St. Joe Robotics | SJR
Welcome to St. Joe Robotics, the premier robotics program encompassing all FIRST programs offered for St. Joseph Public Schools students. Located in the state-of-the-art Edward J. Todd Innovation Center at St. Joseph High School, we are proud to be home to 32 teams ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, with over 275 students involved for the 2022-2023 Season. At St. Joe Robotics, our mission goes beyond building robots. We provide students of all ages with an exciting journey that fosters the development of essential skills, embraces core values, and nurtures a lifelong love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Through teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, we empower our students to become well-rounded individuals who embody gracious professionalism, respect, and integrity. Join us at St. Joe Robotics and experience the transformative power of hands-on learning, collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of robotics in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our program's growth has been remarkable since its inception in 2010, starting with our high school FRC team, Average Joes. We have expanded to include 20 FLL Explore Teams, 8 FLL Challenge Teams, 3 FTC Teams, and our esteemed FRC Team for the 2022-2023 season. As a testament to our achievements, we are proud to have been awarded the million-dollar Edward J. Todd Innovation Center, our dedicated space where all our teams come together to innovate and excel.
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global robotics community that prepares young people for the future through inclusive, team-based robotics programs. These programs, designed for ages 4-18 (PreK-12), can be facilitated in schools or structured afterschool programs. Supported by volunteers, educators, and sponsors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a set of FIRST Core Values. They conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
Founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST is an international not-for-profit organization with a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building beyond high school. FIRST alumni gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and career opportunities.
The FIRST Core Values reflect the community's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. These values promote friendly sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, learning, and community involvement. Through Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun, the FIRST community embraces a culture of collaboration, creativity, and improvement.
Gracious Professionalism® is an essential aspect of FIRST, emphasizing high-quality work, valuing others, and respecting individuals and the community. It encourages fierce competition while treating everyone with respect and kindness. Gracious professionals blend knowledge, competition, and empathy, creating a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Coopertition® fosters innovation by promoting unqualified kindness and respect in the face of competition. Teams help and cooperate with each other, learning from teammates and mentors, managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing while assisting and enabling others whenever possible.
Join FIRST and become part of a vibrant community where young people learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world. Experience the power of robotics, collaboration, and the embodiment of FIRST Core Values. Together, let's inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
2023-24 FIRST Robotics Season: FIRST IN SHOW
Lights, camera, STEAM! Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) inspire big ideas, bold action – and creativity. Our skills make it possible to create art and experiences that bring us together, entertain us, and move us.
During the 2023-2024 FIRST season, FIRST® IN SHOW presented by Qualcomm, we’re shining a spotlight on the role STEM plays in the arts and empowering young people to design and build a world of endless possibilities. The future is a place you will create.
Programs
FLL Explore | K-3 | Little Joes
Welcome to FLL Explore, also known as FIRST LEGO League Explore, designed specifically for students in Kindergarten to 3rd Grade, lovingly referred to as Little Joes at SJPS. In this program, young students aged 6-10 embark on an exciting journey where they delve into the fundamentals of engineering. Through hands-on activities, they explore real-world problems, learn the art of designing and coding, and create unique solutions using LEGO bricks powered by LEGO® Education SPIKETM Essential or WeDo 2.0.
At SJPS, FLL Explore takes place in the Fall after school at the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center. The Little Joes meet once a week, where they dive into engaging topics related to the theme of the year. During their sessions, they develop a Team Model and cultivate core values, all while having a great time. To ensure convenience, school transportation is provided, and we prioritize the well-being of our participants by offering allergen-conscious snack time.
This exceptional program is made possible by the dedicated parents who volunteer their time and efforts. Each family is expected to contribute in some capacity, ranging from administrative assistant positions to coaching a team. It is through their invaluable support that FLL Explore at SJPS thrives, empowering young minds to unleash their creativity and passion for robotics.
Join us at FLL Explore and witness the excitement as our Little Joes explore, create, and learn together. Together, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and foster a love for STEM in our young learners.
FLL Challenge | 4-5 | Super Joes
Welcome to FLL Challenge at SJPS! We are excited to introduce you to our program designed specifically for 4th and 5th-grade students, affectionately known as Super Joes. FLL Challenge, also referred to as FIRST LEGO League Challenge, offers an exhilarating journey centered around friendly competition, research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. Our Super Joes have the unique opportunity to build and program LEGO robots that navigate the intricate missions of an exciting robot game. But it doesn't stop there! They also dive into a research project, collaborating to identify and solve a meaningful real-world problem.
At SJPS, we provide a nurturing environment for our Super Joes to thrive. FLL Challenge meets at least twice a week, giving our students ample time to dive deep into the program. During these sessions, they collaborate, strategize, and fine-tune their skills as they prepare for the competition held in November. It's a dynamic learning experience where they embrace the core values of Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun. These values guide their journey and foster a sense of camaraderie and growth.
To ensure convenience, school transportation is provided, and we prioritize the well-being of our participants by offering allergen-conscious snack time.
This exceptional program is made possible by the dedicated parents who volunteer their time and efforts. Each family is expected to contribute in some capacity, ranging from administrative assistant positions to coaching a team. It is through their invaluable support that FLL Challenge at SJPS thrives, empowering young minds to unleash their creativity and passion for robotics.
Join us at FLL Challenge, where Super Joes unleash their potential and take part in an unforgettable robotics experience. Witness the excitement as they compete, innovate, and showcase their accomplishments. Together, let's embrace the spirit of friendly competition and empower our young learners to become the problem solvers and innovators of tomorrow.
FTC | 6-8 | Joe Bots
FTC, or FIRST Tech Challenge is for students in 6th to 8th Grade - known as Joe Bots at SJPS. It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. These teams are known as Joe Bots.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.
FTC takes place multiple times a week, and will be dependent on team needs and position on the team. Participation should be at least 2x per week, and will vary based on the time in the season, and the current problems at hand
Meetings are in the late evenings during the fall. Students are expected to participate in their team, and also participate in St. Joe Robotics volunteering and outreach opportunities.
FRC | 9-12 | Average Joes
FRC, or FIRST Robotics Competition is for students in 9th to 12th Grade - known as Average Joes at SJPS. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”
Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.