Robotics Clubs Expands to All River Falls Schools

Sept. 5, 2025, River Falls, WI - Robotics in River Falls began its journey at the elementary level, when Greenwood and Westside Elementary Schools launched FIRST LEGO League teams that introduced students to building, coding, and problem-solving. What started as a hands-on way for young learners to explore STEM quickly grew into a district-wide movement. Today, robotics opportunities have extended to Rocky Branch Elementary, River Falls Public Montessori Elementary, Meyer Middle School, River Falls High School, and a new homeschool robotics group.

This steady expansion reflects the community’s commitment to inspiring students at every age. From LEGO League at elementary schools, VEX Robotics at middle school and competitive FIRST Robotics RoboCats team at high school, River Falls now offers a clear pathway for students to grow in STEM year after year on their educational paths.

Robotics Growth Across the District

After being introduced to FIRST Lego League at Westside and Greenwood, students became inaugural members of the River Falls High School RoboCats team during the 2022-2023 school year. The creativity and teamwork of the RoboCats now inspires younger students to join the different worlds of robotics. 

“Seeing robotics expand from the high school to every level of our district is inspiring,” said Ryan Brill, RoboCats High School Coach. “More and more, we’re watching graduates go on to careers in engineering, robotics, sciences, mathematics, and the trades. It’s proof that the skills they build here open doors to a wide range of opportunities.”

Today, robotics reaches all corners of the River Falls School District. Westside, Rocky Branch, River Falls Public Montessori, and Greenwood Elementary schools run FIRST LEGO League programs, introducing students to building, coding, and problem-solving in fun and engaging ways.

Nathan McReynolds, Westside Elementary LEGO Coach, remarked, “It’s rewarding to watch students in LEGO League discover the joy of building, problem-solving, and working as a team. Their creativity and confidence grow with every challenge they take on.”

This fall, the district will also launch a River Falls Homeschool Robotics Group at Apogee St. Croix, ensuring River Falls homeschool students can access the same opportunities.

Meanwhile, Meyer Middle School is taking its program to the next level. After several years with LEGO League, the school will move to the VEX Robotics League starting in the 2025–2026 school year.

“The move to VEX at Meyer opens up new challenges for students and prepares them for the complexity of high school robotics,” explained Adam Dykstra, Meyer Middle School VEX Coach. “It’s an exciting next step in their STEM journey.”

At the high school level, the RoboCats continue to compete in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where students design, build, and program large-scale robots. The team meets throughout the year, with its official season beginning in January. Competitive and non-competitive opportunities ensure that every interested student has a place on the team.

The Role of the Booster Club

Formed in 2024, the River Falls Robotics Booster Club provides critical support for all robotics programs across the district. Its mission is to promote STEM education, teamwork, and creativity through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and organizational assistance.

Highlights of 2024–2025

The past year showcased the momentum behind River Falls Robotics. Key milestones included the Booster Club earning nonprofit status and recognition for the Meyer Middle School robotics team. The RoboCats created their robot “Karen”, competed in the La Crosse Regional, and engaged the community through fundraisers, STEM Week, and public presentations. These efforts expanded opportunities and strengthened awareness for robotics across the district.

Impact and How to Get Involved

The River Falls Robotics programs foster technical skills, leadership, communication, and teamwork, while making STEM accessible to all students.

The River Falls Robotics Booster Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 PM at River Falls High School. Parents, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend. The Club is actively seeking volunteers to help with fundraising, leadership, and coaching.

To learn more or get involved, email RiverFallsRobotics@gmail.com or contact the individual schools in the River Falls School District.