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Spotsylvania schools win VDOE grants to expand K–12 computer science, add Ozobots and micro:bits
Summary
District staff told the school board on Dec. 8 that three VDOE grants totaling $173,650 will fund classroom Ozobot Evos, micro:bit kits, 3D printers and professional learning as Spotsylvania moves to integrate computer science across K–12 instruction.
The Spotsylvania County School Board heard a presentation Dec. 8 that the district has secured three Virginia Department of Education grants totaling $173,650 to expand computer science (CS) instruction across its K–12 schools. Laurie Gallup, assistant director of core curriculum, said the funds will buy Ozobot Evos, micro:bit kits, 3D printers and support professional learning for teachers so CS content is embedded in math, science and other courses.
The work builds on Virginia’s CS standards and local investments, Gallup said. “Through a partnership with Code VA, we delivered critical professional development,” she said, and the district will post its instructional resources on Go Open Virginia to share materials with other divisions. The presentation noted that every K–8 school and John J. Wright now has Ozobots and color‑coding kits and that micro:bit kits and Climate in Action kits will be distributed to elementary and middle schools respectively.
Superintendent Dr. Clint Mitchell and board members framed the grants as a step toward equity in technology access. Dr. Carol Medawar said the goal is universal exposure: “We are living in the time where all kids should know computer science,” she told the board. Gallup also described growing Girls Who Code chapters in multiple schools and certification plans for Ozobot educators to sustain classroom use.
Gallup said the district will explore community and corporate partnerships and apply for additional grants to scale the work. Board members asked about teacher support and implementation: district staff said the initiative emphasizes embedded, job‑embedded professional learning so classroom teachers can integrate CS concepts into existing lessons rather than run standalone courses.
The presentation did not include an immediate budget vote; staff said grant funding covers the initial purchases and that continued expansion would rely on future grant awards and partnership funding.
