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Lenox middle school students use the Lego SPIKE Prime kits purchased with grant funds courtesy of General Dynamics and the United States Navy. (Photo Courtesy Lenox Public Schools).

Lenox Robotics Program Awarded Grant from GD, Navy

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LENOX — Lenox Memorial High School Principal Jeremiah Ames shared that the Lenox Memorial Middle High School Robotics program recently received an $8,000 grant from General Dynamics and the United States Navy to purchase new equipment.
 
The $8,000 in funding was used to purchase 20 new Lego SPIKE Prime kits, which are now being utilized by Lenox students.
 
Two of the kits were donated by Robotics Teacher Matthew Coté to the newly reestablished Middle School Robotics Club. The last time LMMHS had a middle school robotics team was in 2012.
 
Coté has been using Lego Robotics since 2006 in his Grade 8 curriculum. Recently, Lego decided to phase out its old line and replace it with its new line, Lego SPIKE Prime.
 
Coté decided to apply for grant funding to obtain this new equipment through a grant program courtesy of General Dynamics and the United States Navy. The District was notified that it had received a $8,000 grant in early December.
 
The new Lego SPIKE Prime kits will be used in Berkshire Robotics Challenge in March. The Middle School Robotics Club will practice for the annual competition using the donated kits.
 
Coté is acting as co-advisor to the club along with SPED Paraprofessional Amanda Terzigni, and is also the lead mentor for the High School Robotics Club.
 
"I cannot thank General Dynamics and the Navy enough for this grant funding," said Coté.

Tags: grants,   robotics,   

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Morris Elementary's Odyssey of the Mind Team Earns Spot at World Finals

LENOX, Mass. — Superintendent Dr. William Collins and Principal Brenda Kelley shared that Morris Elementary School's Odyssey of the Mind team recently competed in regional competition, securing first place in their division and a spot in the World Finals.

Grade 5 students at Morris Elementary School are using their minds to solve complex, open-ended problems through Odyssey of the Mind.

Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program that challenges students to solve open-ended problems imaginatively and theatrically while working as a team. 

Students who participate in Odyssey of the Mind begin preparing for the workforce early, developing their skills in engineering, innovation and creative problem-solving. 

The team is comprised of Grade 5 students Les Freeman, Johnson Green, Anna Kennedy, Raquel Levin, Zachary Streeter, Levi Stern and Ethan Winger and is coached by Josh Levin, Kim Winger and Seth Lipkin.

They traveled to Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, on Saturday, April 5, for the regional competition, where they competed against 99 teams.

The Morris team solved the problem "AstronOMical Odyssey," in which teams were tasked to create a humorous performance set in a team-created "historical" civilization that explains constellations and presents original stories. The performance also included a humorous astronomer character with a "stellar" costume, a lighting effect and a shooting star.

The team's performance can be viewed here.

"These students have put in countless hours designing their own solution, building their own props, and bringing their ideas to life," said Coach Josh Levin. "What’s amazing is that the work these kids are doing will set them up to be successful at problem-solving using both engineering and creative skills. This is what it’s all about! They did absolutely everything themselves. That’s the really amazing thing. No parent help, just encouragement."

Their win at the regional competition earned them an invite to attend the World Finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, from May 20-24, where they will compete against more than 800 teams from around the world. 

The PTO is seeking donations to help send the small but mighty team of students to the World Finals. To contribute to the PTO's fundraising efforts, contact Ashley Turczak at ashley.turczak@gmail.com.

"Our Odyssey of the Mind team is a perfect example of the creativity and persistence that our student body possesses," said Principal Kelley. "These students worked incredibly hard to come out on top at the regional competition, and we hope to see them move on to display their innovative talents at the World Finals. Congratulations, and good luck!"

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