Principal Darius Penikas announced this week that Archbishop Molloy High School has a plan in place to introduce a college level Robotics course beginning fall 2018. Students who enroll in the course would have the opportunity to accumulate college credits in conjunction with LIU Post. Dr. Vincent Scavetta, a professor at the university, would co-teach the course periodically alongside Ms. Edit Boral, currently in her second full year teaching at Molloy. This unique arrangement would be required by LIU Post in order to facilitate college credits.
Robotics would be a one semester course open to seniors and appeal to students who are interested in circuitry and circuit programming. Students would learn theory as well as through the hands-on designing and programming of physical models. “We are thrilled by the potential of partnering with LIU Post to bring a robotics experience to our students,” said Principal Penikas. “We look forward to continuing to innovate and develop new opportunities for Stanners to learn and gain experience in the vastly important field of computer science.”
LIU Post would become the fourth university to offer college credits to Molloy students. The others include SUNY Albany (Science Research), St. John’s University, and Seton Hall University. The Albany program has placed Stanners in internships and fellowships in hospitals and schools around New York City, providing critical experience and countless long-term benefits before they ever attend college.
The introduction of robotics would represent another step in Molloy’s continued commitment to developing and expanding its STEM offerings. Courses that have been added over the past several years include AP Computer Science Principles, Advanced Computer Graphics, and AP Computer Science Java Programming. Additionally, Molloy features extracurricular activities including IT Club, STEAM Club, and Girls Who Code Club, all of which offer additional learning and creative opportunities outside the classroom.
In summer 2017, Molloy hosted its first ever STEM Camp, which invited 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to a two week experience focused on age appropriate projects, lesson plans, and field trips. After great success, the camp is expected to run again in summer 2018. Registration will open in February, and interested parents and students are encouraged to visit www.molloyhs.org for future announcements.