On Dec. 16, 2024, Mesnier Primary School students boldly went where no class had gone before—into outer space! As part of the New Affton Space Administration (NASA), SAIL & Enrichment students showcased their creativity, collaboration, and knowledge during the Outer Space Theme Park Expo.
This exciting project was the culmination of weeks of hands-on learning. Students studied the planets, exploring fascinating facts about our solar system. Working in teams, they designed theme parks inspired by their assigned planets. Each park featured rides and attractions based on the unique characteristics of its planet, all infused with historical nods to astronauts and notable figures in space exploration.
To take their work to the next level, students received help from Affton High School’s Advanced Marketing students, who taught them how to craft compelling sales pitches. In addition, the first and second graders worked alongside Erica Chandler, APR, Director of Communications, to learn about marketing and create posters using Canva. These posters showcased their parks in vibrant, eye-catching ways that highlighted their creativity and hard work.
The Outer Space Theme Park Expo welcomed special guests, including Advanced Marketing students, district administrators, and members of the Affton Board of Education, who served as the event’s "investors." The investors visited each park, listened to the students’ enthusiastic presentations, and asked thoughtful questions about their designs. After careful consideration, each investor presented a golden dollar to the students whose park they wanted to "invest in."
This unique event was more than just a showcase of creativity—it was an opportunity for students to develop teamwork, presentation skills, and confidence while learning from their older peers and district leaders. The collaboration between primary school students and high school mentors brought the district's One Affton theme to life, proving that teamwork and imagination can take learning to new heights.
Through this hands-on experience, students gained skills that align with the district's work as part of Missouri's Success-Ready Students Network (SRSN). By connecting classroom learning with real-world application, the event helped students build Market Value Assets (MVAs), such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, that will help prepare them for future success.
Congratulations to all the students, staff, and guests who made this event a success! Together, we’re reaching for the stars. 💫 #OneAffton #AfftonStrong