Volume 2021 -03| March 2021
Rocky Mountain BEST Volunteer Newsletter
We are looking forward to working with you again in 2021!
2021 Season Plan Highlights
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SCHOOLS

  1. Each team will build a physical robot using our FREE robot kit
  2. EITHER an In Person Standard Competition with 4-quadrant field OR Classroom Competition with provided 1-quadrant Field Kit
  3. Season expanded to 8-weeks
  4. Team training available this Spring and Summer
PLANNED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
More to come later this Spring and Summer
  1. Monday AM Kit Team - contact Carolyn.Bauer@bestinc.org to get on the distribution list
  2. Potential for Summer Game Field Build
More to come in August
  1. Potential for in person fall volunteering for 4-quadrant Referee, Registration, Hospitality, and Pit Monitor positions
  2. Online fall volunteer opportunities for all judges
  3. Expanded volunteer sign up within the BEST National Registry
  4. Expanded volunteer training in new BESTedu website

OPTIMISTIC DENVER BEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK PLANS
  • Online Judging starting 6 December
  • Arapahoe County Fairground reserved for Denver BEST Regional Championship 11-12 December

We'd love to have you volunteer in 2021
DETAILS OF EXPANDED 8-WEEK SEASON
  • Game
  • Announced in April
  • Game Animation and Rules to be released at Kickoff
  • Engineering Notebook - pdf submission required
  • ONLINE BEST Award Judging
  • Marketing Presentation
  • Virtual Team Exhibit and Student Interviews
  • Spirit and Sportsmanship -TBD
  • ONLINE Returning 2020 activities
  • Critical Design Review - We'll need judges again
  • BESTMania Skill Challenge
  • Minecraft Challenge
  • ONLINE Optional 2020 skills challenges - Options determined in September
  • Robot modeling
  • Engineering drawings
  • Video design
  • Website design
Boosting BEST Fundraiser
ONLINE Auction 1-6 June
Please Mark Your Calendar
You are invited to share with us the passion of introducing students to pursuits related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Your participation helps us bring our yearly robotics competition to over 600 middle and high school students - at no cost to schools.   

Look for more information in future Volunteer Newsletters including how to sponsor a student or a team.
HAVE A FEW EXTRA HOURS?
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - FROM HOME - RIGHT NOW!
BOARD OF DIRECTIORS POSITIONS
  • We are excited to welcome 3 new Board of Director Members. Summer Aateli, Barbara Lewis, and Michael Orf.
  • We send our appreciation for their support to Justin Darnall, Josh Noel, and Tyler Walston, who are leaving the board
FUNDRAISING
It takes a lot of funds to cover our costs to have a free competition at both the local level and the Regional Championship level. Here are MORE ways you can help from home.
  1. AUCTION: Willing to contact companies or your favorite store or restaurant to see if they might be willing to donate a gift card or product for our 1-6 June auction? Downsizing or just cleaning out and have an item that might be perfect for our auction? Please contact Lois.Walton@bestinc.org to learn more.
  2. GRANTS: Know a company or foundation that might want to hear about how they can help provide our inspiring STEM program free to schools?  Enjoy writing or have experience writing proposals or grant requests? Please contact Carolyn.Bauer@bestinc.org to learn more.
Colorado Energy Day
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday
25 September 2021, 11 AM - 3 PM
@ East High School
Energy Day is Colorado's first FREE family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
  • Energy Day will feature exciting exhibits and interactive demonstrations that will teach students and their families about various forms of energy and how through STEM education, they can find an exciting career in the energy industry.
  • Come down and support our local schools, energy experts, and the amazing kids out there looking to learn and develop their skills in STEM education!
Other Ways to Contribute
Colorado State Tax ReFUND Donation Option
If you get a Colorado state income tax refund in 2021, you again have an opportunity to donate some or all of it to support our ongoing work with Colorado schools.
This continuing program puts you in charge of where your donation goes. It’s as simple as 1,2,3:
  1. Decide how much of your refund to donate.
  2. Enter Rocky Mountain BEST and our registration number 20123026982 in the Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund line on your state income tax return or tax software – or just give this info to your tax preparer when you share your tax documents.
  3. Smile knowing you’ve helped a cause that matters to you!
You can learn more program details at this program FAQ link.
Other Ways to Participate by Donating
Colorado Gives Donations 
You can donate ANYTIME to Rocky Mountain BEST at ColoradoGives.org.
Benevity
If your company has gift matching through Benevity, Rocky Mountain BEST is one of the eligible non-profit organizations. Please check with your company about gift matching!
King Soopers/City Market
Thanks to the households who are using their King Soopers / City Market savings card to donate to Rocky Mountain BEST. It's easy to add RM BEST on your account.
If you used to refill a King Soopers gift cards for us and now need help setting up your savings card, please email lois.walton@bestinc.org. Lois would be glad to talk you through the quick process!
AmazonSmile
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Rocky Mountain BEST whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
Wondering what to do with your used car or truck? 
Donating your old vehicle or boat to ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEST is convenient, easy, and may qualify you for a tax deduction. And best of all, your donation of a used car or truck will make a big difference in supporting ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEST.
Why not donate your vehicle today? All you need to do is to complete our SIMPLE ONLINE FORM or call 1-866-628-2277 and we'll take care of the rest. We will pick up your vehicle, arrange to have your donation towed, and provide you with a tax-deductible receipt, all at no charge to you.
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Build a robot in EIGHT weeks;
inspire a youth for a lifetime
Don't miss out making it possible!