Central Lee Community School District

Navy Veteran Geneal Rickers turned 100 last year at River Hills in Keokuk and Hawk's Place kids surprised her with a visit outside her door as we weren't allowed in. This year we were invited back to celebrate with her - Inside this time. Life is returning to norm. The children made 101 birthday cards, some beaded "jewelry" and each age group made a long wall poster. Students in 2nd & 3rd group made one saying Happy Birthday Geneal 101 years. 4.5.& 6th made a sign thanking her for her military service and the Kindergarten 1st graders decorated their signs with hearts and rainbows around the words "We Love You!". The groups sang Happy Birthday, presented her with the cards they personally made for her, shared some cupcakes as well as having a quick visit introducing themselves and their grade. She had a question, comment or advice for each one. She addressed the entire group revealing her secret to long life: Coca Cola - One a day. It was a nice visit enjoyed by all.

A big thank you to the following guests that joined us Thursday for Hawk Place "Going Places" Career Day. The children's excitement showed with oohs and aahs as the large shiny red BurlingtonTrailways bus pulled up to the elementary building. The door opened and the younger children were invited in to look around and take the first turn at a ride. The students were in awe of the big bus that looked and rode much differently than their morning and evening bus ride home. While one group enjoyed their ride the older students were getting the opportunity to visit with pilot Bob Chestnut and try on a parachute from Parachutist, Bob Reid (aka the Bob and Bob show). After autographs and each had their turn at feeling the weight of the parachute the groups switched places and the big red bus left for another ride with excited passengers. We appreciate these guests giving their time for the kids.

Come cheer on the Central Lee High School Basketball teams today, January 28th as we host Keokuk!

Tonight is 7th/8th grade fun night! The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Lee Middle School. We hope our students have a great time! 🎉

The month of December is a month of giving. At Hawk Place we have at least one random act of kindness day a month to instill kindness year around. The students enjoyed surprising their fellow elementary students putting small "gifts" in all the elementary lockers for the children to find. There was quite the excitement the next morning. Older students made fruit baskets to thank our Spice Girls Chefs and other community partners .Thank you to everyone that contributed to our can drive for the food pantry. We took a van load of boxes of canned items and experienced the process of weighing and sorting.

If you know someone in need of a prom dress for this spring, be sure to stop out at Leo Club's Prom Dress Sale!

We would like to invite parents of 4-year-old students to join us for a PRESCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT on Wednesday, February 22—from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Central Lee PK-8 Building. Meet the teachers and hear from the principal about the goals of our statewide voluntary preschool. During the presentation, kids will go to the preschool classrooms with teachers. To be eligible for Little Hawks Preschool this fall, students must be 4 years old by September 15, 2023. We hope to see you there!

Update: Central Lee is now cancelled for Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Have a great SNOW DAY!

Central Lee will be on a two hour delay on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 due to winter weather! There will be no AM preschool or AM activities this morning.

Congratulations to the 4 CLHS large group speech teams who have advanced to the state competition. These 4 teams will compete in Cedar Rapids on February 4th. Good luck!

Come join the fun at Central Lee Elementary PTO’s Daddy Daughter Dance coming Friday, February 10th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the PK-8 MPR.

Join us for the 2023 SNEAK PEEK - January 22nd, 2:00 pm in the CLHS Old Gym. Free admission.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day! As we remember one of the 20th century’s great Americans, let’s consider the ways in which Dr. King led by example and inspired multiple generations to work for change. While some aspects of his dream have been realized, we still have much work to do. How can you make a difference today?

REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, January 13, for a teacher work day.

It’s National Thank You Month! When someone does something kind for you, whether you asked them to or not, it’s important to acknowledge it. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and inspire further acts of kindness! 🙏

Gannon Wells has taken a diverse array of Career and Technical Classes in high school. He has been active in FFA and gained many experiences in the Building Trades program. This year he is getting a jumpstart on his career. He is working on an internship through Meller Plumbing Inc. Through this internship he is working hands on to learn the trade. He has had the opportunity to work on new construction and remodel, and get a real world look at what the trade entails. #CTEworkforCL

We are excited to induct Morgan Krehbiel to our Fine Arts Hall of Fame this year! A graduate of the class of 2008, Krehbiel participated in yearbook, art club, community problem solving through the TAG program, marching band, and show band. She is a 2012 graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned a bachelor of arts in art theory and practice, with honors. Krehbiel has since worked as a designer and art director for numerous publishers and publications. She runs her own design agency, Morgan Krehbiel Creative, from her home in Chicago. She also donates her time and creative resources to help local mutual aid groups organize and provide support for her community. Please join us in welcoming her to the Fine Arts Hall of Fame!

Kelsey Hammer-Parks has been inducted into our Fine Arts Hall of Fame! A 2008 graduate, Hammer-Parks was involved in activities that included community problem solving, science fair, basketball, golf, softball, jazz band, and marching band (serving as drum major for three years). She is now an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and video storyteller, with her interest in video production beginning at Central Lee with the support of Deanna Lind Reynolds and Kris Brewer. Her career highlights as a filmmaker include receiving a Midwest Regional Emmy and the Edward R. Murrow award for a docuseries on the stories of vulnerable Iowans after the devastating derecho storm of 2020. We’re thrilled to honor this talented filmmaker as part of our Hall of Fame Class of 2021!

We are excited to induct David Roth into our Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 2022! Roth is a 1969 graduate of Central Lee High School and was involved in the concert and marching bands, playing the tuba. In 1978, he started the Ozone Ramblers band, who entertained loyal fans for four decades. Roth is also a member of Dusty Calhoun and Dogtown 3. He was an integral member of the DEC Hands for 25 years as a cast member and guitar player, raising thousands for local families in need and providing numerous opportunities for Central Lee students to perform. Most recently, he created the “To Ukraine from Iowa with Love” live music event, raising over $20,000 to help Ukraine refugees. Roth continues to be an avid supporter of live music in and around Lee County. Please join us in congratulating him for this well-deserved honor!

Happy holidays to our Central Lee students, staff, families, and community members! We hope you have a fun, restful, and joyous holiday season.