Welcome to our Parent Resources Page! This section is designed to help families understand how the RoboHawks operate and how you can support your student throughout the season.
Here you’ll find:
  • Season Overview including preseason, kickoff, build season, and competitions
  • Volunteer opportunities for parents who want to help with events, meals, team operations, or mentoring.
  • Competition information, travel details, and what to expect at events
  • Frequently Asked Questions provides quick answers to questions parents ask most often
Our goal is to make sure parents feel informed and connected as part of our robotics community. If you ever have questions, please reach out—we’re here to help!


​Season Overview


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​Preseason
September — December
  • Students learn foundational skills in mechanical, electrical, programming, CAD, and team operations.​
  • New members get hands-on experience through workshops, mini-projects, and training stations.
  • The team focuses on building knowledge, developing safety habits, and meeting other teammates.
  • We meet Tuesdays and/or Thursdays after school until 5pm. Check the team calendar for specific days.
  • Preseason participation is not required, but it is highly encouraged because it results in a more successful build season.
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Members teaching other members during preseason


Build Season
Kickoff in January — Six Weeks
  • The new FRC game is revealed at the January Kickoff, and the team immediately begins strategizing and designing.
  • Students prototype mechanisms, create detailed CAD models, and build a competition-ready robot from scratch.
  • Along with building a robot, we also build part of the actual playing field out of wood.
  • This is the team’s most intense period, with regular meetings, collaboration across all subteams, and rapid iteration.
  • During build season we meet Monday - Friday after school until 6pm or 8pm. Check the team calendar for specifics.
  • 50% attendance is required during build season for those that want to attend competitions.
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Building the playing field
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Kickoff 2025
Competitions
Early March - April
  • FRC competitions begin in early March (a.k.a "Week 1") at events held all around the world, bringing teams together to compete, collaborate, and showcase their robots on a global stage.
  • Teams also participate in judging for awards that recognize engineering excellence, outreach, professionalism, and creativity.
  • Competitions are where all the work of the season comes together, and they’re the highlight of the FRC experience for students and families
  • The RoboHawks typically register to attend TWO competitions. The decision on which event(s) to attend isn't finalized until Mid-November. 

Volunteer Opportunities
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Our team thrives with the support of parents and community members! There are many ways you can get involved, share your expertise, and make our team successful. With 30+ members and two coaches, our team cannot operate without the help of parents and mentors!

1. Become a Mentor
  • Help guide students in engineering, programming, CAD, marketing, or other skills you have
  • Share your professional experience and passion for STEM to inspire the next generation
  • There is no time commitment required
  • Read about what an effective mentor is here

2. Chaperone and Event Support
  • Attend competitions, volunteer events, or other activities that require adult supervision and team member support.
  • Chaperones will not be asked to pay for their own hotel room during competitions.


3. FOOD!
  • Provide snacks for after school
  • Bring in a dinner on Tuesday/Thursday nights for our long build days in build season
  • ​Help coordinate a team dinner at our competitions


Competition Information
FRC competitions are high-energy, sports-style events where teams bring the robot they built to compete in fast-paced matches. Students work in alliances with other teams, make quick repairs in the pit area, and collaborate with mentors and peers throughout the day. Important points:
  • The RoboHawks typically register for two competitions each season
  • Transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations (if required) are coordinated by the team
  • We sit as a team in the stands, feel free to join us!
  • Competitions usually run for the entire day, Thursday - Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get my student registered?
    There are two steps to getting your student registered for robotics. First, register through the Chaska High School Activities Department by clicking here. If you need financial aid or have questions about activities registration, please contact one of the coaches or the activities director at CHS. Second, create a FIRST account for yourself here. Follow the directions on that website for adding your student and applying for our team, FRC #2531. 

2. How much does it cost? 
    There is a fee to register through CHS activities, contact the activities director if you need financial assistance. The registration through FIRST is free. Each competition usually ranges from $250-$300 per member. We provide ways to fundraise this cost, and attending competitions is not mandatory. If our team qualifies for the FIRST world's championship in Houston, Texas there are additional costs for flight/hotel/meals. 

3. Is there a time commitment?
   We support both casual and highly committed students. Casual participants can come and go as they wish, using our robotics room, tools, and resources to learn whatever interests them with no required time commitment. Students who want to attend competitions, however, must meet a minimum 50% attendance requirement during build season so they’re properly trained and prepared for event responsibilities. This structure allows every student to engage at the level that fits their interests and be inspired to pursue STEM, while ensuring our competition team is ready for the demands of the season.