Bridgewater-Raynham Robotics Team Heads to World Championship in Houston
TJ Squared competes on global stage while district honors community TV partner Jeff Fowler
BRIDGEWATER - April 16 - The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District's robotics team, TJ Squared, is competing in the World Championship in Houston, Texas, showcasing the district's continued excellence in extracurricular programs despite ongoing budget challenges.
Superintendent Ryan Powers shared the news during the April 16 school committee meeting, noting that the team had already departed for the prestigious competition.
"Our robotics team, TJ Squared, has left for Houston. They are competing in the World Championship," Powers said. "TJ Squared, year-in and year-out, has great seasons, but this is another special one for them."
The team departed early Wednesday morning for the competition, with Powers expressing excitement about their prospects at the global event.
"We're excited to learn how they did down there," he added.
The robotics team's achievement comes as the district faces significant budget challenges, with potential staff reductions looming if a proposed override doesn't pass in both Bridgewater and Raynham.
Powers outlined scenarios where class sizes could increase dramatically, particularly at the high school level, where some classes might have 40 to 50 students if budget shortfalls aren't addressed.
Despite these challenges, the district continues to celebrate student achievements across various extracurricular activities.
Powers also highlighted two students heading to Orlando to compete in the international DECA competition over April vacation: Selena Georgia Koplow, a student advisor to the school committee, and Rachel Corey.
"These are just a few I wanted to share," Powers said, emphasizing the district's ongoing commitment to providing enriching opportunities for students.
The meeting also featured recognition of Jeff Fowler, a dedicated partner from community access television who has supported the district's broadcasting needs for years.
School Committee Chair Jessica Davenport presented Fowler with tokens of appreciation, acknowledging his contributions to the district's media presence.
"Cable access TV is community access TV. Bridgewater and Raynham have been very fortunate to have such great partners in community TV over the years," Davenport said. "Tonight we want to recognize one such partner."
Davenport noted that Fowler goes beyond being a mere partner, describing him as "our go-to person for all broadcast issues" and "the guy freezing his butt off broadcasting every football game."
Fowler has also worked closely with the high school AV Club, helping to nurture the next generation of broadcasting talent for the communities.
In accepting the recognition, Fowler emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership between the district and community television.
"It's really a two-way street for sure. We benefit greatly from our partnership with RayCam as well," Fowler said. "It's not many communities in the Commonwealth where you really have this kind of partnership."
He expressed enthusiasm about continuing to grow the media club and highlighting positive events happening in the district.
Powers added his appreciation for Fowler's reliability and expertise.
"There's very few people that you can have on speed dial 24/7, and Jeff is always one of those people," Powers said. "We certainly call on him for small events, for large events."
Powers noted that while the district's staff organizes graduation, "it really is Jeff and his team putting that together and making sure it runs without a hitch."
The superintendent also highlighted other recent achievements across the district, including the unified track and field team's first home meet against Durfee High School, where students competed in throwing events, long jump, and sprinting events.
Additionally, Mitchell Elementary School art teacher Amanda Dari organized an art show at the Bridgewater Public Library featuring work from three special education classrooms, which will remain on display throughout the month.
The meeting also addressed serious budget concerns, with the district potentially facing a $6.4 million shortfall if a proposed override doesn't pass in both towns.
Powers outlined potential impacts, including increased class sizes across all grade levels and the possibility of issuing non-renewal notices to 76 non-professional status teachers after April vacation.
The school committee tabled a request from the Raynham Board of Selectmen asking the committee to commit to accepting voter decisions on any override vote and to forgo the option of calling a joint town meeting if an override fails.
Committee members expressed concern about the timing of such a commitment, with some arguing it was premature to make such a decision before override votes have been scheduled.
The annual town elections in Bridgewater and Raynham are scheduled for April 26, with two school committee positions on the ballot.
The next school committee meeting will be held in the auditorium of Raynham Middle School on May 21.
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Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District YouTube.