Written by Kate Gessford, Professional Learning Coach
At the beginning of each school year, the staff at Pinnacles Prep—a Place Network partner school in Wenatchee, Washington—step out of the classroom and into the community. Their first lesson? A walking tour led by Parque Padrinos (translated as “Park Godparents”), a grassroots organization dedicated to revitalizing local parks and strengthening community connections.
This annual experience isn’t just about getting to know the neighborhood—it’s about seeing it through the eyes of those who call it home.
A community’s story, told by its people
Rather than leading the tour themselves, Pinnacles Prep leadership takes a step back and invites Parque Padrinos to decide what’s important to share. The focus isn’t on what outsiders think should be highlighted—it’s on the perspectives of those who live and work in the neighborhood every day.
Teresita, a dedicated leader from Parque Padrinos, guides the staff through the streets, stopping at local businesses where owners share their stories. They describe their work, their ties to the community, and the challenges and triumphs of running a business in Wenatchee. These conversations reveal the social, cultural, and economic richness of the area—assets that can inspire and inform place-based education at Pinnacles Prep.
The power of co-design: A park as a symbol of community
One of the most meaningful stops on the tour is a local park, a space transformed through the co-design process between the community and Parque Padrinos, and visited daily by Pinnacles scholars during recess. Here, teachers learn about the thoughtfulness behind the design, from the symbolism in the artwork of migratory animals in the murals to the intricate papel picado designs—colorful, hand-cut banners that celebrate Mexican heritage. This process of collaboration, cultural storytelling, and shared decision-making mirrors the kind of learning Pinnacles Prep strives to foster with its scholars.
Connecting teachers to place, so they can do the same for students
For Pinnacles Prep educators, this experience isn’t just a tour; it’s an essential step in becoming part of the community they serve. By seeing the neighborhood’s strengths, history, and values firsthand, they can better design learning experiences that connect scholars to the world around them.
At Teton Science Schools, we believe place-based education starts with knowing, honoring, and engaging with place. Pinnacles Prep’s partnership with Parque Padrinos is a powerful example of how schools can start the year by listening, learning, and building relationships—not just with students, but with the entire community.
How does your school connect with its local community? We’d love to hear your stories!
#PlaceBasedEducation #CommunityPartnerships #PinnaclesPrep #ParquePadrinos #TetonScienceSchools
