What Can I Do as a Parent? Indiana FIRST Forums October 24, 2015 Scott Schwartz

Discussion Topics A message to Parents Needed Skills Resources for Parents / Mentors Parent Organizations What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015

A message to Parents There are endless demands on me; why do this? Benefit to your student(s) Job skills / Life skill / Scholarships! Benefit to other students, community, and world FIRST vision: "To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.“ Dean Kamen, Founder Support your local Teacher Is there a more important job? The more you know the more you will appreciate FIRST What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015

Do I need to have technical skills? No! Running an FRC team is like running a small business which requires a wide variety of skills: Organization Communication Logistics / Transportation Book keeping / Fundraising Safety Motivation Time What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015 And if you do have technical skills… icing on the cake

Parents as Mentors FIRST Mentoring Guide Section Roles Confidant Supporter Coach Teacher Motivator Facilitator Sustainer Section Responsibilities Inspire the students in science and technology Motivate and engage students in the meaningful activities Create open communication within the team Facilitate instruction Maintain process focus Have the kids do as much work as possible Establish an environment conducive to open and honest communication Show trust in, and respect for, every team member and his/her ideas Encourage kids to take risks and invent Encourage accountability Doer What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015

Parent Resources 101 Ways Parents Can Help a FIRST Team To join NEMO, visit To join the online discussion forum, register for a free account on ChiefDelphi NEMO (non-engineering mentor organization) What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015

Communicate to other Parents FRC Team 135 has a good handbook for Students/Parents/Mentors: The Parent's Role The parents help in a wide variety of areas, including but not limited to: Fundraising, Administrative duties, Food, Transport, and even saving seats in stands at competitions. Given the diversity of activities the team participates in, having efficient communication with the team, coaches, and PRPO is essential. Be diligent on reading s and staying up to date on events and planning. The Parent's role is broken down into time frames: 1. The first semester is focused on the fund raising activities and community events. Parents can mentor or volunteer time with the team on a variety of things involved with raising funds. 2. During the Six Week Build time frame supporting the team with snacks, meals and planning the travel for the competitions. Some parents get directly involved as a mentor to assist with award submissions or technical aspects. 3. March and April are competitions. Parents have a crucial role in the logistics and in supporting the students during this timeframe. We need a strong cheering section. 4. Assist in at least 2 community events. Team 135 has a goal of attending 35 this season! It is expected that each parent play a role in some way during these time frames. What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015 Jim Langfeldt

Parent Organizations Optional, if school as an existing booster organization that will adopt FIRST Non-Profit, 501(c)(3) Takes some paperwork but can be worth it Annual tax filing is very simple Eliminates some funding conflicts Ask the Teacher what would help him/her What Can I Do as a Parent? / Indiana FIRST Forums, 24-Oct-2015