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New Tech Thunderbots Team 7657

Robotics Newsletter | Week of August 23–29, 2026

Stay Connected — Slack

Slack is the Thunderbots team’s primary form of communication. We will use Slack to share important announcements, schedule updates, reminders, event information, and other team communications. Please make sure both students and parents/guardians join Slack and check it regularly throughout the season.

Please sign up for Thunderbots Slack using the link below:

https://join.slack.com/t/ntithunderbots/shared_invite/zt-47q8pvuz8-WXRgJZUOi_TW0u7KrivzyQ

This Week’s Schedule

Monday, August 24

Mentor Meeting — Outreach & Business

6:30–7:30 PM | Google Meet

This meeting is a touch-base for both new and returning mentors. We will discuss upcoming events, answer questions, and provide an opportunity for mentors to share ideas, topics, or concerns.

Google Meet:
https://calendar.app.google/PzYp213rtwmpkwBn8

Robot Revamp Subteam Meeting

6:00–8:00 PM | New Tech

The Robot Revamp subteam will be working on the robot for the Boilerbots event.

Unable to attend in person? You can join virtually:
https://meet.google.com/bct-ewre-ket

Important: A film crew will be on-site to capture footage for our Impact Video. If you do not want your student photographed or filmed, please let Mrs. Sarikie know as soon as possible.

Tuesday, August 25

FLL Student Mentors

FLL at Elementary School Locations

Please note: The start of FLL mentoring may be delayed by one week. Please watch Slack for updates, as it is our primary form of team communication. If there is a delay, mentoring will begin the following week.

Students will leave immediately after school. Please meet at Mr. Gibson’s office. Mr. Gibson will transport students to the FLL locations by minibus.

If you have not yet signed up to serve as an FLL student mentor, please sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4BA4AE2FABFF2-65245921-flllocations

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved in outreach and share their passion for STEM with younger students!

Parent Meeting Information

If you were unable to attend the parent meeting, you can view the presentation here:

Parent Meeting Presentation:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jAlU4mszVV-YpIOu5obdZpFYnh_cMVSQXGwzhbm292w/edit?usp=sharing

Required Forms

Please make sure your student completes the Robotics Application and that both the student and parent/guardian read and sign the Robotics Code of Conduct.

Student Application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1m8QX0Zs7CFWc0dSJ0Mf0O8UnOhMwDqw84xUT9Pkq6GM/edit

Code of Conduct:
A copy of the Robotics Code of Conduct is available from Mrs. Welde in the office.

Important: The completed and signed Robotics Code of Conduct must be turned in before the first day of practice on Thursday, August 27. Students will need to have the required paperwork completed and turned in before participating in practice.

Please take time to review the Code of Conduct with your student and make sure both the student and parent/guardian sign it.

Wednesday, August 26

Nothing scheduled.

Thursday, August 27

First Meeting of the 2026–2027 Season

4:00–6:00 PM | Robotics Room

This is a required practice for all team members.

Reminder: The signed **Robotics Code of Conduct must be turned in before practice begins. You can take it to the office and Mrs. Welde will put it in my mailbox. **

If your student is unable to attend, please make sure to inform Mrs. Sarikie as soon as possible.

Meeting Agenda

• Youth Protection Training

• Review of the Robotics Code of Conduct

• STEM Team-Building Activity

We are excited to officially kick off the 2026–2027 Thunderbots season!

Friday, August 28

Nothing scheduled.

Saturday, August 29

Nothing scheduled.

Robotics Dues

Robotics dues for the 2026–2027 season are $350.00 per student and are due by January 1, 2027.

Dues may be paid by cash or check.

Paying by Cash

If paying with cash, please make sure the payment is clearly marked with the student’s name so we can properly identify who the dues are for.

Paying by Check

Please make checks payable as directed by the team/school and write “Robotics Dues” in the memo line of all checks.

Financial Assistance & Sponsorships

If your student needs financial assistance with robotics dues, please see Mr. Gibson to discuss available options.

If you are obtaining a sponsorship to cover your student's robotics dues, please let Mrs. Sarikie know which company is sponsoring the student and covering the dues.
Coming Up!

Delaware Elementary STEM Night

September 17
4:15–6:30 PM
Delaware Elementary School

Thunderbots students will demonstrate our robot and talk with elementary students about robotics, engineering, and STEM.

If your student would like to participate in this outreach event, please sign up here:

New Tech Robotics: Delaware Elementary STEM Night
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4BA4AE2FABFF2-65115795-delaware#/

We’re Looking for Mentors!

Do you have or know someone who has a special talent, skill, or area of expertise that you would like to share with our robotics team?

We are looking for mentors who can help our students learn, grow, and develop real-world skills throughout the robotics season.

Whether you have experience in:

• Engineering

• Programming

• Machining

• Design

• Business

• Marketing

• Fundraising

• Project Management

• Electrical Work

• Or another area of expertise

—we would love to hear from you!

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or sharing your talents with the team, please reach out to Mrs. Sarikie.

Every skill can make a difference!

Check out the video for the 2024 season here.