Spark their imaginations

toledo area stem roundup

yOUR GUIDE TO EDUCATIONAL LOCAL ACTIVITIES

By Emily Remaklus

STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — are fields that are important for future generations to engage in. Fortunately for the children (and adults) of Toledo, there are awesome opportunities to learn more and get involved in these fields right in our area. For some great options to engage in the fun of learning about the STEM fields, we rounded up these opportunities Northwest Ohio has to offer.

sylvania stem center

3315 Centennial Road, Unit H., Sylvania 419-283-3084 sylvaniastem.org

Sylvania STEM Center is a non-profit organization that focuses on education and exploration in the STEM fields. The Center serves as a meeting hub for primary and secondary STEM teams. The teams are focused on competitive robotics where which children of all ages can get involved. Additionally, the center offers summer camps for students in first to eighth grades. Camps range from Exploratory LEGO Engineering to Stop Motion to Underwater ROV Exploration. There are opportunities for any young learner interested in science, math, engineering and technology. To enroll in camps for 2022 or to join a competitive robotics team, please visit the Sylvania STEM Center website.

imagination station

1 Discovery Way 419244-2674 imaginationstationtoledo.org

A staple in downtown Toledo, Imagination Station is a science center where everyone can fall in love with learning. The nonprofit Center works to serve the Northwest Ohio community with informal science education and fun in the hopes of sparking a passion for the sciences. Visitors can enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits for the whole family. Along with exciting exhibits, they also hosts science demonstrations, workshops, summer camps and more. Imagination Station works hard to continue growing and improving, often adding temporary exhibits as well as permanent ones. The latter includes the popular Simulator Theater Experience, IDEA Lab with a spotlight on improving health-focused learning areas. So even if you’ve visited before, Imagination Station likely has something new to offer you.

Located inside of Urban Air with included play time!

A new summer camp hosted inside of Urban Air Toledo.

RATED ONE OF THE BEST KID’S FRANCHISES FOR KIDS AGES 2-14

Snapology is now off ering your child the chance to build their S.T.E.A.M. skills while building relationships and having a ton of fun. Our Summer Camps are perfect for students ages 2-14. Some of our amazing themes include Jedi Masters, Superheroes, Scientists, Pokemania, and so many more! Visit our website for more details and to register today.

5-day week camps

running from 6/6/22 - 8/8/22

Half-Day Camps:

$199 (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) Full-Day Camps: $319 (9-5pm)

4th of July Week: (4-day week)

$159 half day (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) $255 full day (9am-5pm)

5243 Airport Hwy., Toledo OH. 43615

For details visit toledowest.snapology.com or Call 419-461-5482

code ninjas

4024 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Ste. 10 and 11 419-605-0970 codeninjas.com/oh-sylvania

Code Ninjas is a coding franchise where kids can learn how to code while also building their own video games. Code Ninja Create is one of their programs that allows kids to develop coding skills through gaming. A path from white to black belt shows mastery of the skill. The program is for 7-14 year olds, and kids can learn to code at their own pace year-round. Convenient weeknight and weekend hours are available with a low-pressure drop-in system to accommodate anyone’s schedule. Code Ninja camps are also an option where kids can learn coding and game building, all while making new friends. Camps are offered in the summer and throughout the year. Additionally the after-school program in which (depending on the school location) has Code Ninjas staff who will pick up your child after school for an afternoon of handson STEM activities. Parents’ Night Out is another fun service where parents can take an evening off for a date night, or to just relax, and drop their kids off for an educational and fun evening.

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2855 W Bancroft St. 419-530-2650 utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo/

Ritter Planetarium is located at the University of Toledo, and it is a chance for you to explore the fascinating world of stars and planets. The state-of-the-art digital projector and surround sound transports viewers into space to view the wonders of our Universe. The Planetarium offers programs on the weekends, hosts school field trips and Scout troops and can be rented out for private parties by reservation. So for kids and adults interested in learning what is beyond Earth, this is an awesome place to visit.

snapology

5243 Airport Hwy. Inside Urban Air 419-962-3257 snapology.com/location/toledowest

Snapology is an organization that serves Sylvania, Ottawa Hills, Monclova, Maumee, Perrysburg, Holland and West Toledo, offering classes that help enrich STEAM skills (STEM + Art). Programs vary from robotics and coding to technology, and even the youngest students, preschool-aged, have an opportunity to learn with Snapology and their preschool programs. Along with classes, Snapology offers LEGO themed programs, birthday parties and summer camps, all of which allow students to learn with hands-on play so that their creativity can flourish.

liberty aviation museum

3515 East State Rd. Port Clinton 419-732-0234 libertyaviationmuseum.org/

For the aviation enthusiast, The Liberty Aviation Museum is a very close drive that is well worth the journey. The Museum has been around for over 30 years and features a display of historic aircrafts and vehicles, with two hangar facilities, galleries, a motorpool where military vehicles are shown and boat restoration takes place, a gift shop and the Tin Goose Diner for a great lunch. Tickets for children six and older are only $8. Children five and under can visit for free.

tps.org Facebook.com/TPSProud Twi er.com/TPSProud

Toledo Early College College Credit Plus Career Tech

High School (TEC) Through this state-funded e ort, While in high school, TPS students With its college prep curriculum, TEC readies students for higher learning and 21st century careers. Our STEMM program focuses primarily on medicine and the health care professions, enjoying the support of ProMedica and the University of Toledo. students earn both high school and college credit at no cost. They also ease into the college experience, while getting a head start on higher learning. The University of Toledo partners with TPS for this program. can prepare for the millions of new skilled positions now available in accounting, animal science, auto technology, precision machining, telecommunications, urban agriculture and dozens of other elds.

Partering with local employers and industry

As we embark on a school year unlike any other in our history, we’re thankful for the support and active for onsite instruction and training As we embark on a school year unlike any other in our history, we’re thankful for the support and active participation of our community partners, our sta , our students and their families. As always, we’ll face the challenges of our times with hope in our hearts Magnet schools attracting talented students from across the Toledo area participation of our community partners, our sta , and an unwavering commitment to education. our students and their families. As always, we’ll face Connecting classroom experience with future the challenges of our times with hope in our hearts 1609 N. Summit St. Toledo, Ohio 43604 careers and an unwavering commitment to education. Twi er.com/TPSProud Facebook.com/TPSProud tps.org

LET’S GET TO

WORK!

Toledo Public Schools offer career alternatives to college Matriculating to a four-year college right after high school may not be the best career path for some young people. There are many other career paths that lead to lucrative, satisfying jobs. Toledo Public Schools has teamed up with various regional companies and organizations to create several job training programs in area high schools in a variety of career fields, including public safety, machining, carpentry, and more.

PS419

What it is: A public safety educational program, founded as a collaboration between Toledo Public Schools, Toledo

Police, Toledo Fire and Rescue, City of Toledo, and Owens

Community College. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz first announced the program in his 2021 State of the City address.

Where: Bowsher High School

How it works: Retired fire inspector Andre Tiggs leads this program, which pairs students interested in public safety with a career and personal mentor working in the field. “The goal is that once these kids finish the program, they’ll be certified EMTs right out of high school,” said

Tiggs, who credits Toledo fire battalion chief Danny

ENROLL NOW! FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TPS.ORG

As we embark on a school year unlike any other in our history, we’re thankful for the support and active participation of our community partners, our sta , our students and their families. As always, we’ll face the challenges of our times with hope in our hearts and an unwavering commitment to education. Twi er.com/TPSProud Facebook.com/TPSProud tps.org High Schools Retired fire inspector Andre TiggsElementary Schools Chief Danny Brown-Martinez ARLINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 707 Woodsdale Ave. Brown-Martinez as being the main orchestrator of PS419, 419-671-2550 BEVERLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL though Chief Brown-Martinez is quick to emphasize the 3548 South Detroit Ave. 419-671-2600 program is a group effort.BIRMINGHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2222 Bakewell Street “This program wouldn’t have been possible without the 419-671-7700 BURROUGHS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL collective input from (TPS Superintendent) Dr. Romules 2420 South Avenue 419-671-2350 Durant, Toledo Chief of Police George Kral, Toledo BYRNEDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3635 Glendale Avenue 419-671-2200 Fire Chief Brian Byrd, the Mayor’s office, and everyone DEVEAUX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2620 West Sylvania Ave at Owens Community College,” said Brown-Martinez. 419-671-3200 “PS419 is designed to introduce students to careers in EAST BROADWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL E. Broadway Ave 419-671-7200 safety. It’s a technical program, just like learning heating EDGEWATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5549 Edgewater Drive and air conditioning.”419-671-6750 ELMHURST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL All EMT certification is overseen by Owens Community 4530 Elmhurst Drive 419-671-3550 College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness and the goal GARFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1103 Ravine Parkway is to create a career pipeline from TPS to a career in Toledo 419-671-7550 GLENDALE-FEILBACH ELEMENTARY public safety. “I’ve worked with kids for more than 30 SCHOOL 2317 Cass Road 419-671-2650 years and this is a great way to show them there are career opportunities out there for them even if they don’t go to college.”

GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2860 Glenwood Ave 419-671-4600 HARVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1949 Glendale Ave 419-671-2700 KEYSER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3900 Hill Ave 419-671-1450 LARCHMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1515 Slater Street 419-671-3650 LEVERETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 445 E. Manhattan Blvd 419-671-6200 LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1955 W. Laskey Road 419-671-3800 MCTIGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5555 Nebraska Avenue 419-671-1200 NATURAL SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CENTER 5561 Elmer Drive 419-671-1800 NAVARRE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 800 Kingston Ave 419-671-7600 OAKDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1620 E. Broadway 419-671-7350 OLD ORCHARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2402 Cheltenham Road 419-671-3700 OTTAWA RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4747 290th Street 419-671-6350 PICKETT ACADEMY 1144 Blum Street 419-671-5600

Neighborhood Schools The district’s mission is to produce competitive college and career ready graduates. Through support of highly qualified teachers, administrators and support staff, students are provided a well-rounded education in schools that are welcoming and provide the latest in technology.

Magnet Schools Toledo Public Schools offers a number of magnet schols that are open to students who are interested in pursuing a specialized course of study. Students participate in project-based learning that includes hands-on activities and assignments that reinforce the curriculum. High Schools RAYMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 550 Raymer BlvdAEROSPACE & NATURAL SCIENCE 419-671-7650 ACADEMY OF TOLEDO 11600 West Airport Service Road Swanton, OH 43558 REYNOLDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5000 Norwich Road 419-671-1500 419-671-1700 RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Programs in aviation maintenance, animal science, 500 Chicago Street urban agriculture, wildlife and fisheries, with 419-671-6700 partners Delta Airlines, Interjet West, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Toledo ROBINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1075 Horace Ave Metroparks. 419-671-4200 JONES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ROSA PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3350 Cherry Street OF BUSINESS 419-671-4350 430 Nebraska Ave. 419-671-5400 This 7th through 12th grade school provides a SHERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 817 Sherman Street 419-671-6550 college and career readiness curriculum, with a focus on business and administrative pathways. SPRING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bloomberg Financial Lab. 730 Spring Street 419-671-6600 TOLEDO EARLY COLLEGE VIRTUAL ACADEMY 2801 West Bancroft St. 3301 Upton Ave, Room 1127 419-671-4800 419-671-5100 Students graduate with an average of 55 college credits, which means they can enter college or WALBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1245 Walbridge Ave university with junior status 419-671-5650 Toledo Pre-Med and WHITTIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4221 Walker Ave Health Science Academy 419-671-3600 NEW Opening August 2022! Pre Schools TOLEDO TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY 3301 Upton Avenue CROSSGATES PRESCHOOL 3901 Shadylawn Drive 419-671-2750 419-671-3900 TTA is a full career technology school for 7th MAYFAIR PRESCHOOL through 12th graders that’s well respected within Toledo’s industrial community 5301 Bennett Avenue 419-671-8756 WESTFIELD 1505 Jefferson Ave. 419-671-5200 This school provides specialized behavioral instruction for students with individual academic and behavioral support to help them earn their high school diploma and to prepare for adult education and future careers. Elementary Schools CHASE STEMM ACADEMY 600 Bassett Street 419-671-6650 ESCUELA SMART ACADEMY 617 Western Ave. 419-671-5550 GROVE PATTERSON ACADEMY 3020 Marvin Ave. 419-671-3350 HAWKINS STEMM ACADEMY 5550 West Bancroft Street 419-671-1550 phone MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ACADEMY FOR BOYS 1300 Forest Ave. 419-671-4550 MARSHALL STEMM ACADEMY 415 Colburn Street 419-671-5700 MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3344 Westland Ave. 419-671-3750 OLD WEST END ACADEMY 3131 Cambridge Street 419-671-4700 ELLA P. STEWART ACADEMY FOR GIRLS 707 Avondale Ave. DISCOVER TPS Enroll for the 2022-2023 School Year

Toledo Public Schools is excited to help our youngest learners grow and thrive through age-appropriate activities and curriculum that is focused on making them life long learners.

Early Childhood

Toledo Public Schools employs highly traned and skilled teachers and staff who do an amazing job of getting children started on their educational paths.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration is open for the 2022-23 school year. Parents/guardians to enroll your student you should bring  Birth certificate  Immunization Record  Custody papers (if applicable to your student) Your Photo ID Three (3) proofs of your address.Testing of the student is required before the first day of school.

For more information about the district’s early childhood education programs or kindergarten, call 419-671-0001. Visit tps.org for more information about our schools, our unique programs and our support services for students and families. E. L. BOWSHER HIGH SCHOOL 2200 Arlington Ave 419-671-2000 ROBERT S. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL 222 McTigue Dr. 419-671-1000 JESUP W. SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL 2400 Collingwood Blvd 419-671-4000 High school students can choose from a variety of classes including honors, AP and college credit plus. Athletics and extracurricular activites are also available to all high school students. TPS elementary schools are focused on providing PreK-8th grade students with a strong educational foundation in preparation for a successful school career.

ROY C. START HIGH SCHOOL 2010 Tremainsville Rd. 419-671-3000 MORRISON R. WAITE HIGH SCHOOL 301 Morrison Drive 419-671-7000 CALVIN M. WOODWARD HIGH SCHOOL 701 E. Central Ave. 419-671-6000

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The Importance of Paid Family Leave

Toledo area businesses provide for new parents

By Mary Rose Kulczak

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, over two million women have left the workforce since February 2020. Many mothers, who were suddenly thrust into the roles of full-time teachers during pandemic shutdowns, decided not to return to work. Consequently, the participation of women in the labor force is now at a 33-year low.

Parents are now re-examining the importance of a work-life balance. Moms and dads are looking for positions with companies that offer flexible schedules, remote work possibilities, childcare support and generous parental leave benefits.

In the U.S., the Family and Medical Leave Act allows 12 weeks of unpaid leave for new parents, but that applies only to companies with more than 50 employees. Companies looking to attract workers are now beginning to offer paid parental leave as well as other benefits.

Impact of parental leave policies

For Meghan Gazarek, RN, BSN, IBCLC, the issue is not only a professional one, but also a personal one. Gazarek, a nurse and lactation consultant at Toledo’s Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, is expecting her fifth child this summer. She knows firsthand the impact that parental leave policies can have on families. “[With] each pregnancy, it seems more and more difficult to return to work because I realize how quickly they grow and what a special time it is to rest, recuperate and adjust to a growing family,” Gazarek explains. “I am grateful to be a part-time employee and still remain eligible for parental leave. My employer recently announced that they are offering paid parental leave of eight weeks following a medical leave. This was a huge relief to me. It was very rare that I was paid in full for my time off work.”

Bonding with newborns

Gazarek has seen how FMLA can affect new moms in their bonding time with newborns.

“FMLA in the United States seems to make or break the nursing relationship,” she said. “It seems many women do not initiate breastfeeding knowing it is something they cannot maintain due to work requirements or having to return so soon. Many women perceive their job as not flexible enough to maintain an adequate pumping schedule to continue to support their milk supply. The postpartum period is such an adjustment for families, both physically and mentally, and oftentimes it seems when a routine is developed, the wrench of returning to work is thrown in far too soon.”

Company policies to support families

Gazarek would like to see more changes in company policies that would support families.

“I think, in the U.S., our employer benefits could improve immensely, regarding paid parental leaves, along with improvements to current pumping laws for nursing mothers,” she explained. “Being able to establish a healthy nursing relationship really affects generations to come. It also affects how much we spend on healthcare globally. It should be a huge public health concern. Babies that are breastfed are sick less often, and that results in parents missing less work. Why wouldn’t we want to support increasing breastfeeding rates?”

She also sees the need for more support regarding childcare. “I think access to affordable childcare is also a big concern for parents. If large employers could offer more options related to parental leave, I think it would help parents out immensely.”

Here is a look at some area employers and the benefits they offer new parents:

Amazon Fulfillment Center

Number of employees: Over 2,500. Parental benefits policy: Up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth mothers, six weeks for adopting parents. Leave share program allows employees to give up to six weeks of paid parental leave to a spouse who is not eligible through their employer. Ramp Back program offers birth parents eight weeks of flexibility and partial work hours as they readjust to their new schedules. Other benefits: Access to a network of more than 2 million caregivers. Discounts on certain daycare centers. Adoption assistance. Resources for parents of children with special needs.

The Anderson’s

Number of Employees: Over 2,000, with 800 in the Toledo area. Parental benefits policy: Offers ten consecutive weeks of paid maternity leave, or two consecutive weeks for paternity or adoption leave. Accounts for 100 percent of pay. Other benefits: Short-term disability and FMLA also available for eligible employees. Employee Assistance Program also offers tools and resources for families regarding childcare, support, development and school-related searches.

City of Toledo

Number of employees: Over 2,600. Parental benefits policy: The city has eight different bargaining units, as well as non-bargaining units, and benefits vary depending on the position the individual holds. In general, the city offers up to 12 weeks of leave under FMLA. Other benefits: Healthcare covers 100 percent of labor and delivery. Paid leave packages are also available.

Costco

Number of employees: Approximately 500 between the Toledo and Perrysburg locations. Parental benefits policy: Offers eight weeks of paid maternity leave, as well as two weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Other benefits: Offers paid time off based on how long you have worked for the company.

Dana Corporation

Number of employees: 40,000 over 32 countries, with over 7,000 in Toledo. Parental benefits policy: Full-time salaried employees can receive four weeks of paid leave in the first six months after the birth of a child or the placement of an adopted child. The first two weeks are 100 percent of salary, while the second two weeks are 50 percent of salary.

FedEx Number of employees:

Over 1,200 locally. Parental benefits policy: Offers paid time off to new parents, as well as unpaid time off up to 50 weeks.

Jeep/Stellantis Number of employees:

Over 6,000 in Toledo. Parental benefits: Salaried birth mothers receive six to eight weeks short term disability. They also offer 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents.

Mercy Health Number of employees:

Over 8,000 in the Toledo area. Parental benefits policy: Six to eight weeks of paid medical leave, in addition to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

Owens Corning

Number of employees: Over 19,000 globally, with over 7,000 in Toledo. Parental benefits policy: Offers six to eight weeks of paid leave to new mothers, along with short-term and longterm disability coverage, flexible work arrangements. Adoption and family assistance is also offered. Other benefits: Provides two weeks paid time off for all new parents, including fathers at the time of birth or adoption of a child.

ProMedica/ Toledo Hospital

Number of employees: More than 4,800 at The Toledo Hospital, with more than 15,000 in the 12-hospital system. Parental benefits policy: Offers four to six weeks of paid maternity leave. Mothers can also use accrued paid time off, or take unpaid time for bonding. Other benefits: Short-term disability pays 60 percent of weekly wages for full-time employees.

Target Number of employees:

Over 400,000 nationwide. Parental benefits policy: Paid family leave offered to team members and spouses, along with support and information for parents before delivery, during leave, and after return to work. Other benefits: Backup child care includes 20 days of in-center childcare or in-home childcare. Maternity support program also gives access to maternity nurses.

Toledo Museum of Art

Number of employees: 0ver 200. Parental benefits policy: 12 weeks of paid leave for all new parents, including new births and adoption.

University of Toledo

Number of employees: Over 1,500 faculty, and over 4,000 staff. Parental benefits policy: Eligible employees who have worked at least twelve months and at least 1,250 hours may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Other benefits: The University maintains health coverage during leave.