BURRILLVILLE – Grant funding from the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Math Matters RI and Gov. Dan McKee’s Learn365RI initiatives will be used to offer an after-school robotics program at all three town elementary schools according to a proposal approved this week by the Burrillville Town Council for state submission
The town has been approved for up to $40,000 in funding through the initiative in the recently announced fourth round of grant funding.
“This is the continuation of the program we have been involved in,” explained Town Manager Michael Wood. “It’s not a school program.”
Although in past years, town staffers have designed plans for how the town might use the funding – aimed at supporting the launch or expansion of extended learning programs with a focus on mathematics – this year, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Julie Mayhew put together Burrillville’s proposal for submission to RIDE.
It notes that a Robotics for Math Enrichment program will provide after school STEM opportunities for students in grades K through 5 with three levels, and each meeting weekly for ten sessions.
“This initiative aligns with Governor McKee’s Learn365RI and Math Matters campaigns by strengthening students’ mathematical reasoning, problem solving and collaboration skills through hands on robotics experiences,” Mayhew noted.
The program will offer two, two-hour after-school sessions per week, supported by two to three certified teachers, and running from January through March – or April in the case of snow days, Mayhew noted. It will require purchase of robotics kits at a cost of $6,000 – which will remain district property for continued classroom and club use even after funding runs out.
Mayhew notes that state math proficiency data indicates a continued need for opportunities to reinforce mathematical thinking beyond the school day.
“Robotics integrates mathematical concepts such as measurement, geometry, sequencing and data analysis in authentic, engaging contexts,” she noted.
Town Council President Don Fox said he was glad to see the focus on robotics, noting he sits on the Career & Technical Advisory Board and they’ve been working to expand the town’s program. Councilors unanimously approved the proposal.
Supt. Michael Sollitto noted it is not the first time the town uses the grant funding for robotics, with past summertime and after school programs.
“In the latest proposal, the after school robotics program will be designed for K-5 students and have a strong focus on math skills,” Sollitto said.
Wood noted that the town received around $500,000 in the program’s first round of funding several years ago.
“The money in the state has run down,” he said. “This, I think is the end of the ARPA funding.”
The town manager thanked Mayhew for taking the lead on the project. The town was notified of the funding opportunity October 3, with all proposals due by November 7.
“I want to thank her for picking up the loose ends here,” he said.
Funds from the grant must be spent no later than June 15.
