East Lyme Education Foundation

Grant Update - Tech Squad: Coding with Dash Robots.

Approximately 35 third and fourth‑grade students from all three schools are meeting weekly to explore coding and robotics through hands‑on, creative challenges using Dash Robots and Blockly programming. Students were thrilled to receive the new robots and accessories, and even more excited to dive into Blockly Pro, which offers deeper challenges and opportunities to grow their coding skills.

They’re already assembling launchers, grippers, and drawing tools—then coding their robots to pick up objects, launch balls, and even draw or write. Along the way, students are practicing problem‑solving, debugging, and critical thinking, all while building confidence as each challenge becomes a little more complex.

Just as important, these students are becoming technology leaders in their schools—Tech Squad students are asked to return to their classrooms and share what they learn.  This program is helping students see themselves as creators and thinkers.

We’re grateful to everyone who helps make programs like this possible and opens the door for more students to discover a love of learning through STEM.

Over the next few weeks, we'll share updates from the projects we funded this year so you can see the impact firsthand. We hope you enjoy learning about these projects and the difference they’re making—sparking curiosity, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities for our students.

Engaging Students. Empowering Teachers. 

One grant at a time.