In the Press...
Robbinsville Minds of Steel Students Gear-Up to Create "All-Inclusive" Playground
By TAPINTO HAMILTON/ROBBINSVILLE STAFF
Robbinsville Robotics students put their skills on display on Monday and their compassion for fellow students. Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) and Robbinsville Councilman Dan Schuberth met with First Lego League Robotics Team "Minds of Steel" -- one of five teams that competed in the recent FLL State Championship. The team shared their conceptual plan for an "all-inclusive" playground, specifically tailored to support children with autism. “With this project the students have shown impressive initiative and compassion for kids with special needs. Their detailed presentation showed the diligence and hard work they put into this playground concept,” said Smith. “I was especially impressed by their many ideas, one of which was to use Radio Frequency Identification bracelets to create a ‘virtual fence’ to help parents find their children if they wander. And it was amazing they had built a working model bracelet to show us.” PHOTO: Congressman Chris Smith and Robbinsville Councilman Dan Schuberth honor the Minds of Steel studentCredits: Councilman Dan Schuberth "It's wonderful to see the students and mentors of Minds of Steel make inclusivity the focus of their First Lego League community project," said Councilman Dan Schuberth, an advisor to the project. "The students learned a great deal about supporting individuals impacted by disabilities by creating a blueprint for a detailed and thoughtful play space that all kids can enjoy. Their work provides yet another example of how folks in Robbinsville embody a spirit of compassion and service to others," added Schuberth. "We're honored that Congressman Chris Smith, one of the most effective advocates in Washington for individuals and families impacted by Autism, took the time to encourage and learn from the students." |