I feel this needs to be said...(Grades & FIRST Dedication)

[GeorgeTheEng]

School, then FIRST. Not the other way around.

I totally agree with this statement. I, along with the teachers on my team, make that point at least 1 or twice at parent meetings in the beginning of the year. We usually have at least 1 slow week as our school has finals for single semester classes during the build season.

I've told my kids that Classes need to come first and before we go on trips the kids have to get academic releases from thier teachers. I've also told them that if they have problems, esp in Math and Science classes, that the mentors will help them out if they ask.

Besides, every class provides a basis of knowledge for FIRST activities. Name any class and I bet in 80-90% of the cases I can tie the skills there to something that can/should/is done during a FIRST season.

Of course, this all goes only for the students... Mentors are expected to know better... If they decide to let school (or work) lapse, they should understand the consequences as they are adults.

School first, FIRST second...