Hello VA+DC FIRST_® LEGO_® League JR Community

 

As we weather the storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give our community an update on the status of the FIRST_® LEGO_® League JR season and what we can do now.

 

Season Status (Current and 2020-21)

 

·         The current  FIRST_® season is suspended. No decision has been made as to when or if the season will resume, but you can stay updated on  FIRST_® news here.

·         VA + DC FIRST_® LEGO_® League JR “BOOMTOWN Build” season is cancelled.  With the continued announcements from Governor Northam and Mayor Bowser, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the season as it stands.  

o    We will be emailing all the coaches and assistant coaches of teams who have registered and paid for a VA + DC FIRST_® LEGO_® League JR expo with registration fee options and further guidance.  

o    If FIRST_®  is able to reinstate the BOOMTOWN Build season, then we will attempt to reschedule expo events.  However, in our current situation, we will continue to follow the advice of federal, state, and local governmental departments and agencies.

·          FIRST_® CHAMPIONSHIP & other Invitationals have been cancelled. This has impacted many of our regional teams who were making plans to travel and compete.  These teams have continued to work and represent our region over the past few months.  We appreciate their dedication and we share in their disappointment.

·         NEXT SEASON: There have been no changes made regarding the status of the 2020-21  FIRST_® season.  With the response to COVID-19 changing rapidly,  FIRST_® will continue to keep the community informed as to any changes.

 

 

What can we do now?

 

• FIRST_® Virtual Showcase:  FIRST_®  sent all coaches and program delivery partners an invitation to the  FIRST® Virtual Showcase happening on Saturday, May 2^nd.  While  FIRST_®  has invited teams to submit pictures, videos, and other media, VA+DC FIRST_® LEGO_® League will also be submitting a video to highlight our awesome season and region.
  • If you have pictures/ videos from your team meetings, practices, or hangouts and would like to submit them, we would love to include as many as we can.  Please email any media at [log in to unmask] with the subject line “VIRTUAL SHOWCASE CONTENT” by Friday, April 10^th at 12pm.
• #stayinspiredVADC: Starting this week, we are launching an online movement to keep students and families inspired, engaged, and learning.  Over the next few weeks, we will be posting a new challenge with resources, both general and age-specific to our social media and website.  At the end of the week, we will highlight the work that you have done.
  • Please share the attached PDF with any families, educators, teachers, or anyone else that might be interested. While these challenges are specific to FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr, they are not exclusive to members of our community.  Anyone can follow along and perhaps might peak interest for next season!
  • If your family participates, please use the hashtag #stayinspiredVADC and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.  If you don’t use social media, please send any video/ media/ stories to [log in to unmask] with the subject line:  #stayinspiredVADC
  • If you have other awesome resources or activities that you want to share with the community, send them to [log in to unmask].  We would love to share them!

 

• Take care of yourselves and each other: We know that the impact of this pandemic is wide and far reaching.  Above all else, we are thinking about you and your families.  We hope that you all stay healthy, stay strong, and stay inspired.

 

Sincerely,

 

VA+DC FIRST_® LEGO_® League JR