Organizers call CAC’s third annual Education Fair a success for showing parents the many choices they have.

By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF

Suburban News

1/28/2008

If it was little difficult to find a parking space at North Broadway United Methodist Church Thursday evening, there was a good reason.

Approximately 85 parents, grandparents, guardians and potential students came out as 14 local elementary and middle schools came out to share information about unique aspects of their schools at the Clintonville Area Commission’s Education Fair. The intent was to show why Clintonville area parents should consider those schools for their children’s education.

Participating schools from the Columbus City Schools District included Clinton Elementary, Colerain Elementary, Indian Springs Elementary and Dominion Middle School. Indianola Informal Alternative and Ecole Kenwood also participated.

Other non-public schools represented included: Briar Rose Academy, a Waldorf school; Immaculate Conception; Our Lady of Bethlehem; Our Lady of Peace; St. Joseph Montessori; the Wellington Schools; Tree of Life Christian School; Westview Elementary School, part of Worthington Christian Schools; and Xenos Christian Schools, which includes Calumet Christian.

All have a local presence in Clintonville, revealing the breadth and depth of educational options in this community.

This year’s third annual fair was sponsored by the CAC Education Committee and the North Broadway Children’s Center.

In addition, representatives from the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Whetstone Recreation Initiative also were present with information — serving as a reminder to parents and students there is life outside of school as well.

“I think this is the biggest turnout we have ever had,” CAC Education Committee Chairwoman and District 4 Representative Susan Gaunce said.

“We all know of people who have moved from the area, because they didn’t take a look at the great schools we have right in our own neighborhood.”

“I have to commend all of you for being here this evening,” Westview Principal James Parrish said.

“You are looking to find the best fit in education for your child, and that is a big charge.”

While participating schools might have different philosophies on education, a common thread they share is a welcoming atmosphere.

“We really believe in academic excellence and in reaching out to each child,” Immaculate Conception Principal John Grossman said.

At Dominion Middle School, school officials and staff have taken that welcoming environment to the students, with its Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) program, Principal Dottie Flanagan said. The heart of the WEB program is Dominion’s eighth-graders mentoring the sixth- and seventh-graders.

“I’ve never seen so many smiling faces on the first day of school,” Flanagan said.

Tree of Life parent Amy Durth said she remembered when she began to send two of her three children to the school, adding nearly all of the school’s students go on to college.

“My son was having some learning challenges at the time,” she said, adding the school’s learning environment was the right one to address his issues.

“My son still hates school, but he is in college,” she said with a smile, as she remembered her daughter was reluctant to switch schools, because she would miss her friends.

After her first day, “When I asked her how was school, she said, ‘Mom, I’m so glad you made me go there — it’s great,’ ” Durth said.

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