMILY FUN ZONE SPONSOR

Marburn Academy

BMI Federal Credit Union

Awesome Family Entertainment

Marburn Academy is the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Back to School Expo.

Marburn Academy is an independent day school devoted to serving the educational needs of bright students with learning differences such as Dyslexia, Executive Function issues, and attention issues. Opened in 1981 with 12 students, Marburn now educates over 300 students yearround. Marburn Academy is the only school in central Ohio with academic and co-curricular programs designed to address the full range of unique learning and personal development needs of children with learning differences. Students from more than 25 central Ohio communities attend the school.

Marburn Academy strives to: 1) provide the finest education for students who learn differently because of Dyslexia, Executive Function difficulties and attention issues; and 2) to serve as a catalyst for improving the quality of education available to people with learning differences in central Ohio and throughout the state.

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 unique, thrilling experience that few activities can match. Grand Prix Karting features two quarter mile tracks that are housed in our huge 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, 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 complete with electric karts for ages 4-7, putt-putt, state-of-theart video arcade with prizes at the redemption counter and party rooms.

Columbus’s only indoor tactical laser tag! In Modern Laser Warfare, you will experience exciting laser tag missions based on your favorite first person combat video games. You’ll be using the latest, most advanced, wireless laser tag technology. Take your game to a whole new level when you maneuver around 4,800 sq. ft. of indoor arena, complete with a realistic urban setting. An immersive high energy sound system gets you in the action while you match your skills against the opposition.

Don’t forget to pick up a free event bag sponsored by BMI Federal Credit Union.

BMI Federal Credit Union has come a long way from its beginnings in 1936, when a small group of Battelle Memorial Institute employees—looking for a way to help each other get lower rates on loans and higher interest on savings— applied to form a credit union.

The continued spirit of partnership has allowed BMI FCU to grow, extending membership opportunities to everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, Delaware or Morrow County.

The mission of BMI FCU, a member-owned financial institution, is to provide high quality financial services and products that are competitive, convenient and responsive to member needs. BMI FCU will operate in a manner that assures its financial strength and that promotes the welfare of the membership and the community it serves.

Since our founding, BMI FCU has remained committed to our mission, to improve the financial lives of our members, providing members with a breadth of services designed to help them manage their money, while achieving their financial goals along the way.

EVENT PASSPORT Sponsor

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland

Make sure to stop by the Welcome Table to get your Event Passport sponsored by Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland. As you visit each Back to School Expo exhibitor, have your passport stamped. Once completed, turn in your passport for a chance to win great prizes.

At Girl Scouts, you’re going to have tons of fun, make new friends, and go on fantastic new adventures.

Our program centers on something called the Girl Scout Leadership Experience—a collection of activities and experiences you’ll have as you earn badges, sell cookies, go on exciting trips, explore the outdoors, do Take Action projects that make a difference, and more.

Put simply, in Girl Scouts you will: Discover. You’ll find out who you are, what you care about, and what your talents are.

Connect. Collaborate with other people, locally and globally, to make a difference in the world.

Take Action. Do something to make the world a better place.

With Girl Scouts, you’ll do more than you ever thought you could, dream bigger dreams than you ever imagined, and — oh, yeah — change the world. Bet you didn’t think rock climbing or selling cookies would help you do all that, did you?

We provide a variety of professional entertainers, party games and inflatable rentals for parties and events in central Ohio.

We are not just another entertainment company or party rental company in Columbus, Ohio.

We have been in business for 20 years and understand the importance of quick responses, budgets and getting details right for special events and functions.

We offer free planning advice and guidance to our clients, because we want your event to be awesome!

FASHION SHOW

Don’t miss the fashion show at 1:00 on the main stage sponsored by Cookie Cutters with fashions provided by Macy’s and hair and makeup by Beauty Brands.

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FASHION SHOW SPONSOR

Cookie Cutters

The experts in kid’s haircuts!

Here at Cookie Cutters Columbus we believe that getting a haircut can be FUN! Your kids can play video games or watch a movie while waiting to have their hair styled in one of our fun salon chairs. Visit us to discover a new experience for your child’s next haircut.

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CLOTHING SPONSOR

Macy’s

Macy’s, established in 1858, is the Great American Department Store - an iconic retailing brand over 740 stores operating coast-to-coast and online.

Macy’s Easton Town Center offers a first class selection of top fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Estee Lauder & Levis. In addition to shoes and clothing, Macy’s has a wide variety of housewares, gifts and furniture.

Plan your visit to 4141 Easton Loop E Columbus OH 43219 today!

HAIR & MAKEUP SPONSOR

Beauty Brands

Not only are we a premier beauty retailer (both online and in beauty brands locations), but we also offer premier salon and spa services – seven days a week! Beauty brands services include, hair removal, cut, color, treatments, and special occasion styling. Have you had the Beauty Brands experience?

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Back to School Expo Guide | Thursday, July 28, 2016

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ThisWeekNews.com

Briggs High School

Cua boosts students’ art appreciation

By Gary Seman Jr. Marcella Cua considers herself fortunate for having found her niche in life.

The visual-arts teacher at Briggs High School hasn’t been teaching long, but already has made a big impact on students. “I can honestly say I wake up every day looking forward to working, which I realize is a very rare thing in an adult,� said Cua, who lives in German Village.

The profession would seem a natural choice for Cua, the daughter of a teacher, but it was something that came to her as she was finishing college at Miami University. “I had these lofty dreams of working in a museum in Italy,� said Cua, whose bachelor’s degree is in Italian studies and art history.

As part of her curriculum, she spent six months overseas, learning all facets of museum history in Florence. One of the museums required outreach on art education to local schoolchildren. “It kind of struck a chord,� said Cua, who earned her teaching certificate in visual arts education from Ohio Dominican University in 2011.

Cua, 28, is lauded by her colleagues for her enthusiasm and dedication.

She is credited with bringing an Advanced Placement art history class to the high school, which is part of Columbus City Schools and located on the Southwest Side. The class debuted in the 2015-16 school year.

Joshua A. Bickel | ThisWeek

Art teacher Marcella Cua, center, originally from Westerville and a current German Village resident, receives a gift from special projects editor Julanne Hohbach, right, during the Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News Teacher of the Year presentation at Briggs High School in May. Cua, who grew up in Northland and graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School, expects next year to double the number of students enrolled in the class, which initially was a modest seven. “They said it was really tough, but they enjoyed the subject matter, enjoyed what they learned,� Cua said of the students.

Brock Mullins, dean of students at the high school, said several teachers at Briggs got together to nominate Cua for the award. “We nominated her because of her ambition and how she educates kids,�

Mullins said. “And she takes the initiative to better the art curriculum in our school to

fit what the students want.�

Cua found out she won during a surprise announcement at a school assembly May 23, to which school Principal Tonya Milligan invited Cua’s two brothers, father and fiancÊ.

In addition to taking the initiative to launch the AP class, the nomination praised Cua for reaching outside the school walls and changing the ways students view art. “Marcella Cua has done an excellent job in our art department. She has partnered with the Columbus Museum of (Art) to allow our students to gain different exposures to art. She ensures that each student understands what art means and allows them to showcase their work throughout the school and districtwide. Marcella is the reason why students enjoy taking a class that they may not (necessarily) want at the time but at the end enjoy every minute of it,� the nomination states. “Her stance with computer graphics has also (taken) the students by storm.

The tricks and attention to detail that she delivers every day in class is embraced by her students. Her students not only learn in her class but they take away the appreciation of art to incorporate into further education.�

Mullins said he was surprised to learn Cua was selected as one of the winners. “There were so many nominations,� he said, “but when you step back and look at it, she’s very deserving of the award for what she does in the classroom and for our whole school community.�

MIZER Continued from page 2 potential and starting her on a path to become an educator. “She told me I could be (better) if I applied myself,� Mizer said.

While in high school, Mizer began tutoring other students. “When I saw that I was helping my own friends understand math and saw them get it, that was a great feeling to me and had a big impact on me,� she said.

Mizer said she wasn’t aware that one of her students, Alexis

Griffith, had nominated her for Teachers of the Year until another teacher called to congratulate her.

Griffith, a rising freshman, described Mizer as “funny and kind.� “Whenever a student needs her help with anything she is there. ... Math isn’t my favorite subject but she taught me in a way I’d understand,� she wrote in her nomination. “She helped me with everything I needed help with, so I hope she wins because she

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Mizer learned she had won during a surprise announcement ceremony preceding a talent show at the school on June 3, the final day of classes in Hilliard.

Bay said Mizer is successful because she supports her students’ interests both inside and outside her classroom. “(Julie) supports her students inside the classroom while also caring and supporting their outside interests, (and) she truly makes kids feel like partners in the

learning process,� Bay said.

Mizer said she is pleased her efforts have made inroads with students, including acceptable ways to achieve maximum comfort in the classroom. The latter includes an informal yet respectful way students address her simply as “Mizer.�

During her time as a coach, Mizer said, some students hesitated not only with “Mrs.� or “Ms.,� but the appropriate time to address her as “Coach.� As a remedy, students began referring

to her as “Mizer.� “I make it clear and it is understood that if it is said respectfully, the kids can call me ‘Mizer,’ � she said.

As she concludes her second decade in education, Mizer acknowledged she has needed to change with evolving technology. “But one thing that does not change is the excitement I have watching kids grow and learn and witnessing their own excitement.

That’s the best part of teaching,�

Mizer said.

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Avondale Elementary School

Burroughs rises to meet challenges

By Pamela Willis Avondale Elementary School teacher Buffy Burroughs would wrap her arms around her entire class of giggling, squirming and chattering first-graders all at once, if she could. Even though she can’t, much of what she does likely imparts the same emotion.

She teaches first-graders the fundamentals of reading, math and other subjects but also helps them feel safe, warm and loved, said former teacher Sue Boothe, who volunteers in Burroughs’ classroom.

Boothe, who nominated Burroughs for the Teachers of the Year award, said she worries about what happens to every child after leaving school each day.

“She has taken students shopping for clothes, including coats and shoes, and brought extra clothes to school, so those children could change while she washed their things overnight,” Boothe said. “She eats lunch with students once a week and provides supplies out of her own singleparent budget.”

She also sent food bags home every Friday for two years before the school received a grant to fund the provision of weekend food, and has organized Thanksgiving dinners at the school.

Burroughs, 40, lives in Worthington and has been a teacher with Columbus City Schools for 17 years. She has taught at Avondale for the past six years.

She said she was surprised to be named among the Teachers of the Year.

Burroughs found out she won during a surprise announcement at a school talent show May 27 where her daughters were

invited.

“I felt very honored to be presented this award with my family and co-workers in attendance,” she said.

Burroughs is matter-of-fact about her students’ needs, both inside and outside the classroom. She finds a way to meet those needs, just as she would those of her own daughters, Zoe, 7, and Ava, 11.

“When teaching children at this age, people need to understand that all of these children come with different life experiences,” Burroughs said. “If you embrace these life experiences, rather than using them as excuses, you can educate the whole child.”

Before accepting a full-time teaching position in Columbus, she held substituteteaching posts in Akron and New York.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1998 at Kent State University. In 2001, she received a master’s degree in education from Ashland University, then in 2012 completed a second master’s degree through Walden University.

“Through my school-age years I did not have a teacher that was influential, so I wanted to become the teacher who made a difference in a kid’s life,” she said. “One of the best things about teaching is getting to influence a new group of kids each year. I also enjoy getting to know them and their families.”

Avondale Principal April Knight said Burroughs is “a dedicated educator who values each child and works tirelessly to ensure that each student’s educational experience is positive, engaging and successful.”

“Buffy recognizes the challenges that our children face on a daily basis and goes above and beyond to make an impact on

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Buffy Burroughs, right, of Worthington hugs her daughter, Ava, 11, left, after being introduced as a Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News Teacher of the Year during a presentation at Avondale Elementary School in May. each child’s life,” Knight said.

Every child has great potential, Burroughs said.

“Every student can learn,” she said.

“Sometimes finding the hook that motivates them is tricky, but by building relationships with the students, you can help them find greatness.”

Boothe said she was thrilled to learn Burroughs won.

“Buffy is so dedicated to her profession and the entire community she serves,” she said. “In my 35-plus years as a teacher, I never met anyone more devoted, and I’m extremely proud to call her a colleague and friend.”

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. This is happening in spite of indications that childhood obesity could reduce life expectancy by five years or more. Many children are not participating in free-time physical activity and, according to Blank Children’s Hospital, only 25 percent of children in the United States eat a healthy diet.

Considering children spend six or more hours at school and many eat school lunches or receive in school-provided breakfasts, schools can play a pivotal role in helping to control the rising epidemic of childhood obesity. Here’s a look at just how schools are taking on that challenge.

• Discussing obesity in health and physical education classes: Information is power, and one way to help curb obesity rates is to give children the data needed to make informed decisions. Some schools have implemented healthy eating and exercise initiatives and made nutrition and other health-related topics key parts of health curricula.

• Modifying school lunch offerings: Schools are taking inventory of not only the foods they offer on lunch menus, but also the feel of the cafeteria so that healthy eating is encouraged. This may include removing vending machines that contain unhealthy snacks or providing a greater array of offerings that include fresh fruits, whole grains and lean protein sources. Some schools also are investing in components, such as salad bars, to store, prepare and display healthy foods.

• Extending lunch hours: Giving students adequate time to eat and digest can promote healthier eating habits.

Research indicates that eating slowly can help a person feel full faster. According to Harvard Medical School, scientists have known for some time that a full stomach is only part of what causes someone to feel satisfied after a meal; the brain must also receive a series of signals from digestive hormones secreted by the gastrointestinal tract. Eating slowly may prevent children from overeating later in the day. That can be achieved by having more time to eat at lunch.

• Teaching children how to prepare healthy foods: Some schools are taking the mystery out of food preparation by showing students how foods are being prepared in the cafeteria kitchen, while others include basic culinary education in their curricula and extracurricular offerings.

Childhood obesity may be an epidemic, but schools are in the position to curb obesity in young students.

How students can handle the transition to middle school

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A child’s schoolaged years are filled with many different lessons and experiences. While in school, kids have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and meet new people.

Many students will attend various schools before moving on to college, and therefore they must learn how to adjust to new schools.

While many students attend elementary school together for years, students may not know their classmates once they make it to middle school, which tends to boast larger student bodies than elementary schools. That’s because many middle schools’ student bodies are a combination of several elementary schools. Making the transition from elementary school to middle school or junior high can spark anxiety in students, but that does not have to be.

The National Education Association says a common element of a successful middle school experience is a smooth and positive transition from elementary school.

The following are a few ways students can handle their transition to middle school.

• Participate in a school-based transition program. Middle schools frequently host open houses for elementary school students, who can take tours of the campus. Parents can take part in these events with their children. If your schedule does not allow you to attend, then schedule a private tour with the middle school

principal or a faculty member. Middle school guidance counselors or guest speakers also may make the rounds, visiting elementary schools directly. Be sure your student attends such information sessions so he or she can get an idea of what to expect during middle school.

• Dispel any myths your youngster might have heard about middle school.

Youngsters hear lots of things about middle schools, and much of what kids hear might be untrue. Ask kids what they have heard about the schools they will be moving on to, and then do your best to dispel any myths.

• Find a middle school buddy.

Ask an older sibling or invite someone who is currently enrolled in the school to speak with your child and answer any questions he or she may have. Hearing directly from a fellow student may make your child feel more comfortable about what to expect.

• Talk about any other fears. Engage in an open dialogue with your son or daughter about any additional fears he or she may have. If students are worried about academics, spend some time over the summer going over the curriculum. If the potential for peer pressure is a cause for concern, reinforce advice on how to react to peer pressure.

Parents and their children can take several steps to make students’ transitions to middle school as smooth as possible.

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STEM taking schools by storm An increased focus on STEM education is one of the most influential initiatives to reach schools in recent years.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The world has become increasingly complex and competitive, and todayÕs youth need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to evaluate ideas and turn them into productive applications. These are two of the key hallmarks of STEM. According to the National Science Foundation, STEM subjects include chemistry, computer and information technology science, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, physics and astronomy, social sciences (anthropology, economics, psychology and sociology), and STEM education and learning research.

Recognizing that more and more students are gravitating toward STEM-focused fields and that projected STEM job rates are rising steadily, schools have begun to beef up their offerings with regard to STEM subjects.

Jobs in mathematics, computer system analysis, systems software, and biomedical engineering are just some of the careers in which anywhere from a 15 to 62 percent increase between 2010 and 2020 is predicted, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Individuals may believe that STEM study begins in high school, but the success of older students in STEM subjects is often shaped much earlier on. ThatÕs why parents and educators can do much to cultivate an interest in natural and social sciences as well as in math as early as possible.

Here are a few ideas to do just that.

• Encourage participation in the community.

Various national clubs and science-based organizations have begun to pay more attention to STEM and offer activities that foster a greater love of science, engineering and math. By joining such clubs and organizations, students can learn more about these subjects and reinforce their enjoyment.

• Set up an internship or meet-and-greet. Take students to STEM-centered places of employment so they can get a firsthand experience from within the STEM trenches. Provide opportunities for students to chat with people in the field and ask questions about the type of schooling necessary to pursue a particular degree, and if any hobbies and other activities promote STEM learning.

• Investigate school-based opportunities. Schools are broadening course offerings and also establishing STEM-based clubs. Students have the opportunity to get involved with other like-minded classmates. If a club isnÕt already available, a teacher or a parent can consider volunteering to serve as the head of the club.

STEM is a hot topic of discussion in the world of education. Students can expect to get plenty of exposure to science- and math-related topics both inside and out of the classroom.

Women in STEM

Despite the widely held notion that men exceed the number of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields, data indicates that there isn’t actually much disparity among the sexes.

According to the National Science Foundation, women equal men in terms of bachelor’s degrees awarded in most of the fields of STEM, including biosciences, social sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences. The only STEM fields in which men still outnumber women are computer science and engineering. Women are just as capable as men to meet the demands of STEM careers. Raw IQ tests from the British Psychological Society have indicated that women and men frequently score equally well, with some studies suggesting women have the edge.

In terms of mathematics prowess, girls score a mere 3 percent lower than their male counterparts on the math portion of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, according to the College Board.

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