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.) 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
 * This STIMS step is REQUIRED to participate. *

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

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

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======================= The team has scheduled a Chipotle fundraiser on November 18 at the Columbia Mall location. Please distribute the flyer: bit.ly/19nBey5 Grants

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

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

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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 <span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Because no one has signed up to provide meals for today <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">or tomorrow, will you be able to do a pizza run? This involves <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">checking in with the kids around 5pm, getting them pizza, and <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">collecting $1/slice, which is plenty if you use the Domino's <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">deal on the Wiki. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Ordinarily I would do this, but between my mom and my <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">sister arriving from overseas this morning and my niece having <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">a baby yesterday, and work, I don't think I'll be available. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Let me know if you can do today or tomorrow. Thanks. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">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: []

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

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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


 * 2

Please respond ASAP if you can pick up a donated part at 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


 * 1

9pm and still working on that robot - about 10 kids still here...

some pictures here @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


 * 2

The team will be working on the robot at Wilde Lake High 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


 * 1

First - a big thank you to all these folks who helped feed 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. []

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: []

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:

[]

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): []

Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money: []

CALENDAR

[] 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: [] 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): []

Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money: []

CALENDAR

[]

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.

[]

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FOOD

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">just 1 opening remaining: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2/19/2013 (Tue. 5:00PM) dinner

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note on your sign up and serving dishes whether your meal is OK for vegetarians.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VOLUNTEERS WANTED <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Chesapeake Regional is looking for volunteers: []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Posted on the wiki http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All of my emails to you are archived on the wiki for your convenience.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DONATIONS

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tools, parts, and supplies wish list (updated periodically): <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Information about the team’s tax status and how to donate money: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CALENDAR

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|http://goo.gl/KaQk]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just 27 days until StopBuild with only 20 meetings scheduled

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BOOSTERS GALA

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]

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:: []

PROGRESS REPORTS

Wiki - Everyday Update 2013 written by students: []

DONATIONS

The tools, parts, and supplies wish list: []

If you, your company, or anyone you know can donate any of these, please act now.

FOOD

[]

just a couple of open slots. ..

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 9, 2013

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Ursa Major -- Hammond Robotics -- Email to parents --

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">TIME FLIES

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">PROGRESS REPORTS

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I highly recommend checking out the team wiki, which is updated pretty much every day during build: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/home <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Navigation to the various sub-pages is at the left.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Of particular interest to parents are these pages:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Everyday Update 2013: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Everyday+Update+2013 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">This page is written by students who sometimes include a special note for parents. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I have posted links to pictures on that page. If you also have pictures, you too can post links to them there.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">2012-13 Mentor Blog <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/2012-13+Mentor+Blog

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you use an RSS reader, hit the triple dots in the upper right of those pages ("more options") to subscribe.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">DONATIONS

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Thanks to the parents who have volunteered to pick up donations! Your cooperation is vital.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The tools, parts, and supplies that the team would appreciate as donations are listed here: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you, your company, or anyone you know can donate any of these,, please act now.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">SCHOLARSHIPS

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Thanks to the 2 moms who volunteered to be the team scholarship coordinator. You 2 can work out the details amongst yourselves, right?

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">FOOD

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Look at this page to see who is feeding our children:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">As of this writing, there are still 10 open slots (out of 31).

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/Pizza

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">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.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">MISCELLANY

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Calendar: [] <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Website: [] <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Wiki:http://ursamajor2849.wikispaces.com/

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 7, 2013

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The team is off to a great start. The kids are excited and hard <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">at work.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q & A

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Reminder. There will be a parent Q and A session <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">- and bagels - on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Hammond. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">For my planning, please go to this page that will take <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">10 seconds tops to complete. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=1cee11dd42&e=abc1e7aec7 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Thanks.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">DONATIONS

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">We have several donations that need to be picked up.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Let me know if you can do any of these:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 11 at 6pm and not 1 minute later, Bagel Bin, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">KC Village Center (must use my name), bagels for Saturday <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">morning's meeting,

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 19 around 11:15am, pickup donated lunch from <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Greene Turtle, McGaw Rd, Columbia

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 23 between 5pm-5:15pm, pickup donated dinner <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">from On The Border, Gateway Overlook, Columbia

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Thanks to Cathy W for collecting the donation from Herrâs.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">SCHOLARSHIPS

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Our scholarship coordinator has stepped down, so the <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">team needs a parent to serve in this role. The job is to <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">receive information about scholarships from FIRST and <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">retransmit that information to students and parents. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Simple. Will you take this job?

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">FOOD

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Look at this page to see which wonderful parents are <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">feeding our children:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8aed90222f&e=abc1e7aec7

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">No one responded to my request for help in contacting <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">restaurants. No one.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">While Iâm flattered that you think I can do everything myself, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">the team would appreciate your help. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you would call one -- just one -- restaurant, that would be <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">great. Let me know and Iâll provide the contact info.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Reminder, If you are willing to do pizza run instead of providing <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">food, sign up using the link above, but note <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">'pizza run' in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. Domino's <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">discount details: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=6fa8b8d535&e=abc1e7aec7

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">2013 GAME INFO

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Looking for more information about the game? <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">FIRST has released a series of videos: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5a6cf098b0&e=abc1e7aec7

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">MISCELLANY

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Calendar: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=d7bd18edfa&e=abc1e7aec7 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Website: @http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=ef40c94e1a&e=abc1e7aec7 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Wiki: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=bc183d6078&e=abc1e7aec7

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you have something that you want to share with the other parents, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">please send it along for inclusion in the next email.

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 5, 2013

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">2013 game animation

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=474694b5bf&e=5cd6dcc0ac

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">National stop build day: February 19

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 4, 2013

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">NASA Broadcast

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The broadcast will reveal the 2013 game.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">NASA will be broadcasting the FRC Kickoff starting at 10:30 ET on both <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">their ‘Public’ and ‘Educational’ channels. This means the broadcast can <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">be viewed both on computer, and, if you have a cable or satellite TV provider <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">with the NASA Public Channel, you can watch the kickoff on TV.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you would like to view the kickoff on a computer, go to <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=2f7290b329&e=5cd6dcc0ac <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">OR <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=64f8610d55&e=5cd6dcc0ac

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you would like to view the Kickoff on cable or satellite TV, it will be broadcast <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">on NASA's Public & Education channels starting at 10:30AM ET, and other <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">times later in the day.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Although the broadcast is scheduled for an hour, FIRST headquarters hints <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">that it might be shorter than that.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Jeff

<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">January 3, 2013

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Our area's FIRST kickoff event is at Capitol College in Laurel on <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Saturday, January 5. The 2013 game is revealed at the event. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Students have already been sent details by email.

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">A tremendous thank you to the parents who have signed up to feed the team:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=58f581c75f&e=abc1e7aec7

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">As you can see, there are still plenty of openings.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">We need your help to contact restaurants for donated meals. If you <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">would call just one restaurant, that would be a big help. Let me <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">know and Iâll provide the contact info.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Also, If you are willing to do pizza run during Build instead of <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">providing food, go ahead and sign up using the link above, but note <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">"pizza run" in the comments so that the kids will know to bring money. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Domino's discount details: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=5facfc7677&e=abc1e7aec7

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Long time team mentor Reggie Counts announced that his company, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Helm Point Solutions, is donating $5,000 to the team this year!

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The team will be having a "in-school field trip" on Monday. Students <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">will spend the day in the tech ed room to dissect this year's game <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">and brainstorm robot design. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Permission slips are required.

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There will be a parent Q and A session on January 12 at 9 a.m. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">at Hammond. You can ask about the build season schedule, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">expectations for students, team finances, or anything else. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I'll bring some pictures from last year.

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Your student should have turned in a light-bulb fund-raiser form. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Please check and make sure this has happened.

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Miscellany

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Calendar: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=8294982bcc&e=abc1e7aec7 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Website: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">@http://eepurl.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=651daf7cdb&e=abc1e7aec7 <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Team Wiki: <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Nohttp://eepurl.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=3cb477919010a8dbe52e9b7cb&id=619dee9878&e=abc1e7aec7