News Summary
The Coronado Unified School District is set to enhance its robotics and computer science programs in the upcoming school year. New robotics clubs will be introduced at elementary schools, while funding from the Coronado Schools Foundation and DoDEA supports these initiatives. Existing programs at the middle and high school levels will continue, fostering a strong STEM community and mentorship opportunities among students. Leadership in the robotics program has earned community recognition, promising a brighter future for students in technology-driven fields.
Coronado, California – The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) is set to significantly expand its robotics and computer science programs for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year as part of its strategic vision known as the “Portrait of a Graduate.” This initiative aims to produce graduates who are technologically adept and capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world.
Key to this expansion is the introduction of new robotics clubs at the elementary level, specifically at Silver Strand and Village Elementary Schools. CUSD’s Director of Robotics will oversee these initiatives, ensuring a coherent pathway for students from kindergarten through high school. Furthermore, Silver Strand and Village Elementary will feature computer science instruction fully integrated into their core curriculum by spring 2026.
Funding for this ambitious expansion is supported by the Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF) and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), both of which have become vital partners for CUSD in enhancing its STEM offerings. Recently, the district received a significant boost with a $1.25 million grant from DoDEA aimed at strengthening computer science education across all grade levels.
The robotics program will continue thriving at the middle and high school levels. Coronado Middle School (CMS) will persist with its competitive program, boasting five teams that will compete in the FIRST Lego League series. At Coronado High School (CHS), students will have access to both competitive and exploratory robotics opportunities, building upon the successes of previous years. New clubs, including a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, will also be incorporated, further enriching the school’s existing offerings.
Additional Programs and Community Involvement
Extracurricular robotics clubs are being established for students who wish to delve deeper into STEM-related activities beyond the standard curriculum. The CUSD’s emphasis on hands-on learning and innovation is designed to foster a supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn from failures and engage in real-world problem-solving.
The CSF promotes various STEM activities, including Innovation Labs and educational programs focused on coding, computer science, game design, and biomedical science. The immense growth and success of the robotics program can be attributed in part to the strong community connections established by the program’s leadership. Notably, the program has engaged local organizations for outreach initiatives, promoting awareness and interest in STEM fields.
Leadership and Recognition
Roberta Lenert, who has played a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of the robotics teams across all school levels, is the driving force behind CUSD’s robotics initiatives. Under her leadership, the Coronado Robotics program was initiated at CMS eight years ago and has since flourished, earning recognition within the community for its success. Lenert was also named the Coach of the Year 2024/2025 for FIRST LEGO League at the Southern California Championships for her exceptional contributions.
The robotics team structure empowers older students to serve as mentors to their younger counterparts, creating a culture of support and community. Events like the Future Innovators STEM Fair engage local vendors and broaden students’ exposure to potential career pathways in STEM.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming years promise to usher in an era of enhanced STEM education and robotics involvement for students across the Coronado Unified School District. With continued support from the community and dedicated funding, CUSD is poised to equip its students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven future.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Unified School District Expands Robotics and Computer Science
- Wikipedia: Robotics
- Coronado Robotics Expands to Elementary Schools
- Google Search: robotics education
- Coronado Robotics Coach Earns Coach of the Year Award
- Google Scholar: STEM education
- Roberta Lenert Awarded Coach of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: robotics
- CHS Robotics Hosts Future Innovators STEM Fair
- Google News: STEM initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
