YHS Robotics Club Back for Round 2

When the Robotics Club first launched at last year, officials weren’t sure if it would take off.

But it quickly became a hit, and this year, more than 50 kids have signed up to be a part of the program.

“It’s a huge success,” said Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Frank Bogner.

Recently, the School Board approved stipends of $2,582 for a lead club sponsor, and $1,845 for an assistant club sponsor.

“We want to continue to offer opportunities for kids,” said Superintendent Scott Wakeley. “We can’t expect schools to have kids be engaged because they love coming to Algebra. We have to have other things that make the whole school experience meaningful.”

Because of the time Robotics Club sponsors put in, Wakeley said the stipends are necessary.

“It’s almost an all year-round program,” he said. “It’s an extra something that staff takes on. But if you really break down the stipend, it’s still probably pennies versus the amount of time put in. But (the sponsors) are doing it because they love to do it. It’s nice for us to be able to give them a little something.”

Earlier this year, Robotics Club members designed and built  a robot to be entered in The FIRST Robotics Competition.

They have plans to enter the same competition in 2012.

Tracey Hosey, director of Special Education for the Yorkville School District, is the lead mentor for the Robotics Club.

She said the club provides many good opportunities for the students.

“Several of my kids are getting scholarships already,” she said. “I’m writing them recommendations.”

Some students in the club are partnering with Rasmussen College to create an animated safety video using the same animation program used by the film studio Pixar, Hosey said.

“It’s very cool to see these kids evolve and learn how to do these things,” she said.