Hundreds attend STEM Family Night at Central Lee

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DONNELLSON — On Wednesday, April 5, Central Lee hosted its STEM Family Night for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event featured exhibitors sprawled out across Central Lee High School, giving students and families opportunities to check out a wide range of activities and technologies. The event dovetails with the district’s focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across grade levels. 

STEM Family Night was organized by Central Lee staff and students, with more than 30 local businesses and organizations participating. Over 150 students from Central Lee and area schools participated, interacting with exhibits like “droid soccer” and excavator simulations. The event also included displays by Central Lee staff members, enhancing the connection between the event and the classroom. 

“Pilot Grove Savings Bank has always valued the relationship between our local schools, community and businesses. STEM Family Night at Central Lee is a great example of these three entities coming together,” said Matt Morrison, Senior Vice President at Pilot Grove Savings Bank. “Promoting STEM is integral to the success of our future workforce in Lee County.  We enjoyed meeting with the kids to show them some of the skills needed to be successful in our profession. We are proud to be part of the event and were most impressed with the students’ participation.”

Family members and students gather around a tractor as part of the Chem-Gro display at Central Lee's STEM Family Night Tuesday night in Donnellson. Image courtesy of Central Lee High School

“Since our initial groundbreaking, Iowa Fertilizer Company has consistently supported local organizations and programs that are driving community improvement throughout our home in southeast Iowa,” said Mickey Mchale, Plant Manager at Iowa Fertilizer Company. “We were thrilled to participate in this year’s Central Lee STEM Family Night, an amazing event where we were able to share our passion for STEM with southeast Iowa’s future leaders, scientists and engineers.”

STEM and workplace readiness continue to be a major point of focus for Central Lee, and the event offers another example of how the district prepares students for future careers. 

“Tonight was an exciting event for our students. They spent two hours with various hands-on activities with our local businesses,” said Angie Fransk, Central Lee curriculum director and lead organizer of the event. “Tonight was a great combination of learning, exploration and family involvement for our students.”

Central Lee plans to host the STEM Family Night once every two years. 

Central Lee High School, donnellson, education., Industry, Iowa Fertilizer, math, Pen City Current, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, science, STEM Family Night, technology

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