Cries of “Ooh,” “ahh” and “whoa” joined the evening air at LakeView Technology Academy Tuesday as students tested paper rockets they constructed with their families.
Before launching them at the school, 9449 88th Ave., students and their families were tasked with building the rockets using paper and a PVC pipe, under the instruction of computer science teacher Tim Overocker. They were launched using air pressure with pressure built up and released from a bicycle pump.
Some handmade rockets landed on the roof of the school, others returned gracefully to the ground, while others became learning opportunities as they did not go far or failed to make it off the launch pad.
The event was part of a family engagement effort in Kenosha Unified School District. Students in grades four through eight plus their families, regardless of their current school or residence in the district, were welcomed.
People are also reading…
Marilyn Huckabee, who attended with her daughter, Layla, 11, enjoyed the activity.
“I love that Kenosha Unified has really stepped up their engagement, especially after COVID,” she said. “There’s been something all the time, and they’ve been transparent with making sure that we know that it’s available to everybody ... oftentimes when I’m talking to parents, they don’t realize that there are so many opportunities that exist here in the district.”
Overocker said his favorite part of the event was the look of wonder on students’ faces.
“Anytime I get the chance to inspire kids to look up at the world around them, to look at the phenomena of the universe, that’s always my goal,” he said.
At the conclusion of the event, students and families had the opportunity to tour LakeView and hear about the programs, pathways and opportunities the school offers to students.
“LakeView is such a diverse population of students,” Overocker said. “It’s a place where students can really embrace themselves and be themselves.”