Robotics booming at Rancho Santa Fe School

By Karen Billing

At R. Roger Rowe School, 44 percent of first graders are participating in the robotics program this year.

The school is fielding 44 robotics teams, including 31 percent of second grade, 23 percent of third grade, 35 percent of fourth grade and 39 percent of fifth grade.

In the middle school, there are two FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams and five FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams.

“Where the program has gone is really remarkable,” said RSF School District Board Trustee Todd Buchner, noting it is a tribute to Superintendent Lindy Delaney’s leadership.

At the August meeting, the board approved the district’s offering for robotics, allocating $42,500 to staff coaches just like the board allocates to the district’s athletics program.

Trustee Todd Frank said that he would be interested in polling parents to find out what their expectations are for the program, as well as what sparked their child’s interest to participate and make note of any attrition and the causes.

“There’s lots of excitement now, which is great,” Frank said. “I hope everybody stays and really enjoys it.”