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Lewis Central students showcase inventions and Titan Hill musicals at school board meeting
Summary
Fourth- and fifth-grade students demonstrated a Raspberry Pi–based pet toy developed for the Invention Convention and Titan Hill students performed musical numbers; teachers said the events build confidence, curriculum alignment and will feed state competitions and teacher professional development with the University of Iowa.
At the March 2, 2026 Lewis Central Comm School District board meeting, students from Titan Hill elementary presented inventions and musical performances that district staff said demonstrate curricular work and community engagement.
Teachers and coaches from the district’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) program described an expanded Invention Convention that the district is positioning as a model for other schools. Melissa Taylor, a teacher at Craft and Titan Hill, said the program involved all 36 classrooms, maker-space time and parent volunteers and that the district has been invited by University of Iowa staff to share practices and host regional professional development. “We had judges from across the community, including the mayor,” Taylor said.
Fourth-graders Paige Benson and Rooney Acharia demonstrated their prototype, which they called Podash, and described the core components: a Raspberry Pi computer to run the device, an RPI camera for remote viewing and room mapping, a servo control board and metal‑geared servos that move a laser component to engage pets. Paige explained the problem they set out to solve — entertaining a high‑energy family dog when owners are away — and said the prototype maps rooms to prevent pets from climbing on furniture. The students discussed technical challenges (overheating servos) and future improvements including battery operation, improved camera accuracy and eye‑safety measures for the laser.
Titan Hill music teachers Amanda Stevenson and Belinda Jacobe spoke about the school’s music program, noting every student participates in a grade‑level musical and that the productions teach reading fluency, collaboration and stagecraft. Multiple students described preparation routines and performance roles; Jacobe led a musical excerpt and the board applauded the production’s community turnout. Board members publicly thanked Jacobe for decades of service; the meeting included recognition of her long tenure.
Superintendent Dr. Hazing and other staff said the activities support district goals for inquiry‑based learning and career readiness. Board members encouraged continued integration of invention work into curriculum and noted upcoming state competitions and district performances.
The presentation concluded with applause from the board and public; staff said the district will continue to expand the program and host visiting teachers in the fall to demonstrate its model.
