Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
Robotics · FIRST Robotics Competition
Circuit Breakers 8707
Design it. Build it. Bring it to life.
We are the Newark Circuit Breakers, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 8707. Our students turn ideas into working systems through engineering, programming, strategy, and teamwork. There is room for builders, coders, problem-solvers, communicators, and students ready to discover a new strength.
Newark ingenuity in action
One team. Many ways to contribute.
Circuit Breakers 8707 represents Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology in FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST’s official record lists the team as The Newark Circuit Breakers, with a rookie year of 2022 and membership in the FIRST Mid-Atlantic district.
Our identity
Team 8707
Our team number connects the Circuit Breakers to official event listings, results, and the wider FIRST community.
Our approach
Think, test, improve
An idea becomes stronger when students prototype, notice what happens, and use evidence to make the next revision.
Our community
Learn with a team
Students can develop technical skills while practicing clear communication, shared responsibility, and respect for others.
The program behind the competition
What is FIRST Robotics Competition?
FIRST Robotics Competition, or FRC, challenges high school teams to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for a new game released in January. Teams compete on a themed field in three-team alliances, combining technical work with strategy and collaboration.
01
Understand the game
Study the challenge, scoring, constraints, and team priorities.
02
Design & build
Develop concepts, prototype mechanisms, and integrate the robot’s systems.
03
Program & test
Bring hardware and software together, test reliably, and refine the design.
04
Compete & learn
Work with alliance partners, adapt to the event, and bring lessons into the next improvement.
Circuit Breakers achievements
A record worth building on.
From rookie recognition to a district event victory, Team 8707 has earned its place in the FIRST community. These highlights come from FIRST’s official team and award records.
2025 · Warren Hills
District Event Winners
FIRST lists the Newark Circuit Breakers as a District Event Winner at the 2025 FMA District Warren Hills Event.
2022 · Rookie season
A strong first impression
Rookie All Star Award at Bensalem; Rookie Inspiration Award at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy; Highest Rookie Seed at both events.
2026 · Mount Olive
Alliance 5 Captain
The Circuit Breakers finished eighth of 33 in qualification rankings and served as captain of Alliance 5 at the FMA District Mount Olive Event.
Find your contribution
A robot needs more than one kind of thinker.
These are areas to explore with the co-coaches. Team roles and assignments depend on current projects, training, and team needs.
Design & fabrication
Mechanical systems
Explore CAD, prototypes, mechanisms, assembly, and how a design performs under real constraints.
Code & control
Programming
Develop an interest in software, sensors, robot behavior, testing, and the connection between code and physical systems.
Power & connections
Electrical systems
Learn how components, wiring, power, and controls work together, with the coaches’ training and supervision.
Observe & analyze
Scouting and data
Study robot performance, organize observations, and help turn information into useful strategic decisions.
Plan & coordinate
Strategy and operations
Explore how preparation, practice, communication, and well-defined responsibilities support a competition team.
Tell our story
Outreach and team support
Bring interests in design, photography, writing, presentations, organization, or community connection to the team.
Current students
Ready to get involved?
Start by speaking with Radwa Ghazy or Farid Sawaqed. Tell the co-coaches what interests you, including areas beyond building or programming. Ask what training and commitment are appropriate for your starting point.
01
Introduce yourself
Share your name, grade, interests, and experience. Explain what you hope to learn and ask how new students can begin.
02
Get a current plan
Confirm meetings, time commitments, participation steps, materials, and any forms or permissions before making plans.
03
Follow through
Attend consistently, practice with purpose, communicate conflicts, and meet the expectations agreed with the program staff.
Keep learning and follow the team
Your robotics resource hub.
Team information
Official Team 8707 record
Find the team’s season listings, event information, awards, and results. Check the season before interpreting a record.
Program overview
FIRST Robotics Competition
Explore the program, its learning model, and the community of high school robotics teams.
Documents & learning
FIRST resource library
Find program resources and official documentation. The co-coaches can direct students to the materials for the current season.
College & careers
FIRST opportunities
Explore college and career connections, including scholarship resources and individual eligibility requirements.
School pathways
Career academies
See how engineering, computing, and other technical interests connect with learning at Data Science.
Academic preparation
Advanced Placement (AP) Hub
Explore advanced coursework that can support your growing interests in science, mathematics, computing, and technology.
Prospective students & families
Find a place to build your future.
Explore Data Science’s academic pathways and the student opportunities that bring learning to life. During your visit, ask students and staff how they began, what they are working on, and where their interests have taken them.
Good questions
Know your next step.
Do I need experience before I ask to join?
Start by sharing your interests with the co-coaches. Ask about beginner opportunities, current team needs, and the training required for a particular task. Your first contribution may be different from the role you eventually develop.
Is robotics only for students who already code?
A robotics team involves design, hardware, software, strategy, analysis, organization, and communication. Talk with the co-coaches about where your strengths fit and what you would like to learn.
Where do I find the current schedule?
Confirm build sessions, meetings, event dates, transportation, and permissions with the co-coaches. The official FIRST team record can help you follow event information, but the coaches provide the school’s participation plan.
Can I use workshop tools as soon as I join?
Ask the coaches which tasks you may perform and what safety training, supervision, and protective equipment are required. Follow the team’s instructions before using tools or working on robot systems.
What does the 2025 achievement recognize?
FIRST lists Team 8707 as a District Event Winner at the FMA District Warren Hills Event. You can explore the award and the team’s season history through the official 2025 team record linked above.
Who can help me find the program contact?
Ask for Radwa Ghazy or Farid Sawaqed at school. The main office can help you connect: 973-350-5088. Confirm current meeting days, location, participation requirements, and any permissions with the program staff.