ARBC Monthly Meetings. If you have a student on an ARBC-supported robotics team, please consider coming to our monthly booster club meetings (third Monday of each month). Your participation for just an hour to an hour and a half each month helps guide the booster club’s support for hands-on STEM robotics in Anacortes.
Events Coming Soon
- Stay tuned for ARBC fundraising events coming this fall
- Robotics team activities are in full swing; monitor parent mailing lists for Club/team specific events
Monthly Meeting Highlights from September 21. Team formation in all programs (FIRST Tech Challenge, FLL Challenge, and FLL Explore) are underway. Fundraising is critical this season due to reduced funding from previous sources – we have a new fundraising director and will be announcing fundraising events soon. Anacortes Open Streets recruiting went well, AHS/AMS Robotics Club Rocket Recruiting went well. Recruiting posters up at AHS and AMS. Parent meetings held to educate parents regarding student team participation. Gearing up for Fall teamwear acquisition/production.
Monthly Meeting Highlights from August 17. Article on ARBC and student opportunities on robotics teams coming out in Fidalgo Living September issue. Fall recruiting activity planning underway. Early pre-registrations already underway for AHS Robotics Club and AMS Robotics Club teams. FIRST has communicated that this is the last season for FIRST LEGO League – FIRST will continue to have a K-8 robotics program, but will not be partnered with LEGO. Reviewed high-level ASD staff appointments and school schedules; noted new Anacortes School District Superintendent Dr. James Everett, new Principal at Fidalgo Elementary – Kristi McGeehan. Summer fundraising continues at Seafarer Park Friday night concerts. Started planning fall fundraising. ASF Ready to Learn fair support went well. Planning for Anacortes Open Streets community outreach/recruiting. Held robotics coach training; disappointing attendance. Reviewed FY27 Program Budget previews.
Help Wanted. If you see the value in having robotics programs available in Anacortes, please consider helping ARBC keep them going. Even if you can only lend your support to a single event or activity, it is of tremendous benefit. See the “Help Wanted” page on our website for more information.
The Last Word. If anyone wants clarification of any newsletter item or has a correction or suggestion, contact me. I’ll make editorial corrections to the online version at the ARBC website.