Teams across Texas are deep into the DECODE™ presented by RTX season — competing at early events, wrapping up league play, and gearing up for a busy January full of tournaments, judging, and advancement opportunities. As we head into the holiday break, we want to make sure coaches have the latest updates, clarity on upcoming timelines, and resources to help teams feel confident going into the new year.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:

• Advancement Snapshot – A quick recap of this year’s advancement pathways, including FIRST Championship, Premier Events, State Cup, and UIL.

• Control System Updates – A summary of FIRST’s major announcements this week and what they mean for teams in Texas.

• Dean’s List Timeline – What coaches can expect between now and interviews, plus updated regional interview windows.

• XRP Workshop presented by TTU - College of Engineering– located in the Dallas area? Join TTU for their upcoming XRP workshop

• Coach Corner – Tips to help teams prepare for January tournaments, judging, and the transition from league play to full events.

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Teams across Texas are well underway in the DECODE™ presented by RTX season — building momentum, competing in early events, and preparing for a busy winter ahead. This issue highlights several key updates and reminders that coaches have been asking about as the season picks up speed.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:

• In Case You Missed It – A roundup of newly released resources on event readiness, season fees, and waivers, including easy-reference guides you can share with your team.
• XRP Workshop presented by TTU - College of Engineering– located in the Dallas area? Join TTU for their upcoming XRP workshop
• Surveys and Feedback - we want to hear from you!
• Dean’s List Reminder – Guidance for coaches as you begin preparing nominations for students who lead with impact and embody the values of FIRST®.
• Coach Corner – A spotlight on the FIRST in Texas FTC Resources page, where you’ll find the newsletter archive, high-level season calendar, and quick links to statewide Padlets.

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Teams across Texas are deep into the DECODE™ presented by RTX season — competing, learning, and preparing for the exciting events ahead. This issue focuses on a few of the most frequently asked questions from coaches and mentors this fall: how to make sure your team is event ready, what to know about rosters, and how season fees work across regions.

Here’s what’s inside:

• How to Be Event Ready – A step-by-step guide to make sure your team is ready for competition. From completing registrations and payments to confirming student waivers, this section outlines everything you need before your first event.
• Team Rosters at Events – Learn what rosters are, how they help with safety and compliance, and what to expect as FIRST in Texas rolls out its new check-in process. Rosters won’t be required at League Meet 1, but teams should start getting familiar with the process now.
• Season Fees Explained – We’ve received a lot of questions about what event fees cover and why they vary by region. This section breaks down the costs for each area and explains how local delivery models, partnerships, and logistics shape the fee structure.

This issue is designed to answer your biggest questions, reduce confusion, and help your team stay confident and prepared throughout the DECODE™ season.

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Teams across Texas are deep into the DECODE™ presented by RTX season — competing, learning, and preparing for the exciting events ahead. This issue highlights a few key updates and resources to help you stay informed, connected, and ready for what’s next.

Here’s what’s inside:

• firstintexas.org & How to Find Information – learn how to access updated FTC resources, region maps, and announcements all in one place.
• Register for Events - make sure you are eligible to compete by completing both the FIRST and FIRST in Texas registrations. 
• Grant Updates – find the latest information on open applications and upcoming funding opportunities for teams.
• Coach Corner – explore curated build, programming, and training resources to help your team grow throughout the season.

This newsletter is your guide to the tools, funding, and community knowledge shaping the Texas FIRST Tech Challenge season.

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Teams across Texas are settling into the season and looking ahead to the next big milestones. From training and grant opportunities to new events and volunteer spotlights, this issue highlights what’s happening now and where to go for the information you’ll need:

• Region Specific Information – where to find updates from your PDP about local events and logistics
• Rookie Coach Clinic Resource – catch up on the clinic if you missed it  for details on the season designed for new coaches
• REV Robotics Education Sessions – join us at the Preview Event to learn more about how to integrate robotics in the classroom and about the FTC DUO Starter Bot! 
• United States Governors Cup – what this new event is, and how teams can apply
• Grant Updates – the latest on application timelines and funding opportunities for teams
• Volunteer Spotlight – meet Lauren Pecoy, recently featured by FIRST® as part of #PeopleofSTEAM
• Coach Corner – guidance on mentor resources available through firstinspires.org

This newsletter is your quick guide to the resources, opportunities, and community stories shaping the season.

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With kickoff behind us, teams across Texas are diving into the new game and looking ahead to tournaments, scrimmages, and training opportunities. This issue highlights what’s ahead and where to find the information you’ll need as the season unfolds:

• Season Information – updates on how events are structured in each region and where to look for details from your PDP
• Coach Corner – each issue will spotlight a resource for coaches; this month we’re focusing on FTC-Events and how it helps track results
• Celebration Events – a look at the Preview Event, Texas State Cup, and Cowtown Invitational
• REV Robotics Education Team Sessions - join us at the Preview Event to learn more about how to integrate robotics in the classroom and about the FTC DUO Starter Bot! 
• Grant Opportunities – funding available for teams, including FTC SIM Argosy

This newsletter is your snapshot of the season ahead and a guide to the most important opportunities for teams and volunteers.

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Kickoff is here, and with it comes the official start of a brand-new game and a year full of opportunities for teams across Texas (and beyond). In this issue, you’ll find:

• Details on Kickoff this Saturday

• Information on the DECODE Preview Event in October

• A Season-at-a-Glance to help you plan ahead

• Guidance on how to register for events

• Key dates for the Dean’s List Award nomination process

Whether you’re a coach, mentor, student, or volunteer, this newsletter will help you hit the ground running this season.

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The DECODE™ presented by RTX season is about to officially begin! We’re excited to share a few quick reminders, tips, and upcoming opportunities as we head into kickoff weekend.

In this newsletter:

• 3 Things to Do Before Kickoff

• Kickoff Locations & How to Watch

• Dean’s List Reminders

• Coach’s Corner Tips

• Share Your Kickoff Photos

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Welcome back to the FIRST® Tech Challenge DECODE™ presented by RTX season!

We know teams are eagerly gearing up for the new season, and we want to kick things off with a few critical updates to answer some of your questions and concerns about the upcoming season. 
In this newsletter we will cover: 

• Large-Scale Programmatic Updates About Advancement
  • Details about a Coaches Clinic Opportunity
• Texas Competition Model Change and State Championship
• What to Expect Next?

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