1. Delbarton Forensic Society Parents Meeting October 1, 2014 The language of truth is simple - Seneca

2. Agenda Introductions Communication Program purpose and benefits Competitive events Schedule and tournaments Major policies overview Parental involvement

3. Introductions Adult Staff Moderators/Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate coaches: Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Mr. Philip Bauchan Speech coaches: Prof. Cathy Zizik, Ms. Abby Deely, Seton Hall University Student Officers President: Thomas Abel ’15 Vice President: Harry Townsend ‘15 – Novice Masters (Debate): Nicholas Ayala ’16, Mark Bufanio ’15, Derrick Yao ‘15 – Novice Masters (Speech): James Dolan ’16, Abhinav Karale’15

4. Introductions Forensics Boosters Executive Committee – President: Arlene Fitzgerald – President-Elect: Colleen Donaher – Wreath Sale Chair: Kathleen Townsend

5. Program Purpose To develop student excellence in public speaking and argument To represent Delbarton in local and national forensic tournaments at the highest possible level of ethical and competitive quality.

6. Program Benefits Builds self-confidence and trains members to express themselves effectively Develops effective persuasion skills Develops lifetime business communication and leadership skills Empowers members with skills that benefit the wider community

7. Competition Events Debate – Lincoln-Douglas Debate (1 on 1) – Public Forum Debate (2 on 2) – Congressional Debate Speech – Public Address (Declamation, Original Oratory) – Interpretation (Dramatic, Humorous, Duo) – Limited Prep (Extemporaneous, Impromptu)

8. Communication Coach Contact Information – Fr. Michael: michael@delbarton.org; cell: 201-317-6822 – Mr. Bauchan: pbauchan@delbarton.org; cell 301-821- 5180 – Prof. Zizik: Catherine.Zizik@shu.edu; cell: 973-632-0582 Team Bulletin emailed to all parents weekly; posted weekly on team Google Drive folder for students Team Schoology page (available to anyone): http://schoology.delbarton.org/group/12735787

9. Tournament Schedule Local tournaments – NJ Speech & Debate League (State Tournament in March) – NJ District, National Forensic League (national qualifier in March at Delbarton) – Paterson Catholic Forensic League (national qualifier in February) Travel tournaments – Some require missed classes – Most limited to varsity competitors & a specific number of entries – National tournaments (NCFL & NSDA Nationals) at the end of the school year require qualification

10. Meetings, Practices, and Tournament Registration Meetings and practices – Business meeting: every Tuesday at 2:45 PM – Practices 2 days a week, usually 2:45-4:45 PM (varies by event, occasional evenings for speakers) Tournament registration – Done 4 to 6 weeks in advance, sometimes further out (for travel tournaments) – Students confirm registrations at Tuesday meetings

11. Tournament Attire and Materials Required tournament attire – Dark suit (blue or gray), white dress shirt designed for a tie, tie, white t-shirt, dark dress belt, dark dress socks, black or burgundy dress shoes (dress shoes = that carry a shine) Students should NOT wear – Khakis and a blazer – Shirts not designed for a tie – Casual cloth belts (Vineyard Vines) or shoes (any shoe not shinable) – White socks Required Materials for All Tournaments – 8 ½ x 11 pad folio (for speakers AND debaters) and pads – Small bag or briefcase – Red & black pens (team supplies these)

12. Travel Tournament Policies Detailed policies found in team Handbook (on our Schoology page) Safety is the absolute priority “Travel together, stay together, return together” The entire team celebrates Mass when we travel on a Sunday (just as for an all-school Mass on campus)

13. Parental Involvement Judging (Mr. Bauchan, Judge Chair) – We provide training & judge support NJSDL judge training at Delbarton: Sunday 10/12, 12- 4:30 PM, FAC – Family commitment: Judge at 3 tournament days/year OR judge substitution fee ($150/tournament day or $450 for the year) Register at SignupGenius.com (linked on team Schoology page) Can be at one multi-day tournament or over several tournaments Use fee to hire judges provided by tournaments

14. Parental Involvement Fundraising – Direct contributions (optional) Suggested amount: $600 per family In-kind donations also accepted (miles, points) – Christmas Wreath sale Each family is asked to sell at least 10 wreaths OR you can substitute $150 in lieu of participation (similar to soccer & other athletic teams’ sales)