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5G hotspots ($50 Discount) with Mobile Beacon's Unlimited Internet Service , $45.00, 0.00% raised
GoPro HERO8 Black Activity Camera
Single Unit Why I need this:
Our robotics team’s business subgroup is responsible for documenting and producing media that showcases our engineering process, build progress, and competition experience. These videos are used for award submissions, community outreach, and promotional materials that highlight student learning and the impact of STEM education. Currently, our students are limited in the camera angles they can capture due to strict safety precautions in the workshop and at competitions. The GoPro HERO8 Black will allow students to safely record from new perspectives without compromising safety. Mounted cameras can capture point-of-view (POV) footage from the drive team behind the protective plexiglass and even from the robot itself—providing dynamic, first-hand views of the engineering design and driving experience. This footage not only enhances our team’s media production but also strengthens student storytelling, video editing, and technical communication skills. By integrating GoPro footage into our documentation process, students gain experience in professional-level video production while creating engaging content that inspires future STEM participation and showcases our program to sponsors, judges, and the community.
Quantity: 1 Price: $299.99

5G hotspots ($50 Discount) with Mobile Beacon's Unlimited Internet Service
Single Unit Why I need this:
Our robotics team relies heavily on technology for design, programming, and collaboration. Although our school is 1:1 with Chromebooks, many of the essential platforms and software our students use—such as GitHub, Fusion 360, and Bambu Studio are blocked by district filters or incompatible with ChromeOS. These limitations prevent students from accessing the tools required to build and program our competition robot. The team currently has ten laptops dedicated to robotics, and many students bring their own personal devices. However, without reliable internet access, these devices cannot always connect to the software and online resources needed during after-school meetings, travel, or outreach events. Additionally, district-managed networks often restrict software downloads and updates, delaying critical programming and CAD work that must be completed to stay on schedule during the six-week build season. Purchasing 5G hotspots with Mobile Beacon’s Unlimited Internet Service will give the team secure, unrestricted access to the platforms and updates necessary for robot development, coding, and 3D design. These hotspots will ensure equitable access for all students, allowing them to work efficiently, collaborate remotely when needed, and maintain productivity regardless of network limitations. The $50 discount makes this a cost-effective investment that directly supports student learning, technical skill development, and competition readiness.
Quantity: 3 Price: $15.00

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Mrs. Alison Lovelady
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alisonlovelady@opsb.net
West Monroe High School
Class Information:
Students per Class: 42
Class Description:
The Robotics Engineering course currently engages 42 students in hands-on STEM learning through participation in the FIRST® Robotics Competition Guided Experience. Students explore engineering design, programming, fabrication, and teamwork through a structured curriculum that includes pre-season and build-season modules. These modules emphasize real-world skills such as CAD design, rapid prototyping, electrical and mechanical systems, programming, and business operations. Students collaborate to design, build, and program a competitive robot while also developing leadership, communication, and project management skills. The team meets after school and counts as an 8th-hour elective, earning students a credit on their transcript. Grades are based on project completion, training participation, and attendance. The curriculum is designed to align with national Career Technical Education (CTE) standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and FIRST Core Values, preparing students for pathways in engineering, computer science, and advanced manufacturing.
Position:
Science Teacher / Robotics Coach
Needs:
To continue aligning with the FIRST Robotics Competition Guided Experience and expand access for all interested students, our program needs upgraded fabrication tools, updated programming and CAD technology, and sustainable funding for competition registration, travel, and materials. In addition, our robotics program is expanding into workforce certification training to ensure students graduate career and college ready. Students will work toward earning industry-recognizedcertifications, including: OracleJava Programming Certification for the programming subgroup AutodeskFusion Certification for the build subgroup specializing in CAD and design Google Project Management Certification and Adobe Creative Suite Certifications for the business, media, and outreach subgroups TableauData Analytics Certification for the strategy and scouting subgroup By the time students graduate, they will not only have Robotics course credit on their transcripts but also verifiable workforce credentials that enhance their readiness for internships, technical employment, or college success in their chosen fields.
My Philosophy:
I believe robotics education should inspire curiosity, collaboration, and confidence. My teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to learn by doing, thus combining technical mastery with creativity and teamwork. Through the FIRST Robotics Competition, students not only learn engineering and programming but also discover their ability to solve problems, lead with integrity, and innovate for the future. Every student, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to experience the excitement of designing, building, and competing with something they created together.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a Science Teacher at West Monroe High School, where I teach AP Biology and Human Anatomy & Physiology. I began coaching the MAGANtech FRC Team 3468 four years ago and have loved every moment of working with students who are passionate about learning through resilience, creativity, and hard work. I strive to maintain a student-led team culture that encourages student ownership, leadership, and innovation. This approach has been a rewarding cultural shift, made possible by the incredible support of community mentors who volunteer their time to teach our students valuable technical and professional skills.
College and Degrees:
B.S. in Biology Education, University of Louisiana at Monroe (2009) M.S. in Biology (Emphasis in Education), Grand Canyon University (2021)
Employment History:
Science Teacher, Richland Parish Schools – Mangham High School (2010–2014) ScienceTeacher, Ouachita Parish Schools – West Monroe High School (2014–Present)
Percent of Students are:
     At-risk: 10 %
     Average: 40 %
     High-achiever: 50 %
     Special Needs: 10 %
Percent of Students are:
     White/Caucasian : 80 %
     Hispanic: 5 %
     African American: 5 %
     Asian: 10 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 100 %
ESL Enrollment:: 7 %
Average number of students in class:: 35 students
Number of students I teach:: 35 students