For a long time, the closest STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for our Granville CSD students were in Saratoga Springs—nearly an hour away. But now, thanks to the dedication of our community, students will have the chance to dive into VEX Robotics, starting as early as 4th and 5th grade.
This exciting opportunity came to life with the help of Granville parent Meghan Steves, our school district, Eric Wood of Finch Paper in Glens Falls, and BOCES. Their combined support is making this program a reality for our students.
Mrs. Steves, who has been leading the charge as the Robotics Club’s parent advisor, along with co-advisor Fifth Grade Teacher Mrs. Bishop shared how it all started: “I noticed there weren't enough STEM programs for our students, so I decided to dig into what we could do. With the support of Superintendent McGurl, we brought robotics back this past summer. The school offered it as part of the free Summer Enrichment programs with BOCES and the PTO helped organize two week-long camps through Saratoga Robotics.
VEX Robotics is an educational and competitive program where students learn STEM by building and programming robots. The club meets once per week in the evenings preparing for a new year competition and solving engineering challenges. Students will design and build robots, create custom playing fields for the competitions, and keep an engineering notebook to track their progress and coding skills. These hands-on activities help them build the knowledge they need for future careers in the tech industry.
The kids also had fun naming their individual teams, with the 4th grade team calling themselves the "Robo Rangers" and the 5th grade team taking the name "Brain Bot Busters."
Mrs. Steves reflects on the history of robotics at Granville: “Our high school used to have a competitive Robotics Club that even made it to the World Championships. Sadly, it was disbanded when the teacher who led it retired. But we’re excited to bring robotics back and expand it across all grade levels. By next year, we hope to include students in grades 3-6.”
Thanks to Granville CSD, the program was able to get a strong start in the 2024-2025 school year with district-funded materials for the team. “We’re aiming to become self-sufficient by next year,” says Mrs. Steves, who’s enthusiastic about the team’s first local competition in February 2025.
We want to thank Mrs. Steves and Mrs. Bishop for their leadership and commitment to providing our students with cutting-edge opportunities that will inspire and prepare them for success in the future.
For questions and if your student is interested in joining VEX Robotics next year for your rising 3rd - 6th grader, please contact Meghan Steves at msteves@granvillecsd.org.
If you would like to contribute to our schools, please contact Community School Coordinator, Karin Rozell at krozell@granvillecsd.org.
RESOURCES
Here is a link to learn what families say about joining a VEX Robotics Club.
Here is a link to see what a VEX Robotics Competition looks like on Youtube.
Here is an overview of VEX classroom tools for educators.
