Letter from the Editor
T he renewal and hope of a new year can get overshadowed by the cold, dreary weather … and the regular emails I receive ranking Oklahoma’s education system next-to-last in the country. Not to mention the harmful antics of our state superintendent of education, whose job, among other duties, is supposed to be ensuring an equitable education for all Oklahoma students. Our teachers are drowning with not enough support and too much burden. What can we as parents do? I believe we have two responsibilities. First, we have to find effective ways to support the educators in our own communities. And second, we have to demand that our state leaders move from a focus on hateful rhetoric to prioritizing equitable educations for all students. What would it look like for parents to come together to support and advocate for educators this year? Could you spend a day substitute teaching in your child’s classroom, serving lunch in the cafeteria or chaperoning a field trip? Will you ask your child’s teacher, your school principal and your district superintendent what they most need from you as a parent — and then fulfill those requests as you’re able? Call your state legislators to share that list of needs — and your own demands of them — to improve our state education system. Make sure you’re registered to vote, and when elections come up, research and vote for the candidates that best represent your vision of our state’s (and our children’s) future. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or note of encouragement to your child’s teacher to show them you see their hard work. Yes, there is a lot of negativity surrounding our state’s education system. But we also have to intentionally find hope in the positive. In this issue, be sure to check out an educator making tremendous strides in prioritizing social-emotional learning on page 40. Get impactful ideas to support your teachers, school and district from local mom and PTA leader Christina Mushi-Brunt on page 54. Every day teachers are influencing the people our children will become. I believe doing what’s best for our children begins with doing what’s best for our educators. Teachers need to be paid more. (That goes for paraprofessionals and support staff, too.) They need more per-pupil funding. They need us to trust their expertise. Parents: our state’s teachers need you. How will you show up for them this year?
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Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page
Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe
Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Strategy Manager Morgan Harris Content & Account Specialist Renee Filippo Contributing Writers Rebecca Fast Christina Mushi-Brunt Jennifer Palmer Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com metrofamilymagazine.com
With conviction,
Erin Page Managing Editor
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2024 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.
From public school student to public school advocate
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Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2024 5
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