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Somerton honors two elementary robotics teams and approves state competition travel
Summary
The board recognized the ELC Bionic Stars and the SBS Robotinos for regional wins and approved out-of-town field trips so both teams can compete at state-level events.
The Somerton Elementary District board recognized two elementary robotics teams for recent competition successes and approved out-of-town field trips so the teams can attend state championship events.
Jessica Escalante, principal at Encanto Learning Center, told the board the ELC Bionic Stars earned first place in the robot game challenge and first place in the core values presentation. “These accomplishments reflect the team's hard work, dedication, practice, and determination,” Escalante said, and she thanked coaches Mr. Hernandez and Ms. Olivas and parents for their support.
Sand Valley Elementary’s team, introduced by robotics teacher Maneli Baltazar, won the overall champions award at a recent qualifier and advanced to the Arizona FIRST Lego League state championship scheduled for Saturday, January 18 in Phoenix. Baltazar described the competition’s four categories and said the team’s success reflects months of design, building and programming.
After recognitions, the board approved a staff recommendation to permit out-of-town field trips for both ELC and SBS so the students can attend the state competition. A board member moved approval and another seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The travel approvals enable students who earned state qualification to participate in the championship, and the board’s recognition signals district support for extracurricular STEM programs.
What’s next: Coaches will receive certificates and medals; staff and parents were invited to coordinate logistics. The board asked that each school submit the required trip requests so the district does not need to call an emergency board meeting for approvals.
