What is this field trip? ❓
We will be visiting the SOFWERX Innovation Center in Downtown Tampa. SOFWERX is a nonprofit innovation hub that brings together government, industry, academia, and labs to rapidly collaborate, prototype, and develop solutions to challenging problems faced by the United States Special Operations Command. On this trip, students will get to tour this incredible facility, do an activity where they learn how to solder, and put together a robot!!
How much does it cost for my child to attend this event? 💲
There will be no cost for students to attend this trip 🙂
Where is the event? 📍
SOFWERX
1925 E 2nd Ave #102, Tampa, FL 33605
Click here for the location on Google Maps
Who can go to this event? 🙋🏻
We are able to take 40 students from my computer science program with us on this trip. The students who get to go will be determined on a first come, first served basis. The first 40 students who turn in their completed field trip form (including signatures from parent/guardian and all teachers), will be the 40 students who get to go.
When is the event? 🕰️
January 23, 2026 from 9:40am – 4:15pm
This trip will happen during normal school hours, so you DO NOT have to make any special arrangements for transportation.
How does transportation work? 🚎
We will be taking a 56-passenger full size charter bus from ESCOT bus lines.
Is it possible to be a chaperone on this trip? 👓
Yes! We need 4 parent chaperones total for this trip (2 chaperones from each class). In order to be a chaperone, you must be a LEVEL 1 approved volunteer with the school district. Here’s information about becoming a district approved volunteer:
- Click here if you need to start a volunteer application
- Click here if you need to check your volunteer status (look at the expiration date, as long as it is after January 13, 2026, you are good to go)
- Call (813) 272-4446 if you have any other questions about volunteering
If you are interested in chaperoning for this trip please call or text me as soon as possible as there is only 4 positions available.
How will food work during this trip? 🍔
Quick Summary
- Make sure your child has a refillable water bottle.
- Pack 2 snacks.
- Students MUST BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH.
Specific Details
- WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO EAT ON THE BUS
- Once we get to SOFWERX, students will unload off the bus and eat their first snack before we start our tour (approximately 10:00am).
- We’ll eat lunch at about 12:00pm.
- Students will eat their second snack before we get on the bus for our drive home (approximately 3:30pm).
My child said it was ok for them to bring an electronic device on this trip, is that true? 🕹️
Yes, it is. We will be on the bus for about 45 min each way, so students are encouraged to bring something to help occupy their time.
Acceptable electronic devices include:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Handheld gaming consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch)
Headphones are required for any student wanting to listen to sound while they watch/play.
- Students may not play sound through their device’s speakers.
- If they do not bring headphones, their device must remain on silent or muted.
Students are also encouraged to bring a portable charger and charging cable to ensure their device stays powered during the trip.
What if I have more questions about this trip that weren’t answered on this page?
You have my phone number. Don’t hesitate to call or text if you have any additional questions 🙂