2021
2021
2021
2021
The beginning of a new year for me has always signaled the promise of new possibilities, fresh ideas and hope for a bright future. As the team at MetroFamily began preparing for this issue, our Annual Education Guide, one reality kept permeating our thoughts: our public school educators and support staff are tired, overwhelmed and burned out. The individuals we’re so fortunate to have teaching and leading our children are wildly capable. But circumstances, often outside their control, including the pandemic, a statewide teacher shortage and a lack of substitutes, have made it nearly impossible for many of our educators to hold on to their joy. As we move into this new year with our personal resolutions or goals, I hope you’ll join me in also resolving to regularly thank and encourage the teachers in your life. While I’ll admit that an encouraging note or small gift card bestowed on educators feels to me a bit like throwing a cup of water on a blazing
inferno right now, those I’ve spoken with in the profession assure me that those small gestures go a long way in restoring joy. And I’d also ask that you take a look at what educators and community leaders around the state have to say about our responsibilities to band together as a community to provide support in grander ways on page 32. Thank you teachers, administrators and staff for the life-changing work you do each and every day. May the rest of us resolve to come alongside you in ways both big and small so that, together, we can build a brighter future for our children.
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers
Kristy Blosch, April Deocariza, Michael Dickerson, Lance Evans, Emily Fischer, Brittany Keck Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executives Dana Price Laura Beam Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
With hope,
Erin Page Managing Editor
On the Cover Ethan is the winner of MetroFamily’s 2022 Cover Kids Search for ages 10-12! He attends Classen School of Advanced Studies, where he was elected vice president of student council for the 5th grade student body. Ethan is the son of Nikesia, and they enjoy trips to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Myriad Gardens and Science Museum Oklahoma. Ethan is extremely creative, loves to draw and hopes to design his own lines of shoes and clothing one day. Special thanks to Oklahoma Contemporary for matching this forward-thinking tween’s innovative energy with a perfect venue for his photoshoot. Find out more about Oklahoma Contemporary’s current exhibits on page 39. The artwork featured on the cover is LA_129 by Invader, on view in Open World .
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2021 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.
Proud member of
ETHAN IS STANDING IN FRONT OF ADAPT BY RHIANA DECK AT OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY.
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2022 5
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