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Winchester students showcase drone program; board gives in-concept approval to regional trip
Summary
Students from Pearson showcased drone coding, autonomous flights and teamwork at the March 10 meeting; the board gave in-concept approval for two qualifying teams to attend a two-day Northeast regional competition in West Virginia, pending fundraising and final logistical details.
Students and coaches from Pearson presented a video and short demonstrations of the school's drone team at the March 10 meeting, describing four components of competition: teamwork alliance, interviews and logbooks, autonomous coding missions and piloting with a controller. Coaches said the program emphasizes engineering, coding, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Coach Renee Saint Hilaire (introduced by the superintendent during the student showcase) described the team's recent competitive experience and volunteer needs for a district-hosted event on March 14 at Pearson. Students said they practice two days a week and keep log books; one student described programming a drone to navigate a course and land through a small opening as part of the autonomous mission.
The superintendent asked for conceptual board approval to send up to two qualifying teams to a two-day Northeast regional competition in West Virginia. She estimated the total out-of-pocket cost would likely be under $5,000 for airfare, hotel and chaperones if the team qualifies; the board approved the concept and asked the administration to return with firm figures and recommended funding sources (fundraising, CHAMPS funds or the district's available lines).
The board emphasized that the vote was an approval in concept; the superintendent will return with a detailed trip plan, finalized roster and funding proposal for a subsequent board vote.
