Parent Information Night
September 10, 2012
Hutchison Farm ES
Mission, Pathway and Goal
Provide creative problem opportunities to foster original and
divergent thinking through an exciting learning experience
that promises to be challenging and fun.
Through ‘Odyssey of The Mind’ we promote creativity by
challenging teams to solve divergent problems, or those with
more than one solution
So that the team recognizes
“Team thinking force is a powerful force than an individual”
What is Odyssey of the Mind
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International educational program
Sponsored program by PTA and/or PTA partners
Creative problem-solving opportunities – K- College grade
Helps students prepare and apply creativity problem solving
1000(s) of teams - U.S.A and 25 other countries
Teams bring their solutions to competition on the local, state,
and World level
• An annual competition at local district level in March and can
go to state finals and world level
How does it benefit the student?
• Helps them think outside the box in a creative and fun way
• Students learn to channel diversity as they are learning
– Working with a team of diverse members
– Arriving collectively at diverse solutions as a team
– Leveraging each others strengths without help
– Identifying weaknesses and improving upon them
• Learn to respect themselves, others and create a sense of
team recognition
• Students learn lifelong skills – teamwork, idea evaluation,
decision making, time management, creative solution
• Improves self confidence - solve problems without
parents/caregivers assistance
Who can participate
• Students from kindergarten to college grade
• A team is min 5 to max 7 students participating and from the
same school ( teams cannot have cross school candidates)
• Each school have many teams that roll-up into OOTM
Divisions (highest grade of member in team defines division)
• OM divisions
– Kindergarten through 2nd grade : Primary Division
– 3rd-5th grades: Division I
– Middle School: Division II; Highschool: Division III; Collegiate:
Division IV
• Coaches
– Parents and Caregivers of students participating in ‘Odyssey of The
Mind’
How does it work?
1. Enrollment initiates the process - Forms can be filled out tonight and
are available on-line; Students, Coaches, Judges, volunteers sign up
2. Finalize team formations - Teams are formed – coordinator /coaches
3. Finalize and publish program execution at the school Coordinator works with coaches to get this fleshed out
4. Establish practice sessions - Weekly coaching starts between coaches
and OM teams
5. Registration happens - For Coaches training for coaches who need it
and for teams going to the competition
6. We go to the Competition - Spontaneous Problem (Verbal, Hands-On
Verbal or Hands-On), Long Term Problem, OM Parade
What are teams doing every week ?
• Teams tend to meet weekly, practice problems (long term
and spontaneous), rehearse and compete (up to individual
coach how long/often teams meets)
• Coaches plan activities to learn these skills, guide the team
down the path, manage schedule, keep the experience fun
• Caregivers/Parents – let the student solve it 100%. No
assistance of any kind.
• Teams meet with their assigned coach at one of the team
members or coaches residence to practice. Coaches may
arrange to meet at the school.
PTA GUIDELINES FOR OM PROGRAM
• HFES PTA Sponsors the Odyssey of the Mind Group
• The PTA pays for the OotM Membership and Regional Team Registrations
(and State Registration if applicable)
• All participants will receive participation certificates at the Regional
Tournament (they will be given to the Coach)
• Only teams placing (1st, 2nd, 3rd) will receive trophies at the
ceremony. There will be no trophies or medals awarded for participation
• All primary teams will receive a Ribbon at the Regional Tournament.
• Team expenses are not funded by the PTA. Costs to attend the State and
World Level Tournament can be significant (depending on location) and
team participants willingly take on this burden.
Commitment - Parents /Caregivers
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You make an Impact – No coach means no OM; No judge means no OM.
No Prior qualification / certification needed to coach
Spare 1 to 4 hours per week for coaching
Contribute (approx 20-30 USD) for project material. Note that expenses
per child could be higher depending on types of props, etc. that the team
decides to make or if working the balsa problem
• Be punctual dropping off and picking up kids; Plan vacations carefully –
Avoid absence if possible
• Be hands off and let students solve the problem
• Signup for coach, assistant coach, judge, volunteer at the tournament,
volunteer to have certain props made at your house, volunteer to
supervise kids during meetings, etc.
Commitment - Coaches/Assistants
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Spare 1 to 4 hours per week for coaching
Set a date/time that works for your weekly coaching
Team up with an Assistant coach (if needed)
Set aside 1 weekend day for coaches training
If your team makes it to State, you may need to fundraise, etc.
Props take more time because of painting, sewing, etc., ask
team parents to take on this challenge by allowing team
members to meet at their house to complete certain props.
Commitments – Parents / Caregivers
Each team needs at minimum
• A judge
– Judge is needed 1½ hour prior to regional meet start and ½
hour at tournament end. (18 y/o or older) It’s a full day
committment
• A volunteer
– Helps patrol and help streamline activities on
tournament day (2 hr. commitment; 18 y/o or older)
Commitment - Students
• Spare 1-4 hours weekly for practice sessions
• Ensure students are well rested and eat healthy prior to
coaching to have a “quality” OM sessions – Energy and
Participation
• Come with a great spirit
• Be ready to work with a team and solve fun problems
• Be ready to experience teamwork
• Come with an appetite to experience FUN
Next Steps
1. Chat with your Hutchison student about OM and encourage
them to join.
2. If the student and/or parent has any concerns or worries,
contact Cathleen Maloney (Hutchison Farm OM Coordinator)
who would be happy to help address any concerns
3. Students, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Judges, Volunteers
Signup here tonight, or talk to Cathleen Maloney via email:
[email protected]
4. Check online on school website for more information or
assistance if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
This presentation will be available on-line at the Hutchison
Farm website.
Important Dates
Sep 10 2012: Odyssey of the Mind Information Night
Oct 27 2012: Coaches Training (Mandatory-New Coaches) – Park View HS
Dec 1 2012: Masters Spontaneous Training (1/2 Day Event) – Park View HS
Feb 9 2012: Judges Training – Park View HS
Mar 9 2012: Regional Tournament – Tuscarora HS
Apr 13 2012: State Tournament – John Champe HS
TBD: Michigan State University, World Finals
Closing Comments
• Important Websites for OOTM Material
– www.nwvoices.org
– http://www.odysseyofthemind.com
– http://va.odysseyofthemind.org