We’re excited to welcome Jenny Davis, our new 3rd grade teacher to Central Lee! 🙌
A Keokuk native and Western Illinois University graduate, she is looking forward to meeting her new students and families, building relationships, and seeing those special “aha!” moments when learning clicks.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and her baseball-loving family. A few of her favorites include tacos, “The Sandlot,” the Iowa Hawkeyes, warm beach vacations, and Diet Mountain Dew.
Welcome, Jenny!
A Keokuk native and Western Illinois University graduate, she is looking forward to meeting her new students and families, building relationships, and seeing those special “aha!” moments when learning clicks.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and her baseball-loving family. A few of her favorites include tacos, “The Sandlot,” the Iowa Hawkeyes, warm beach vacations, and Diet Mountain Dew.
Welcome, Jenny!
Please join us in welcoming Emily Kelch to Central Lee as our new high school social studies teacher! 🎉
Emily is from West Point and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History-Social Science Teacher Education from Illinois State University and her Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Iowa.
Emily and her husband have four children, and their family recently started a new adventure of visiting national parks. She’s also a proud Iowa Hawkeyes fan.
Welcome to the Central Lee community, Emily. We’re excited to have you with us!
Emily is from West Point and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History-Social Science Teacher Education from Illinois State University and her Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Iowa.
Emily and her husband have four children, and their family recently started a new adventure of visiting national parks. She’s also a proud Iowa Hawkeyes fan.
Welcome to the Central Lee community, Emily. We’re excited to have you with us!
Help us welcome Savannah English to Central Lee as our new high school algebra teacher! 🖤
Savannah is returning home to the Central Lee community, where she grew up. A Montrose native, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Morningside University.
Outside the classroom, Savannah loves spending time with her family and reading. Her favorite book is “The Invisible Man.”
We’re glad to welcome Savannah home and have her join our students and staff for a great year of learning and problem solving!
Savannah is returning home to the Central Lee community, where she grew up. A Montrose native, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Morningside University.
Outside the classroom, Savannah loves spending time with her family and reading. Her favorite book is “The Invisible Man.”
We’re glad to welcome Savannah home and have her join our students and staff for a great year of learning and problem solving!
Please help us welcome Aden Whitaker, one of our new 5th grade teachers! 💛
Aden was born and raised in Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk High School in 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and will be teaching reading and social studies at Central Lee.
Outside of the classroom, Aden enjoys traveling, watching and participating in sports, and visiting Florida with his family every year. His favorite food is seafood, especially shrimp, and he plans to return to school to earn his master’s degree.
We’re excited to welcome Aden to Central Lee and look forward to a great year with our 5th grade students!
Aden was born and raised in Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk High School in 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and will be teaching reading and social studies at Central Lee.
Outside of the classroom, Aden enjoys traveling, watching and participating in sports, and visiting Florida with his family every year. His favorite food is seafood, especially shrimp, and he plans to return to school to earn his master’s degree.
We’re excited to welcome Aden to Central Lee and look forward to a great year with our 5th grade students!
Please help us welcome Annalise Smith, one of our new 5th grade teachers! 📚
Annalise grew up in Clark County, where she graduated from high school in 2022. She attended William Penn University in Oskaloosa, where she was also a member of the cheer team.
Outside of the classroom, Annalise enjoys sewing, reading, watching movies, and all things crafty. Her favorite book series is "The Hunger Games," and she also enjoys pasta, fried rice, and a sweet treat.
Annalise chose Central Lee because of its culture and the great things she heard about the district while growing up in the area.
We’re excited to welcome her to the Central Lee team!
Annalise grew up in Clark County, where she graduated from high school in 2022. She attended William Penn University in Oskaloosa, where she was also a member of the cheer team.
Outside of the classroom, Annalise enjoys sewing, reading, watching movies, and all things crafty. Her favorite book series is "The Hunger Games," and she also enjoys pasta, fried rice, and a sweet treat.
Annalise chose Central Lee because of its culture and the great things she heard about the district while growing up in the area.
We’re excited to welcome her to the Central Lee team!
Please help us welcome Tiffany Newberry, our new 4th-6th grade special education teacher! 🍎
Tiffany graduated from Central Lee and attended Culver-Stockton College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is certified in middle school English language arts, math, and science, as well as K-12 special education.
Tiffany and her husband have three children, and she enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends. She has also worn many hats throughout her life, including serving as a Marine, firefighter, EMT, and coach.
Tiffany is excited to give back to the Central Lee community and begin an amazing year with her students!
Tiffany graduated from Central Lee and attended Culver-Stockton College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is certified in middle school English language arts, math, and science, as well as K-12 special education.
Tiffany and her husband have three children, and she enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends. She has also worn many hats throughout her life, including serving as a Marine, firefighter, EMT, and coach.
Tiffany is excited to give back to the Central Lee community and begin an amazing year with her students!
As back-to-school season gets underway, National Immunization Awareness Month is a timely reminder to check in on your child's health records. 🩺
We encourage families to speak with their healthcare provider and visit our website for information about what’s required for the upcoming school year.
More info: https://www.centrallee.org/page/health
We encourage families to speak with their healthcare provider and visit our website for information about what’s required for the upcoming school year.
More info: https://www.centrallee.org/page/health
📣 THE WAIT IS OVER, LITTLE HAWKS! 🖤💛
https://youtu.be/M7wAD19nr7g
🎉 FIND OUT WHO YOUR TEACHER IS NOW! 🎉
Teacher assignments are officially available in PowerSchool! Log in and see which amazing Central Lee Elementary teacher you’ll be learning, growing, and shining with this year! 🌟
Then come meet them in person!
🏫 Central Lee PK–4 Meet & Greet
📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
Our Central Lee PK–4 teachers and Principal Fuger are SO excited to welcome our Little Hawks back into the building! Come find your classroom, meet your teacher, drop off supplies, and get ready for an incredible year together!
🖤💛 CHECK POWERSCHOOL NOW… then we’ll see you Thursday! 💛🖤
✨ Shine Bright. Lead the Way. Weave Our Genius Together. ✨
#Proud2bCL
https://youtu.be/M7wAD19nr7g
🎉 FIND OUT WHO YOUR TEACHER IS NOW! 🎉
Teacher assignments are officially available in PowerSchool! Log in and see which amazing Central Lee Elementary teacher you’ll be learning, growing, and shining with this year! 🌟
Then come meet them in person!
🏫 Central Lee PK–4 Meet & Greet
📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
Our Central Lee PK–4 teachers and Principal Fuger are SO excited to welcome our Little Hawks back into the building! Come find your classroom, meet your teacher, drop off supplies, and get ready for an incredible year together!
🖤💛 CHECK POWERSCHOOL NOW… then we’ll see you Thursday! 💛🖤
✨ Shine Bright. Lead the Way. Weave Our Genius Together. ✨
#Proud2bCL
Lee County Health Department has one more immunization clinic and dental screening option scheduled before school starts!
Please help us welcome Shelby Mutter-Thornburg, our new 5th-12th grade assistant music director! 🎶
Shelby is originally from Fort Madison and attended the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance.
Shelby was drawn to Central Lee because of the district and its music program. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, baking, and running, and she has completed two marathons. She’s also a Hawkeyes fan who enjoys coffee and ice cream.
We’re excited to have Shelby sharing her love of music with Central Lee students!
Shelby is originally from Fort Madison and attended the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance.
Shelby was drawn to Central Lee because of the district and its music program. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, baking, and running, and she has completed two marathons. She’s also a Hawkeyes fan who enjoys coffee and ice cream.
We’re excited to have Shelby sharing her love of music with Central Lee students!
Class of 2027, it is time to get those paintbrushes ready! 🎨. On Thursday, August 20th from 9 am to 4 pm, seniors are invited to "paint your space". Be sure to read all of the details regarding paint colors and expectations! All designs must have Mrs. Herdrich's approval and are due no later than 3:30 pm, August 18th.
🧠✨ Well Teachers. Regulated Classrooms. Ready Learners. ✨🧠
What a powerful day of learning at Central Lee! 🖤💛
Our teachers had the opportunity to choose an elective professional learning experience focused on wellness, nervous system regulation, behavior, belonging, and the neuroscience behind it all.
Through the work of Dr. Lori Desautels, our educators explored applied educational neuroscience and the important connection between a teacher’s own wellness and capacity and their ability to support the nervous systems of the learners in front of them. When we understand what is happening beneath a behavior, we can respond differently. When students feel safe, connected, and regulated, we create the foundation they need to learn, grow, and thrive academically.
We were also so fortunate to learn from Rachella R. Dravis, Educational Consultant from Come Along With Me, who shared wisdom from her many decades in education. She spoke openly about how learning the neuroscience behind behavior and belonging shifted her thinking, even late in her career, and transformed how she approached bringing out the very best in her students.
One of the most beautiful reminders from the day was that we are never finished growing as educators. New learning can change our thinking, our responses, our classrooms, and ultimately the experiences of the children entrusted to us.
We are grateful for teachers who willingly gave their time to learn, reflect, and grow together. That investment in themselves is also an investment in every child who walks through our doors. 🖤💛
Take care of the nervous system. Build belonging. Create capacity. Then watch learning grow. 🌱🧠✨
What a powerful day of learning at Central Lee! 🖤💛
Our teachers had the opportunity to choose an elective professional learning experience focused on wellness, nervous system regulation, behavior, belonging, and the neuroscience behind it all.
Through the work of Dr. Lori Desautels, our educators explored applied educational neuroscience and the important connection between a teacher’s own wellness and capacity and their ability to support the nervous systems of the learners in front of them. When we understand what is happening beneath a behavior, we can respond differently. When students feel safe, connected, and regulated, we create the foundation they need to learn, grow, and thrive academically.
We were also so fortunate to learn from Rachella R. Dravis, Educational Consultant from Come Along With Me, who shared wisdom from her many decades in education. She spoke openly about how learning the neuroscience behind behavior and belonging shifted her thinking, even late in her career, and transformed how she approached bringing out the very best in her students.
One of the most beautiful reminders from the day was that we are never finished growing as educators. New learning can change our thinking, our responses, our classrooms, and ultimately the experiences of the children entrusted to us.
We are grateful for teachers who willingly gave their time to learn, reflect, and grow together. That investment in themselves is also an investment in every child who walks through our doors. 🖤💛
Take care of the nervous system. Build belonging. Create capacity. Then watch learning grow. 🌱🧠✨
🌟 Growing Leaders. Growing Teams. Growing Central Lee. 🌟
Our Central Lee Instructional Leadership Team spent valuable time together honing their leadership skills with Al Neppl from School Administrators of Iowa.
Al engaged our leaders in meaningful learning and reflection around how they can be best equipped to lead positive change, inspire continual growth, and make an impact through their leadership within Professional Learning Communities and content teams.
We are incredibly blessed with a faculty filled with talented, passionate people who bring their own unique genius to our district. 🖤💛 Thank you to these leaders for giving their time, sharing their talents, and continuing to grow so they can help others grow.
When we invest in our people, we invest in our students. Together, we continue to Shine Bright and Lead the Way by Weaving Our Genius Together! ✨🦅
Proud to be Central Lee! 🖤💛
Our Central Lee Instructional Leadership Team spent valuable time together honing their leadership skills with Al Neppl from School Administrators of Iowa.
Al engaged our leaders in meaningful learning and reflection around how they can be best equipped to lead positive change, inspire continual growth, and make an impact through their leadership within Professional Learning Communities and content teams.
We are incredibly blessed with a faculty filled with talented, passionate people who bring their own unique genius to our district. 🖤💛 Thank you to these leaders for giving their time, sharing their talents, and continuing to grow so they can help others grow.
When we invest in our people, we invest in our students. Together, we continue to Shine Bright and Lead the Way by Weaving Our Genius Together! ✨🦅
Proud to be Central Lee! 🖤💛
A Well-Deserved Honor! 👑💛🖤
Central Lee High School senior and Lee County Fair Queen Allison Gruntmeir has earned an incredible honor at the 2026 Iowa State Fair!
Allison was named the recipient of the 2026 Iowa State Fair Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman. This prestigious award recognizes the dedication, leadership, and commitment that Allison has demonstrated through her involvement in the Iowa State Fair and her community.
As Lee County Fair Queen and a proud Central Lee Hawk, Allison continues to represent our school and community with grace, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to agriculture and the fair tradition.
Congratulations, Allison, on this outstanding accomplishment! We are incredibly proud of you and excited to celebrate this special recognition with you! 🖤💛
Congratulations, Allison! #Proud2BCL #CentralLeeHawks #LeeCountyFairQueen #IowaStateFair
Central Lee High School senior and Lee County Fair Queen Allison Gruntmeir has earned an incredible honor at the 2026 Iowa State Fair!
Allison was named the recipient of the 2026 Iowa State Fair Alumni Award in honor of Julie Wolterman. This prestigious award recognizes the dedication, leadership, and commitment that Allison has demonstrated through her involvement in the Iowa State Fair and her community.
As Lee County Fair Queen and a proud Central Lee Hawk, Allison continues to represent our school and community with grace, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to agriculture and the fair tradition.
Congratulations, Allison, on this outstanding accomplishment! We are incredibly proud of you and excited to celebrate this special recognition with you! 🖤💛
Congratulations, Allison! #Proud2BCL #CentralLeeHawks #LeeCountyFairQueen #IowaStateFair
🎒💛 Welcome, Little Hawks Preschool Families! 💛🎒
We are so excited to welcome you and your little one to Central Lee's Little Hawks Preschool! 🐥
Please join us for our Preschool Meet & Greet / Orientation! This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to:
✨ Meet your teachers and preschool team
✨ Explore the classroom and school
✨ Learn about daily routines and expectations
✨ Find out more about your child’s start to preschool
✨ Ask questions and help your Little Hawk feel ready for this BIG adventure!
Starting preschool is such a special milestone, and we can’t wait to partner with you as your child begins their school journey. ❤️
We are so excited to welcome our newest Little Hawks! 🐥✨
Come ready to learn, explore, and get excited for a wonderful year ahead!
#Proud2bCL
We are so excited to welcome you and your little one to Central Lee's Little Hawks Preschool! 🐥
Please join us for our Preschool Meet & Greet / Orientation! This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to:
✨ Meet your teachers and preschool team
✨ Explore the classroom and school
✨ Learn about daily routines and expectations
✨ Find out more about your child’s start to preschool
✨ Ask questions and help your Little Hawk feel ready for this BIG adventure!
Starting preschool is such a special milestone, and we can’t wait to partner with you as your child begins their school journey. ❤️
We are so excited to welcome our newest Little Hawks! 🐥✨
Come ready to learn, explore, and get excited for a wonderful year ahead!
#Proud2bCL
We are excited to welcome our newest teachers to Central Lee! They spent two days learning together, and being introduced to our schools and the Central Lee community.
We have a talented group of educators joining our team, and we’re excited to see the impact they will make on our students and schools throughout the 2026–27 school year!
A special thank you to Pilot Grove Savings Bank and our Elementary PTO for generously providing breakfast during our two days of New Teacher Orientation. We appreciate your continued support of Central Lee and our staff!
Welcome to Central Lee! We’re glad you’re here! 💛🖤
🚀 Attention Freshmen & New Hawks! 🦅
Ready to kick off an amazing high school journey? Join us for the 26-27 Freshman & New Student Orientation!
📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Central Lee High School Gym
Here’s what’s on deck for the evening:
👀 Meet the Staff: Say hello to your future teachers and leaders!
🗺️ Master Your Schedule: Walk your classes so you know exactly where to go on Day 1.
🔓 Claim Your Locker: Get your assignment and start making it yours.
🏆 Get Involved: Check out all the awesome extracurricular activities.
💡 Skills to Succeed: Learn about Central Lee’s mission, vision, and the employME program.
❓ Q&A: Get answers to all your burning high school questions!
👨👩👧 Note for Parents: You are strongly encouraged to attend and tag along with your student throughout the entire evening!
Tag a classmate below and let’s get ready to make this year unforgettable! 🖤💛
Ready to kick off an amazing high school journey? Join us for the 26-27 Freshman & New Student Orientation!
📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Central Lee High School Gym
Here’s what’s on deck for the evening:
👀 Meet the Staff: Say hello to your future teachers and leaders!
🗺️ Master Your Schedule: Walk your classes so you know exactly where to go on Day 1.
🔓 Claim Your Locker: Get your assignment and start making it yours.
🏆 Get Involved: Check out all the awesome extracurricular activities.
💡 Skills to Succeed: Learn about Central Lee’s mission, vision, and the employME program.
❓ Q&A: Get answers to all your burning high school questions!
👨👩👧 Note for Parents: You are strongly encouraged to attend and tag along with your student throughout the entire evening!
Tag a classmate below and let’s get ready to make this year unforgettable! 🖤💛
🏈🏀 ATHLETICS SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE! 🥎⚽️
Our 2026-27 Athletics Season Passes are now available to purchase. There are different categories of passes to fit your needs. These passes allow the card holder quick admission into all home athletic events that are not postseason or Sports Boosters ran events. If you are interested, please contact the Activities Department, and the Passes form can be found at the link below or in the high school office.
Athletic Season Passes: https://d2uxtb165k2tu5.cloudfront.net/attachments/ac1c10ee-90a4-41a6-bb96-e36f8f4f43da/AthleticPassesForm2026-27.pdf
Our 2026-27 Athletics Season Passes are now available to purchase. There are different categories of passes to fit your needs. These passes allow the card holder quick admission into all home athletic events that are not postseason or Sports Boosters ran events. If you are interested, please contact the Activities Department, and the Passes form can be found at the link below or in the high school office.
Athletic Season Passes: https://d2uxtb165k2tu5.cloudfront.net/attachments/ac1c10ee-90a4-41a6-bb96-e36f8f4f43da/AthleticPassesForm2026-27.pdf
Happy Book Lovers Day! 📚
Whether you’re in the middle of a page-turner or still searching for your next great read, today is the perfect excuse to carve out some time for reading.
What are you reading right now? Share in the comments!👇
Whether you’re in the middle of a page-turner or still searching for your next great read, today is the perfect excuse to carve out some time for reading.
What are you reading right now? Share in the comments!👇
🎨✨ Celebrating Mrs. Ann Canida! ✨🎨
We are so proud to congratulate Central Lee K–6 Art Teacher Ann Canida on her very first art show at the Fort Madison Area Arts Association! Her collection, A Mixed Media Look at the Everyday, beautifully showcases her creativity, talent, and unique way of seeing the world around us.
A special reception was held in celebration of Ann’s show, surrounded by friends, family, colleagues, and supporters. One especially meaningful guest was Ann’s own art teacher, Linda Heitz, retired Central Lee High School art teacher and member of the Central Lee Fine Arts Hall of Fame, who was there to celebrate this full-circle moment. Superintendent Stacey Schmidt and Elementary Principal Heather Fuger were also thrilled to be there cheering her on.
What makes this accomplishment even more special is the example Ann is setting for her students every single day. She doesn’t just teach children about art , she shows them what it means to be an artist, to continue creating, to share your gifts, and to pursue what brings you joy at every age.
Mrs. Canida, thank you for sharing your genius and your gifts with our students, our community, and the world. We are incredibly proud of you! 💛🖤🎨
