Talking Rams 2017-2018 Parent Meeting

Introductions Molly Beck, Head Coach Edward Wu, Team President Levi Dyson, Team Vice President

Speech and Debate 101

The Team Open to anyone meeting academic and citizenship eligibility standards Novice: new members Varsity: experienced competitors One head coach, two assistant coaches Dedicated leadership team 5 officers Event coordinators and assistant coordinators

Practices Monday-Thursday 2:30-4:00 PM Monday & Wednesday: events Tuesday & Thursday: debate Students do NOT have to attend every day We can work around schedules for sports, activities, and clubs Practices include learning necessary skills, writing cases/speeches, preparing for events, practice rounds/performances, roundtables, and tournament reflections

Tournaments Weekends Friday: immediately after school-11:00 PM Saturday: 6:45 AM-10:00 PM Students need to commit to attending an entire tournament when signing up Most tournaments are in the Saint Louis area and are hosted by other high school speech and debate teams Students compete in their events Guaranteed preliminary rounds: two for events, four for debate If/when students drop from the tournament, they must stay to watch rounds and support their teammates During a tournament, coaches check in with students between rounds and fulfill judging obligations/requirements

Transportation Transportation is provided for every regular season tournament School buses provided by the district Charter bus for trip to Jefferson City Rental cars or flights or other trips All team members use team transportation Sometimes juniors/seniors driving home at night will be asked to check in with a coach Not checking in can result in a loss of driving privileges

Logistics Students are VERY busy during a tournament with rounds scheduled back-to-back – please do not expect constant communication Establish a communication plan BEFORE the first tournament Coach cell phone number is for emergencies only Texts are easier than phone calls No news is good news – if there is an issue then you will get a phone call!

Attire Business or Business-casual Gentlemen: nice slacks, button down shirt, and dress shoes (tie/bowtie optional); full suits are appropriate but not required Ladies: skirt suits and pant suits are appropriate but not required; heels are common, flats are perfectly fine; nice skirt or pants with a top and a sweater; dress Many of the stronger competitors will wear suits Hair should be out of the face so students are not tempted to fix hair while performing/speaking Never “break in” shoes at a tournament!

Officer Reports

Officer Reports Officer goals Team bonding opportunities Recruit 30 new members Retain 20 members Buddy System Average of 50 team members at tournaments Consistent and quality leadership Team bonding opportunities Weekly e-mails and Group Me

General Information

Affiliations Greater Saint Louis Speech Association (GSL) Conference tournament series Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Eligibility District and state tournaments National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Forensic League (honor society) District and national tournament National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) National tournament

Team Policies and Procedures Team handbook New section: Citizenship Eligibility MSHSAA eligibility Tournament and practice expectations Tournament sign-up and attendance Competition requirements

Parent Communication Team website Social media During tournaments talkingrams.weebly.com Social media Facebook: LHWHS Talking Rams Twitter: @Talking_Rams Instagram: Ladue Talking Rams During tournaments Coach cell phone guidelines

Schedule Highlights September 30th – GSL Pre-Season October 14th – Oakville Autumn Congress October 20th and 21st – Parkway West (first full tournament) November 17th and 18th – LNI (tournament hosted by Ladue) 1st weekend of December – varsity out-of-town tournament January 26th and 27th – Jefferson City (out of town trip) February 16th and 17th – Marquette (last invitational)

Post-Season Schedule February 24th – NSDA Congressional Debate District Tournament National qualifier March 2nd & 3rd – MSHSAA District Tournament State qualifier March 8th-10th – NSDA Speech and Debate District Tournament April 19th and 21st – MSHSAA State Tournament (Springfield, MO) May 3rd – Team banquet May 25th-28th – NCFL National Tournament (Washington, D.C.) June 16th-23rd – NSDA National Tournament (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Parent Involvement LNI Tournaments Support the Talking Rams Provide food Financial donations Manage the hospitality room Volunteer in the hospitality room Judge Tournaments Snacks for students Attend award ceremonies Support the Talking Rams Financial donations fund senior awards/scholarships Would like to start funding multiple camp scholarships Coordinate the dinner for the team banquet We’re always looking for guest speakers/presenters Examples: SLU professor who was an expert on a policy topic came and did a roundtable; improvisation artist did a workshop with interpretation competitors

Supporting your student This is a VERY subjective event – scores and results are based on the reactions and feelings of the judge This can be a difficult and harsh activity at times Success will come at different points during the year Encourage your child to try different events to find one that “clicks” for them Encourage students to self-advocate with coaches and captains Watch them practice at home Be a constant source of support and encouragement! Help them be on time on Saturday mornings!

Coach Contact Information Molly Beck mbeck@ladueschools.net Voicemail: 314.983.5936 Cell Phone: 314.807.1571 Prep Periods: W2, B5, and W6 Note: I cannot meet with parents of team members during Parent Teacher Conferences unless the team member is enrolled in the Forensics class. Sorry for the inconvenience! I would be happy to set up another appointment!