August 12, 2013

Dear Parent,

Your child has shown interest in joining the Barnwell Middle School Robotics Club. Robotics club involves engineering Lego Mindstorms NXT robots to defeat obstacles. For the fall, students will commit time to research a topic, work in a cooperative team, and compete in the First Lego League Tournament held in November. Additionally, some students will have an opportunity to extend their work with these concepts in the spring at a competition sponsored by General Motors.

As a part of the robotics club, students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in designing, programming, and testing a fully functioning robot. Students in this program gain skills in engineering, logical reasoning, and most importantly teaming up with classmates to solve problems. This meaningful activity does require a commitment of time and consistent effort.

Active participants in the robotics club will have the opportunity to compete in the Eastern Missouri First Lego League Competition. Last year’s competition was an amazing experience. Seven teams from our school competed against over 100 other teams from across Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. We made a great showing before panels of professional engineers and professors, bringing home a great sense of pride (and a few awards) in all of our efforts. Two teams qualified for the state competition, held in early Dec. 2012. This year teams will attend qualifying tournaments in November and if any team makes it past the qualifier, we will attend the championship tournament in early Dec.

Students must display a desire to compete, a commitment to the team and a willingness to put in the hours required to get everything completed on time. We also require that all students pass all classes, and display positive behaviors in class and in meetings. Students must sign a contract and have a parent/guardian sign the contract/application by August 16. All students interested in robotics MUST attend the first meeting on August 19 after school. Students need to be picked up by 4:30 in the lower lot.

In order to help cover the cost of supplies, club events, and other incidental expenses, we ask that each student pay $40.00 dues by August 29. Additional donations from organizations, businesses or individuals are greatly appreciated. Any additional donation over $50 will receive sponsorship recognition on all robotics shirts.Robotics club holds an additional family trivia night fundraiser on January 24. Teams are responsible for putting together one basket per team for raffle. Specific information will be sent home closer to that date.

Practice Schedule

Meetings are on Mondays from 3:30-5:30beginning in lecture room unless otherwise noted

  • August 193:30-4:30
  • August 26
  • September 3Tuesday 3:30-5:30
  • September 9
  • September 16
  • September 23
  • September 30
  • October 7
  • October 21
  • October 28
  • November 4
  • November 11
  • November 18

(If we qualify for the championship tournament, more practice dates will follow)

These dates are subject to change depending on which qualifying tournament we are assigned

Some coaches may schedule additional practices or outside work as needed.

One additional Saturday practice will be scheduled as soon as we are assigned qualifying dates.

Please visit for more information about First Lego League.

Finally, we have several volunteer opportunities for parents who would like to become a part of the program. If you are interested, please feel free to e-mail Heather Tomicichat r Angela Lawson at . All volunteers working directly with teams must have completed the district background check process. Please contact the Barnwell main office for information regarding completion of background checks or to check your current status.

Thank you for supporting the robotics club!

Sincerely,

Heather Tomicich

Robotics Club Sponsor

Angela Lawson

Robotics Club Parent Liason

Note: Please sign the attached permission slip and volunteer opportunities, and students must fill out the application.

Robotics Club Contract

Please return the completed paper to Mrs. Tomicich in Room 26 or Barnwell Main Office

Student Name: ______

Address: ______City ______Zip ______

Parent/Guardian Name: ______Phone # ______

Parent/Guardian E-mail (please print clearly): ______

$40.00 Dues included (Circle one: CASH or CHECK payable to Barnwell Middle School)

 Extra donations included

STUDENT CONTRACT

Please check each item below that you can honestly agree to

I realize that no engineering problem has only one solution, and that a successful team is one which cooperates by considering EVERYONE’s solution and ideas. I will not criticize anyone’s ideas.

I realize I may be required to complete work outside of practice sessions. I agree to complete this homework in the timeframe assigned by my team coach.

I agree that my behavior at meetings and tournaments will be constructive.

I agree that each roboticsclub meeting is valuable and will attend each meeting. If a conflict arises, I will notify Mrs. Tomicich or my team in advance.

I agree to cooperate on whatever solution the group chooses, even if it is not my first choice.

I understand that if I go to competition, the First Lego League program recognizes all teams bringing a solution to the tournaments are considered ‘winners’. I agree to show other teams/club members the utmost respect and gracious professionalism.

I agree the goal of being in this clubis to do our best to solve the challenge problem, have fun, and learn.

Signature of team member ______Date: ______

PARENT CONTRCT

I agree, in the proper spirit of the robotics club and First Lego League, not to interfere with the team’s solutions. All creations, inventions, ideas, must come from the team members.

I agree to make every effort to have my child attend team meetings. If there is a conflict, either my child or I will notify Mrs. Tomicich or the team coach as soon as possible. I understand that my child has a commitment to his/her team.

I agree to discuss all items listed above with my child.

I give permission for my child to become involved in the Barnwell Middle School Robotics Club. I understand that being a part of Robotics Club involves a commitment of time, and that my child will need to follow the guidelines of the club to be eligible to participate in any club activities. BMS be taking all preparedten member teams to competition. I understand teams are compromised of all interested students based on interest and club ability to provide coaches for those teams.

______

Parent Printed Name Parent Signature

Please see the back for volunteer opportunities

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you are willing to help out please check the boxes below and I will contact you with details regarding the volunteer opportunities we need.

Team Assistant: If you would like to help during meetings, please let us know and we can find a spot for you.

Team Presentations-Students will have to make a presentation to the community. If you make presentations in the professional community, it would be helpful to have a parent come in and give the kids pointers to make improvements.

 Teambuilding: Students also will need to work as a team. If you have an expertise in teambuilding, your help would be greatly appreciated to work with the kids.

 Fundraiser: Help soliciting donations and planning trivia night event held in January. Contact Angela Lawson if interested in helping with planning.

Bottom of Form

 Other: If you have a special talent or have special resources available to you that you think could benefit our club, please feel free to contact us.

Barnwell Middle School

ROBOTICS TEAM APPLICATION

Personal Information

Name:First Hour Teacher:______

GRADE:Phone #:______

Parent Email Address:______

Student Email Address (if applicable): ______

Please answer the following questions using complete sentences. All answers should be filled out by the student.

  1. Why do you want to be on the Robotics Team?
  1. What do you like about math, science or technology?
  1. Describe a time when you showed dependability.
  1. Describe a time when you were cooperative.
  1. Describe a time when you took initiative.
  1. What extracurricular activities are you involved in. When do these activities meet?

Extra Curricular Activity / Meeting Days/Times

Please provide the names of at least two teachers that we can contact for a recommendation.

Teacher 1 ______

Teacher 2 ______

Student Signature:Date:

Parent Signature:Date: