It was a weekend that was truly out of this world for Jonathan Alder Local Schools! On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Canaan Middle School was transformed into a hub of astronomical exploration for the district’s highly anticipated Space Day, sponsored by Amazon.
Held from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the weekend event drew an absolutely amazing turnout of over 1,500 participants, serving as a shining example of the district's dedication to innovative STEM education and deep community connection.
District planners worked tirelessly to curate 51 unique space-themed activities for families to choose from. The immersive stations were divided into captivating themes: From the Earth... to the Moon... to Mars... and beyond, as well as a special section dedicated to the Sun and Stars.
The learning extended far beyond the activity stations. Every hallway was lined with vibrant, informational displays, ensuring that the journey from place to place was just as engaging as the destinations themselves. Taking advantage of the beautiful weekend weather, the outdoor area also featured a towering 36-foot Space Shuttle slide for students to enjoy.
A major highlight of the day was the highly anticipated return of former NASA Astronaut Don Thomas. He inspired families with three separate presentations, took time for meet-and-greets, and even brought a real piece of Mars for attendees to see and touch. Adding a fantastic local perspective to the aviation theme, JA parent Mike Farley shared his real-world expertise with a special presentation on the mechanics of flight and the pathway to becoming a pilot.
An undertaking of this magnitude was only made possible through immense community support. An incredible 105 volunteers stepped up to run the event, with many generously staying the entire day to help out and ensure its success.
Jonathan Alder Local Schools extends a massive thank you to our volunteers, our dedicated planning team, and the phenomenal roster of community and corporate partners who helped make this event possible:
Amazon
COSI
Lil E's Ice Cream
Creative Hut
Sam Labs
Bank of America
Ohio State University MBA Students
The Orchard
Thank you to every family and community member who joined us to make the 2026 Space Day a resounding success!