[mzitz2k]

We had a situation this year, too, at our school. Team 302 builds their robot at Lake Orion High School, which we are extremely proud of because the students get an amazing amount of 1-1 time with the robot. Every year we do our testing out in the hall way adjacent to the shop where we build the machine.

Our principal and school district is absolutely fantastic, but we had a problem with the janitors!

They apparently were upset that our gum rubber material on our wheels were leaving temporary (I repeat temporary) marks on the carpet. They also accused us of tearing carpet right off the floor, which this was a complete lie. Also, the janitors tried to make us leave a couple of times because "in our contract it says 'no students are allowed to be in the school unless a janitor is there' ".

What?!? A janitor must be at the school for us to work on our robot? What kind of logic is this?

I was extremely frustrated to say the least because I love pulling the all-nighters and working late. Why? Because I want to learn and I love the whole FIRST process.

I think these ridiculous janitors forgot what exactly a school does - teach people! They let their "contracts" and egos get in the way. I really think they should be ashamed of what they tried to do - stop us from learning. Team 302 will not be stopped by some janitor and nor should you let your school district stop you! Go to that competition, work on Thursday, be competitive Friday, and then go for the win Saturday. And at the end... Thank yourself not the school district that got in the way.