Reminder that the MDE FIRST Robotics Grant is open for application. The grant window is kind of tight as the grant closes at midnight on November 14. The grant funding is $4.7 million for FIRST Robotics teams affiliated with an MDE recognized public school/charter/academy.  At this time, nonpublic schools are not eligible applicants for the current year’s funding but are eligible applicants for the 2018-19 work project funding (rollover funds from prior year).

The application will be accessible to a school/school district’s “Level 5” (list of Level 5’s by school/district) designated employees which are usually the superintendent/principal/finance dept. The “Level 5” will submit a single grant application on behalf of all the FIRST teams (all programs) in the school/district. Having your team affiliated with and recognized by an MDE recognized school/charter/academy is key to accessing this funding opportunity.

Refer to this 2019-20 MDE Grant Step-by-Step Guide for assistance with navigating the grant. Details on funding levels can be found on the MDE site page for the grant: https://www.techplan.org/rdi/first-robotics/.

It is required that a team is fully registered for the 2019-2020 season ($275 FTC season registration fee is paid) as part of the award consideration criteria. Participation in a FIRST in Michigan FTC competition in the 2019-2020 season is a requirement of the grant.

Our 2019-20 fall competition season begins this weekend with our week 1 events! A HUGE thank you to our event hosts who’ve been busily preparing to host our teams!!

Reminder that teams will not see their confirmed events in their Team Dashboard. Event confirmations can be found on the MI FTC Team List. Put your team number in the search box then click on the “+” sign to expand the toggle box.

If your team is currently waitlisted for a 2nd/3rd round event, it is likely that the team’s submitted preferred event(s) were at capacity at the time the team’s form was submitted. As an event spot becomes available, the next team waitlisted for that event will be offered the spot. It is anticipated that there will be very little movement among 12/07 events.

A team‘s presence is expected at the events where they’ve been confirmed.  A late withdrawal from a confirmed event causes issues (planning and financial) for the host and reflects negatively on the team. As competition is a requirement of teams accepting FIRST, FIRST in Michigan, MDE, and/or sponsor specific grants; withdrawing from an event could impact grant awards. Remember, feeling “not ready” is usual – group support is available at the event!

Visit the FIRST in Michigan FTC website for the latest event information! Click on the EVENTS menu option for a list of the season’s competitions. Each event has a link on this site page that leads to general event information. On the right sidebar of an event specific page is a link called “EVENT DETAILS”. Click on this link for site specific information like how to remit the $100 event registration fee, access site maps,check out food options like lunch pre-orders, etc.

Refer to the What to Expect at an Event guide for a typical event rollout and tips for a good event experience.

Coaches – FIRST in Michigan eblasts only go to the Lead Coach/Mentor 1 and 2 for your team. Please share event specific information with the families of your team members.

Teams need to turn in TWO Consent/Release forms at every event where a team participates. A Team Roster is required as well.

• The FIRST in Michigan Consent/Release Form is not available online. A signed paper form must be turned in for each team member/coach/mentor.
• The FIRST HQ Consent/Release Form can be signed electronically as part of the Youth Team Registration Process. Or, a paper version is available for signature as well.

A team roster is required to be turned in at event check-in.

See http://firstinmichigan.us/FTC/resources/ under “EVENT PAPERWORK” for Consent/Release form links and acceptable roster formats.

VISITING EVENTS

FIRST events are free and open to the general public! If you’re a new team, visiting an event is a great way to meet area teams, see the game in action, and experience our FIRST FTC culture. A list of events can be found here: http://firstinmichigan.us/FTC/events/.

Volunteering at an event is a great way to see the program from ‘behind the scenes”. Many FTC event roles do not require any specialized skills or training. To sign up to volunteer: Volunteer Registration Step by Step Guide.

SAFETY GLASSES

Safety glass expectations at events:

Instilling a culture of safety is a value that every individual in the FIRST community must embrace as we pursue FIRST’s mission and vision. FIRST in Michigan FTC has adopted safety as a core value of the program.

Per Game Manual 1 > Tournament Rules > T15 – All Team members, coaches, and their guests must wear ANSI Z87.1 certified safety glasses while in the Pit or Competition Area. Prescription glasses with ANSI Z87.1 approved commercial off the shelf side shields are also allowed.

Teams are expected to have and bring their own safety glasses – enough for each of their team members and mentors in attendance at the event. Team members and mentors are expected to wear their safety glasses (over their eyes) at all times while in the pit area and on the competition field.

The safety glass tables found at the entrance to the pit areas at events are for guest and visitor use only. Not for teams.

EVENT TIMES