John Rolfe's TSA Team has partnered with the feeder elementary schools to bring middle school STEM to Elementary school STEAM Nights. Passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students from TSA have volunteered their time and knowledge to help younger students explore these fields through tech and TSA competition courses and projects. They assist in organizing and supporting station activities and conduct demonstrations that make STEM concepts accessible and exciting for elementary students. Their efforts not only enrich the educational experience of the younger students but also foster a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and learning. This collaboration between middle and elementary school students is a testament to the power of peer mentorship and student leadership, and the impact it can have on promoting STEM education.

The TSA students from John Rolfe Middle School supported Mehfoud Elementary's Literacy and STREAM Night. Embracing the spirit of leadership and technical service, these students acted as support staff at various interactive stations designed to bring science and literacy to life. 

Seven dedicated TSA volunteers stepped forward to help with these hands-on learning experiences. To maintain a professional appearance, all volunteers wore their official TSA shirts and ties provided for the event. Below are the stations where the TSA students assisted:

• Sphero Speedway (Virginia Voyager): Using robotics and geography clues, students navigated Sphero robots across a large 4th-grade map of Virginia to find specific landmarks.

• Math Motor Challenge: This station combined interactive robotics with academic practice, as students answered math facts to advance Sphero Indi robots through a game board.

• Beebots/Code & Go (Matter Sort): Young learners practiced the fundamentals of coding by using directional buttons on "Code Mice" to reach specific pictures or words.

• Frank Einstein’s Glow Lab: In this immersive experience, students entered a glow room to write vocabulary words in shaving cream and used black light markers to bring concepts from the book to life.

• Code & Craft Binary Bracelets: Students bridged the gap between computer science and creativity by learning binary code—the language of computers—to bead their own unique bracelets.

and more....

In March, the TSA students from John Rolfe Middle School collaborated with Ward Elementary to bring a high-tech experience to their GLOW STEAM event. Five dedicated TSA volunteers spearheaded a station that combined robotics in a creative atmosphere to showcase the exciting possibilities of STEAM education. The team arrived early to transform their assigned space into an immersive Glow Room, complete with ambient music playing in the background to enhance the high-energy environment.

Below are the details of the activity managed by the TSA team:

The Robotic Arena Experience

• Sphero Maze Challenge: TSA students designed and set up a robotic arena floor configured as a maze.

• Technical Mentorship: The TSA students worked directly with the elementary students, teaching them how to use iPads that connected to and controlled the Sphero robots.

• Precision Navigation: Under the guidance of the TSA team, the younger students learned to navigate their Spheros through the glowing arena on the spot, practicing real-world logic and directional coding skills.

• Immersive Environment: The station operated as a "Glow Room," utilizing specialized lighting to make the arena and robots stand out, creating a visually captivating experience for all participants.

The leadership and technical expertise displayed by these five students provided an unforgettable experience for the Ward Elementary community. Their ability to manage both the complex equipment and the mentorship of younger peers highlighted the core values of the TSA chapter.

In late February, two dedicated members of the John Rolfe Middle School TSA chapter stepped outside the classroom and into the heart of local governance. Attending the Henrico County Public Schools Board Meeting on February 26, 2026, the students aimed to fulfill the "Service Leadership" requirements for their TSA Bronze Award. The evening provided a front-row seat to the administrative processes that shape their education, beginning with a formal call to order and a series of presentations that highlighted both the challenges and the creative achievements within the district.

As the session progressed, the students observed the formal duties of Board members Alicia S. Atkins, Madison T. Irving, Kristi B. Kinsella, Ryan E. Young, and Marcie F. Shea. The agenda covered vital district business, including financial plans, budgetary status, and school improvements. Beyond the numbers, the board celebrated student innovation, specifically featuring a video from Echo Lake Elementary that blended clay animation with AI technology. The students also witnessed the democratic process in action during the public forum, where parents and teachers voiced concerns regarding school temperatures, playground equipment, and virtual learning constraints for younger grades.

The most impactful portion of the experience occurred after the main meeting concluded. Facilitated by their TSA instructor, Ms. Walker, the students were invited into a private session with Mrs. Alicia Atkins, the School Board Representative for the Varina District. Mrs. Atkins, the first Black woman elected to the Henrico School Board, shared profound insights into Varina’s history and her own journey in leadership. She engaged the students in a meaningful dialogue about community impact, urging them to remain confident in their identities and to study history as a guide for navigating the world. What began as a formal requirement for their Bronze Award transformed into a powerful lesson in civic responsibility and leadership, leaving the students inspired to make a difference in their own communities.