The district’s robotics team ¬– the Mechanical Bulls Team 810 – recently participated in a global design competition virtually. The FIRST robotics teams from around the world were invited to a virtual design competition where they were challenged to solve a current world problem with their robotics skills.

Students used Onshape, a web-based CAD system, to design a robot that helps to solve a current world problem. Robotics Team 810 decided to take on litter and pollution on urban streets. Through a series of Google Meets, messages, e-mails and shared design files, the team was able to complete their design along with a three-page essay highlighting the process and concept of the robot.

The team’s robot is designed to pick up garbage through two inwardly rotating brushes, angled in a way to create a vortex that maximizes trash pickup. At the virtual awards ceremony on May 29, the Mechanical Bulls placed #87 out of 150 teams in 10 countries.

Students at Dogwood Elementary School recently listened to the book “The Giant Hug” by Sandra Horning. They followed a hug on its heartwarming adventure through the postal system all the way to Granny’s house. They learned that mail carriers play a very important role in the community. Students expressed their gratitude for delivery workers who are working extra hard to provide essential goods as safely and efficiently as possible during this time. They posted pictures and letters to display outside their homes to show their appreciation. Many students also made sweet care baskets filled with snacks to show their gratitude.

It’s every writer’s dream to have their work published, but it’s even more of an honor when a middle school student finds out they will soon become a published author. Ariana Glaser, an eighth grade student at Great Hollow Middle School, was recently notified that her book “She Remembers” will be published by Foundations Book Publishing.

Ariana received her letter of acceptance in mid-May and is excited to share her work with the world. “Writing has been such a huge part of my life for so many years, and finally being able to share my writing with everyone is more than I could ever ask for,” she said. Ariana began writing short stories at the age of 7, and when she turned 11, she finished writing her first full-length novella, “The World I Never Knew.” The following year, she self-published the novella through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing.

Ariana knew that “She Remembers” deserved more attention than what she would achieve through self-publishing. “I searched for a publisher for ‘She Remembers’ for several months before Foundations Books offered me a publishing contract,” she said. “To say I was overjoyed would be an understatement. I am already working on my third novel, a mystery involving a dystopian society.”

According to Ariana, “She Remembers” is dedicated to Isabella Muntean, a 15-year-old who she knew through social media who passed away from cancer in April 2018. Bella founded Angel Heart of Hope, a charity dedicated to helping childhood cancer victims. Ariana hopes her book calls attention to the plight of these children.

Three neighbors and students at Accompsett Middle School – Alex Fisher, Cordelia Comando and James Martino – are doing their part to spread togetherness and joy in their community. They wanted to remind neighbors that they were all in this quarantine situation together so they asked them to tie a yellow ribbon around their trees out front. In their letter to neighbors the students wrote, “We think it would be so nice for all of us to be reminded that even in the worst of times, and when situations could otherwise divide us, we remain united. Feelings of togetherness and support for each other are really important in maintaining social connectedness.” The yellow ribbons also signify gratitude to all of the essential workers risking their health and keeping everyone all safe. The students are hoping the yellow ribbon campaign will become a townwide initiative.

Prior to the closure of schools, members of the Peanut Butter Gang community service club at Great Hollow Middle School collected and organized wash kits to donate to their community members in need.

The club typically donates to Hospitality Too soup kitchen in Brentwood. However, the organization suspended its usual operations for most of April. In early May, club adviser and Great Hollow Middle School library media specialist Sheila Cavooris were able to deliver the wash kits by meeting with volunteers in the parking lot. The Peanut Butter Gang made 100 wash kits that were picked up by those in need while the soup kitchen volunteers distributed food in the parking lot using social distancing measures.