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MP3 principal showcases student robotics, warns LEGO EV3 curriculum is being phased out
Summary
MP3 principal Michelle Bridal recognized five eighth graders for robotics work, demonstrated an EV3 robot, and described MP3’s self-sustaining finances, assessment routines and plans to migrate from LEGO EV3 to other curricula as vendor support ends.
Michelle Bridal, principal at MP3, used the Meridian School Board meeting on Feb. 19 to highlight student robotics and to outline curricular and budget details for the alternative learning program.
Bridal introduced students being recognized for robotics and invited a pair to demonstrate an EV3 robot, explaining that “once you program it with the computer, you can download it to the robot, and it remembers it.” She said MP3 offers Lego STEM and VEX robotics and that students appreciate VEX’s movable parts and controller options.
Bridal warned the board that vendor support for the LEGO EV3 curriculum is being phased out, saying “LEGO is actually starting to phase out, and they’re not supporting the curriculum,” and described district efforts to preserve hands-on STEM instruction by moving to alternatives such as VEX and exploring Edison through the ESD so the program can continue using existing parts.
She also provided context on MP3’s finances and operations. Bridal said MP3 is ‘‘self-sustaining’’ and does not use levy funds, operating on the state revenue start (running start) rate; she cited a recent apportionment figure around $9,555 and said the rate under consideration for the next year is “just slightly over $10,000.” Enrollment at MP3 is roughly 215 students.
On assessments and student contact, Bridal described MP3’s weekly contact requirement with students, use of I-Ready three times a year, oral reading fluency checks for second graders and a dyslexia screening (rapid automated naming) combined with other assessments to help identify needs. She said the program maintains detailed, time-stamped records to satisfy OSPI audits.
Bridal framed the program as both a curriculum option and a district asset: MP3 draws families from across the county and contributes indirect revenue back to district funds while offering an ALE (alternative learning experience) pathway that keeps students connected to Meridian schools.
The board heard questions from trustees about the curriculum transition and about how MP3’s remote and campus schedules interact with state assessments. Bridal said staff are exploring multiple replacement curricula and are checking options through the Educational Service District to minimize new hardware costs.
Looking ahead, Bridal said MP3 will continue to harvest and reuse existing parts while piloting alternative curricula to sustain the hands-on STEM sequence for younger and older students.
