How much does your school support your FIRST Team?

[MarcD79]

I have been a parent helping the team for 8 years & now do it as a volunteer & Mentor. The team is split between 2 schools. As a lot of you know, we host the FIRST preseason Suffield Shakedown scrimmage. Suffield is gracious enough to supply the Gym & most of the school for the scrimmage. We totally take over the school on that Saturday, filling every available parking spot on sight. Janitors are supplied for both Friday night set-up & all of Saturday. The team regularly post messages on the Marque in the Cafe Commons area keeping the school up to date. Windsor Locks supplies classroom, a dedicated machine shop & practice room, and access to the comp lab & wood shop. They also help fund bus fees and other expenses. Mind you it is an ongoing battle to keep them in the loop & interested in the team. One day my goal is to have a sign erected at each school showing support of the teams. Last year, the computer science teacher retired after serving over at least 35 years in Suffield. It was touch & go as to whether there would be a Suffield teacher representing, but it was fulfilled & the teacher is a willing & energetic mentor.