{"id":3418,"date":"2020-09-08T12:23:20","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T19:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/?p=3418"},"modified":"2020-09-09T10:10:00","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:10:00","slug":"09-08-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/2020\/09\/08\/09-08-20\/","title":{"rendered":"09.08.20 Team Eblast"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"print-this-page\">\n<p>FTC Season Kickoff l\u00a0 Sweepstakes\u00a0 l\u00a0 REV Grant\u00a0 l\u00a0 Team Meeting Ideas\u00a0 l\u00a0 Job Opportunities\u00a0 l\u00a0 Season Registration\u00a0 l\u00a0 2020-21 Events\u00a0 l Program Information<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<div class='printomatic pom-default ' id='id8804'  data-print_target='.print-this-page'><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"print-this-page\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"m_8331162849281476702gmail-m_-8497760851914975301gmail-m_-7208688377442745177gmail-m_-4580138073686423102gmail-m_-7224984817622145695gmail-m_-5505622349487982504gmail_signature\">\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">2020-21 FTC SEASON KICKOFF IS COMING!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>The 2020-21 FTC season kickoff will be on <strong>Saturday, Sept. 12, 12:00PM (noon) <\/strong>with the reveal of the season&#8217;s new game, <strong>ULTIMATE GOAL<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/events\/\">EVENTS<\/a> site page for details on how to connect and gather (safely!) with our <em>FIRST<\/em> in Michigan (FiM) FTC community to launch this new season via virtual\/remote kickoff events. Events will include breakout sessions on a variety of topics like programming, judging, design &amp; build strategies, etc. All events will include a game reveal component. Many are including the HQ kickoff celebration in their event&#8217;s &#8220;run of show&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Use these kickoff events as a way to get your team rolling for the season. Plan a &#8220;watch party&#8221; with your team members and\/or decide who will (virtually) attend which breakout sessions. Follow up with a way to share new info and brainstorm thoughts on the season&#8217;s game.<\/p>\n<p>FIRST FTC HQ&#8217;s kickoff celebration timeline is as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Broadcast start time \u2013 12:00pm EST<\/li>\n<li>Where to tune in: FIRSTtv &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.twitch.tv\/firstinspires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.twitch.tv\/firstinspires<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Broadcast will include:\n<ul>\n<li>Ken Johnson\u2019s season address with information about remote season<\/li>\n<li>Game animation<\/li>\n<li>ULTIMATE GOAL field walkthrough<\/li>\n<li>Additional fun content to keep the broadcast exciting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>HQ will be adding all the season specific resources to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/resource-library\/ftc\/game-and-season-info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FIRST FTC website\u2019s Game and Season site page<\/a> AFTER the Kickoff broadcast is complete. This includes the 2020-2021 Game Animation, Game Manual Part 2, Field Set Up Guide, Field Assembly Guide, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Teams can pre-order a half or full set of ULTIMATE GOAL game elements directly from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.andymark.com\/products\/first-tech-challenge-ultimate-goal-preorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AndyMark<\/a>, an official FIRST vendor.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">KICKOFF SWEEPSTAKES, DEADLINE SEPT. 10<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Complete your 2020-2021 FIRST Tech Challenge team season registration before September 10, 2020 for a chance to win the 2020 Kickoff Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes prize package includes one (1) 2020-2021 FIRST Tech Challenge season ULTIMATE GOAL partial game set and scoring elements. Follow this link for more information: <a href=\"https:\/\/info.firstinspires.org\/2020-kickoff-sweepstakes?utm_source=first-inspires&amp;utm_medium=cta&amp;utm_campaign=ftc-sweeps-021&amp;hsCtaTracking=993d2bdc-0c7a-43f4-91d6-81a0c50eb1e8%7C48cce4f2-671d-4466-98e8-e85a3866d133\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FTC KICKOFF SWEEPSTAKES INFO<\/a>. If your team has already completed your season registration, you are already entered into the sweepstakes. Four winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entrants on Sept. 12 during the FIRST Tech Challenge Season Kickoff broadcast on FIRSTtv.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">REV FTC TEAM GRANTS AVAILABLE, DEADLINE SEPT. 16<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>For the 2020-2021 Ultimate Goal Season, REV Robotics is awarding $25,000 in total FTC Team Sponsorships! The sponsorships are intended for both rookie and veteran teams that excel on the playing field while being good stewards of their local FIRST community through sharing their knowledge with other teams. For more information on how to apply, follow this link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.revrobotics.com\/team-sponsorship\/?mc_cid=82aa4608b3&amp;mc_eid=521cdabc96\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">REV FTC TEAM GRANTS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">TEAM MEETING IDEAS TO SHARE<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>FIRST FTC has developed an <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1khDBnZBB8wnRjowbjKhIaIxHrbFHBR-g\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FTC Team Guidance document<\/a> that provides tips and suggestions on ways that teams can meet and build given COVID-19 interruptions.<\/p>\n<p>Teams that have developed remote\/virtual team meeting plans that they are willing to share with our FiM FTC community can upload them to the Google folder listed below or email them to <a href=\"mailto:tammy@firstinmichigan.org\">tammy@firstinmichigan.org<\/a> for uploading. These plans will create a virtual library of ideas and serve as a source of inspiration for teams looking to keep their teams connected, figure out how to design\/build\/test their robot, and continue with outreach in our currently constricted environments.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1A_Eifgd1Id4Dxwnfm4ssE_GVrbgZ6Y5p?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FTC Team Meeting Plans and Ideas Google folder<\/a> (link)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This folder does provide &#8220;edit&#8221; access to allow uploading so please use care when uploading\/accessing the documents.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">WORK WITH US<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<div>\n<p>Visit the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinmichigan.us\/FIM\/CAREERS\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CAREERS<\/a> page on the FIRST in Michigan site. It contains opportunities to work with us\/community partners to further the mission of FIRST!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">2020-21 SEASON REGISTRATION IS OPEN!\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<div>\n<p>The registration guides linked below contain info on establishing a FIRST Account, setting up a team profile, inviting contacts, applying for screening, accessing the Storefront, etc. with screenshots.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>RETURNING TEAMS<\/strong>\u00a0(veterans) \u2013 remember to register using your existing team number. <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vRynLvwi30sKCQaB9is7L3HR3VUev1upyhp95_BokiQsbBM5djGP4iG4wvF9W7cG2y-2rvG3-Clb_YD\/pubhtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MI Archive FTC Team List<\/a> (tab 1 &amp; 2 contain a historical list of team numbers).\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/sites\/default\/files\/uploads\/resource_library\/ftc\/veteran-registration.pdf\"><strong>Veteran Team Registration Guide<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; includes screenshots<\/li>\n<li>Update team contacts \u2013 Remember to have matriculating team contacts invite their replacements before moving programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>NEW TEAMS<\/strong> (rookies) \u2013 Grants are available that covers 100% of a newly forming team&#8217;s season registration fee and reusable robot kit of parts!\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/sites\/default\/files\/uploads\/resource_library\/ftc\/rookie-registration.pdf\">Rookie Team Registration Guide<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; includes screenshots\n<ul>\n<li>Team Name is a mandatory field when setting up the Team Profile. If your team does not have a name yet, just fill in TBD. You can update this field at a later time once a team name is chosen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Start the team registration process but <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>DO NOT PAY<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0for anything until applying for the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/usfirst.submittable.com\/submit\/8781950c-101d-46f1-b788-15beb8f701f5\/2020-2021-first-tech-challenge-rookie-team-grant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FIRST FTC HQ Rookie Team Grant<\/a>.\n<ul>\n<li>Apply for this grant using your temporary team number which starts with \u201c2020\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant is available to newly forming teams. Visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/grants\/\">GRANTS<\/a> page on the FIRST in Michigan FTC website for details.\n<ul>\n<li>All past team numbers out of a given school district must be registered for the current season before a newly forming team is eligible for the grant.<\/li>\n<li>Teams must apply for the FIRST HQ FTC Rookie Team Grant first.<\/li>\n<li>A similar grant is available for newly forming FLL-Challenge teams too! Email <a href=\"mailto:michiganfll@gmail.com\">michiganfll@gmail.com<\/a> for details.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">2020-21 FiM FTC EVENTS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/2020\/08\/19\/08-20-20\/\">August 20 team eblast<\/a> for an overview of how the 2020-21 FIRST in Michigan FTC event rollout will work. A synopsis of the plan is listed below. FIRST HQ will launch the remote event experience this fall as an event option for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams. It will make the experience as close as possible to a traditional FIRST program event for teams and volunteers, with the necessary modifications to accommodate a remote environment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>FIRST in Michigan FTC will start competition season (with advancement) in December and will expand it into January, February as needed.<\/strong> This adjustment should give teams the time to decide on ways to meet, build, and play that keep to the scenario and\/or comfort zone they are in. We will plan for our usual spring events (mid May) but the format of those events i.e. remote or traditional is unknown at this time.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/community\/inspire\/2020-2021-season-extended\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">recent eblast from FIRST HQ<\/a> regarding the extension of the overall FIRST season across all programs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>FIRST in Michigan FTC will support two types of event rollouts for the 2020-21 season that will be adaptable to the conditions in a given area: traditional and\/or remote events. <strong>We will begin the 2020-21 competition season in the remote event rollout utilizing the &#8220;hub&#8221; location concept.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">HUB LOCATIONS:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>More on the HUB location concept is outlined below. If you think that your location could serve as a HUB, please fill out the linked Google form below. HUB locations aren&#8217;t limited to FTC &#8211; we would love to find sites that could accommodate our full progression of programs!<\/p>\n<p>FIRST in Michigan HUBS will be physical locations where teams can make an appointment to access an official game field and run official matches per the remote event rollout. FTC official events will be managed through a new portal developed by HQ called the FIRST Remote Event Hub system. Note that we are both using the word &#8220;hub&#8221; but are referencing two different things. I&#8217;ll try to think of a different word for our &#8220;hub locations&#8221;! Events will still be managed by an event coordinator assisted by a volunteer coordinator who will utilize the FIRST Remote Event Hub system.<\/p>\n<p>The most limited remote event rollout scenario will be where a team competes independently or a team member operates independently to execute the team&#8217;s official robot matches with remote judging. Arrangements could be made for a team to borrow a sanitized field\/game elements from an area hub\/team for their robot runs. Team coach(es) or family members would fill the roles of FTA\/CSA\/Inspector\/Referee.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeszFi-XE4IqwtmJ_9iVgpH71OinVDlRFHnONrkLUs2CgX1VQ\/viewform?usp=sf_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FiM HUB LOCATION FORM<\/a> (link)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>FTC HUB locations will be identified all around the state.<\/li>\n<li>FiM will either place an official game field at a hub location and\/or utilize a hub host supplied official game field. Due to the limits on gathering size, we will need many more hub locations than previous traditional event locations in order to service our teams.<\/li>\n<li>HUB locations and on site personnel will follow sanitizing protocol and adhere to PPE usage, social distancing, and gathering limits per state\/local\/venue ordinances.<\/li>\n<li>HUB hosts will have volunteers on site trained to fill roles such as FTA\/CSA\/Inspector\/Referee to assist teams. Depending on the gathering limits in play, a maximum of two volunteers might have to cover these roles.<\/li>\n<li>HUB venue ideas:\n<ul>\n<li>Traditional event venues can transition to HUBS and possibly run multiple remote events at the same time as space\/gathering size allows.<\/li>\n<li>Venues that have been too small to host large scale traditional events can likely work as a HUB.<\/li>\n<li>As HUB equipment needs are less with a rather small footprint, hubs can move physical locations as needed.<\/li>\n<li>School\/sponsor\/community sites such as an indoor sports arena, large conference room, venue birthday party room, church hall, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong style=\"color: inherit; font-size: 1em;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">PRODUCT DISCOUNT CODES<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"m_8331162849281476702gmail-m_-8497760851914975301gmail-m_-7208688377442745177gmail-m_-4580138073686423102gmail-m_-7224984817622145695gmail-m_-5505622349487982504gmail_signature\">\n<p>PITSCO and REV discount codes for product are available on the team\u2019s FTC Storefront. These discount codes are able to be used on a wide variety of product.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enter the Storefront.<\/li>\n<li>Click on the \u201cSupport\u201d Button at the upper right corner of each page.<br \/>\nClick on the \u201cHow to Order Extra Parts.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Each link will take you to the Vendor\u2019s Website.<\/li>\n<li>TETRIX and REV Robotics discount codes will appear below their logo. It\u2019s only available once a team has fully purchased their Season Registration Fee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note that the FTC Storefront product prices are deeply discounted versus ordering directly from the vendor. Teams (rookies and veterans) may return to the Storefront throughout the season to purchase product following the access procedures above, per the restrictions of the Storefront (max 1 set per Category: Control, Electronics, and Competition Set).<\/p>\n<p>While product listed in the \u201cFTC Storefront\u201d is necessary to build a functioning robot, teams may purchase product from other vendors. Refer to the season\u2019s Game Manual for the rules regarding allowable parts along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/sites\/default\/files\/uploads\/resource_library\/ftc\/legal-illegal-parts-list.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Legal\/Illegal Parts List<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"print-this-page\">\n<div class=\"print-this-page\">\n<h5><strong style=\"color: inherit; font-size: 1em;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">PROGRAM INFORMATION<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Links to program information on the FIRST in Michigan (FiM) and FIRST HQ websites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/run-a-team\/\">Run a Team<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; Addresses many FAQs<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/resources\/\">Resources<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; Links to FIRST HQ resources, parts, and vendors, logos, etc.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/grants\/\">Grants<\/a>\u00a0&#8211; information will be updated as grants become available; check back periodically<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/eblasts\/\">Team Eblast Archive<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>FIRST<\/em> FTC HQ Blog<\/a> &#8211; latest program announcements<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/info.firstinspires.org\/ftccurriculumrequest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/info.firstinspires.org\/ftccurriculumrequest&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1560950445677000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFQ9KBniSwzcIW8WjkggPBAck3oHQ\">FTC\u00a0<span class=\"m_-8281381283462615744gmail-m_1467011168512500247gmail-m_4537880267732322813gmail-il\"><span class=\"m_-8281381283462615744gmail-il\">Curriculum<\/span><\/span><\/a> &#8211; Free FIRST HQ developed <span class=\"m_-8281381283462615744gmail-m_1467011168512500247gmail-m_4537880267732322813gmail-il\"><span class=\"m_-8281381283462615744gmail-il\">curriculum;<\/span><\/span>\u00a0can be used as a stand-alone course or as a supplement to areas where the team needs extra support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>PROGRAM PARTICULARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Alignment:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>In Michigan, we run a slightly different progression of programs from FIRST national. In Michigan, FTC is a middle school only program with teams comprised solely of MI middle school aged\/grade team members. Teams must be properly aligned in order to be eligible for FiM FTC grants and to participate in FIRST in Michigan FTC events.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Team Size:<\/b>\u00a0FTC team size is capped at 15. Multiple teams out of a given school\/organization are welcome and can be eligible\u00a0for all grants. Please review grant requirements in the above linked doc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Team Eblasts.<\/b> FIRST in Michigan FTC team eblasts (sent from michiganftc@gmail.com) are sent to the Team Administrator and Lead Coach 1 and 2 for each team. The eblast distribution list is pulled from the FIRST Team Registration System, per FIRST HQ protocol, so additional email addresses cannot be added to the FIRST in Michigan FTC eblast list. Coaches &#8211; please share team eblasts with your team members\/families!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FTC Season Kickoff l\u00a0 Sweepstakes\u00a0 l\u00a0 REV Grant\u00a0 l\u00a0 Team Meeting Ideas\u00a0 l\u00a0 Job Opportunities\u00a0 l\u00a0 Season Registration\u00a0 l\u00a0 2020-21 Events\u00a0 l Program Information<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/2020\/09\/08\/09-08-20\/\">Read More &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-tammy","4":"has-more-link","5":"post-3418","7":"format-standard","8":"category-team-eblasts"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3418"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3433,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3418\/revisions\/3433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FTC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}