by Stuart Jenner and Katie Kresly.
Highline has two award-winning robotics teams, but the clubs are still in chaos after a sudden move prompted by the district in August 2024. Now, the clubs are just asking for a return to “pre-move” normalcy.
Nearly a dozen students and mentors from two robotics clubs, Skunkworks and Tekerz, spoke at the last two Highline School board meetings on September 4 and October 2, 2024. They gave messages of thanks, but the passionate and well-spoken students also made some requests for help from the district leaders to help them get back to their “pre-move” normal.
To learn more, Burien.News met with the robotics teams at their new Salmon Creek club site to see some of the challenges they are facing.
The innovative and resilient teams, while mostly self-funding and self-sufficient, have had a few recent hiccups with the Highline District. The club coaches and volunteers wish to continue mentoring 80 eager students, so the team leaders we spoke with are working with the district to remedy any misunderstandings.
Skunkworks and Tekerz
The robotics teams are comprised of motivated students and adult mentors who have a passion for excellence. They work together to learn invaluable skills and build relationships that will serve them well into the future. It is a great credit to the Highline community that these “cutting edge” teams exist and continue to thrive in Highline.
At Burien.News, we were impressed not only by the dedicated and energized students but also by how well the robotics program fulfills many of Highline District’s stated Strategic Plan goals.
First, both robotics teams, Tekerz and Skunkworks, actively create a culture of belonging for both new and long-time members. The students and mentors are highly diverse; they come from varied backgrounds and ethnicities, and they learn the valuable skill of working together towards common goals, regardless of their differences.
“Girls’ Gen” – October 12-13 Weekend Competition – Event FREE to Spectators
Since the beginning, one of the teams’ stated goals has been to bring in more girls, and it appears they have succeeded well. This coming weekend, the girls will “take the lead” in Tahoma District’s “Girls’ Generation” event, which is specifically geared to “provide an inclusive experience for underrepresented communities in STEM.” (**Spectators are welcome to attend for FREE on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. More info here.)
Another stated Highline goal is Innovative Learning. (If robotics isn’t a prime example, we don’t know what is…) The team accommodates high-achievers as well as students who struggle academically. Students must hold minimum academic scores to participate in club competitions, so it creates an incentive to improve/maintain their grades at school. “Hands-on” project experiences lead to a better understanding of concepts introduced in the classroom.
“Future Ready” is a sure thing for robotics students. Based on the skills they are learning and the connections they are making through one-on-one mentorship with professionals in the STEM/STEAM fields, these teens will most definitely be ready for the “future they choose.” (STEM is “Science, Technology, Engineering, Math,” and sometimes A is added for “Arts”)
Coaches and mentors willingly volunteer hours each week and travel from miles away:
- Most are industry professionals from companies like Boeing and Blue Origin.
- One dad loves to mentor because when his son was on a team, the son learned CAD skills that are invaluable in his career. (CAD is “computer-aided design”)
- “Everyone has a superpower,” said one of the coaches, “we are glad to help kids find theirs.”
- Mentors are retired teachers, parents, or past participants from the teams, including Aviation grads from the classes of 2011 and 2015.
Students told us (and the Highline School Board) that they love their robotics clubs:
- Participation in robotics has led to more interest in math and science at their schools.
- Team members are involved in the community: one touching example was two young women who are lifelong Girl Scouts talking about how they share their excitement about robotics with younger Girl Scouts troops.
- Unlike sports and other extracurriculars, which may have tryouts and space limitations, the teams welcome anyone who “wants to do the work.”
- Our tour guide, MJ, beamed with excitement as she showed us around and shared how much she enjoyed promoting and participating in the club.
An unexpected move in August 2024
The teams have been in various locations over the years. Currently, they are at the old Salmon Creek Elementary site on 120th and 6th Ave SW. They moved on very short notice this summer from the old Beverly Park building, which the school district needed because of a fire at another school site.
As a consequence, the clubs are a bit topsy-turvy as they manage the unexpected move. District support has also shifted, so they are asking for help from the Highline District to help restore the program to its 2023-24 vitality.
What are the robotics clubs asking for?
They ask Highline to provide the equivalent support they offered before the abrupt relocation.
“Critical needs” requests include:
- An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for clarity (previous MoU expired 12/31/23)
- Access (keys) to the Salmon Creek site for extended hours, like at Beverly Park. Team members must log minimum hourly requirements, plus they need to complete projects for competitions. (They no longer have 24/7 access.)
- Appropriate power supply for lathes, routers, and drill presses.
Highline’s award-winning robotics program
It is a privilege to have this outstanding program available for our Highline students in grades 9-12. Skunkworks and Tekerz are two of the “older” clubs in the area, and the members are respected as leaders. They consistently demonstrate cooperative behavior and guidance, especially at competitions.
We look forward to reporting updates as Highline and the robotics coaches work together to support one of Highline’s most well-established, resilient, and successful programs.
