School Partnerships - Centerville Centerville Elementary

“Michael” was struggling hard with his family situation. After his father was put in jail, Michael and his mother and brother moved in with an aunt. In the meantime, as part of his science grade, he needed to build a balloon car for Science Day. He brought what looked like a Soap Box Derby car to school but discouragement set in when he realized the car was too heavy to be powered by a balloon. He was about to take a zero on the assignment when CIS coordinator Michelle Stoughton gathered some extra parts and took Michael to the Learning Lab where they constructed a new car. During the test run Michelle saw a small smile appear on Michael’s face. “That goes really far!” he said. Best of all, Michael’s car took second place in his classroom’s competition.