Letter from the Editor
2024
2024
2024
I ’m tired of Oklahoma ranking near-last in education. Aren’t you? I’m also tired of the antics of our state superintendent, who clearly doesn’t prioritize our students or teachers. There was a day last fall when, fed up with the bad news about education in Oklahoma, I literally threw up my hands, called the communications team at Oklahoma City Public Schools and said, “Is there anything good you can tell me about public education in our state?” We spent more than 30 minutes on the phone, and by the end of that call, I was reassured that there is plenty of good happening, and it far outweighs the bad. In fact, that call inspired a new year-long series, launching in this issue, called What’s Right with Our Schools . Over the next year, we’ll take a look at the biggest challenges in public ed, and we’ll shine a light on all the positive, creative, meaningful ways our local school districts are addressing those challenges. Our local schools are making significant strides — whether in improving chronic absenteeism, implementing innovative programs or helping students develop critical skills for life beyond graduation. And, though we acknowledge the need for further investment and innovation in our education system, we also celebrate the tremendous work being done by teachers, school leaders and organizations working to foster positive learning environments for our children. As parents and concerned community members, we have an important role to play, too, by staying informed and involved in our children’s educations. This issue’s 2025 Learning Guide provides a wealth of resources to help families navigate learning opportunities in the metro, from early education to after-school programs to ways families can learn together. I hope this issue inspires you to take advantage of the educational tools and programs available in our community and to engage with local efforts to improve education for all students.
2024
2024
2024
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2025 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. Publisher Sarah Taylor Editorial & Marketing Director Erin Page Digital Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Assistant Editor Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Business Development Specialists Katrina Kalb Tamika Sonnier Events Director Casey Shupe Operations Director Morgan Harris Content & Account Specialist Renee Filippo Social Media Coordinator Taylor Bollinger Contributing Writers Marisa Mohi Christina Mushi-Brunt Tim Willert 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
Let’s work together to create an environment where all children can thrive.
With conviction,
Erin Page Editorial and Marketing Director
Proud member of
IN ANOTHER POSITIVE MEETING ABOUT THE GOOD HAPPENING IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, SUPERINTENDENT OF OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DR. JAMIE POLK SHARED WITH ME 6 THINGS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. READ HER STORY AT METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/POLK.
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Midwest City Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 5
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator