Pony Express
Discover a summer of growth and exploration at Pony Express Elementary School
Destination Details
Welcome to our vibrant World Market destination! Get to know the heart of our SCUSD community through these local school insights and program highlights.
Program Manager
Charity Bermudez & Megan Histand - Our wonderful wayfaring guides!
Destination Population
155 students from TK - 5th Grade classes from all over the Sacramento area, bringing with them their unique cultures and perspectives.
Languages Spoken
English, Hmong, Spanish, Mandarin, Farsi, Samoan, & Vietnamese – reflecting the rich diversity of Sacramento.
Best Time to Visit
Friday July 17th, 2026 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm! We will be presenting our WORLD MARKETPLACE featuring countries from around the world. The students have learned a lot about their respective countries with the help of their Arts Leaders!
What to Expect
Here at Pony Express, we pride ourselves on being diverse, inclusive, and arts driven. These are common themes you will see throughout our market, from the music playing as you walk through the halls, to the performances and visual arts the students have been working hard on. On your journey you will also be able to sample food from around the world while learning more from the students about the countries they have chosen. We have also encouraged the students to celebrate their own cultures as well!
Traveler's Choice
Nestled in the trees and greenery of South Land Park, Pony Express Elementary School is the perfect place for the traveler who wants to experience the world without going far from home! Our market will feature cultural experiences from Hawaii, China, Mexico, the Philippines, Italy, Spain, and Japan. These culture capstones give the students the chance to show the travelers what they have learned throughout their time at Summer Matters. Travelers will also be encouraged to participate in a trading for items that emulate art from these cultures such as flags and small sculptures. This experience will provide the traveler with a wealth of knowledge about different cultures as well as small tokens to remind them of their time at Pony Express’s World Showcase.
Student Creations
Explore student projects themed around World Markets, celebrating global diversity and the vibrant impact of our programs at Sacramento City Unified School District. From hand-crafted textiles, digital story telling, to artwork celebrating their culture, our students bring learning to life.
Traditional Weaving Pattern
Spice Trade Mapping Exercise
Clay Market Stall Sculptures
Staff, Students, & Family Reviews
Voices from our Summer Matters community: hear from the students, families, and staff on what their visit to this World Market Destination revealed.
★★★★★
Will M.
Norcal EXL Art Lead
Student Work
Week 1 (June 22nd-26th
Culture
Stories
Language
What to expect:
Our Fun Friday celebration turned into an unforgettable Fan Friday experience! Students had the opportunity to celebrate not only their favorite sports teams, but also the things, people, hobbies, and interests they are passionate about. Throughout the summer program, every Friday brought new excitement, creativity, and community connection. It was amazing to see students share what makes them unique while celebrating one another’s interests and building friendships.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Fan Friday was a fun way to celebrate everything our students love! From sports teams to personal interests and hobbies, students showed their creativity, individuality, and school spirit. It was a wonderful summer tradition that brought our community together and created lasting memories.
★★★★★
Lilli
Assistant Program Manager
Other: Me and We community Building
Student Work
Academics
Art
Week 1 (June 22nd-26th
What to expect:
The art activities were thoughtfully planned and encouraged creativity, teamwork, and collaboration. It was inspiring to watch everyone work together, share ideas, and build meaningful connections through art. The experience fostered both creativity and a wonderful sense of community.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
A fantastic experience! The art projects inspired creativity while bringing people together in a fun, welcoming environment. It was a great opportunity to build community, collaborate, and create lasting memories for students and staff. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Charity
Program Manager
Performance
Week 1 (June 22nd-26th
What to expect:
Funderland was the perfect destination for our student field trip! The rides were age-appropriate, the park was easy to navigate, and the staff was welcoming and helpful. Our students had an incredible time building friendships, making memories, and enjoying a safe, fun-filled day. Thank you for such a great experience!
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Such a fun experience! Funderland is a fantastic place for families and school groups. The rides are great for young kids, the park is clean, and the staff is wonderful. We had an unforgettable day and can't wait to visit again!
★★★★★
Hailey M.
Norcal EXL Art Lead
Science
Week 2 (June 29th- July 3rd)
What to expect:
The Zoo-mobile was an incredible experience! Our students had a fantastic time participating in creating habitats for animals, learning about the zoo from Mr.Parker, and showing the students an animal that lives behind the scenes at the zoo.We hope Mr. Parker comes back to Pony!
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Our students had an amazing experience and being able to keep our TK/k students at the school but still experience a special event for them was a fun and rewarding day for them!
★★★★★
Mandi S.
Assistant Program Manager
Stories
Other: Fieldtrip Fun
Week 3 (July 6th- 10th)
What to expect:
Our students had an amazing experience at the Challenge Center! They built confidence through team-building activities while demonstrating leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. It was a fun and rewarding day that encouraged collaboration and personal growth.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
A wonderful experience for our students! The Challenge Center provided engaging activities that strengthened teamwork, built confidence, and encouraged leadership in a fun and supportive environment. Highly recommended!
★★★★★
Mandi S.
Assistant Program Manager
Performance
Week 4 (July 13th- 17th)
What to expect:
We had a fantastic day at Six Flags! The new dolphin show was absolutely amazing—engaging, educational, and beautifully presented. The trainers and dolphins had an incredible connection, and the show kept both kids and adults entertained from beginning to end. It was definitely one of the highlights of our visit. Highly recommend checking it out!
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
We had an amazing experience at Six Flags, and the new dolphin show exceeded our expectations! The presentation was well-paced, entertaining, and educational, with incredible demonstrations of the dolphins' athleticism and intelligence. The trainers did a wonderful job engaging the audience, making it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It was a memorable experience, and we look forward to seeing it again on our next visit!
Share Your Journey
We love hearing from our Summer Matters family! Please share a highlight or review of your visit to this world market destination.