TSA '26-'27

Exciting weekend for students interested in becoming leaders in their local, regional, and state TSA organizations led by the current year’s Student Leadership Council. Students representing John Rolfe Middle will be participating in leadership activities throughout the weekend. They will also participate in outdoor activities like rock climbing, kickball, bazooka ball, and debate jousting, and attend open campfire leadership sessions.

South Central Regionals 2027

TSA South Central Regional Fair

Important Dates to Remember

Regional Fairs

February 20, 2027

Location: Highland Springs High School

The Regional Fair conferences provided the first opportunity for our chapter to develop its knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) applications through competitive events held at the conference.

Whoever earned first, second, or third place, as well as those who placed in the top 10 at Regionals and the top 5 at Fall, are invited to compete in the state leadership conference, Technosphere. During the conference, each region hears speeches from regional officer candidates and voting delegates elected by each chapter to elect the region’s executive council.

TSA Achievement Program
Pathways to Excellence

The TSA Achievement Program, Pathways to Excellence, promotes service leadership, STEM immersion, and personal/ professional development in middle school and high school members through their involvement in STEM-based activities. Specifically, the program aims to:

• engage members at the local, state, and national levels

• facilitate opportunities for members to use and expand their knowledge and skills in technology and engineering education

• recognize the efforts of members to attain bronze, silver, and gold-level awards

This year, John Rofle Middle's TSA will be participating at the Bronze level. For the Bronze Award, the member must complete one activity in each of the three categories in the bronze level, for a total of three activities. For the entirety of the program, or unless otherwise stated, documentation for an activity may be submitted only once.

To attain the awards, members must successfully engage in the required number of activities at each level:

For SERVICE LEADERSHIP, the following options will be provided and discussed. No activity is permitted to be completed without prior approval for the school chapter advisor:

1. Participate in a fundraiser with your chapter supporting a specific charitable organization. Provide written documentation summarizing the experience. (100-300 word summary)

2. Volunteer for a community event. Provide written documentation summarizing the experience. (100-300 word summary)

3. Attend a school board meeting. Provide written documentation summarizing the meeting. (100-300 word summary)

4. Volunteer at a community organization, such as a soup kitchen. Provide written documentation describing the experience. (100-300 word summary)

5. With other chapter members, plan a chapter service project. Record a description of the project and the plan, using a timeline and a list of activities. (100-300 word summary)

For STEM IMMERSION, Students will have the following options:

1. Take a STEM-related class offered at your school. Record the name of the class, the STEM component addressed, and how it may help you pursue your STEM education or future career.

2. Compete in a TSA competition that is listed under “STEM (General)” or “STEM and the Arts” on the TSA website. Provide written documentation that includes the name of the event, the level of competition (school or regional), and a summary of the experience.

3. Write a report (between 300 and 500 words) that addresses why mathematics is important universally and how it is applied in a real-world STEM situation.

4. Imagine that it is the year 2050. What new STEM TSA event would you expect to see in the roster of TSA competitions? Write a report (between 300 and 500 words) explaining the event.

5. Attend or watch a lecture (at least 45 minutes long) in relation to STEM. Provide written documentation (between 300 and 500 words) about the topic and what you learned from the lecture.

For PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, students will have the following options:

1. Identify a career field of interest to you and three job positions within that field. Record the field, the job positions, and the educational background needed for each position.

2. Identify three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses. Provide written documentation that addresses how these characteristics align with a particular STEM occupation or career field.

4. Write thank-you cards to three of your teachers. Include the lessons and skills they taught that have had an impact on you. Provide copies of the cards.

5. Create an informational poster or graphic for a STEM occupation.

STEM/STEAM NIGHT EVENTS

Elementary School Collaboration

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.

Ward Elementary
Mefoud & Varina Elementary
Baker Elementary
Montrose Elementary

MEETING ACTIVITIES

The TSA students at John Rolfe Middle School recently completed a hands-on woodworking project, transforming standard construction-grade 2x4 lumber into a functional, rustic end table. This project serves as an excellent introduction to joinery and finishing, focusing on turning "rough" material into a functional piece of furniture.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this project, students receive a foundational understanding of structural integrity, material preparation, and efficient assembly workflows.

Key Skills & Tool Integration

To complete the build, students master three critical phases of the woodworking process:
Precision Joinery with the Kreg Jig: Students learn the art of "hidden" joinery by using a Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes. This technique allows them to join the 2x4 frame members securely without visible screw heads on the exterior faces of the table.
Surface Preparation with the Orbital Sander: Before assembly, students use a random orbital sander, progressing through varying grits of sandpaper. This step is vital for removing factory stamps and smoothing the rough texture of the construction lumber to ensure a professional finish.
Mechanical Assembly with the Driver: Using an impact driver or drill-driver, students learn to seat pocket-hole screws at the correct depth. They must manage torque and alignment to ensure the table is square, sturdy, and wobble-free.