1. Welcome to the Team! Parent Orientation 2015-2016

2. Diane Harrison – Head Coach Lillian DiStefano – Assist. Coach

3. Overview of the Team  The 3 Tracks of our Team:  Speech  Debate  Interpretation  We compete mostly in individual events, but we are all on the same Team.  We may be called the “speech team,” “debate team,” or “speech & debate team,” but we are actually COMPETING IN FORENSICS.

4. What is Forensics?  While “CSI” has made forensic SCIENCE quite popular, speech forensics was actually here first!  Forensics comes from a Latin word meaning “before the forum” (in front of an audience)  In Roman times, persons charged with a crime would have to give speeches based on their side of the story. The one with the best argument and delivery style would win.  Science adapted the term because forensic science deals with the LEGAL aspects of findings, and their presentation of those facts in a courtroom setting.  Forensics is the search for the truth

5. Why compete on the Team?  We spend many Saturdays at speech tournaments, so why do we do it?  Awesome and entertaining performances  A chance to share our opinions, ideas, and interpretations with others through performance  Increased self-esteem and confidence  The opportunity to earn membership in the National Forensic League Honor Society  The chance to win awards, travel, make friends and connections, and add to college applications

6. FFL State Organization  Florida Forensic League  Sponsor of local, regional, and State tournaments  Must attend regionals to qualify for States and Nationals  Earn points by advancing to FINALS  FFL events:  LD and PF Debate  Student Congress  U.S. and Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking  Original Oratory  Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation  Group Interpretation  Duo Interpretation  OI (Prose & Poetry)

7. National Organization NFL or NSDA  NFL  National Forensic League - 1925  Sponsor of district tournaments and the National tournament  25 points to become an NFL member (earned at FFL and CFL tournaments)  Earn advanced degrees  Gain advantage for college  NFL events:  LD and PF Debate  Policy Debate  Student Congress  U.S. and Foreign Extemporaneous  Original Oratory  HI, DI, Duo Interpretation  World Debate  National supplemental events include Expository, Prose, Poetry, Impromptu and Storytelling

8. Other Local Leagues  CFL  Catholic Forensic League  Local, regional and National tournaments  Must attend at least one local CFL tournament to qualify for Regionals. Winners from Regionals are invited to nationals in Sacramento, CA.  WE ARE HOSTING A CFL ON SATURDAY 10/24/15 AND NEED EVERYONE’S HELP!  CFL events:  OI (Prose & Poetry)  LD and PF Debate  Policy Debate  Congress Debate  Dramatic Performance (DI or HI Interpretation)  Duo Interpretation  Declamation  Original Oratory  US and Foreign Extemporaneous

9. Tournament Attendance  Sign up for tournaments before the entry deadline  Check your schedule for potential conflicts before signing up for tournaments  Check with your parents before signing up  You are responsible for paying drop fees after the deadline!  Varsity & Novice must attend 2 tournaments per quarter.  You MUST be prepared! You must show your Coach and Varsity Mentor your event(s) before you can attend the tournament.  Come dressed for success and with the attitude that you will do well.  When not competing, you should be watching rounds.  You MUST be passing ALL of your classes to compete!

10. Judging Quota for Tournaments These tournaments can’t happen without your continued support. Please sign up to judge at least once a quarter. The following judge quotas and requirements are usually in effect: Lincoln Douglas Debate: 1 judge for every 2 debaters or fraction thereof Public Forum Debate: 1 judge for every 2 debaters or fraction thereof Speech / IE (includes Congress): 1 judge for every 5 entries or fraction thereof

11. Judging Resources  We need LOTS of adult Judges!  Please help us save our budget by judging  Resources are on our website!  See coaches or SMILING parents below who have previously judged.

12. LINCOLN DOUGLAS TOPIC (September) Resolved: Adolescents ought to have the right to make autonomous medical choices. PUBLIC FORUM TOPIC (September/October) Resolved: The United States Federal Government ought to pay reparations to African Americans.

13. Tournament Schedules Novice only tournaments are held once a month ( on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) from approx. 3-6pm at Flanagan HS. The Activity Bus will transport students to the competition, however, parents are expected to pick up their child at Flanagan after their rounds. Some tournaments are held Friday AND Saturday, or Saturday AND Sunday. Most tournaments are held on Saturday only. Out of area tournaments (optional, but encouraged): UF Blue Key (10/30-11/1) All Varisty + Novice PF/LD, & Supplementals (IMP, EXTEMP DUO, SPAR) Princeton Classic ( 12/4-12/6) All Varsity +Novice PF/LD Cal Invitational (Berkeley) (2/12-2/15) All Varsity +Junior LD/PF (PF can double enter except for in LD) DETAILED CALENDAR IS ON TEAM WEB SITE: WWW.BOBCATDEBATE.COM

14. Dress to Impress!  Remember to dress for your PERFORMANCE, not for your style  Women’s dress code  Men’s dress code  No pajamas, jeans, sweats, etc. – competitors must wear tournament clothes the school day of a tournament, and remain in clothes throughout the tourney  Exception – comfy shoes between rounds

15. Tournament Conduct  Be sure to keep in touch with your parents throughout the tournament, but let them know that CELL PHONES must be turned off during rounds.  Be sure to give a copy of the tournament schedule to your parents.  Stay flexible- depending on the success of the Team, we could be late or come home earlier.  Competitors are NEVER to leave the location campus.  Professional and mature behavior in the cafeteria, during rounds, in restrooms, and at the Awards ceremony is expected at ALL TIMES.  Unbecoming conduct could result in suspension from tournaments, calls to parents, etc.

16. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!  Students must meet with their Varsity Mentor, Mrs. Harrison or Ms. DiStefano at least once a week and log it in their portfolio.  If either coach feels the student is not prepared to compete, they will be dropped at the members’ expense.  A snack and drink sign up sheet is available for sign up. These items will be shared with those members coming before school, during lunch or staying after school to practicing.

17. Our Website  www.BobcatDebate.com  Check here often!  Team announcements, results, photos, and upcoming events  Links include:  Tournament calendar, school calendar  Individual tournament schedules/invitations  Research resources, Apps, current legislation  Speech, Debate & Interpretation resources  Judging tips, resources, and Sign Up Genius app.  Benefits of speech and debate  League events and rules  West Broward H.S., Edmodo, Maps to tournaments

18. Other Technology  Edmodo (PASSWORD PROTECTED)  Class/homework assignments, TEAM INFORMATION, PF & LD briefs  Debate I Honors code - 55jba9  Debate II & III Honors code - 7amh37  Parent Group (get code from your child)  Remind Team texting  text- 81010  Debate I Honors - @WBDEBATE1  Debate II & III Honors - @DEBATE23  Debate 2015-2016 - @wbofficers  Debate 2015-2016 Parents - @wbparents

19. Sites to Join or Follow  TeamUp.com Calendar listing tournaments, maps, fundraising, social events, practices and snack schedule. No sign up needed.  JoyofTournaments.co m for information about all tournaments we will attend. Must create account with email.  Speechanddebate.org for resources, videos, rankings, points, etc.  SignUpGenius.com – Will help you register and even remind you to judge, help with fundraising, volunteer for tournament we are hosting, etc. No account needed, just follow link and sign up for email or text notification! Link below is to help judge at any tournament this year.

20. Our First Tournament!  We NEED everyone to help with our first tournament on Saturday, October 24 th, 2015.  Ms. DiStefano will have a parent sign up sheet to assist along with the student committees.  Students receive tournament credit for the 1 st quarter, community service hours for volunteering and the benefit of seeing how a tournament runs.  Wonderful opportunity to showcase West Broward!  Profitable fundraiser to help pay for upcoming travel expenses!

21. FUNDRAISING  Glow Candles 8/28-9/21/15. No cost to team, no shipping costs-all profits! Turn in money by 9/21/15.  World’s Finest Chocolate 9/28- 10/2/15. Sell at least one box at school during this week. May sell off campus anytime until collection date (TBD). We profit 50% of sales.  Miami Heat Night (date TBD) tickets sold to us at group discount, we sell for profit. Heat tour bus is $25 and will pick up @ West Broward, drop off at stadium, and return to West Broward. Only 54 seats, first come first served.  Carwash from 10am -2pm @ West Broward on: 9/12,11/14, 2/6 and 4/30. Please bring car wash supplies (especially drying towels), snacks, and drinks. Parents needed for assistance with collection of money and moving of cars.  Chipotle Night (Date TBD) No cost to team, just invite people and have them show our flyer. We earn 50% of food purchased.

22. Social Events-Team Building First Semester Ideas  Field Day Fun at local park  Bowling  Scavenger Hunt @ mall  Ninja Lounge/Off the Wall  Miami Heat Night (part of fundraiser)

23. Paperwork Line  First stop, DUES – $100.00 (pays for 8 tournaments and Saturday lunches)  Cash, Check or sign in to Broward County’s online payment and look for Debate Dues  Second stop, turn in signed Handbook & Syllabus (if needed)  Third stop, place shirt order – 2 for student Team will pay for 1 parent t-shirt for those who volunteer for fundraising, judging and other team events.  Fourth stop, enter preferred emails, phone #s  Fifth stop, sign up to JUDGE and/or assist with our tournament on 10/24.

24. Booster Club Sign Up  Please meet for a few minutes to introduce yourself and sign up for events and or positions you would like to volunteer for.  President- will work with Sabrina Callahan  Vice President- will work with Rock Navamuel  Secretary- will work with Cecilia Pavone  Treasurer- will work with Pranav Anumulapally  Fundraising Chair- will work with Bobby Cuba  Volunteer/Event Coordinator- will work with Sakira Corchado  Administrative Liaisons (non-voting members)- Mrs. Harrison, Ms. DiStefano

25. Let’s have a Terrific Year! Mrs. Harrison’s email: Diane.Harrison@browardschools.com Mrs. Harrison’s cell phone: 954-802-6074 Ms. DiStefano’s email: Lillian.Distefano@browardschools.comLillian.Distefano@browardschools.com Ms. Distefano’s cell phone: 954-258-2119