Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

Chris is correct.
It's more than just adhering to school policy it's the blanket coverage of liability that comes with being associated with the school and it being a school activity. It brings protection for mentors and teachers that they wouldn't have otherwise.

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

I would recommend trying to find ANY other instances in your school (or any other schools/buildings in your district) where private school students ARE allowed to participate in a school sponsored activity, whether it be a club, community event, or even a prom (many schools I know of allow outside students to come to such events, after clearing a small bit of red tape).

Finding an existing example can always help with a "if this other group can, why can't we?" argument.

The other thing I might bring up in addition to the "we all pay taxes" argument mentioned in an earlier post here, would be to ask: If homeschool students are allowed, how is allowing private school students any different?




The school our team is based out of is a "Career Center" where 11th and 12th grade students can attend for a half-day session from a variety of different area schools (in-district, out-of-district, homeschooled, and private school). Due to this reason, we are in turn allowed to draw members from virtually anywhere, regardless of the school they attend (in fact they don't even have to attend the career center either, and can be at any high school grade).
Now, in order to attend any events with the team, each student must get a permission slip filled out which also has a section for their home school to give authorization to attend (so if you have bad grades you won't be attending regardless of what school you come from) which has to be signed by a principal or counselor.
One of the advantages to this system is by allowing outsiders to be part of our team, see our facilities, and interact with the teachers, many of them will, in turn, choose to enroll in one of the programs at our school as well. In that way, our team can act as a feeder for the school itself, which the administration loves, so we get their support.

Perhaps a system like this could be proposed to your school board (or whoever), where you can allow outside students but it requires some additional permissions from the parents, home school, etc.


Anyways that's my thoughts on the issue, hope it helps, and hope you guys can get this resolved! :)

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

I understand that it's a liability issue in many instances. Of course, that may depend on where a team meets - in the school, at a sponsor, how much students use tools, etc...

However, I still don't think this should discourage a team for wanting to include a student in some way. As a guest? By "partnering" with the private school in some way?

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

True on the liability. We do not meet on school property and our non-profit carries a liability policy. It is very inexpensive for several million dollars worth of coverage. (Great, now everyone is lawyering up to sue the Bomb Squad - new fundraising idea. ;) )

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

I worked with 1884, which was a two school team with a private school and local public school located across the road from each other. The private school provided most of the money, while the public school provided the shop space. That collaborative effort by both schools makes it successful, rather than just having students join "the other schools team." A joint venture might be more appealing to the administration.


Wetzel

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

folks, I appreciate all these responses. there are some good tips in here. I'm in process of getting the actual policy to understand the reasoning behind it. Please keep the comments/suggestions coming. and if you are a public school, where the team is hosted by the school and teachers are mentors, and have accepted private school kids, i'd love to here specifically about that.

A little more background: This team is a combination of two high schools in our community, which has been a challenge of its own. They won all the rookie awards last season across two regionals and went to champtionship. the team wants these private school students and view as core to the mission of FIRST and gracious professionalism.

Thanks again!

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

this comment and others like this is anew idea that i may explore. however, the private school definitely has students from all over the region, not just from our community. But it's definitely an idea to pursue. thanks!

Re: Public School Teams that allow Private School students to join
 

Like quite a number of teams, we are an independent club, registered as an engineering Explorer Post through Learning for Life. As a non-profit we have very friendly relations with local schools, and as an Explorer Post, we control our own membership and have liability insurance through LFL. It's a great combination, and totally eliminates public/private/home school member issues. I think the schools like the fact that they aren't on the liability hook when we are at events, too, since these are always "Post activities" and not "school activities." Other robotics clubs register as Venturing Crews (Boy Scouts) and 4-H clubs.