Emails+to+parents+Archive

D ecember 26, 2012

I have been told my emails are too long.

Food:

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c025edd5e0&e=abc1e7aec7

better?

Jeff

December 24, 2012

reminder - parent meeting January 12 at 9a.m.

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The student leaders sent an email to team members. I thought you would be interested in getting a copy:

Hi everyone,

Kickoff is Saturday January 5th! It's at Capitol College and starts at 9am. If you would like to go and did not already sign up, please email Mr. Cullings (ecullings@hcpss.org) ASAP because he needs to sign us up. Also, if you haven't made a STIMs account, you need to do so before Kickoff to be on t he team officially @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=4c3e324b82&e=abc1e7aec7 (We are Team 2849 in FRC)

We will be carpooling to Capitol College from Hammond. We'll meet at Hammond at 8:30 am. Please email me (at sherrigreen24@gmail.com, not the team email) with the following information if you are going to Kickoff: Do you need a ride? Can you give a ride? If you can give a ride, how many rides can you give?

Here are Directions to Capitol College: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=9bc714c849&e=abc1e7aec7 and a Map of the Campus www.capitol-college.edu/files/file/PDFs/Capitol%20College%20Campus%20Map.pdf

After Kickoff (it should be over by about 10:45am), we will go back to Hammond and have a meeting. Even if you do not come to Kickoff, you should still come to this meeting. We will leave Hammond by 3pm.

Also, remember we're having our in school field trip on Monday, January 7th. You need to get both permission slips to Mr. Cullings by Friday, January 4th to be able to attend. In case you didn't receive the permission slips, I attached them to this email.

Lightbulbs! We have received $760 from Lightbulb Sales so far. Please continue collecting orders to get us to our goal of $2000 to go to another competition. If you turned in orders, but no money, please collect the money and get it to Mr. Cullings (obviously once school starts). Lightbulbs should be in around mid-January, so keep selling!

Hope everyone is having a good break! Sherri

links to attachments permission slip: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f16f094cd8&e=abc1e7aec7 trip form @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d8a66cb0ae&e=abc1e7aec7

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The team also needs a greater level of parent support with Care and Feeding. The sign-up page for Build Season food is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=83d8997f1b&e=abc1e7aec7

If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note âpizza runâ in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. You can order from Dominoâs using our discount code, details: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6dd1cc84fa&e=abc1e7aec7 or any other pizza place that you and kids agree on.

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Students have put in a lot of work improving the team website. Please visit. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b8b7901336&e=abc1e7aec7 If you have suggestions, let me know and Iâll pass them along.

[[#x-
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[[#x-
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If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please s end it along for inclusion in the next email.

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December 19, 2012

There will be a Question and Answer meeting for parents on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 9 a.m. in 1 of the tech ed rooms. ======================================== Dean Kamen is a founder of the FIRST robotics program. Here's a short film about one of his recent endeavors: [] The film is meant to inspire future scientists and engineers, so maybe watch it with your child.

[[#x-
=======================]]=================================== As a reminder, the sign-up page for Build Season food is here: [] If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note “pizza run” in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. You can order from Domino’s using our discount code, details: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pizza or any other pizza place that you and kids agree on.

[[#x-
=========================]]===================================== Students have put in a lot of work improving the team website. Please visit. [] If you have suggestions, let me know and I’ll pass them along.

[[#x-
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[[#x-
==========================]]====================================== Team Calendar: [] Team Website: [] Team Wiki: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email. ==============================================

December 18, 2012

I hope these links work...

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bee270afdd&e=abc1e7aec7

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=64c4770e64&e=abc1e7aec7

December 17, 2012

Hammond Robotics

Some parents want a meeting to ask questions about Build Season.

Some people are curious about what the kids will be doing, how often, how late, etc. Also, some people have questions or ideas about how to handle feeding the kids. So, if you have any questions or ideas along those lines or about similar matters, please indicate your preferred meeting times ASAP:

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=944dc6ecb0&e=abc1e7aec7

(Note- there is no login required, you can put anything in the "name" box, then click "continue".)

Please go to that website before 2 p.m. on Wednesday December 19.

The time and place will be emailed on Wednesday afternoon.

If none of those times works for you, please reply by email with your suggestions.

Thanks

Jeff

[[#x-
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[[#x-
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If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

December 15, 2012

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The previously scheduled meeting on December 17, 2012, is cancelled.

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Hi, Jeff. Would you please put this in the next newsletter? Thanks.

2013 FIRST Scholarship Opportunity Updates: Find out about recently confirmed scholarships, a recently discontinued scholarship, and all FIRST Scholarships with deadlines in January. Juniors and Educators, take note of a special leadership training and scholarship opportunity to attend the 2013 Aspen Ideas Festival. See all at: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=229b26efb5&e=5cd6dcc0ac.

Maureen

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I understand that not all parents are on this email list, feel free to share this email with anyone. Also, anyone, even non-parents, may sign up for this list: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e385c01ed6&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Archive of previous emails: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=164bb3d4f5&e=5cd6dcc0ac

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The team has begun to poll alumni students. The results through today, anonymized but otherwise unedited: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b43a48cef9&e=5cd6dcc0ac If you know of any team alumni, please ask them to take the survey here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6285968215&e=5cd6dcc0ac

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The holiday luncheon was a great success and a tasty capstone to the fall workshops and projects. Thanks to all the wonderful parents who brought food for the team. Your support is invaluable and under-appreciated.

A special thanks to Parent Vic Gladstone and his Sherpa guide Mary S. for taking the team picture. Look for that on the team webpage in the coming days. Vic is a terrific photographer, you can see his work here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b5a9ab10a7&e=5cd6dcc0ac

→ Some of the team moms got together and decided that I wanted to reduce the meals during Saturdays to just one per day. I will adjust the Build Season sign-up calendar accordingly - please give me a few hours to get that done. And remember to feed your kids before delivering them to robotics on Saturdays.

The sign-up page for Build Season food is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=094a629fdb&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Special Note - you may share responsibility for a meal with another parent, just indicate in the comments section.

If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note “pizza run” in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. You can order from Domino’s using our discount code, details: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=335f33ae74&e=5cd6dcc0ac or any other pizza place that you and kids agree on.

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The team’s student leaders want parents to also sign up for the team wiki. Here's the link: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=02875ce72c&e=5cd6dcc0ac Just click Join Now at the top, and we'll approve you. Please make your username some form of your name, so we know it's you!

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Students have put in a lot of work improving the team website. Please visit. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b8982397c8&e=5cd6dcc0ac If you have suggestions, let me know and I’ll pass them along.

[[#x-
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[[#x-
======================]]================================== Team Calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cdde730959&e=5cd6dcc0ac Team Website: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=32a7127a44&e=5cd6dcc0ac Team Wiki: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=291a4980f7&e=5cd6dcc0ac

If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for in the next email.

December 12, 2012

Team Ursa Major -- Hammond Robotics -- Email to parents -- December 12, 2012

I understand that not all parents are on this email list, feel free to share this email with anyone. @http://us4.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5bcec9862f&e=5cd6dcc0ac Also, anyone, even non-parents, may sign up for this list: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bc6bba1ed0&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Archive of previous emails: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c6eaa9035d&e=5cd6dcc0ac

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[[#x---
]]====== Holiday luncheon and team photo.

Hammond Parent Vic Gladstone will be taking the team picture at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2012. All team members should attend and wear team shirts. Even if a team member cannot stay for the rest of the morning, the team member should come for the photo. Vic is a terrific photographer, you can see his work here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f71e63faac&e=5cd6dcc0ac If you know Vic, please thank him for volunteering his time and talent.

The holiday luncheon is potluck. You can check this page to see the goodies that others are bringing: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f4b13dd886&e=5cd6dcc0ac We still need some additional contributions. If you don’t want to bring food, how about plates, cutlery, napkins?

Parents, siblings, and prospective members are always welcome.

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--============================]]================================== Food

Thanks again to everyone who provided food and drink throughout the fall. Also thanks to Larry Caplan and JelCap Vending for the donation of snacks. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5ebc0f30c4&e=5cd6dcc0ac Larry also runs a very nice catering operation.

The sign-up page for Build Season food is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3807d6987d&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The last pizza run for 2012 is on 12/17. Thanks to all the parents who helped with this during the fall. If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note “pizza run” in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. You can order from Domino’s using our discount code, details: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=dd96623edd&e=5cd6dcc0ac or any other pizza place that you and kids agree on.

[[#x---
--============================]]================================== wiki

The team’s student leaders want parents to also sign up for the team wiki. Here's the link: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5e2446f5c4&e=5cd6dcc0ac Just click Join Now at the top, and we'll approve you. Please make your username some form of your name, so we know it's you!

[[#x---
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Students have put in a lot of work improving the team website. Please visit. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=fb77d12c04&e=5cd6dcc0ac If you have suggestions, let me know and I’ll pass them along.

[[#x---
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Team Calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=78e88be68f&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Team Website: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6172b3b95d&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Team Wiki: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=75a8f822f4&e=5cd6dcc0ac

If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

December 10, 2012

1. Student gift exchange, holiday party.

"Hi Everyone! If you haven't heard, Saturday, December 15th is our Holiday Party, and we're going to have a gift exchange, so bring a wrapped gift ($10 or less) to the party. Sherri"

Parents are welcome at the holiday party (meeting begins 8:30, party starts around 11).

This year we will have a pot-luck luncheon and are asking all team members to contribute to the feast (ethnic or international fare is always welcome). Please plan on bringing a portion to feed approximately 20. Miguel Iraola MIraola@hcm2.com

sign up: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=fd88a70149&e=abc1e7aec7

2. Wiki archive.

All of these emails to you are archived on the team wiki. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=53ccd78ac2&e=abc1e7aec7

3. Photos.

Student Ben C has posted a mess of pictures, he'll continue to add pictures: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=03446be08f&e=abc1e7aec7

4. Light bulb fundraiser.

The first round of orders for light bulbs is due on Saturday December 15th. Students were asked to bring in orders for 2 light bulbs (or more) on that day or earlier to Mr. Cullings. Links to product information, order forms, etc. were sent to you on November 18. Those links are in the archive (item 2 above)

5. Build Season.

The Build Season - January 5 to February 19 - is intense. During these 6 weeks, students must design, fabricate, program, and debug a complex robot. Students will be meeting almost every day. In past years, meetings have gone quite late as the deadline approaches. This fall's preparation and planning should minimize the late meetings, but expect team members to be spending a lot of time in the tech ed room. Students often do homework during team meetings. Feeding the team allows students to most efficiently handle their school work and team responsibilities. Sign up here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=9c4cc691cc&e=abc1e7aec7 Thanks.

6. Alumni survey.

The team is collecting data from team alumni. The goals of the project are (1) to learn how the team experience has been helpful to team members in college and beyond and (2) to continue the relationship with the alumni in a way that may help with future efforts to find mentors and sponsors.

If you know any alumni, please ask them to fill out the survey here: Survey form is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ba188a4ff1&e=abc1e7aec7

December 7, 2012

Many of these items have been sent out before, but I'm resending for emphasis and as a reminder because your response / participation is vitally important. Thanks.

1. Team web page updated @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=62818c0cb9&e=5cd6dcc0ac

2. Successful participation in FIRST robotics is very expensive. The parts, tools, electronics, and entry fees run into the thousands each year. Our team depends on sponsorships. To reach our team's goal of gaining as many sponsors as possible, we would like to ask if you have any personal connections with companies that we may be able to market to. We are looking not only for tech related firms but for any companies that may be able to provide funds, food, or in-kind material donations. A potential sponsor may be more likely to donate to us if can we take advantage of our members' and their parents' relationships to them; that relationship can be in the form of where you work, or if you know someone who is in an authority position at a company. Please respond promptly to our student marketing coordinator Talon Bevan  with any connections that the team can follow. In your response, please include your name and the company's name, a brief description of the company, and contact info so we can reach out to them and send them our team packet.

3. Dear Roboparents,

On Saturday, December 15th, Team Ursa Major will have their annual Holiday Party. The project groups will be making their final presentations and the party will follow at approximately 11:00am. This year we will have a pot-luck luncheon and are asking all team members to contribute to the feast (ethnic or international fare is always welcome). Please plan on bringing a portion to feed approximately 20. I will take care of beverages. Please sign-up on this page

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=81d1a5bfcc&e=5cd6dcc0ac

BE SURE TO CLICK 'SAVE NOTES' after you have indicated what you are bringing!

Best regards,

Miguel Iraola

MIraola@hcm2.com

shrib.com/2849party

4. Build Season

I think the calendar for Build is pretty much set. Some of the times I just don't know yet. I have three Thursdays that I am still looking for coverage. I hope to get those finalized today. It looks like we will roll Mon-Thurs and Sat. Eric Cullings Hammond HS Technology Education Coordinator FIRST Robotics Primary Mentor- Team Ursa Major #2849

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=95b0b2ac74&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The care and feeding signup form is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=eca2f3bc30&e=5cd6dcc0ac NOTE: this calendar is tentative, it is likely that more slots will be added, please check it periodically.

As a reminder, there are 3 ways to participate: = cook a meal, = buy food, or = solicit a meal donation from a restaurant (I can provide leads - just ask)

There may be up to 30 people - team members plus mentors - your child should be able to give you a better idea of who is around for meals as the season progresses.

For days when no one volunteers (I hope there aren't any), we will try and find someone to do a pizza run so the students may buy their meal.

Note: there are about as many slots as there are students, so if everyone takes just one slot, we should be covered - it's fair if everyone participates.

A parent wrote to me: "I want to register to supply a dinner, but its requires a lot of food and can be costly."

My response: If everyone participates, then your kid gets fed about 30 times at no cost to you. Also, you can choose to solicit a donated meal from a restaurant. I'm happy to provide leads. Several restaurants fed us last year at NO COST. So you can avoid spending money just by making a few phone calls. Is that too much to ask?

Thanks!

5. (Pizza Run - anytime between 5 and 6 pm - collect $1/slice from interested students, order from Domino'€™s using our discount code) details: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5adfb120d9&e=5cd6dcc0ac

6. From the team student leaders:

This is just a reminder to sign up for the team wiki. It's a good tool for discussions and resources, and it helps keep us organized and everyone in the loop.

Here's the link:

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=542b14a0ea&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Just click Join Now at the top, and we'll approve you.

Please make your username some form of your name, so we know it's you!

7. The Chesapeake Regional planning committee is looking for volunteers for key roles. The Chesapeake regional wouldn’t happen without the help of many volunteers both at the event itself and those that work year round to plan the event and provide support to the Maryland teams. We are looking for help to fill these needed positions to make the event even better for all the competing teams. See the Want ads for Chesapeake for descriptions of the positions we are looking to fill. Please forward the descriptions to anyone you feel would be a good fit for these positions. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=acaae4117b&e=5cd6dcc0ac

8. The Chesapeake Regional planning committee is organizing a workshop directly following the kickoff event on January 5th at Capitol College. Steve Shade, the Chesapeake Regional Head Referee, and I, the Chesapeake Regional Lead Robot Inspector, will break down the 2013 FRC game, answer questions, and provide general guidance to help the teams get off to a great start. The workshop will start at 1:00 PM in the auditorium at Capitol College and conclude at 3:00 PM. Capitol College has graciously offered to bring in lunch for those who attend the workshop but we’ll need an accurate headcount so if you plan to attend the workshop, please register here. @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=18dcb5704c&e=5cd6dcc0ac

December 5, 2012

message from student PR team:

Successful participation in FIRST robotics is very expensive. The parts, tools, electronics, and entry fees run into the thousands each year. Our team depends on sponsorships. To reach our team's goal of gaining as many sponsors as possible, we would like to ask if you have any personal connections with companies that we may be able to market to. We are looking not only for tech related firms but for any companies that may be able to provide funds, food, or in-kind material donations. A potential sponsor may be more likely to donate to us if can we take advantage of our members' and their parents' relationships to them; that relationship can be in the form of where you work, or if you know someone who is in an authority position at a company. Please respond promptly to our student marketing coordinator Talon Bevan  with any connections that the team can follow. In your response, please include your name and the company's name, a brief description of the company, and contact info so we can reach out to them and send them our team packet.

Dear Roboparents,

On Saturday, December 15th, Team Ursa Major will have their annual Holiday Party. The project groups will be making their final presentations and the party will follow at approximately 11:00am. This year we will have a pot-luck luncheon and are asking all team members to contribute to the feast (ethnic or international fare is always welcome). Please plan on bringing a portion to feed approximately 20. I will take care of beverages. Please sign-up on this page

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=efe0a54072&e=abc1e7aec7

BE SURE TO CLICK 'SAVE NOTES' after you have indicated what you are bringing!

Best regards,

Miguel Iraola MIraola@hcm2.com

shrib.com/2849party

November 27, 2012

Christmas Tree Sales

A major fundraiser for the Hammond Boosters is the Christmas Tree Sale.

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3fc9bea5ac&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The sale will be held on Hammond's parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays this December: 12/1 &12/2, 12/8 & 12/9, 12/15 & 12/16

Each student or parent that volunteers will receive monetary credit for the school activity that the volunteer represents for all hours worked. For example, if a student works for 2 hours selling trees for the Robotics Club (or Soccer team, Dance Department, Music Department, etc.), that particular club/team will receive a portion of the sale proceeds from the boosters. The profits are divided between Boosters and each activity supported. This is a key way for volunteers to earn money for their chosen activity. Students will also earn community service hours for National Honor Society or for any other supported community service requirements.

I've done this for several years and it's a fun couple of hours. I urge you to volunteer.

Mr. Cullings indicates that he will be asking students to cover: December 2 1-3 PM December 9 1-3 PM

However, anyone can volunteer for any slot, any day.

Interested volunteers should contact the Project Chairman, Sean Trainor at trees@hammondboosters.org as soon as possible because slots will fill up.

[[#x---
--==================]]========================

Build Season Food

Mr. Cullings has posted the "Build Season" calendar (Build Season is kickoff (January 7) through national stop build day (February 19)): @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=41ca73b10e&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The care and feeding signup form is here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c4b9de19a8&e=5cd6dcc0ac

As a reminder, there are 3 ways to participate: 1. cook a meal, 2. buy food, or 3. solicit a meal donation from a restaurant (I can provide leads - just ask)

There may be up to 30 people - team members plus mentors - your child should be able to give you a better idea of who is around for meals as the season progresses.

For days when no one volunteers (I hope there aren't any), we will try and find someone to do a pizza run so the students may buy their meal.

Note: there are about as many slots as there are students, so if everyone takes just one slot, we should be covered - it's fair if everyone participates.

Thanks!

[[#x--=---
============================]]========================================

November 26, 2012

Team Ursa Major -- Hammond Robotics

[[#x--=---
======================]]==================================

Thanks to everyone who provided food and drink throughout the fall.

There is still an opening for Dec 17 @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=748f4f111f&e=abc1e7aec7

We will post the sign up page for Build Season just as soon as Mr. Cullings signs off on the schedule.

Weâre also looking for parent volunteers to do the pizza run on 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17. Please let me know which of those days you can handle . (Pizza Run - anytime between 5 and 6 pm - collect $1/slice from interested students, order from Dominoâs using our discount code) details: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d20fd626c2&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x--=---
======================]]==================================

From the team student leaders:

This is just a reminder to sign up for the team wiki. It's a good tool for discussions and resources, and it helps keep us organized and everyone in the loop.

Here's the link: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=21d8d55c3f&e=abc1e7aec7

Just click Join Now at the top, and we'll approve you.

Please make your username some form of your name, so we know it's you!

Hey guys. We're doing the pizza thing during [todayâs] meeting. It's been a while, but it's still $1 per slice.

[[#x-
=======================]]==================================

Ask an Expert Call: Join Expert Joe Passofaro and FIRST Senior Mentor Renee Becker for the Ask an Expert call âThe Junior Varsity Model for FRCâ. The call will be taking place on Wednesday, 11/28/12 at 7 PM ET. You can find details and audio archives of past conference calls on all of this seasonâs Ask an Expert calls here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=35377a669b&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=======================]]==================================

From Maryland FIRST

Weâd like to extend thanks and gratitude to all the teams, mentors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters of FIRST activities in Maryland and beyond. FIRST now reaches more than 5,000 students and 1,000 adult mentors and volunteers in Maryland â all helping to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and leaders. We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

As we enter this holiday season, we also begin the heart of the FIRST season in Maryland. Please help us spread the word by getting new people to our events, or better yet, volunteering! We have more than 20 competitions all over Maryland from December through April. In particular, save the dates for our three top events:

January 19: Maryland FIRST LEGO League Championship at UMBC February 23: Maryland FIRST Tech Challenge Championship at JHU APL April 12-13: Chesapeake Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at the Baltimore Convention Center

Check out our event calendar on MarylandFIRST.org, and learn more about volunteering at a FIRST event in Maryland. Please tell your friends, get them involved, and plan teams for next season.

This is also a time when we reach out to sponsors and donors. Please help us connect with potential sponsors â we welcome support at any level for our events. The âfiscal cliffâ has put a dent in support from some of our longtime defense-related sponsors, and we need to broaden our base now more than ever. Contact me directly for information on sponsorship opportunities or to share a prospective lead. You can also donate directly to FIRST in any amount. If you do, please indicate the purpose of your gift to support FIRST operations in Maryland.

Our thanks again for all you do, and we wish you great holiday and FIRST seasons!

[[#x-
=======================]]==================================

Kickoff Workshop

The Chesapeake Regional planning committee is organizing a workshop directly following the kickoff event on January 5th at Capitol College. The Chesapeake Regional Head Referee and the Chesapeake Regional Lead Robot Inspector will break down the 2013 FRC game, answer questions, and provide general guidance to help the teams get off to a great start.

The workshop will start at 1:00 PM in the auditorium at Capitol College and conclude at 3:00 PM.

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== Miscellany

[[#x-
=======================]]==================================

Team Calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d3757c904c&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Wiki: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f02ace85ba&e=abc1e7aec7

If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

November 18, 2012

Mr. Cullings has sent the students the following email:

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Hi everyone-

Attached is all the information that you need for the FIRST Green E-watt Saver light bulbs fundraiser. Make sure that you read the Team_Training document. Print copies of the order form for yourself. I will make 100 copies of the customer handout form. Pick them up from my room. Only the 800 lumen bulbs are available and we are selling them for $20 each. Checks should be made out to Hammond HS.

The team is asking you to sell 2 bulbs each. Obviously we encourage you to sell more than that though. 75% goes towards a second competition while 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Engineers without Borders Clean Water Project that we support. The team member who sells the most bulbs by December 14 will receive a $25 Best Buy gift card. We will run this fundraiser through the competition season.

PR/Marketing/Web Page- I want a page started called Fundraising. Details of the fundraiser should be placed on the page. See me ASAP to discuss this.

If you have any farther questions, please contact me.

Mr. Cullings

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

here are links to the attachments:

training @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b7d12a97b3&e=abc1e7aec7

order form @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=44b8586221&e=abc1e7aec7

customer handout @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3adcbfe022&e=abc1e7aec7

FIRST green overview @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6188113cd7&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Your help in promoting this fund-raiser is greatly appreciated.

November 14, 2012

I was able to visit Monday afternoonâs session and I was impressed to see that a lot of kids were focused and hard at work. At this point, several kids have a good grasp of the LabView programming language and several are getting comfortable with Autodesk Inventor for CAD. A strong core is getting a good handle on the various electronic components and how they interact, although there are some interesting differences of opinion on the best arrangements of components. We have a great bunch of pretty impressive children!

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

The Baltimore Area Alliance (BAA) is an organization made up of high school robotics teams in our region and some senior mentors associated with FIRST. The BAA is all volunteers and is a very friendly bunch. These are the folks that put on the late summer Battle O Baltimore robotics competition, the fall Education Day workshops at APL, and the winter Back to Build mentor dinner. The BAA typically meets about 8 times a year. One of the meetings was last night. My notes from the meeting are here: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=59d855bce1&e=abc1e7aec7 If you have any interest in working with the team, youâll find the Back to Build dinner useful, so mark your calendar (Feb. 26).

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Sometime soon, Iâll start to put together the care and feeding calendar for Build. For the rookies, the team will be meeting almost every day from kickoff (January 7 â when the game is announced) until national stop build (February 19 - when the robot must be sealed and security tagged). The team will meet pretty much 6 days a week during that period. Many students will do their homework in the tech ed room. In the past, there have been some late nights -- though there were many fewer last year than in earlier years â yay!

Itâs our goal to feed our kids (and our wonderful volunteer mentors ) dinners 4 days a week and Saturday breakfasts and lunches for all of Build. I know this is a lot of work on our part, but our kids will be working intensely and their teachers, coaches, or employers (as applicable) â donât tend to give them any breaks. Keeping them fed helps them to meet all of their various responsibilities.

We have had some restaurants donate meals to the team in the past. Also some parents cooked and some other parents bought food for the team. Take a look at last yearâs calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3d037db9a8&e=abc1e7aec7 It worked pretty well and itâs fair if everyone participates. I could really really really use some help in lining up restaurants. Please let me know if you can help â even a little. THANKS!

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Miguel Iraola will be planning the Teamâs holiday lunch (December 15). Please respond promptly and positively to him when he puts out the call for your participation. Before the lunch, itâs my understanding that students will be making presentations. They have already begun preparing and this Saturday morning (November 17) is a critical step in the process as they meet with mentors in small groups.

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Team website, calendar seems to be under the Parents and Mentors link.

@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=39eafbc4b7&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

What are you questions?

Jeff roveout@gmail.com

November 9, 2012

2013 FIRST Scholarship Opportunities now valued at OVER $16 million. Find out about 2013 college scholarship opportunities at: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f1a9e63bae&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
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An update on our finances for Ursa Major, 2012-2013. As of the end of October, the balance of our Army Grant funds ($10,000) is $3272. This money can only be used for parts and for competitions. We have not yet paid for the DC competition. I don't know the amount on that but the Chesapeake Regional was $2000, as a ballpark. Our Non-Army Grant fund has a balance of $658. This money can be used for any expenses we incur. There are other expenses still to come including more parts for the robot, buttons for competitions, materials for promoting the team, transportation, and food. Hope to receive other money from fundraisers, sponsor donations, and Boosters. There may be additional money from the Army after January 1, depending on their budget, but we obviously can't count on that until we receive it. Diane Green, Ursa Major parent

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

We are wait-listed for: Washington DC Regional 28-Mar - 30-Mar-2013

We are registered for: Chesapeake Regional, Baltimore Convention Center 11-Apr - 13-Apr-2013

[[#x-
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FIRST schedules conference calls so that senior mentors from around the country can share their knowledge and answers questions. These are free and open to anyone. For the schedule and audio archives of these excellent sessions: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a68cee5ee2&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

Team wiki: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3e45bce393&e=abc1e7aec7

Team website: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=abdb087966&e=abc1e7aec7

2012 care and feeding: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=0e9721e765&e=abc1e7aec7

Team calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8c5e4f8a8d&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

November 3, 2012

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== November 3 - info and carpools

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== The Baltimore Area Alliance will host an Education Day on Saturday Nov. 3, 2012, sponsored by the JHU/APL STEM Program Management Office. The workshops will be held from 8:30am â 4pm at the nearby JHU/APL.

Agenda: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=253a5e6031&e=abc1e7aec7

These workshops are open to students, mentors, parents, and supporters of FRC in Maryland but registration has closed. Mr. Cullings registered people on behalf of the team, so if you have any questions about whether or not youâre registered, please contact him.

Students were asked to complete this form to set up carpools: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e3c8add09f&e=abc1e7aec7

Carpool assignments and information: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6a25c8a5c7&e=abc1e7aec7

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== November 19 and 20

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== Per Mr. Cullings, Please note that there will not be any meetings after-school on Monday November 19 and Tuesday November 20.

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== Miscellany

[[#x-
=======================]]================================== Team Calendar: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=58deacdaf6&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Wiki: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c652894e67&e=abc1e7aec7

If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

October 22, 2012

Dear roboparent,

Just this once, I'm taking the extra step of also sending this message home on paper via your child because many parents are not responding to email. The Team's success absolutely depends on parental involvement. You don't need to do a lot, but the Team needs you to do something. Please check your email.

Here are some things that the Team needs parents for:

Alumni development -- this job involves collecting names, contact information, and biographical information from team alumns. The goals are to be able to demonstrate to potential sponsors that the team is beneficial for students and also to encourage alumns to stay involved with FIRST robotics after high school. The parent will mentor current students as they collect and organize the information.

Community outreach -- The Team has supported the efforts of Engineers Without Borders to bring clean water supplies to third-world villages. A parent is needed to facilitate student efforts.

Middle school outreach -- We understand that Patuxent Valley MS is starting a robotics team. It is to our benefit to help them and to encourage our other feeder schools to do the same. The parent will coordinate Team visits to the middle schools and middle school visits to us.

Photography -- A parent is needed to coordinate students who will photograph the Team at meetings, outreach events, and competitions and to make those pictures available to the web and P.R. people.

Public relations -- The Team very much needs someone to help coordinate the Team's P.R. program, to help with Team branding, etc. Students have volunteered for these roles, but they need someone to guide their efforts.

Videography -- A parent is needed to coordinate students who will video the Team at meetings, outreach events, and competitions and to make those videos available to the web and P.R. people.

October 19 field trip

Team mentor David Desportes has arranged a tour of the Sun Products factory in Baltimore. This will happen on October 19, the Friday that schools are closed. We will leave Hammond at 9:15a.m. and return around 12:15p.m.

The tour will start in a conference room to review safety and get an overview of Sun Products and the upcoming tour. The tour will encompass automated packaging lines and should take about an hour.

No open-toed shoes, sandals or high heels. Loose fitting jewelry or clothing are prohibited in work areas. All ties must be removed or tucked into a shirt or jacket. Persons with long hair must wear it pulled back near machinery. Sun Products will provide safety glasses.

The Team needs parents to drive. Every person who is going and every parent who can drive must complete the simple form here: []

Complete the form ASAP as we need to sort out the logistics and provide a good list to Sun Products in advance.

Separately Mr. Cullings has sent your child a permission slip form.

Monday meetings

The October 1 Monday meeting was very well attended (25 + students). The students were busy and focused on Team tasks, making the meeting useful and productive. This is due in great measure to the Team's student leadership. There was, however, one issue that you need to be aware of. No one had signed up to provide snacks, so students were understandably hungry. Some of them called parents who brought individual food: awkward -- some kids with food, who couldn't share, and other kids without food who stood around them like unhappy puppies. This is not the kind of Team dynamic that we are trying to promote. You can sign up to provide snack here: []

Feeding the team is only fair if everyone participates. There will be many more opportunities in 2013.

December 15

Mr. Cullings has scheduled Saturday, December 15 for the Team's holiday party lunch. We need a volunteer to arrange the lunch. In the past, the holiday lunch was donated by Famous Dave's. That may be a possibility again or we may wish to explore alternatives. If you are willing to handle this, please let me know.

Mentor Appreciation

Our team has wonderful mentors. I know that these fine folks enjoy working with our kids, it’s been suggested that we do something for mentor appreciation, perhaps next spring after the competition. Please let me know if this is something you want to work with students on.

Team Calendar

Our team calendar: []

If you want to subscribe, here’s the ics link: []

October 9, 2012

Team Ursa Major -- Hammond Robotics -- Email to parents -- October 9, 2012

Last night I arrived at Hammond around 5:45pm. About 20 or so kids were there and they all seemed busy and focused. Some were working on learning LabView, which is used to program robots. Others were getting instruction on the various kinds of electronics used on FIRST robots and how they connect to one another. It looks like a great bunch of kids, well worthy of our support.

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Monday Meetings -- CRITICAL NEED

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Faculty is not always present after 3:30 and meetings generally will go to 7 on Mondays. Mentors generally arrive at 4:30. Faculty has indicated that students will have to vacate the room between faculty leaving and mentor arriving. We believe that if a parent can cover that gap, then students would be allowed to stay. We need your help.

Additionally, students have suggested that snack is insufficient on Mondays. We have arranged a great pizza deal with Domino’s to supplement snack but we need a parent to handle it. The deal is explained here: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pizza The parent could take orders from the kids present, pick it up, and resell it at cost. As you can see:, [], we need more help.

Please volunteer for just 1 day by replying to this email.

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ October 19 trip -- ACTION REQUIRED

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Team Mentor David Desportes has arranged for the team to visit the Sun Products factory in Baltimore. Permission slip blanks [] were sent to students last week. Carpool information is here: [] Please complete this simple form ASAP and encourage your child to do so as well.

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Other roles for parents -- (Big thanks to those who stepped up)

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================
 * These jobs are largely being done or to be done by students, we’re looking for parents to facilitate. <<

Alumni development – Jereme Shaffer

Budget – Diane Green

Community outreach (facilitates charitable activities) - Mr./Mrs. Nobody

Fundraising – Insaf Mohammed

Holiday lunch (organizes meal December 15) -- Mr./Mrs. Nobody

Mentor appreciation (April, organizes meal, gifts?, and speeches?) --

Middle school outreach (arranges for our students to mentor their students) - Patuxent Valley Middle school -- Bethovena Birotte Hammond Middle school -- Mr./Mrs. Nobody

Parent liaison – Jeff Meyers

Photography / Videography (arranges for team activities to be photographed) -- Mr./Mrs. Nobody

Public relations (see []) - Mr./Mrs. Nobody

Web page – Teresa Rollin

As you can see, we’re relying too much on Mr./Mrs. Nobody. Send an email reply to volunteer or to ask questions.

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Calendars and food

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Our team calendar: [] If you want to subscribe, here’s the ics link: []

Thanks to those parents who sent in food. There are still a couple of openings for this fall. []

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ Boosters

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ The Hammond Boosters have been very good to the team over the years. Please join the Boosters; it’s easy to do. You can join through the website using a credit card. [] Also, please help out with Booster activities when you can. For the fall, that means helping out in the Snack Shack. You can sign up here: [].

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ poke around the Team’s Wiki: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ From Mr. Cullings -- Homecoming - Saturday October 13

[[#x-
=====================================]]================================================ We will meet at Hammond between 8:15 AM and 8:30 AM in Room 304. I will distribute t-shirts then and we will all have 5-10 buttons to distribute as we march the parade route. I suggest wearing something warm for the parade and comfortable shoes. At 8:40 AM we will walk to the parade start and form up behind the banner for the parade. Parade starts at 9AM. I expect the parade to be finished in about 1/2 an hour. We will come back to Hammond and meet until 11AM. If you need to leave earlier you may do so. For those who stay, we will continue Safety Training with the drill press and scroll saw the tools we will be learning that day. Please remember that the Homecoming Parade is mandatory. Mr. Cullings

[[#x-
=============================]]========================================

September 29, 2012

Dear roboparent,

Topics in this email 1. About FIRST and info sources 2. Calendars and food 3. HCPSS and HHS 4. Team Meetings 5. Key contacts 6. Odds and ends

About FIRST and info sources

FIRST program includes First Lego Leage (FLL),Junior Lego League, First Tech Challenge (FTC), and First Robotics Challenge (FRC). FRC is for high schoolers and that’s us. FYI It’s my understanding that Patuxent Valley Middle is starting a FLL team.

As of September 27, there were 1,289 FRC teams registered or waitlisted for events, up from 959 at the same time last season. That’s a 34% increase. We’re registered for the Chesapeake Regional, April 11-13, 2013. Team numbers of 4450 or higher are rookie teams this year. If you’re at an event, and see a team number equal to or greater than that number, go up and say hi rookie!

Youtube videos of every match at last spring’s champtionships: []

FIRST archive of news coverage:[]

In the fall of 2011, FIRST surveyed alumni to understand the impact FIRST has had on their lives. Highlights: 4,666 Alumni responded Alumni ranged in age from 17-22, 70% were male, and most graduated high school between 2009 and 2011. 90% of Alumni are currently in a STEM field as a student or professional. 86% of Alumni who are enrolled in their second year or later of college are working towards a degree in STEM. Majors include engineering (57%), computer science (10%) and the physical and life sciences (10%).

There are a variety of sources of information for FIRST parents and mentors. Here are two worth looking at: [] [] You’ll find plenty of technical information, but there’s also loads of information about the non-engineering aspects of team operations. Most of the issues and problems our team will face have already been faced by other teams. You’re welcome to reinvent the wheel,, but often you don’t have to.

Calendars and food

Our team calendar: [] If you want to subscribe, here’s the ics link: []

Thanks to those parents who sent in food. There are still openings for this fall. Sign up here: []

FRC Calendars, available in both ‘Month’ and ‘List’ views: [] []

HCPSS and HHS

The Hammond Boosters have been very good to the team over the years. I strongly encourage you to join the Boosters; it’s easy to do. You can join through the website using a credit card.[] Also, please help out with Booster activities when you can. For the fall, that means helping out in the Snack Shack. You can sign up here:[].

Dr. Foose, our new Superintendent will be at Hammond on October 15. Here’s what the school system website says: Listen and Learn with the Superintendent Please plan to join Dr. Renee A. Foose for a Listen and Learn Forum, where she will share school system priorities and answer your questions. All sessions will be held on Mondays from 7:00-8:15 p.m.: October 15: Hammond High Cafeteria (8800 Guilford Rd., Columbia) Sign up to attend. []

Team Meetings

One of the parents at the meeting on Saturday suggested, and I think it’s an excellent idea, that we have a parent at every evening team meeting. Because faculty will not be able to be present after 4:30 / 5 and meetings generally will go to 7 / 7:30, it would be good to have a parent on hand for those last few hours. The parent can help out or just be there to provide an adult presence and provide back up to the mentors. Please let me know if you would like to handle the sign-up list for this and we’ll sort out a way to get it done. Thanks.

There were some questions about meeting times and agendas. I’ve encouraged the powers that be to make sure that the team calendar is as accurate as it can be, however, the nature of robotics and past experience suggests that meeting end times are a flexible. Students are welcome to do homework in the tech ed room during meetings. Also, everyone understands that students and families have multiple responsibilities, so not everyone can attend every meeting. Please encourage your child to communicate with the student leaders and Mr. Cullings to keep up on the plans and goals for each meeting and to discuss which meetings are more or less vital for your child. As much as you can, please try and make it your child’s responsibility to keep on top of this and to share information with you.

Some kids may be discouraged by the lack of hands-on Saturday morning. This will change, please encourage them to stick it out.

Key contacts

Contact information for key people on our team: Faculty mentors Mr. Cullings -- ERIC_CULLINGS@hcpss.org Mr. Rosenberg -- Marc_Rosenberg@hcpss.org

Mentors

Eric Adler -- eadler756@ieee.org David Desportes -- ddesportes@gmail.com Reggie Counts -- R.D.Counts@ieee.org Charlie Crews -- charlie.crews@exelisinc.com Bobby Nanan -- giriraj.nanan-1@nasa.gov Rob Oehrli -- robo2@umbc.edu Wayne Oehrli - woehrli@verizon.net Joel Roth -- joel_roth@hcpss.org (animation)

student leaders

Faith Chung -- chungfaith1@gmail.com Sherri Green -- shadgreen@comcast.net

Parents

alumni development -- budget -- Diane Green -- diandyg@gmail.com community outreach -- fund-raising -- Insaf Mohammed -- icasfmly@comcast.net middle school outreach -- p arent liaison -- Jeff Meyers -- roveout@gmail.com photography -- public relations -- scholarships -- Maureen Cogan -- mocogan@verizon.net videography -- web page -- Teresa Rollin teresa_rollin@yahoo.com

Odds and ends

Our team has wonderful mentors. I know that these fine folks enjoy working with our kids, it’s been suggested that we do something for mentor appreciation, perhaps next spring after the competition. Please let me know if this is something you want to work with students on.

There team has an informal Facebook page. I encourage you to subscribe to it and, as appropriate, participate. []

From Diane G: Thanks to many students (and thanks parents) who recently paid their membership dues to the HHS Robotics Team, Ursa Major!! Team dues are $50 and are a great help to the team’s finances by helping cover t-shirts and uniforms. If writing a check, please make out check to Ursa Major and give to Mr. Cullings. If there are financial difficulties, please talk to Mr. Cullings privately. Parents, your child already is aware that they are to write a brief autobiographical paragraph to go on our team website. Mr. Cullings sent a note with details. That was due today 9/29; if they haven't done that yet, Mr. C asked those be turned in ASAP. This is really up to your child ---just an FYI.

From Mr. Cullings: No meeting on October 6 due to SAT's. October 13 meeting will be for Homecoming. Ursa Major will be marching and handing out buttons. Time to be determined. Band performance and sports take priority over Ursa Major attendance on that day. Next Saturday Workshop is Mechanical Training on October 13. Field Trip to Sun Packaging on Friday October 19 between 9AM and 12PM w/ Mr. Desportes and Mr. Cullings. Students will see an automated production line as well as many ingenious mechanical devices. Students will need to arrange their own transportation. More details forthcoming. Eric Cullings Hammond HS Technology Education Coordinator FIRST Robotics Primary Mentor- Team Ursa Major #2849

That's all for now. Jeff

Emails to Parents 2013 December 31, 2013 out to the parents list...

this went to students, I thought you might be interested:

Hello everyone!

Kickoff is THIS Saturday, January 4th. (Kickoff is the beginning of build season, when we find out the new challenge for the robot) We're meeting at school to watch the livestream and then we'll read over the rules and start looking at the game and strategies, etc. afterwards. Be at school at 10am and we're staying until around 4pm. Our In-School Fieldtrip is this Monday, 1/6. You don't need a permission slip, but you should tell your teachers that you won't be in class on Monday. If you need to go to a particular class, you can leave our meeting and go to the class and then come back. It's important that you come on Monday, as it's when we get a HUGE amount of our brainstorming for robot designs done. We're staying after school on Monday, until around 7 pm. Monday morning, come to the tech ed rooms. If there are any changes to Kickoff or In-School Fieldtrip plans, we will let you know via email, so it's important that you check your email frequently.

Happy New Year!

Sherri

http://bit.ly/IVMGZr I

would add that:

1. there are different arrangements for the 2 carloads of people going to the kickoff event at Capital College; and

2. Monday's lunch is whatever students normally do for lunch. Monday's dinner, and rest of build season meals are listed here:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA4AB2DA3FD0-build

reminders:

- donations in memory of Jereme S will be collected on Saturday

- students and mentors must be registered with FIRST to participate, details were sent on Dec. 18

- the wiki is your friend: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

49 days to stopbuild... December 23, 2013 If anyone would like a receipt for their tax deductible contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Jereme, please make out a check directly to the society. I can send a memorial contribution either as one big check, or as individual contributions on behalf of Ursa Major with a letter acknowledging everyone. I'm keeping a list of everyone's donation. I will be collecting all at the first robotics meeting after the holiday break. Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. Holly Miremadi

December 20, 2013 Dear Ursa Major families. As most of you know, team member Connor lost his dad earlier this week after a long, hard fight trying to beat leukemia. Jereme was always present to support Connor and the team until his illness simply would no longer allow it. Lets all show our support to Connor and his mom, Johana, by making a donation in memory of Jereme to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Since its now holiday break and the team will not meet until we go back to school, please let me know how much you would like to donate [email saveastray@msn.com ] Any small amount would make a difference. Once I have total I will send a check on behalf of Ursa Major. I can collect the donations at the next meeting. Thanks, Holly Miremadi

December 18, 2013 out to the parents list...

Several of you have asked about a memorial service or other arrangements for Jereme. I don't have any information, but as soon as I learn anything I'll pass it along. Here's a picture of Jereme at Chesapeake 2012: http://sdrv.ms/1cOu2NL

The details for January 4 - kick off - are all listed on this document: http://bit.ly/IVMGZr There may be minor changes before January 4, so be sure to check it again as we get closer. NOTE WELL: this document includes a reference to STIMS - that's FIRST's Student Team Information Management System. All team members must be registered in STIMS. One required step is for parents to approve the student registration. This must be done by the parent who creates an account for the parent email that the student entered when registering.

I'll say that again in different words:

For STIMS, a student must begin the process by registering and there's a place to put the parent's email, then the parent must create an account using that email. The associated parent account is used to confirm the student's data and for the consent. (When the student is done the student's part, STIMS emails the parent to do the next step.)

This STIMS step is REQUIRED to participate. *

Mentors have a similar process - see the link on the kick off document.

Monday January 6 is an "in-school field trip". The team will spend all day in the tech ed room. The goal is to have a basic robot design and game strategy by the end of the day. All team members attend.

Domino's Pizza -- Snowden River Parkway location -- has a deal for the robotics team again this school year: large 1-topping pizzas for $6.00. Call the store at 410-381-8200. Let the employee know that you are with Hammond High School and inform them that you would like to order using this special price. The store manager, who is called "CJ" or maybe "TJ", is aware of this deal. Map: binged.it/U6IFVX You have to pick up the pizzas.

We're doing pretty well on meal sign ups, but there are still a few openings www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA4AB2DA3FD0-build remember: cook, buy, or seek donations We can help with leads for the last option, just ask

It looks like we will move off the DC wait-list and become participants. That competition will be 3/27-3/29 at George Mason University in Fairfax. (Chesapeake - 4/3-4/5 - UM College Park)

If you haven't bought a Christmas Tree, or even if you have ... because two is better, come and see me Sunday morning 8am-10am. Bring coffee. And a doughnut. A bagel is good too.

Thanks. Jeff December 17, 2013 Jereme was a great big-hearted guy, a stalwart supporter of Ursa Major, and a fighter, but after a long and difficult illness and repeated hospitalizations, he finally succumbed. It is with great sadness that I pass along the message below from Insaf. My thoughts and prayers go out to Connor, Johana, and the rest of Jereme's family. Good Evening Jeff It is with a sad and heavy heart that I want to let you know that I just found out that Connor's dad Jereme, passed away last night. Please pass on the the Robotics Parents and team members. When I find out when the memorial service will be held I'll let you know.

December 15, 2012 out to the parents list...

first, thanks to all those who signed up to provide meals during Build. There are still a few openings: http://goo.gl/I1CH0Y Lynette reminds me that it would be nice to put your meal plans in the comments box on the sign up, that way those with allergies etc. can plan accordingly. You can do that for existing sign ups by hitting the "I need to change my sign up", which is red and at the top right. Or if you get stuck with that, just let me know and I'll edit your slot.

Yesterday's photo shoot and holiday lunch went really well. Thanks to everyone for contributing all the sweet and savory dishes. And thanks to the girls basketball coach for giving us gym space for the photo shoot and to the building manager for helping us set up. pictures linked from here: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pictures Thanks to Vic Gladstone for doing the team photos. Vic is a Hammond parent and good friend. He also is a terrific photographer. More of his work is here: vgladstone.powweb.com If you took any photos, please add them to the wiki page

The next meeting is January 4. I'll send out another email with specific details about times and kickoff event plans. Also the team will be doing an "in school field trip" all day on January 6 in the tech ed room. Jeff

December 9, 2013 to the parents list...

Saturday's meeting - arrive at 10, team photo 10:30 then:

Hi Jeff,

Could you please send out the Robotics Holiday Party announcement again to remind everyone?

Thanks,

Lynette

Reminder! Robotic's Team Holiday Lunch - December 14th at 12 noon

When: December 14th at Noon (students will be having their regular meeting from 10am-noon)

Who: Robotic team members, mentors, parents and siblings

Where: Tech Ed Room at Hammond High School

What to bring: (In the past we have enjoyed sharing in the vast cultural heritage of our team by having families bring a favorite international dish to share, if desired.)

Last names beginning with A-I - dessert and 2 liter drink

Last names beginning with J-Z - main or side dish

For those students that are interested in participating, bring one $10 wrapped gift for a gift exchange.

(Mentors, please don't bring food. This is a small thank you for all your hard work!!) December 7, 2013 out to the parents list.... meeting notes and link to pictures:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KqdPY9MDlspj3MCbfGkXmkQjVDGQv2cTmg5c0iCTl1c/edit?usp=sharing December 6, 2013 out to the parents list ...

NEW

The team is meeting Sat. 10 a.m. until noon

Build season information for parents

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=567643777c&e=5cd6dcc0ac

A few pictures from Diane

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=7ed255ae8f&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Maryland FIRST

has room for a few more judges for First Lego League competitions. Free food, great kids, what could be more fun? If you have an adult (college students are fine!) interested in judging, please pass this on. Judges are needed from 8 a.m. til around noon, and are invited to stay later if desired.

Saturday, December 14th at Carroll Community College

Sunday, December 15th at Glenelg Country School, Ellicott City.

contract Rose Young  Columbia Foundation and Wells Fargo grant applications are due early in 2014, we need volunteers to work on them. Let me know if you’re willing. FIRST robots open Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade picture:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=18c1d7f13d&e=5cd6dcc0ac REMINDERS Christmas Tree Sales

Contact Ursa Major parent Cathy Wilson at harperwilson@verizon.net if you have any questions.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c77700e067&e=5cd6dcc0ac Dear Friends of Maryland FIRST and STEMaction,

We wish you the very best of the holiday season and thank you for your support and participation with FIRST in Maryland. Our programs now reach more than 5,000 K-12 students and thousands more volunteers, mentors and coaches throughout the state. Thank you all for helping inspire the next generation of technology leaders.

Our FIRST competitions are about to get underway in Maryland, now through April. Here's a single document with dates for the season,

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=deb212063e&e=5cd6dcc0ac

and links for volunteering. Please plan to come to an event, bring a friend, catch the excitement, and Get Involved.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=01eccbc0d5&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Our Maryland non-profit, STEMaction, Inc. is now operational and supports FIRST programs throughout the state, as well as other great STEM activities like the HoCo Math Festival http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1384a65103&e=5cd6dcc0ac

on December 10. Learn more at STEMaction.org and note that you can support our activities with an online donation in any amount.

Thank you again, and very best wishes,

Bill Duncan

Regional Director, Maryland FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

Executive Director, STEMaction, Inc.

wduncan@usfirst.org, 410-350-5031 Holiday lunch and the team photo shoot

December 14. December 3, 2013 out to the parents list...

Lynette writes:

"Hi Jeff, Do you think sending out Sean's tree sale sign-up list might motivate others to sign up if they knew what time slots are still available? I know it might motivate me."

Here's the list, note the tabs across the bottom:

http://bit.ly/1bcqogn

NASA writes:

"The 2014 NASA FIRST Robotics Competition grant winners have been announced. Please visit http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2014_sponsorship.php to see if your team is listed as a grant recipient."

note: we sought a Sustaining Grant

December 2, 2013 out to the parents list...

The Boosters tree sale is underway. There are about 200 volunteer shifts available during the sale, most of which have been taken. Only Green, Palmer, and Chowdhry from robotics have volunteered for a shift.

There are still a handful of shifts open. Our funding from the Boosters is commensurate with our support.

Please help by sending your willingness to do a 2 hour shift to trees@hammondboosters.org

Basketball, dance, baseball, and lacrosse are all well represented. Your help and your child's help is needed.

ASAP - trees@hammondboosters.org

Thanks

Jeff November 30, 2013 out to the parents list...

Upcoming site visits

December 2

5 students will be visiting NASA Goddard during the morning of December 2. They will sit in on mission and satellite design sessions. The students going are:

Sherri G, Faith C, Sam M, Rainor D, and Ameer M

They have sorted out their own transportation. Thanks to mentors Bobby and Phyllis for making this happen.

December 4

About 20 people will be visiting Oceaneering during the evening of December 4. All of the details including carpools are on this wiki page:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Oceaneering+Field+Trip+Carpool

Thanks to parent Sheila L for making this happen.

If you have ideas for other site visits for tomorrow's engineers and scientists, let me know.

Reminders

December 2 is robotics night at the Tratoria. Students were supposed to be making a flyer...

on-line shopping fundraiser

mysilpada.com/sites/Patricia.dugan/private/content/home.jsf

Boosters tree sale

The Hammond Booster Christmas Tree sale begins December 1st. Students/parents can volunteer in 2 hour time spots. Make sure to designate Ursa Major. Contact trees@hammondboosters.org to sign up.

Build Season Meals 2014

Long range planning is a good thing.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C094CA4AB2DA3FD0-build/4537516

Thanks Jeff

November 28, 2013 out to the parents list....

please share with friends and family:

Wilde Lake and Hammond High Schools' Ursa Major Robotics Team is hosting an online

Silpada Sterling Silver Jewelry fundraiser!

Start your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home. Shower Them with Silver! Sterling Silver Silpada Jewelry!

Visit http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=0667e5d5da&e=5cd6dcc0ac and search for Ursa Major Robotics party. Don't forget to select the robotics team to ensure that the team will earn proceeds. Any questions, please contact Patty Dugan Mucci at 443-538-1443 or pattydugan@hotmail.com

Silpada Jewelry is handcrafted from the finest .925 Sterling Silver. Silpada's artisans subscribe to the highest standards of excellence and manufactured to stand the test of time. Best of all, the entire collection is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Great style, no worries. That’s the Silpada Promise.

Happy shopping!

Patty Dugan Mucci November 23, 2013 out to the parent's list....

My notes from this morning's meeting are here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=48cab39ee4&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Let me know if you have questions.

There are 2 meetings on Monday, one at 11:30AM on team building and one at 5PM on scheduling for build season. These meetings are for leadership plus a few and not the full team. But if you think you should be there, feel free to check with Mr. Muscato, Faith, Sherri, or Abhi.

Jeff November 21, 2013 To the parents list...

This went to students, I thought you might be interested:

Hi everyone!

Ms. Lee, Josh's mom, invited our team to come take a tour of Oceaneering, a company that works on underwater robots. We'll get to see a demo of a water robot and talk to the engineers that work on them and work with the software. It sounds pretty awesome.

Our tour is from 6-8pm on Wednesday December 4th. (Week after Thanksgiving break)

We're organizing a carpool.

If you want to come, reply to this email answering these questions by NEXT THURSDAY at the latest:

1. Are you coming?

2. Can you provide a ride? If so, how many seats?

3. Do you need a ride?

- Sherri

Please encourage your child to respond promptly.

Thanks

Jeff November 20, 2013 out to the parents list...

from Lynette P :

Mark your calendars! Robotic's Team Holiday Lunch - December 14th at 12 noon

When: December 14th at Noon (students will be having their regular meeting from 10am-noon)

Who: Robotic team members, mentors, parents and siblings

Where: Tech Ed Room at Hammond High School

What to bring: (In the past we have enjoyed sharing in the vast cultural heritage of our team by having families bring a favorite international dish to share, if desired.)

Last names beginning with A-I - dessert and 2 liter drink

Last names beginning with J-Z - main or side dish

For those students that are interested in participating, bring one $10 wrapped gift for a gift exchange.

Mentors, please don't bring food. This is a small thank you for all your hard work!!) November 19, 2013 to the parents list...

It was good to see team members and supporters at Chipotle last night. Thanks to those who participated!

What's going on

As build season approaches, the team is becoming more systematic about keeping track of what's going on and making more use of the wiki:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com

The "recent changes" link in the top left is your friend.

NOTE: Regular student participation at team meetings is a requirement to attend the competitions ahead.

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Calendar

Christmas Tree Sales

The portion of the Boosters tree sales that comes to the team depends entirely on our participation in the sales. Please respond promptly and favorably to this message from Cathy:

November is flying by, and its time to start thinking of the holidays. The Hammond Booster Christmas Tree sale begins December 1st. Students/parents can volunteer in 2 hour time spots. Make sure to designate Ursa Major. Contact trees@hammondboosters.org to sign up for a time slot. List your available date and times in order of preference. Boosters will try to accommodate emails received by 11/25. After 11/25, sign-ups will be based upon availability. Tree sales this year will occur on the following dates: December 1, 7, & 8. December 13, 14 & 15 will be as needed. Time slots are: 10 am-12pm, 12 pm-2 pm, 2-4 pm, 4-6 pm. There will be at least one Friday from 5-8. You must volunteer for the full 2 hour time slot, as it is just too difficult to track any other way. Contact Ursa Major parent Cathy Wilson at harperwilson@verizon.net if you have any questions.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5952a821a7&e=abc1e7aec7

Site visit

Oceaneering Technologies, located in Hanover between Arundel Mills and BWI, designs and builds subsea robotic systems. The team is planning to visit on the evening of December 4, 6-8 p.m. More details to follow, but be sure to save the date.

Holiday lunch

Lynette P and Phyllis H are organizing the team's holiday lunch (December 14). They welcome additional parent or student help.

Robot news

Robots Come FIRST at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Five award-winning FIRST teams and their robots will have the honor of opening the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, 11/28/13 in New York City.

www.usfirst.org/aboutus/robots-come-first-at-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade.

Jeff November 15, 2013 Out to the parents list...

There will be a meeting tomorrow morning, Saturday, November 16. Meeting plans are on the wiki under "Meeting Objectives"

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Leaves

A big thanks to Holly M for offering to take all the phone calls that came in as a result of the leaf raking flyers that went out. It was critical to have someone able to communicate by phone with potential clients.

Chipotle

Reminder: Chipotle fundraiser - Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall location. Tomiwa is setting up a rotation of 30-minute shifts to hand out flyers. This is easy money for the team, please encourage your students to participate. Contact Tomiwa to get scheduled ttaiye96@gmail.com

here’s the flyer to bring along:

www.hcpssnews.com/upload/Hammond%20High/Chipotle%20Fyler_18%20Nov%202013.pdf

Lynette P and Phyllis H have volunteered to organize the team’s holiday lunch (December 14). If you want to help them, please let me know.

What do you get when you add these up?

- FIRST Robotics events are run by volunteers.

- There are FIRST events for children from ages 6 to 18.

- Some of those events are close by.

- Volunteering at a FIRST event is fun.

(Note: students are welcome to volunteer at all Lego and Junior Lego events except the State Championships)

- FIRST Robotics Competition (Ages 14-18)

To volunteer:

www.mdfirst.org/programs/first-robotics-competition/chesapeake-regional/volunteer-positions.html

April 3-5, 2014: Chesapeake Regional, Comcast Center, University of Maryland, College Park

- FIRST Tech Challenge (Ages 12-18)

To volunteer:

www.mdfirst.org/programs/first-tech-challenge/ftc-volunteer.html

Saturday Feb. 8 and Sunday Feb. 9, 2014: Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

State Championship, Saturday Feb. 22, 2014: JHU Applied Physics Lab, Laurel

- FIRST LEGO League (Ages 9-14)

To volunteer:

www.mdfirst.org/programs/first-lego-league/volunteer.html

Sunday Dec. 15, 2013: Glenelg Country School, Ellicott City

Saturday Jan. 4, 2014: JHU Applied Physics Lab, Laurel

Saturday Jan. 11, 2014: Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville

Saturday Feb. 1, 2014: UMBC, Catonsville

State Championship Saturday Mar. 1, 2014: UMBC, Catonsville

- Junior FIRST LEGO League (Ages 6-9)

To volunteer, email: info@marylandfirst.org

Sunday Dec. 15, 2013: Glenelg Country School, Ellicott City

Saturday Jan. 4, 2014: JHU Applied Physics Lab, Laurel

Saturday Jan. 11, 2014: Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville

Saturday Feb. 8, 2014: Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville

Note: both technical and non-technical volunteers are needed.

Macy's Parade

Robots Come FIRST at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®: Five award-winning FRC teams and their robots will have the honor of opening the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, 11/28/13 in New York City. For more information:

www.usfirst.org/aboutus/robots-come-first-at-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade.

Kick-off

The 2014 game will be revealed for us at Kick-Off, Saturday January 4 at Capitol College in Laurel. November 12, 2013 out to the parents' list...

=
=====================

from Diane G FYI

Update on Finances for Ursa Major

Finances are steadily improving for Ursa Major!

1. The students worked tremendously hard on 2 weekends of leaf raking. They brought in for the team $710 one weekend and $1342 second weekend (with not all money yet in). Great job to those students who made this happen and the Parent drivers too (and some parents ended up raking when groups got very small--thanks!!)!! I hear from students that there may be a couple of more raking jobs scheduled from additional clients and some for whom they ran out of time. Students are supposed to let Abhi [abhijit9331@gmail.com] know ASAP if they can help. Very successful fundraiser! After all is complete, I recommend that students, parents, mentors involved give input on what worked well and what can be improved for next year. I will offer to collect comments and summarize for the team --email me at diandyg@gmail.com

2. Money from Army Research Lab came through!! Yay! Approximately $11,000, which includes $5,000 for a competition and $6,000 for supplies/parts.

3. Add to that our previous donations from Parents, Student dues, WR Grace Grant, Bright Minds Grant, KC Pella Windows Donation, Boosters allocation, Yankee candles fundraiser.

4. We have our Chipotle fundraiser coming up - 11/18, at mall location.

Our total money on hand is $20,613. We actually have $3500 less than that on hand due to promised money not in yet. But also add some additional money not yet turned in for raking, and a few more jobs planned. And of course our Chipotle fundraiser!!

Mr. Muscato is planning to have a check cut this week for Chesapeake Competition as he was given the OK by HCPSS to request a check for $5000 of the Army money for a competition!! We are still on the wait list for the DC competition.

=
=====================

reminders

Chipotle fundraiser - next Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall. Tomiwa is setting up a rotation to hand out flyers during that time. Contact her ASAP to get scheduled ttaiye96@gmail.com

Lynette P and Phyllis H have volunteered to organize the teamâs holiday lunch (December 14). If you want to help them, please let me know. November 9, 2013 to the parents list....

I thought you'd be interested in these messages:

1.

from Faith:

Just in case you wanted to know, with the $265 from Kian's group, $195 from Sam's group, $235 from my group, $250 from Rainor's group, $150 from Abhijit's group, and $400 from Alex's (he raked 5 houses), we made $1,245. Some people asked us if we were doing this again next week. I missed a lot of people in this email, so please forward it to other people who may be interested.

Abhijit is organizing the cemetery leaf raking for tomorrow. Right now, Abhijit, Sam, and Cavan are going. I think they wanted 4-5 people. He's the go-to guy for that.

Thanks everyone, especially the parents and drivers, who helped us out today! And sorry about the understaffed groups.

and from Abhi:

So we need another guy to go with us to Baltimore to rake leaves tomorrow.

The address is at 300 Horners Lane, Baltimore, MD 21205, [historic Bohemian cemetary] and we will be leaving at 12:30, and will be back at about 5ish.

If you think you can come (we really need another guy), please email me at abhijit9331@gmail.com

I will be picking people at the school at 12:30, and will provide rides back

as usual, bring a rake, gloves, and (maybe?) bags. Probably should eat lunch beforehand

2.

Mr. Myers –

Just want to congratulate you on the job your team did this morning. They seem like very nice, respectable young men and they did a good job. This is a good idea for the school and the robotics team.

Again, thanks. Carl

3.

So with last week's work, today's, and tomorrows, the team will have brought in over $2,000. Well done to all participants.

4.

a few reminders:

Chipotle fundraiser - Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall location. In addition to having your dinner there then, students will be asked to work in shifts to ensure that all customers' purchases benefit the team.

Lynette P and Phyllis H have volunteered to organize the team’s holiday lunch (December 14). If you want to help them, please let me know.

There is a team meeting on Monday after school. If you're off for Veterans Day, pop in and see what's going on.

The next BAA meeting is Tuesday night in Ellicott City. Let me know if you want directions, the agenda, or more info.

Maryland FIRST is looking for volunteers to help staff the Chesapeake Regional next April. There are many roles for both non-technical and technical people from college age up. Let me know if you want more information.

Finally, some folks are working on creating a new entity to represent and serve teams from the areas south of Baltimore, including Howard, PG, St. Mary's, and Anne Arundel counties. Let me know if you want more information. They're trying to set up an organizational meeting in early December. november 5, 2013 Parents! We really need your help! We are almost completely booked for leaf raking on Saturday, and one group still needs a driver! Ms. Mucci has offered to drop them off at their first house, but we need another driver to take them to their second and third houses. Let me know ASAP if you can help with this. You can email me at sherrigreen24@gmail.com or teamursamajor@gmail.com. Thanks! -- Sherri November 4, 2013

Out to the parents' list....

Big thanks to Diane G, Sherri G, and Abhi C. for providing much of the information that follows.

Leaf raking

Our team did an awesome job last Saturday with leaf raking! Four groups raked 14 houses and raised $710. Way to go!

We're raking again this Saturday, and we have at least 11 appointments scheduled, so it's imperative that all students show up. Meet at Hammond at 8:20; bring a rake, a box of bags, water, lunch and work gloves.

We can't miss appointments and we need your help.

We need more parents to drive. Let Sherri know *immediately* at sherrigreen24@gmail.com or teamursamajor@gmail.com. Parents - your help is critical. Even if you can only drive for part of the day, let Sherri know.

Let's give our kids the support that they deserve and that they've earned.

Pre-build projects

The team is hard at work on things for the pit at competitions. After today's brainstorming, the team decided to customize our battery cart, work on a sturdy shelving unit, fabricate a robot cart, and create a better way of holding the parts boxes. The team is splitting into groups to tackle these tasks. Also, 1 group is working on a drive train.

Programmers are training new programmers and are reprogramming the robot in Java on a different cRIO so they don't have to re-image the one we have now.

Money

Mr. Muscato verified with HCPSS accounting that we unexpectedly have about $11,000 in Army grant money, $5000 of which is for the Chesapeake competition entry fees. The rest should be available for supplies, parts, and tools. Note: we're still going to need more to cover transportation and the second competition entry fee.

The team has not yet received the promised Boosters' money. Hopefully that will arrive before we really need the funds.

The Chesapeake competition will be at the Verizon Center in College Park (April 3 to 5). We're on the wait-list for DC (being held at Geroge Mason in Fairfax) (March 27 - 29).

T-shirts

Mr. Muscato has sorted out a way to get the t-shirts ordered. The learning curve in navigating the School System's finance and purchasing procedures has been steep. Thanks for your patience.

Chipotle

Reminder: Chipotle fundraiser - Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall location.

Miscellany

Team parent Tim Baker has been named as acting State Archivist. Congratulations Tim!

Lynette P and Phyllis H have volunteered to organize the team's holiday lunch (December 14). If you can help them, please let me know.

Thanks

Jeff October 30, 2013 out to the parents list ...

There are less than 7 school weeks until kickoff. Are we ready?

From the student leaders:

For this Saturday’s leaf raking, all team members should turn up at Hammond at 8:20. Those groups without appointments will be given locations to go door-to-door. Students should bring a rake, a box of about 30 bags, water, work gloves, etc. NOTE: some groups still lack drivers. Parents we desperately need your help. PLEASE.

Mark your calendar:

December 14 is scheduled for the team's holiday luncheon. We need a parent volunteer or 2 to plan and execute this simple event with student help. Respond if you're willing.

Thanks to Insaf M for setting up a Chipotle fundraiser for Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall location. Students will be asked to work in shifts handing out flyers so that we can benefit as much as possible from this activity. Flyer: bit.ly/1aEiqtS

The next BAA meeting will be held on Nov. 12 at 6:30p in Ellicott City. Most meetings are not so close to home. Email me if you would like to be included. Directions: bit.ly/1aEjfTt Membership to the BAA is open to any mentor / parent / teacher / team who wants to help with the mission and programs of the BAA. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c919944c2f&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The BAA will be hosting the "Back to Build Mentor-Only Dinner" on January 13, 2014.

MarylandFIRST

The website mdfirst.org is filled with information. Many of the presentations from 2013 Education Day will be posted there soon on this page: bit.ly/1aEgoKr

MarylandFIRST has 30 FIRST events (Jr.FLL, FLL, FTC & FRC) happening over the next few months in Maryland. There are numerous opportunities to get involved as an event volunteer - for students, parents, and mentors. The MarylandFIRST calendar of events is here: bit.ly/1aEgKR6

Questions or to volunteer, contact: Jenny Beatty, Volunteer Maryland Coordinator, jbeattyfirst@gmail.com

thanks

Jeff October 27, 2013 Out to the parents list:

Although we have 35 members of the robotics team, we only have 6 volunteers to drive for leaf raking over the next 2 Saturdays. Here's a message from Diane G that I urge you to consider:

One way parents can help with fundraising for the team!!

Can you give one Saturday to help with the Team leaf raking fundraiser -- You would help transport a group of kids for raking on either Saturday 11/2 or Saturday 11/9. It would involve picking up a group at HHS about 8:45am, then taking them to a few houses til late afternoon in Wilde Lake area...addresses will be given. They will get a couple of breaks to eat lunch or just rest. You will be available to move them to the next address (about 2 hours at each address, 9-11am, 12-2, 3-5pm---these are approximate - if they finish early you would be available to transport them to the next location). Finally, bring them back to HHS. This is very important in helping raise the needed funds for the team. If you can only do a part of one day, we may still be able to use your help. Email: teamursamajor@gmail.com if you can help the team with this!

student Abhi C. would like to remind parents that any and all donations are appreciated.

The team will be meeting Monday afternoon. There are only 7 weeks of school before kickoff.

Jeff October 21, 2013 Raking

=
===========

This afternoon and possibly some other afternoons this week, some students intend to hand out leaf raking flyers in a Wilde Lake neighborhood. An email was sent to students directly.

As you already know, the team intends to rake leaves as a fundraiser on November 2 and 9. This fundraiser is being done in the Wilde Lake area for 2 reasons. One, Hammond's soccer team rakes leaves in our area already and, two, the fundraiser will be done with Wilde Lake's robotics team as a partner.

The team leaders want me to remind you that students will need to supply rakes and trash bags. I also recommend work gloves and water. Note: you will need more trash bags that you expect.

Information on the event is on the Wiki. So, please review this web page:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Leaf+Raking

report corrections, additions to:

teamursamajor@gmail.com

BAA Education Day

=
===========

BAA Education day is Saturday, October 26. As far as I know all of the carpools are set. The BAA's information page on the event is here:

bit.ly/15XpQZr

The session agenda is here:

bit.ly/19nAQ2J

Note: I had earlier asked for adults to help serve lunch. The list of those who have volunteered is:

1. Reggie C.

2. nobody

3. nobody

4. nobody

5. nobody

We need some help in replacing the nobodies with somebodies. Volunteering means turning up at 11:45 and serving lunch until 12:45.

Chipotle

=
===========

The team has scheduled a Chipotle fundraiser on November 18 at the Columbia Mall location. Please distribute the flyer:

bit.ly/19nBey5

Grants

=
===========

A group of really hardworking volunteers has applied for a number of grants on behalf of the team. A summary of their efforts is here:

bit.ly/19nCCAQ

Adult team roles

=
===========

Adult roles on the team are listed here:

bit.ly/19nD0PM

As you can see, there are still some openings. Also, so adults who have volunteered have not apparently begun. If you are one of those people, please either get started or un-volunteer. Let me know. And if you have something you wish to share with the group, please let me know and I'll pass it along. October 17, 2013 We're on for a meeting this Saturday from 10-12:30. Mr. Desportes is leading a workshop, and then we'll finish the FLL kits.

Sherri

please print and distribute this flyer:

bit.ly/19TltA1

or

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=7ab4c0d505&e=5cd6dcc0ac

as widely as possible, particularly in the week or so before.

Also, please share the link with everyone you know who eats.

thanks

Jeff October 16, 2013 please review this web page:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Leaf+Raking

report corrections, additions to:

teamursamajor@gmail.com

thanks October 14, 2013 FYI - last year the soccer team made $4,000 raking leaves - no set price, just donations ...

This went to students earlier today, I thought you would be interested:

More information on the leaf raking fundraiser. Please read the whole thing:

It will be Saturdays November 2nd and 9th. Everyone is expected to help.

We'll be raking in approximately 2 hr time slots 9-11, (lunch) 12-2, and 3-5.

You need to bring your own rake (if you have a leaf blower or something and you want to bring it, you are welcome to, but you also need to bring fuel or whatever else you need) and if everyone could bring a box of bags, that'd be great. (you will need more bags than you would have thought...)

ill have flyers for you to hand out at the meeting on Saturday. We're doing this more in the Wilde Lake area because we're co-doing the fundraiser with Wilde Lake's robotics team as we don't want to steal Hammond boys soccer's fundraiser. The flyers will be to try to get people to sign up ahead of time for the fundraiser. We're doing it technically for free, but we'll ask for donations. If we don't get enough people to sign up, we'll try to get customers day of, but we'll be considerably more successful if we get people ahead of time, so make sure you distribute your flyers.

We need one person or their parent from each group to drive the group around each day. The groups are on the wiki. If your parent can drive one or both days, please let me know. We really need drivers.

FYI, these names were taken from people that paid dues.

Sherri

To volunteer to drive or if you have questions, send an email to Ursa Major 

thanks

Jeff October 13, 2013 Homecoming

Thanks to those folks who participated in and supported the team in the Homecoming parade. If you have pictures of Ursa Major from the event, please let me know so that they can be shared. Mine are here: goo.gl/YfT6qw

Next Meeting

The team is meeting tomorrow - October 14 - after school. All students should attend.

Money

Note: we are still well short in fundraising. Your help is required.

We need help in contacting businesses. If you can help, please contact Abi C  or Steve L .

A number of parents have been working on grant applications. You can look at the status of them here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=31a89d1a46&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Education Day

The BAA is limiting each team to only 15 attendees for Education Day on October 26. This is combined students and adults. More slots may open up as the date nears, but there is no guarantee. Everyone who has ever attended one of these as a student or adult, experienced or rookie, has found the experience worthwhile. Make sure you do not miss out. Contact Abhi C ASAP , who is handling the sign ups for the team. Also, reminder, the carpool list for 10/26 only has one parent volunteer driver so far. If you can help transport team members to APL, whether you stay or not and even if it is only one way, please let Holly know at saveastray@msn.com. Thanks.

Mark your calendar:

Thanks to Insaf M for setting up a Chipotle fundraiser for Monday, November 18th from 4-9 PM at the Columbia Mall location. Details will follow as the date nears.

Video contest

Attention all FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. Would you like a chance to win a team grant? Rockwell Automation challenges you to create and submit a video to the Engineering Our Future™ video contest – the company will be awarding up to $10,000 in grant money!

Contest participants must create a video that answers the question: What could your team engineer that would have a positive impact on your community and our world? In addition to keeping videos under one minute, teams should follow two simple rules: be creative and have fun! You may use whatever format and content best showcases your idea for making a difference. So, whether that’s animation, interviews, documentary-style, or something in between – it’s up to you. Use real-life examples, develop and showcase a prototype, role play, design something, etc. We want to see your creativity! Visit contest page for additional details and to submit your team’s entry:

goo.gl/sOJaCj

Scholarships

Check out the millions of dollars in scholarships available to FIRST students:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a4d745a139&e=5cd6dcc0ac.

or

goo.gl/p0x9gV

Maryland Robotics Day

a no-charge open house showcase that explores the wide range of robotics research taking place in the University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland Robotics Center -- on Friday, October 25.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e193e3fabb&e=5cd6dcc0ac.

Farm system

"Hey guys this is Daniel Garvey and I wanted to see who would be willing to volunteer at FLL seminars at middle schools and elementary schools. FLL is like FRC except for middle schoolers and elementary schoolers and many of you may be familiar with the program already. We had a lot of fun last year, and it will help our team look good. This is just a preliminary sort of headcount to see who is willing to volunteer. Email me at imjoemilk227@gmail.com and tell me if you want to volunteer, and if so at which school(s). "

Leaf raking fundraiser

"Hi guys,

I meant to mention this at the meeting, but forgot.

We're doing a leaf raking fundraiser on Saturdays November 2nd and 9th. We'll be in groups of 4 and go for 2 hr blocks to various houses for most of the day to try to raise money. (We will ll ask for donations for raking, but no set cost). We will be in the Wilde Lake-ish area (soccer does it in the Hammond area).

More details will be forthcoming, but this was just to let you know the dates as everyone's expected to help. If you know that you can't help on either of those days, please let me know.

Sherri"

thanks

jeff October 11, 2013 The BAA has released a final schedule for Education Day. You can find it here: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=4af823f53d&e=5cd6dcc0ac (shortened: goo.gl/Va4Bse) Please ensure that your child signs up with Sherri ASAP as registration is first come / first served and limited to 15 people per team. The event is likely to sell out. Holly M is handling car pools - further information to follow. The event will be held at JHU APL in nearby Fulton on October 26. Thanks. Jeff October 3, 2013 This email covers several topics that you need to be aware of. Note:

the team is meeting on Saturday, 10am to noon. I know that some team members are taking SATs. Good luck! This went to students, and I thought you would be interested: "Hey guys this is Daniel Garvey and I wanted to see who would be willing to volunteer at FLL seminars at middle schools and elementary schools. FLL is like FRC except for middle schoolers and elementary schoolers and many of you may be familiar with the program already. We had a lot of fun last year, and it will help our team look good. This is just a preliminary sort of headcount to see who is willing to volunteer. Email me at imjoemilk227@gmail.com and tell me if you want to volunteer, and if so at which school(s)."

This also went to students, and I thought you would be interested: "Hi guys,

I meant to mention this at the meeting, but forgot.

We're doing a leaf raking fundraiser on Saturdays November 2nd and 9th. We'll be in groups of 4 and go for 2 hr blocks to various houses for most of the day to try to raise money. (We will ask for donations for raking, but no set cost). We will be in the Wilde Lake-ish area (soccer does it in the Hammond area).

More details will be forthcoming, but this was just to let you know the dates as everyone's expected to help. If you know that you can't help on either of those days, please let me know.

Sherri" Education Day

The BAA is running Education Day on October 26 at nearby APL.

I have more information about it in my document:

"BAA notes from October 1, 2013" (shortened) bit.ly/16IjDTT

but I wanted to highlight that, in addition to the excellent technical sessions, there will be sessions throughout the day of interest to adults who are not engineering mentors.

The schedule is here: (shortened) goo.gl/sasI6X

In any case, this event is a magnificent resource for us. Make every effort to attend. Information about carpools will be sent along as we get closer. The "BAA notes document" also includes information about:

- our evaluation of BoB,

- the change from regional to district events,

- a variety of upcoming events and opportunities, and

- the next BAA meeting.

bit.ly/16IjDTT Please be mindful of the continuing need for fundraising efforts. We all need to stay focused on that. Thanks again to the group of parents and mentors that wrote or ghost wrote grant applications. I hope that Hammond staff have acted on them. Also, I am not aware of anyone providing contacts to those of our kids who want to do presentations to businesses. We need this help from you, so please ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives.

I do not have any new information about the team's finances. If I learn anything new, I will pass it along to you. There are still a few open slots to volunteer at the Boosters Concession Stand. goo.gl/RXm7Qb I'll be there tomorrow 5:30-7:30, so that's your next opportunity to heckle. It is likely that the team will be offered another tour of a local automated manufacturing facility. More information to follow. The focus of the October team meetings will be on training in various aspects of the process and techniques of participating in the FRC competition. November into December is the time for a mock build season to get everyone to work on being better at that. FLL kits

Maryland FIRST also runs FLL competitions and needs help in putting together items to be used in them. The team will be assembling some of these kits as part of fabrication workshops on Monday 10/14 and 10/21. If you want to work on one at home, contact Rob Mohr . Maryland Robotics Day

is a no-charge open house showcase that explores the wide range of robotics research taking place in the University of Maryland â College Park, Maryland Robotics Center -- on Friday, October 25.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=32d55653ba&e=abc1e7aec7. The current least of team functional leaders is here:

bit.ly/16lnDaE Team calendar: goo.gl/4jhVRl Thanks

Jeff September 27, 2013 Hi Mr. Meyers,

Can you send out an email canceling the meeting tomorrow? Mr. Muscato has a family thing so he has to go out of town and couldn't get us a sub.

I'll send out an email to the students when I get home.

Thanks Sherri September 26, 2013

The BAA Education Day is Saturday, October 26. It's basically all-day and a great opportunity and experience for team members. There will be numerous sessions that directly address matters concerning FIRST robotics. More information will be available early next month. Holly M. is coordinating carpools. If you can drive from Hammond to APL in Fulton either in the morning or the afternoon, please let her know: by email to saveastray@msn.com University of Maryland at College Park is having a robotics day on Friday, October 25.

http://robotics.umd.edu/Md_robo_day/index.php

Your child may find this interesting and useful.

Jeff Out to the parents list: Note: meeting Saturday at 10 a.m. for students and mentors. Should run to noon-ish. I'd like to thank those of you who have volunteered for various team jobs. Iâd also like to encourage you to get on with it. Let me know if you need help or have questions. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Yankee Candle catalog sale. You may still buy online. Contact Cathy Wilson at harperwilson@verizon.net The team is still woefully short of funds. We started the year with about $800. We have been promised $2,500 from the Boosters and $1,000 from a Pella windows dealer. We have collected some money for dues, but most of that will go for t-shirts. We will earn some money from candle sales. But, as you can see, that's way, way short of the $17,000 minimum we need for this year. Can you help by volunteering to call one or two businesses to get them to agree to let our kids do a presentation? Let's give our kids the support that they deserve. Reply to volunteer. status of current grant applications:

- Lockheed Martin: need volunteer to handle

- Wells Fargo: need volunteer to handle

- Target: need volunteer to handle

- National Instruments: need volunteer to handle

- W.R.Grace: received $714, our share of grant to county teams

- Army Research Lab: Eric A handling

- Stanley Black & Decker: need volunteer to handle

- Best Buy: Insaf M to handle

- Northrup Grumman: They arbitrarily stopped accepting applications a week before the posted deadline, thus our application was rejected.

- Air Force Assn: Insaf M to handle (note 10/18 deadline)

- Verizon: application turned down

- JCPenney: need volunteer to handle

- General Motors: application denied

- NASA: application submitted 9/24

- BAE Systems: application under review

- Harris Teeter: need volunteer to handle

- Wegmans: application under review

- Bright Minds Foundation: Lynette P handling Thanks to all the great volunteers who have helped with grant applications: Diane G, Lynette P, Eric A, Talon B, Jeff M, Charlie C, Reggie C, David D, Phyllis H If you want to help out -- and our kids deserve your help -- let me know. Support the Team by supporting the Boosters - sign up for concessions:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=597d3ecca3&e=abc1e7aec7 wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e1cc612459&e=abc1e7aec7

anyone can view, but to post, you must join. To join make your user name similar to your actual name so that your request will be approved. Students should join and participate. thanks to Michelle L and Brady D. for handling the alumni project; thanks to Holly M for taking on the role of transportation coordinator; thanks to Diane G for taking on accounting and budgeting; thanks to Steve L for taking on fundraising and sponsor development; thanks to Cathy W for acting as Booster liaison Mr. Nobody still has the following parent roles:

- charity and outreach

- field trips and factory visits

- pit furnishings / swag / display

- web page

- reports to grantors / sponsors / donors

Mr. Nobody is doing a lousy job. Can you take one of these jobs away from him? Reply to do so. SAVE THE DATE: The BAA Education Day is October 26th at nearby Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Lunch will be catered by our good friends at Famous Dave's. If you eat there, be sure to say thanks to the manager, Mike Witt. We should have an agenda in about a week. SAVE ANOTHER DATE: Homecoming parade October 12. FRC's "Ask An Expert" conference calls; listen in or participate as you wish:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=fc957a738d&e=abc1e7aec7 I have a separate mentor/key adults email list that gets more messages than this list. If you want to be added to that other list, let me know. FIRST has release the 2014 Regional and District Events schedule:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=707b03425f&e=abc1e7aec7 thanks Jeff September 21, 2013 to the parents list... This week, we are submitting grant applications to NASA

and to Northrup Grumman. To those of you working on them,

THANKS! If you would like to edit or comment on the draft

language, let me know and I'll make sure that you

get access. BoB was a lot of fun. I stayed to help break down the

playing field. The trailer was loaded and we were done at

about 7:30. In addition to the BAA volunteers, we had

help from some folks from Glenelg and C-Company. My few pictures are here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f83ae859df&e=5cd6dcc0ac

If you have pictures, please share them, I'm

happy to pass along links or instructions. And a big Thanks! to the adults from our team who

volunteered at BoB: Phyllis, Bev, Eric, and Bobby.

Since BoB is 100% run by volunteers, your help was

vital. Jeff September 20, 2013

BoB is tomorrow; everyone: safety glasses must be worn whenever you are in the pit area or the

playing field area. This rule is strictly enforced. team members: closed toe shoes are required in

the pit and playing field areas. carpools:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ae49e39220&e=5cd6dcc0ac

event website:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=741eb4ef8f&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Howard County is well-represented: us, River Hill,

Atholton, and Glenelg - that's out of 30 teams. Reminder: Yankee Candle catalog sale ends on

Sunday 9/22. All orders must be turned on

Monday 9/23. Don't forget to include the 6%

Maryland sales tax. I will be collecting any

orders at the Robotics meeting on Monday. Online

sales will be be available until January. Make

sure you designate Robotics as the team name

use the Group #990053567. If you have any questions, contact Cathy Wilson

at harperwilson@verizon.net a big thanks to those of you who have helped

with grant applications. A big thank you to those of you who have offered to do other

jobs for team. If you have something to report

to parents or students, or if you have a request,

send it along and I'll ensure that it's

distributed. Jeff September 17, 2013 Sponsorhips

Thanks to Bonnie B for talking her boss at www.kc-pella.com into making a contribution. Now we need you to step up and do likewise. If you are waiting for something before you act, please let me know what it is that you are waiting for? BoB is Saturday. Please heed the previous email about carpools. Dues should have been turned in already. Your child should have paid dues OR spoken to Mr. Muscato about dues. Monday September 23 is the deadline for dues. Students who have not paid dues or made other arrangements by then are not on the team. T-shirt orders should have been turned in already. Monday September 23 is the last day that t-shirt orders will be accepted. Grants

status of current grant applications:

- Lockheed Martin: need volunteer to handle

- Wells Fargo: need volunteer to handle

- Target: need volunteer to handle

- National Instruments: need volunteer to handle

- W.R.Grace: received $714, our share of grant to county teams

- Army Research Lab: runs through 2014, balance unknown

- Stanley Black & Decker: need volunteer to handle

- Best Buy: need volunteer to handle

- Northrup Grumman: Diane G spearheading, need an employee connection

- Air Force Assn: need volunteer to handle (note 10/18 deadline)

- Verizon: application turned down (Jeff M)

- JCPenney: need volunteer to handle

- General Motors: application denied (Jeff M)

- NASA: need volunteer to handle (note 10/16 deadline)

- BAE Systems: application under review (Jeff M)

- Harris Teeter: need volunteer to handle

- Wegmans: application under review (Diane G, Lynette P, Eric A, Talon B, Jeff M) If you want to help out -- and our kids need your help -- let me know. Please share this paragraph with anyone who might be able to help:

=

The Hammond robotics team is seeking grants from

several companies that have a preference for teams

associated with employees. If you are employed by

Northrup Grumman (or know someone who is), please

contact Diane . Note: putting

your name forward does not obligate you to do anything

it only allows the robotics team to receive a preference

in the application process. Please respond ASAP. Thanks

= Boosters

Support the Boosters - sign up for concessions:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cda6ed5268&e=abc1e7aec7

Also, the team is hurting for money - please push those candle sales. Deadline 9/22. wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c5d3c36d5f&e=abc1e7aec7

anyone can look at it and poke around, but to post or edit the wiki, you must join. If you wish to join make your user name similar to your actual name so

that your request to join will be approved by a moderator. For example, my user name is jeffmeyers. Students should join and participate. alumni project

thanks to Michelle L and Brady D. for stepping up Mr. Nobody has the following parent roles:

transportation coordinator

accounting and budgeting

fundraising and sponsor development

charity and outreach

field trips and factory visits

Mr. Nobody is doing a lousy job. Can you take one of these jobs away from him? Reply to do so. SAVE THE DATE: The BAA Education Day is October 26th at nearby Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. FRC's 'Ask An Expert' conference calls; listen in or participate as you wish: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=743195d660&e=abc1e7aec7 Jeff September 15, 2013

Now that Man U, the Ravens, and the Orioles have won, I can get this out to you. Sherri sent this to the students and thought you would be intereste: Hi guys, We're doing a carpool for BoB on Friday and Saturday. Friday, fewer people need to come because it's just setting up and practice rounds, and we can figure out who is coming during Monday's meeting. We will be leaving right after school and coming home around 8 or 9 pm. Ms. Palmer has already agreed to take the robot, but we need someone with a van to volunteer to take all of our tools/parts/etc down. Email me if you/your parent can do this. Saturday: We will be meeting outside the tech ed rooms at 6:50 am. We will plan to leave BoB at around 6pm. Email me if you need a ride, or if your parent can give a

ride. If you can give rides, please let me know how many seats you have. I'm keeping track of the carpool on the wiki here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=533390db49&e=5cd6dcc0ac

So you can just add yourself if you don't want to talk to me. Thanks, Sherri Here are some other things that you need to know. The Boosters leadership has voted to allot $2,500 to the team for this school year. Please demonstrate your thanks by signing up to volunteer at concessions throughout the year.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=4cef96c6b4&e=5cd6dcc0ac wiki

The team uses a wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1e4b9820fc&e=5cd6dcc0ac

anyone can look at it and poke around, but to post or edit the wiki, you must join. If you wish to join make your user name understandable as your actual name so that your request to join will be approved by the moderaters. For example, my user name is jeffmeyers. Students should join and participate. alumni project

thanks to Michelle L and Brady D. for stepping up. transportation coordinator

this is being handled by Mr. Nobody, but he’s doing a lousy job and needs to be replaced. Reply to volunteer. there are other openings for parents, look at

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=33654bfe4e&e=5cd6dcc0ac Several parents and students have been working on grant submissions and fund-raising ideas. Thanks Diane, Lynette, Eric, Courtney, & Talon.

If you want to help them out -- and they could use your help -- let me know or contact any of them directly. Maryland Senior Mentor’s Newsletter

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=af2d8b19e9&e=5cd6dcc0ac

includes a discussion of computerized organizational tools, area alliances, BoB, and regionals dates. BAA’s BoB flier:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3c52f7c419&e=5cd6dcc0ac

BoB is great fun, be sure to attend and bring your family and friends. Or if you don't have friends, bring your neighbors. BAA call for volunteers for BoB

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ee55e6fcb5&e=5cd6dcc0ac

SAVE THE DATE: The BAA Education Day will be held on October 26th at nearby Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. There will be many new presentation topics this year. FRC Season Calendar: Please visit the FRC season calendar:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=62663967dd&e=5cd6dcc0ac

to view important 2014 season dates and deadlines. You can change the view of the calendar to month or list by clicking on the links at the top of the page. 2014 Safety Animation Contest: FIRST has a Safety Animation contest. Details are now available:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=184bc0dee1&e=5cd6dcc0ac.

Do you know a student, even if not on the team, who is interested in animation? From my perspective, previous years winners have not been all that impressive, so this is very winnable. FRC’s ‘Ask An Expert’ calls have begun, led by Senior Mentors and various experts from the FIRST community. You can either just listen in, or participate -- as you wish. The next call is Wednesday, 9/25/13, focused on New Mentor Orientation. Visit

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=32551bfee2&e=5cd6dcc0ac

for more information. The team is hurting for money - please push those candle sales, not just as a fund-raiser for the team, but also to demonstrate our willingness to potential sponsors and donors that we are working to take care of our own needs. We also desperately need your help in finding area business people that our kids can talk to.

Please ask around. Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone and we absolutely positively need your help ASAP. Reply with your questions or comments. Thanks Jeff September 10, 2013 There will be a meeting on Saturday but it's only for those who missed this past Monday's meeting.

10am to 11:30am. The meeting on Monday 9/16 will be BoB prep and should go to about 4. CAD training will be post-poned until the following Monday. In my last email I asked for volunteers for the alumni project and to help with fund-raising.

Here's the count of the number of people who replied: 0 Note: dues, t-shirt orders, BoB lunch orders are all due. Candle orders are due 9/22. Thanks Jeff Sepember 8, 2013 It was good to see a number of new faces. This email is going to the "parents list" for Hammond's robotics team. Of course, it's an open list, so anyone may

subscribe; however, if you are a student, you should be getting emails separately from the team leaders. If you didn't get one yesterday, please ensure that Sherri

or Faith has your email address. And parents, it's vital that your child reliably receives emails from the team leaders, so please encourage regular email

checking. I'm going to copy Sherri's email from yesterday below because I think that it will be interesting for parents then I'll add a few more things of use to parents. Sherri's email: Hi everyone, This is going to be a long email, but it has some important info. Next Meeting Safety Training is this Monday after school in the tech ed rooms (304). You need to attend safety training to be able to use tools. It will probably go until around 4. Make-up

safety training will be this Saturday 9/14, and we will also be reorganizing a little -- optional meeting unless you miss Monday's safety training. Forms Don't forget to turn in your Battle O' Baltimore Food Forms (with money) and your Dues with their form to Mr. Muscato (he's usually in Room 303 or 304) by this Saturday, 9/14, but preferably earlier. If you did not get a form, Mr. Muscato has a ton of extra, I have some extra, and I can email you the form if you'd prefer it electronically. Battle O' Baltimore Carpool We're going to carpool to get to BoB. If your parent can give a ride, please email me with how many people you can take.

Also, email me if you need a ride. My email: sherrigreen24@gmail.com (You can just reply to this email too. I check the team email pretty frequently) Business Leads

Please ask your parents if there is anyone in there business that we can talk to/call for a meeting. Email me with the contact info or put it on your dues sheet.

We'll be having our first business meeting really soon -- will send out an email with a time/date once we figure it out -- and we'd love it if you helped. You can definitely do both business and build/programming. T-Shirts

If your parents or any other people you know would like to buy a team shirt, they are more than welcome to. Write on the dues form the quantity and size, and include $20 per shirt. (The team member's shirt price is included in the dues, so if both you and your mom are getting shirts, the total amount should be $70.) Yankee Candles

This is a great fundraiser for the team and for boosters -- boosters is very generous with our team and we want to give back to them too!

To sell online: All you need to do to participate in the Online Ordering with Home Delivery option is for students to register as Sellers on www.yankeecandlefundraising.com. Enter Hammond Robotics as the team name and Group #990053567. I have also attached the flyer that includes prize coupons. The

sale ends on 9/16 so please register now! Donations to Team

If your relatives don't want to buy Yankee Candles but would still like to help out the team, we appreciate donations of any size. We're working on a way to do it easily and

electronically, but they can also donate by writing a check to Hammond High School with a notation for Ursa Major Robotics, or a check to Hammond Boosters with a notation that they would like it to go to Ursa Major Robotics. Parent Emails

Your parents should be getting emails from Mr. Meyers. If they're not, have them sign up for parent emails here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e8c3002b98&e=5cd6dcc0ac STIMS

If you weren't at today's meeting, please sign up for STIMS here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=51e97be479&e=5cd6dcc0ac Links

Check out our website: hammondursamajor.webs.com (You can find our calendar here)

And our Team Wiki: ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com You should also sign up for the Wiki -- make your username close to your name, and we will accept you. We use the wiki

frequently during build season. Facebook group:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8866f4ffed&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Ask to join. That was really long. Sorry. Sherri The rest is from Jeff: alumni project -

We need a parent to help keep track of our alumni and to recruit alumni to give talks to the team about their schools and majors. Of course, alumni are welcome to join in team activities whenever schedules allow. This project has already been started, but we need a parent to fill this role. It's not hard and can easily be done at your convenience from home. Reply if you can handle this and I'll give you more information. calendar

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5b9ca78533&e=5cd6dcc0ac

basically there's something every Monday and Saturday.

This is a Google calendar, and it's easy to subscribe by clicking the plus at the lower right.

The end times for the Monday meetings are best guesses. They could end earlier or later depending on the topic, interest, etc. These fall meetings are the way that

kids learn about the various aspects of doing robotics and how to use the various tools safely and efficiently. Attendance is important and the kids find the

sessions interesting. Tomorrow's is "safety training". Students must attend in order to use tools in the future. I believe there will be a makeup session on Saturday 9/14, but students should check with the team leaders. Also, be sure to block off your time for BoB on 9/21 and Education day at APL on 10/26. BoB is fun for the whole family. Education Day is for students. More info as we get closer. BoB - September 21, 2013

BoB is a "friendly" off-season robotics competition sponsored by the Baltimore Area Alliance of high school robotics teams (BAA). It will be an all day event at

Boys Latin school in Baltimore. Check out these links:

aerial photo:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=61cbe09967&e=5cd6dcc0ac

flyer:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=787c076bef&e=5cd6dcc0ac

schedule:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8c6a440859&e=5cd6dcc0ac

directions:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cf127ad744&e=5cd6dcc0ac

campus map:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=85242ab2fc&e=5cd6dcc0ac

travel plans:

Lynette P. will be driving the robot. She's taking it up after school on Friday and bringing it back Saturday evening. We will need additional vehicles to transport gear and students. Your student should be giving information to Sherri on this matter. We need someone to step up and help Sherri coordinate transportation for the team -- not just for BoB, but for the school year. This is not a real big job, as there are only a few events over the course of the year. Will you do it? Respond to volunteer or for more info. lunch

Order forms were distributed yesterday, forms MUST be returned to Sherri by Friday. Parents and other guests are welcome to order lunch through the team. Note, there are no food sales in the venue's neighborhood. There may be some school clubs selling food, but this is uncertain. Courtney M. is investigating adding a donation page or form to the team web page. If you want to help or have useful information about this concept, contact her or

reply. I want to emphasize the importance of fundraising. Robotics is a very expensive activity and there is no school system budget for our entrance fees, parts, tools, etc. Please participate enthusiastically. Sherri mentioned

the candle fundraiser and also the need for business contacts. Please help. If you don't, the team will not be able to function. If you have ideas for additional fundraisers -- AND you are willing to organize / coordinate, please respond ASAP. Honestly, I don't need any more people giving me ideas for someone else to carry out. Remember, no one is less busy than you. Please ensure that dues and t-shirt order forms are returned to Mr. Muscato ASAP. Finally, Students would appreciate snacks for the Monday afternoon meetings. You can just send in or drop off drinks, granola bars, chips, etc. Whatever your kids

like to snack on is perfect. These should go to Mr. Muscato in the tech ed room, or in his absence, just put the stuff in the robotics closet (any tech ed

teacher can direct you). Thanks Jeff September 6, 2013 reminder: meeting 9/7/13 10am for students and parents There will be breakout groups for students, rookie parents, and returning parents. candles

Hello Ursa Major Students/Parents,

The Ursa Major Robotics team has an opportunity to raise money for our team and the Boosters by participating in the Hammond Boosters Yankee Candle Fundraiser.

The fundraiser is organized and run by the Boosters and 75% of the profits will come directly to the Robotics Team.

All you need to do to participate in the Online Ordering with Home Delivery option is for students to register as Sellers on:

www.yankeecandlefundraising.com

Enter Hammond Robotics as the team name and Group #990053567.

I have also linked the flyer (see below) that includes prize coupons. The sale ends on 9/16 so please register now!

If you prefer to sell using a catalog, they will be available during the 9/7 Students meeting. There are also additional catalogs in Hammond's main office beside the school sign in/sign out book.

Thank you in advance for your participation. Please contact Cathy Wilson with any questions at harperwilson@verizon.net or at 410-309-3188.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c5ea7ff1bc&e=5cd6dcc0ac

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=55f2ed1fca&e=5cd6dcc0ac September 4, 2013

1. Reminder: Parents meeting Saturday 10a.m., Hammond tech ed rooms. We plan to have 2 concurrent sessions, one for rookie parents and one for veteran parents. Plan to attend.

2. Sign-ups for the Boosters concession slots are live now. The Boosters provide essential support for robotics and other activities at Hammond. An easy and fun way to give back is to work a slot in the concession stand. You'll meet some nice people and have a good time and you'll also demonstrate to the Boosters leadership that robotics is worth supporting! http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=18e8e2c72f&e=5cd6dcc0ac Sign up ASAP

3. This was part of my previous email to you:

"This is what I worry about the most: Money is always a critical issue because this activity is so expensive. The team needs to raise at least $17,000 a year. This cannot be done without parental help -- your help. We need your company, your employer, and those of your family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor the team. Students have worked hard to create a presentation designed for business leaders, help our kids find the right people to pitch to. This is an urgent, critical need."

Sadly, I have to report that none of the 90+ recipients of that email responded. Not one person. So your plan on relying on someone else to handle the issue isn't working.

Our kids need you to step up.

Send along the name and contact information of a person in a company to whom our kids can make their presentation. Please.

4. On a related matter, a couple of parents and students have been researching grant opportunities. If you are willing to participate in that effort, let me know.

5. The dates and venues for the 2014 competitions are posted. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3db7ef37c6&e=5cd6dcc0ac Note the change in venues for both DC and Chesapeake.

See you Saturday.

Jeff

August 30, 2013

Because we have a number of new subscribers to this email list, I'm going to be a little more long winded than usual.

I’m the parent liaison for Hammond’s Robotics Team - Team Ursa Major - FIRST Team 2849. I send out emails to you to keep you informed about the Team"s activities. This email list is "self-serve". At the end of each email are links that allow you to - Unsubscribe - Update - change your email address - Forward Replies to these emails come to me, so if you have questions or comments, please reply.

I will try to avoid overloading your in-box. Also, I have separate lists for mentors and sponsors. Let me know if you want to be added to either of those lists.

Since September 2012, all of these emails are archived on the team’s Wiki for your convenience: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d565af86f0&e=5cd6dcc0ac

A document has been created for parents new to the team (though anyone is welcome to read it): http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=3e54a674cf&e=5cd6dcc0ac

The next meeting is the morning of Saturday, September 7 in the tech ed rooms.

The FIRST program includes First Lego Leage (FLL),Junior Lego League, First Tech Challenge (FTC), and First Robotics Challenge (FRC). FRC is for high schoolers and that's us. Most, but not all, teams are associated with individual schools. In Howard County, these high schools have teams: Hammond, Glenelg, Wilde Lake, River Hill, Atholton, Mt. Hebron, and possibly Marriotts Ridge and Glenelg Country.

Our Hammond team welcomes all interested high schoolers, even those who do not attend Hammond. There are over 4,000 FRC teams around the world.

Most of our alumni go on to study tech fields in college, including some very prestigious schools. Check the 'about us' link on the team web page for some examples.

Boosters http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=9f755b8b93&e=5cd6dcc0ac The Boosters leadership has been sympathetic and generous to the team since the team's beginning in the fall of 2008. I strongly urge you to join the Boosters and support Boosters activities. You may join easily on-line using a credit card or PayPal.

The Boosters are now selling Yankee Candles, and the Boosters needs your help to sell as many as possible. The Project Chairperson is Christine Smith . The Boosters will give 75% of the proceeds from this fundraiser directly back to the activity associated with the seller. Baseball teams sold Yankee Candles for a few years and earned several thousand dollars in profit. The Boosters need to know that we are participating and who our parent representative is for this fundraiser. Please respond to me ASAP if you can handle this for the team. The sale is open now and will close in mid-to-late September.

Calendar Team meetings, competitions, and other events are posted to the team's calendar: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bbc3effa37&e=5cd6dcc0ac At the bottom right, click the blue plus sign for subscription options appropriate to your device. If you don't subscribe, check the calendar periodically.

Be sure to note these upcoming items: - Full team meeting - Saturday, Sept 7, 10 a.m. to noon - Parents meeting - Saturday, Sept 7, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Team meeting - after school, Monday Sept 9 - Transport robot and gear to Boys Latin School - after school, Friday Sept 20 - Battle o’ Baltimore - Boys Latin School - Saturday Sept 21 - Homecoming parade - Saturday, October 12 - BAA workshops - APL -Saturday, October 26

Attendance Students who wish to be part of the team are expected to attend. Attendance issues should be discussed in advance. Students must communicate with student team leaders Faith or Sherri.

The team has a wish list that is updated periodically: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6df2ddd2a1&e=5cd6dcc0ac Please help us acquire these items. Note, we have a critical, immediate need for a laptop to serve as the robot driver station. The laptop need not be new but it must be in good shape and less than 5 years old. Please help us acquire one ASAP.

Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=458b336f0d&e=5cd6dcc0ac

This is what I worry about the most: Money is always a critical issue because this activity is so expensive. The team needs to raise at least $17,000 a year. This cannot be done without parental help -- your help. We need your company, your employer, and those of your family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor the team. Students have worked hard to create a presentation designed for business leaders, help our kids find the right people to pitch to. This is an urgent, critical need.

Mentors All of last years’ industry mentors are returning. We are truly blessed to have such a great group. (For anyone who missed the news, Charlie and Megan had a baby over the summer, so be sure to ask him about James.) The team can always use additional mentors; in particular, the team needs mentors in the areas of public relations and finance/accounting. Please help us recruit them. Mentor bios are on the team web page.

There are also a number of behind the scenes roles for parents, indeed, the team cannot function without your help. Take a look at: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=06b154088f&e=5cd6dcc0ac Notice how many roles lack names. Where should we put your name?

The 2013 FIRST Scholarship Opportunities List is now on the Web! There are many great college scholarship opportunities for students who participate in FIRST Robotics. Check this website to start looking at scholarships available through FIRST: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=02b486b21c&e=5cd6dcc0ac Contact Diane Green, a team parent, for more information at diandyg@gmail.com

What are your questions?

Jeff Meyers August 24, 2013

I received this from the BoB committee and thought you might be interested:

Greetings,

The 7th Annual Battle O' 'Baltimore will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2013 from 9:00 am - 6:00 am at the Boys Latin School, 822 West Lake Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21210. The website is located here: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bd5c92b5f7&e=abc1e7aec7

The final details are falling into place for the BoB, and the planning committee is very appreciative that you have signed on to volunteer!

Most of the volunteers are asked to report at 7:00 am. We are still recruiting for some positions and would like to use this event as an opportunity to have others "try out" a position. Please let us know if you know alumni, parents, mentors, or others who might be interested in being involved on this day as an official event volunteer.

A volunteer assignment sheet and more details will be going out to all the volunteers next week. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us to get any questions answered.

We are excited to announce the BoB will be part of Baltimore Innovation Week. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=2ec5dd945b&e=abc1e7aec7 If you have folks interested in stopping by and learning more about the menu of FIRST programs, please encourage them to sign up here http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=4710516273&e=abc1e7aec7 so we can welcome them.

Many thanks!

The BoB Volunteer Planning Committee

==

Please check the team's calendar (or subscribe to it - hit the plus sign at the bottom right of the calendar) and the wiki to stay informed about plans: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=66692a0852&e=abc1e7aec7

Note - help will be needed to transport the robot to BoB the day before and back at the end of the event. Please let me know if you have a van or truck and can help.

Finally, If you know of anyone else who should be getting team emails, please direct them to: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d51f7396dd&e=abc1e7aec7

Thanks

Jeff August 15, 2013

The 2013-14 season is underway!

You can find periodic updates of what's happening by following the updates posted on the Wiki http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8a64539733&e=5cd6dcc0ac Click the "..." in the upper right for ways to keep informed of updates to that page.

You should also subscribe to the team calendar: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ee28d3ff2c&e=5cd6dcc0ac it's pretty easy to do with smartphones, Outlook, and Google Calendar.

Note the nice job the kids did on making updates to the team webpage and wiki: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cf7e2c224b&e=5cd6dcc0ac http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=daf921158c&e=5cd6dcc0ac

This page shows the various adult roles related to the team. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=00a9ef56cf&e=5cd6dcc0ac As you can see, there are lots of open slots. Let me know where I can add your name. Most of these slots can very happily use multiple adults, so don't be shy about volunteering for any slot, even if someone else is already in it.

If you know of any parents who should be getting these emails, for examples, parents of interested freshmen, please let them know that they can subscribe to the email list here: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b069815d86&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Several of the mentors had a chance to meet our new faculty sponsor, Mr. Muscato. We were impressed by his poise and eagerness to work with the team. He's new to FIRST, so he'll need some help from us.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Battle o' Baltimore - a robotics competition to be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Boys Latin School in Baltimore. We're 1 of 30 teams competing that day. We'll need some help on Friday afternoon transporting the robot there and then again Saturday evening bringing it back. The event is free and open to the public. All team members should attend. Thanks again to Miguel for paying the entry fee for the team.

Thanks

Jeff

July 31, 2013 This went to students earlier today, I thought it would be good to send it out on the parents list... Hey everyone, As most of you know, we're meeting the last 2 weeks before school starts to do a thorough inventory of all our stuff and prep for Battle o' Baltimore. We're meeting 8/14-8/16 (and some days the week after TBD). We'll meet on Wed 8/14 from 9am-3pm and see how that goes to figure out what time we want to meet on the other days.

If I'm missing people, feel free to send this info along.

Sherri Jeff July 27, 2013

The Governor is thanking Maryland volunteers by offering discount passes for entry to the State Fair and reduced price food and ride tickets.

The Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day will be held on August 25, 2013 (Rain date: September 1, 2013) at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, entry from 10:30 am until 5:00 pm. The Fairgrounds are located at 2200 York Road in Timonium.

You are eligible if you ever volunteered with the Ursa Major robotics team. But you need to register with the Governor's Office to get the passes.

Go here first: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=219e222f82&e=5cd6dcc0ac this is the FAQ page

then go here to register: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e7a06e9b9c&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Passes must be printed and presented at the gate to utilize the discount.

You may share this message with student team members and anyone who donated to the team or otherwise helped the team.

July 26, 2013

At the 2013 Indiana Robotics Invitational (IRI), a round table discussion was held on building productive team leaders on FRC teams. A document based on that discussion with lots of good information and tips is here:

http://goo.gl/b5YglF

July 25, 2013

to the parents list....

Hammond has a new technology education teacher and robotics sponsor. His name is Vince Muscato. His start date is August 19.

Jeff July 17, 2013 Out to the parents list. . . 1. BoB.

The Battle o Baltimore is coming up on September 21. Our team is registered and paid up. The event is run by the BAA (Baltimore Area Alliance). My notes from last night's BAA meeting are here:

tinyurl.com/q7r6jut

Most of the meeting was about BoB logistics. Be sure to mark your calendar for the evening of September 20 for load-in and practice and for the 21st. 2. Replacement Tech Ed teacher.

The last message I got from the school about the replacement tech ed teacher was on July 12 "No updates yet." 3. Fundraising.

Students have contacted, or attempted to contact, about 21 businesses based on contacts made at the Howard County Tech Council Awards event. So

far, as far as I know, students have made 1 presentation and have 1 more scheduled. No donations yet. If your child is involved with this effort, please encourage your child to re-double efforts in making follow-up calls. 4. Money.

My understanding is that the team has about $7,000 remaining from the Army grant, but I'm not certain. In any case, this is well less than half of what the team will need over the next year. A bare bones budget to do the competitions in DC and Baltimore will run to at least 3 times that. Our kids absolutely need parents to step up and start seeking more grants. Not doing so will essentially kill the team. Are you expecting someone else to volunteer? 5. NASA tour.

Bobby is working on arranging tours of Goddard Space Flight Center for us. That's all I know for now. 6. Beef.

Texas Tech is doing beef tasting panels for adults around the country. There will be panels in Baltimore on August 10 and 11. There will be sessions at 11am, noon, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm each day. Any team that can supply 20 adults is welcome to take a session for which the team will receive a donation of $25 per taster. For more information contact Dana, 410-419-1594, dana.mouden@gmail.com [I think this address is correct]. The sessions will take place at 1400 Warner St., Baltimore, near the M&T Bank Stadium. Would you be willing to organize a group from Hammond?

If so let me know ASAP, the slots will fill quickly. Info about the program is on the Texas Tech website:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b8ad7f0c37&e=5cd6dcc0ac 6. HCC

Two students and I will be meeting with HCC officials on Friday. HCC will be opening a new STEM building in 2015. We want to encourage HCC to accommodate local FIRST teams. 7. Freshmen.

Please forward this email to the parents of incoming freshman who may be interested. 8. What do you want me to do?

What are your questions?

Also, I'm very interested in your thoughts on what, if anything, we should do next. Thanks

Jeff June 11. 2013 Thanks to Steve L, Lynette P, Diane G, Reggie C, and Bobby N. for helping with the event. This kids did great, making lots of contacts. They had a chance to talk to Scott Case, founder of Priceline along with a lot of local tech folks. The robot and the kids were a big hit and Josh's video got a round of applause.

Pictures:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=32d56decea&e=abc1e7aec7 Jeff

June 8, 2013 out to the parents list...

This went to students, I thought you would be interested:

Hi everyone, So here's the plan for June 11:

We're meeting Monday after school to get the robot looking

nicer. We ordered black acrylic (like Plexiglas) sheets to put

around the robot, and we also got a vinyl logo to put on it. We

also need to put sponsor logos on the acrylic -- we're

thinking to print and laminate logos and attach them. For Tuesday, we're staying after school to pack up (and probably

finish the robot-makeover) and load the van with robot and things

(my mom and Nate's mom are driving). Mr. Lee will try to meet us

at school at about 3 to go over what to talk about. We're thinking

we'll go to the village center to get food, and then head out to

the Gathering Place, aiming to be there about 4 to set up. P

eople will start coming at like 4:45 (I think). If you can't come or have no idea what I'm talking about, please

let me know ASAP. Sherri

Note: if you have nice things to say about robotics, you're

welcome to join us Tuesday evening. June 5, 2013 out to the parents list... Notes from the 6/4/13 BAA meeting Reg and I arrived late due to an accident on Rt. 70â¦ Plans for the Battle âo Baltimore are moving along just fine. It will

be held Sept. 21 at Boys Latin School in Baltimore. So far 8 or

so teams have registered. The cap is 30 teams. Teams will be

able to load in during the evening of Sept. 20 and get in some

practice. The event will run all day on the 21st. Volunteers are

needed to help set up the field on the 20th and take it down on

the 21st. Your help is solicited. Be sure to mark your calendar

now to avoid conflicts. Promote attendance amongst FLL, FTC,

and similar groups as a way to raise awareness of our FIRST

robotics program (Daniel G â please notify your Gorman contacts,

Faith â please notify your PVMS contacts). The proposed Ocean City robotics competition that was

supposed to run at the end of June has been cancelled because

of insufficient sponsorships. It takes a lot of money to run a

robotics competition and one of the consequences of the federal

sequestration is that federal contractors, which are the main

donors to FIRST, are reducing support. Plans for the BAA Education Day are moving along just fine. It

will be held on October 26 at JHU APL, where it was held last

year. There will be more differentiation is sessions this year, that is,

beginner and advanced sessions for various topics. Mentors â let

me know if you want to present; David did a great job last year. It

will be an all day event again. The Atholton reps jumped in to

volunteer to sell coffee / pastry in the morning. We will seek to use

Famous Daveâs for lunch again but we will try and add some other

options, including vegetarian and roadkill (just wondering if you really

read all this). The decision about whether Maryland will move in 2015 from a large

single regional to multiple smaller district events will be made by early

September. The Howard County STEM Festival is Sunday 1-4pm at Duncan Hall at

HCC. âDHâ on this map:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ac344fba1f&e=abc1e7aec7

Festival website:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=41a3fd0d19&e=abc1e7aec7

This year's event will consist of demonstrations, hands-on activities,

panel discussions about careers in STEM, and other fun activities. I

believe that Atholton is demo-ing their robot. I plan to go, if someone

emails me a flyer by mid-afternoon tomorrow 6/6/13, Iâll make copies and find

a place for them at the festival.

Reminder - Tuesday evening is the Tech Council Awards Dinner. I think

we could still use another driver. Stop looking around, I'm asking you.

Jeff May 27, 2013 out to the parents' list. . . The 30+ folks who came to the cook out had a real nice time.

It was easy and my pleasure to host. Donations exceeded

costs by $40, so that will be added to the team treasury. Thanks

to everyone who brought goodies and helped out. Mark your calendars The Battle of Baltimore is scheduled for September 21 at

Boys Latin school in Baltimore. Load in and practice during

the evening of September 20. Thank to Miguel .I for offering to

pay the entrance fee.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=52486eedc4&e=5cd6dcc0ac BAA fall workshops at APL - October 26, 2013 -- all day. Thursday June 6 the team will be demonstrating the robot during the day for the

freshman orientation. Tuesday June 11 the team will be showing the robot and mingling

with Howard County tech business people at the Howard County

Economic Development Agency Tech Awards dinner from 4:45 to 8pm.

The event is at the Gathering Place in River Hill. HCEDA

indicates that 250 business people will be there. This is a

wonderful opportunity for the team to make contacts. We will need

some drivers to move kids and gear there and back again.

Diane G and Lynette P offered to drive, if you also can drive, please

let me know ASAP. Jeff

May 19, 2013 this from Sherri FYI: A few mentors and students met Saturday to discuss the

marketability of the team and prepare for the demo on June 11.

[The Howard County Tech Council is allowing the team to

attend their annual awards dinner -- about 250 attendees] We discussed what's important to potential sponsors

(exposure, future employees that are creative problem-solvers

with experience, making themselves money, and goodwill),

what's unique to us (we build robots, hands on experience,

we do community service, deadline based project development,

student run program, we go to demos/competitions, and we

develop skills), and how we back up how we benefit them

with numbers (number of engineering students in college,

the number of events we do, and the student commitment

from the year round effort). We picked 3 key points to emphasize for our June 11 demo:

- how we're not just a club but an enterprise,

- the hands on experience, and

- exposure. We're currently working on the website, business cards, a

poster, a banner, an e-flier, and a video. If you'd like to help,

our next meeting is May 24th after school (2:30) at the

Savage Library. May 15, 2013 1. Notes from BAA The BAA (Baltimore Area Alliance of High School

Robotics Teams) met last night. Here are some

items that might interest you. The end of June robotics competition in Ocean City

– the Atlantic Invitational – has be changed from FRC

(what we do) to FTC. So it’s no longer an option for us.

NASA, a key sponsor of the event, has been cutting back

on support of high school robotics due to the federal

sequestration and FTC is much cheaper to stage than FRC. The Battle of Baltimore is scheduled for September 21 at

Boys Latin school in Baltimore. Load in and practice during

the evening of September 20. Teams that pay before

August 1 will pay $150, afterwards it’s $200. Let me know if you wish to donate the entrance fee. The event is limited to 30 teams. The next BAA meeting will be on June 4 at Boys Latin, 6:30 p.m.

Would you like to join me there? 2. William Phillips Dr. Phillips, a Nobel Prize winner, will be speaking at Glenelg

Country School tomorrow evening. He’s an expert on low

temperature physics and atomic clocks. The event is free but

space is limited, to register:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cbab77c25b&e=abc1e7aec7 3. Upcoming Tomorrow the team will need help at the STEM event at Cradlerock

School. Email Diane Green at diandyg@gmail.com if you are available. The team’s picnic lunch will be on May 25. RSVP by May 17 to Sam

. Details:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f7af598e9d&e=abc1e7aec7

No need to send donations in advance, they’ll be a jar at the picnic. Money

exceeding costs will be donated to the team.

The kids will be going to Shadowlands after the picnic. Thursday June 6 the team will be demonstrating the robot during the day for the

freshman orientation. Tuesday June 11 the team will be showing the robot and mingling

with Howard County tech business people at the Howard County

Economic Development Agency Tech Awards dinner from 4:45 to 8pm.

The keynote speaker is the chief technology officer from Priceline.com.

The event is at the Gathering Place in River Hill. HCEDA

indicates that 250 business people will be there. This is a

wonderful opportunity for the team to make contacts. We will need

some drivers to move kids and gear there and back again. Please reply

with your availability.

out to the parents' list

Hi Jeff,

Sherri asked me to send a note to you requesting Parent drivers for Thursday

(you may have forwarded some possibles to her but she can't locate them at

the moment). Not even quite sure how many kids are going (6 plus?) Feel

free to edit below but can you please send a message out to parents unless

you already have the answers. I can be one driver. Robotics is looking for drivers this Thursday, 5/16 for the Robotics DEMO

at the STEM Expo at Cradlerock Elementary. We need the following drivers: 1.Someone to come to HHS about 3:30ish to load up robot and materials;

then bring that stuff to Cradlerock about 5:30 and return about 8pm to pick

those items up, to be returned either Friday (during teacher development

day) or Monday. 2. Someone to give rides to kids to Cradlerock from HHS...leaving about

5:20 from HHS, and pickup at Cradlerock at 8pm. Please email Diane Green at diandyg@gmail.com if you are available to

do any driving. Thanks,

Diane May 10, 2013 out to the parents' list: This was sent to students, I thought you might be interested:

NASA Mike Comberiate will be visiting Hammond HS on Tuesday May 14 during second period (8:30 AM- 9:20AM) in the Hammond HS auditorium.

NASA Mike is really involved with FIRST Robotics of which Hammond's Ursa Major is a part. For more info about NASA Mike, visit: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f5156657ff&e=abc1e7aec7 If you would like to attend the NASA Mike presentation, see Mr. Cullings for a pass by the end of the day on Monday. May 6, 2013 Team Ursa Major Fun Day What: Come join the robotics team for an end of the season picnic lunch. Who: Ursa Major Robotics team members, mentors, family members, and alumni. When: May 25, 2013 12-3 pm. Where: Sam Meyers House, 10112 Roveout Lane, Columbia 21046. Other Details: Suggested donation is $3 to pay for food provided (burgers and hot dogs) Last Names A-H bring a side dish Last Names I-P bring a dessert Last Names Q-Z bring drinks The kids will be going to Shadow Land adventures afterwards. (bring money) RSVP by May 17 to Sam  or just hit reply May 4, 2013 The team will be showing the robot and mingling with Howard

County tech business people at the Howard County Economic

Development Agency Tech Awards dinner from 4:45 to 8pm.

The event is at the Gathering Place in River Hill. HCEDA

indicates that 250 business people will be there. This is a

wonderful opportunity for the team to make contacts.

I look forward to seeing you on May 25. Please help ensure that your team members are available

for each of these events.

l need you to let me know ASAP:

1. whether you'll be at the picnic

2. whether you can help with transportation on May 16 or

June 11 thanks Jeff April 28, 2013 This went to students. I thought you might be interested:

Hi everyone,

As an end of the season celebration, we're looking at playing

laser tag at Shadowland. (This would obviously cost money).

We're also considering having a pot luck picnic kind of thing.

The Saturdays we're deciding between are May 18th and May 25th.

Let me know your preference of day, and whether you'd prefer

laser tag, picnic, or both (on separate days, probably) by next

Saturday (May 4th) please! Also, don't forget -- meeting next Saturday May 4th, 8-11am.

Thanks,

Sherri

April 18, 2013 Mentor Rob O posted his pictures from Chesapeake on

Facebook. Maybe this link will work for you:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bcbd6a319b&e=abc1e7aec7

If not, get your kids to find them and show them to you... I'm

not a facebook expert.

Jeff April 17, 2013 Out to the parents' list: The robotics team is mentoring the robotics club at Gorman

Crossing Elementary School. Adults are needed to drive our kids to and from Gorman

Crossing on these Friday afternoons:

April 19

April 26

May 3

May 10 April 15, 2013 Diane shares these pictures:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e2cfa13c57&e=5cd6dcc0ac Did you know that 5 of the 6 teams in the Chesapeake final were

from out of state? If you have pictures to share, please let me know. Thanks Jeff April 14, 2013 Thanks to parent Lynette for writing this excellent recap:

For those of you who were not able to attend the competition this past

weekend you missed an exciting, fun event. Our team held it's own at the Chesapeake Regionals and ended up ranked

30th of 64 teams. At the end of Friday's matches Usra Major was ranked

4th overall but on Saturday the team was paired with two weak alliances against

some pretty strong opponents. Our alliance wasn't crushed and the score was

closer than anticipated but we were not able to win either match. During the

autonomous period we wildly cheered as the shooter was able to make most

of it's 6 point shots. One match they were able to shut down a formidable coast to

coast shooter, and a lot of times they provided great defense. During several

matches it was determined that our robot would be best utilized in the alliance as

a defender instead of a shooter. And as Mr. Cullings said, "If we can't do anything

else at least we can be annoying." It was so exciting to see the team actively strategize and enjoy the competition

instead of furiously correcting, assembling and adjusting the robot between matches. Though our team wasn't selected to join any of the winning alliances, they certainly

could have been and should be proud of their accomplishments this season. They went

from a pile of pieces and a computer language that none of them really knew to a robot

that could swiftly move on command, could accurately swing frisbees, could defend

against an opponent and could reload, all in fourteen weeks. Through this robotics season our teens have learned many life lessons about

cooperation, compromise, and the strength that is gained by never giving up.

They also learned new engineering and computer skills and also the growth of

new friendships amongst peers and mentors alike. We can't thank the mentors and Mr. Cullings enough for all their wisdom, time,

support and encouragement of our teens! Looking forward to next year's challenge.

Go Ursa Major! Lynette

April 13, 2013

Ben's pictures from today... give yourself some time, there's well over 200...

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f70683a6b8&e=abc1e7aec7 Jeff

April 12, 2013 out to the parents list Things are going well for the team, ranked 14 out of 64 teams after the

first day. The kids have worked hard and it's nice to see them have a

happy day with very little gremlin hunting. Thanks to the team moms for handling today's lunch. WBAL was filming today. Tomorrow morning: bus at 7:25am. Continuation of the seeding rounds until lunch, it we're still among

the top teams, we'll play in the elimination rounds after lunch. Everyone is expected to eat lunch with family and friends. Also there from Howard County: Glenelg, Atholton, River Hill, Marriotts

Ridge, and Mt. Hebron. Come on down to Baltimore and join the

fun. Bring your friends and family. Free. sorry about the typo last night:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=4881447f48&e=5cd6dcc0ac Rob O took pictures, I'll send out the link as soon as Rob can

get to it. Mentors Charlie and Rob got to walk in the mentor parade

for the first time! Thanks to all our mentors! Jeff April 11, 2013 To the parents list... Info about Chesapeake

htftps://docs.google.com/document/d/1GjE89Ysfe6uGfwpXADFecUWjjVbKi7beuiOtC4PUKhI/edit?usp=drive_web The kids had an excellent pit day,

Tomorrow should be fun. Bus leaves Hammond at 7:25am Jeff April 10, 2013 out to parents' list so far only 17 takers for Friday's free lunch .... reminder, the hard deadline is my bedtime tonight - 10pm any orders after that time will NOT be filled Jeff April 9, 2013 We have volunteers to pick up Friday's lunch! All students, mentors, volunteer parents must get their orders to

me by tomorrow night. Please check with your children. If they're

going, I need their orders! Friday’s lunch – FREE You get a big, overstuffed burrito with a side of rice and beans. Your choice must get to Mr. Meyers by Wednesday April 10, 2013, 10 p.m. You can send your choice by email [roveout@gmail.com], text [410- 782-0408], or on paper via Sam Chicken Burrito

BBQ Crispy Ranch Burrito

Blackened Chicken Caesar Burrito

California Screaming Burrito

Veggie Burrito

Bean & Cheese Burrito

Spinach Burrito

Vegan Burrito

Beef Burrito

Pork Burrito This meal is being provided by the generosity of the company where Jay Birgi’s mom works.

Out to the parents' list: Chesapeake is Thursday through Saturday of this week. Mr Cullings reports that there will be ample seats on the bus

for parents. Please note that the bus will leave Hammond at

7:25 a.m. Don't be late. Ms. Birgi's employer is paying for team lunches on Friday. I have made arrangements with California Tortilla to provide

box lunches on Friday based on a choice of any of these:

Chicken Burrito

BBQ Crispy Ranch Burrito

Blackened Chicken Caesar Burrito

California Screaming Burrito

Veggie Burrito

Bean & Cheese Burrito

Spinach Burrito

Vegan Burrito

Beef Burrito

Pork Burrito

burritos come with Rice, Black beans, Cheese, Lettuce, Sour cream and Salsa This is for all students on the team, all mentors, and all parents

who have and are helping the team. Note this is only for Friday lunch. Everyone is on his or her own

for Thursday and Saturday. To make this happen, I need a volunteer to pick up the lunches

from and take them to the convention center. California Tortilla is

1 block away. Also, all participants will need to get me their selections by tomorrow

night. To sum up: free lunch on Friday if AND ONLY IF

1. someone volunteers to pick it up

2. I get the orders by tomorrow night Jeff April 6, 2013 out to the parents' list Mr. Robinson, Hammond's building manager, was kind enough

to meet us at Hammond this morning so that we cold move

the tools and gear back into the tech ed room. Several team

members had been working all week in a garage and have

built a new chassis with the electronics mounted and working. As Mr. Robinson could not stick around (he's off today),and no

other staff was available, we only unloaded and left. I don't know the meeting schedule for the coming week but

as soon as I hear anything, I'll pass it along to you. Jeff March 30, 2013 out to the parents list So, by now you probably already know that the robot was a flop.

The consensus is that the team tried to do too much and that

the design was therefore overly complicated. The team was

not at all competitive at DC. However, it was a great learning

experience. And I was gratified to see that there was not even

a hint of recriminations, finger pointing, blaming, or I told you so.

Rather, our remarkable children are determined to move forward

and rebuild and are displaying remarkable good cheer and

spirit. As I write, a handful of team members are hard at work in

the Adler garage, building a new chassis. (They've been given

a midnight curfew.) The kids will sort out among themselves a

schedule for the coming week. Faith is the main contact.

Work may continue in the Adler garage or it may move to the

Miremadi warehouse. That will be determined later. So if you

need information, check with Adler, Miremadi, or Chung. I'm going to be out of town this week and I know that is true

for several others. So I can only wish the kids good luck and

extend big thanks to Adler, Miremadi, Green, Palmer, Mohammed

and the several other families that have transported and fed these

insanely dedicated children. (I apologize if I left your name out.) Also a big thanks to everyone who came and supported the

team in DC and helped load and unload gear and look after the

team. And a great big thanks to our faculty and mentors who remained

calm and supportive in the face of frustration and disappointment. And

who were restrained and judicious when our children laid out these

astonishing ambitious plans. (Mentors, if you're around, please check in with Adler to

let him know when you might be available- thanks) Team member Ben C took pictures today and promised to

put them online for you within a day or two. See you in a week. Jeff

March 29, 2013 DC pictures March 29 http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a5e91847b5&e=5cd6dcc0ac

I hear that things went well for the pit crew yesterday and that the robot is functional and has passed all aspects of inspection except for bumpers. That's the first item of work for this morning.

Reminder - students should be at Hammond by 6:45 for the bus. I don't know whether there is space on the bus for parents, but the drive into DC should be relatively easy today because many people have a holiday.

If you can't attend, you can watch on the webstream. Links to that, the schedule, the results, etc. are here: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=06cd54da22&e=abc1e7aec7

Jeff

March 28, 2013 yesterday I asked that everyone print 4 or more copies of a file and get the copies to Sherri tomorrow. That file has been slightly edited. (If you already printed copies, those will do,

if you haven't, please use this updated version)

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=de4faafd98&e=abc1e7aec7

Thanks there is a new service that will send match result for any given team by text message to a cell phone

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=f513663844&e=abc1e7aec7

our team is 2849

Note: the confirmation process to set up the account could take up to 30 minutes I have no new information for you about space on the bus, I suppose you could just show up for the bus and see if there's space. I've been asked for an electronic copy of the permission slip form for tomorrow and Saturday

it's here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5790166351&e=abc1e7aec7 Jeff March 27, 2013 1.

Mr. Cullings indicates that he is not yet able to determine whether there is space on the team bus on Friday or Saturday for parents. 2.

Student team leaders intend to distribute an information sheet to judges, other teams, and interested visitors at the competition. It would be helpful if each team member

could print a at least 4 copies and give them to Sherri ASAP. The document to be printed is here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=9322b754b3&e=abc1e7aec7

Let me know if you have trouble getting it. Thanks

March 24, 2013 The organizers of the DC event are looking for student volunteers -

please pass along to any team members you think might be

interested "Student Ambassadors

Student and volunteers are needed to lead visitors and guests on

tours on Friday and Saturday. There is a one-hour training session

on Thursday, March 28th from 4 to 5 pm (students should go to

Media/Info table in upper lobby at 4 pm). After training, students

will sign up for 2 hour time slots on Friday and Saturday. Students

may sign up for numerous time slots. Students on the drive

team should not sign up to be Student Ambassadors. Please contact me if you have any conerns or needs.

tks,

Don Brobst

Senior Mentor, Washington, DC, FIRSTÂ®

V (703) 585 1275 (C)

E dbrobst@usfirst.org"

Potential Traffic/Congestion There are two other major events going in DC during the

period of the FRC Regional. a. The NCAA East Semi and Final Basketball games are

being played at the Verizon Center Evening on March 28th

starting at 6:30 p.m. (2 games) and March 30th at 7:00 p.m.

(1 game). The Verizon Center is approximately 0.5 miles

from the Convention Center. It is very likely the nearby

streets will be congested on Thursday evening after pits

close and Saturday after the closing ceremonies. b. The National Park Service has announced that the peak

Cherry Blossoms period will be March 26 â March 30. While

there are no historical cherry trees near the Convention Center,

tourists flock into the city to see them and roads may be

clogged when you egress particularly on Saturday.

Mr. Cullings has updated the team calendar for the next

week:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=27a2d90368&e=abc1e7aec7 The DC event is during Passover. I'm confident that there

are no kosher for Passover vendors in or near the

Convention Center. I have sent in a question as to whether

the "no outside food" rule will be relaxed for those

observing Passover. I'll let you know if I get a response. Everything else I know about the DC event is on this page:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=80caab59ff&e=abc1e7aec7 I will update that page as new information becomes

available.

March 23, 2013 out to the parent email list: The mentors greatly appreciated the kind words, excellent

lunch, and generous gifts. They and I thank everyone involved.

I know that lots of folks were involved in planning and

running the event; please forgive me if I fail to mention everyone

.... but special thanks to Holly M., Sheila L, Charmian M, and everyone

else who helped out. We all appreciated Famous Dave's

excellent and generous meal, Josh's videos, and the nice

comments from Sherri, Faith, and Alex to the group and those

from others privately. Working with this year's team has

been a rewarding and joyful experience. The team and mentors

have also been touched by the number of adults who have generously

and uncomplainingly provided meals and snacks, have helped out

during sessions, have provided or collected donations and supplies,

and helped in so many other ways. Your generosity and cooperation are

remarkable and appreciated are and inadequately acknowledged.. There is a lot of food and drink left over from today and the last

2 dinners. All of it is in Mr Culling's office, mostly in the fridge.

This should sustain Monday afternoon's crew. Remind your kids

that it's there and they should not be shy about digging in. Due to the federal sequestration, the team's Army Research Lab

grant has been withheld. thus, the team is a bit in the hole. If you

know of any sources of donations or sponsorships, please make

that happen as soon as you can. The team will met for sure on Monday afternoon. I think that a

Tuesday meeting is likely, but I don't yet know for sure. I trust that

will be posted on the team calendar as soon as a decision is made. On Wednesday, our robot and pit are being trucked to DC on a

truck we're sharing with Atholton. David D is taking a few kids

down in his car to help unload. All of them already know who

they are and should have already discussed the arrangement with

their parents. On Thursday, 9 students and a Mr. Cullings along with a similar

crew from Wilde Lake are being bused to DC. The bus will leave

Hammond at 6:50 a.m. and return around 7 p.m. Mentors David

D. and Rob O. are driving to DC and may stay until the pits close

at 8 p.m.. In that eventuality, it is likely that some or all of the 9 students

will stay in DC, returning with David and Rob. Of course, this is

subject to progress on Thursday and to parental permission.

The 9 kids know who they are and should discuss this

transportation arrangement with their parents. On Friday and Saturday, the bus will leave Hammond at 6:50 a.m.

and return around 7 p.m. This bus is being shared with Wilde Lake and,

until all students at both schools turn in permission slips (the

deadline is Tuesday), we cannot know how may seats will be

available for mentors, parents, siblings, etc. That information

will go out as soon as it becomes available, hopefully Tuesday

afternoon. Turn in all of the Friday food order forms with permission slips. Those riding the bus must be at Hammond by 6:45 a.m., the bus

will leave promptly and will not wait for anyone. Whether or not you're on the bus, we hope that you will attend

Friday, Saturday, or both. These events are great fun. Sometime in the next few days, I'll create a wiki page with information

about the DC event - times, schedules, apps, photos, live-streams,

parking, what to bring, etc. Already on the wiki (under everyday update) are my pictures from

this morning, ending with the destruction of the prototype roll

cage. Breaking stuff is always a fun way to end a session. Thanks -- and please make sure your child is aware of all

the arrangements listed above. Jeff March 22, 2013 out to the parent list FYI the team has made some spectacular progress on the robot

in the last few days. Reminder: the mentor appreciation lunch is tomorrow, be in the

Hammond Cafeteria by11:30 - team members should be working

on the robot starting at the usual time (7:30/8 ish). announcements: 1. helping the Gorman Crossing ES robotics club Jeff,

Can you please send out note again with the 4 remaining

dates we need drivers for Gorman Crossing on Fridays:

4/19

4/26

5/3

5/10 At this point, I am not available for any of them. If no one can drive,

Daniel will need to contact the teacher as far ahead as possible to let t

hem know the kids have no transportation By the way, Gorman is cancelled for today (3/22) due to death in family

of one of the teachers. Thanks

Diane 2. trucking our robot and gear to/from DC Hi Eric, I will be picking up a Penske truck, a 16' with a lift gate, on Wednesday after

school at 3 pm. My first stop will be Hammond High School to pick up your

robot and pit (no later than 4 pm), and then picking up the Atholton pit and

robot (no later than 5 pm). The truck will leave no later than 5 pm for DC

(to hopefully arrive at 6 pm). I have a small crew to go with me, but ask for

a group to go down on your team's behalf. I have parking for this truck at Union Station for Saturday, be leaving at the

time when the awards ceremony finishes and unloading at both schools

that night (Saturday). It should be easy and fun! I have set a clear schedule for these days with

my groups so things should be smooth... Let me know if there is

something I am missing. Christopher R. Fox

Atholton High School 3. bus to/from DC, permission slips I don't know the bus schedule for DC yet, but as soon as I do, I'll pass

that along. Students need to turn in permission slips signed by parents and teachers

and a meal slip by Tuesday. All of these forms are in Mr. Cullings

room or were emailed or both. Jeff

March 17, 2013

This volunteer request is from the group organizing the Baltimore robotics competition and is for adults and students:

We're preparing for a great 2013 Chesapeake Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at the Baltimore Convention Center on April 11-13.

This year, we're introducing a new program for invited guests called "FIRST Stop". This program gives guests a menu of choices to learn more about FIRST, what's going on at the event, and how to get involved in FIRST programs. Guests have the option of guided tours with student or adult ambassadors, or seeing the event on their own. We will also place ambassadors and Chesapeake Regional Planning Committee members at each of several FIRST Stop signs/stations at the venue to answer questions about their particular area.

We are asking for guests to register at our website and check in at the FIRST Stop table in the lobby. When guests check in, we will match them up with an ambassador to give them a tour. If they don't want an ambassador, they will get a map and menu of activities so they can choose what to see, and can still ask questions of ambassadors at the various stops.

If a guest notes that they want to see a particular team, we will inform each team (to the best of our ability) before and after the event, so they will get the contact information, too.

If you would like to help us out as an adult ambassador, please let me know. We can certainly use your help!

Thank you very much,

Bill Duncan Regional Director, Maryland FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology 410-350-5031 wduncan@usfirst.org or wduncanfirst@gmail.com www.MarylandFIRST.org

March 16, 2013

DC competition flyer http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=25cae81942&e=5cd6dcc0ac Bus space availability, permission slips, and lunch information should be distributed to students soon. If you plan to attend on Friday, March 29, you may participate in the team's lunch plans.

Chesapeake competition flyer: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=7d387bbc95&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Schedule http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cf9c0fe89e&e=5cd6dcc0ac the meal slot for Thursday is open http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8bcfce3daf&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Mentor appreciation lunch is Saturday, March 23 http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=dff110f01e&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Pictures from this morning will be posted to the Wiki under everyday update http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6db8ea8f31&e=5cd6dcc0ac

March 13, 2013 Because no one has signed up to provide meals for today

or tomorrow, will you be able to do a pizza run? This involves

checking in with the kids around 5pm, getting them pizza, and

collecting $1/slice, which is plenty if you use the Domino's

deal on the Wiki.

Ordinarily I would do this, but between my mom and my

sister arriving from overseas this morning and my niece having

a baby yesterday, and work, I don't think I'll be available.

Let me know if you can do today or tomorrow. Thanks.

Jeff March 12, 2013 no meeting today - Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Wednesday - meeting beginning after school into the evening

Mr. Kostrick covers until 4:30PM

Charlie can be there hopefully by 4PM, but by 4:30PM at the latest.

Mrs. Palmer is available. Thursday - meeting beginning after school into the evening

Mrs. Mohammed covers from after school until 4:30.

Charlie can be there hopefully by 4PM, but by 4:30PM at the latest.

Bobby can be there around 5:30 ish Friday - meeting beginning after school into the evening

Rob Oehrli is covering starting at 2:30PM.

Bobby can be there around 5:30 ish Saturday - meeting beginning at 8 a.m. I expect to be at most of the meetings, but I have family

arriving from overseas tomorrow and my niece is about

to become a mom....

Jeff March 11, 2013 As far as I know...

there is no meeting tomorrow, Tuesday March 12.

I think there will be meetings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

I am not sure about Saturday. As soon as I hear anything definitive, I will pass that along. The meal slots for Wednesday and Thursday are open.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=10b2b399c1&e=abc1e7aec7 You should have already responded to Sheila L about the

mentor lunch - if you haven't please do so ASAP. It's less than

2 weeks away Our mentors put an extraordinary amount of time

and effort into helping our children. It's only right that we say thanks.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=cace2f8750&e=abc1e7aec7 Steve L is handling the Friday lunch operation for the DC

competition. I think the plan is for an information sheet to be attached to

the permission slip. That should come to you soon. The Boosters Gala was good fun. I did see half-a-dozen robo-

parents there. Jeff

March 2, 2013 1.

Thank-you so much to all the families that contributed to the

Robotics Team gifts for the Booster's Gala event!! We were

able to purchase a Gift Card to Hershey Park which will cover

the cost of 4 adults plus parking to spend the day at Hershey

Park during the summer. As an alternative, this gift card

could be used for any of the Hershey properties or for food and

other items at the park or a different combo of tickets! We really

showed our support of Boosters from the Robotics Team!!

In addition, Mr. Cullings is donating 3 hand-made pens to

the Gala, two hand-made cutting boards, and a hand-made Chess Set

including wooden crafted board and cast pewter pieces!

Some of our sponsors helped us by donating to the Gala too!

Pizza Hut donated 3 free pizza certificates, Chipotle donated a d

inner for 10, and CableOrganizers.com donated a bunch of cord

organizers! We have another donation pending from Battery

Warehouse in Westminster ( basket of batteries)...once they give

the OK, we will be looking for someone on the team who can

pick this up! Go Ursa Major! Thanks to all!

Diane Green (Sherri's mom)

2.

Pictures from this morning are on the Wiki under everyday update 3.

Thanks to Steve L. for volunteering to help out with food for

the competitions. We could use another couple of parents.

Please let me know. 4.

Next week, the team is meeting Tuesday, Wednesday,

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 5.

Every student should have returned the form for the mentor

appreciation lunch. But many have not. Please, please

get these to Sheila or Josh Lee ASAP. What are you

waiting for?

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=417c8fc62a&e=5cd6dcc0ac 6.

Help feed the team

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b320b55695&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Note: the team still has many many plates, cups, and

napkins. There are lots of plastic knives, but only a modest

number of spoons and forks. The snack collection is

pretty limited at this point. There enough drinks for about

another week. Thanks to everyone who is helping out

with all these.

March 1, 2013 As I write, a number of our kids are still hard at work on robotics

tasks along with 3 tired, but hardy mentors. Reminder: return the Mentor Appreciation forms ASAP.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b304e4c5cb&e=abc1e7aec7 No one has yet volunteered to join a committee to sort out

food at competitions. Just to be clear, I am perfectly willing

to help anyone who volunteers. We're just looking for a few

people to start looking into our options. Six people have signed up to feed the team this month, but

there are still a number of openings. Links to everything you need are on the Wiki:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bbef8c4fe4&e=abc1e7aec7 Spring sports and music / theater may conflict with robotics

meetings. And some students have SATs coming up. This

means that it is important for each team member keep in

touch with the other team members about what needs doing

and to attend when possible to ensure that what needs to

be done actually gets done. A reminder: team members who leave early should participate

in cleaning up to the extent possible. Your gentle reminders

are helpful. thanks February 28, 2013 There is no robotics meeting today. The team will meet tomorrow (Friday) after

school until 7:30 / 8ish. The team will meet Saturday from 8 a.m. until

mid-afternoon. Check the website schedule for next week. FYI Number of people who volunteered to be

on the competitions food committee: 0 Number of people who signed up to feed the

team in March: 5 Number of March meal slots still open: 10 Links to everything you need are on the Wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ec7a9f027c&e=abc1e7aec7 There are several regionals this weekend that

are live-streaming. Links to the streams are here:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bbfc19956e&e=abc1e7aec7 February 25, 2013 The robotics team will be meeting frequently during March. There is still a lot that needs to be done. Please check the calendar that is on the team website:

https://sites.google.com/site/teamursamajor2849/ Some parents have expressed surprise to me about the level of meetings in March. It seems to me that there are several factors that contribute to this situation, but the main one is the team's decision to build a robot to do the most difficult parts of the game. I think this group could, in about 4 days, throw together a robot to just run around and fling frisbees. It's quite admirable that they've decided to take on the much more difficult parts of the game. But, as we know, it's a challenging and risky approach. Another factor is the timing of our particular competitions. In previous years, Baltimore was earlier, last year it was March 8. Also this year’s team seems to me to have a more distributed and diverse leadership. As we all know, the more people involved with making a decision, the longer it takes to make. The flip side, though, is that there is more widespread buy-in to the decisions and the kids have learned to work as a group with respect and civility to an astonishing and pleasing degree. In any case, even if I’m entirely off-base about the reasons for more meetings, the fact is that there are more meetings and it is up to us as parents to continue to support the team and the mentors. I am impressed beyond my limited ability to express with how much support parents have shown to the team. Thank you. I have to ask you to continue that support a little longer. In the last few days I have polled some of the other parents to see if there was a consensus on how we should continue. Among those who responded and had an opinion, the overwhelming response was that I should continue with the on-line sign up system that we have used so far. I will wait a day or so longer before I do so in the hopes that the team calendar can be finalized because it’s a lot harder to edit the sign-up system than it is to create one from scratch. I know that some parents have indicated availability to cover afternoons during March. If you were thinking about doing so, please let me or Mr. Cullings know ASAP so that can get on the calendar. Robotics, unlike anything else I've run across at Hammond, allows students to work collaboratively with each other and with adults -- industry professionals -- tackling very difficult problems. This experience is analogous to real-world engineering and, I think, it is priceless. One more thing that I’ll ask you to think about – and the veteran parents know this well -- lunch at the competitions. In DC, and in Baltimore to a slightly lesser extent, there are a relatively few lunch options in and close to the convention center. And, since everyone wants to have lunch at the same time, the lines get quite long. For us in particular at DC this will be a problem. Our kids will be working feverishly to finish and test their robot. They really won’t have time to go stand in line for 40 minutes for an overpriced mediocre sandwich. Last year, I think, we did a group order from Austin Grill on E St and one of the dads took some of the kids to pick up meals for everyone. We did something similar in Baltimore. In both cases, only on the Fridays. We can do that again or we can do something different. If you are willing to serve on a committee to sort out lunches at the competitions, please let me know. Thanks Jeff February 23, 2013

The mentors need some help from parents for the next few weeks.

Mentors will be at school from 4:30 pm until quitting time weekdays and on Saturday mornings. However, teacher coverage is only available on Saturdays and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between the end of school and mentor arrival.

If you are available any Monday, Thursday, or Friday during March to fill in between 2:30 and 4:30, please let me know ASAP (I know Rob O. is covering some Fridays, but I don't know which).

Coverage merely involves being the adult presence in the room. The kids have proven themselves as capable and trustworthy to operate with this level of supervision.

As parents volunteer, Mr. Cullings may update the calendar to show the additional meetings.

As far as I can tell, the team needs to work as often as possible. And mentors have asked that parents help out at this minimal level.

--> If you can cover even just 1 day, please volunteer.

Let me know ASAP.

Thanks.

Jeff

February 21, 2013 Forwarded FYI:

Hi everyone- There is no meeting this Friday Feb. 22.

Robbie is not feeling well and has stated that he does not feel he will recover fully by Friday. See you Saturday for the Open House. Mr. Cullings

February 19, 2013 Please respond ASAP if you can pick up a donated part at
 * 2

CareFirst, across from the Owings Mills Town Center today,

tomorrow, or Friday during office hours. The team will meet Friday afternoon and Saturday. We've

not arranged for a meal on Friday so there may be a pizza

run. Saturday, the team will meet during the usual Saturday

hours and a parent is providing lunch after the end of the open

house portion. At 10 pm last night the team bagged the robot chassis. The

team is allowed to retain a portion of the robot, so they will

continue to work on that. Also, there are many other jobs

that need doing. The robot will be finished after it is unbagged

at the DC competition. thanks for your continued support 9pm and still working on that robot - about 10 kids still here... some pictures here
 * 1

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=65e901fdb8&e=abc1e7aec7 I'll add more later and maybe that last few tomorrow

Jeff

for Saturday, message from Charmian: Hi All, we could use a bit more help with refreshments for the open house, and

just want to say thank you to the following parents who volunteered to

provide refreshment for the Open House Saturday 23rd Feb.

Lynette Palmer..............Cookies

Kevin..............................Donuts

Susan Na.......................Juice and Mini Muffins

Diane Green...................Brownies

Jeff..................................Cookies or Brownies

Joanna............................Juice

Charmian........................Punch and Fruits

Thanks! Charmian if you can help, contact her ASAP

icasfmly@comcast.net

February 16, 2014 The team will be working on the robot at Wilde Lake High
 * 2

School tomorrow morning. Because Wilde Lake has limited space for us, this session

is for key students and mentors only. If your student is unsure about whether to attend, please

have your student contact Faith or Sherry, who can

provide the details. thanks First - a big thank you to all these folks who helped feed
 * 1

the team this build season:

Beverley Meyers, C Mohammed, Sheila Lee, Samuel Babiso,

Kathryn Jones, Cathy Wilson, Greene Turtle, Diane Green,

On The Border, Lynette Palmer, ravinder birgi, Holly Miremadi,

Bagel Bin, Cathy Wilson, Katya Garvey,

Susan Na, Taco Bell!, Patricia Dugan, Applebees, faith moon,

Jaeboon Chung, Carrabas, Kevin Sinnott, The Bakers,

Bertha Byrotte, Susan Na, C Mohammed, Jeff Meyers,

Belinda Nanan, Eric Cullings, Neelam Chowdhary, Margaret Oehrli

and Paula Koonce And a big thank you to the parents who

picked up meals and parts And a big thank you

Insaf, Miguel, and Eric who brought

in coffee and doughnuts and helped out in many ways. And a big thank you to all the parents

who sent in drinks, snacks, paper goods, etc. And a big thank you to Diane and Bertha for driving the

kids to and from our feeder schools And I big thank you to those who drove the kids to the

Sun Products factory and to the Back to Build

workshops And a big thank you to Ms. Leonard, John, JP, the

teachers and staff members who covered, sessions, and the parents

who filled the gaps. We'll save our thanks to our mentors until the mentor

appreciation event on March 23: David, Reg, Eric, Eric,

Charlie, Bobby, Rob, JJ, and Wayne Reminder: the Open House for middle and elementary kids is

next Saturday, February 23 9am-11am. I've already posted some pictures from today on the wiki, I'll

add more as the day goes on. We're here until 3. Monday -

7:30 am to 12:30 pm, and Tuesday after school until ?

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=26d5da7cb9&e=abc1e7aec7

February 14, 2013 Our kids have been working on robotics activities with younger

students. This peer mentoring is great for the mentors and the

mentees and helps us to maintain our team in the future. We need your help with some transportation. You don't have

to do it all, but we really need you to do something.... A. Diane G has been the primary driver to/from Gorman Crossing

Elementary on Fridays. Diane will not be able to continue to do

this on her own because of other obligations. For Gorman Crossing:

pick up at Hammond HS at 3:30, arrive at Gorman 3:45

pick up at Gorman at 5pm and return to Hammond HS. Please let Diane know which Fridays you can help with over the

next few months: diandyg@gmail.com B. Bertha B has been the primary driver to/from Patuxent Valley Middle.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Bertha will not be able to return students

from Patuxent Valley back to Hammond HS on Thursdays at 4:30PM. Please let Bertha know which Thursday afternoons you can help

with over the next few months: berthovenabirotte@yahoo.com

or 718-679-2500.

Please don't let these valuable activities die. February 13, 2013 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14 AND FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15 Mr. Cullings indicates that if school is closed tomorrow (February 14),

the robotics team will not meet. However, if school is open, the robotics team will meet from 11 a.m.

until at least 7 p.m., more on that below. Friday's meeting time is from 7:30 a.m. until at least 7 p.m. Parents are providing dinner for the team tomorrow and Friday, but

not lunches. So, students should bring lunch to school on those days.

Or, I understand some students would like a parent to volunteer

to do a pizza run. Please check with your child and, if you can,

offer to help -- the kids will sort it out. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and our mentors' spouses have, um,

reminded our mentors of that fact. It would be nice if a few parents

could come by tomorrow evening to cover a few hours or so leading

up to the probable 8 p.m. quitting time. You don't need to tell me,

just show up. Thanks. Reminder that stop build is Tuesday night. There is still a lot to

be done and the team really needs its members, but only those who

are willing to work hard. Goof offs should stay out of the way. OPEN HOUSE Parent Charmian M is coordinating refreshments for the open house for

middle and elementary school students. (February 23 from 9 a.m. to

11 a.m.) If you told me that you would do something, I forwarded that

to her. If you haven't, please let her know directly how you will

help: icasfmly@comcast.net GALA Donations need to get to Diane ASAP. Thanks.

Diane Green diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435 c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place Columbia, MD 21046

Full details are in the February 4 email February 12, 2013 PROGRESS

Reports posted on the wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=7660294750&e=5cd6dcc0ac

and there is progress!

The kids were hard at work until 8pm yesterday. Thanks for feeding

them and our mentors, who are doing great work.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e0e0b4e13b&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Schedule:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=49b1c14306&e=5cd6dcc0ac HELP - OPEN HOUSE

You didn't respond to my request for help with the open house for

middle and elementary school students. (February 23 from 9 a.m. to

11 a.m.) The team is looking for volunteers to provide simple

refreshments. If you volunteer, you can add this line to your

resume: "gustatory and sustenance director general-- fugacious

pedagogical transpiration". NEEDS

The team has an immediate need for 12 ga black wire. If you have

any or can get some, please send it in ASAP. They'll need red

soon as well. For other needs, go to

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c705578c56&e=5cd6dcc0ac GALA

Donations need to get to Diane ASAP. Thanks.

Diane Green diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435 c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place Columbia, MD 21046

Full details are in the February 4 email February 9, 2013 SCHEDULE

The team will be meeting daily Monday through Saturday of

next week. Check the team calendar for meeting hours on the

upcoming half--days of school.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a533bcf0f7&e=abc1e7aec7 The team will be working during the day on February 18 - starting

at 7:30 a.m. (thanks ML). Iâve added that session as a late addition on the food

sign up, so if you were hoping for another opportunity - now there is one!

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1d54873aea&e=abc1e7aec7 OPEN HOUSE

The team will be hosting an open house for middle and elementary school

students. The open house will be on Saturday, February 23 from 9 a.m. to

11 a.m. Please pass the invitation along to any children you think might be

interested. Also, the team is looking for volunteers to provide simple

refreshments. Please let me know if you can help. NEEDS

Tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated recently and periodically):

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=0629550961&e=abc1e7aec7

Please help us acquire these items. MENTORS

A mentor appreciation event is planned for March 23, although the details

are still to be determined. Team parents Holly M and Sheila L and team

member Janet H are organizing. Let me know if you want to help and I'll

pass your contact information along to them. TRANSPORTATION

Ms. Leonard, Hammondâs principal, has been extremely supportive of the team

and has let us know that the school will be providing buses to the team for

the D.C. competition. When you see her, please thank her. DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS

Posted on the wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1a22170312&e=abc1e7aec7

Pictures from this morning have already been posted there. BOOSTERS GALA

Diane has received several donations from team parents and a few nice donations

from some of our sponsors for the Boosters Gala auction. If you were intending

to participate, and I hope that you will, please contact Diane ASAP:

Diane Green

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place

Columbia, MD 21046

Full details are in the February 4 email.

Also, it's not too late to sign up to attend.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=61d6eea554&e=abc1e7aec7 DONATIONS

Information about the teamâs tax status and how to donate money:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6a0759f255&e=abc1e7aec7 February 8, 2013 DON'T PANIC YET

With only 10 days and a few hours left, the kids and mentors are hard at work; this is a focused, dedicated group that I'm very proud to be associated with. We're going to need a lot of help to pull this off, so please help ensure that our kids are available to devote their time for this final push. BOOSTERS GALA

Diane has received several donations from team parents and a few nice donations from some of our sponsors for the Boosters Gala auction. If you were intending to participate, and I hope that

you will, please contact Diane ASAP: Diane Green

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place

Columbia, MD 21046

Full details are in the February 4 email.

Also, it's not too late to sign up to attend.

http://www.hammondboosters.org/ PROGRESS

All emails are archived on the wiki along with daily progress reports. I like to check the "recent changes" link near the top of the left column.

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ FOOD

As for care and feeding: the team has been very well-fed this year. Thank you! At the moment, the team has plenty:

1. plates

2. forks, spoons, knives

3. cups

4. napkins

5. ketchup, mustard, and mayo

6. Greek olives Also, there are leftover veggies and dip and fruit, which we'll put out again tomorrow. So please don't send in any of those things until further notice. There are enough chips and granola bars for a few more days. We will probably run out of drinks and desserts tomorrow. SCHEDULE

I have heard conflicting things about the team's schedule on the 18th, but that should be clarified soon. Meanwhile, the team will be meeting tomorrow (Sat, 2/9) starting early and Monday through Saturday of next week. Check the calendar on the team website:

https://sites.google.com/site/teamursamajor2849/ THANKS AGAIN

Your continued support has been very helpful and very gratifying. Jeff

February 5, 2013 The team will likely run out of forks by Thursday. The team is out of individual waters and most other

beverages. Our wonderful mentor, David D. has brought in another

load of desserts, which will likely last for a few days. The team will probably run out of cups by Saturday. The team has enough plates and napkins for another week

or so and probably 2 weeks supply of spoons. The team has enough plastic knives to last until the

end of time or maybe a little longer. We will run out of ketchup and mustard about the same

time that we run out of plastic knives. There are still plenty of chips and pretzels. Our other wants are listed on this page:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=afc61a0c74&e=abc1e7aec7 Please help team mom Diane D. fill out basket for the auction

at the Booster's Gala. For more information see yesterday's

email or contact Diane ASAP:

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583 Only 14 days until StopBuild. February 4, 2013 Robotics Team Parents! This is Diane Green, Sherri's mom, writing to ask for your HELP right away! The Robotics Team donates an auction basket every year to the annual Bear

Gala (formerly known as the Bull Roast) for Hammond High School, which is on

March 10th this year. The Bear Gala, as you may know, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the

school and helps ALL clubs and sports areas at the school! So we definitely want to give back! If each of us can make a donation, big or small, we will be able to put together an

auction basket or auction item for the Gala from the Robotics Team!! You can donate $10, 20, 30 or more -- (any amount is great, even $5 ) and we will purchase

item(s) to go into the basket OR one large auction item. Let me know if you have any

ideas. BECAUSE Time is of the essence, please get in touch with me right away about your plans

to donate. Please let me know how much you will be contributing. You can mail the donation to me

(or have your child give an envelope to Sherri at school, marked "Robotics basket"). We would also be pleased to include in the basket any products or certificates for services

that you, your employer, or anyone else can provide. The donor gets recognition and

we benefit as well. The team appreciates all the that team families are doing to support the Robotics Team this

year --your support has been terrific! Go Bears!! Diane Green

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place

Columbia, MD 21046 Pretty much every organization at Hammond will be putting together a

basket for auction at the Boosters Gala. PLEASE, can you take charge

of coordinating that for the team? Let me know, it’s not hard. Thanks FOOD Thanks to everyone who sent in meals, snacks and drinks! Have a

look at our generous meal providers: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084EABAA2AA46-2013 The team has plenty of ketchup, mustard, mayo, plates, forks, knives, spoons,

napkins, granola bars, apples, oranges, chips. Do not send in any of these

things until further notice. For tonight and probably the next night or two, there's plenty of leftover

salad and raw veggies in the team fridge. If you’re sharp-eyed, you’ll notice that desserts and cups are no longer in stock.

So feel free to send in either of those. Thanks DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS Posted on the wiki

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ All of my emails to you are archived on the wiki for your convenience. DONATIONS / MONEY The team has sold out of our first order of LED light bulbs. If you missed

out, we can do another order, please let me know of your interest.

I was pleasantly surprised at how bright these bulbs are and how good

the color tone is. Also, they are instantly fully bright, no warm up

time. Tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QeGqduXqHdbBSbm0jqeDuUsWCOt5D0i1vG7FKOzAm2E/edit Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fA_oiKLtwTN1V5NE9wbu8nsxBVs_glT9_zjt-CyazHs/edit CALENDAR http://goo.gl/KaQk

StopBuild is February 19 - there's not much time left. BOOSTERS GALA Boosters Golden Bear Gala - Sunday, March 10, 4-8pm, Ten Oaks Ballroom,

Clarksville - we're on to our second table - please join us. Just let the Booster's

organizer know you're with robotics. You'll enjoy yourself. More info:

http://www.hammondboosters.org/

tickets:

http://www.hammondboosters.org/golden-bear-gala/golden-bear-gala-tickets January 30, 2013 HELP! Pretty much every organization at Hammond will be putting together a some items for auction at the Boosters Gala. Can you take charge of coordinating that for the team? Let me know, it’s not hard. Thanks! More information about the Gala below. FOOD Thanks to everyone who sent in meals, snacks and drinks! The last few meals were outstanding. The team has plenty of drinks, ketchup, mustard, mayo, plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, napkins, apples, oranges, chips, bars. Do not send in any of these things until further notice. DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS Posted on the wiki

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ All of my emails to you are archived on the wiki for your convenience. DONATIONS Tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QeGqduXqHdbBSbm0jqeDuUsWCOt5D0i1vG7FKOzAm2E/edit Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fA_oiKLtwTN1V5NE9wbu8nsxBVs_glT9_zjt-CyazHs/edit CALENDAR http://goo.gl/KaQk Just 20 days until StopBuild - our kids are doing great, but we need

to seize that sense of urgency! BOOSTERS GALA Boosters Golden Bear Gala -- Sunday, March 10, 4-8pm, Ten Oaks

Ballroom, Clarksville Over the years, the Boosters have been very good to us, so for that reason, you should attend. You should also attend because it is a great, good time. We are now working on filling out our second team table -- with you! The various baskets on auction generally turn out to be great deals, so the event might pay for itself. It has for me. http://www.hammondboosters.org/golden-bear-gala/golden-bear-gala-tickets January 28, 2013

Please, please do NOT send in any more drinks until further notice.

Also, we have a ton of desserts, so don't send in any more for the time being.

Thanks

More information is here: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=b60eeb2837&e=abc1e7aec7

thanks

Jeff January 26, 2013 There are lots of snacks but some gaps. I'm worried that if I list the

gaps here, too many people will send in these things. So I'm going

to try this. I've created an online notepad showing the way things

were as of 1pm today. You can go ahead and add comments to it,

so, if you're going to send something in, note that so that others

won't. Or, if you were there after 1pm, you can update what I wrote. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bf7512d777&e=abc1e7aec7

Be sure and click the SAVE icon when you are done.

Hopefully this will avoid duplication and waste. Again, there are lots of snacks in most categories, so thank you

for your generosity! I took some pictures. The link to them is in

"Everyday Update 2013" on the wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=fe30275a8a&e=abc1e7aec7 24 days left thanks Jeff January 25, 2013 Hi all- I decided to just go ahead and cancel the meeting for this afternoon based on the information that I am getting from Hammond administration. If there is snow on Saturday AM, listen to the news. If Howard County activities are cancelled on Saturday, we are also cancelled. I will also post the cancellation on the team wiki. Mr. Cullings

FUNDRAISER Trattoria Night on Monday, January 28th Use one of these fliers when you place your order.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=415cd09a70&e=abc1e7aec7 FOOD All food slots are taken. Thanks! Note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS Posted on the wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ce57c5651d&e=abc1e7aec7 All of my emails to you are archived on the wiki for your convenience. BOOSTERS GALA Please join me at the Boosters Golden Bear Gala. Several team parents have already paid! Thanks. (Sunday, March 10, 4-8pm, Ten Oaks Ballroom, Clarksville)

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d2f694d2de&e=abc1e7aec7 January 23, 2013 FOOD Thanks to everyone who sent in meals, snacks and drinks!Thanks also to Greene Turtle and Bagel Bin for feeding the team.On The Border is feeding the team today.Please thank the managers when you patronize these restaurants.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084EABAA2AA46-2013 just 1 opening remaining:

2/19/2013 (Tue. 5:00PM) dinner Note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. The team has plenty of ketchup, mustard, mayo, plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, napkins, apples, oranges, chips. Do not send in any of these things until further notice. VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Chesapeake Regional is looking for volunteers: http://mdfirst.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Want-ads-for-Chesapeake.pdf DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS Posted on the wiki http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ All of my emails to you are archived on the wiki for your convenience. DONATIONS Tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QeGqduXqHdbBSbm0jqeDuUsWCOt5D0i1vG7FKOzAm2E/edit Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fA_oiKLtwTN1V5NE9wbu8nsxBVs_glT9_zjt-CyazHs/edit CALENDAR http://goo.gl/KaQk Just 27 days until StopBuild with only 20 meetings scheduled BOOSTERS GALA Notification about the Boosters Golden Bear Gala was sent out with the Hammond email newsletter. (Sunday, March 10, 4-8pm, Ten Oaks Ballroom, Clarksville) Over the years, the Boosters have been very good to us, so for that reason, you should attend. You should also attend because it is a great, good time. Also, the various baskets on auction generally turn out to be great deals, so the event might pay for itself. It has for me. http://www.hammondboosters.org/golden-bear-gala/golden-bear-gala-tickets January 19, 2013 It is great to see so many kids hard at work at some really interesting and sophisticated things. Our kids are doing a great job! Stop in and have a look. FOOD The team has plenty of ketchup, mustard, mayo, plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, napkins, apples, oranges, chips, juice, soda. Do not send in any of these things

until further notice. Thanks to everyone who sent in snacks, drinks, and meals!!!! http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=513cbff923&e=abc1e7aec7 just 2 spots left:

2/15/2013 (Fri. 5:00PM) dinner

2/19/2013 (Tue. 5:00PM) dinner Note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. Thanks to everyone who participated! WANTED: Volunteers

The Chesapeake Regional planning committee is looking for volunteers. The Chesapeake Regional wouldnât happen without the help of many volunteers both at the event itself and those that work year round to plan the event and provide support to the Maryland teams. Descriptions of volunteer opportunities are posted on the Marylandfirst blog: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d561c9ba43&e=abc1e7aec7 PROGRESS REPORTS Daily reports are posted on the Wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1f28565dde&e=abc1e7aec7

These reports include links to pictures and videos. All emails to parents are archived in the wiki for your convenience. DONATIONS tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically):

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a7176bf899&e=abc1e7aec7 CALENDAR next meeting is Tuesday, 7:30am to 2pm http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=39e305bb4b&e=abc1e7aec7 For both the DC and Baltimore competitions:

1. Vans or trucks needed on Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon.

2. Thursday is pit day for team leaders and key students -- carpool.

3. Friday -- bus -- all active team members will go.

4. Saturday -- carpool -- everyone goes.

5. Both events are free and open to the public -- attend -- youâll have fun. PHOTOS Student Ben C has been taking pictures from time to time since early last fall. We've finally got his pictures online for you. Ben has a unique approach. set 1

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ab89023eda&e=abc1e7aec7 set 2

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=aef9212791&e=abc1e7aec7 set 3

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=dcd09b3dfe&e=abc1e7aec7 January 18, 2013 Ursa Major now has a Keurig brewer (thanks Howard). We don't have any K-Kups or mugs. So, feel free to bring in either. Reminder: there is (as I write) only 32 days left. There is a lot to do. Please help your child to understand the urgency. Saturday's meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday the team will meet from 7:30am-2pm (Professional Work Day) After that, we're basically meeting everyday except for Sundays. thanks. Jeff January 17, 2013 meal plans for Friday: Diane and Cathy offer this plan: Cathy is providing an early dinner and maybe some cupcakes. Kids should bring lunch on Friday. Thanks. PROGRESS REPORTS Daily reports are posted on the Wiki http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=e9cadf1667&e=abc1e7aec7 Important: There is a lot to do and not much time to do it. Please help your kids find that sense of urgency that is needed for success. DONATIONS tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically): http://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=0f982ea3f9&e=abc1e7aec7 FOOD Aside from the Herr's chips donation, all of the snacks (granola bars etc.) have been eaten and students want more. Note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c922aac7eb&e=abc1e7aec7 January 16, 2013 I don't have any schedule updates for you. As far as I know, the team will meet tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon,Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and then on Tuesday. If I hear of any changes I'll pass them along. STEM FAIR REQUEST Hammond High School has a shortage of volunteers to judge posters in this year's annual STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Fair. will be approximately 100 projects (in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Earth Science, Engineering/Math) and they need 2-3 judges for each project (subject?). Jim and I have participated in this previously and found it fun and inspirational. The STEM Fair judging will take place on Thursday, January 31, from 8:20 - 10:20 a.m. in Hammond’s Media Center. They are asking that the judges arrive by 8:00 a.m. to discuss scoring and to enjoy refreshments. To volunteer, you can contact the organizers directly at dgriffin@hcpss.org or lindsay_gallbreath@hcpss.org If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me (Kathy Jones) at kaiserjonesks@gmail.com FIRST LEGO LEAGUE The Maryland FLL Championship is Saturday at UMBC, 72 teams, ages 9 to 14. All events are free and open to the public.Robot Challenge Matches from 1pm - 3:30pm. This is the primary public event.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ff11622668&e=5cd6dcc0ac PROGRESS REPORTS Daily reports are posted on the Wiki

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=407867a921&e=5cd6dcc0ac DONATIONS tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically):

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=24769ddc0f&e=5cd6dcc0ac FOOD Aside from the Herr’s chips donation, all of the snacks (granola bars etc.) have been eaten and students want more. Indicate on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. Thanks. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=a213c5bb92&e=5cd6dcc0ac Still a couple of open slots. . . CALENDAR http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=197142a87c&e=5cd6dcc0ac For both the DC and Baltimore competitions:

1. Vans or trucks needed on Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon.

2. Thursday is pit day for team leaders and key students -- carpool.

3. Friday -- bus -- all active team members will go.

4. Saturday -- carpool -- everyone goes.

5. All events are free and open to the public -- attend -- you’ll have fun. January 12, 2013 DONATION NEEDING PICKUP Teletechcom.com is donating some connectors and cable.

Thom Pollina, 410-995-6222

9693-H Gerwig Lane. off of Snowden

Mon, Tue, Thur, or Fri between 9 and 5. Can you collect this? EXAM WEEK SCHEDULE Note change for Tuesday * Monday 2:15- 7PM, Tuesday No meeting, Wednesday No meeting, Thursday 11:20AM-2PM, Friday 11:20AM-7PM, Saturday 7:30AM-2PM CALENDAR STUFF http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=df67b541a8&e=abc1e7aec7 Note: for both the DC (March 28-30) and Baltimore (April 11-13) competitions: 1. The team will need vans or trucks on Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon to move the robot, tools, spares etc. to and then back. 2. Thursday is “pit day” generally for team leaders and key students only. We will probably carpool. 3. Friday we’ll probably have a bus and all active team members will go for the seeding matches. 4. Saturday, carpool again, everyone goes. Seeding matches in the morning, playoff rounds after lunch. 5. Both events are free and open to the public all 3 days. Your attendance is strongly encouraged. You’ll have fun. The team WILL continue to meet after StopBuild, after DC, and after Baltimore, but at a more relaxed schedule. More info will follow as we get closer. The team continues to send students to feeder middle and elementary schools, but additional parents to drive are needed in the afternoon. Please reply if you can help out from time to time. PROGRESS REPORTS Daily reports are posted on the Wiki http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1d359b8d76&e=abc1e7aec7 DONATIONS The tools, parts, and supplies wish list: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=42e6e691b2&e=abc1e7aec7 If you, your company, or anyone you know can donate any of these, please act now. Note: this list is updated periodically, so please check periodically. FOOD 20 to 30 people, make whatever your own child would like to eat Do not send in cutlery or plates until further notice. Thanks. Some parents have asked that you note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians. http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=29146bc185&e=abc1e7aec7 Still a couple of open slots. ..

January 11, 2013 EXAM WEEK SCHEDULE To comply with school policy, these are not regular meetings, these are "the room

will be open and you can drop in". Remember, exams take precedence. Monday 2:15 - 7 PM

Tuesday 2:15 - 3:30 PM

Wednesday No meeting

Thursday 11:20 AM - 2 PM

Friday 11:20 AM - 7 PM

Saturday 7:30 AM - 2 PM NOTE: the team website calendar has not been updated, so this supplements the

website calendar. PARENT Q & A Reminder - tomorrow morning at 9. TIME FLIES countdown to StopBuild::

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=aa25fe535e&e=abc1e7aec7 PROGRESS REPORTS Wiki - Everyday Update 2013 written by students:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ba2c708a95&e=abc1e7aec7 DONATIONS The tools, parts, and supplies wish list:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c1380d9c2e&e=abc1e7aec7 If you, your company, or anyone you know can donate any of these,

please act now. FOOD http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=9d0f8caf5f&e=abc1e7aec7 just a couple of open slots. . . January 9, 2013 Team Ursa Major -- Hammond Robotics -- Email to parents -- TIME FLIES FIRST requires all teams worldwide to bag and seal their robots not later than midnight on February 19 -- “StopBuild”. To see how much time we have left go to:

http://www.webcountdown.net/?a=R4bxCU2 PROGRESS REPORTS I highly recommend checking out the team wiki, which is updated pretty much every day during build:

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/home

Navigation to the various sub-pages is at the left. Of particular interest to parents are these pages: Everyday Update 2013:

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Everyday+Update+2013

This page is written by students who sometimes include a special note for parents.

I have posted links to pictures on that page. If you also have pictures, you too can post links to them there. 2012-13 Mentor Blog

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/2012-13+Mentor+Blog If you use an RSS reader, hit the triple dots in the upper right of those pages ("more options") to subscribe. Of course you are welcome to visit whenever the team is meeting and it is fine to bring in middle or elementary schoolers who may be interested in robotics down the road. DONATIONS Thanks to the parents who have volunteered to pick up donations! Your cooperation is vital. The tools, parts, and supplies that the team would appreciate as donations are listed here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QeGqduXqHdbBSbm0jqeDuUsWCOt5D0i1vG7FKOzAm2E/edit

If you, your company, or anyone you know can donate any of these,, please act now. SCHOLARSHIPS Thanks to the 2 moms who volunteered to be the team scholarship coordinator. You 2 can work out the details amongst yourselves, right? FOOD Look at this page to see who is feeding our children: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084EABAA2AA46-2013 As of this writing, there are still 10 open slots (out of 31). Reminder, If you are willing to do pizza run instead of providing food, sign up using the link above, but note “pizza run” in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. Domino’s discount details:

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pizza For your planning: as of last night, the team had plenty of disposable plates, a stack about 5 inches high, several hundred each of plastic spoons, forks, and knives, a large pack of napkins, about 50 paper or plastic cups, and 35 bottles of water. The team also has several dozen granola type bars, but these go quickly when someone remembers to put them out. About 200 individual snack bags from Herr’s should arrive on Saturday. MISCELLANY Team Calendar: http://goo.gl/KaQk4

Team Website: https://sites.google.com/site/teamursamajor2849/

Team Wiki:http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email. January 7, 2013 The team is off to a great start. The kids are excited and hard

at work. Q & A Reminder. There will be a parent Q and A session

- and bagels - on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Hammond.

For my planning, please go to this page that will take

10 seconds tops to complete.

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1cee11dd42&e=abc1e7aec7

Thanks.

DONATIONS We have several donations that need to be picked up. Let me know if you can do any of these: January 11 at 6pm and not 1 minute later, Bagel Bin,

KC Village Center (must use my name), bagels for Saturday

morning's meeting, January 19 around 11:15am, pickup donated lunch from

Greene Turtle, McGaw Rd, Columbia January 23 between 5pm-5:15pm, pickup donated dinner

from On The Border, Gateway Overlook, Columbia Thanks to Cathy W for collecting the donation from Herrâs. SCHOLARSHIPS Our scholarship coordinator has stepped down, so the

team needs a parent to serve in this role. The job is to

receive information about scholarships from FIRST and

retransmit that information to students and parents.

Simple. Will you take this job? FOOD Look at this page to see which wonderful parents are

feeding our children: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8aed90222f&e=abc1e7aec7 No one responded to my request for help in contacting

restaurants. No one. While Iâm flattered that you think I can do everything myself,

the team would appreciate your help.

If you would call one -- just one -- restaurant, that would be

great. Let me know and Iâll provide the contact info. Reminder, If you are willing to do pizza run instead of providing

food, sign up using the link above, but note

'pizza run' in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. Domino's

discount details:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6fa8b8d535&e=abc1e7aec7 2013 GAME INFO Looking for more information about the game?

FIRST has released a series of videos:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5a6cf098b0&e=abc1e7aec7 MISCELLANY Team Calendar:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d7bd18edfa&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Website: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ef40c94e1a&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Wiki:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bc183d6078&e=abc1e7aec7 If you have something that you want to share with the other parents,

please send it along for inclusion in the next email. January 5, 2013 2013 game animation http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=474694b5bf&e=5cd6dcc0ac National stop build day: February 19 January 4, 2013 NASA Broadcast The broadcast will reveal the 2013 game. NASA will be broadcasting the FRC Kickoff starting at 10:30 ET on both

their ‘Public’ and ‘Educational’ channels. This means the broadcast can

be viewed both on computer, and, if you have a cable or satellite TV provider

with the NASA Public Channel, you can watch the kickoff on TV. If you would like to view the kickoff on a computer, go to

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=2f7290b329&e=5cd6dcc0ac

OR

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=64f8610d55&e=5cd6dcc0ac If you would like to view the Kickoff on cable or satellite TV, it will be broadcast

on NASA's Public & Education channels starting at 10:30AM ET, and other

times later in the day. Although the broadcast is scheduled for an hour, FIRST headquarters hints

that it might be shorter than that. Jeff January 3, 2013 Our area's FIRST kickoff event is at Capitol College in Laurel on

Saturday, January 5. The 2013 game is revealed at the event.

Students have already been sent details by email.

=
===================== A tremendous thank you to the parents who have signed up to feed the team: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=58f581c75f&e=abc1e7aec7 As you can see, there are still plenty of openings. We need your help to contact restaurants for donated meals. If you

would call just one restaurant, that would be a big help. Let me

know and Iâll provide the contact info. Also, If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of

providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note

"pizza run" in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money.

Domino's discount details:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5facfc7677&e=abc1e7aec7

=
===================== Long time team mentor Reggie Counts announced that his company,

Helm Point Solutions, is donating $5,000 to the team this year!

=
===================== The team will be having a "in-school field trip" on Monday. Students

will spend the day in the tech ed room to dissect this year's game

and brainstorm robot design.

Permission slips are required.

=
===================== There will be a parent Q and A session on January 12 at 9 a.m.

at Hammond. You can ask about the build season schedule,

expectations for students, team finances, or anything else.

I'll bring some pictures from last year.

=
===================== Your student should have turned in a light-bulb fund-raiser form.

Please check and make sure this has happened.

=
===================== Miscellany Team Calendar:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8294982bcc&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Website:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=651daf7cdb&e=abc1e7aec7

Team Wiki:

Nohttp://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=619dee9878&e=abc1e7aec7

Emails to Parents 2014

July 20, 2014

Notes from yesterday’s meeting

We discussed the role that Hammond staff seem to be taking with the team this year.

Raising money is an imperative and ongoing need. Eric urged everyone to use their contacts, family, and friends to seek funding sources from those folks’ employers. Holly volunteered to take the lead on leaf-raking. Eric and Diane will contact Lynette about the ARL grant. Who else will help?

Jeff reviewed the plans for BoB. The team will need to prepare the robot before BoB, move it and the pit to McDonogh on Sept 19,and return everything when the event ends the evening of Sept 20. Who is taking the lead to make this happen? The BoB committee seeks volunteers to help at the event. To offer your services in a technical or nontechnical role, email Jenny [ jbeattyfirst@gmail.com ]. A big thanks to Tony for donating trucking services to the BoB committee. A big thanks also to Miguel for offering to 3d print awards.

Jeff reviewed the plans for Education Day. This extremely valuable event occurs almost in our backyard - it’s only 4 miles from Hammond to APL. Who will take the lead on recruiting folks to go and arranging carpools. Note the tentative schedule:

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UJ8I_dNBDJZKIa7Gwg1TXC7yis8UluQAECO2ZBxaUKY/edit?usp=sharing

Have a look and you can see that it’s not just for students. Also note the open slots and question marks. The coordinator seeks proposals to fill the slots. The question marks are where instructors are needed.

New mentor: Bill Schneider (I hope the spelling is correct). He’s an EE, but does mostly software development. His son Charlie is a new team member.

Everyone thinks we should be there:

"new Student Orientation

Who: Any students/families new to Hammond & all rising 9th grade students/families are invited.

What: New Student Orientation – Welcome to Hammond!

When: Thursday, August 21st, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Where: Hammond High School Auditorium

Please contact Mrs. Meredith Bauer, 9thGrade Counselor, at meredith_young@hcpss.org with any questions. "

But the robot is not ready. Someone needs to take the lead on setting meeting times Aug 18 to 20 and checking with Hammond to ensure the times work. We will need mentor / adult presence at those times, whatever they are.

Someone needs to take the lead on scheduling meetings in the fall.

Someone needs to take the lead on managing the team web page and the students who do the actual work on it.

Someone other than Jeff needs to monitor the team’s email address.

Jeff

And there’s this from Holly [saveastray@msn.com]:

I've been helping a contact at a high kill shelter in NC find foster homes for dogs who's time is up. I just found out about these 2 dogs who are in need of a place right away - their time is up on Monday. Today I was successful, within an hour, of finding a place for a 2 year old pure bred chocolate lab. Hope I can get lucky with these other 2. If any interest from anyone, the dogs can be transported from NC. Free transport and $300 to cover vet costs Thanks for your consideration. Holly July 12, 2014

Reminder: RSVP for the picnic on Saturday July 19 (the list of those who already have is here )

We will start cooking at noon and there will be an adults meeting at 2:30. Adults are welcome to attend the meeting even if not eating.

There will be a contributions can to offset the cost of the meat. Any excess will be donated tot he team.

Plan to be outdoors. You may wish to bring a folding chair.

upcoming:

date - what (questions/more info)

July 19 - team picnic (smeyers7373@gmail.com)

Sept 20 - BoB, McDonogh School, Owings Mills (roveout@gmail.com)

Oct 25 - Education Day at JHU APL ( Thomas.Milnes@jhuapl.edu ) June 25, 2014

Governor Martin O’Malley extends an invitation to all Marylanders involved in volunteer service to spend a fun-filled Sunday, August 24, at the Maryland State Fair. The Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day is presented by the GOSV and the Maryland State Fair. All volunteers, friends, and family are welcome!

http://gosv.maryland.gov/statefairfaqs.html

Show your Governor's Volunteer Appreciation Day pass at the entrance gate, and 1-5 individuals will be admitted to the Fair for $2.00. June 23, 2014

Welcome to the 2014-15 Ursa Major parents email list.

Three mentors are meeting with the school administration Wednesday afternoon to discuss the coming school year. We have been told that Mr. Muscato will be sharing faculty advisor responsibilities with Ms. Jenkins and Mr. Kostrich, but we don’t yet know how the responsibilities will be divided. If there are other issues you want covered, let me know.

Ursa Major 2nd Annual Picnic - Members, alumni, family, friends, and supporters are welcome. Details and RSVP:

docs.google.com/forms/d/13zQCmilRsP3bHHwzSPMRTO-XQ9NyZCYyxwkui0CACbk/viewform

The RSVP list as of noon today: Jeff, Holly, Sean, Sherri, James, Faith, Johana, Rainor, David, Bryant, Kyle, Insaf, Charlie, Stephen, Howard, and Alex.

We’re having an adults meeting while the kids are playing frisbee, so please make every effort to RSVP and attend and remind students to RSVP as well. June 19, 2014

Things are changing in the way Hammond’s staff handles the team. I’m gathering information and expect to send something out to the new list in about a week. And if you don’t fill out this 30 second form, you won’t be on the robotics email list:

docs.google.com/forms/d/1X3GMD1_t1lMZVMtzFntgtSrhQUuamQ_Oeo6fgMyX74g/viewform

We are switching to the new list in 2 days, so act now.

Note: you need fill out the form once (ok Kathleen?)

Ursa Major 2nd Annual Picnic - Members, alumni, family, friends, and supporters are welcome. Details and RSVP:

docs.google.com/forms/d/13zQCmilRsP3bHHwzSPMRTO-XQ9NyZCYyxwkui0CACbk/viewform

We will have a parents/mentor meeting while the kids are playing frisbee. June 11, 2014

Minutes from the June 8 adults meeting are here:

docs.google.com/document/d/12yp8PqQWRqyU4EeqECrBNMNRK6y98u0-RCmg0XAnuy4/edit

Invitation and details for the Second Annual Ursa Major summer picnic on July 19th - please click and respond and share the link with your children who are on the team.

This email was sent using the 2013-14 parents email list. That list will soon be retired and emails will go out to those on the 2014-15 email list. So if you want to continue to get these emails, fill out this 30 second form:

form to subscribe to the 2014-2015 parents email list

Of course, you may unsubscribe at any time. So, to avoid interruptions, fill out the form promptly. Although emails sent to this list are primarily for parents, anyone interested may subscribe - there is no age limit or other qualification.

Reg and I attended the BAA meeting last night that included BoB planning. Things are moving along nicely and the event will be a lot of fun. Be sure to block out September 20 on your calendar (and for those helping with load-in or set-up, that will happen starting at noon on September 19). Thanks to the generosity of Miguel I., we are registered and have avoided the $50 price increase!

Education Day (at JHU APL) this year will include sessions on the new RoboRIO as well as the sessions we’ve seen before including CAD, electronics, pneumatics, fund-raising, etc. So be sure to save the date: October 25. Mentors : Thomas.Milnes@jhuapl.edu is working on the the schedule for BAA Education Day, if you want to help present, please contact him directly. June 10, 2014

This is the invitation and details for the Second annual Ursa Major summer picnic on July 19th

docs.google.com/forms/d/13zQCmilRsP3bHHwzSPMRTO-XQ9NyZCYyxwkui0CACbk/viewform

Please respond June 5, 2014

Please RSVP to Eric ASAP, OK?

Sunday is the next adults planning meeting for next year.

RSVP to Eric Adler [ eadler756@verizon.net ]

Review the minutes and unfinished business:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lGMIqZQUwNnt_0c3MbAqK1Ev9vzGKjAXsYU-atjJ1Pc/edit?usp=sharing May 23, 2014

Great big thanks to Miguel I for paying the team’s registration to BoB!

From Team leader Josh L [ joshlee1997@gmail.com ]:

Just set up a team text reminder for next year. Should be more efficient than email.

IF you are going to be on the team next year (i.e. not a senior this year) text @teamur to (443) 992- 7089 to subscribe

If you are Mentor or parent text @teamursa to (443) 992- 7089 to subscribe

If you are a Alumni or a 2014 graduate text @teamursaal to (443) 992- 7089 to subscribe

upcoming:

date - what (questions/more info)

May 28 - Tech Council Awards Dinner, JHU APL (p.hestnes@verizon.net)

June 5 - 8th grade visit to Hammond HS 8am to 11am (vincent_muscato@hcpss.org)

June 6 - volunteer breakfast at Hammond HS (maryann_mcqueen@hcpss.org)

June 8 - 1-3pm adults planning meeting at Adler house ( eadler756@gmail.com )

June 8 - STEM Fair at HCC, we’re not participating, but you may want to check it out

June 10 - BAA meeting,, McDonough School, Owings Mills (roveout@gmail.com)

Sept 20 - BoB, McDonough School, Owings Mills (roveout@gmail.com)

Oct 25 - Education Day at JHU APL (Thomas.Milnes@jhuapl.edu) May 15, 2014

The BAA had a tour of the facilities at McDonough School in Owings Mills. This is the site of next fall’s Battle O Baltimore (Sept. 20). Here’s a few pictures: opa.cig2.usa.canon.com/s/m/GhD7JmXtm32

BoB is entirely run by volunteers. If you want to help, please let me know and I’ll connect you with the right person. Thanks to Reg and Rob for stepping up already.

As I write, the website www.battleobaltimore.com still has last year’s data, but it should be updated soon. There will be a discount for registering before August 1, so, team leaders, you’ve been so notified.

upcoming:

date - what (questions/more info) May 17 - student leaders meeting (abhijit9331@gmail.com)

May 28 - Tech Council Awards Dinner, JHU APL (p.hestnes@verizon.net)

June 5 - 8th grade visit to Hammond HS 8am to 11am (vincent_muscato@hcpss.org)

June 6 - volunteer breakfast at Hammond HS (maryann_mcqueen@hcpss.org)

June 8 - adults planning meeting at Adler house ( eadler756@gmail.com )

June 8 - STEM Fair at HCC, we’re not participating, but you may want to check it out

June 10 - BAA meeting,, McDonough School, Owings Mills (roveout@gmail.com)

Sept 20 - BoB, McDonough School, Owings Mills (roveout@gmail.com)

Oct 25 - Education Day at JHU APL (Thomas.Milnes@jhuapl.edu)

May 3, 2014 AFCEA is having an awards ceremony for those who are receiving their scholarships. This year 2 Hammond students are being honored including our own Sherri G. The AFCEA has invited us to attend. It’s Thursday, May 8. So far, Jeff, Sam, and Abhi have volunteered. Jeff can drive, but ideally we would have another adult and another student PLUS a van to transport the robot. Please respond ASAP if you can transport. This is the information AFCEA has provided: In past years, Hammond HS has participated in our event with a demo during our reception portion of our program. Since we have done this yearly, I always have the proper power requirements and tables set up for the Robotics team to utilize and last year we had 8+ students from your school who had set up a demo for our attendees during the reception. The Awards Night is held at Martins Crosswinds (Greenbelt). It is next week (short timing), Thursday, May 8th. We also provide the students the opportunity for dinner and the team is welcome to stay for the meal and/or for the entire evening. The reception runs 5-6pm whereas the demo would take place

The team can arrive anytime after 4pm

Dinner starts around 6:30 and the Awards run until to approx 9 pm.

The students do not have to stay the entire evening unless they desire to do so. AFCEA had been sending emails to our former faculty adviser for some time, but never received a response. Eventually (yesterday) they decided to do further investigation and sent an enquiry through the team’s web page. We would plan to leave Hammond at 4 and return whenever those going feel like returning. Again please respond if you want to go or if you can provide a van. thanks

The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) Tech Council Awards Dinner is on Wed, May 28. We will need mentors/parents and students to volunteer at this event to talk about our team and show off our robot. It’s at APL, and we need to be there from about 4pm - 9pm. Since it’s the whole evening, we could take students for part of the time if they need to do homework. Please let me know if you’re willing/able to attend!

Also, I need one or more students to please make business cards (or some other kind of card, flyer, etc) for us. It should say we are always looking for corporate sponsors, have our email address and remind companies that we always need donations of spare parts/materials they may have. Who can I count on to take care of this?

Thanks, Phyllis Hestnes < p.hestnes@verizon.net >

April 28, 2014 Sai sent this in to the school administration. I thought you should have a copy: “Our Robotics exhibit at the STEM festival was a great success. In the school announcements could you please thank all the students who participated in the festival, and the students who fixed up the robot to make it work smoothly. “More details on the same, if you wish to add to your announcement -- “It was an honor for HHS Robotics team, UrsaMajor, to be one of 3 Robotics teams asked to be part of the Lockheed Martin Robotics Exhibit. There were over 5 thousand exhibits at the STEM Festival Expo, and over 3 hundred thousand people visited during the 3 days. HHS Robotics students operated their robot almost continuously from 9am to 6pm for 3 days, without any failures. And, they answered questions from thousands of elementary, middle, high school kids, parents, and grand parents, about Robotics and STEM. For all their commitment and hard work during the festival, Lockheed Martin is giving the team $2,000. This was a different type of achievement for our students, on par with winning a competition.“ The few people who participated in putting this on for the Team did astoundingly great work. This tiny handful of team members, mentors, and parents worked extremely hard over 3 very long days and made our Team, our school, and our program look really good. The visitors I talked to were absolutely blown away by our robot’s sophistication and efficiency and could hardly believe that it was designed and built by high school students in 6 weeks without some professional organization providing a kit or plans. Plus the little kids loved rolling the ball to the robot until parents literally dragged them away. next planning meeting:

Reminder, please take a moment to indicate your time preference for the next parents/mentors meeting. Just go to:__whenisgood.net/mmd29is__ and follow the instructions on the screen. So far it looks like NONE of the times is good for even half of the respondents.... so let me know if you think I should look at times at the end of May or after June 20. Note: these people have already replied: Sai, Phyllis, Lynette, Bev, Holly, Brady, Steve, Johana, Reggie, Judi (Hammond’s AP) day camp

Only 2 people have added thoughts to the “robotics for little kids __document”__

docs.google.com/document/d/1UCjZEZcWNbXDnZQYwF_vONibWP2N-uoX4KiWcwO6Goc/edit?usp=sharing

Maybe you have another way to raise money that you’re ready to implement. If so, please share. coming events

Scouts tech day - May 10 (Miguel)

Tech Council Awards dinner - May 28 (Phyllis, Kevin)

It’s time to recruit team members and get firm commitments. grants

Vince - are we up-to-date on the Army Research Lab grant?

Phyllis, Reg, and Lynette - you guys volunteered to handle grant research and applications, it’s time to take the next step. If anyone else wants to help, please contact those 3 directly.

thanks

Jeff

April 25, 2014

Sai’s pictures from the Sciencefestival today

pogoplug.com/s/9x80rK-QWlA/

Reminder, please take a moment to indicate your time preference for the next parents/mentors meeting. Just go to: whenisgood.net/mmd29is and follow the instructions on the screen.

April 23, 2014 Minutes from Monday night’s parents meeting: docs.google.com/document/d/1lGMIqZQUwNnt_0c3MbAqK1Ev9vzGKjAXsYU-atjJ1Pc/edit?usp=sharing Please take a moment to indicate your time preference for the next parents/mentors meeting. Just go to: http://whenisgood.net/mmd29is and follow the instructions on the screen. (NOTE: you only need to do this once - just once - if you’ve already indicated your preferences, please please please ignore future requests to indicate your preferences.) April 22, 2014

We had a very productive meeting last night. I’m going to try and get draft minutes to those who attended something this evening. After they’ve all had a shot at fixing the draft, I’ll send it out to the group FYI.

While you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the minutes, please take a moment to indicate your time preference for the next parents/mentors meeting. Just go to: http://whenisgood.net/mmd29is and follow the instructions on the screen.

Thanks to everyone who attended last night and brought refreshments and firewood. April 17, 2014

Did you know that most of the team's money the last few years has been due to the efforts of our mentors - not parents. Isn't it nice that our mentors are taking better care of our kids than we are?

FYI

In your next email could you include this link to the FIRST Fundraising Toolkit http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/first-fundraising-toolkit. It may be helpful for those attending the planning meeting.

Reg

reminder

The planning meeting for 2014-2015 is Monday evening - 7 p.m. at the Wilson house – 7502 New Grace Mews – Cathy Wilson  is providing drinks and snacks. It will be helpful for her to know (1) that you’re coming, and (2) if you’re bringing a drink or snack. The agenda is still open for editing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVIl5yqVk_rGwbjzsEKkL01KbJwtAR9svZYJNB_b2d0/edit Please bring a copy with you, or if you are not attending but have thoughts, notions, ideas, or demands, please send them along. Note: this is an adults only event.

Thanks April 16, 2014

The planning meeting for 2014-2015 is Monday evening - 7 p.m. at the Wilson house –.

Cathy Wilson is providing drinks and snacks. It will be helpful for her to know (1) that you’re coming, and (2) if you’re bringing a drink or snack.

The agenda is still open for editing:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVIl5yqVk_rGwbjzsEKkL01KbJwtAR9svZYJNB_b2d0/edit

Please bring a copy with you, or if you are not attending but have thoughts, notions, ideas, or demands, please send them along.

Note: this is an adults only event. April 15, 2014

FIRST Scholarship newsletter - April

__SpaceX internships for FIRST alumni__ - preference for those with a couple of years of college done. SpaceX has intern housing that is partially subsidized by the company and offers relocation benefits to California.

upcoming (who’s updating the team calendar?)

April 21, 2014-15 planning meeting @ Wilson home

agenda (feel free to edit)

April 22, team meeting after school

April 25-27, DC STEM Fair, Sai

info

May 10, Scout STEM day, Miguel

May 28, Tech Council Dinner, Kevin & Phyllis

2014 Battle o Baltimore, Saturday Sept. 20.

Who is updating the wiki? there’s a mess of obsolete stuff on the home page April 14, 2014

The team will be meeting 1 week from tomorrow, April 22, after school in the tech ed room. The robot needs a few repairs before the STEM Festival. April 13, 2014

From Maryland FIRST

7000+ photos down to 1000+ but they are all tagged. Thank you to the Chesapeake Regional photographers!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/122681157@N06/tags/

The Chesapeake Regional Planning Committee

=
The parents meeting to plan for next year is scheduled for the evening of April 21. There was no date that worked for everyone, but I hope that you can attend.

Cathy Wilson is hosting. Thanks!

Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVIl5yqVk_rGwbjzsEKkL01KbJwtAR9svZYJNB_b2d0/edit?usp=docslist_api

Other Upcoming events - make sure your children are informed:

April 25-27 - Stemfest in DC, Sai has put a lot of information on the wiki, check it out, doing well puts us in line for a nice donation from Lockheed Martin

May 10 - Scout STEM day at FT Meade, volunteers from the team are helping teach the robotics merit badge, Miguel is coordinating

May 28 - tech council awards dinner, Phyllis and Kevin are coordinating the demo April 8, 2014

URGENT: Daniel and/or another robotics team member need a ride from HHS to Gorman Crossing Elementary on Wednesday 9th (tomorrow) at 3:45pm. One or both students need to be picked up at the robotics entrance at HHS at 3:45pm and dropped off at Gorman before 4pm. They may need a ride back to Hammond at 5pm. Anyone who can help should contact Daniel at imjoemilk227@gmail.com

RoboSpectrum, team 3389 (Parkside HS, Wicomico County, Salisbury MD), created videos from the stop motion footage from their Raspberry Pi mounted in the pits at Chesapeake, the videos look down the aisle that includes our pit

4/3/14 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymnAJY-WYoA

4/4/14 Morning - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sCxlLsGSYI

4/4/14 Afternoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynG-OqHVzlc

So far, 27 adults indicated an interest in attending a planning meeting for next year. This web page is the way to help pick a date: http://whenisgood.net/4je2mi8

If you want to see the draft consensus agenda, let me know.

UMD scholarship application for FIRST team members

https://futureumdengr.wufoo.com/forms/clark-school-first-scholarship-application/

due by Monday, April 28, 2014

Maryland FIRST photos from Chesapeake (1,976 photos)

https://plus.google.com/photos/108190054093203635971/albums/5999342828565772193

April 6, 2014

from Phyllis

link to my pics (and videos) from today. I’ve got more and will put them in the same spot once my computer starts behaving...

https://picasaweb.google.com/dhestnes925/ChesapeakeRegional2014?authkey=Gv1sRgCImS8o2Bgt7swAE

Nice to see our principal and vice-principal, some parents, siblings, and a bear

corrections from Bev

Sorry we were 7th

Only us atholton, river hill and glenelg made finals... that's 4. WL and Hebron didn't

The official stats from Chesapeake are here:

http://www.usfirst.org/whats-going-on/event/10777/

Howard County Teams are:

Atholton 2537

Hammond 2849

Mt Hebron 3748

River Hill 4067

Wilde Lake 4137

Glenelg 888

I’ve received a few emails about Thursday night’s demo at Gorman Crossing. I don’t have any more info to share at this time. As soon as any more info is shared with me, I’ll get it out to you.

April 5, 2014

The team finished the qualification rounds as the number 7 seed (out of 54). This finish meant that the team was one of the 8 alliance captains for the elimination rounds. The team was eliminated in the quarter-finals. This was among the best finishes ever in the team’s history. Our kids did really well after a difficult build season with many obstacles. Of note, 5 Howard County teams (of 6) made it into the elimination rounds, a strong showing that represents the realization at the grass roots of the value of the program.

Here’s my few pictures from today; http://1drv.ms/1kdnL4B

Holly’s pictures https://plus.google.com/photos/113483413186673180837/albums/5998992019516546129

https://plus.google.com/photos/113483413186673180837/albums/5998992190640931233

a number of people have posted pictures on the team’s facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/57062864576/

Big thanks to Tony M for providing the team (and Atholton) with a truck to bring everything home.

Reminder: Thursday the team is doing a demo at the Gorrman Crossing STEM Fair. Sai is the organizer, Holly is transporting the robot. http://stemgces.weebly.com/stem-expo.html

Thanks to all the parents that made the journey to Fairfax and to College Park, who fed us and moved us, and read most of the emails, and who were a vital and great support to the team, thanks to the team members who transformed into bears, thanks to our supportive and tireless mentors, and thanks to Vince Muscato for supporting the team despite the insanity and aggravation. But more than anything, thanks to our kids for showing us how to do great things in spite of our meddling. April 5, 2014 bus passengers should be at Hamond at 7:15 this morning Diane’s pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/l/ ggehrSB2HNHcdLsT2Rbeuf ?

April 4, 2014

8th seed (of 54) at the end of today, seeding rounds end at lunchtime tomorrow

a few pictures

https://picasaweb.google.com/113483413186673180837/20140404?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjE44fz2-fflAE

Sai’s pictures from this morning

http://ppl.ug/3fSR6OJyCXE/ April 3, 2014

I was busy today and only took a few pictures: http://1drv.ms/1fPGMm1

The venue is way better than last week - plenty of good seats - I hope to see you there

Mr. Muscato has issued these bus times for Chesapeake:

- Friday - leave Hammond at 6:45 a.m, return at 8:30 (but might be later)

- Saturday - leave Hammond at 6:45, return at 8:30 (but might be earlier)

Thanks to Kevin for volunteering to take the lead for the Tech Council Awards Dinner 5/28. April 2, 2014

NOTE: the bus is basically full on Friday and Saturday, parents should arrange for their own transportation, carpools are encouraged. Directions, parking, etc. information is on the __wiki__. Since everyone has edit rights to the wiki, you may use the wiki to say that you have space, want space, or otherwise arrange carpools.

If you want to ride the bus on Thursday (tomorrow), contact Mr. Muscato ASAP Vincent_Muscato@hcpss.org

__Mr. Muscato has issued these bus times for Chesapeake:__

__- Thursday - leave Hammond at 7:15 a.m, return at 7 p.m.__

__- Friday - leave Hammond at 6:45 a.m, return at 8:30 (but might be later)__

__- Saturday - leave Hammond at 6:45, return at 8:30 (but might be earlier)__

__Thanks to Miguel for volunteering for the Scout robotics merit badge day 5/10.__

__We still need an adult for the Tech Council Awards Dinner 5/28 - this should be the parent of a team member who is not a senior. This involves moving kids and the robot to JHU APL and back for an evening event. You will probably get dinner and you’ll get a chance to meet the rising entrepreneurs of Howard County’s tech community. Tickets for this event start at $120 - but for you - free!__ http://www.hceda.org/maryland-center-for-entrepreneurship/howard-tech-council.aspx __The keynote speaker is Christine Furstoss, the Technical Director for Manufacturing and Materials Technologies at GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY. Here’s the pictures from last year’s event__ https://plus.google.com/photos/113483413186673180837/albums/5888401081904926241

__Please volunteer.__ __April 1, 2014__

__Thanks to Insaf for driving the unloading crew on Wednesday.__

__Thanks to Sai for heading up the demo at Gorman Crossing 4/10.__

__We still need an adult for the Scout robotics merit badge day 5/10 - this only involves sorting out the roster and transporting the kids, I don’t think we’re taking any gear. Please volunteer.__

__We still need an adult for the Tech Council Awards Dinner 5/28 - this should be the parent of a team member who is not a senior. This involves moving kids and the robot to JHU APL and back for an evening event. You will probably get dinner and you’ll get a chance to meet the rising entrepreneurs of Howard County’s tech community. Tickets for this event start at $120 - but for you - free! http://www.hceda.org/maryland-center-for-entrepreneurship/howard-tech-council.aspx The keynote speaker is Christine Furstoss, the Technical Director for Manufacturing and Materials Technologies at GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY. Here’s the pictures from last year’s event https://plus.google.com/photos/113483413186673180837/albums/5888401081904926241__

__Please volunteer.__

__Thanks to Howard W, a longtime team supporter and good friend, for pictures from DC:__

__https://plus.google.com/_/notifications/emlink?emr=14626018974892458502&emid=CPiT1Jasvr0CFY5pTAodcE8AAA&path=%2Fphotos%2F110146096227037269171%2Falbums%2F5997160470343958673&dt=1396322906503&ub=21__

__Mr. Muscato has issued these bus times for Chesapeake:__

__Thursday - leave Hammond at 7:15 a.m, return at 7 p.m.__

__Friday - leave Hammond at 6:45 a.m, return at 8:30 (but might be later)__

__Saturday - leave Hammond at 6:45, return at 8:30 (but might be earlier)__

__March 30, 2014__ __Holly’s pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/107855735363454308204/albums/5996680116934205329__

__Message from Holly:__

__Out to the team, mentors, and parents ... YAY!! I got us the use of the Golden Bear mascot costume for the Chesapeake Regionals. Connor, get ready for cranking up our team spirit and participating in the mascot dance off ; ) Holly M.__

__Phyllis added pictures to her album: https://picasaweb.google.com/dhestnes925/UrsaMajor2014?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKHj-aN_7jzNA__

__reminders:__ __team meeting tomorrow__

__permission slips for Chesapeake are due ($5 for Friday night meal)__

__release forms for STEM Festival go to Sai (ask your child)__

__Imagine the hit our robot took to bend this axle bolt: http://pbrd.co/1rUqgtq__ __March 29, 2014__

__Wow, what an emotional roller coaster - the team made it to the quarterfinals, then we had some things break, forcing us to withdraw, most of those things have been fixed, so we should be good to go for Chesapeake. If you want to see the ⅜ inch steel bolt that was bent during competition, see Sam. It was brutal out there!__

__pictures https://picasaweb.google.com/113483413186673180837/20140329?authkey=Gv1sRgCLbqo7OqvsmFwwE__

__If you have pictures to share, please send along a link to them.__

__For Chesapeake, Mr. Muscato had distributed permission slips. Note - these should be returned with $5 to cover Friday night’s dinner at the team social. See Mr. Muscato if you need a permission slip.__

__Everything you need to know is available on the wiki: http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/__

__Mr. Muscato will be finalizing the bus times on Monday and we’ll update the wiki if necessary.__

__The team is meeting Monday after school to finish repairs.__

__March 28, 2014__ __Bus passengers - do not be late to Hammond, the bus will not wait.__

__Saturday: team to report to Hammond at 6:30, Bus at HaHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm (estimate, but it could be up to an hour earlier)__

__For Friday and Saturday (this week and next), you can follow the match results by webstream, app, or webpage. All of the details are here: http://1drv.ms/1ePz12t__

__excellent day - broke another wheel, broke a wire, bent a rod - but everything got fixed between matches, so the team never missed a match (is this a first for Ursa Major?)__

__when the team had decent alliance partners, the team won, when the team how ineffective alliance partners, the team lost … with one exception - that 50 to 49 loss, where the other team got all its points by penalties against our alliance partner - boo__

__the kids did great - in the pits, in the stands, on the field__

__Friday pictures: http://1drv.ms/1gL7VMi__

__Thursday pictures: http://1drv.ms/1eWSs9A__

__tomorrow seeding rounds until lunchtime, then, after lunch, half the teams make it to the elimination rounds__

__If you were there and took pictures, please put them someplace where others can see them - I’ll be glad to let everyone else know where they are__

__finally, some kids have forms to be submitted to Sai, she can collect them tomorrow__

__March 27, 2014__

__Bus passengers - do not be late to Hammond, the bus will not wait.__

__team to report at 6:30, Friday: Bus at HAHS at 6:45am, return about 8:30pm__

__Saturday: Bus at HaHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__For Friday and Saturday (this week and next), you can follow the match results by webstream, app, or webpage. All of the details are here:__ http://1drv.ms/1ePz12t

__pretty good day - 2 mechanical failures: gear box and broken wheel, gear box fixed, wheel replacement almost complete, but team was able to practice almost all day - well done, very happy crew on the ride home__

__pit areas are smaller than anticipated, only 9 feet square per team, so not much room for people in the pits__

__pictures:__ http://1drv.ms/1eWSs9A

__March 26, 2014__

__Bus passengers - do not be late to Hammond, the bus will not wait.__

__Thursday: Bus at HaHS at 7:15am, return 7pm__

__Friday: Bus at HAHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__Saturday: Bus at HaHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__For Friday and Saturday (this week and next), you can follow the match results by webstream, app, or webpage. All of the details are here: http://1drv.ms/1ePz12t__

__Everyone on the team, including all the adults, has completed the on-line consent form for FIRST with 2 exceptions: Holly N and Stephen W.__

__For Chesapeake next week, the University of Maryland is requiring photo releases from all participants. Please download the appropriate one for your circumstance, print, and return to Mr. Muscato.__

__(under 18) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WANII4ekDRUENmNTNzQTI2bkotcVRuMER5ZF9XVXRkbm1R/edit?usp=sharing__

__(18 and older) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WANII4ekDRYUw4YXdfRVplc0djQ0s5bUw3MVZvaTJVSExv/edit?usp=sharing__

__We are going to demo our Robot at the STEM festival in Washington DC on April 25th, 26th and 27th. If you wish to be part of the team on any of these days, please have the permission filled and signed by a parent, and return it to Mr. Muscato or Mrs.Vallurupalli by Friday morning before the bus leaves for the DC competition.__

__permission slip:__

__https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WANII4ekDRV29wTDlwOUNMaHN1ZE1oUDlwdXBtckJITGZV/edit?usp=sharing__

__Lunch will be provided for the students attending the festival, and you might get a t-shirt too, but you need to sign up by Friday.__

__Thanks,__

__Sai Vallurupalli__

__email questions or responses to: spkv1999@yahoo.com__ __March 25, 2014 - part 2 - please share with your child__

__This is what our new $92 flag looks like: http://bit.ly/1fgEOL6__

__DC Info:__

__This weekend’s bus schedule:__

__Thursday: Bus at HaHS at 7:15am, return 7pm__

__Friday: Bus at HAHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__Saturday: Bus at HaHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__I’ve confirmed that the return times are the estimates of pulling into Hammond at the end of the day. I would not be surprised if the Saturday bus in particular was earlier than that. Be prepared -- these return times are estimates.__

__It’s a long bus ride, so passengers should be suitably prepared with reading materials etc. Also, there will be no food stops, so consider packing something to eat for the ride home.__

__Every team member and mentor should have long since created an account with FIRST. Participants at the competition should double check that they have completed the consent and release forms. Students and their parents access the electronic form in STIMS ; adult mentors in TIMS .__

__Updated Chesapeake Info:__

__If you volunteered to work at Chesapeake, by Wednesday evening (tomorrow) you should have heard from the event volunteer coordinator. If you haven’t, let me know and I’ll get you connected.__

__Maryland FIRST has a special program for visitors to Chesapeake:__

__http://www.mdfirst.org/programs/first-robotics-competition/chesapeake-regional/visitors-first-stop.html__

__Please invite family, friends, coworkers, sponsors, potential sponsors, etc. to register for a tour guide.__

__Tour guides are high school students, college students, and adult volunteers and will be assigned as appropriate to the visitor. If you, or your child, would like to volunteer, let me know and I’ll connect you to the coordinator.__

__UMD engineering is expected to be doing some kind of tour of their facilities on Saturday highlighting their work in robotics.__

__The University of Maryland will announce at Chesapeake a new scholarship for FIRST kids. If you might go to UMD, be sure to find their scholarship table and Chesapeake and get the details.__

__Did you know that Chesapeake will cost Maryland FIRST about $195,000 and that we saved $60,000 over last year because we didn’t need to rent bleachers. Did you know the event is run by about 160 volunteers and 4 paid staff?__ __March 25, 2014__

__Forwarded from Mr. Muscato -__

__This weekend’s bus schedule:__

__Thursday: Bus at HaHS at 7:15am, return 7pm__

__Friday: Bus at HAHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__

__Saturday: Bus at HaHS at 6:45am, return 8:30pm__ __March 24, 2014__

__I still don’t have bus information for you. Mr. Muscato is working on it.__

__Thanks to Sai V. for taking the lead on the USA Science Festival Demo April 25 to 27. I understand that our enthusiastic participation in the event may generate a donation of up to $2,000 from Lockheed and they’ve agree to feed the team members that participate. Sai will be providing more information soon.__

__Thanks to Team founder / alum / mentor Rob O. for handling the robot & gear delivery to GMU Wednesday night. Diane G. will need some help in getting the truck unloaded on April 5 when it returns to Hammond (estimated 6:30 p.m.). Please let Diane know if you can help. diandyg@gmail.com__

__The Chesapeake Regional is recruiting Student Ambassadors to be guides for visitors at the competition. As this is our second competition, your child may want a break from the bleachers and this is an excellent opportunity. No experience required – FIRST will have a short training session. Please register prospective Student Ambassadors here. Please encourage your child to sign up.__ __March 22, 2014:__

__Hi All,__

__I posted the food items I ordered for the DC Regional on the wiki and linked it to the DC Regional page. This is for people wondering what happened to their orders and money. After I place the Chesapeake order on Monday, I will post that list as well.__

__I have received a few lunch orders for Chesapeake (see attached list). I will be placing the order by noon Monday. A few people are still thinking about whether to order. Please email me your orders by Sunday. You can pay me on Monday at Robotics.__

__Please note the order will be placed well before I see you at Robotics on Monday, so I cannot accept orders at Robotics, only money for orders sent to me by Sunday.__

__Thanks,__

__sai vallurupalli __ __March 22, 2014:__

__Thanks to Sheila and her crew for an excellent event. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and thoughtful gifts. You’re the best.__

__Pictures from today__

https://plus.google.com/photos/113483413186673180837/albums/5993677257263157057

__Everything you need to know about the competitions is on the wiki__

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/ __recap of announcements:__

__1. bus - Mr Muscato is working on it, more soon - times are on the wiki__

__2. food at competitions - Sai has collected forms, the deadlines to order have passed__

__3. truck - we are sharing a truck with Atholton, Diane is handling the logistics, I think we’re solid with everything except perhaps unloading at Hammond after Chesapeake on April 5 around 6:30. Contact Diane if you can help.__

__4. Demo - Maryland FIRST offerred our team the opportunity to exhibit at__ http://www.usasciencefestival.org/ __April 25 (Friday), April 26 (Saturday), and April 27 (Sunday). The kids want to do this. We are to be there 9am to 6pm, so we’re going to try and sort our shifts. I’m looking for a parent or mentor to be the lead person in planning and logistics. Please respond promptly if you can handle it.__

__5. Demo -The Maryland Tech Council is holding its annual awards dinner Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723. We did this last year and it was good for the kids who participated - they got fed, listened to the keynote (founder of Priceline), and met a lot of local tech business people. The kids want to do this again, so I’ll contact the organizers, meanwhile I’m looking for a parent or mentor to be the lead person in planning and logistics. Please respond promptly if you can handle it. NOTE: this is the night before Hammond’s graduation, so I’m guessing seniors may be otherwise occupied.__

__6. Gorman Crossing - the team mentors the robotics club on Tuesdays at Gorman Crossing. Sometimes we have trouble with transportation. Student Daniel G. is the organizer and he’s reluctant to reach out for help with transport. Please email him if you can help <__imjoemilk227@gmail.com__>

We are demo-ing our robot at Gorman Crossing’s STEM fair on April 10. Thanks to Holly for offering to transport the robot there and back.

March 21, 2014

After some negotiation and coordination with Atholton and Tony Miremadi, here’s the Trucking Plan for this year’s competitions:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IfdQ27_excJ-CTBCNP29ERHB2kiLXbtbaMI0gO8Dt8s/edit?usp=sharing

You’ll note that we need someone to step up and be the “point of contact” for truck matters. No lifting is required, just coordination.

The mentor appreciation lunch is tomorrow - 11:30 a.m. in the tech ed room.

The DC competition is just a week away. Be sure that your kids have turned in their permission slips.

Chesapeake food orders are due tomorrow. Forms available on the wiki.

March 20, 2014

Mr. Muscato wanted you to know that he has received many emails from parents who want to be on the bus and he’s working on getting that sorted. At the direction of HCPSS Central Office, we are sharing the bus with another school so the process is a bit more convoluted. Please be patient.

It would help if you could ensure that your child’s permission slip is submitted ASAP.

Thanks

March 18, 2014

DEADLINE TOMORROW

The deadline to turn in DC lunch order forms is tomorrow.

You may print a blank form from the wiki -

http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/

The form includes instructions.

Reminders

Mentor lunch is Saturday

due soon: DC Permission slips

Chesapeake food order form due by Saturday, print from the wiki

coming soon: Chesapeake permission slips

March 16, 2014

Reminders

students: turn in permission slips ASAP.

adults: Mr. Muscato needs to know ASAP which days you would like to be on the team bus. [Vincent_Muscato@hcpss.org]

everyone: turn in DC food order forms ASAP (extra forms may be printed from the wiki).

Mentor lunch is Saturday, forms to Sheila or Josh Lee NOW (extra forms may be printed from the wiki).

Notes

For competitions, students who are participating with the team must ride the team bus coming and going. For school field trip purposes, students who are not on the bus are not considered to be on trip.

Please act PROMPTLY.

Unless the weather intervenes, there’s a team meeting tomorrow afternoon.

March 15, 2014

from students:

This year we are looking into getting a flag for the announcer to wave around at competitions. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to use the team funds we have right now but are looking to get the flag before competition. If there's any way you could help out with funds (around $100) or have a way to get us a flag that would be wonderful.

Sam M smeyers7373@gmail.com

(the flag would have the same logo as what’s on the back of the team t-shirts)

March 14, 2014

Permission slips are now available from Mr. Muscato. They must be returned to him by the end of the school day on March 24. That’s a firm deadline.

Please ensure that your student sees Mr. Muscato and gets a permission slip.

Adults do not need to turn in permission slips, but adults MUST let Mr. Muscato know if they plan to ride the bus. As were sharing the bus with another team, space is limited, so let him know ASAP.

Note: food order forms are stapled to the permission slip, but you can print out extra copies from the wiki.

Turn this stuff in promptly! March 13, 2014

PLEASE respond promptly

from Sheila:

Hi Ursa Major Parents,

The Mentors Lunch is next Saturday, March 22 at 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Hammond HS Tech Ed Room.

Please send in your lunch slips by Monday, 3/17.

We really hope you make the time to come enjoy the lunch and meet the Ursa Major mentors and your son’s/daughter’s teammates and their families. There will be a videonand also a time of Seniors recognition. Most importantly is the mentor tributes and gifts. If you cannot attend the lunch, but would still like to contribute to the gift, you can mail a check to Sheila Lee at 8609 Sassafras Ct., Columbia, MD 21046. Josh will be at the team meeting on Friday (3/14) and Monday (3/17), so you can also just pass it to him.

Thanks to the following who have RSVP: DesPortes, Meyers, Adler, Hestnes, Counts, Oehrli, Iraola, Vallurupalli, Palmer, Lee, Baker, Green, Hong, Shaffer, Loefffler, Miremadi, Sinnott/SanAntonio.

Hope more people are coming - please let us know soon so we’ll have food for you!

and this is for you to share with your child:

All,

The March 22 Lunch is primarily the mentor appreciation event, but we will also set aside some time to have a Seniors Salute. Other teams at Hammond have a Seniors Night, so we would like to have one, too! It’s like our final home game.

Please help by fillingreplying back to steve.sheila.lee@gmail.com. I’d like you to write one way the Senior has helped you while at Hammond and at Ursa Major, something you like about him/her, a memory of something you did together, or an inside joke, or anything that you would like to say in appreciation or wishing them well in college. A simple phrase will do. Here are some examples:

“Thanks for helping me with my Physics homework.”

“Thanks for showing me how to use AutoDesk.”

“Thanks for saving my hand from the saw.”

“You gave the last slice of pizza to me."

I will compile these as part of a gift. Sorry that it is not a surprise for the seniors as they are on the mailing list, because I would like them to comment on their fellow seniors. Do not feel you have to write something for all the seniors - just if you can think of something. There are 7 seniors listed below. Please write next to their name.

Thank You,

Mrs. Lee

seniors

Ameer Mohammed

Faith Chung

Jacob Moffit

Kyle Iraola

Rainor Dale

Sam Meyers

Sherri Green March 12, 2014

March Scholarships News:

There are over 170 FIRST Scholarship Providers making over $19 MILLION available for 2014.

Please visit the March FIRST Scholarship Newsletter for more information.

here: http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Scholarships/2014_Assets/2014_FIRST_Scholarship_News_March_2014.pdf

from Maryland FIRST:

We are still looking for volunteers for the Chesapeake Regional on April 3-5. Specifically we are still looking for:

- Safety Advisors

- Field Reset/Repair (specifically for Thursday)

- Team queuing

- Crowd control

- Safety Glasses Attendant

If you know anyone who may be interested, please have them sign up here. [ my.usfirst.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx ]

Note: several of these jobs require NO experience or special expertise. If you volunteer, you’ll get a nice FIRST t-shirt, probably a meal, and a chance to work with some other nice people. Also, the jobs are typically in manageable shifts. I’ve found that volunteering is fun, so I’m signed up.

Please forward this request to any adults who might be interested. Thanks.

March 10, 2014

out to the parents list...

The travel plans for the competitions are now set and all of the information, including departure times, is on the wiki:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Permissions slips will be available later this week.

There will be some room on the bus to DC. Mr. Muscato will let parents and mentors know how they can sign up for that space.

Outside food is prohibited at the competitions. Our food committee has collected information about the options. You'll find that info for DC linked on the wiki. I recommend that you sign up for the box lunch option, unless you prefer standing in line. Information about Chesapeake will be available soon and will be available in the same manner. Thanks to Sai, Phyllis, and Diane.

NOTE: Be sure that permission slips and lunch orders are turned in promptly.

Please let me know if the wiki needs to be clarified or if additional information is needed.

Thanks

Jeff

March 6, 2014

from Sheila L:

Mentor Lunch 3/22 Update

Hi Ursa Major Parents,

The mentor appreciation lunch is 2 weeks away. Please remember to send in your slips and checks on Fridays and Mondays at team meetings. There are a limited number of days to get this in (3/7, 3/10, 3/14, 3/17). The food order will go out on the Wed. before the lunch. Thank you to the people who have already responded. I will send out updates to let you know that the envelope has made it to school, to Josh, to my home, to me!

If you have a special diet, please let me know what we could pick up for you. I plan on getting a variety of sandwiches and salads. In general, if you do have a preference for a sandwich, go ahead and let me know by email or on your slip. Here are some choices: Smoked Turkey Breast, Bacon Turkey Bravo, Ham & Swiss, Tuna Salad, Italian Combo, Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT, Napa Almond Chicken Salad, Asiago Steak, Sierra Turkey, Mediterranean Veggie.

Thanks to Charmian, Diane, and Lynette who will be helping with the lunch, too!

Please get your orders in soon!

Sheila

from Diane G:

Thank-you to all those who contributed to the Robotics Basket for the Hammond Boosters Bear Gala! Our team as a group was very generous and we put together a great "Bar Basics" basket with a variety of bar/wine tools, martini and shot glasses, a variety of premium liquor bottles, and more! This basket, valued to at least $250, was donated by our team and will be auctioned off to benefit Boosters!

In addition, thanks to Jen Larrson & her employer H & R Block, Dobbin Center location, for donating a Tablet to the Booster Gala! H & R Block will be recognized as a sponsor as well as the Robotics Team!

Boosters helps teams and clubs at Hammond and has been particularly generous to Robotics! So we are happy to have shown our support back at them!

other matters:

Thank you to everyone who printed copies of the button design.

Sai V. has agreed to take the lead on Friday lunches for the competitions. If you wish to help her in research, planning, or implementation, please email her directly spkv1999@yahoo.com

The transportation plans for the competitions are almost set. FYI, we will be busing to D.C. (GMU in Fairfax) all 3 days. We will busing to Chesapeake (UMD in College Park) Thursday and Friday and carpooling on Saturday. We are sharing the Chesapeake bus with the Wilde Lake team. The exact times will be fixed soon. Expect long days! We are moving cargo to both by truck, which we are sharing with the Atholton team. Permission slips will be distributed shortly.

Jeff

March 3, 2014

this went out to you twice:

"DC Regional - March 27 to March 29 at George Mason Univ in Fairfax. We need a parent to investigate lunch options - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling the bus arrangements. Thanks.

Chesapeake Regional - April 3 to 5 at UM College Park. We need a parent to handle lunch options - I have some information that will help - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling carpools and bus arrangements. Thanks.

Gorman Crossing Elementary STEM Fair - the team is demonstrating the robot on April 10, 6 to 8 p.m. We need a parent with a suitable van or truck to transport the robot there and back. Reply to volunteer. Thanks."

Thanks to Holly M for volunteering to handle the transport to Gorman Crossing ES.

Thanks to Diane and David for taking some steps to investigate lunch options.

Now we need a parent to volunteer to coordinate lunch options. Or two parents.

I would do it, but I'm over-committed already.

Thanks.

Here are the preliminary details on transportation to the competitions:

docs.google.com/document/d/1PSysD20IWmYSp9KpojVxTKTtdrWvwZ0aOqhSGSKLQXA/edit?usp=sharing

Permission slips should come home this week.

Jeff

March 1, 2014

Scholarship for students at community colleges in STEM fields

[static.grainger.com/images/TFT-Brochure.pdf]

Reminder: mentor appreciation lunch, March 22, return forms to S. Lee ASAP.

The bus company estimates our cost for buses this year at $3,000. That’s for 3 days of buses to the competition in Fairfax and 2 days of buses to the competition in College Park. Some of that will be covered by the County, some by our principal (thanks!). Details on transportation are on this document: [goo.gl/3ttlg6] Note, it’s an evolving document, so expect changes.

Twelve Regionals in other areas started yesterday. If you are interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, live streams are often available, check:

[www.theredalliance.com/livefeeds.html]

[www.thebluealliance.com/events]

Regionals continue until mid-April.

Constellation Energy awarded the team $500 (thanks Leigh!). We also received a small tool donation from Apex Tools and from Micro Fasteners, Inc. and DSR, Inc. is ordering a laptop battery for us. Every little bit helps. The team needs 3/16 inch drill bits. Please toss one or two in your shopping cart for us. The other needs are listed here [goo.gl/0LQth4].

The team is fabricating and giving away buttons at competitions. The team would like to make about 1,000. We need your help in the printing step. If you have a quality color printer, please download and print a few copies of this document [jmp.sh/s5obuTJ] or [1drv.ms/1i1jjEM] The goal is to get 150 copies printed.

No one responded to these requests that went to you on February 23:

"DC Regional - March 27 to March 29 at George Mason Univ in Fairfax. We need a parent to investigate lunch options - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling the bus arrangements. Thanks.

Chesapeake Regional - April 3 to 5 at UM College Park. We need a parent to handle lunch options - I have some information that will help - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling carpools and bus arrangements. Thanks.

Gorman Crossing Elementary STEM Fair - the team is demonstrating the robot on April 10, 6 to 8 p.m. We need a parent with a suitable van or truck to transport the robot there and back. Reply to volunteer. Thanks."

So, if you thought someone else would handle these, well, you thought wrong. Please volunteer.

thanks

Jeff

February 28, 2014

out to the parents list....

Ursa Major Mentor Appreciation Lunch 3/22

Hi Ursa Major Parents,

The Mentor Appreciation luncheon has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. The previously announced date conflicted with members' scheduled HHS Band Adjudication and college visit. Please come out to the event to express your gratitude to the mentors who have sacrificed much personal time to teach and help the students plan and execute the build of a complex robot. Sometimes I think the Ursa Major experience is more valuable than school! They certainly learned a lot and formed good friendships through the club and over the delicious meals provided by you.

Many of you deserve thanks as well for all you've done to support the club. This event is really a celebration of a great build season and all the work that led up to it as well, including the Fall training. And through it all, we had mentors that gave up their Saturdays and late afternoons and evenings (until 8 PM) and holidays to help the students.

We will be honoring the following mentors: David Desportes, Reggie Counts, Charlie Crews, Eric Adler, Robbie Oehrli, Bobby Nanan, Miguel Iraola, Vince Muscato, Phyllis Hestnes, Sai Vallurupalli, Jeff Meyers. In addition to collecting money to cover the lunch of Panera sandwiches & salads, I am also collecting money to purchase gift cards that will be presented with handwritten notes from the students. We may also try to get frames for a team picture. The niceness of the gifts depends on your generosity.

It would be great to see you at the lunch, so I hope it's on your calendar now. The event is meant for the whole family.

If you have any questions, you can contact me at steve.sheila.lee@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Sheila Lee (Josh’s Mom)

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=c605d70f1b&e=5cd6dcc0ac

February 23, 2014

Mentor appreciation event -

Sheila L is the organizer. Plan to attend. You are welcome to bring family and siblings.

At this event, students and parents express their appreciation to our generous mentors for their time and talent in teaching lifelong skills that will benefit our kids in their college studies and careers.

The Mentor Appreciation event will be a lunch on Saturday, March 15, 2014, 11:30-1:00 PM at the HHS Tech Ed Room. Mark your calendar.

Though it’s not a special location, we will make it a special event with good food and thanks and celebration of an excellent year.

If you want to help Sheila with the event, please contact her directly:steve.sheila.lee@gmail.com

Reminders:

Post-build team meetings Mondays and Fridays after school until 6/6:30ish. There's still plenty to do and the team needs all team members to help.

Boosters Gala - March 14. You can still join us. You can still contribute towards the team's basket. You can still participate in the cost of Mr. Muscato's ticket.

DC Regional - March 27 to March 29 at George Mason Univ in Fairfax. We need a parent to investigate lunch options - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling the bus arrangements. Thanks.

Chesapeake Regional - April 3 to 5 at UM College Park. We need a parent to handle lunch options - I have some information that will help - volunteer by replying. Holly is handling carpools and bus arrangements. Thanks.

Gorman Crossing Elementary STEM Fair - the team is demonstrating the robot on April 10, 6 to 8 p.m. We need a parent with a suitable van or truck to transport the robot there and back. Reply to volunteer. Thanks.

Jeff

February 21, 2014

out to the parents list...

Maryland FIRST, which operates the Chesapeake Regional robotics competition (4/3 to 4/5/14) in College Park, needs volunteers. I'm volunteering, but there are other more interesting volunteers - it's good fun and you get a nice t-shirt and meals ... Please volunteer or pass this along to anyone else who might be interested:

Chesapeake Regional - Volunteers

We are still looking for volunteers for the Chesapeake Regional on April 3-5. Specifically we are still looking for:

- Safety Advisors

- Field Reset/Repair (specifically for Thursday)

- Team queuing

- Crowd control

- Safety Glasses Attendant

If you know anyone who may be interested, please have them sign up here:

my.usfirst.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx

Thanks

Jeff

February 19, 2014

out to the parents list ...

The next team meeting will be Monday, February 24 from right after school until about 6pm. No meal, but feel free to send in snacks.

Build season recap

The team had a great build season. This is the first time in the team's history that a fully functional robot was bagged on StopBuild. Please make sure that your child knows what a terrific accomplishment this is. Many teams, including our generous weekend hosts at Atholton, just didn't finish.

Thanks to those parents who helped feed the team. This was the first year in team history that the kids and mentors were fed every single session without charge to them. Well done! And some of the meals were superb!

This is the first year in team history that we have even bothered to try and sign up for the DC Scrimmage. In previous years, we didn't have a finished robot and we required every available minute to work on it. Sadly the weather intervened and the Scrimmage was cancelled, but we were ready.

This year's team learned to use sophisticated planning tools to ensure that the robot would be built timely. The team also thoughtfully divided and delegated tasks so that work progressed on multiple systems simultaneously. Team and subsystem leaders showed extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and diligence. They have done extraordinarily difficult work under challenging circumstances with amazing and unfailing good humor and patience.

Team members, with very few exceptions, worked harmoniously, cooperatively, and industriously. This would be impressive in the adult world, to find it amongst children is astonishing. And this year more was expected of student leaders because our faculty adviser was not only new to FIRST robotics, but was new to teaching. Plus we had the matter of the broken pipe, the move over MLK weekend, the move over President's Day weekend, and the weather issues -- all of which the team handled with more grace and forbearance than I had.

Not only did our kids tackle the difficult engineering and programming challenges, but they worked hard to get a handle on budgeting and accounting, on inventory and scheduling, on graphics, PR, and web page design, on fundraising, on outreach, and on chronicling their efforts. Unfortunately, given the lack of mentor expertise and support in non-engineering matters, the team was less successful in those areas.

The team would greatly benefit from adult mentoring in those non-engineering areas by adults who are as committed and reliable as our engineering and programming mentors have been. There is clearly a place for business, math, and physics teachers and mentors to play a role. This would be a rewarding activity for them that they could do on their own schedule and terms. It is a mistake to narrowly pigeonhole our team as just a tech ed function as the school system seems to want to do.

The team benefited greatly from the hard work of a few of the team's mentors in securing the vast majority of the team's funding. The kids and parents did raise some funds, but only a tiny fraction of what is needed to run this program. The team also benefited from donations by the Boosters and the principal, but the bulk of the money came to us because of mentors. We need to step up in this area. It is not reasonable to expect kids solely on their own to raise upwards of $25,000 a year, year after year. It's not realistic and it's not right. Our kids deserve better support.

The post-build team meeting schedule will be Monday and Friday afternoons. There is plenty for the team to do for the six weeks until the competitions. The team was able to build a practice chassis from spare parts (another first in our team's history), so they can test programming and strategies. Also, work continues on the Plan B ball control system. If Plan A fails (Plan A is what's on the robot now), Plan B should be able to be swapped in.

As you know, StopBuild was yesterday. At the end of the evening, the robot was placed in a large bag that is sealed and counter-signed by 2 adults. It will be opened at the competition. FIRST allows teams to reserve 45 pounds of stuff that may be added to the robot at the competition. That should accommodate Plan B if it is needed. This bag and tag was a well-earned celebratory moment for the team. Pictures are linked from the Pictures page in the wiki.

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

I hope that your kids get as much out of the team as mine clearly have. Uniquely the program allows students (to the degree that they desire) to work shoulder to shoulder with industry professionals as they together craft solutions to difficult challenges. My kids have grown and learned tremendously thanks to our mentors. I hope that your kids have had similarly rewarding experiences.

As my youngest child is a senior at Hammond, I am now beginning to wind down my involvement with the team. I'm looking forward to helping someone else transition into this role. No one is going to recruit anyone - you'll need to nominate yourself.

Reminders

Several parents are chipping in to buy Mr. Muscato a ticket to the Gala. If you want to chip in, get your donation to Miguel Iraola or put in in an envelope marked "Iraola - Gala" that should be given to his son Kyle.

The Gala, which is an adults-only catered meal with great food (beer and wine included) and fun activities, will be held on Friday, March 14, 6pm at The Great Room, Savage Mill.

Buy tickets online: www.hammondboosters.org

or send in the paper form: bit.ly/KPIStG

Diane still needs contributions for the robotics basket that will be auctioned at the Gala. Please get your contributions to her promptly. Questions to diandyg@gmail.com, h-301-604-4435, c 240-644-4583

Jeff

Februrary 17, 2014

Atholton was a very accommodating and friendly host. We wish them good luck as they were still hard at it when we packed up and left.

Pictures, videos, and progress reports on the wiki:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/

Jeff

February 15, 2014

out to the parents list....

The programmers are having a productive day in my garage.

pictures:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bfc11879e7&e=5cd6dcc0ac

Atholton tells me that they plan on working in the school from 7:30a.m. to possibly 9p.m.. Fortunately we're in much better shape. So we're sticking with our original plan for tomorrow of 1p.m. to 4:30ish p.m. per this document:

http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=75d051d135&e=5cd6dcc0ac

All of the gear and the robot are at my house. If you want to do anything before 1p.m. tomorrow, please contact Sam directly.

Big thanks to Charlie for spending his Saturday with the kids in a cold garage! Our mentors are the best.

Jeff

February 14, 2014

out to the parents list...

Howard County Schools have decided to cancel anything that would take place in a school. That means that Atholton High is not available to their team or ours. I understand that some lobbying is going on, but given the school system's track record...

Anyhow, if anything changes I'll let you know, but for now, there is no meeting at Atholton tomorrow.

Sam is measuring our garage, so for those who like working on robots in unheated spaces, that's what we may be doing tomorrow.

Jeff please share with your child:

1. There is NO meeting tonight. There is NO loading of gear tonight.

2. The DC scrimmage is cancelled. So, report to Atholton HS at 9a.m. tomorrow until 4pm per this document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IvVD6ti-eQZYFqZ5JEg57bIBNWn_ocvSbrrUX8eEBA0/edit?usp=sharing

3. Reminder:

IMPORTANT: Team members are reminded that we are guests of Atholton. Any team members who cannot hold themselves to the very highest standards should NOT attend.

thanks

Jeff

February 12, 2014

out to the parents list …

Schedule for the next few days:

Thursday:

We expect school to be closed and that everyone will be safe at home.

Friday:

Hammond is not allowing the team to work in the school on Friday, however, Atholton is. So we we will be at Atholton from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. At the end of the day, the Miremadi and Desportes vehicles should be loaded with robot and gear for the scrimmage.

Saturday:

Cargo vehicles can go straight to D.C.

Carpools meet at Hammond at 7:45 for the scrimmage. Carpool information is on the wiki:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/DC+Scrimmage+2-15-14

Each person attending MUST be on the list.

NOTE: carpools lists have changed a little.

After the scrimmage, we’ll be returning to Atholton until 4/4:30 p..m.

Sunday:

The team will be working at Atholton from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., though we may quit earlier depending on how things go.

Monday:

The team will be working at Atholton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- the ending time may extend depending on how things are going.

We must load up the robot and all supplies into vehicles that can deliver them to Hammond at the end of the school day on Tuesday so that the team can work Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Tuesday is back to our original plan: We will unload at Hammond right after school and work until the team is done. The robot must be bagged Tuesday night.

FOOD Friday through Monday

Friday evening: no plans, eat before and after on our own.

Saturday: Chowdhary providing lunch. Plan to have lunch at Atholton at 1 p.m.

Sunday: no meal.

Monday: no plans.

IMPORTANT: Team members are reminded that we are guests of Atholton. Any team members who cannot hold themselves to the highest standards should not attend.

Specific information - directions etc. - about Atholton will be sent out separately within the next day.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation.

Jeff

All,

Saturday's FRC Scrimmage is still on at this time. That may change due to weather. I will try and notify people of changes. Please check your e-mail and the DC FIRST Webpage for updates.

McKinley Technology High School

151 T St NE

Washington, DC 20002

Doors will open on or about 8:00 am

AM session 8:30 - 12:00 and PM session 12:30 - 4:00.

All registered teams will have a table and work space. It will not be a Regional type pit.

Park in the rear of the school and enter the Gym Doors on the lower right side as you face the large steps.

The plan is for McKInley H.S. to sell snacks but I am not sure how weather will change that plan.

Please standby and look for updates.

Don

Don Brobst

Senior Mentor, Washington, DC, FIRST®

V (703) 585 1275 (C)

E dbrobst@usfirst.org

W www.usfirst.org

February 7, 2014

Out to the parents list....

The team is participating in a scrimmage with 14 other teams next Saturday, February 15, 2014. All of the details are on this page:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/DC+Scrimmage+2-15-14

or

http://tinyurl.com/kslzrwq

(or go to the wiki and look for he DC Scrimmage link, bottom left)

As you can see we need drivers both for cargo and for people.

For cargo, we will either load Friday evening or early Saturday.

For people, we wil load at Hammond at 7:45 a.m. and return about 1:15.

Please either add your info to that page, which any wiki member may edit, or let me know and I'll add it for you.

Of course, you are welcome to come along as a spectator.

Thanks.

Please act promptly.

Jeff

February 6, 2014

out to the parents list … We have a lot to do and the missed time this week hurts.

FIRST announced today that there will NOT be adjustments to the deadline, which is midnight local time on February 18.

Here is the schedule through StopBuild:

Tomorrow (Friday 2/7) the team will be working until 8pm.

Saturday the team will work from 8am to 3pm. We have been told the building closes at 3pm and we cannot be there beyond that time.

Monday through Thursday of next week are normal sessions - after school until 8ish.

Next Thursday, February 13, (half-day of school) the team will meet from right after school until 8pm.

Next Friday the team is prohibited from working in school at all because conferences may be scheduled for the tech ed rooms.

Next Saturday, February 15, a scrimmage will take place at Phelps High, right off of 295 in NE DC. We are scheduled to play from 8:30 to 12:30. We will need help with transportation.

The following Monday, February 17, is Presidents’ Day. We don’t know yet whether we will be allowed in the school, but we sure hope we are. This will be nearly the only opportunity to respond to what is learned from the scrimmage as the next day is StopBuild. The schedule for the time between StopBuild and the competitions should be settled soon. During this time, the team will work on the Plan B robot, pit fitting out, bumpers, software, competition plans, etc.

Reminder: check the often amusing wiki Everyday Update which the kids are writing. ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Several parents are chipping in to buy Mr. Muscato a ticket to the Gala. If you want to chip in, get your donation to Miguel Iraola or put in in an envelope marked “Iraola - Gala” that should be given to his son Kyle. The Gala, which is an adults-only catered meal (Putting on the Ritz) with great food (beer and wine included) and fun activities, will be held on Friday, March 14, 6pm at The Great Room, Savage Mill. Buy tickets online: www.hammondboosters.org or send in the paper form: bit.ly/KPIStG

Diane still needs contributions for the robotics basket that will be auctioned at the Gala. Please get your contributions to her promptly. Questions to diandyg@gmail.com, h-301-604-4435, c 240-644-4583

Jeff

February 5, 2014

My notes after a meeting with FIRST folks in College Park today about the Chesapeake Regional to be held at the Comcast Center: docs.google.com/document/d/1ZNhJ1Ii8eS_Aga0_vT-8Jd9H1Upd7hsFsHp15b5P4rM/edit?usp=sharing

or

http://bit.ly/1au8R5f

Jeff

February 1, 2014

Video of our robot first thing this morning:

drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WANII4ekDRUkdhOFBKc3hCZ1E/edit?usp=sharing

Things are going really well.

17 days to StopBuild. ..

No meal slots left! Thanks to everyone who signed up.

bit.ly/IRVHCU

This weekâs food:

- Monday: Vallurupalli: Chicken biryani, palaak paneer, veg korma, okra & Indian sweets (except for the one chicken dish the others are vegetarian dishes)

- Tuesday: Lee:Meatballs & Rolls, Mac & Cheese, Yummy Broccoli

- Wednesday: Garvey

- Thursday: On The Border taco buffet, picked up by Shaffer

- Friday: Miremadi

- Saturday: Wilson

We have a huge supply of plastic forks, knives and napkins. We have ample quantities of plates, cups, and spoons. *

I need your help in picking up a donated meal: Friday, 2/14, (time tbd) Greene Turtle, Columbia. Please let me know

Great and inspiring story about Moriah Counts, team alum and daughter of our mentor Reg Counts:

www.usfirst.org/aboutus/nljan14/first-alum-moriah-counts-helps-bridge-the-stem-gender-gap

The work schedule for the period of Feb. 13 to 17 is not yet determined, but there will be a "scrimmage" in D.C. on the 15th that we would like to enter. Also, there will be a reduced schedule after February 18, maybe 2 or 3 times a week as the team prepares for the competitions. I think it would be useful to plan on a parents meeting this spring to plan for next year. A number of seniors and their parents will be moving on and there are torches to be passed.

The D.C. regional (George Mason Uni Patriot Center, Fairfax) info page is here:

www.dc-first.org/dc-regional

and the list of the 51 participating teams is here:

www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/regional-events

There's a lot of good information about the Chesapeake regional here:

www.mdfirst.org/programs/first-robotics-competition/chesapeake-regional.html

including the schedule, info about the venue (Comcast Ctr College Park), and the 54 teams participating (a lot of out of town teams).

In addition to whatâs on the schedule, the Baltimore Area Alliance will be hosting a team social on the Friday evening. Our kids have indicated an interest in participating.

Mentor David reminds you that attendance is critical, so please help your child attend. I would add that students REALLY need to stay to the end of the session so that cleaning up isn't dumped on just a few. Also, we're out of bottled water, but I'm not asking you to send in any more. Rather your kids should bring in refillable containers for personal use. Iâve become disgusted by the number of almost full water bottles that we've been throwing out. We still have plenty of small bags of chips and pretzels, but snacks of other types are gone.

Student leaders say "Hi" and "Have a Happy Saturday".

Reminder: check the often amusing wiki Everyday Update, which the kids are writing:

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Boosters Gala - March 14

Several parents are chipping in to buy Mr. Muscato a ticket to the Gala. If you want to chip in, get your donation to Miguel Iraola or put in in an envelope marked âIraola - Galaâ that should be given to his son Kyle.

The Gala, which is an adults-only catered meal (Putting on the Ritz) with great food (beer and wine included) and fun activities, will be held at The Great Room, Savage Mill.

Buy tickets online: www.hammondboosters.org

or send in the paper form: bit.ly/KPIStG

Diane still needs contributions for the robotics basket that will be auctioned at the Gala. Please get your contributions to her promptly. Questions to diandyg@gmail.com, h-301-604-4435, c 240-644-4583

Get your tickets now!

Student coordinator Daniel reports that he has been contacted by a few parents to help transport team members to Gorman Crossing E.S. The team mentors the robotics club there. If you wish to help, or if you have questions, contact Daniel via the team email: teamursamajor@gmail.com with Gorman Crossing in he subject line.

Sheila L has volunteered to spearhead the mentor appreciation event. Please contact her if you wish to help plan or carry it out. steve.sheila.lee@gmail.com

Thanks for your support.

Jeff

January 29, 2014

out to the parents list...

Our team has committed to mentoring a robotics club at Gorman Crossing Elementary. We need a little of your help in facilitating this valuable activity.

Message from the team:

=

Gorman Crossing Mentoring

Mentoring will occur Tuesday and Wednesday, 4:00-5:00. Two volunteers must go each day. Daniel Garvey's mom can drive on Wednesdays, but another parent must drive on Tuesday. Exact dates will be added later. For more information, please contact Daniel Garvey at danielgarvey227@gmail.com

=

If you can drive either to Gorman Crossing or from Gorman Crossing, or both ways, please email Daniel ASAP.

Thanks

Jeff

January 27, 2014

out to the parents list... I hope that your kids are keeping you informed about the great progress the team has made this year but you may want to stop in and see for yourself.

Attendance is critical this week, M-F 2:30 - 8ish, Sat 8 - 3:30ish. There are only 22 calendar days left to StopBuild.

Recent emails to you contained a lot of information and several requests. Please take note and respond... You can review those emails here: bit.ly/1mOmmNp I'd like to highlight: if you or your company can donate anything at all for the basket, please get that to Diane G promptly.

This week's meal schedule: 1/27/2014 (Mon) - Sinnott - Baked ziti 1/28/2014 (Tue) - Meyers - pizza 1/29/2014 (Wed) - Garvey 1/30/2014 (Thu) - meal donated by Taco Bell, Patty D to pick up 1/31/2014 (Fri) - Loeffler - Taco meat, totillas, chips and fixins 2/1/2014 (Sat) - Chowdhary There is only 1 slot still open during Build: 2/13/14 - bit.ly/IRVHCU Thanks, the kids and mentors really benefit from the meals!

I noticed that several folks were taking pictures at team sessions. It would be great to share - you can add links to them on the wiki pictures page ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pictures or post them to the team's Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/57062864576/

If you have any suggestions about what should be updated on the team webpage, please let me know and I'll pass them along to Cameron, who's doing a great job on it - hammondursamajor.webs.com

Let me know if I forgot anything or if you have questions.

Thanks Jeff

January 26, 2014

Hello parents!

HCC has graciously offered us two cabinets to replace ours that were destroyed with the sprinkler. We need your help to pick them up! They're giving us two cabinets: one 59" high, 36" wide, and 18" deep, and another 65" high, 36" wide, and 18" deep. If you have a vehicle that you'd be willing to offer to help move them, please email me at sherrigreen24@gmail.com or teamursamajor@gmail.com. One should be able to fit in a minivan with the seats down. The manager at HCC that is coordinating this would prefer to do it on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, so let me know which day you would prefer as well. (If you are unavailable either of these two days, but available on a different day, please let me know which day would work better for you.) Please let me know ASAP.

Thank you so much,

Sherri

January 25, 2014

out to the parents list …

Great progress today, we should be very proud our our kids’ hard work and our mentors’ and teacher’s reliability and guidance.

23 days to StopBuild ….

video of first test of this year’s robot: http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=085e8392c1&e=5cd6dcc0ac

pictures linked from wiki

There are only 2 meal slots left, please volunteer:

bit.ly/IRVHCU

I need your help in picking up donated meals:

- Friday, 2/14, (time tbd) Greene Turtle

Please let me know if you can handle this pick up for the team.

Generally, the Monday through Friday meetings go until about 8p.m. Saturday meetings are 8a.m. to 3p.m.or 4. If there are changes, they should be posted on the wiki and I’ll try and send them out by email.

Mentor David reminds you that attendance is critical this time of year, so please help your child attend. I would add that students need to stay to the end of the session so that cleaning up isn’t dumped on just a few.

Reminder: check the wiki Everyday Update which the kids are writing.

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Boosters Gala

The Boosters Gala, which is an adults-only catered meal (Putting on the Ritz) with great food (beer and wine included) and fun activities, will be held on Friday, March 14, 6pm at The Great Room, Savage Mill.

Buy tickets online: www.hammondboosters.org

or send in the paper form: bit.ly/KPIStG

Get your tickets now!

Several of you have already sent envelopes to Diane - thanks!

Jeff

=

Robotics Team Parents!

This is Diane Green, Sherri's mom, writing to ask for your HELP right away!

The Robotics Team donates an auction basket every year to the annual Bear Gala (formerly known as the Bull Roast) for Hammond High School, which is on March 14 this year.

If each of us can make a donation, big or small, we will be able to put together an auction basket or auction item for the Gala from the Robotics Team!!

You can donate $10, 20, 30 or more -- (any amount is great, even $5 ) and we will purchase item(s) to go into the basket OR one large auction item. Let me know if you have any ideas. You can mail the donation to me (or have your child give an envelope to Sherri at school, marked "Robotics basket"). We would also be pleased to include in the basket any products or certificates for services that you, your employer, or anyone else can provide. The donor gets recognition and we benefit as well.

The team appreciates all the that team families are doing to support the Robotics Team this year --your support has been terrific!

Go Bears!!

Diane Green

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place

Columbia, MD 21046

January 23, 2014

out to the parents list ...

25 days to StopBuild ...

The move back from the warehouse went smoothly - a big thanks to everyone who helped! A a big thanks to Tony Miremadi and VMW Express for the generosity and flexibility in letting us use the warehouse. VMW sent me a note to thank everyone for the quick move and thorough clean-up.

There are only 2 meal slots left, please volunteer:

bit.ly/IRVHCU

I need your help in picking up donated meals:

- Thursday, 1/30, 4:45pm, Taco Bell

- Thursday, 2/6, 5pm, On the Border

- Friday, 2/14, (time tbd) Greene Turtle

Please let me know if you can handle one of these pick ups for the team.

Mr. Muscato reminds you that we're back on a regular schedule. He will be having a budget review session Friday (tomorrow) evening. If you're interested, please join us.

Mentor David reminds you that student attendance is critical this time of year, so please help your child attend.

Reminder: check the wiki Everyday Update which the kids are writing.

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home

Boosters Gala

The Boosters Gala, which is an adults-only catered meal (Putting on the Ritz) with great food (beer and wine included) and fun activities, will be held on Friday, March 14, 6p.m. at The Great Room, Savage Mill.

Over the years, the Boosters have been very good to us, so for that reason, you should attend. You should also attend because it is a great, good time. I was skeptical too about how much fun it might be, but now, after several years of going, I have no hesitation. Last year, there were 6 or 8 robotics parents there, we can do better!

One feature of the event is a silent auction of baskets that contain certificates for services or goods put together by various school organizations. The baskets on auction generally turn out to be great deals, so the event might pay for itself. It has for me for several years. Plus there are door prizes, so pretty much everyone goes home a winner.

Buy tickets online: www.hammondboosters.org

or send in the paper form: bit.ly/KPIStG

Get your tickets now!

Jeff

==

Robotics Team Parents!

This is Diane Green, Sherri's mom, writing to ask for your HELP right away!

The Robotics Team donates an auction basket every year to the annual Bear Gala (formerly known as the Bull Roast) for Hammond High School, which is on March 14 this year.

The Bear Gala, as you may know, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the school and helps ALL clubs and sports areas at the school! So we definitely want to give back!

If each of us can make a donation, big or small, we will be able to put together an auction basket or auction item for the Gala from the Robotics Team!!

You can donate $10, 20, 30 or more -- (any amount is great, even $5 ) and we will purchase item(s) to go into the basket OR one large auction item. Let me know if you have any ideas.

BECAUSE Time is of the essence, please get in touch with me right away about your plans to donate. Please let me know how much you will be contributing. You can mail the donation to me (or have your child give an envelope to Sherri at school, marked "Robotics basket").

We would also be pleased to include in the basket any products or certificates for services that you, your employer, or anyone else can provide. The donor gets recognition and we benefit as well.

The team appreciates all the that team families are doing to support the Robotics Team this year --your support has been terrific!

Go Bears!!

Diane Green

diandyg@gmail.com

h-301-604-4435

c 240-644-4583

9501 Footprint Place

Columbia, MD 21046

January 22, 2014

out to the parents list...

So far, only 1 parent responded to the team's request for help with transportation tomorrow.

No matter what kind of vehicle you have, our kids would very grateful if you would turn up at the tech ed room about 2:40 tomorrow. The plan is to take some students and vehicles to the warehouse and move everything back to Hammond by 3:30 or so. Please let the team know teamursamajor@gmail.com if you can help.

Please help.

There will be a full team session tomorrow from after school until 7:30 / 8ish.

Only 26 days to StopBuild.

Thanks

Jeff out to the parents list...

neither the school nor the warehouse are available to us today

we will need transport help tomorrow after school to go and retrieve everything and bring it back to Hammond, please email teamursamajor@gmail.com if you can help

thanks

note: 27 days to StopBuild

January 21, 2014

WEATHER/ Meeting UPDATE for Tuesday 1/21/14 -We are canceling today's Robotics meeting at the warehouse. A tentative plan to finish packing up (items are not completely packed) and moving back to Hammond is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon 3 or 330pm. This is dependent on road conditions, access to the warehouse, and access to Hammond. Anyone who has a van and is available, please email teamursamajor@gmail.com Another update will be posted when we finalize finalize plans for moving.

from David D & Diane G.

January 20, 2014

message from Diane

WEATHER ISSUE -WILL IT SNOW?: Tomorrow Robotics is scheduled for 9am to 7pm at the warehouse, including moving all of our "stuff" back to Hammond.

In case there are weather issues tomorrow and we need to make changes/cancel our Robotics schedule, please check the Wiki for updates. THERE MIGHT NOT BE ANOTHER EMAIL TO PARENTS -- you will need to check the Wiki - should post something between 730am and 8am Tuesday morning 1/21. You can call Diane Green if you have questions -cell 240-644-4583.

January 17, 2014

out to the parents list...

reminder: tonight is the move to the warehouse, we'll need your help - all the details are here:

docs.google.com/document/d/1D0PneluW0K0VPbn-bDCkSWGA1d_OH-lpGvBoJX4y0AI/edit?usp=sharing

or, shortened, bit.ly/1dyAGEX

Also, it's time to buy your tickets to the Boosters Gala

www.hammondboosters.org

It would be nice to continue our tradition of putting together a Robotics basket for the auction - please let me know if you're willing to handle that either alone or with someone else.

Thanks

Jeff

January 13, 2014

out to the parents list ...

Reminders

Tonight is the regional mentor meeting, so we will need parents to be present in the tech ed room after 6 p.m. until cleanup (around 7 / 7:30).

The schedule for the next week, etc. is all being collected in this document:

bit.ly/1c4gEBc

The document is updated from time to time, so check it periodically.

Parents - we need your help in providing transportation on Tuesday, January 21 in the 7 / 7:30 p.m. time frame.

Let me know of your availability.

Budget

The Superintendent's budget proposal is now before the Board of Education. The Board will act on it then send it along to the County. First the County Executive then the County Council will act on it before it becomes law. The proposal contains some language about FIRST robotics. On page 101, under "Engineering and Technology Education", the budget says:

"Co ‐ Curricular Activity

"The optional co ‐ curricular activities available to students who are interested in engineering include the FIRST Tech Challenge and the FIRST Robotics Competition which are sponsored by the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization. The FIRST mission statement is:

"'to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor ‐ based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well ‐ rounded life capabilities including self ‐ confidence, communication, and leadership.'

"Preparation for the FIRST competition is offered through an extended day and extended week timeframe. Community mentors work with the students and teachers to prepare for this engineering competition."

And proposes this funding:

28 substitute days @ $85 per day ($2,380)

and

$7,350 for bus transportation

That money, I think, somehow will be allocated by the Career & Technology Education Office. I do not know how, or even if, it will be divided among the 6 or 7 FIRST teams in County high schools. I also do not know how many FIRST Tech Challenge teams are in the County.

If you wish to express an opinion to the decision makers, the ways to do so are on these pages:

www.hcpss.org/aboutus/budget.shtml

howardcountymd.gov/departments.aspx?ID=499

cc.howardcountymd.gov/displayprimary.aspx?id=6442462205

Jeff

January 11, 2014

out to the parents list. ..

As you know, mid-terms, the MLK holiday, and the Professional Staff Day, will have a profound affect on the team schedule between January 14 and January 22. We need to comply with school requirements and deal with the need to move forward during this critical segment of the 6-week build season that ends on February 18. We also need to accommodate the schedules of our adviser, mentors, parents, and team members.

Team parent Tony M. has graciously and generously offered the team space in his warehouse in Elkridge, 8.3 miles from Hammond. We are taking him up on the offer.

The schedule for that period and the information about the site, meals, transportation, etc. is all being collected in this document:

bit.ly/1c4gEBc

We will update that document as new information arrives, so be sure to check it periodically.

Parents - we desperately need your help in providing transportation.

Right now, we need to know if you are available to drive gear & students from Hammond on Friday, January 17 and back to Hammond on Tuesday, January 22. Both moves are planned for the 7 / 7:30 p.m. time frame.

Let me know of your availability and I will add that to the document. If you have already let me know, please check the document to ensure that it is correct.

Note: if you signed up to provide a meal between January 14 and 22, please pay careful attention to that aspect of the linked document. Let me know ASAP of any issues.

Reminder: to keep up with what is going on at team sessions, check the wiki Everyday Update.

bit.ly/1h8x6pl

The kids are hard at work and making good progress. Or even better than reading the wiki, stop in.

Reminder: Monday January 13 is the regional mentor meeting, so we will need parents to be present in the tech ed room after 6 p.m. until cleanup (around 7 / 7:30).

Please help by turning up.

It is a busy and exciting time. There is a lot to do and very little time to get it done -- but this is the time of peak learning. Your support is vital to the team and beneficial to your child. Thank you.

Jeff

January 9, 2014

The availability of the school for team use is limited or non-existent from January 15 through January 22 inclusive. As you know, those days are vital for the team.

Team parent, Tony M., is allowing students and mentors to use his warehouse space in Elkridge (8 miles from Hammond) during that time at the schedule we choose. However, mentors and adult leaders have decided that we must have a minimum of 2 responsible adults on-site during those times. Team members generally work at school without close supervision and students are carefully and thoroughly trained in proper and safe tool use (and it shows); nevertheless, in Tony's warehouse, the adults must keep a close watch to ensure that the team's high standards of safe practices are consistently followed.

Before we publish a schedule for use of the warehouse, we must first get firm commitments from responsible adults to be there for particular times. If you are willing to help with this responsibility, and if you are available during the afternoons/evenings of January 15 through 17 or during the days of January 18 through 22, please let me know now -- ASAP.

If you do offer some time, please consider this offer to be an iron-clad commitment. We might not need you for all of the hours you are available, but we need to be able to count on you to be there when you say you can be.

As soon as we know the adult coverage, we can decide on the hours the warehouse will be open to students.

Once we fix a schedule, we will work on the logistics of transporting kids and gear. But the critical first step is to determine the availability of responsible adults.

Note: to be crystal clear, studying and schoolwork take priority over robotics. Also, working at the warehouse is entirely optional and is not a school activity or function and is not being supervised by the school.

For those of you who have generously volunteered to provide meals during those days, we will probably ask you to bring the meals to the warehouse, but meal times may need to be adjusted depending on how the schedule pans out.

Our kids have been working hard over the last few days and have coped extremely well with dealing with their soaked parts and supplies, their rusty tools and tool boxes, emptying and refilling the storage closet and bins, and tonight, the loss of internet connectivity on the school's computers. Each evening as I've arrived, I found almost everyone focused and busy. This is an astonishing educational experience for them of the highest order.

Our kids are a really great group. Let's give them the support they deserve.

Jeff

January 7, 2014

out to the parents list...

Hello!!

To whom it May Concern:

Wao!! Hooray!! Thank you all for all of your donations and contributions!! On behalf of me Johana Shaffer, Connor and my family, thank you.... Thank you!! We know all those people in need are going to appreciate it with all of their heart!!

Thank you all please pass the words!!

Mrs. Johana Shaffer

Holly asked me to send this out to everyone:

bit.ly/1iRf4Lq

It is a list of those who she has received donations from.

Jeff

out to the parents list...

I received this email and thought you would be interested:

Hi Jeff. I'm happy to report that we collected $400 in donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Jereme Shaffer. It will go out in tomorrow's mail. There were a few people who emailed saying they would like to contribute, but I have not received those donations yet. For those of you who would still like to be a part of this, you can send it personally on behalf of Ursa Major, or get it to me quick (but it will need to go in a separate mailing). Thanks to all for your thoughtfulness and generosity in remembering Connor's dad through your kind donation on behalf of Team Ursa Major.

Holly Miremadi

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

P.O. Box 4072

Pittsfield, MA 01202

Thanks to Holly for taking the lead on this project.

Jeff

out to the parents list...

Herr's Snacks is donating a mess of snacks to us. We need someone to pick them up in Elkridge on Friday (January 9). Ideally this will be someone with a minivan or similar vehicle. There will a number of large but light boxes. I'm not sure of the box count, but it will probably be between 6 and 10. Let me know if you can do the pickup.

The build season, other than the pipe burst, has started off well. You can keep up with progress by checking the wiki updates and discussions [ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/]. As for the water damage, A lot of people helped out by emptying the storage room and drying and reboxing parts, tools, and supplies. The losses don't look too bad, but the electronics will need to be tested. We had to discard most of the cabinets that were in the room though.

Reminder to mentors: Register for the BAA mentor Back to Build event www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-back-to-build-mentor-dinner-registration-9624044777 It's Monday evening.

Reminder to parents: Please help provide adult coverage Monday evening while the mentors are meeting with FIRST officials.

Sheila set a high standard for team meals ... 6 meal slots left: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA4AB2DA3FD0-build

Jeff

January 6, 2014

out to the parents list...

quick recap:

Kickoff was Saturday. The team sent 2 car loads of people to the regional kickoff event at Capital College. Everyone else met at Hammond to watch the web-stream. After the usual speeches, the game was released.

The game animation is here: youtu.be/f5zWzICG5to

The game involves manipulating giant balls and cooperating with alliance partners. As there are many ways to gain and lose points in the game, the team's first task is to develop a strategy, which will inform the robot design. Just as the team and mentors began to discuss strategy, a sprinkler pipe burst in the ceiling above the robotics storage room at Hammond. [YouTube: youtu.be/Ooxxw7xoBbw] I don't know the extent of the damage to the team's stuff, but the added task of dealing with tools, parts, and equipment that was soaked by the fetid water complicates the team's already difficult challenge.

The team moved in good order from Hammond to my house where the discussion continued until early evening. Team members were tasked with (1) studying the game rules [//www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2014-game]; (2) getting ahead on homework; and (3) banking some extra sleep. A few photos: bit.ly/1efmbaO

On Sunday, team leaders and some mentors again met at my house to refine a strategy and set an agenda for today. [YouTube: youtu.be/q-s-dax4QAk (30 seconds)]

Today students are fine-tuning their strategy and beginning to design the robot. Students will also begin to work on a driver's station, field mock up, pit equipment, and gear drying and restoration.

coming up:

Although our first competition is not until March 27, the stop-build day is February 18. The wiki [ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Wiki+Home] has a countdown timer to that day plus on-going discussions and summaries of student activities. Have a look and poke around. A full list of all the competitions is here:

www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/regional-events

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to provide meals. There a just a few openings left [www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA4AB2DA3FD0-build]

Note: we could use some extra adult presence the night of Monday, January 13 because several mentors will be going to the BAA Back to Build mentor event. If you're available, just show up from about 5:30pm until clean up.

Tomorrow through Friday, the team will be meeting daily from right after school until about 7:30. Dinner will be provided. Saturday, the team will meet from 8am to about 3pm. Lunch will be provided. Parents, feel free to drop off snacks & bottled water.

This is an intense and exciting time. You are always welcome to stop in and observe or participate.

Jeff

January 4, 2014

out to the parents list....

Most of you already know that a sprinkler pipe burst in the tech ed ceiling late this morning. The break occurred above the robotics storage closet while the team was meeting. It remains to seen how much damage was done to our tools, parts, and supplies. In a way, it's good that we were there when it happened because we were quickly able to report the exact location of the break; I don't know how long it would have taken for staff to locate it otherwise.

The team moved in relatively good order to my house and got a good bit of work done, but all team members have assignments between now and Monday. There should be a lot of activity on the team wiki.

ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com

Note: someone left a VISA gift card at my house. It has "Vanilla" logo. Let me know if it's yours.

Youtube of the waterfall:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooxxw7xoBbw

A few pictures:

bit.ly/KqpfYr

animation of the 2014 game:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxp4dkMQ1Vo

Thanks to everyone who helped out driving, feeding, etc.

Jeff

January 3, 2014

out to the parents list....

this went to students, I thought you might be interested:

Hi everyone,

If Howard County buildings are closed tomorrow, we will be meeting at Sam's house to watch the livestream and talk about the game together. His address is 10112 Roveout Lane, Columbia. We are still meeting 10am-4pm. (Both mentors and students)

If we can get into school, we will meet there instead (but I doubt we'll be able to get in).

Please check hcpss.org in the morning to check closings. I'll also try to send out an email tomorrow morning.

Monday, come straight to the tech ed rooms for the in-school field trip. Mr. Muscato is sending out an email to the staff to excuse you, so don't worry about a permission slip. I'd recommend bringing your lunch, but if you normally buy lunch, you will still be able to go to the cafeteria and buy it and come back.

We will be staying after until about 7pm.

Attendance is super important for understanding what is going on, especially for the beginning of build season. Saturday and Monday are two of the most important days in build season for you to show up. Just FYI.

Also, a word to the wise -- get all your homework done. All of it. As much as you possibly can. And get a ton of sleep.

Sherri

January 2, 2014

out to the parents list...

Thanks to Lynette's foresight, the team has ample plates and forks for the time being. When you send in meals, do NOT send in plates or forks until further notice.

If you wish to donate bowls, spoons, knives, or napkins, you can send those in on Saturday and I'll pass along the results to the list.

Students also appreciate snacks like granola bars, chips, etc. You may send those in at any time.

Feel free to send in bottled water too. We're NOT seeking sodas or juices because they make a sticky mess when spilled plus some students have not been really all that good about cleaning up after themselves.

Thanks

Jeff