☔️ POSTPONEMENTS ⛈️
Due to weather, the following Central Lee Activities are canceled or postponed.
🏃🏼 Varsity Girls Track @ Mediapolis- CANCELED
⚽️ Varsity Girls Soccer- POSTPONED, TBD
⚽️ Varsity Boys Soccer- POSTPONED TO April 14 @ 7:00pm.
Due to weather, the following Central Lee Activities are canceled or postponed.
🏃🏼 Varsity Girls Track @ Mediapolis- CANCELED
⚽️ Varsity Girls Soccer- POSTPONED, TBD
⚽️ Varsity Boys Soccer- POSTPONED TO April 14 @ 7:00pm.
Central Lee Middle School students made history at the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa in Ames, earning the Clay Groff Traveling Trophy for the top overall science fair program in the state! 🏆
Fifty-three students represented Central Lee and delivered an outstanding performance, including earning five of the top six overall middle school project placements:
⭐️ Aralind Grafton, 1st Overall
⭐️ Drake Newton, 2nd Overall
⭐️ Brystol Gerdes, 3rd Overall
⭐️ Lily Jacobs & Zoey Jones, 4th Overall
⭐️ Hudson Essing, 5th Overall
The team capped off an incredible season by winning every science fair they entered this year!
Thank you to sponsors Amanda Myhre and Allison Krehbiel for their leadership and support in this remarkable achievement.
Fifty-three students represented Central Lee and delivered an outstanding performance, including earning five of the top six overall middle school project placements:
⭐️ Aralind Grafton, 1st Overall
⭐️ Drake Newton, 2nd Overall
⭐️ Brystol Gerdes, 3rd Overall
⭐️ Lily Jacobs & Zoey Jones, 4th Overall
⭐️ Hudson Essing, 5th Overall
The team capped off an incredible season by winning every science fair they entered this year!
Thank you to sponsors Amanda Myhre and Allison Krehbiel for their leadership and support in this remarkable achievement.
Students in grades 3-11 will take the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) in April. These tests allow students to demonstrate their learning and progress, and the results help us set high expectations and make key decisions to support student success.
Testing Schedule:
🗓️ ELEMENTARY: April 21-23
🗓️ MIDDLE SCHOOL: April 21-24
🗓️ HIGH SCHOOL: April 27-30
Students will be assessed in reading, math, and language/writing, with grades 5, 8, and 10 also taking a science assessment. Middle school and high school will be using online tests. Elementary will be using written tests.
Help your student prepare:
✅ Ensure they get plenty of sleep the night before each test
✅ Make sure they have a healthy breakfast (FREE hot breakfast available at school this year)
✅ Remind them to take their tests seriously and do their best
✅ Encourage a positive attitude and perseverance
✅ Explain that some questions may be challenging, but students should try to answer each one and not leave any blank
✅ Make sure they are on time and present for every testing day
Thank you for your support!
Testing Schedule:
🗓️ ELEMENTARY: April 21-23
🗓️ MIDDLE SCHOOL: April 21-24
🗓️ HIGH SCHOOL: April 27-30
Students will be assessed in reading, math, and language/writing, with grades 5, 8, and 10 also taking a science assessment. Middle school and high school will be using online tests. Elementary will be using written tests.
Help your student prepare:
✅ Ensure they get plenty of sleep the night before each test
✅ Make sure they have a healthy breakfast (FREE hot breakfast available at school this year)
✅ Remind them to take their tests seriously and do their best
✅ Encourage a positive attitude and perseverance
✅ Explain that some questions may be challenging, but students should try to answer each one and not leave any blank
✅ Make sure they are on time and present for every testing day
Thank you for your support!
Reminder: there is no school on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. Enjoy the break! 🌼
Today, we recognize Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and the outstanding individuals who help our students thrive. Their patience, compassion, and hard work make a lasting impact on our school community! 🌟
Central Lee will host a special day of celebration on Saturday, May 9, recognizing excellence across our school community with two great events! 🏆
The Central Lee Hall of Fame Banquet will take place at 10:00am in the High School Performance Gym, honoring distinguished alumni and staff in the areas of academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Later that afternoon, the first-ever Hawks Awards Show will begin at 2:00pm in the Performance Gym, celebrating the achievements and impact of our athletics program. This event will recognize the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Sports Boosters, as well as outstanding athletes and coaches, and will include awards such as Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Performance of the Year, Star Student-Athlete of the Year, and the Elite Hawk Award.
The Central Lee Hall of Fame Banquet will take place at 10:00am in the High School Performance Gym, honoring distinguished alumni and staff in the areas of academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Later that afternoon, the first-ever Hawks Awards Show will begin at 2:00pm in the Performance Gym, celebrating the achievements and impact of our athletics program. This event will recognize the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Sports Boosters, as well as outstanding athletes and coaches, and will include awards such as Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Performance of the Year, Star Student-Athlete of the Year, and the Elite Hawk Award.
⛳️ MEET DAY! ⛳️
Our boys open up the golf season this morning, competing in the Nike Invitational. The boys look to make a strong showing as they work towards a potential back-to-back state run as their season goal. Goodluck, boys!
Our boys open up the golf season this morning, competing in the Nike Invitational. The boys look to make a strong showing as they work towards a potential back-to-back state run as their season goal. Goodluck, boys!
Central Lee High School art students recently spent the day at SCC participating in the Super Conference Art Workshops, where they explored new techniques with guidance from professional artists! 🎨
This hands-on experience provided valuable learning opportunities and inspiration for our talented students.
Students who attended:
⭐️ Kain Arrowood
⭐️ Lily Smith
⭐️ Emma Smith
⭐️ Beau Boyd
⭐️ Colton Taft
⭐️ Nora Lampe
⭐️ Sara Young
⭐️ Eliza Wagner
⭐️ Halle Chappell
⭐️ Addison Conlee
⭐️ Ivy Smith
⭐️ Abby Hand
⭐️ Eliza Robbins
This hands-on experience provided valuable learning opportunities and inspiration for our talented students.
Students who attended:
⭐️ Kain Arrowood
⭐️ Lily Smith
⭐️ Emma Smith
⭐️ Beau Boyd
⭐️ Colton Taft
⭐️ Nora Lampe
⭐️ Sara Young
⭐️ Eliza Wagner
⭐️ Halle Chappell
⭐️ Addison Conlee
⭐️ Ivy Smith
⭐️ Abby Hand
⭐️ Eliza Robbins
Congratulations to senior Aurora Edens! Aurora will be representing Central Lee High School and the State of Iowa at the International Science and Engineering Fair this May in Phoenix, Arizona. Aurora's project is titled: DPPH: Antioxidant Capacity of Tea. Aurora is the daughter of Jesse and Tyler Butler of Donnellson, Iowa.
As National Nutrition Month comes to a close, we want to recognize the outstanding work of our food service team. Day in and day out, they provide our students with the nutritious meals that help them power through their school day and reach their full potential. Thank you for all you do! 🤗
Fifteen members of the Central Lee High School Band traveled to Highland High School on March 26th to participate in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) Honor Band. This experience brought together outstanding student musicians from across the conference to rehearse and perform a diverse program of five selections, each highlighting the ensemble’s versatility and musicality.
This year's honor band was led by Dr. Joshua W. Neuenschwander, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
This year's honor band was led by Dr. Joshua W. Neuenschwander, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
The Central Lee High School Choir proudly had twenty students selected to perform in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) Honor Choir on March 10th. This opportunity provided a valuable musical experience, allowing students to learn new music while working under the direction of a guest conductor, exposing them to fresh conducting styles and techniques beyond the classroom setting.
In addition to learning new music, our students performed with singers from all sixteen SEISC member schools, creating a unique ensemble that showcased both individual talent and the strength of our conference music programs.
In addition to learning new music, our students performed with singers from all sixteen SEISC member schools, creating a unique ensemble that showcased both individual talent and the strength of our conference music programs.
Our Quiz Bowl Team has claimed the SEISC Conference Champion title, and we could not be more proud of their hard work and dedication! 🏆
Throughout the season, these students demonstrated quick thinking, strong teamwork, and a passion for learning. Congratulations!
Front: Macy Anderson, Aurora Edens
Back: Jackson Bowen, Henry Robbins, Jack Benner, Austin Fogarty, and Caden Crozier
Throughout the season, these students demonstrated quick thinking, strong teamwork, and a passion for learning. Congratulations!
Front: Macy Anderson, Aurora Edens
Back: Jackson Bowen, Henry Robbins, Jack Benner, Austin Fogarty, and Caden Crozier
Ready for an adventure in STEM? Join us at Central Lee Family STEM Night on April 30 from 5:Pending 30 to 7:30pm at Central Lee High School, open to all PK-8th grade students and families! 🧪
Engage in interactive experiences designed to ignite curiosity and inspire learning. 🌟
See you there! Have questions? Contact afransk@centrallee.org.
Engage in interactive experiences designed to ignite curiosity and inspire learning. 🌟
See you there! Have questions? Contact afransk@centrallee.org.
On March 21, Central Lee High School had 13 students compete at the Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair in Cedar Rapids! 🙌
Our student science researchers earned numerous awards:
➡️Aurora Edens
5 Year Award, $25.00
Lavere & Frances Vaske Memorial Science & Education Award, $50.00
Honorable Mention Senior Physical - white ribbon medallion
➡️Jack Benner
6 Year Award, $50.00
➡️Nadia Boyer
4 Year Award, Certificate
Honorable Mention Senior Biological - white ribbon medallion
➡️Allison Gruntmeir
6 Year Award, $50.00
Class II Senior Biological - red ribbon medallion
➡️Ashton Putnam
5 Year Award, $25.00
Excellence in Scientific Research Award
➡️Baylee Stewart
4 Year Award, Certificate
➡️Adason Cainda
5 Year Award, $25.00
➡️Addison Hohl
5 Year Award, $25.00
Class I Senior Biological - blue ribbon medallion, $100.00
➡️Arabella McDowell
5 Year Award, $25.00
Class II Senior Biological - red ribbon medallion
➡️Caedon Newton
5 Year Award, $25.00
Inspiring Excellence: Alan B. Adams Meritorious Award, $50.00
➡️Ruby Larson
Excellence in Scientific Research Award
United States Navy & Marine Corps: Naval Science Award - blue ribbon medallion
Honorable Mention Senior Biological - white ribbon medallion
Central Lee High School Science Fair Sponsor: Alicia Schiller Haynes
Our student science researchers earned numerous awards:
➡️Aurora Edens
5 Year Award, $25.00
Lavere & Frances Vaske Memorial Science & Education Award, $50.00
Honorable Mention Senior Physical - white ribbon medallion
➡️Jack Benner
6 Year Award, $50.00
➡️Nadia Boyer
4 Year Award, Certificate
Honorable Mention Senior Biological - white ribbon medallion
➡️Allison Gruntmeir
6 Year Award, $50.00
Class II Senior Biological - red ribbon medallion
➡️Ashton Putnam
5 Year Award, $25.00
Excellence in Scientific Research Award
➡️Baylee Stewart
4 Year Award, Certificate
➡️Adason Cainda
5 Year Award, $25.00
➡️Addison Hohl
5 Year Award, $25.00
Class I Senior Biological - blue ribbon medallion, $100.00
➡️Arabella McDowell
5 Year Award, $25.00
Class II Senior Biological - red ribbon medallion
➡️Caedon Newton
5 Year Award, $25.00
Inspiring Excellence: Alan B. Adams Meritorious Award, $50.00
➡️Ruby Larson
Excellence in Scientific Research Award
United States Navy & Marine Corps: Naval Science Award - blue ribbon medallion
Honorable Mention Senior Biological - white ribbon medallion
Central Lee High School Science Fair Sponsor: Alicia Schiller Haynes
🏃🏼 TRACK MEET DAY! 💨
The Varsity Track and Field teams are back in action as they travel up to Danville and compete in the Danville Invitational. After performing well last night, the teams look to achieve some PR's and continue to push their limits. Good luck, Hawks, give complete effort!
See it, Speak it, Believe it!
The Varsity Track and Field teams are back in action as they travel up to Danville and compete in the Danville Invitational. After performing well last night, the teams look to achieve some PR's and continue to push their limits. Good luck, Hawks, give complete effort!
See it, Speak it, Believe it!
Central Lee Music Department – May Concerts
We are excited to invite our families, friends, and community members to join us for a wonderful series of concerts this May! Our students have been working incredibly hard, and we are proud to showcase their growth and musical achievements.
Concert Schedule:
May 3rd - 2:00 pm - High School Band and Choir Awards Concert
May 5th - 6:00 pm - 5th/6th grade Band and Choir Spring Concert
May 7th - 6:00 pm - 7th/8th grade Band and Choir Spring Concert
May 19th - 6:00 pm - 4th grade Biography Day.
Location: Central Lee High School Performance Gym
These performances will feature a variety of ensembles and styles, highlighting the dedication and talent of our students across all grade levels.
Parents: Please mark your calendars and ensure students arrive early, dressed appropriately, and ready to perform. Additional details will be shared by directors as needed.
Admission is free—bring your family and help us celebrate the power of music in our schools!
We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your continued support of the Central Lee Music Department.
We are excited to invite our families, friends, and community members to join us for a wonderful series of concerts this May! Our students have been working incredibly hard, and we are proud to showcase their growth and musical achievements.
Concert Schedule:
May 3rd - 2:00 pm - High School Band and Choir Awards Concert
May 5th - 6:00 pm - 5th/6th grade Band and Choir Spring Concert
May 7th - 6:00 pm - 7th/8th grade Band and Choir Spring Concert
May 19th - 6:00 pm - 4th grade Biography Day.
Location: Central Lee High School Performance Gym
These performances will feature a variety of ensembles and styles, highlighting the dedication and talent of our students across all grade levels.
Parents: Please mark your calendars and ensure students arrive early, dressed appropriately, and ready to perform. Additional details will be shared by directors as needed.
Admission is free—bring your family and help us celebrate the power of music in our schools!
We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate your continued support of the Central Lee Music Department.
Central Lee Middle School students represented their school with excellence at the Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, March 21! 🔬
Our students brought home $760 in awards and two International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) trips to Phoenix, Arizona.
Judges shared how much they truly enjoyed speaking with Central Lee students, noting how impressed they were with their enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and passion for their research. Their ability to clearly communicate their ideas and findings stood out throughout the competition.
Two CLMS students, Addalie Daly and Mason Longanecker, were selected as the top overall projects in their respective categories, one in Biological Sciences and one in Physical Sciences, earning them the title of Middle School Grand Champions. With this honor, they have qualified to attend ISEF!
We are incredibly proud of our CLMS students for representing our school so well and continuing to showcase the strength of our science program!
➡️Junior Biological
Champion, Trophy, Medallion, Trip to Phoenix
Addalie Daly
➡️Class I, $50, Medallions
Savannah Overton
Aralind Grafton
Addalie Daly
➡️Class II, Medallions
Brooklyn Rudd
Elise Andrews
➡️Honorable Mention, Medallions
Jake Eid
Talon Boyer
Laina Milligan
Harper Gray
➡️Random Science Fair Award
James Kramer & Ben Hulsebus
$20 each
➡️Junior Physical Science
Champion, Trophy, Medallion, Trip to Phoenix
Mason Longanecker
➡️Class I, $50, Medallions
Brystol Gerdes
Riley Edens
Mason Longanecker
➡️Class II, Medallions
Drake Newton
Rylee Britton
Makayla Newberry
➡️Honorable Mention, Medallions
Hudson Essing
➡️Junior Teams
Class I, $50
Ben Hulsebus & James Kramer
➡️Class II
Anna Loges & Abigail Ferris
➡️Inspiring Excellence $50
Drake Newton
Talon Boyer
➡️Cedar Rapids Audubon Society
Savannah Overton
➡️Citadel Securities Innovation Prize, $100 voucher
Addalie Daly
➡️Excellence in Scientific Research
Anna Loges & Abigail Ferris
Valerie Smith
➡️Lemelson Early Inventor Prize, $100 voucher
Brystol Gerdes
➡️NextEra Energy Future Innovation Award, $50
Addalie Daly
➡️Thermo Fisher Top Projects
Addalie Daly
Mason Longanecker
Savannah Overton
Aralind Grafton
Brystol Gerdes
Riley Edens
Drake Newton
Rylee Britton
➡️US Air Force Award, backpack prize pack
Addalie Daly
➡️United States Metric Association: Award of Merit
Makayla Newberry
➡️United States Navy & Marine Corps: Naval Science Jr. Division
Brystol Gerdes
Central Lee Middle School Science Fair Sponsors: Amanda Myhre and Allison Krehbiel
Our students brought home $760 in awards and two International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) trips to Phoenix, Arizona.
Judges shared how much they truly enjoyed speaking with Central Lee students, noting how impressed they were with their enthusiasm, depth of knowledge, and passion for their research. Their ability to clearly communicate their ideas and findings stood out throughout the competition.
Two CLMS students, Addalie Daly and Mason Longanecker, were selected as the top overall projects in their respective categories, one in Biological Sciences and one in Physical Sciences, earning them the title of Middle School Grand Champions. With this honor, they have qualified to attend ISEF!
We are incredibly proud of our CLMS students for representing our school so well and continuing to showcase the strength of our science program!
➡️Junior Biological
Champion, Trophy, Medallion, Trip to Phoenix
Addalie Daly
➡️Class I, $50, Medallions
Savannah Overton
Aralind Grafton
Addalie Daly
➡️Class II, Medallions
Brooklyn Rudd
Elise Andrews
➡️Honorable Mention, Medallions
Jake Eid
Talon Boyer
Laina Milligan
Harper Gray
➡️Random Science Fair Award
James Kramer & Ben Hulsebus
$20 each
➡️Junior Physical Science
Champion, Trophy, Medallion, Trip to Phoenix
Mason Longanecker
➡️Class I, $50, Medallions
Brystol Gerdes
Riley Edens
Mason Longanecker
➡️Class II, Medallions
Drake Newton
Rylee Britton
Makayla Newberry
➡️Honorable Mention, Medallions
Hudson Essing
➡️Junior Teams
Class I, $50
Ben Hulsebus & James Kramer
➡️Class II
Anna Loges & Abigail Ferris
➡️Inspiring Excellence $50
Drake Newton
Talon Boyer
➡️Cedar Rapids Audubon Society
Savannah Overton
➡️Citadel Securities Innovation Prize, $100 voucher
Addalie Daly
➡️Excellence in Scientific Research
Anna Loges & Abigail Ferris
Valerie Smith
➡️Lemelson Early Inventor Prize, $100 voucher
Brystol Gerdes
➡️NextEra Energy Future Innovation Award, $50
Addalie Daly
➡️Thermo Fisher Top Projects
Addalie Daly
Mason Longanecker
Savannah Overton
Aralind Grafton
Brystol Gerdes
Riley Edens
Drake Newton
Rylee Britton
➡️US Air Force Award, backpack prize pack
Addalie Daly
➡️United States Metric Association: Award of Merit
Makayla Newberry
➡️United States Navy & Marine Corps: Naval Science Jr. Division
Brystol Gerdes
Central Lee Middle School Science Fair Sponsors: Amanda Myhre and Allison Krehbiel
Friendly reminder to share your feedback in the Central Lee Superintendent Search Survey before it closes Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:59pm! 🌟
Community input will play an important role in helping the School Board identify the leadership qualities and priorities that will shape the district’s next chapter.
Families, students, staff members, and community members are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey. To share your input, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XMK3LMT.
To learn more about the superintendent search process, go to https://www.centrallee.org/page/superintendent-search.
Community input will play an important role in helping the School Board identify the leadership qualities and priorities that will shape the district’s next chapter.
Families, students, staff members, and community members are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey. To share your input, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XMK3LMT.
To learn more about the superintendent search process, go to https://www.centrallee.org/page/superintendent-search.
We would like to take a moment to recognize National Athletic Training Month and the outstanding professionals who support Central Lee student-athletes every day.
From injury prevention to rehabilitation, our athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping students in the game. Thank you! 💪
From injury prevention to rehabilitation, our athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping students in the game. Thank you! 💪
