Page 8 - LRCC September 2022 Focus

FOCUS ON TALENT FOCUS MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2022

Mason Public Schools Robotics Program Continues to
Lead and Innovate

hen Ben Shoemaker approached Mason on expanding their robotics programming. Any local
Public Schools Superintendent Ron Drzewicki district's team can utilize the Robotics Center space and
Wwith a proposal to reallocate space for Mason equipment to build and practice. Many districts, such
High School's growing robotics program, it was a risk. as Leslie, Fowlerville, Williamston, and teams from the
After Mason's gymnastics program combined with Holt's Jackson area, have utilized this invitation.
program, the gymnastics team's space was going to
become available. Shoemaker made his pitch to utilize This collaborative spirit has been recognized at the
this space. Until then, Shoemaker ran 22 robotics teams state level. Mason's high school robotics program has
out of his high school classroom. received the Chairman's Award four times in recent years.
The Chairman's Award honors teams who exemplify a
"Everything was packed to the ceiling and at the end of model for what a FIRST program should be. Teams must
each school day, we would push all the tables to the side show they are active in the community, they spread
of the room and pull all the toolboxes and workbenches the mission of FIRST Robotics continually, and team
out into the room. Then, at the end of the night, we members are successful, functioning members of society.
would put everything back against the wall. Sometimes I
would be so tired, I would just go home and get here an Beyond the high school level, robotics is available to any
extra 45 minutes early to just put everything away," said student at any level in Mason. In the past, Shoemaker did
Shoemaker, a Mason High School teacher and Robotics not advertise robotics to middle school students because
Programming Director for Mason Public Schools. there was no space for them to build and practice. Having
the Robotics Center has allowed the middle school
In his letter to the Board of Education and program to grow to over 50 students on six teams.
Superintendent, Ben expressed the desire to have
dedicated space for students to prepare for FIRST When asked where he wants the robotics program at
robotics events, practice with their robots, and grow Mason to go, Shoemaker shared that he would love
programming. The Board of Education approved the to see this incorporated into the everyday curriculum.
proposal and the use of district sinking fund dollars to Currently, the program for elementary-age students is an
turn the existing room into a fully functional, state-of-the- after-school club. Students build Lego robots and explore
art robotics center. The ribbon was officially cut on the community-level innovation. They are asked, "What is
space on March 27, 2019. something that would benefit the community?" based
on a specific theme. Steele Elementary has been working
The robotics program has continued to grow from 120 to incorporate robotics into "What I Need" or WIN time.
students to currently 350 students, with programming It is possible that eventually during this time, students
expanding to younger students. Additionally, Mason could explore STEM and robotics rather than needing
offers support to other local districts that are working intervention support. l

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