Help Save Team 306 CRT

[Kyle A]

Thank you everyone.

The meeting went pretty well, the students made a strong case. We had parents, teachers, and alumni stand and talk about how they feel about FIRST and our team. CIA 291 also brought down a group of members to stand with us and support us, and to say a few words.

Right now we are kind of at a stand still, they have our proposals, with a variety of different options, from the budget we received this past year, to major cut backs, to a ratchet budget plan they pay some and we do, and the amount they pay gets smaller every year, until we are all on our own, and finally them just supplying us with a work space.

We made our points across that we still want to be apart of the school and are willing to work with the Robobots, program. Both can grow from each other. At the end of the meeting they said they had to discuss this situation more together as a board, and that the team always has a very well put together presentation, and information.

As of now CRT 306 is still a team, and we plan on being a team with or without the schools help. I currently work with the Boy Scouts of America, at a local camp, and have been in contact with the scout executive of my council. If we have to, we will for the team under a venture crew, and find our own work space. We of course would love to keep our shop at the school, but still are making plans just in case.

Thanks again everyone for the Support, it means a lot to me and to all my kids! With the help of CIA and all of you the teams spirits are up and they are working hard to keep going. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
Kyle A

[JohnBoucher]

I am glad to hear that it went well. Hopefully they will work out a plan where you keep the space and tools. You can deal with the funding as you need to.

[samanthaa]

Hello Everyone.

Time for an update. Today, following school approximately 10 team members, myself included, met with our superintendent and principals about the robotics situation. I am going to be very straight forward with all of you:

The school does not want to keep us at all at this point, affiliation or anything. Nothing is set in stone yet, we won't know for sure for a couple of weeks, but at this point they are done with us. Reasons include:

-They don't want 2 programs.
-We aren't in the school curriculum.
-We aren't very local. (We participate in Pittsburgh and Cleveland most years because they're closest.)
-We're too dangerous. (Though all of our actual metal work, welding and such, is done with teachers in a shop class)

We are going to do yet another presentation for the board to attempt to win the affiliation. However, be prepared for CRT 306 to change numbers if it comes down to it. We will keep all of you in the loop once we know more.

Please keep us in your thoughts and ANY and ALL fundraising ideas are highly
appreciated and needed.

Samantha
Co-Captain/Driver

[mschwab013]

This thread has some interesting ideas Sam. Take a look at it

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...hreadid=117000

[samanthaa]

Thanks Matt.

[Kyle A]

Hey all,
I have been away all summer, I work at a local boy scout camp, CTSR, and have not had the chance to update. It was a battle all summer, back and forth on what was going to happen. We were given the go ahead to participate in all community events up until The beginning of July. At that point we were to stop operating, had to turn in all keys, and had no access to funds. I was kept very busy at camp so did not hear anything about our team, nor did any of the students.
About 2 weeks ago I learned the other 2 mentors had resigned, leaving only me, and was almost positive we were done. We received word that teacher whom replaced Mr. Morrison, our former head mentor whom started the team, agreed to do FIRST robotics.
All the hard work and hours the students put in fighting for there the team has paid off!
CRT 306 will be a team again this season!
Thank you everyone for the support you have given, it means alot to me and my students. look forward to seeing everyone this upcoming season!

[waialua359]

I really hate when I hear stories like this.
Keep up the good work you folks have done over the years and good luck in your quest to continue the program beyond your current situation.

Every time I hear about things like this in the FIRST community, its frustrating as it hits home all the time in what we have endured as a program going into our 15th season.

Sometimes our worst challenges are from our own school/district.

As a transient school with respect to both teachers AND administrators (Our 6th set since I've been here), we always have to prove ourselves and we have a lot of jealous people that want to tap into what our sponsors have dedicated to STEM and Robotics.

We rely heavily on the FIRST community, our past Governor (for several years), and our main sponsors/grant writing to provide the foundation for our team.
Perhaps you folks could work towards some alternative sustainability plan to help take your issues out of the equation.

The impact FIRST has had with our former/current students and their families is proof enough for us to keep fighting along.
-Glenn

[mschwab013]

Congrats Kyle and good luck this year! I know CRT will do great things in the next few years. If there's anything else you need don't hesitate to ask!