Varsity Letter in Robotics

Criteria for Lettering in Robotics

Receiving a Varsity Letter for Team Eureka Robotics means that, as an individual, you went above and beyond routine expectations. The individuals that letter took on extra tasks to help the team achieve its many goals. Students that letter are expected to show competency in the following eight categories. 

COMMITMENT & ENGAGEMENT 

1.  Participate in a minimum of 80% of scheduled team practices (about 5 hours per week, or >5 practices per month) (Mentors will take attendance). Students may receive hours for hours outside the scheduled meeting times but must be approved by a mentor. 

2. Attend all team competitions. 

   1. Two FTC qualifier competitions 

   2. One FTC championship competition

3. Full attendance at all mandatory meetings.

   1. Challenge Kickoff 

   2. Open House (if applicable) and LCHS Art & Tech Expo

   3. Sponsor events (including Rumble in the Jungle - must contribute or attend)

4. Receive an award at a regional competition

   1. I.e Control Award, Connect Award, Motivate  (see Award Descriptions)

LEADERSHIP & PROJECT MANAGEMENT 

5. A key skill in the engineering and business world is project management. Distinguish yourself as a leader where you plan and carry out a project that has significance for the team. The nature of this project is expected to increase for returning letterwinners. Check with mentors prior to starting. Examples include the following: 

   1. Captain(s) 

   2. Team Lead 

   3. Project - CAD, Awards, Safety, Design log, fundraising, website, coding, etc 

COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH 

6. The strength of the team is judged on how well teammates can explain what we do as a team, with our Robot and of the FIRST organization. Team Eureka Robotics members are expected to practice this at meetings, by explaining current challenges and successes to each other. Having an ability to explain many of the competition-robots features by the time of the competition is a key example of this. Take time to learn and share this information at competitions and outreach events. 

7. Participate in at least 3 of the following: 

   1. Participate in ‘spreading the word’ event (i.e. Lincoln County Fair, Rendezvous Parade, Mentoring, News and Radio programs) 

   2. Participate in a fundraising event (i.e. Board presentations, Fundraising Letters)

   3. Complete special mentor directed project 

   4. Mentor an FLL Team (attending a minimum of TWO meetings). 

STEM & BUSINESS SKILLS 

8. Demonstrate a proactive effort to improve your technical abilities, business skills, and general knowledge. Acquire and improve skills in mechanical, electrical/CAD, programming or business (includes individual projects, camps, Independent Certifications). Returning letter winners are expected to demonstrate growth and sophistication in their work. Check with mentors prior to starting. 

LETTERING APPLICATION - Application Template

At the end of the build season, mentors will decide on which students letter based on attendance, performance and an application. Expectations for repeat letter winners will increase to demonstrate growth. Letter will be based on the following: 

• Grade Point Average of at least 3.26 at the end of Quarter 2

• Adhere to all eligibility standards as stated in the relevant school district policies.

• Categories 1, 2, 4, and 7 - based on attendance 

• Categories 3 and 6 - based on mentor and captain observations at meetings and competitions. 

• Categories 5 and 7 - based on evidence or documentation submitted by the student that provides evidence of leadership, project management and skills. NOTE: Time and effort should not be heavily focused on the “look” but should reflect the learning process.

• A coach can, at their discretion, award a letter in an unusual or unique circumstance if they feel that the participant is deserving.

LETTERS CAN BE LOST

• Discipline trouble at school

• All discipline will be dealt with on an individual basis as all circumstances are different.