News - Parent Student Update

[MSA Admin]

In this Email:

MSA: Admin Transition, New Space Update, SWENext, Japan Trip, InspiKids Talkshow

FRC: Software Training, Safety, Reminders

FTC: Safety, Parent Chat Spaces, Photo Albums, Reminders, Teams Meeting Schedule

FLL: FLL Kickoff, Parent Chat Space, Reminders, Photo Albums

Please note Time sensitive action items

Please note No action needed but particularly noteworthy. 

 

	McKinney STEAM Academy (MSA) Admin Transition: We are in the process of transitioning administrative tasks from Christi to our coaches and mentors. This includes managing the Google Workspace and distributing the weekly newsletter. We appreciate your patience during this transition. If your student encounters any issues with their MSA Google account, please email ad...@mckinneysteamacademy.org. A special and heartfelt thank you to Christi for her outstanding organization, time, and genuine enthusiasm for MSA and its members. You’ve set us up for success, and we’re deeply grateful! New Space Update:  Our new space, Suite 110, has passed city inspections and is now in use by FLL and FTC teams!  FRC students celebrated by assisting in the demolition of a section of wall to create a new doorway between the current and new space.  Improvements continue to be made, be sure to check out the new suite! SWENext: We’re excited to announce the launch of our newly chartered SWENext club, the youth arm of the Society of Women Engineers! Open to all ages and genders, SWENext offers opportunities to explore engineering, build skills, and connect with like-minded peers. The student leadership team is currently being selected, and they will announce the next meeting date soon. Until then you can learn more here or join our chapter by contacting Gargi G.  Join us in empowering the next generation of innovators! Japan Trip: You and your friends are invited to join the MSA trip to Japan in Summer 2025! We’ll explore Tokyo, Odaiba, Tsukuba, and Yamanashi, with an optional extension to Seoul.  Join Coach Dan for an info session on Monday, August 26th, from 6-7 pm in-person at MSA or virtually see link below. Learn more about this exciting trip with our travel partner, EF Tours. We only have 19 spots left, so don’t miss out! Register for the info session here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/prbpzw5 Join info session live at MSA or virtually via this link: Japan Interest Meeting  InspiKids Talkshow: Get Ready to Be Inspired! Join us for an electrifying evening as McKinney STEAM Academy teams up with Mercenary Robotics (The MERCS) and InspiKids for our first-ever Interactive Talkshow! On August 18th, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, young innovators and parents alike are invited to explore the transformative power of robotics. Hosted by the visionary founder of InspiKids, this talkshow will feature dynamic members from our FLL, FTC, and FRC teams, sharing their personal journeys, insights, and the behind-the-scenes magic that fuels our robots and shapes futures. From discovering career passions to breaking down the hidden aspects of robotics, this event is your chance to see how McKinney STEAM Academy is molding the next generation of tech leaders.  Reserve your spot now! Spaces are limited, so make sure to register today at tinyurl.com/RoboticsTalkShow . Let's build the future together—one robot at a time!  Date: August 18th Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM Location: 192 Industrial Blvd, Suite 109, McKinney, TX and  Also available via livestream. Check our social media on Saturday for the link to join us virtually.  Important Dates: August 18th 5:30-7:00pm InspiKids Talkshow August 26th 6-7pm: Japan Trip Info Session Helpful Links: MSA Calendars
	FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION (FRC) Fees: 2024/2025 Fees (in full or first installment) are due now. Please see bottom of email for payment options. Software Training: Saturday August 17th - All students attend Module 1.   The first section of Module 2 will also be taught to those interested in specializing in software. Saturday August 31st - Remainder of Module 2 IMPORTANT: Students attending the optional Module 2 must bring a computer Module 1: All FRC students and mentors, this module covers the basics of the FRC Control System and the software development process. No prerequisites or prior experience is required. All FRC students are expected to attend. Module 2: Optional continuation, designed for those interested in specializing in software, this module involves creating and modifying an FRC Robot program. Participants are required to bring a computer. A self-paced take-home activity will be provided on August 17th, to be completed before the session on August 31st. Additional details can be found on the MSA website. Safety: Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses are mandatory in the shop. Please note that Crocs do not qualify as closed-toe shoes and are not permitted in the workshop. Water bottles and drinks are allowed, but only in closed containers—open containers are not permitted. Students are responsible for bringing their own safety glasses, please do not count on us having spares. Parents please remember to limit yourselves to the classroom areas.  If you need to enter the workshop you must also wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses.   Snacks: We are currently working on a snack replenishment sign-up process, we'll share more details soon. In the meantime, we would appreciate donations of snacks to restock the FRC cupboard. Please ensure that the snacks are individually wrapped and nut-free. Thank you for your support! Parent FRC Chat: All parents have been invited. You can also access parent chat directly with the following link: https://chat.google.com/room/AAAA2xYI-tw?cls=7 Student onboarding should be completed. Have your student check their email for  “@McKinneySTEAMAcademy.org” login information.  Students may contact Jodi M with account issues. NTX Save the Date: We’re still waiting for confirmation of details but this is what we know so far. STEM Gals AND North Texas Tournament of Robots (aka NTX) When: Sept 27-29, 2024 Where:Herman E Utley Middle School 1201 T L Townsend Dr, Rockwall, TX 75087 Event Website: https://www.ntxrobotics.com/ntxtournament This Week: Wednesday 6-9 Whole Team Meeting Saturday 1-5pm Whole Team, software training Module 1 and first part of Module 2 Important Dates: Aug 17 Software Training Module 1 and first section of Module 2 Aug 31 Software Training Module 2 Sept 27-29 North Texas Tournament of Robots (NTX)  Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec - No Sat meetings (excepting NTX), only Wed meetings Helpful Links: MSA Calendars First in TX Livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/@FIRSTinTexas/streams
	FIRST TECH CHALLENGE (FTC) Fees: 2024/2025 Fees (in full or first installment) are due now. Please see bottom of email for payment options. Safety: Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses are mandatory in the shop. Please note that Crocs do not qualify as closed-toe shoes and are not permitted in the workshop. Water bottles and drinks are allowed, but only in closed containers—open containers are not permitted.  All FTC students will receive a pair of safety glasses if needed.  Students must remember to bring and wear their safety glasses to all practices!  Also parents please remember to limit yourselves to the classroom areas.  If you need to enter the workshop you must also wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses.   Parent Chats: Parents should have received invitations to the following parent chats. If not please click on the link to the appropriate team and request an add. All FTC Parent Chat https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAMgASk3c?cls=7 Team 26589 fka NewFTC https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAL_IrB6A?cls=7 Team 26295 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAdqt5v3U?cls=7 Team 20166 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAroFuC_0?cls=7 Team 21743 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAWm8G8Ak?cls=7 Team 18121 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAxBK18OM?cls=7 Team 17011 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAACAsALpU?cls=7 Team 20195 https://chat.google.com/room/AAAAT4LPiJw?cls=7 Student onboarding should be completed. Have your student check their email for  “@McKinneySTEAMAcademy.org” login information.  Email MSA Admin if your student requires assistance with their account. Student Team Chats: Students will need to be logged in with their @mckinneysteamacademy.org credentials to view student chats. All FTC students should have gotten emails with these details.   2024/25 Photo albums have been created for all teams. We encourage you to share photos of your child’s team. Team 26589 (fka NewFTC24) https://photos.app.goo.gl/jQbszYRPrXvJCjd49  Team 26295 https://photos.app.goo.gl/NvrE7NYHR9QbrwzL8  Team 20166 https://photos.app.goo.gl/V6ydqTXXNbzq5dfM9  Team 21743 https://photos.app.goo.gl/8NcJorytzAE2dFQ4A  Team 18121 https://photos.app.goo.gl/D7jJmAVQ9A4CHo8h6  Team 17011https://photos.app.goo.gl/XeTXdYCBVpi6xcrZ9  Team 20195 https://photos.app.goo.gl/zYcsjdanGapsSUcTA FTC Meeting Schedule : Meeting times subject to change. Please watch your team’s Parent Chat space and/or calendar for updates.  No Saturday meetings until September 7th, unless otherwise communicated by your student’s coach. 17011 Coach Charlie: Thursday 6-9pm and Saturday 1-5pm 18121 Coach Jevin: Thursday 6-9pm and Saturday 1-5pm 20166 Coach Steve: Wednesday 6-9pm and Saturday 1-5pm 20195 Coach Darrin: Tuesday 6-9pm and Sunday 1-4pm 21743 Coach Kishore: Thursday 6-9pm and Saturday 1-5pm 26295 Coach Dan: Tuesday 6-8pm and Saturday 1-5pm 26589 Coach Hemang: Friday 6-9pm and Sunday 1-5pm Important Dates: No Saturday Practices until Sept 7th, unless otherwise communicated by your coach Sept 7th 10am - 2pm - FTC Game Release & Launch Party - All teams Helpful Links: MSA Calendars First in TX Livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/@FIRSTinTexas/streams Game Manual 0 FTC engineering design process Game Manual 1 FIRST Standard Game Manual Game Manual 2 is the season specific rules, and available in September.
	FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL) We had a fun-filled FLL game release and kickoff event led by Coach Charlie on August 6th!  Students and parents watched the official SUBMERGED mission video, discussed the season, met with coaches, and experienced the new missions firsthand.  Please upload your kickoff photos to our new FLL KickOff Photo Album. Fees: 2024/2025 Fees (in full or first installment) are due now. Please see bottom of email for payment options. Parent FLL Communication Space has been created. Parent invitation emails have been sent but you can also access it here:  https://chat.google.com/room/AAAA38EYWcM?cls=7 2024/25 FLL Photo Albums have been created. Please add photos of your child’s team for use in newsletters and on the website!  2024/25 FLL KickOff  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5RinmtgbXuCfcjAP6   2024/25 FLL 50491 https://photos.app.goo.gl/G7kU4v6TqxWgUQCcA   2024/25 FLL 51620 https://photos.app.goo.gl/nZqph55VLag3Z19p7   2024/25 FLL 54586 https://photos.app.goo.gl/AVDLtcxs6GwmzhwC8   2024/25 FLL 60680 https://photos.app.goo.gl/q592xSmJQqKUA4wk6   2024/25 FLL 60892 https://photos.app.goo.gl/cE8bnBfa7GVHatPx7   2024/25 FLL 61002 https://photos.app.goo.gl/TXvDqz7Ar41WdaBGA   2024/25 FLL 61724 https://photos.app.goo.gl/vJczB3R3AtGRqmo1A   2024/25 FLL NEW FLL #1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/db8Q5kTtxdzLSwQR6  FLL Meeting Schedule: Team meeting schedules are set by the coaches.  Please contact your coach or visit the Parent FLL Communication Chat space if you have questions. Helpful Links: MSA Calendars FLL SUBMERGED Reveal Video FLL Challenge SUBMERGED Game Missions Video FLL Challenge SUBMERGED Game Rulebook

 

Helpful links:
MSA Website: https://www.mckinneysteamacademy.org/
ALL Team Calendars: https://www.mckinneysteamacademy.org/current-members/calendar
FIRST in Texas: https://firstintexas.org/
FIRST Inspires (global): https://www.firstinspires.org/

Payments and Donations:

You can bring in a check made out to "DMS ABC". Payment can be Zelled to “fin...@mckinneysteamacademy.org” or, from within your banking app, you can use the QR code below.

When prompted for a “Reason” please enter “FLL/FTC/FRC - STUDENT NAME”.

Note that you will see “Dowell Middle School Academic Booster” as this was our original 501(c)3 enrollment and we are currently working through the paperwork to get it updated after expansion.