St. Vrain students showcase robotics, culinary and concert-band programs at March board meeting

A group of students and program leaders from St. Vrain Valley School District No. Re1J presented updates on robotics, the CETC ProStart culinary program and the Longmont Concert Band at the district board meeting on March 12, 2025.

The robotics presenters described rapid program growth and competitive success. Axel (program lead) said robotics has expanded from “small pockets” 13 years ago to a districtwide pathway: “Today you would be absolutely surprised not to” see robotics in schools, he said. Alexandra Downing, the district’s competitive robotics program manager, said the district uses platforms including VEX and Spheros and stressed that robotics teaches problem solving and critical thinking. Nate Wilcox, Innovation Center robotics program manager, said the district now offers a pathway across middle and high school with industry partners such as Northrop Grumman and AMD supporting after-school clubs and…