[feverittm]

I agree with these comments regard simulating the first week activities. We do a similar exercise for our new students (we call it 'Week in a day'). We go as far as trying to prototype some of the systems using cardboard, tape, else cheap to see how to get going fast. It really helps new team members when they go into Kickoff.

One suggestion while working with your school on money. Try to get a few of the higher order vendors pre-qualified by your school (like AndyMark, Vex Robotics, etc). This way when you need to write a PO the school already has the company's information on file and is ready for it.

You should make sure that the parents and the school administration have a clear idea as to the commitment that the students will be expected to make during build season. It helps as you approach week 6 and the students are spending every waking (and sometime sleeping) moment working on the robot.

Also you have a good start connecting to the community here on CD. Make sure your students know about it. You could even have someone assigned to keep track of CD and the FIRST FRC Blog. That way you won't miss things as they are announced.

Have fun!