Columbus State University News

July 28 ‘Back-to-School Bash’ at Dimon Magnet Academy highlights CSU's continuing Professional Development Lab School partnership

July 14, 2026

Here is the WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant alt text for the image image_7a5793.jpg, ensuring all the critical text and logos embedded in the graphic are fully transcribed for screen readers: A teal and white outdoor banner that reads "Columbus State University’s Professional Development Lab School @ Dimon Magnet Academy." On the left, a circular logo reads "Professional Development Lab School - Dimon Magnet Academy - For the community, by the community." The bottom features smaller logos for Columbus Tech (CTC), Columbus State University, and the Muscogee County School District.

Dimon Magnet Academy will kick off the new school year— and celebrate the second year of its ongoing Professional Development Lab School partnership with Columbus State University—in a big way on Tuesday, July 28.

Families, students, educators, and community members are invited to the school’s Back-to-School Bash from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. During the free event on July 28, attendees can meet school staff, university representatives and other community partners who are committed to supporting student success. 

“Bringing together our Dimon family and our community partners, the Bash reflects what makes our school community so special,” said Dimon Magnet Academy Principal Emily Wilson, a three-time Columbus State graduate. “As we start a new school year, we look forward to strengthening these relationships so that each Dimon student and family feels supported and connected.”

As families learn about what to expect in the second year of the Professional Development Lab School partnership, they can also use the Bash as a convenient one-stop event to finish student registration and annual verification, meet school faculty and administrators, and explore available resources to make their students’ first day of school on Aug. 3 easier.

Many of Columbus State’s educational, academic and community outreach programs will be front and center at the Bash, along with mascot Cody the Cougar. Families can enjoy an onsite DJ, a dunk tank featuring school and community leaders, food trucks, art and other interactive activities. The Columbus Public Library bookmobile and prizes will also be available. Additionally, the Miracle Riders, a long-time Columbus State partner supporting youth health initiatives, will display their motorcycles during the event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating.

A unique Chattahoochee Valley partnership

The Bash highlights Dimon Magnet Academy’s Professional Development Lab School, launched in July 2025 to enhance K-5 student outcomes through academic support, family involvement, experiential learning and applied research. The PDLS initiative unites the region’s educational ecosystem—the Muscogee County School District, Columbus State University and Columbus Technical College—with multiple community partners to collaboratively tackle education, health and wellness concerns in a coordinated and meaningful way.

Four smiling adults standing together outdoors in a parking lot setup for an event. From left to right, a woman in a navy shirt and sunglasses, a taller woman in a bright red shirt dress, a man in a white polo shirt, and a woman wearing a navy "Dolphins" cap, navy shirt, and white pants.Last year's Bash included (left to right) Columbus State University representatives Dr. Margie Yates, dean of the College of Education & Health Professions, and President Stuart Rayfield, along with Muscogee County School Superintendent David Lewis and Dimon Magnet Academy Principal Emily Wilson.


In its first year, the PDLS partnership involved over 100 Columbus State students from various academic majors in experiential learning. These students gained practical experience at Dimon, applying their classroom knowledge and honing their leadership skills through initiatives like launching an after-school tutoring program, organizing a “Mentor Hour” for Dimon students, hosting “Family Literacy Nights” and providing small-group counseling to prepare students for the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. These activities enhanced both academic and social-emotional supports for Dimon students while providing Columbus State students valuable career-oriented field experiences.  

Dr. Pam Wetherington (pictured), director of education and community initiatives in Columbus State’s College of Education & Health Professions, said year-two efforts during the 2026-27 academic year will build on the PDLS’ first-year successes.

“We aim to increase access to educational, health, wellness and counseling services so that Dimon’s students are healthy, ready to learn and thriving—and their families have the resources to support their students’ academic success,” Wetherington said. 

Two young men in navy t-shirts squatting outdoors to help two children care for leafy green plants growing in large black plastic pots arranged in a line alongside a garden bed.Columbus State student-athletes assist Dimon Magnet students tend to vegetable plants as part of the school’s on-site greenhouse project.

 

Plans for the upcoming academic year aim to expand after-school tutoring and mentoring programs to accommodate more students. They also focus on enhancing Family Literacy Nights and offering new family-centered engagement activities related to science, technology, engineering, math, arts, health and wellness, scheduled both during the week and on weekends.

Although these programs have boosted her students’ confidence in the classroom, Wilson finds the mentoring interactions between her K-5 students and Columbus State student volunteers the most meaningful to observe.

“Many of our students who need a strong role model and academic support now have a consistent, caring college student—often seen as rock stars—meeting with them each week and supporting both their academic and social-emotional development,” Wilson explained. “An added bonus is that my students are talking about their futures through these weekly conversations, about college, careers, and what comes next.”

A woman with dark hair wearing a bright red button-up shirt and blue jeans stands in a classroom speaking with her hands gesturing outward. She is holding a pair of tortoiseshell glasses in her right hand, and a whiteboard with handwritten notes sits behind her.Dr. Pam Wetherington leading an onsite tour of the Professional Development Lab School partnership at Dimon Magnet Academy.


Another key aspect of the partnership, as Wetherington highlights, is its emphasis on workforce development. This not only provides Columbus State students with career-relevant experience aligned with their degrees but also helps Dimon Magnet Academy families enhance their professional skills. With Columbus Technical College’s participation, parents are obtaining credentials in early childhood education, and more career paths are on the horizon.

“When students begin to clearly see a pathway forward through education, careers, and purpose, they begin to envision futures filled with opportunity through educational experiences and workforce pathways that prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong success,” Wetherington said. “When our youngest learners and their families begin to believe in what is possible for their future, everything changes.”

Media contacts: Columbus State University, Michael Tullier, APR; Muscogee County School District: Kimberly Wright, Director of Communication, 706.668.0741, Wright.Kimberly.A@muscogee.k12.ga.us