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Girls Who Code and elementary bands highlighted as Gloucester Township students recognized
Summary
At a Gloucester Township Public Schools meeting, students from JW Lilly's Girls Who Code and Union Valley's instrumental program were honored; administrators described program goals, growth and a recent $8,000 grant to buy instruments.
The Gloucester Township Board of Education opened its meeting with student recognitions Tuesday night, showcasing JW Lilly School’s Girls Who Code Champs Club and Union Valley Elementary’s expanding instrumental music program.
Assistant Superintendent Tro told the audience the board holds monthly "star student" presentations to "highlight and, really put a spotlight on the excellent work that's being done in our schools every day by our staff and our students." JW Lilly principal Michael Ferguson introduced the Girls Who Code students and their club leader, Diane Rosias, and explained the club’s classroom tools include Scratch, Micro:bit and the 3Doodler pen.
"This club is led by Miss Diane Rosias," Ferguson said, describing the program’s goal "to inspire all of our Champs Club participants to possibly consider pursuing a career in the computer science or tech fields." Students gave short speeches and staff played short video clips showcasing club projects.
Union Valley music teacher Michael O'Brien described rapid growth in the district’s elementary band offerings, saying the program began in 2020 with about 48 students across eight elementary schools and "in 2024–25, we have broken 350 students between all 8 elementary schools." O'Brien credited recent funding, saying, "Last year, we received $8,000 through the GTEF grant as well as other funds to get instruments in for students who can't necessarily afford to play them." He said the district purchased about 30 instruments and roughly 20 are currently in circulation.
O'Brien also noted staffing expansions: the elementary music team increased to include a third teacher to support elementary programs as students transition into middle school. Student ensembles played four pieces, including performances by combined fourth- and fifth-grade groups and a rock medley.
The board recessed for photos and planned to reconvene for the regular business portion of the meeting.
