Dixon Public Schools would like to thank the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and ComEd/Exelon for their generous donation of a new STEM Lab to our school district. This incredible investment in our students provides much more than a new learning space. It opens the door to new experiences, new ideas, and new possibilities for our students.
On Friday, August 14th, we held a ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our new STEM lab at Reagan Middle School. District and School administration joined technology teacher Chris Bishop and two of our students to cut the ribbon and share the news about this new resource.
The STEM Lab will give Reagan students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Instead of simply learning about concepts from a textbook, students will have the opportunity to design, build, experiment, problem-solve, and collaborate as they put their knowledge into action.
Reagan Middle School Principal Matthew Magnafici said "Today was about much more than cutting a ribbon—it was about opening doors for our students. We are incredibly grateful to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, ComEd, and Exelon Corporation for believing in our students and investing in their future. This STEM Center represents opportunities for our students to think critically, solve real-world problems, collaborate with one another, and discover passions that may lead to future careers. Partnerships like this remind us of what is possible when organizations invest in public education and our community. The impact of this gift will extend far beyond these walls, creating experiences that will inspire our students for years to come. We are proud to call Reagan Middle School home to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center and look forward to watching our students transform these opportunities into lifelong success."
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Melydi Huyett said “This is a meaningful investment in Dixon students and the opportunities available to them. We are grateful to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, ComEd, and Exelon for their generosity and for helping bring this STEM Center to our schools.”
Reagan Middle School technology teacher Chris Bishop will be the primary instructor utilizing the equipment with his students. Mr. Bishop offered his thoughts, "The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and Exelon have helped push our Technology classes five years into the future with their generous donation to Reagan Middle School. We are incredibly grateful for their support and excited about the opportunities this hands-on equipment will provide for our students. Having access to this technology will allow us to create more engaging learning experiences and give students valuable opportunities to work with equipment and skills that prepare them for the future."
A donation like this has a lasting impact. It tells our students that their education, their ideas, and their futures matter. It gives them access to experiences that can spark curiosity and perhaps even inspire a lifelong interest in STEM-related fields.
On behalf of the entire Dixon Public Schools community, thank you to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and ComEd/Exelon for believing in our students and investing in their future. We are excited to see the creativity, discovery, and learning that will take place in our new STEM Lab, and we look forward to the many opportunities this generous partnership will create for our students for years to come.
Thank you for helping us build brighter futures, one student and one idea at a time!
