Team Leaders, there is quite a variety of items in this email. I will highlight JUJPSTART – Dean Kamen is speaking. Registration for that event closes on Monday so get your team signed up.
Team registration – sponsor funding and events
There are approximately 60 teams registered for the 2020-21 season. If your team is planning to participate this year (e.g., in-season challenges, live competitions (decision in January 2021), or post-season events), now is the time to register. The Regional planning committees and our major sponsors are following the registration numbers and making funding/event decisions based on the actual number. In previous years, attending your chosen event was a big motivation for registering early. This year the big motivation is team funding and, if possible, having a spot to play a live competition (yes, we are currently making contingency plans for next spring). The bottom line is to get your team registered. FIRST has some easy-to-access grants available to help with team funding:
https://www.firstinspires.org/
Oct 31st JUMPSTART – registration
There’s exciting news for JUMPSTART. The organizers have lined up 2 excellent speakers, FIRST’s very own Dean Kamen and from the host sponsor, Medtronic, Mike Hess, VP for Corporate Technology and Innovation:
https://firstuppermidwest.org/
Registration has been extended until Monday, Oct 26th. You must be pre-registered to participate and, yes, it’s another virtual meeting:
https://www.jumpstartrobotics.
FUM Open Board Positions
Are you interested or do you know someone who would be a great candidate for a position on the board for FIRST in the Upper Midwest? We are looking for candidates to participate on the board to oversee FUM activities and create and implement plans to achieve our vision to help FIRST FRC teams be more successful.
Candidates who represent FIRST alumni, and gender, geographic or racial diversity are especially encouraged to apply.
Go to this link to apply by Noon on Sunday, November 15:
FUM Diversity committee student members needed
Mentors, please pass along this opportunity to students on your team. The FUM Diversity and Inclusion Committee welcomes the participation of current FRC students. Committee members attend regular virtual meetings (every 1-2 months) and participate on subcommittees involved in the implementation of specific initiatives. If you are an FRC student interested in facilitating the increased participation of students, mentors and volunteers from underserved and underrepresented groups, and fostering a welcoming climate of inclusion in FIRST, please go to this webpage for more information:
We particularly encourage and invite individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and from communities outside of the Twin Cities area, to join the committee. Information about the FUM Diversity and Inclusion Committee is available:
https://firstuppermidwest.org/
Please contact Yoji Shimizu at yoji.shimizu@firstuppermidwest
MSHSL Guidance for Minnesota Robotics Teams
We have been working with Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to ensure that FRC teams can meet. Please read this statement from Amy Doherty, Assistant Director with responsibility for the robotics program.
The MSHSL does not oversee any part of the FRC season until our mid-May partnership with FIRST in the Upper Midwest for the MSHSL State Tournament. Participation is under the jurisdiction of FIRST. However, we would expect that all teams would be following local district policies in alignment with Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health. Safety for participants, mentors and advisors should be the top priority when planning meetings and practices.
One MSHSL policy that is likely being followed in all districts for all activities – including non-MSHSL activities – is, “For schools that are required by localized metrics to be in a distance learning mode, practices are limited to virtual contact only.” Note: This only applies to schools that are mandated to do distance learning due to their COVID numbers, not schools that are opting to do distance learning.
I have been impressed with the COVID safety documents that are being shared by Minnesota FRC teams. Each team should have plans in place, and we encourage you to continue to share with others. More info:
https://firstuppermidwest.org/
Regards, Mark Lawrence
Chairman, MN FIRST Regional Planning Committee