Delbarton Forensic Society Parents Meeting September 30, 2015 The language of truth is simple - Seneca

Agenda Introductions Communication Program purpose and benefits Competitive events Schedule and tournaments Major policies overview Parental involvement

Introductions Adult Staff Student Officers Moderators/Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate coaches: Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Mr. Philip Bauchan Public Forum Debate coach: Mr. Christopher Fielder (Seton Hall University ‘16) Speech coaches: Mr. LaJuan Foust (Delbarton faculty), Ms. Abby Deely (Seton Hall University ‘16) Student Officers President: Jai Amin ‘16 Vice President: James Dolan ‘16 Novice Masters (Debate): Ryan Hosler ‘16, EJ Murphy ‘16 Novice Masters (Speech): John Beute ‘16, Justin Donaher ‘16, Theodore O’Brien ‘17

Introductions Forensics Boosters Executive Committee President: Mrs. Colleen Donaher (mother of Justin Donaher ’16) Vice-President (President-Elect for 2015-16): Mrs. Kathleen Townsend (mother of Jack Townsend ’19) Wreath Sale Chair: Mrs. Gwen Eichler (mother of Alex Eichler ’16) Social Chair: Mrs. Ami Amin (mother of Jai Amin ’16) Judge Training Mentors: Mrs. Ami Amin, Mrs. Stephanie Dolan (mother of James Dolan ’16) and Mrs. Sasi Swami (mother of Vish Swami ’18)

Program Purpose To develop student excellence in public speaking and argument To represent Delbarton in local and national forensic tournaments at the highest possible level of ethical and competitive quality.

Program Benefits Builds self-confidence and trains members to express themselves effectively Develops effective persuasion skills Develops lifetime business communication and leadership skills Empowers members with skills that benefit the wider community

Competition Events Debate Speech Lincoln-Douglas Debate (1 on 1) Public Forum Debate (2 on 2) Congressional Debate Speech Public Address (Declamation, Original Oratory) Interpretation (Dramatic, Humorous, Duo) Limited Prep (Extemporaneous, Impromptu)

Communication Coach Contact Information Fr. Michael: michael@delbarton.org; cell: 201-317-6822 Mr. Bauchan: pbauchan@delbarton.org; cell 301-821-5180 Mr. Foust: lfoust@delbarton.org; cell 216-513-6204 Team Bulletin emailed to all parents weekly; posted weekly on team Google Drive folder for students Team Schoology page (available to anyone): http://schoology.delbarton.org/group/12735787

Tournament Schedule Local tournaments Travel tournaments NJ Speech & Debate League (State Tournament in March) NJ District, National Forensic League (national qualifier in March) Paterson Catholic Forensic League (national qualifier in February at Delbarton) Travel tournaments Some require missed classes Most limited to varsity competitors & a specific number of entries National tournaments (NCFL & NSDA Nationals) at the end of the school year require qualification

Meetings, Practices, and Tournament Registration Meetings and practices Business meeting: every first Tuesday of the month at 2:45 PM Practices 2 days a week, usually 2:45-5:30 PM (varies by event) Tournament registration Done 4 to 6 weeks in advance, sometimes further out (for travel tournaments) Students confirm registrations at monthly team meetings

Tournament Attire and Materials Required tournament attire Dark suit (blue or gray), white dress shirt designed for a tie, tie, white t-shirt, dark dress belt, dark dress socks, black or burgundy dress shoes (dress shoes = that carry a shine) Students should NOT wear Khakis and a blazer Shirts not designed for a tie Casual cloth belts (Vineyard Vines) or shoes (any shoe not shinable) White socks Required Materials for All Tournaments 8 ½ x 11 pad folio (for speakers AND debaters) and pads Small bag or briefcase Red & black pens (team supplies these)

Travel Tournament Policies Detailed policies found in team Handbook (on our Schoology page) Safety is the absolute priority “Travel together, stay together, return together” The entire team celebrates Mass when we travel on a Sunday (just as for an all-school Mass on campus)

Parental Involvement Judging (Mr. Bauchan, Judge Chair) We provide training & judge support NJSDL judge training at Delbarton: Sunday 10/11, 12-4:30 PM, FAC Family commitment: Judge at 3 tournament days/year OR judge substitution fee ($150/tournament day or $450 for the year) Register at SignupGenius.com (linked on team Schoology page) Can be at one multi-day tournament or over several tournaments Use fee to hire judges provided by tournaments

Parental Involvement Fundraising Direct contributions (optional) Suggested amount: $600 per family In-kind donations also accepted (miles, points) Christmas Wreath sale Each family is asked to sell at least 10 wreaths OR you can substitute $150 in lieu of participation (similar to soccer & other athletic teams’ sales)