“I really like being able to move the robot around,” Yoni shared, his enthusiasm evident as he described the hands-on experience of controlling something he built himself. 

 

Since joining CIJE’s Lower School Robotics program this year, Yoni has discovered a world where technical skills, creativity, and teamwork converge.

 

The twice-weekly sessions have taught Yoni valuable lessons that extend far beyond robotics. “Everyone had to improvise,” he explained. “We plan stuff on the field, but then it doesn’t always work like that, so we have to improvise.” 

 

This flexibility was put to the test during their January CIJE competition when Yoni discovered the playing field was elevated rather than at ground level, as they had practiced. Despite the unexpected challenge, he adapted quickly.

 

For students like Yoni, the robotics program builds confidence. “It’s great for kids who maybe aren’t as sporty as some of the others,” Yoni’s father, Chaim Sussman, said. “Yoni really has a chance to shine and be a top player on the team.”

 

Yoni built a robot and a meaningful collaboration. “He’s definitely built a great relationship with his partner, they work really well together” his father observed. This partnership proved crucial when facing inevitable setbacks during competition.

 

Though Yoni’s team didn’t win their first CIJE VEX Robotics tournament, the experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience. They still “felt very proud of what they did,” his father shared. 

 

The experience was so positive that Yoni received recognition for sportsmanship and later called it “the best day of the year.”

 

As CIJE continues to expand its Lower School Robotics League, we’re witnessing more stories like Yoni’s unfold across Jewish day schools. Students are developing teamwork skills and technical knowledge while experiencing the pure joy of creating something with their own hands.