From the Original Post:
Quote:
Originally Posted by hg273
the lab would be open from 3-6:30 on any school night, and only until 10 on weekends.
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Something that is not often considered by students is the idea of legal supervision. It seems that the "lab" in question must be owned by the school. It must therefore be supervised by someone who can be legally responsible for students - usually a teacher. Some schools require that an administrator and/or custodial staff must be present on a campus if students are present. Even if students are ready, willing and able to spend late hours in the lab, that doesn't mean that the schools faculty, administration and/or support staff are. There may be other reasons that such limits are in place beyond student grades.
If your school allows students to be in a classroom without supervision, they must have very, very good lawyers, because they are risking a lawsuit. Add a "shop" or "lab" into the mix and it only gets worse. All it takes is a slip and a grieving parent to end a program. This gets more likely the later the hours are and the more tired/overworked everyone is.
Work within the limits and see what you can accomplish. Work with your school administration and share your concerns, but first be sure to look at the situation from their point of view.
Perhaps this is what the 2011 season is about for your team. As has been observed time and time again - if you think this about robots - you're missing the point.
-Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox