After a proud showing at the World Championship in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this year, Joe Walker STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics team set a new goal for the next school year.
Their goal was to raise enough money to have two full robotics teams at Joe Walker and make VEX robotics an elective class rather than simply an extracurricular activity. Now, at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, Joe Walker has accomplished this commendable goal, with some work still left to do.
Team A and Team B of the VEX Robotics are now working in class four days a week to prepare for the CSUN Los Angeles VEX Robotics Championship, which will take place Dec. 7-8. The class is filled with students of varying interests, talents and strengths.
Currently, each team has one robot kit and more kits are needed for all students to get the hands-on experience they deserve. To that end, students of Joe Walker’s VEX Robotics class are working diligently to raise
the money still needed to purchase additional kits.
Joseph Nielsen, captain of Vex Robotics Team A characterized the positive atmosphere as one encouraging innovation. “I like collaborating with the team and having such camaraderie. There really is no wrong idea,” he said.
In addition to providing scientific learning opportunities and team building, this class also teaches students lessons in hard work and dedication.
“These kids love it,” says Matt Anderson, teacher of VEX robotics. “They come in here even outside of class time to work on their projects.
They are in here during their lunch hour and after school; whenever they have time.”
“When we are here, we really become the team,” says Kristy Bear, captain of Team B. “It challenges us and that’s what I love about it.”
“The district is incredibly proud of the students of Joe Walker STEALTH Academy and particularly what they have done with this VEX Robotics program,” said Westside Union School District Superintendent Regina Rossall. “Programs like Joe Walker STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics reinforce our commitment to breaking the mold of public education and preparing students for the careers of the future.
For more information about Joe Walker’s VEX Robotics program, visit www.westside.k12.ca.us/jw/ or call the school at (661) 943-3258.
School District Superintendent Regina Rossall. “Programs like Joe Walker STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics reinforce our commitment to breaking the mold of public education and preparing students for the careers of the future.
For more information about Joe Walker’s VEX Robotics program, visit www.westside.k12.ca.us/jw/ or call the school at (661) 943-3258.
