December 20, 2024 — Columbus City Schools (CCS) Pathway Express continues on its track of making learning engaging and accessible for all CCS students with its second stop at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The December 14 event offered families across the District a chance to explore the wonders of STEM and Zoology while celebrating the holiday season with the zoo’s magical light displays.
“These experiences foster critical thinking," said Extended Learning Supervisor Brianne Pannell. “[Pathway Express] enhances the extraction of valuable background knowledge essential for accessing nonfiction text information, cultivates a love for learning, prepares students for academic success, and nurtures a lifelong learning mindset.”
Families were welcomed with free admission, giveaways, and learning experiences tailored to Columbus City Schools Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Students and families explored hands-on activities such as marine life discovery at the Watters Aquatic Conservation Center and environmental awareness workshops with Keep Columbus Beautiful.
The learning extended beyond workshops, as families came together to enjoy STEM-inspired board games emphasizing rich scientific vocabulary and the structure of non-fiction texts. They also received free books on various topics, which helped bridge literacy gaps and encouraged reading at home. Students and families were excited to receive books they had long wanted to read. With these new memories and books, families can bond through shared experiences while contributing to increased student literacy at home.
“Reading and writing are more than just skills,” said Director of Literacy Shalonda Likely-Roach. “They are essential tools that help individuals and communities connect with each other and attain goals within these disciplines.”
At the heart of Pathway Express is its way of blending academics with equitable opportunities to explore landmarks in the city that families may not otherwise be able to attend. To ensure there were no barriers, transportation was provided free of charge so families could join in on the fun, regardless of where they live. Transportation was provided from Northland, Walnut Ridge, South, and West High Schools.
“My daughter has never been to see the Zoolights and she's never experienced anything like this event yet,” said Taylor Freshour, an Avondale Elementary School parent. “We took a family trip here. Her birthday is also this month and this is a good way to start to celebrate.”
As a way to further decrease barriers, Pathway Express provided interpreters to help CCS Spanish-speaking families navigate the busy day. Providing interpreters was a small but mighty way to provide equitable learning opportunities and increase parent engagement for Pathway Express and CCS families expressed sincere gratitude for this gesture.
“Thank you for this event and having interpreters to help us get through the gate,” one attendee said. “[Pathway Express] has been an amazing experience.”
Pathway Express is a powerful tool CCS uses to showcase and reinforce critical thinking as a cornerstone of academic success. Through engaging stops at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, CCS can promote exploration through fun-filled activities. Pathway Express continues to redefine learning by offering innovative, inclusive, and engaging experiences for Columbus City Schools families. As the initiative grows, so does its impact on literacy, STEM education, and community engagement.
“With proficiency in literacy comes a richness and depth to life,” Likely-Roach said. “[With this proficiency] we are able to effectively communicate and fully engage in society.”
Families interested in attending the next stop along the Pathway Express can visit the District’s website to learn more and register. Don’t miss your chance to experience learning in action!
