On Saturday, December 17, the two Cliffside Park High School FTC Robotics Teams competed in the RoboJoust showdown at Livingston High School.  Team 251 fought long and hard but eventually succumbed to superior competition.  However, team 5212 accomplished the first First Place finish in the schools short robotics competition history. 

     The game for 2011-12 consists of an eclectic mix of scoring opportunities. Both teams concentrated on the task of having their robots pick up racquet balls off the ground, scoring them in baskets, and then elevating the baskets for points. 

     Each team consists of 10 students and are both mentored by Mr. Martin Carcich and Mr. David Rappaport.  Students learn mechanical construction skills, electrical circuits, and the engineering programming language Labview which are taught outside of the normal science and math curriculums.  The students worked long and hard on their projects, and as far as the mentors are concerned, everyone wins. 

     Team 251 will get another chance January 21st  at Heightstown High School while Team 5212 will compete in the New Jersey Regional Championship Feb 11 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark.  We invite the public to attend.  Admission is free and the events are a lot of fun. 

     The staff and students wish to thank the Cliffside Park Board of Education, Mr. Romagnino, and Ms Morrow for their continued support.