VEX Robotics team reaches new heights, needs community support

LANCASTER – After a proud showing at the World Championship in Anaheim earlier this year, Joe Walker STEALTH Academy’s VEX Robotics team set new goals for the next school year.

Their goals were to raise enough money to have two full robotics teams at Joe Walker and to make VEX robotics an elective class rather than an extracurricular activity.

Now, at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, the group has accomplished its goals, but could still use some community support.

Team A and Team B of the VEX Robotics program are now working in class, four days a week, to prepare for the CSUN Los Angeles VEX Robotics Championship, which will take place December 7-8.

The class is filled with students of varying interests, talents and strengths.

Each team has one robot kit, but more kits are needed so that all of the students can get the hands-on experience they deserve. The students are working diligently to raise the money still needed to purchase additional kits, and donations are welcome from the community.

To make a donation to the teams’ effort to buy more robot kits, make a check payable to Joe Walker ASB, with “Vex Robotics” in the memo line, and mail the check to 5632 West Avenue L-8, Lancaster, CA 93536.

In addition to providing scientific learning opportunities and team building, the VEX Robotics program 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.”

Vex Robotics Team captains said the positive atmosphere encourages innovation.

“I like collaborating with the team and having such camaraderie,” said Team A captain Joseph Nielsen. “There really is no wrong idea.”

“When we are here, we really become the team,” said 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 the District Website, http://www.westside.k12.ca.us/jw/ or call the school at 661-943-3258.
–