[EricH]

How old are your 9th graders? As long as they are 14 or under, they should be perfectly fine in FLL.

Now, if you have 9th graders turning 15, then you have a problem--they can't stay in FLL (I don't remember when the cutoff date typically is).


What I would propose to the principal is this:
1) Currently, only 2 FLL teams can be fielded (20 slots). Reserve some of the slots for 9th graders.
2) Allow a limited number of 9th graders on the FRC team for one year as a trial basis.
3) Concurrently with 2, allow 9th graders in FLL. They get to choose which level they're at--barring age issues, of course. (Some of them should be in both, ideally.)

After the one year, re-evaluate. Get input from the 9th graders at both levels on what they liked and disliked. At that point, you can:
-increase FLL support to add a third team
-allow 9th graders in FRC on a more permanent basis
-assign 9th graders to mentor FLL teams