Note: While the class appears “full” online, registrations are still being accepted. Please register to be placed on our waiting list. You will not be charged unless your student is accepted into the program. See the Enrollment & Waitlist Process section below for more details. This competitive, hands-on robotics program is designed for 5th, 6th & 7th grade students eager to take on real-world STEM challenges. Supported by the same STMA Robotics program behind the district’s successful high school team, students will explore an annual themed challenge, research innovative solutions, and build custom robots using the LEGO Spike Prime system. Throughout the season, students will learn to program their robots using a visual coding language, developing the skills to navigate tasks, respond to obstacles, and complete missions on a dynamic game field. At the end of the season, teams will participate in a local event where they will present their research, showcase their robot designs, and compete in live robot matches with the potential to advance to state and national competitions. Get ready for an exciting season of teamwork, creativity, and innovation! Why Join? FLL Explore is part of the rapidly growing STMA Robotics program, which now supports students from grades 1–12. Whether your child is just beginning their robotics journey or looking to continue into our middle and high school programs, this is a fantastic place to start! FLL Challenge Program Details Parent/Student Meeting: Wednesday, September 2, 7:00–8:00 PM Location: STMA High School Media Center (Students are encouraged to attend but not required) Practices: Tuesdays/Wednesdays, starting September 9th. (Due to non school days, no practice will be held on November 4, 26, December 23, 24, 30, 31.) Time: 6:00–7:30 PM Location: STMA High School - Room 2765 Engineer Lab Festival Date: To be announced. The official festival date has not yet been confirmed, but we will share the details with families as soon as it is announced. The event is typically held on a weekend in December or January. Registration closes on August 12 at 11:59 PM. No additional enrollments will be accepted after this deadline. Once registration has closed, we will begin reviewing all students on the waitlist and start the placement process as outlined in the Enrollment & Waitlist Process section below. Enrollment & Waitlist Process To support students who may continue into our high school robotics program, priority enrollment is given to students who have previously participated in FLL Explore and/or Challenge. All students will initially be placed on a waitlist. Coaches will review the list and approve participants. Once approved, Community Education staff will officially enroll your child and process the course fee. After returning students have been placed, new students will be enrolled in the order registrations were received. If the class reaches maximum capacity and we can no longer accept additional students, you will be notified. Volunteer Opportunity A parent who volunteers as a coaching assistant for at least 20 hours will receive a $100 refund at the end of the season, once hours are verified. Volunteers must sign in at each practice to track their time. During registration, you’ll have the chance to indicate your interest in volunteering. Community Education staff will follow up with next steps. Please note: If you do not already have a volunteer background check on file with the district, you will be required to complete one before the season begins. The cost is $15. Student Expectations & Behavior Policy This program is best suited for students who: Can follow directions and stay on task Work well with others in a team setting Show cooperation and respect toward instructors and teammates Behavior Guidelines: First Incident: A warning will be issued, and parents will be informed by the coaches. Second Incident: The student may be dismissed from the program and must be picked up. Dismissal from the remainder of the season may also occur. By enrolling, families agree to support these expectations to help create a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment for all students.