Saint Dorothy Robotics Team Application 2016-2017

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Dear Students and Parents,

We are currently accepting applications for the Saint Dorothy Robotics Team for the 2016-2017 competition season. Saint Dorothy's robotics program is part of FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), an international organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, technology, engineering and math through innovative team projects and robotics competition. For more information about FLL, please visit www.firstlegoleague.org.

This year the St. Dot's program will host two teams, an all-boys team and an all-girls team, each made up of no more than 10 students in 5th thru 8th grades. The competition season runs from

the end of August through early- to mid-December and potentially into February if a team advances to the regional championship at Penn. The teams will meet twice per week on Mondays (6:30 - 8 p.m.) and Tuesdays (6 - 8 p.m.) There

is a $50 fee involved with being a part of the program ($40 each if two or more silblings are in the the program).The fee covers the cost of team registration into competition events, the robot playing field, structures (missions) on the playing field and T-shirts for the team. All students are

encouraged to apply regardless of the fee. We will do our best to assist any families if need be

through fundraising for the team in general or possible sponsors/donations.

Students should fill out the attached application (they must handwrite their responses on the questionaire--print or cursive, as long as it's legible) and return to their homeroom teacher or to Mrs. Sheehan on or before June 17. The application includes:

Saint Dorothy Robotics Team Questionnaire

Signed Parent and Student Contract

Teacher Recommendation in a sealed envelope with a signature on the flap (or the

teacher may put it in Mrs. Sheehan's mailbox)Students will be notified by the end of June if they have been selected to be on one of the

teams. We will hold optional robot design and programming sessions throughout the summer.

Please note: Robotics is a time-intensive, team-centered activity stretched out over a long competition season, and it often ramps up in the weeks before competition as extra practices are needed to get projects, presentations and robots ready to compete. Please use discretion when

applying for a spot in the program. While we honor students' commitments to other activities, we expect them to take seriously their commitment to robotics as well. If a student misses multiple

meetings without notification and/or coach consent, he/she may be removed from the team so

that another student can have an opportunity to join. Student may also be removed from the

team for not honoring the commitment of the signed contract.

The 2016 FIRST® LEGO® League theme this year will be Animal Allies and will be all about our animal friends! See more at http://www.firstlegoleague.org/2016-animal-allies-challenge

Dot's Robotics Team Application: Questionnaire Student Name ___________________________

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The Saint Dorothy Robotics Team needs kids who work hard, have fun and can commit to being a positive, contributing, encouraging member of a team. Are you that person? If so, please answer the questions below to tell us how. (Use the other side if necessary. Handwrite answers.)

Why do you want to be a part of the St. Dot's robotics program?

What do you think might be the most enjoyable part of being a member of the robotics team?

What is special about you that you will bring to the robotics team?

Describe how you best learn a new subject:

You have an idea for the project or robot game. You think it's a fabulous idea. But nobody wants to do it! Now what?!

What does it mean to you to be a member of a team?

Dot's Robotics Team Application: Contract Student Name ______________________________

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STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT In order to ensure that parents and students understand the responsibility and commitment needed by each robotics team member, please take the time to read over and sign this contract with your child. Please initial each line and sign the form.

STUDENT CONTRACT (please initial each item you can honestly agree to)

_____ I realize that no FLL problem has only one solution and that a successful team is one that cooperates by considering everyone's input. Because criticizing is not productive, I will listen with an open mind to all solutions and ideas.

_____ I agree that my behavior at meetings and tournaments will be helpful and encouraging.

_____ I agree that each robotics team meeting is valuable and will attend each meeting as best as I can. If a conflict arises, I will notify my coaches in advance.

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

_____ I agree that all solutions, including robot attachments, programs, props, costumes, signs, etc., will

be made completely by me or a by member of my team, not by my coaches or parents.

_____ I understand that the FLL program considers all teams that bring a solution to the tournaments to be winners. I agree to show other teams the utmost respect and good sportsmanship.

_____ I agree that the goal of my team should be to do our best to solve a challenging problem.

Signature of team member ________________________________ Date ___________

PARENT CONTRACT

_____ I agree, in the proper spirit of FLL, 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 every team meeting. If there is a conflict, either my child or I will notify the coach as soon as possible. I understand that my child has a commitment to the robotics program.

_____ I realize that my child’s coach will be contributing a significant amount of time and effort to provide a rewarding experience for the team. I will try to be cooperative and helpful as possible, and I will talk to the coach about any problems or concerns that may arise.

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

Signature of team parent ________________________________ Date ____________

Dot's Robotics Team Application: Reference Student's Name ____________________________

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Teacher Recommendation

What are the first three words that come to mind to describe this student?

1. ________________________ 2. __________________________ 3. ___________________________

Please place a checkmark in the box that represents your evaluation of the student in comparison to other students in the same grade whom you have taught. Please feel free to enter any comments that you feel would help us make a decision between students who are closely rated.

One of the top few I

have ever encountered

Excellent (top

10%)

Good (above

average) Average Below

Average Comments

Intellectual ability

Ability in oral expression

Ability in written expression

Intellectual curiosity

Effort and determination

Ability to work independently

Organization

Creativity

Willingness to take risks

Concern for others

Honesty/Integrity

Ability to work with others

Maturity

Responsibility

Respected by faculty

Respected by peers

I Highly

recommend

Recommend Recommend

with reservations

Do not

recommend

Name _____________________________ Signature _______________________ Date________

Please return this form to the applicant in a sealed envelope (with signature on the seal) or place in Mrs. Sheehan's mailbox before June 17. Thank you so much!