FRC Link Newsletter: July 2025
- Bonnie Crites
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
FRC Link
FIRST Chesapeake's FRC News
Stay informed and connected!
Welcome to the July FRC Link Newsletter!
Check out this month's highlights and reminders!
This month's newsletter at a glance:
2026 Season Schedule
***IMPORTANT!*** Team Health Survey
Dashboard Updates Needed
FRC Advisory Committees- Time to Apply
FIRST Blog Reminders and Resources
FRC Education Day
Equipment Managers and Event Managers Wanted!
Mentor Conference Resources Available
Off Season Events
September 27, 2025 Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker at Hayfield Secondary School
October 4, 2025 Blue Ridge Brawl at Salem High School
October 18, 2025 Battle O' Baltimore at Dulaney High School
October 25, 2025 Rumble #10 at Deep Run High School
FRC 2026 Season
Week 1 March 6-8, 2026 | CHS District Alexandria VA Event Hayfield Secondary School 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315 |
Week 2 March 13-15, 2026 | CHS District Pasadena MD Event Chesapeake High School 4798 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 CHS District Glen Allen VA Event Deep Run High School 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 |
Week 3 March 20-22, 2026 | CHS District Bethesda MD Event Walt Whitman High School 7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817 CHS District Chesapeake VA Event Hickory High School 1996 Hawk Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23322 |
Week 4 March 27-29, 2026 | CHS District Severn MD Event Severn Run High School 8065 New Cut Rd, Severn, MD 21108 CHS District Blacksburg VA Event Blacksburg High School 3401 Bruin Ln, Blacksburg, VA 24060 |
FRC District Championship April 9-12, 2026 | CHS District Championship Event Virginia State University Multipurpose Center 20809 2nd Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803 |
Use this button to see all the important dates for the 2026 season! Bookmark it and add them to your calendar!
IMPORTANT:
Team Health Survey
51 of 112 teams have submitted their health surveys!
This is a great way for Chesapeake to understand how your team is doing, what resources or support is needed to help you succeed, and just a way for us to touch base!
Use the survey to:
Let us know what’s working (and what’s not)
Tell us if you'd like help or to connect with a mentor
Share what kind of support would make a difference
Tell us your next season plans
Give us some updated team information
Did you complete yours, but know a coach that needs to? Please share the link: https://forms.gle/b4LwN2czSiPt7Asu7
Time to Update Your Dashboard
Don't forget to update your Dashboard!
Key things to Update:
New Tool- Searchable email sharing via FIRST
Update whether your team is Willing to Help Mentor Other Teams or Need Help from Other Teams- both are listed in the same area as the new sharable email.
Lead Coach 1- please use an email and phone number we can access even on a weekend.
Lead Coach 2- please use an email and phone number we can access even on a weekend.
YPP for Coaches
Consent and Release Forms for all
Need Instructions to add your searchable email? Follow these!
Login to your FIRST Dashboard.
Go to My Teams.
Click on Team Information.
Click on Team Profile.
Scroll to the Communication Options and complete to add an email for your team that is searchable via the Team and Event Search page.
Read the information carefully so that you understand how to adhere to YPP. We strongly recommend that teams create and use a generic, public email address for this purpose. Example: Team123-Info@example.com
In case you missed them: FIRST Blog Updates
SystemCore
FIRST has announced the selection of 50 teams for the first wave of Alpha Testing for the new SystemCore robot controller, a compact and powerful device designed to unify the control systems for both FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) programs.
Key Highlights:
SystemCore Features: The controller includes multiple CAN-FD ports, SmartIO ports, I2C ports, USB 3.0-A ports, a USB-C device port, an Ethernet port, and a built-in screen for diagnostics. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity and has a built-in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The device measures 5.3 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches and weighs approximately 0.475 lb (215 g).
Software Development: Progress has been made on the software, including a web interface that allows for controller-hosted programming environments and device status information.
Alpha Testing Teams: The selected teams represent a diverse group from various regions and programming backgrounds. Selection criteria included geographic diversity, programming language proficiency, and participation in both FRC and FTC programs.
Next Steps: Teams not selected for this wave will be considered for the second wave of testing, expected to begin in September. Additional teams interested in participating can apply through the provided application form.
For more detailed information, including the full list of selected teams and device specifications, please visit the SystemCore Alpha Testing – First Wave blog post.
RAP Robotics Design Guide
NASA’s Robotics Alliance Project (RAP) has released the Robotics Design Guide, a comprehensive resource developed by and for robotics teams participating in competitions like FIRST, VEX, BEST, and Botball. This guide offers practical insights into robot design, construction, and programming, aiming to support teams at all experience levels.
As a living document, the guide is continually updated with contributions from the robotics community. Teams are encouraged to submit their insights and best practices to robotics@nasa.gov for potential inclusion in future editions.
It serves as a valuable tool for enhancing design skills, fostering collaboration, and promoting innovation within the robotics community.
Calling All Mentors and Volunteers:
Want to help advise Chesapeake?
Passionate about FIRST Robotics Competition? Want to help shape the future of FRC in our district?
The FRC Team Advisory Committee (TAC) and FRC Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC) are looking for dedicated, experienced individuals to join our team!
🛠️ Apply today and make a lasting impact on the FRC experience for teams across our district!
New TAC and VAC members will be notified in in August.
FRC Education Day
November 15th, 2025
Park School
Join us for the 2025 FRC Education Day in Baltimore this November 15!
Hosted by the Maryland Robotics Alliance, this annual event is a cornerstone for FRC teams across the District.
Whether you're a rookie team gearing up for your first season or a veteran team aiming to refine your strategies, Education Day offers a wealth of workshops, technical sessions, and networking opportunities to elevate your robotics game.
Equipment and Event Managers Wanted
Equipment Managers - Guide the set up and break down process, assist with equipment and AV, and make our events something to remember!
Event Managers - Guide and lead event execution, day of leadership, and be the main point of contact for competitions in your area.
Be part of a mission-driven team working to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Mentor Conference Resources
Thank you for joining us for our 2nd annual Mentor Conference!
What a wonderful way to capitalize on the experience and expertise in our community to benefit new and veteran mentors alike.
Use the link below to access our Google Drive of slide decks.
Thank you,
FIRST Chesapeake Team
Comments