River Valley Speech Springfield & Sleepy Eye Schools Parent/Student Meeting December 14, 2012

River Valley Speech Head coach – Mrs. Brianna Jensen Assistant coaches – Mrs. Cheryl Neidt Mrs. Darcy Hoyt Coop agreement - Springfield & Sleepy Eye Schools 48 members this year Increased opportunities for all schools Build new friendships FUN!

State History Sleepy Eye Schools Springfield School 2010 – 3rd place – Extemp. Speaking 2011 - 8th place – Original Oratory Springfield School 2010 – 1st & 2nd place – Duo, Storytelling participant 2011 – 6th place - Great Speeches, Drama participant, Great Speeches participant 2012 – 6th place – Storytelling, 2nd place - Duo

Eligibility Speech follows the MSHSL rules of eligibility Academic Behavior ***River Valley Speech members also expected to follow their school’s specific rules pertaining to eligibility

Practices Once weekly with coach 25-30 minutes long Be on time, ready to work “Speech” notebook Illness or snow day – reschedule *Practice on your own outside of school*

Practices Can’t make your practice time? Tell coach AHEAD of time E-mail or in person Be respectful of traveling coaches 2 unexcused absences (no shows) = off the team! Jan. 21 – Drop date! Try to talk to your coach in person and let her know or email in advance.

Team Communication E-mail Facebook group Webpage Access through “Springfield Public School” www.springfield.mntm.org ***All three will contain the same information/updates ***Re responsible - Check daily!

Tournaments When are tournaments? Varsity (gr. 7-12)- Saturdays (Feb-Mar) Attend as many as possible Jr. High (gr. 7-9) - midweek, after school Attend all JH tournaments Some HS tournaments Speech is a spectator sport!

Tournaments How long do they last? All day Bring lunch or money Team rides bus Exception – verbal & written parent permission Bring lunch or money They last most of the day. The bus will generally leave by 7:15am and will return sometime in the late afternoon.

Tournaments Signing up for tourneys Tourney day - sick or emergency? Students sign up if attending Mrs. Neidt’s room E-mail Mrs. Jensen Registration due – 1 week prior to tourney Tourney day - sick or emergency? Notify coach No shows – pay entry fee We know that students cannot make every Saturday tournement. Therefore, instead of guessing who can and can’t come---students sign up for the ones they can attend.

Clothing and Appearance Speakers are often judged as much by how they look as by what they have to say… JH speakers vs. HS speakers ***You never get a second chance to make a first impression!***

Men’s Suits Suits: Choose a conservative style, dark colors: black, dark gray, charcoal, olive or navy. Shirts: comfortable, good fir, colared Ties: Colors should work back into your suit or work well with your shirt. Patterns should not be distracting or silly. Should end at belt line - no higher, no lower! Shoes: Black, dress shoes Belts,Socks: Belt should match shoes. Socks should match shoes.

Men’s Suits

Men’s Dress Shirts

Women’s Suits

Women’s Dress Clothes Jackets or Sweaters: Choose a conservative style jacket or sweater in a solid, basic color. Skirts or Pants: Buy the skirt or pant that goes with the jacket if possible. Again a solid, dark color is best. No short skirts!!! Skirts should be no higher than 1" above the knees.  Shirts: Use this as an opportunity to add a touch of color under your suit. (Remember that blouses are an inexpensive way to change the look of an outfit). Be sure the blouse is not too low cut!!! Shoes: Stick with a medium (2" - 2.5") heel or flats. Stay away from boots and really thick, clunky heels. Black, brown, or neutral colors for shoes. Stockings: Always wear stockings and keep extras on hand. Nylons should either be “bare” in color or should match your suit color. Jewelry: Keep jewelry choices conservative - it should compliment or accent your attire, not overpower it or distract from it

Shoes

Accessories

Clothing & Accessories *Do not have to break the bank! $$$ *Could wear same outfit every tournament!

What NOT To Do Both Ladies Gentlemen Clothes too tight OR too loose Distracting jewelry Hair in your eyes/face Ladies Open-toed shoes Low-cut shirts Short skirts Wacky/bright fingernail polish Gentlemen Distracting neck ties Light colored socks with a dark suit Facial hair

Tournament Etiquette *Tournament etiquette explained further in handbook – please read on your own! *Etiquette will also be discussed on the bus ride to tournements.

ANY QUESTIONS ?

***Students please stay for a few minutes for team photos!*** THANK YOU!