Set sail with River Bend Middle School’s first-ever robotics team and discover how to launch an engaging, equitable after-school STEM program from the ground up. In this session, participants will learn how Code the High Seas: Sphero Pirates Set Sail uses Sphero BOLT robots to foster hands-on coding, collaboration, and competitive robotics experiences for middle school students. Attendees will explore practical strategies for building a sustainable robotics club, securing funding, structuring weekly practices, preparing for district competitions, and creating student-designed challenges that promote creativity and innovation. Walk away with actionable ideas, planning tools, and inspiration to launch or strengthen a robotics program that empowers students to become confident problem-solvers and future-ready learners.
I am the Library Media Specialist at River Bend Middle School and former Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist for Alexander County Schools. I hold degrees from Onondaga Community College (A.A. Humanities), Buffalo State College (B.S. Exceptional Education), Saint Joseph College... Read More →
Discover how a middle school CTE teacher and Media Coordinator transformed agricultural education through an innovative partnership with the Discover Dairy Adopt-a-Cow program. “From Moo to You” blends virtual farm tours, career exploration, nonfiction literacy integration, and hands-on learning to connect students with real-world agriculture and STEAM pathways. Participants will explore how virtual farmer interviews, dairy-based inquiry activities, and curated nonfiction texts increased student engagement, strengthened cross-curricular connections, and expanded awareness of agricultural careers. This session highlights practical strategies for collaboration between CTE and library programs while building meaningful community partnerships. Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement ideas for integrating agriculture, literacy, and workforce readiness into their own classrooms.
I am the Library Media Specialist at River Bend Middle School and former Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist for Alexander County Schools. I hold degrees from Onondaga Community College (A.A. Humanities), Buffalo State College (B.S. Exceptional Education), Saint Joseph College... Read More →
