Anyone who has attempted to capture the enthusiasm of a group of energetic second-graders understands the complexities involved. However, high school senior Jack Reynolds has proven to be exceptionally capable in this endeavor.
With the engaging “Egg and Frog” book in hand, the Jesuit Dallas senior enthusiastically explained to the captivated students how young frogs breathe through gills. His informative session kept one group of students entirely engrossed while another participated in a hands-on experience with real-life animals from a nearby petting zoo.
Before Reynolds could transition to the next intriguing chapter about how frogs hibernate, Preston Hollow Elementary student Lawrence, with his curious mind, interjected, “Are there any really, really, really huge frogs around?” To which his classmate Jackson chimed in, “You know, I like turtles much more than frogs,” eliciting laughter from their peers.
United to Learn’s Learning Launch initiative brought a delightful petting zoo to the vibrant campus of Preston Hollow Elementary on October 30th. This interactive initiative allowed students to engage in experiential learning by getting up close with various animals, including chickens, bunnies, sheep, and even a friendly donkey.
“Are all the animals nice?” inquired second-grader Iris Williams, full of excitement, before stepping into the animal corral.
“When we are respectful of the animals, they are respectful of us. Remember, it goes both ways,” replied Reynolds, demonstrating his compassion and responsibility. He then carefully instructed the children on how to gently handle the animals and cautioned them against crowding or approaching the hooved creatures from behind.
The United to Learn initiative, presented by Atmos Energy, equips teachers with requested supplies and engaging experiences that ignite students’ enthusiasm for learning. For the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, resources from Learning Launch are being made available to a total of 103 Dallas ISD elementary schools within the United to Learn network.
Since its launch in 2017, Learning Launch has garnered over $1.1 million to provide essential resources that align with the individual goals of various campuses within Dallas ISD. Acknowledging that educators often tap into their own finances for classroom supplies to enrich learning environments, Learning Launch works diligently to alleviate this financial strain on teachers and school leaders.
This year, the funds raised have facilitated the purchase of essential resources such as STEM stations, dynamic classroom reading areas, phonics kits, and math manipulatives, all designed to enhance educational experiences. Schools have selected unique “Lift-Offs,” such as the petting zoo, to enrich their back-to-school celebrations. Other participating elementary schools have chosen exciting initiatives including DJ experiences, family learning nights, outdoor learning gardens, and special meals to express appreciation for staff members.
**Interview with Jack Reynolds: Connecting Kids to Nature**
**Interviewer:** Jack, it sounds like you had an engaging experience with the second-graders at Preston Hollow Elementary! What inspired you to take part in this initiative?
**Jack Reynolds:** Thank you! I’ve always loved sharing my passion for nature and animals, and when I heard about United to Learn’s Learning Launch initiative bringing a petting zoo to the school, I jumped at the chance. It’s so rewarding to watch kids light up with curiosity and excitement about animals.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned you read “Egg and Frog” to the students. How did they respond to the information you shared?
**Jack Reynolds:** It was incredible! They were really engaged and asked a lot of questions—like young Lawrence who wondered about giant frogs. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it felt great to explain how frogs breathe through gills and hibernate.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like a fun moment! What was it like to facilitate the hands-on experience with the animals?
**Jack Reynolds:** It was fantastic! Seeing the kids interact with the animals was the highlight of the day. They got to pet chickens, bunnies, and even a donkey! Their faces lit up, and even the skepticism about “Are all the animals nice?” turned into excitement. It reinforced how important it is for kids to connect with nature.
**Interviewer:** You’ve done an impressive job of captivating such a young audience! How do you think this experience will impact the students in the long run?
**Jack Reynolds:** I hope this experience plants a seed of curiosity about the natural world in them. Learning about animals and their habitats can inspire a lifelong love of science and conservation. If even a few of these kids become more interested in nature, I’ll feel accomplished.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you have plans to continue engaging with younger students in the future?
**Jack Reynolds:** Absolutely! I’d love to participate in more initiatives like this. It’s a joy to share knowledge and help foster a sense of wonder in younger generations about the world around them.
