Education Archives

Our WXXI Education Early Learning Team is filling up our summer calendar with community events, activities, and fun things happening in our region this summer. We’ll be out and about in lots of places and spaces where families spend time (or want to!). Check out our calendar of community events below and stop by to see us!

Annual Outdoor Expo – Saturday, June 14
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Mendon Ponds Park (Beach Parking Lot Near Canfield Woods Shelter)
More details: https://adk-gvc.org/play/outdoor-expo-before/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D178205878

Webster Public Library’s Summer Kick-Off – Tuesday, June 24
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park (formerly known as North Ponds Park), 750 Holt Rd, Webster, NY 14580
More details: https://websterlibrary.libcal.com/event/14118934

RMSC’s Pride in STEM Fest – Wednesday, July 2
Time: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Museum & Science Center – 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
This event is part of RMSC’s Amazon Free Afternoons initiative.
More details: https://rmsc.org/events/pride-24-2/

Connected Communities’ Neighborhood Summer Bash – Saturday, July 12
Time: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 250 Grand Ave, Rochester, NY 14609
More details: https://www.connectedcommunitiesroc.org/event-details/neighborhood-summer-bash

Community Play Day at Rochester Public Market – Thursday, July 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Public Market, Shed D – 280 North Union Street, Rochester, NY
More details: TBD

Genesee Land Trust’s Bridging Communities Celebration – Saturday, July 26
Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Driving Park Bridge; near Maplewood YMCA – 25 Driving Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14613
More details: https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/bridging-communities

Central Library’s “Get Ready for School” Event – Tuesday, August 12
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County – 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
More details: TBD

RMSC’s Flight Fest – Friday, August 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Museum & Science Center – 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Please note: Flight Fest is included with regular RMSC admission fees.
More details: https://rmsc.org/museum-science-center/programs-and-events/

Community Play Day at Rochester Public Market – Thursday, August 21
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Public Market, Shed D – 280 North Union Street, Rochester, NY
More details: TBD

If you’re interested in having WXXI’s Early Learning Team attend, table or participate in a community event, please contact: Cara Rager at CRager@wxxi.org.

Earlier this month, I reached out about the growing pressures facing public media. Since then, the situation in Washington has only intensified, and the challenges we face are becoming even clearer.

At WXXI, we know that for families, PBS and PBS KIDS are more than just television channels—they are a trusted source of education, inspiration, and learning. Whether it’s Sesame Street helping young children build early literacy skills, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood teaching social-emotional learning, or Carl the Collector celebrating our differences and commonalities, these programs play a vital role in your child’s development.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: PBS and PBS KIDS programs are made available to your family through local public media stations like WXXI. We are the bridge that brings these award-winning programs into local families’ lives – on televisions or tablets, in classrooms and care settings, and in our community.

Now, the future of public media is being debated in Washington, and decisions made in the coming weeks could threaten funding for these essential services. Cuts to federal funding don’t just affect WXXI—they impact your family’s access to high-quality, free educational programming and resources.

That’s why we need you to speak up. If PBS, PBS KIDS, and public media matter to your family, now is the time to act.

📢 Take Action Now: bit.ly/ProtectWXXI

Every message sent, every story shared, and every show of support makes a difference. Decisions made in the coming weeks could impact public media for years to come. Let’s make sure our community’s voice is heard loud and clear.

A message from you—can make a difference – whether it’s sharing your family’s experience, telling your representatives why PBS KIDS matters, or spreading the word on social media. Public media has been a trusted resource for generations, and with your support, we can ensure it remains strong for the next generation.

Thank you for being part of the WXXI family. Your voice, your advocacy, and your support mean everything.

Warm Regards

Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media

Find WXXI & PBS KIDS in the Community this Summer!

Protect PBS KIDS & Public Media — Your Voice Still Matters