Columbus Parent

Change is coming to Columbus Parent. Due to economic forces accelerated by the pandemic, Columbus Parent will no longer be a standalone print publication with its own website or newsletter. Tough decisions had to be made, and Columbus Parent is no longer sustainable in its current format. But we recognize the importance of Columbus Parent’s award-winning work for Central Ohio families.

Openings & Announcements Argentine chef Sebastian La Rocca has been named executive chef of restaurants at Hilton Columbus Downtown, where he will run its three new dining concepts: the wood-burning grill at Fyr, the rooftop lounge Stories on High and Spark on the lobby level. Most recently, La Rocca has been the chef-owner of the Eat Gastro Group in Costa Rica.

Teaching has never been an easy job, but it has always been an influential one. Perhaps you remember an educator who had an impact on your own life, or you know one who went the extra mile to help your child through a rough spot. Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News are proud to partner again this year to recognize some of Central Ohio’s top classroom talent.

Justin Higby is one to hide from the spotlight, not be in front of it. But that’s the position in which the math teacher at Columbus Alternative High School finds himself after he was named the high school winner in the Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News 2022 Teachers of the Year awards. “I’m definitely humbled by it,” says Higby, 37. “I don’t take it lightly either. It’s a little scary. I feel like there’s pressure with that. To me, I love my job.

Slisher teaches third grade at Taylor Road Elementary School in Reynoldsburg City School District. Stephen Borgna Third-grade teacher Heather Slisher has always been known to go the extra mile for her students at Taylor Road Elementary School. In mid-April, for instance—amid the annual crush of state and district math and reading assessments—Slisher invited Ohio State University women’s hockey player Emma Maltais to speak to her students.

A teacher at Dublin’s Davis Middle School is passing along the inspiration he says his own teachers instilled in him as a student. For that effort in the classroom, Nick Brown, 34, a sixth-grade social studies and science teacher, was named the middle school winner in the 2022 Columbus Parent/ThisWeek Community News Teachers of the Year awards.

We want your opinions on the region’s best family-friendly businesses, dining, places to play and other activities. It’s time to cast your ballot in the 2022 Columbus Parent Family Faves reader poll. For the 12th year, we’re seeking our readers’ opinions on the best family-friendly businesses, dining, activities and events in Central Ohio. There are 42 categories, grouped into three themes: Eating Out, Stores and Services, and Family Fun.

Summer break will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to plan how your kids will spend their days when school lets out. Camps are a popular option for many families, and Central Ohio has an abundance of choices—from partial-week enrichment offerings to residential experiences that span the whole summer.

This directory of camp options from the Art and Dance & Drama categories is from the 2022 Columbus Parent Summer Camp Guide, which appears in the Spring 2022 issue. ART The Arts Castle: Arts Castle Summer Camp Ages served: 3-18 Dates/times: 6/6-8/5; full day (6+ hours) Description: The Arts Castle offers a variety of summer camps focusing on an array of artistic experiences including painting, drawing, performing arts, ceramics, glass, jewelry and fiber arts.

This directory of Educational Enrichment and Equestrian camp options is from the 2022 Columbus Parent Summer Camp Guide, which appears in the Spring 2022 issue. EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT The Art of Music LLC: “Catchin’ Rays” Ages served: 1-25 Dates/times: 6/6-6/24; less than 2 hours Description: Classes are offered Mondays or Fridays and are filled with art and music activities and experiences for children of all abilities, with separate groups for ages 1-6 and ages 6 and older.