StoryWalks Help Students Learn About Fairfax School's Namesake

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — City of Fairfax students can learn more about NASA scientist Katherine Johnson by taking one of two StoryWalks being offered this month in Old Town and at Fair City Mall.

City of Fairfax Schools renamed its middle school after the famed African American mathematician in June and has partnered with the city's Office of Economic Development to sponsor the StoryWalks, which draws information from two books about Johnson.

"We thought that by creating a StoryWalk, which is being done in other areas of the country, it would be not only a great way to get to know Katherine Johnson through these two books, but it would also be a wonderful way to encourage reading, a love for learning, and get people outside and active," said Danette Nguyen, the city's assistant director of economic development.

Information and images about Johnson will be posted at local businesses in Old Town and at Fair City Mall. Students who choose to follow the Old Town map will visit 15 stops and those following the Fair City map will visit eight.

The Old Town walk draws information from "DK Life Stories: Katherine Johnson" by Ebony Joy Wilkins and the Fair City walk offers passages from Margot Lee Shetterly's "Hidden Figures," which was the basis for the 2016 movie. After reading the information at each stop, students will fill in the blanks on their StoryWalk activity page.

"What's great about these activity pages is that it's reminiscent of MadLibs, where you would have to think of a word to fill in a blank," Nguyen said. "But instead of filling in a word to fill in a blank, you're reading the page ... and looking for the answer and/or there's a clue on the page that signifies what the question is that's being asked."

Each walk is self-guided and students can proceed at their own pace.

"In addition to having a page of the storybook on the storefront window, we have some directional signages as well, so you'll know which store you'll visit next" Nguyen said. "You can take the day or a couple of days to walk through the city and complete the story."

Once the student finishes the walk, they can email their completed activity page to economicdevelopment@fairfaxva.gov. Those who are among the first 100 to submit their activity page will receive a free copy of the book and be entered into a drawing to win one of six gift cards to a city business. The deadline for submitting activity pages is Sept. 5.

In addition to teaching students about Johnson, Nguyen said the walks provide an opportunity for students and family to get outside and engage with city businesses.

"We want to promote a walkable city and this definitely highlights that," she said. "But also, it gives the opportunities for families to get together to do an activity before the start of the school."

Copies of maps and activity pages for both books can be picked up at the City of Fairfax Library or participating Fairfax businesses. Downloadable maps are also available online.

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