Central Elementary, Oxford Intermediate and Oxford Middle share $10,000 from the Tennessee Valley Authority for new robotics kits and future competitions in Oxford.

Robotics teams at three Oxford public schools will get new kits and equipment after the Tennessee Valley Authority awarded them grants totaling $10,000.

The Oxford School District announced the grants Oct. 14. The money is split three ways:

School Grant
Oxford Middle School $5,000
Central Elementary School $2,500
Oxford Intermediate School $2,500
Total $10,000

The grants will pay for new robotics kits and equipment, the district said. Some of the money will also support future robotics competitions hosted in Oxford. The district did not give dates for those events.

Who coaches the teams

Caroline Fields, Kylie Scott and Belle Stephens coach the Central Elementary and Oxford Intermediate teams. Shara Minton and Conwill Cox coach at Oxford Middle.

“The robotics teams are incredibly grateful to TVA for investing in our elementary program and in the potential of our students,” Stephens said in the district’s announcement.

Minton said the money would help the middle school program grow. “This grant will help us expand our program and put the right tools in our students’ hands, and we’re hoping it helps jumpstart our journey back to the World Championship,” she said.

A strong year already

The program is coming off a good spring. At the VEX V5 Robotics State Championship, an Oxford High School team won the Tournament Champion Award, the district reported in March. Other Oxford High teams finished as tournament finalist and semifinalist and took the Sportsmanship Award.

An Oxford Middle School team won the Innovate Award against more than 30 middle school teams from across Mississippi.

What it means for you

  • Parents: robotics runs at Central Elementary, Oxford Intermediate, Oxford Middle and Oxford High. Ask your child’s school how to join.
  • Spectators: the grants will help Oxford host robotics competitions, which are usually open to families. We will list them on our things to do page when the district announces dates.
  • More on the schools: see our guides to Central Elementary, Oxford Intermediate, Oxford Middle and all Oxford public schools.

Does your school, club or team have news to share? Email hello@oxfordnewsnow.com, and send photos if you have them.