View Single Post
  #43   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 13-05-2012, 03:51
techedguy's Avatar
techedguy techedguy is offline
Technology Education, PFHS
AKA: Sal
FRC #4520 (Roboteknix)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Rookie Year: 2008
Location: Spokane, Washington
Posts: 64
techedguy is just really nicetechedguy is just really nicetechedguy is just really nicetechedguy is just really nicetechedguy is just really nice
Re: Robotics Varsity Letters?

Our administration supported it, I was a sports coach when I started FIRST and continued to be one until this past year. I put some real requirements on it and it was approved pretty easily:

1) 150+ hours active participation during build season.
2) 2nd Year of participation, attending at least 50% of competitions (if we have more than 1 - if only 1 competition, they need to be there.
3) 2.0 GPA (Athletic participation requirement for our district) minimum maintained during years of participation (not cumulative - annual)
4) 'Pay it Forward' - Lettermen are required to have mentored an FLL or FTC team for their season or worked Summer Robotics Camps with kids. Notes from the FLL or FTC coach are required proof of positive participation.
5) Team PR/Community Event participation requirement.

1st Year Senior exception: Mentors and coach can eliminate the 2 year requirement for those senior members whose contributions are considered exceptional for their season of participation. This member needs to exemplify the spirit of the program. (This has only been done twice in 4 years).

One year I only lettered 1 member of the team despite having 5 seniors graduating - some with multiple years. I have been committed to 'close doesn't count' - you don't cheapen it by letting someone slide on a requirement - ever. I considered the following definition while determining the criteria, the 'no exception' stance, and have been clear with students and parents about it.

Wikipedia: A varsity letter (or monogram) is an award earned in the United States for excellence in school activities. A varsity letter signifies that its winner was a qualified varsity team member, awarded after a certain standard was met
__________________
Salvatore Lorenzen, M.Ed, Ed.S.
Mentor/Coach/Teacher

I am not who I hope to be, but I am trying. I am giving it my all to improve me; and I’m thankful at the end of each day that I’m not the guy I used to be.

FRC #4520 - Misfit Toys

2012 Spokane Regional WFA
2009 Idaho GIANTS Award
Reply With Quote