School Support problem?

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Chaos204

but it does bring me to another issue. I have decided to speak with the VP first and not go over his head yet, but the team wants to come too. I love them for it but I am afraid if we out number him like that he will feel too threatened and become defensive ultimately hurting our cause.

A few years back before the parent group had formed to help the team with fundraising efforts, we didn't have enough money for registration for FIRST. The students decided to go to our school administrator and beg. When they entered her office, they got down on their knees and begged. Nicely and politely. We made registration. At that time, the team was a lot smaller than it is now but it was overwhelming for her. We weren't asking for another regional, we were asking for help with one. We still think back on those days and smile.

In your case, I would suggest calling a team meeting and presenting your concerns to the team. Ask them to vote/decide among themselves for one or two team representatives to accompany you when you go talk with the VP. You could bring a well written letter of request with everyone's signatures on it to present to the VP as well.

[maltz1881]

Go in with a positive and upbeat attitude. Maybe he has no idea what it is all of you do at these competitions. Bring a video with you. Nothing long maybe the video that FIRST puts out. Explain to him the importance and the education you are receiving when you go to the comps. Our school had it's heads in the clouds and kicked us out not knowing what they were doing. We are now a "home schooled" team and they are wishing now they had never let us go!! They just had no idea what it really was we were doing.

If all else fails go to the school board and give them a presentation. Even better invite them to the build and the "unveiling" of your robot. Sometimes people just don't understand without visuals. You have to make them understand. Maybe if you have enough money you could take a teacher and they could hold class for a few hours everyday.

Most importantly though be upbeat about it.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Well you could always do it the hard way... Win a regional, chairman's, or engineering inspiration award. The school couldn't really tell you 'no' if you qualified.

I think its better not to pre-register for the championship. It'll give your team more of a challenge - something to work for.

[Lil' Lavery]

Understand that it is within the School's power to restrict the travel and activities of a club/team, especially if it does involve missing school days. A lot of schools/teachers have a problem with students missing that many school days within such a short period (the whole competition season fits in a period of less than two months), especially given the timing. Championship is typically within a couple weeks of the AP Exams, and state testing often falls in the same general vicinity. Be glad you're allowed to goto the NJ regional Week 1 with your NJ state exams the next week. Remember that your education should ALWAYS come first.
That being said, if you feel that you are able to keep up with your schoolwork, its okay to work towards a positive compromise with the school. Don't demand anything, or fight, but stay positive and try to create a solution that satisfies all the parties involved. Given that I don't know your school's specific policies and system, I won't try and suggest any, but that hopefully won't be too hard. And be patient, it may take a few years to win your school over. I find that the best way to get someone excited about FIRST, is to give it to them first-hand. Invite your principal and activities director to meetings, event, scrimmages, and (most importantly) competitions. Let them see what you're doing, and what the events you want to goto are like. Maybe after they witness a regional they might decide its worth letting you miss two more days of school to attend another one.
Also keep in mind, that while there are many teams who do goto two regionals and championship and do well, that doesn't equal instant success (even with a good robot). The wear and tear from multiple competitions catches up to robots rather quickly, and unless your team is experienced at dealing with it, I'd advise you to be cautious when scheduling many events. And the teams that do attend three events may seem like the "norm" (especially among the highly active teams on Chief Delphi), but in reality they are typically much better off than the average team, particularly in terms of funding and the number of participants. Both of those should be factored in when deciding on your competitions, as it obviously costs more in terms of money, but also in energy and commitment, particularly from key members. I've seen many frayed nerves and burned out members after competitions, especially when things don't go according to plan.

[rogerlsmith]

I know the problems, I can't even get our school to support a team period. I am a parent/mentor (of a neighboring schools team) and have been trying my hardest to get a team started in our school district.

I have built an online community that uses lots of videos to promote FIRST, and several new members are signing up every day. I hope to promote FIRST using this website, and I also hope others can benefit from it too. Check it out and see what you think.

http://www.firstobjective.org

Best Regards,
Roger

[Doug G]

I've heard about the lack of school and administrative support in other schools as well - it's nothing new and you have already heard lots of positive comments on how to improve your situation. I know in our local area, those teams that "lack school support" typically don't help themselves because of their lack of PR. I know it's not fair that Athletics doesn't need to worry about PR - but for FIRST teams its essential to their long term success and after all it is one of the missions of FIRST. Once the community, parents, admin, BOE, know about your team and FIRST, there are usually a few folks from one or more of these groups that go to bat for you and make your life so much easier.

You are absolutely correct about two regionals and Championships. In 2005, we did one regional and were successful, then went to Championships and again did well, but not well enough to move on. So we've decided that we'll try to go to 2 regionals and Championships every other year if possible and then the other years just do 2 regionals, with one being out of state.

Good luck and get out there and get some folks on your side.

[JohnBoucher]

You can also reach out to FIRST for assistance. Hearing from the organization carries a lot of weight. You may have a FIRST Senior Mentor in your area that can come for some face to face discussions.

[Chaos204]

So I have gone threw the ranks VP, Principal, just e-mailed the Superintendent and now it looks like i am going to the BOE tomorrow. Basically does anybody have some good paperwork on the Championships.
-Jordan

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Chaos204

Basically does anybody have some good paperwork on the Championships.
-Jordan

Any specific type of paperwork in mind?

[Chaos204]

I have no idea anything at this point, a pamphlet or something