Hampton Bays Middle School
Parent Express Bulletin #23
First Things First
Dear Hampton Bays Middle School Families,
Happy Super Bowl weekend!
On Saturday, it was my personal privilege to spend the day with the members of our Middle School Robotics team, who competed together in the FIRST Lego League Challenge with and against other Long Island schools. (If, like me, you were wondering, FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
While my son, who is in sixth grade in our home district, has gotten involved in his school's robotics program, it provided me an opportunity to experience "school" as a parent and as a principal. I always enjoy when this happens, and this weekend's robotics tournament was no different.
My son has committed himself to trying out every club opportunity his school offers, so while it is exhausting at times, it's rewarding for me to learn about where his interests lie.
Middle school kids are fascinating people, as I'm sure you'd agree!
For anyone who is not yet familiar with the challenge of FIRST Lego League, I encourage you to learn a bit more about it by visiting the following link:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge#block-block-19 .
I for one was surprised that the program go well beyond Legos and robots. There are core values that, in practice, lead to increased levels of student interest in doing well in middle school, as well as interests that lead to opportunities beyond middle school as well.
According to the website, FIRST Lego League teams get to:
- Research challenges facing today's scientists.
- Design, build, test, and program robots using LEGO Mindstorm technology.
- Apply real-world math and science concepts.
- Learn critical thinking, team-building, and presentation skills.
- Participate in tournaments and celebrations.
- Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism (a blend of knowledge, competition, and empathy, or in other words, learning and competing like crazy, but treating one another with kindness and respect in the process).
What is the long-range impact of FIRST?
Take a look at the following link:
If you're interested, I invite you to encourage your middle schooler to learn more about the opportunities that come as a result of getting involved, starting by getting involved at Hampton Bays Middle School.
Parents, we appreciate the important role you play in our partnership between middle school and home.
Sincerely,
Dennis
We Are HBMS!
5 Resources to Support Our Middle School Journey Together!
Photos of the Week!
Love these photos?
To enjoy more:
- Follow our HBMS Twitter account @HamptonBays_MS !
- Visit our school website: www.hbschools.us .
- Keep an eye on the PTO PEX, which will share a monthly collection of images showing "Life at HBMS".
And...if you have photos or articles worth sharing, please send them our way!