FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Governor Gordon Visits Park 6 Schools to Celebrate Park 6’s Engagement in the RIDE program. Park 6 is a leader in providing Innovative learning and Community Partnerships.
CODY, WY – February 25, 2025 – Governor Mark Gordon visited Park County School District 6 (Park 6) to witness firsthand the remarkable work happening across the district. His visit highlighted the alignment between Park 6’s efforts and his RIDE (Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education) Initiative, launched in May 2021 and implemented in Wyoming districts during the 2023-24 school year. Park 6 was honored to be one of the nine districts selected for Cohort 1 of the RIDE Initiative.
“The RIDE could not have come at a more perfect time for Park 6 Schools,” said Superintendent Orndorff. “As Park 6 launched its Classroom 2 Careers program, the RIDE initiative provided professional development for the dynamic teachers and administrators on lesson design, tying standards-based instruction that integrates innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through strong community partnerships, the RIDE initiative and the Classroom 2 Careers program have been instrumental in bringing the Cody community and Park 6 schools together, providing career experiences for Park 6 Scholars.”
Governor Gordon began his tour at Livingston Elementary, where he visited active learning spaces and observed Classroom 2 Careers and RIDE initiatives in action. Ms. Allison Lewis, the Principal, led the tour to highlight this work.
- Library Makerspace – Students work in a collaborative, hands-on environment.
- Interactive Science Lesson – Students explored wave characteristics and wave patterns. Designing waves in action using multiple manipulatives, students collaborated in this critical thinking learning.
- CoLABratory – Students participated in a growth mindset activity where students had to problem solve using only identified materials and manipulatives protecting an object from breaking.
- STREAM class, Students participated in integrating math problem-solving (fractions) with coding robotics.
- Governor Gordon engaged with students within each of these lessons and finished the day with the Timmer Painting Project, Flag Project Presentation, and a gift presentation.
After Livingston, the Governor traveled to Cody Middle School, where Principal Jacob Gogan and Assistant Principal Jeremiah Johnston led a conversation where Governor Gordon engaged in a student panel discussion about the Classroom 2 Careers program, active learning spaces, and the support provided by the RIDE Initiative. Students also showcased their enrichment learning partnerships, including:
- Civil Air Patrol
- Cody Regional Health
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Army ROTC
- Podcasting
- Graphic Design
Governor Gordon toured the CMS STREAM Lab, where he participated in a lesson on circuits, and this ties into Wyoming’s future as a leader in Nuclear Power. His visit concluded with an exploration of the Quilts of Valor program and the Digital Music class.
Next was a visit to Cody High School. Governor Gordon’s visit to Cody High School showcased the district’s commitment to career readiness and interdisciplinary learning. Principal Espeland and Assistant Principal Trotter highlighted the RIDE and Classroom 2 Careers.
- The power of RIDE – Helping teachers transform innovative ideas into reality.
- Partnership with 2Revolutions – Supporting professional development and instructional innovation.
Internship Success – Corey Young highlighted the internship program’s success, with over 215 internships completed during the 2023-2024 school year and 307 internships anticipated for the upcoming year. With more than 70 local business partners, including Cody Regional Health and the Cody Police Department, CHS students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience in nearly every sector of the Cody business community.
CHS students shared their experiences with Governor Gordon and their career experiences within the Cody Business community.
- 215 internships completed in 2023-24.
- 307 internships expected in 2024-25.
- Over 70 business partners across every sector in the Cody community.
- Internships guide students toward informed career decisions.
Interdisciplinary POD: Reimagining Learning
A standout highlight was CHS’s Interdisciplinary POD, developed out of a passion for innovation and real-world learning. CHS Teachers Mr. McFadden and Ms. Hansen led a discussion with Governor Gordon on the POD design. Initially met with scheduling challenges, the program found a timely boost from the RIDE initiative. The class combines Bio II, Western Lit., and Life Sports. The RIDE program enables teachers and students to turn visionary ideas into reality. One of the most impactful segments was when the CHS Scholars provided testimonials about their experience in this dynamic learning environment. The POD fosters connections between instructional standards, content, outdoor life, and careers in Park County.
Students engaged in a final assessment simulating a Coordinated Resource Management (CRM) Meeting, with a “mock” Governor Gordon’s Advisory Committee, tackling the real-world issue of aging dams in the Shoshone watershed. Stakeholders in the simulation included:
- Trout Unlimited
- Farmers/Ranchers
- Real Estate Developers
- Raft Guides
- Oil & Gas Industry Representatives
- Wyoming Game & Fish
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
Under moderation, students conducted stakeholder research, and interviews, and collaborated to envision the future of Wyoming’s watershed.
Closing Conversations & Future Vision
Governor Gordon concluded his visit with discussions on refining and expanding innovative programs. Key topics included:
- Sophomore Interdisciplinary POD (Biology I, English 10, Business Management).
- Entrepreneurial and Construction Co-Teaching.
- Defining Cody High School Pathways.
- Perkins/CTE Program Expansion.
- Higher Education Pathways Alignment.
A Bright Future for Park 6 and Wyoming Education
Governor Gordon’s visit reaffirmed Park 6’s role as a leader in educational innovation and community engagement. With RIDE and Classroom 2 Careers at the forefront, Park 6 continues to redefine education for Wyoming students, ensuring they are prepared for future careers and civic engagement.