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Lancaster virtual academy showcases drone program; teacher honored with ACES award
Summary
At a Lancaster School Board meeting, the Lancaster Alternative Virtual Academy (LAVA) presented a drone‑piloting curriculum and students demonstrated FAA rules and flight skills; the board also honored Angie Saenz Valencia with an ACES staff award.
Robert Wood, principal of the Lancaster Alternative Virtual Academy (LAVA), introduced a curriculum showcase Wednesday night that highlighted a new drone‑piloting program and other K–8 virtual‑learning pathways.
Wood described LAVA as a K–8 virtual academy that offers independent study under the California Education Code and said the program includes coding, digital media arts, college and career readiness courses and a growing drone curriculum. "We're gonna have the kids come up, present... they're gonna take off, hover, maybe do a flip, and then land," Wood said during the presentation.
Shannon Fitzgrove, a LAVA teacher, told the board the drone zone emphasizes FAA safety rules and hands‑on skills. Students who spoke described learning requirements such as keeping recreational drones below altitude limits and maintaining visual line of sight. "One FAA rule I learned about is you don't wanna fly your drone when the weather is unpredictable," student Eamonn Opley said.
Presenters gave program metrics: since 2020 LAVA has served more than 6,200 students and currently serves roughly 390 students, the presentation said. Staff reported that the program supports home‑hospital instruction, students with IEPs, foster and homeless students, and provides counseling and intervention services.
Board members praised the student demonstrations and the program's reported attendance, with one presenter stating LAVA attendance figures near 98–99 percent. Board members encouraged continued expansion of extracurricular opportunities tied to the program, including competitive events and potential showcases.
Separately, the board recognized Angie Saenz Valencia, identified in the meeting as a fifth‑grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, with an ACES (Achievement, Compassion, Excellence, Service) award. A presenter commended her work supporting a student on an IEP and her collaboration with staff.
The board did not take formal action on the LAVA presentation; members posed questions about attendance and competitions and thanked staff and students for the demonstration. The meeting moved on to consent items and other agenda business after the presentation.
