2005 Florida reigonal

[robot180]

I apoligize if this was already posted.

I just found out that juniors in Florida have to take the science FCAT on March 10th. This is the thursday of the regional. It could just be my county, but I am not sure. If it is the entire state, I think this would cause a problem for many teams, especially if they have already made all of the travel arrangements.

[Gabe Salas Jr.]

Isn't there a make-up date for students who were absent on certain days for the FCAT? If so, I think a lot of people on teams are going to be making up the science portion of the FCAT. If not, there has to be some way to exempt students from taking it on that day specifically.

I remember I had to take an AP exam on a flight to Nationals (Houston) two years ago. That was interesting.

[robot180]

I don't know if my school will do that. It is not part of the county school board. Also, I think the mackup day is the next day. Also, I am in all college classes and I can't miss anymore then 3 days or I fail. (I am missing three for the competitions) I can't miss another to take the FCAT.

The main reason I am mad is that ever since 2nd grade, they have been telling us that if you pass it in 10th grade, you never have to take it again. All of a sudden that doesn't matter. They have been pulling this ... since you know who got in office and started the FCAT!

Oh well, I can either go and fail all my classes or not go and loose the money that I paid for it, plus cause my team to pay for extra rooms for people who had to cancel because of this, unless they can find some way to exempt us or something.

[Gabe Salas Jr.]

Hmm... I am not exactly sure what to say other than to ask questions to the school board. I know there has to be some way to exempt the test on that day (I thought the make up dates are two weeks after). I wonder if it is possible to take it early (I highly doubt that).

As for absences, I know our school board excuses absences from robotics trips since they consider them "field trips." Try to see if you can approach it from that angle, so the absences do not count against you. I already asked my professors ahead of time, and they say that they will not count me absent on days of competition. Plus I asked for the make up work.

There are alternatives, just keep looking for them. And good luck.

[tiffany34990]

I believe there is a day to make up the FCAT--since they always announce that make ups are blah blah at south fork in the auditorium. yes, a lot of our member are affected by it. but i'm sure there is a way out of it.

[Jonathan M.]

My final exam for Econ is on the 10th. My teacher is letting me take it the Tuesday before we leave. (We're leaving Wednesday morning.) I only get one half class period for review, but whatever. I'm great in that class anyway. I hope the FCAT thing works out for you. I hated that stupid test when I lived in Florida. Standardized testing sucks.

[Code\\Pilot]

FCAT sucks, big time, i heard that they made the Mayor take or someone important and he failed it!!, i don't know, i think we only have one Junior in our team, we are mostly Seniors and freshmens. This is year is going to lots of fun.

[robot180]

I finally got the people at my school to let us make it up afterwards. The only problem is, the scheduled makeup day for me is the same day that I am supposed to go on a field research trip for one of my classes. I don't think I'll be going.

Orlando should be fun. Good luck to all teams.

[Ryan Albright]

Well guys,

UCF is coming in two weeks and to all teams i will be working as a safety advisor in the pits. I would just like to open my knowledge and know how to all teams that if you guys are having problem in the pits with mechanical or electrical issues or just need a extra hand in the pits just ask and i will try to help. Arefin knows about my help since we helped him drop 7 pounds last year . But, feel free to ask if you dont know who i am well just ask around and iw ill be found. Good luck to all teams

[Specialagentjim]

Originally Posted by Ryan Albright

Well guys,

UCF is coming in two weeks and to all teams i will be working as a safety advisor in the pits. I would just like to open my knowledge and know how to all teams that if you guys are having problem in the pits with mechanical or electrical issues or just need a extra hand in the pits just ask and i will try to help. Arefin knows about my help since we helped him drop 7 pounds last year . But, feel free to ask if you dont know who i am well just ask around and iw ill be found. Good luck to all teams

That's funny, I don't remember you being anywhere near the practice field when we decided that dropping at the atwoods was thonly way to loose 7lbs....

Maybe it's just my memory.

[Arefin Bari]

Originally Posted by Specialagentjim

That's funny, I don't remember you being anywhere near the practice field when we decided that dropping at the atwoods was thonly way to loose 7lbs....

Maybe it's just my memory.

hmm... Jimmy, there were people standing around our robot all the time last year at UCF when we were 7 pounds overweight and discussing how we can lose weight. Maybe we were way too busy thinking to realize who was there to help us?

[tiffany34990]

Originally Posted by Arefin Bari

hmm... Jimmy, there were people standing around our robot all the time last year at UCF when we were 7 pounds overweight and discussing how we can lose weight. Maybe we were way too busy thinking to realize who was there to help us?

ya... we were behind you when you arefin just dropped to the floor and rest of you guys just wanted to cry it seemed... we stayed for a bit to help but then you guys said you'll handle it all so our pit crew left....and our software team stayed behind to work our on our bot...but that's okay..u guys finished and so it's all good

BUT BUT..this time..oh i can't wait...my brain is thinking it's Thursday...it should be next Thursday already!! I then would be already done with this crazy artist statement....

I will say though S.P.A.M. is always willing to help...we of course if we can make any parts you need..well I will be making them and Jack too. So if you need anything especially tools and stuff...we practically bring our entire pit minus the space..lol...and our big machines: lathe, band saw, drill press and milling machine

can't wait to see everyone!!!

[Scott Ritchie]

This regional was our very first regional back in 1999. I think we won one match and got totally spanked in the others. It was great. I do miss the fact that this was the last of the outdoor events and the great atmosphere that that would bring to the competition. We just finished our travel meeting with our students and they are bitting at the bit to get this season of competitions started. This is our first time back to this regional since 2001 which was a great competition where I think Heatwave came out of nowhere and won it going away. See you all on Thursday.

[Andrew Rudolph]

I hope this competition goes well. Im concerned about what they are going to do with parking (campus is already overflowing with cars). THey built a dorm in what was the old parking lot at the arena, and there are alot of teams coming to the event.

Either way I know we are going to have a great time.

[JoshL]

Yea, im also concerned with parking. I don't think it will be that bad for everyone competing because we will be there around 7-730 and we will be there before most of the students come for class. Its just going to be a long walk from the garage to the arena. I want to know what the teams with trailers are going to do.


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