Nyack Schools to Receive $40,000 for Robotics Program

Nyack Schools' robotics program is about to grow by $40,000.

At the upcoming Feb. 15 School Board meeting, the Foundation to Inspire Excellence in Nyack Schools will present the district with the contribution. The money will advance the robotics curriculum in grades K through third, helping it to achieve its long-term goal of serving grades K through twelve.

Begun in 2007, the robotics program is aimed at increasing youngsters' interest in science, math and technology. So far, 600 elementary school students and 400 students have taken part. Additionally, the robotics studies have given way to an eighth grade curriculum, a middle school club and a handful of high school competitions.

"The robotics programs are built into the curriculum," explained Nyack School Board president Michael Lagana, who noted that instead of creating specific robotics courses, elements are incorporated into various math and science classes.

"We're very excited, and very grateful for how generous the foundation has been," he added.

The Foundation to Inspire Excellence is a non-profit, Nyack-based organization. Over the past three years the organization has donated money raised during its annual Casino Night—now totalling approximately $250,000—to bolster the robotics programs. The next Casino Night will be held March 5 at the Nyack Seaport.

The grant will come on the heels of Feb. 11's Inspire Nyack Day, a number of district-wide events, assemblies and hands-on expositions centered on science.