Glenvar Elementary spotlights STEM, inclusion and student voice at school board meeting
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Summary
Teacher Christy Stanley told the Roanoke County School Board about Glenvar Elementary’s new STEM lab, 3D printing and inclusive FACS/FACTS programming; students shared short recorded reflections and the board praised the school’s culture and student engagement.
Christy Stanley, speaking for Glenvar Elementary School, used the school spotlight at the Jan. 7 Roanoke County School Board meeting to showcase new STEM activities, student work and inclusion efforts.
Stanley said the school started a STEM lab this year and has added a 3‑D printer and Lego Spike kits for student projects. She described kindergarten and first‑grade activities that blended letter recognition with 3‑D printing and a second‑grade math/coding project that produced printable designs. “We started a STEM lab this year… we also got a 3‑D printer, the Lego Spike kits,” Stanley told the board.
The presentation also highlighted inclusion and career‑focused instruction. Stanley described the FACTS (Functional Academic, Career and Transition Skills) program and FACS activities that let students shop for ingredients and prepare food together, and she noted accessible devices and peer‑partnering that support inclusive participation. She said teachers are receiving professional development to support these programs.
Students contributed a brief recorded segment with on‑camera comments about STEM experiments, clubs and positive school culture; board members praised the presentation and Stanley’s leadership. One board member called it “one of the best presentations we’ve had,” and others noted the school’s emphasis on deeper learning and student pride.
The board also recognized Glenvar High School student Nick Fraticelli for selection to the VMEA honor choir, with school staff and members commending his achievements during the same meeting.
Board members and the superintendent highlighted the role of school culture and staff in creating engaging learning environments and thanked Stanley and Glenvar staff for the presentation. The superintendent later referenced Glenvar as an example of “deeper learning” during his report.
Why it matters: The spotlight signals local investment in hands‑on STEM and inclusive coursework at the elementary level and shows the board using the spotlight slot to surface classroom practices and student voice.