1.
Parent Engagement
October, 2013

2. Why get parents involved in FIRST Robotics teams?
Research has shown that students benefit from parent involvement in many ways:
Better grades
Better attendance
Higher graduation rates
Increased self-esteem
Recognized program to Post Secondary Institutions
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

3. Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

4. Recognize the Barriers
Ways parents can help
Team Communication
Help organize events
Outreach
Sponsorship
Recognize the Barriers
Volunteer at events to help raise
funds and awareness
Schedules
Attend meetings and info sessions
Awards
Transportation to events
Finances
Mentor students in area of expertise
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...
Transportation
Hold workshops on parent involvement
Arrange for food
Website

5. Parent Engagement
pictures

6. How do we get Parents Engaged in FIRST Teams?
Get Parents to fill out survey noting what their experience/special skills, how much time they can contribute, what they would like to do
Set up regular communication to parents ( , regular parent night, use school newsletter) advertising HELP WANTED positions
Ask Parents what they would like to learn more about regarding the team
Set up advisory group to look at survey/skills reported and gaps on the team – try to fill these up
Offer Volunteer Training
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

7. When parents communicate a willingness to help, respond immediately
Look at Parents Reach Out Grants (PRO) from Ontario Government to help address barriers and increase involvement
Have a Showcase Evening
Due Diligence – Parent Involvement Checklist
Appoint someone on the team responsible for keeping the parent contact list up-to-date and use it often
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

8. Parent Engagement
Organized 4 Regional Tournaments(VEX, FLL)
Volunteered at Robotics Events (FIRST and VEX)
Part of the GTR Regional Planning Committee
Parent other Peel Schools
Peel School Councils
Helped Elementary Schools with FLL/Jr. FLL Initiative
Lead the Library Community Teams
Food Program
Transportation for events
Runners (help get items for teams when teacher is busy)
Provided 100+ parents support to the team
Sick Kids Presentation
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

9. What does a Mentor/Coach look like?
Can be a person of any age, teaching others what they know
Brings either technical or non technical expertise to the team
Provides the opportunity for students to learn directly through experiences
Begins as a teacher, evolves into a colleague
Knows that Mentoring and Coaching is about inspiring and guiding
Provides students the environment to succeed
Is patient, supportive, enthusiastic, compassionate and available
Remembers what’s important – it’s about the kids and they come first
Thank you all for coming out today and it is a great turnout so thank you once again. Before we begin, just want to set some ground rules… Great – now that we have that out of the way…. Here is the agenda for today and as you can see – we have allocated very limited time for each topic as the intent is not to find a solution/do the work… rather state our current position in terms of the structure of the team and be able to create some expectations around communications and responsibilities for ourselves. So as we go through the deck today – please remind yourself to think – that this information is relevant to you as mentors…
So, now, with further ado… we will go into introductions – so, welcome Mr. Schepis and most of all already know that ‘he’s the man in charge now’ … after Mr. Schepis introduces himself… we will go around the room to do a 10 second introduction after which we will then move into our agenda items. We have allocated 30 mins for open discussion/Q&A session… so there will be lots of time to discuss any open items/concerns that you might want to bring up.
So… Mr. Schepis!...

12. Q & A