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Clubs and Activities, Tech/Games

Team 2823: The Automations

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Last year our very own Highland Park High robotics team, 2823, made it to the championships in St. Louis, MO. They had many victories and ended up leaving with the title “Most Creative in Minnesota.”

Now it’s a brand new year and the whole team is looking forward to what this new school year brings. I interviewed some of the team members and mentors about what happened last year in St. Louis, what they have been doing this summer, and what is to come for this year on the team.

Photo from Go Fund Me Page

Name/ Grade: 

Moriss: 10th

Qwadir: 11th

Talking About St.Louis

So last year in St.Louis I would say we did a fairly amazing job. How do you think we did and why?

Moriss: We did amazing. They say we were the last team to be undefeated but technically we were undefeated in my opinion.

Qwadir: We attended the FIRST Championships and it was actually pretty spontaneous and ended up going undefeated in qualifications.

What was the best part of being in St. Louis with some of the team for the championships?

Moriss: Interacting with the other teams.

Qwadir: How well we did and how unexpected it was for us to do that well.

Summer!!

What has the team been doing over the summer to raise awareness about the team or robotics in general?

Qwadir: The biggest thing, first off, the better organization. Getting more structured and organized. We have also been attending the Highland Fest and the State Fair.

Whats to expect this year on team 2823

What do you think is to come this year for robotics?

Moriss: I have higher hopes for Duluth (where the State Championship is held) and robotics in general

Qwadir: Steampunk industral aged theme game. From the team a great preformence and going to champs again.

Do we see Duluth as another possibility this year?

Moriss: Yes, I do.

Qwadir: For sure. We are definitely going to Duluth again. We are already securing the funds.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the team?

Moriss: You should join because we have a lot of opportunities to learn new skills and build more friendships.

Qwadir: Definitly, just come and see what it’s about. We are here every Thursday in the fall. There are a lot of things to do besides just build the robot.

The Go Fund Me Page

Our robotics team has a Go Fund Me page. Definitely go check it out. It supports the team a lot and also gives the team more opportunities for competition and building. The team goal is $10k. The goal of the team is to develop and apply the knowledge of science, math, business, teach leadership, and problem solving. More info can be found on the Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/txf7z5qc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tech/Games

iPad tips

heroNow that the entire student population of HPHS has an iPad in their own possession, there are some tips I’d like to highlight about the devices. Here are the top 5 things to know about SPPS iPads:

5) Use it as much as possible. Remember that whenever the red sign isn’t displayed in the classroom, your iPad can be out and in use. It has the capability to replace most of your paper, don’t let the simplicity of a notebook hold you back.

4) Note-taking. Evernote, Bamboo Paper, Pages, Google Docs and Notes all make for an easy and simple lecture. Just turn the iPad where it’s easiest for you to type and then go to town.

3) AirDrop. Use it as a tool, not a distraction. It can easily help you accomplish tasks. If you missed a day of class, have a friend drop you the notes or a teacher AirDrop the assignment that you missed.

2) “They’re watching you….” Teachers can use Casper Focus to see what you are doing, lock your iPad or lock you into a specific app of their choosing. Through Mobile Device Management, the district, with probable cause, can view you browser/download history and where you have been connected to a network. They also scan each iPad every 24 hours to see if you have downloaded one of the banned apps found at bit.ly/notapps.

1) iPads are a privilege, not a right. Use them the wrong way and continue to abuse your privileges and consequences will be handed to you about as quickly as your iPad was given to you. Use it as tool and avoid the game section of the App Store.