Monday, Jan. 6

Practice Cancelled at our center for Monday!

Tonight (Monday) we will not be meeting at the center.  Since at this point we do not need to be in the same room to accomplish our goals, we are going to put technology to work.   At 6:00 We will have a virtual captains meeting.  At 7:00 our captains will begin Google Hangout chats with anyone in their house wishing to participate.   Each house will be working on the scoring scenarios and other objectives for the night.  

Mentors, you are invited as well.  You just need to connect with any of the houses to participate.   

To participate, you must have Google Plus.  If you have a gmail, or google drive it is very easy to do.  You cannot use your school email though.  Once you enable your Google Plus account, your house leader will be able to invite you to their hangout.   

On the Google Plus page, click the house in the upper left corner.  This will give you a drop down menu.  You will find HANGOUTS.  Click on that and it will do a quick addon download.   It is relatively easy.  

We are testing some things with this today, so if you want to try it out with us, just get in touch with one of us.  

You do not have to webcam if you do not have one or do not want to.  You need speakers or headphones to hear the chat.  You can type responses or talk.   

Questions?  HIt one of the captains or coaches up on Facebook, ,or via email.   See you online tonight at 7:00 PM!

Time spent on the call working on our objectives can be recorded in your practice log the next time you are at the center.   :)

Coach May

Week of Jan.5th

Week of Jan. 5th

*****Please watch the blog, twitter or the facebook page for cancellations.   Twitter will always be the first place we post a cancellation.  @FRC1023 is our Twitter account.  Just because school is cancelled does not mean we will be cancelled.******

Due to possible snow days this week, we will be meeting Sunday from 1 - 3 if weather permits.  This is an optional meeting.  We will be breaking out scoring scenarios.  Please attend if you wish, and don't feel bad if you can't.  If the snow starts earlier, or it seems dangerous to drive, we will cancel by noon.  (Twitter first)  PRACTICE FOR SUNDAY IS CANCELLED!  

Our leadership board has asked to have a study session, so we will try this out this year.  For an hour before practice (5 - 6pm) we will have silent homework time, for anyone that wants to come and get their homework done.   Talking will be allowed when seeking help, but other than that, you will be spaced out and working silently.  Please attend only if you are going to work on homework or read quietly.  No robot work will take place during the study time.  If you have no homework, but are willing to tutor younger team members, feel free to attend.  Please bring a book to read in case no one needs help.  Students who have gpa below 3.0 may be asked to attend homework sessions.  Remember, our desired gpa is 3.0 and higher, but if you fall below 2.0 you will have to go on a study plan to remain active on the team.

Driver Try Outs:  Our drive team is made of three students.  The first step in tryouts is a written rules test.  This test will be given on Saturday, Jan. 11 between 10 and 2.  Anyone wishing to try out for drive team should be studying the rules.  Those that pass the test with a 90% or higher will automatically advance to the next level.  Those scoring below 90% will be granted a spot in the next round based on highest score until available slots are full.  Drive Team is a HUGE time commitment to the team.  To be sure you are able to commit a parent permission slip will be sent home outlining the hours required.  This permission slip must be signed and returned prior to the test.  No one will be given a test if they have not turned in the permission slip.  Permission slips will be distributed no later than Thursday of this week.  Step 2 is a drive test and will occur between week 2 and 3.

Chairman Presenter Try Outs:  Our team is allowed to have 3 students in the judging room.  Stage one will consist of  short essay questions related to the Chairman's Award, our team, and why you feel you would be a good presenter.  This will take place on Saturday between 10 and 2.  Stage 2 will consist a passage which must be memorized and recited in front of coaches.  This will take place on Thursday, Jan 16 between 6 and 9 pm.

All Chairman Presenters and Drive Team Members MUST attend ALL competitions including worlds, and be varsity eligible.

Sunday, Jan 5:  Center 1:00 - 3:00 - Scoring scenarios  PRACTICE FOR SUNDAY IS CANCELLED! Snow is already accumulating.

Monday, Jan. 6:  Center-- 5 - 6  homework session, 6-9 - Game Rules & Strategy

Tuesday, Jan. 7:  Center-- 5-6 homework session, 6-9 - Game Rules & Strategy

Wednesday, Jan. 8:  Center - 5 - 6 homework session, 6-9 - Game Rules & Strategy

*Thursday, Jan. 9:  5 - 6 homework session, 6 - 9 - Driver Try Out permission slips distributed, varsity requirement review, open team positions, general team management,Chief Delphi, Facebook,  finalize game rules and strategy, begin design ideas

Friday, Jan 10:  POTENTIAL MAKE UP PRACTICE - If we cancel Mon/Tues we will meet on Friday 7 - 10 pm - Catch up -

*Saturday , Jan. 11:  10 - 2 - Finalize strategy plans, work on design, driver try out written test, Chairman's try out.... Lunch:  FERMI

Saturday Lunches - Build Season

Build Season Saturday Lunches:

Every Saturday during build season, we have a team lunch.  Each team member will contribute to one of those lunches.   Each house will meet the Saturday before their lunch to plan the menu and decide who will bring what.  Each house will need 1-3 parent volunteers to meet with the houses the Saturday before their meal, and then to help, set up the meal.  

Meals should include a vegetarian option (other than just tossed salad) and should NOT contain nuts.  Lunches should be set up and ready to eat by noon.

House Leaders and dates are listed below.    Parents, please let me or your child know if you would like to be a parent helper for your child’s week.  

Saturday, January 11- FERMI:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, January 4 (1:00)

House Leaders:  Parth & Allison Parent Planners:

Saturday, January 18 - COPERNICUS:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, January 11 (1:00)

House Leaders: Erin & Matt Parent Planners:

Saturday, January 25 - GALILEO:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, January 18 (1:00)

House Leaders:  Brandon & Shelby Parent Planners:

Saturday, February 1 - TESLA:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, January 25 (1:00)

House Leaders:  Conner & Stacee Parent Planners:

Saturday, February 8 - PASCAL:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, February 1 (1:00)

House Leaders:  Dianna & Ethan Parent Planners:

Saturday, February 15 (Unveiling/Pictures): We will order pizza.

Saturday, February 22(Unlock day for Southfield Competition) - EINSTEIN:

Planning Date/Time:  Saturday, February 15  (10:00 AM)

House Leaders:  Taylor & Nick Parent Planners:

Kick-Off - January 4

Kick Off Information - January 4, 2013

At this point, we are still awaiting an official time for the live stream to start.  So, I've listed the tentative schedule here.  We will meet at the center at 10:00 AM, and pick up the live stream as soon as it begins.

**New this year**  We would like to invite parents, alumni & alumni parents to attend our Kick-Off.  We think this will be a great way for parents to find out what our game is, to see the beginning of our season, and to get questions answered sooner for you!   Parents are not required to attend, but we would encourage it, and will be very happy to see a parent for each team member.

Lunch will be potluck! BX will be providing pulled pork and pulled chicken for sandwiches. I am looking for 1-2 people with a roaster, or large crock pots who would be willing to cook these meats for us.  Please email or text me if you can, so I can make arrangements to get the meat to you.

Please remember that we do have nut allergies on the team.  So, if you have any nut product in the dish you bring, please note it on the dish.  If you can stay away from nuts, that would be best!  :)

8th Graders/Freshmen:  Please bring healthy sides (veggies, fruit, etc)
Sophomores:  Please bring desserts
Juniors:  Please bring salty or cheese sides(mac & Cheese, chips and dips, chips and salsa, etc.)
Seniors:  Please bring beverages (2L bottles of pop/water/tea/punch, etc)
If you have a favorite item to bring, but it is not your area, feel free.  It is just a general guide. :)

Agenda: 

10:00 AM - Arrive at the center.  Begin viewing live stream from FIRST Headquarters as soon as it begins.

Lunch will begin between 11:30 and 12:30 depending on how long the broadcast lasts.

Following Lunch:  Parent discussion of the 6 week build session, tournaments, mentoring, and Q & A. (Coach May & Coach Smith)
Students/Mentors:  Engage in game discussion.  (Coach Poskarbiewicz)

This day is very hard to plan because we have no idea what the challenge will be, how much we will be able to dig into our game.  If possible, the following will continue throughout the afternoon hours, and possibly into the evening.

Begin to work on field build planning.  Any parents with basic woodworking skills are invited to help us with this task. If we are able to nail it down enough, we will shop and start building on Saturday.   The goal is to have our field built within the first week, when possible.

Analyze Game Rules.

Begin Game Strategy.

Brainstorm.

Dig deeper into the rules.

Analyze more!  Strategize more!   The more we understand the game rules, the better we make our strategy, the stronger our robot and team will be.  So, this day is dedicated to understanding every element of the game that we can dig into!

There will be little robot discussion on this day, as we want to focus on understanding the game before we work on the robot design.  :)

End time:   This is flexible.  Students usually begin wearing down early evening (as do mentors).  We may continue past dinner time, or we may call practice at that time.  The day becomes more flexible as we get later in the afternoon.  Please feel free to come and go as needed after 2:00PM. We would like the full team there from 10 - 2 to satisfy your travel requirements.  If you are out of town, or unable to make kick-off, please be sure to email me so that you can get an exemption to this requirement. :)

A note about the season:  Remember, you each have to earn you required hours  (20 to travel, 30 for JV, 60 for Varsity) in the six weeks of build season.  How you do that is up to you.  Thursdays and Saturdays (10 - 2) are required.  Beyond that, you come on the days your are available.  We work every day, and we continue on our goals each day.  If you have a test the next day, stay home and study.  We will also be looking at homework-time at the center for those wanting help from peers, or a quiet place to get homework done before practice.  More details to come! :)

Week of December 16

Week of December 16

First, I would like to thank everyone that helped with our tournaments!  There are so many of you that made the day a success.  I would like to thank Sandy Smith for being an amazing Volunteer Coordinator and working with me for the past few months to make sure we had a fully staffed tournament.  I'm so proud to see our alumni stepping up to take key roles in our events.  Dan Smith(BX Alum), you did an amazing job as our FTA!  Bekah May(BX Alum), our JFLL event was amazing!  You were an awesome Event Coordinator!   Hannah May(BX Alum), our judging ran very smoothly, even with the rearrangement of judging times due to the snow.  Thank you for being our Judge Advisor.  Dave Smith, thank you for making our fields perfect!  Broderick & Nancy Gin, Tanya Brothers, thank you for making our money making end run smoothly.  I don't think I stepped foot in your area, and it was perfect!  Thank you!   Michelle Nieman, thanks for keeping our pits in line!  Cheryl Sommers, thanks for making sure we were safe with glasses!   Richard Marquardt & Jodi Russ, thank you for making our volunteer food and room amazing!   Bill Sommers, thanks for getting our stuff safely to the event, and more importantly, for braving the snow storm to return our stuff to the center!  Bruce Meyer, Thanks for making our audio run smoothly and helping with all of our electronics.    Thanks to Andrew Gin (BX Alum) for being our CSA.  Thanks to Jeff Whalen for leading our inspections!  Thanks to our awesome Announcers Bekah May & Brandon Sidoti.  Thanks to Frank Mojzesz for photographing for us!  

In addition to all of those awesome volunteers from our own BX pool of people, we would like to thank Tom & Cindy Nader, Tammy Damrath, Brian Smith and Mark Garver for filling key roles!

And, thanks to ALL of the BX parents, mentors and students who helped those leaders make our tournament such a success.  I would say close to 90% of our volunteer positions were BX team members, family, and/or mentors!   Way to go BX!!  So proud and thankful for you all!!!!!!

PRACTICE:  Thursday 7 - 9 PM - rearrange the center for our season.  :)

The social we were going to have on Friday is going to be rescheduled for January.   With so many of our team going up early Saturday morning, it would be best to put this off for a bit.  :)

LAST CALL for worlds.  If we do not have more participation, we will cancel the trip planning.  At this point, we do not have enough deposits to make it worthwhile to hold our bus.   Please let me know tonight if you are planning to attend worlds.

KICK-OFF:  Saturday, Jan. 4.  Plan on being at the center from 9 AM until late.  More details will be in the blog soon!  

One last thank you to all of you for your help this past weekend!  You all really came through and provided our younger FIRST participants two amazing events!  Thank you!!!!

FIRST Robotics Volunteers for Bedford Tournaments!

Bedford Express currently hosts Tournaments at 3 different levels, JFLL (K - 3rd grade), FTC (6th - 8th grade) and FRC (high school).   These tournaments are volunteer driven, so we need you! :)   If you would like to volunteer at any of our tournaments here is how to sign up!

JFLL (K - 3rd grade):  Saturday, December 14, 2013  (7 AM - Noon)

• Volunteers are needed to help sign in and escort teams around.  A description of volunteer positions can be found HERE!
• Sign up as if you were volunteering for the FTC event (see below) and in the notes, please put that you would like to work the JFLL event.  

FTC (Middle School):  Friday, December 13, 2013 - Saturday, December 14, 2013

• Friday 3:00 PM - 10 PM
• Saturday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM 
• If you would like to help in our concession stand, you do not need to register in VIMS.  Concession workers should contact our concession chairs, Broderick Gin or Tanya Brothers, or sign up HERE.  
• Positions Available range from crowd control to inspections, to judging and everything in between.  Most positions require no knowledge of robotics.   Some positions do require video training.  
• A more detailed description of positions, and the training required can be found HERE. 
• Judges and inspectors cannot have any affiliation with any team competing at the event.
• Register in VIMS (Volunteer Information Management System) Tutorial
• Create an account, OR Log in to your account HERE.  
• If you just created an account, you will need to create your profile, log out, then return to the page and log in again to move to the next step. 
• Click on the "Apply for an Event" link.
• Select FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge
• Select Michigan in the drop down bar.
• Click "Find an Event" 
• Click "Select" for the MI FTC Bedford Express Qualifier
• Add up to 5 jobs you are interested in, in the order of interest, by clicking the "add" button after clicking on the job.  
• Check mark the days you are available to help.
• Type anything you want to let us know. 
• Click submit!  You are done!!! :)

FRC (High School)  April 3, 2014 - April 5, 2014

• Wednesday Set-up helpers are needed from 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM.  
• Thursday 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Saturday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• If you would like to help in our concession stand, you do not need to register in VIMS.  Concession workers should contact our concession chairs, Broderick Gin or Tanya Brothers, or sign up here(coming soon).  
• A description of volunteer positions may be found HERE!
• Register in VIMS (Volunteer Information Management System)  Tutorial
• Create an account, OR Log in to your account HERE.  
• If you just created an account, you will need to create your profile, log out, then return to the page and log in again to move to the next step. 
• Click on the "Apply for an Event" link.
• Select FRC - FIRST Robotics Competition
• Select Michigan in the drop down bar.
• Click "Find an Event" 
• Click "Select" for the MI FRC Bedford District
• Add up to 5 jobs you are interested in, in the order of interest, by clicking the "add" button after clicking on the job.  
• Check mark the days you are available to help.
• Type anything you want to let us know. 
• Click submit!  You are done!!! :)
• Follow the same directions above for the FTC, however select FRC - FIRST RObotics Competition instead of FTC.  

If you have questions about volunteering, please contact event coordinator, Debbie May, or Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Smith.  

Week of November 11, 2013

Week of November 11, 2013

Please try to check the blog on Thursday in case there are any travel updates.  

Practices:  

• Thursday:  7 - 9 pm 
• Competition Practices for Girls Drive Team and Pit Crew: 
• Monday 6:30 - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday 6:30 - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday 6:30 - 9:00 PM 

• ANYONE is welcome at ANY practice!  There has been some question about whether rookies can attend Saturday practices.  Yes, you can!  (BUT, there is no Sat. practice this week due to comp.)
• FLL/FTC Mentors still needed!!  We are moving into crunch time for our younger robotics friends.  if you have some free time, stop by the robotics center and help out with their skit, presentations, robot, or tri-boards. Their coaches would be very appreciative of it.   

Tournament Information:

• Rides (Meet at the front of BJHS at 3:00)
• May:  Taylor, Stacee & Dianna  
• Poskarbiewicz:  Erin & Courtney  
• Howell:  Kira, Kelsie, Emily & Allison
• Dobson:  Abby & Olivia
• Hotel:  
• Drury Inn, Troy
• Bring Swimsuit if you want to swim
• "Happy Hour" snacks will be at the hotel (wings, etc) 
•  We plan to check in and relax in the hotel for a little bit before we go over to the event. 
• Hot Breakfast included
• Wi-Fi included
• Competition:
• Bloomfield Hills High School,  3456 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
• Competition Information can be found here.  Results will be posted there as well.
• Opening Ceremony 8:45 AM
• Bring money for dinner on Friday (depending on how much the snacks fill you up), Lunch on Saturday and Dinner on Saturday.   
• Friday Night Goal (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM):  Check climb on tournament pyramids, set up pit.  Wear BX shirt.
• Saturday Competition T-shirts will be provided to those who have been at competition practices.  You will get your shirt at the hotel. They will be black and pink.  Plan your bottom half accordingly. :)
• Pits Close 5:30 PM
• Dinner stop and then home.  
• FOLLOW US ON TWITTER for results!  :)   https://twitter.com/bedfordexpress
• WE NEED YOU!!!!! If you are a member of BX, you should be making every possible attempt to be at this competition on Saturday.  If you cannot be there the entire day, be there when you can.  This is a team event, and we would love to see all 52 of you there on Saturday!   We would love for you all to join us for dinner after the event!  Let's kick our 2014 competition season off on a great foot!
• Upcoming Events:
• We are hosting our FTC and JFLL events on Friday and Saturday, December 13 - 14.  We are in great need for volunteers to help with this event.  If you would like to volunteer, please email Sandy Smith at ssmithmich@gmail.com for more information.   Also, we need ALL BX team members working at the event.  It is a team function and we are planning on you all.  If you cannot be there, you need to let me know asap.