Dear School Committee:

For over ten years, the Weston High School and Middle School have participated in the FTC (First Tech Challenge) and FLL (First Lego League) robotics programs, and has recently found great success at the highest levels of competition. Why should Weston invest in a new STEAM position? Simple. STEAM is the future of industry and business, provides vast opportunities for innovative learning for all students, and exemplifies the Weston Public Schools’ mission and values. In short, Weston students must be competitive in these areas in order to stay at the top of the education ladder.  Providing all students (from elementary to secondary) with access to STEAM programs enables Weston to address multiple disparities within its system, and enables at-risk populations to find success in academic areas where they have traditionally underscored. 

Skills practiced by students in FLL and FTC Programs are critical not only helpful for students’ educational development but also are important life skills, particularly as these students eventually enter the workforce.

·      Innovation and design 

·      Project-based learning (PBL)

·      Applied engineering and problem solving

·      Networking and research with industry experts

·      Executive function skills and planning

·      Leadership skills, and student-led work

·      Social skills practice in small groups

·      Acknowledges universal design for learning (UDL) and valuing diverse learning styles

·      Contemporary technological and computer language skills (CAD, Programming)

·      Communication skills; technical communications, formal presentations

·      Teamwork, tolerance, inclusivity

·      Project design (innovation project)

·      Multidisciplinary approach to applied learning in

·      Community Service opportunities 

·      Intergenerational networking and projects

·      Application of STEAM skills and lessons within a creative maker space

Additionally, a robust Robotics and STEAM Program addresses traditional disparities and can help close some of Weston’s achievement gaps in science, math, and life skills. 

·      Increased exposure and access to STEAM education for at-risk subgroups

·      Non-sports activity provides access to all students

·      Allows non-traditional or hands-on learners to find success in school 

·      Can provide a pipeline to engineering or innovation paths and careers

·      Traditional minorities in STEAM fields can find access AND success (girls/women, BIPOC, physically differently abled, neurodiverse)

·      Provides access to travel and exposure to healthy, friendly competition 

·      Children to teens can participate in the FLL and FTC programs, allowing innovation at younger ages

As Parents, students, educators, innovators and Weston Community members, we thank you for taking the time to read this letter and wholeheartedly express our support for the hiring of a Robotics instructor and included stipend support.