Elementary STEM with Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger

Episode 3 of the Comet Connections podcast, hosted by Don Schenz - Director of Curriculum and Instruction, titled "Elementary STEM with Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger" was published on January 30, 2026 and runs 40 minutes.

January 30, 2026 ·40m · Comet Connections

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Summary

Welcome back to another episode of Comet Connections, where we celebrate the people, programs, and passions that make Coventry Local Schools such a special place to learn and grow. Today’s conversation takes us into the heart of elementary STEM, and honestly, into the heart of what it means to go above and beyond for kids. We’re thrilled to be joined by two individuals whose fingerprints are all over the success of our district’s passion for STEM Learning — elementary STEM teacher Mrs. Chris Lorence and behavior specialist Mr. Mike Staiger.Chris has been a proud Comet since 1993, and Mike joined our team in 2005. Between the two of them, they’ve worn just about every hat imaginable — from elementary to middle school, from classrooms to coaching fields, and from clubs to leadership roles that extend far beyond the school day. What truly sets them apart, though, is their shared belief in creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students. Together, they have elevated our elementary STEM program through the creation of a Maker’s Space and the Green Thumb Club, giving students ownership over real-world learning experiences like hydroponics, cultivation, and food production. These aren’t just activities — they are experiences that build responsibility, curiosity, and confidence in our kids.What often goes unseen is the time and commitment behind this work. Chris and Mike come in early, stay late, and pour countless hours into making sure students have access to opportunities that spark interest and open doors for the future. They are helping set the tone for Coventry’s strong emphasis on STEM learning, paving a road to success that will benefit our students for years to come. The impact of what they’ve built is immeasurable, and the example they set — of passion, collaboration, and selflessness — is one our entire district is proud to follow.We are incredibly lucky to have educators like Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger on our team, and even luckier that our students get to learn from them every day. So kick back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Comet Connections as we dive into a conversation with two Comets who are shaping the future of Coventry in powerful and lasting ways.

Episode Description

Welcome back to another episode of Comet Connections, where we celebrate the people, programs, and passions that make Coventry Local Schools such a special place to learn and grow. Today’s conversation takes us into the heart of elementary STEM, and honestly, into the heart of what it means to go above and beyond for kids. We’re thrilled to be joined by two individuals whose fingerprints are all over the success of our district’s passion for STEM Learning — elementary STEM teacher Mrs. Chris Lorence and behavior specialist Mr. Mike Staiger.

Chris has been a proud Comet since 1993, and Mike joined our team in 2005. Between the two of them, they’ve worn just about every hat imaginable — from elementary to middle school, from classrooms to coaching fields, and from clubs to leadership roles that extend far beyond the school day. What truly sets them apart, though, is their shared belief in creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students. Together, they have elevated our elementary STEM program through the creation of a Maker’s Space and the Green Thumb Club, giving students ownership over real-world learning experiences like hydroponics, cultivation, and food production. These aren’t just activities — they are experiences that build responsibility, curiosity, and confidence in our kids.

What often goes unseen is the time and commitment behind this work. Chris and Mike come in early, stay late, and pour countless hours into making sure students have access to opportunities that spark interest and open doors for the future. They are helping set the tone for Coventry’s strong emphasis on STEM learning, paving a road to success that will benefit our students for years to come. The impact of what they’ve built is immeasurable, and the example they set — of passion, collaboration, and selflessness — is one our entire district is proud to follow.

We are incredibly lucky to have educators like Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger on our team, and even luckier that our students get to learn from them every day. So kick back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Comet Connections as we dive into a conversation with two Comets who are shaping the future of Coventry in powerful and lasting ways.