By now, most of you have probably read the note FIRST sent out about the season.  If not, you can find it here:
https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/2021-additional-details
I wanted to provide additional information about Michigan’s plans in light of their letter.

FRC IN-PERSON EVENTS
FIRST in Michigan is fully committed to bringing you in-person FRC events as outlined in my email two weeks ago, provided we can do it in a safe way and the state guidelines allow it. We are continuing to work toward that goal… meeting with COVID safety experts to discuss the PPE needs, best sanitization practices, and the allowable number of attendees. Our search for 10 suitable venues across the state continues. Once everything is set, we will meet with FIRST to get their approval. The cost of the events has not yet been decided, but teams registered for the FRC season will be able to participate in them.

Our younger programs, FLL and FTC, will proceed as planned. Nothing has changed there!.

Brainstorming Help
I have a really great idea for solo play with alliances, just in case we need an in-person event model with a tiny number of attendees. I would love your input to flesh out the whole concept. If you are willing to participate in a brainstorming session, please join me on Google Meet, Saturday morning from 9am-11am.

Join with Google Meet  meet.google.com/wvm-ujxx-fph
Join by Phone 484-466-9311 PIN 256762550

GAME DESIGN CHALLENGE
I would also be remiss if I didn’t point out what an absolute blast the Game Design Challenge will be. If you always thought you could do a better job than the Game Design Committee, this is your chance to show off your game design chops!!!  Can someone please include a water feature?????

It should be easy to engage your entire team, from the builders who can prototype your field elements, to the programmers who can design the auto-scoring systems, to the artists who can work on graphics, and the business team who can work on the presentation. I look forward to seeing elements of the Michigan game designs popping up in future games. 

STATE GRANT
We are inching closer to having a State Grant again this season. There is a possibility that non-public schools will be included too. We should know for sure in about a week or so.

An amazing season awaits us! Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best Regards,
Gail Alpert
248-425-4148