Hi all,

Due to AP and IB exams during the following three weeks, we have decided to cancel the main Robotics Meetings on Wednesdays for the next three weeks (no meeting on 29th, 6th and 13th). That way, that will let everybody have the time to study for their tests and be completely prepared. Also, some Vex members will leave for their competition on the 29th, so wish them luck!

I think most of the members are taking the AP world test, so good luck on the 15th!

We will resume the meetings the following week, and since we won’t have any more tests, we will have to work very fast and efficiently in order to get the robot finished or upgraded, get the sticker fundraiser underway, finish all paperwork for sponsors by the end of May, start contacting companies for sponsorship during June, and start organizing a carwash fundraiser in June and all thoughout the summer :)

Good luck to all team members!

Hi guys,

As was discussed by some on Wednesday, we will be having a PR/FR meeting after school Monday in Mr. Cooney’s room to discuss the ever nearing future of our ‘committee’.  I hope we will be able to set some long term goals and plan for next year, which could include figuring out an item to sell, events/fundraisers, recruitment and thoughts on the creation of a parent board.  Anyone who wants a say is welcome to attend.

BTW, make sure to open OpenGoo accounts!  Talk to Ed if you need any help

For anyone who is interested in public relations and/or fundraising, Mr. Kimura (Kevin’s dad) will be giving a presentation in Mr. Cooney’s room after school Monday.  He will be discussing ways to raise funds and tools for gaining sponsors.  All are welcome, and I encourage all to participate in PR/FR for the upcoming season.  

See you there!

Alright,
so to raise funds, the team must commit to selling an ‘item’, which will aid us in raising the $13,000 needed for next year. Realistic ideas that were posed today were as follows:

*hex bugs (student store, but more likely to parents and at grocery stores)-hex bug sales have been successful at other schools, but the teenage appeal is generally low, and they aren’t really useful for anything
<http://www.hexbug.com/>

*lollipops (sports games, student store)-low risk, palatable, but small demand and a generally low priced item
<http://www.fundraising.com/fundraising-products/candy-lollipops.aspx>

*T-shirts-high appeal, low profit margin
<http://site.despair.com/despairwear/>

*lottery scratch cards/raffle-good appeal, can potentially generate large profits, but a high risk endeavor
<http://www.fundraising.com/fundraising-products/scratchcard-fundraisers.aspx>

*Bittersweets-intriguing, but low profit margin and demand is questionable
<http://www.despair.com/bittersweets.html>

*Entertainment books (parents and relatives)-a classic item, in high demand, recession friendly, but not terribly relative to teenagers or robotics
<http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml>

We generally agreed on the idea of ‘vinyl adhesives’, which are essentially stickers. These would contain demotivational, cynical messages. They would be the most low cost item, but, if we play our cards right, have high teenage appeal. A video would be made, that would ‘not’ be a completely ripped off version of the video here:
http://devas.despair.com/

So, any questions, comments? Additional suggestions for me to add? Keep in mind that voicing interest implies that you yourself would be willing to contribute to selling the product

Hey Guys,

This week’s meeting will be full of fun and surprises! Well, not so much surprise, but plenty of fun.

I will announce next year’s officers that day. That means that if you know you have a position, you better be there, or else everyone will look silly. We don’t want that.

I will also begin to teach everyone about 3ds Max. We currently only have a very small amount of copies available, but you can download a free trial version here:

http://usa.autodesk.com/3ds-max/trial/

If you are going to be learning from me, you will want to bring a notebook and a lot of patience, since this product takes a VERY long time to fully understand.