April 15, 2025 -- At the intersection of Columbus’ Southside and Near East Side, a game-changing after-school initiative is changing how fourth through sixth graders connect with their schools. The Regional Extracurricular Extended Learning League, or R.E.E.L.L., is more than a sports program; it has become an essential part of the community.

“R.E.E.L.L is an extra level of positivity for our students,” said Terrance Garr, Livingston Elementary R.E.E.L.L. coach. “It’s really been an influence in helping the kids to self regulate. It has made students even more cohesive as a team because they hold each other accountable for their actions off the court.” 

The benefits of the league and other after-school activities reach beyond just having fun after school. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, structured after-school activities significantly enhance academic performance, especially in mathematics and reading skills. Students in such programs often show improved grades, stronger classroom engagement, and higher overall academic achievement.

“[R.E.E.L.L is] taking students that potentially have troubles in the classroom to see the benefit of doing well so they can do the things that they love,” said Anthony Smith, assistant principal of Buckeye Middle School. “We are showing students that, if you do the right things, get good grades, you can perform and play. We are starting at a younger age to try to instill that in them so that they will perform better in the future.”

For young scholars looking for friendship and community building, the league has served as a powerhouse for building relationships and parent engagement. Families, friends, community members, and CCS staff show up when students take the court. 

“The first thing you notice [about R.E.E.L.L.] is the consistent parent involvement,” said Jodi Emerson, principal of Buckeye Middle School. “The amount of parents that I’ve seen on Saturdays is unreal. When you look at the pictures, you'll see the stands are full of parents. It is a dramatic increase in parent involvement.”

For many students, the league is their first chance for families to rally behind their student. For the students, it's the first time stepping onto a court in a team uniform. 

“I’ve been a basketball fan my whole life, so I wanted to try basketball for the first time,” said Aaron Nelson, a fifth grade student at Stewart Elementary. “[Something I had to work on was] my team-building skills and nervousness during the games. But my coaches kept saying I can do it.”

That encouragement made a difference. Nelson showed up to practices ready to improve. Nelson listened, adjusted, and grew. With every rebound and pass, his confidence grew. 

“Basketball is something I want to do long term,” Nelson said. “I gotta make my parents proud.”

R.E.E.L.L. is shaping players and building bonds that last beyond the season. Coaches take on more than teaching plays; they become mentors, motivators, and trusted adults in a student’s life. That connection creates respect, empathy, and emotional growth for scholars.

“When building these relationships with the students, they do things that just amaze you,” Garr said. “I lost my son last year and a student who’s been with us for four years texted me and told me that our win was for my son. That’s the kind of thing that you get from this program.”

With each game, students are gaining Portrait of a Graduate traits through extracurricular activities. Students are learning adaptability, communication, critical thinking, and more. By investing early in young athletes, Columbus City Schools is preparing students for success both academically and personally. Encouraging each child to “Dream Big, Achieve More,” R.E.E.L.L. is a foundation for lifelong achievement, one student-athlete at a time.