by Chris Steinmann '00, Superintendent & CEO
May 2022
In March, walking through the halls of Lutheran East between classes, I spotted Rebecca Jabs standing by her Calculus and Physics classroom. She was beaming with pride. Rebecca launched into a story about her team of Lutheran East students taking second place at the prestigious Case Western Reserve Data Analytics Competition the previous weekend. Sharing in her excitement was a special moment.
Shortly after, this thought struck me: the success of the Lutheran East Data Analytics team says much about the trajectory of our schools…and how far we’ve come—with your help—in delivering high quality STEM education.
Careers of the 21st century look markedly different from the careers that were prominent even 20 years ago. The incredible growth of careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) means that schools must change the way they teach in order to prepare students for opportunities in those vibrant, growing fields. Both Lutheran East and Lutheran West have led the way in this transformation. We are implementing dramatic changes, to both our curricula and extracurricular activities, to engage students in STEM learning.
In addition to the Data Analytics team, Lutheran East has broadened STEM offerings by adding a Robotics Club that will compete in Robotics tournaments across the state. This fall, Lutheran East will make Robotics part of the school curriculum through a course that emphasizes the building and programming of robots. Through a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, Lutheran East students will receive Coding and Programming classes taught by CM professors.
Like East, Lutheran West is making strides in STEM education:
• In March, the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) hosted a STEM Wars competition, where each school is invited to
compete in a variety of STEM-based competitive activities. Lutheran West students swept the competition, winning more
accolades than any other CVC school.
• Lutheran West has added an Introduction to STEM class for underclassmen interested in STEM-based disciplines, a
College Credit Plus Statistics class, and is sending students to participate in Engineering Days at local colleges and
universities.
• When middle school students join our Lutheran West school community for the first time this fall, they will benefit from
curriculum and activities focused on STEM learning.
You can take pride knowing that your schools are keeping pace with top high schools in the state and region. Please consider making a gift today to ensure the continued growth of STEM programs, allowing us to add more opportunities that directly impact each student. With your support, you are helping to prepare a new generation of students, both well-trained in STEM areas and grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to make a profound impact on our communities and world. Your gift makes a difference!