September 20, 2024 — Columbus City Schools kicked off Pathway Express with an exciting start at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, where families gathered to celebrate early literacy. In partnership with Discover, the event buzzed with energy as students and their families explored hands-on activities that blended reading, the arts, and history. Students dove into engaging experiences designed to boost reading skills and spark a lasting love for learning—giving everyone a taste of the enriching programs to come in next year’s Summer Experience.

"Pathway Express is about giving our parents and families the opportunity to experience a sampling of what summer experience is like," said Learning Expansion Tosa with the Division of Extended Learning, Chenzira Sneed. "It's an opportunity for them to engage in learning with their family, come out to Columbus sites, meet our community partners, and have a fun experience learning with their family."

The first stop along the Pathway Express focused on promoting early literacy and global empathy.

 Students had the opportunity to engage with literature and illustration through a special meet and greet with Marc Brown, the celebrated author and illustrator of the Arthur series. Brown’s participation was a key highlight, as his books have inspired young readers for a generation.

"As adults, we have this wonderful power to get kids excited about reading," said Brown. "Get them excited about art and all kinds of things that they may never have explored."

Brown prides himself on composing the Arthur series around real-life experiences. Telling the stories around these experiences is important in helping young readers connect with literature meaningfully. By addressing everyday challenges and emotions, Arthur supports students in developing social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and resilience to navigate their lives.

"My stories are based on real life because that's where the best things happen," Brown said. "[One example] that was helpful for me was watching my kids worry about going to day camp. It would inspire me to write a story for Arthur about his worries about leaving home. You have to look around you every day; there are stories in our lives if we want to find them."

This same focus on real-life connections drives the District and allows for partnerships that make Pathway Express possible. Discover, the financial services giant, believes in creating learning opportunities for students. With support from companies like Discover, CCS is able to offer experiences to promote literacy. The bond with community partners helps propel students toward academic success and a brighter future.

"We're learning every day; we are trying to instill in every student's life that we want these children to be lifelong learners," said Product Owner at Discover, Desirea Hatcher. "These activities are so important because you want to instill learning not only now, but in the future when [students] are going to be in corporate America and come into organizations like Discover. We want our children to receive the knowledge they need to progress and positively impact our community.” 

Hatcher’s words captured the lively spirit of the day, where education and excitement came together seamlessly. Students’ faces lit up as they picked out free books from authors like Brown and Rogelio Cervantes, while history buffs were captivated by a Tuskegee Airmen reenactment. Laughter echoed as students explored military pick-ups during a touch-a-truck experience with Ohio State Troopers. The day ended on the picturesque rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, where the 122nd Army Band played energetic covers, leaving students clapping and singing along.

"This exposure to these experiences, learning, and pathways gives students the opportunity to discover their purpose," Sneed emphasized. "I want everyone to experience and know what is for them because learning is a journey, and it's a beautiful one to be on."

The learning journey begins in the classroom and is expanded on the Pathway Express. This kickoff is just the beginning of a school year full of learning opportunities leading to the Summer Experience program. Pathway Express will make two more stops at the Columbus Zoo and Champion Golf Course throughout the year. We invite all CCS families and students to join us on the Pathway Express. 

For more information about upcoming Pathway Express events, frequently asked questions, and destinations, click here.