Re: School problems
 

Our team does not have too much problems with money that I know of. If the money is donated directly to us, like a check is written out to our team, then we do not have any problems. But if it is written out to our school with a memo to the robotics team, then we have to go through a bunch of stuff to get it. But I find it really sad that so many teams have all these problems with their schools. I am really proud of the fact that our trophies are put on display in our trophy case right next to all the sports trophies and such. But we do not get letters for robotics, yet anyway. I'll be working on that one next. The thing about the school administrators, well a lot of our mentors are school administrators, so we do not really have much of a problem with that unless they are all too busy to go on a trip with us, like to an elementary school or something like that. We have to make sure we have a school administrator with us for things like that.

Re: School problems
 

Setting up your team to be 501(c)3 is the best idea. We have that set up, along with our own account. Everything related with donations and expenses is managed within our team and the school can't touch our money.

Regarding the supervision issue, our school also requires that we have certified technology teachers with safety training, making it even harder as we cannot interest any teacher in supervising us. This is understandable because the district doesn't want kids working in a room with lots of power tools and machinery like the lathe, drill press, mill and welder.

We have solved the problem by interesting all the tech teachers we can find in "running shifts" to supervise us. If you need supervision, I would suggest bringing some interested people to an offseason and show them how exciting it can be. Or show them some videos or pictures of last years build season and competition.

If you need a video to show your interested people, I can produce a short "promotional" video for your team if you need it.

Re: School problems
 

we had our team started by a teacher but he seems to need another becuase of the strain... but im curious about your school taking your money? our team has its own credit card. it seems your school iis being extremely unwise with handling of money but then im one to talk our school bought smart boards for all off the math department (their like interactive chalk boards)

Re: School problems
 

Don't give up in trying to get letters......it is terrific that your mentors are your administrators.....on our team...we rely on our teachers/mentors.....sometimes we are stretch thin. I hope your are successful in your quest for letters...it will give hope to other teams who are trying to the same.

Pat Chen

Re: School problems
 

Try to interest other teachers ....it is hard for one teacher to do all.......to be a good mentor.......it takes the same amount of work whether you have a small team or a large one.....then with the added responsibilities of the job.....it is an "overload"......I know because I am a teacher......we are lucky on our team....we have 3 teachers from each of our high schools.......I was the backup to these 3 teachers.....it made a big difference. Good luck in getting more help!

Pat Chen