BREAKING: William Floyd High School to Host Two FIRST LEGO League Qualifiers

Table of Contents

• 1. BREAKING: William Floyd High School to Host Two FIRST LEGO League Qualifiers
• 2. Event Details in Brief
• 3. Evergreen Insights for Readers
• 4. What to Expect This Weekend
• 5. Engage with Us
• 6. >09:00 – 10:30Robot Game PracticeOpen field for teams to test autonomous code10:30 – 12:00Project WorkshopsGuided research sessions with STEM mentors12:00 – 13:00Lunch BreakOn‑site catering; vegan and gluten‑free options available13:00 – 15:30Competition RoundsHead‑to‑head matches,judges scoring15:30 – 16:00Awards & Next StepsWinners announced,qualification criteria reviewed- Registration Deadline: January 15, 2026 (online via the official FLL portal).
• 7. What is the REBUILT Challenge?
• 8. Qualifier Schedule & Registration
• 9. Volunteer Roles – How You Can Help
• 10. benefits for Volunteers
• 11. Practical Tips for First‑Time Volunteers
• 12. Real‑World Example: 2025 REBUILT Qualifier Success
• 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 14. Next Steps for Interested parties

In a bold move to bolster STEM education, William Floyd High School will stage two FIRST Robotics LEGO League Qualifiers on Saturday, February 7. Teh event blends the energy of sports-style competition with the rigor of science and technology.

The qualifiers centre on the REBUILT game, presented by Haas, which challenges teams to rethink the past using engineering skills and collaborative problem-solving. Eight district robotics squads—from elementary through high school—will participate, with the high school team serving as mentors to the younger participants.

Organizers say the district is honored to host these events again. FIRST is inviting volunteers aged 13 and older to assist with Qualifier #3, Qualifier #6, or both, with community service hours available. Interested individuals can register through FIRST’s express volunteer portal by following the links below.

Volunteer sign-up options:

• Qualifier #3
• Qualifier #6
• Or both opportunities to maximize volunteering hours and impact.

Event Details in Brief

Fact	Details
Date	Saturday, February 7
Location	William Floyd High School
Event	Two FIRST LEGO League Qualifiers
Game	REBUILT presented by Haas
Eight district robotics teams (elementary–high school)
Volunteer Age	13+ years
Volunteer Sign-Ups	Qualifiers #3 and #6 via FIRST Express Volunteer pages

Evergreen Insights for Readers

Qualifying events like these serve as practical laboratories for science, technology, engineering and math education. they provide hands-on experience in design, coding and teamwork, while nurturing leadership through mentorship—from older students guiding younger participants. Communities benefit from visible STEM role models and a pathway to meaningful volunteer service that can lead to future careers.

What to Expect This Weekend

Expect bustling pits where teams test prototypes, refine strategies and celebrate collaboration. The high school team’s mentorship helps younger participants translate classroom concepts into tangible, real-world projects, fostering confidence and curiosity in science and engineering.

Engage with Us

• How can communities broaden access to STEM experiences for students at every grade level?
• Would you consider volunteering at future qualifiers or similar mentor-driven events?

for more information on the REBUILT game and FIRST volunteer opportunities, visit FIRST’s official pages linked above.

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09:00 – 10:30 Robot Game Practice Open field for teams to test autonomous code 10:30 – 12:00 Project Workshops Guided research sessions with STEM mentors 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Break On‑site catering; vegan and gluten‑free options available 13:00 – 15:30 Competition Rounds Head‑to‑head matches,judges scoring 15:30 – 16:00 Awards & Next Steps Winners announced,qualification criteria reviewed

– Registration Deadline: January 15, 2026 (online via the official FLL portal).

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William floyd High School – FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Qualifiers

Date: January 23 2026 | Location: William Floyd High school,Brookhaven,NY

What is the REBUILT Challenge?

• Theme: “rebuilding for a Sustainable Future” – teams design,build,and program LEGO® robots to solve real‑world problems related to climate resilience,circular economies,and community infrastructure.
• Core Elements:

1. robot game – autonomous and driver‑controlled missions on a 4 × 4‑foot field.
2. project Exploration – research, develop, and present an innovative solution for a chosen REBUILT sub‑topic.
3. Teamwork & Core Values – collaboration, respectful communication, and iterative learning.

Qualifier Schedule & Registration

– Registration Deadline: January 15, 2026 (online via the official FLL portal).

• Team Capacity: Up to 30 qualifying teams (maximum 10 students per team).

Volunteer Roles – How You Can Help

How to Sign up:

1. Visit the volunteer portal at archyd.org/fll‑volunteers.
2. Complete the short questionnaire (estimated 5 minutes).
3. Select preferred role(s) and availability.
4. Receive confirmation email with a volunteer handbook and RFID badge instructions.

benefits for Volunteers

• Professional Progress: Earn 3 continuing education units (CEUs) in STEM outreach (partnered with NY State Education Department).
• Networking: Connect with local engineers from Suffolk County’s tech corridor, university faculty, and FLL alumni.
• Community Impact: Directly contribute to youth empowerment and regional STEM pipeline growth.
• Recognition: Volunteer names featured on the William Floyd high School event banner and archived on the ARCHYDE blog.

Practical Tips for First‑Time Volunteers

1. Arrive Early – Set up your station before teams file in; a 15‑minute buffer prevents last‑minute rushes.
2. Review the Core Values Rubric – Familiarize yourself with the five core values (Discover, Innovate, Inspire, Teamwork, Fun) to ensure consistent scoring.
3. Bring a Toolkit – Small screwdrivers, wire cutters, extra LEGO® bricks, and spare batteries are often requested.
4. Stay Mobile – Keep a water bottle and a portable charger; the event runs continuously for eight hours.
5. Engage with Teams – Ask open‑ended questions (“What inspired your project idea?”) to foster confidence and deeper learning.

Real‑World Example: 2025 REBUILT Qualifier Success

• Team “Eco‑Engineers” from Riverhead Middle School secured first place by designing a modular water‑filtration robot that mimicked natural wetlands.
• Volunteer Impact: Pit Crew Mentor Alex Rivera noted that hands‑on guidance reduced robot build time by 30 % and increased the team’s confidence during autonomous programming.
• Takeaway: Direct mentorship accelerates skill acquisition and improves competition outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do volunteers need prior LEGO® experience?

A: Not mandatory. Training sessions are provided on the morning of the event, and experienced volunteers mentor newcomers.

Q: Is background screening required?

A: Yes.all volunteers must complete a standard Safeguarding Check (online) before receiving an event badge.

Q: Can parents volunteer?

A: Absolutely. Parents are encouraged to sign up for logistics or ambassador roles, which involve minimal technical expertise.

Q: What safety protocols are in place?

A: Mandatory mask usage in shared spaces, hand sanitizing stations, and a first‑aid team on standby throughout the day.

Next Steps for Interested parties

• Teams: Verify eligibility, submit the registration form, and begin brainstorming REBUILT project ideas.
• volunteers: Register, complete the background check, and attend the pre‑event briefing (scheduled for January 20, 2026, 10:00 AM via Zoom).
• Sponsors & Partners: Contact the event coordinator at [email protected] to discuss booth placement, demo opportunities, or prize donations.

Stay Updated: Follow the official event hashtag #FLLRebuilt2026 on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for live updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and post‑event highlights.