We have almost arrived at the end of the 2017-2018 season - it was a true pleasure working with the team and meeting/communicating with parents and guardians during the past four months!
Please see the following for one final list of reminders - information regarding the national qualifier tournament in Helena on February 9th and 10th will be communicated directly to competitors themselves via Remind texts, school email, or notices sent through the front office.
================ Remaining Competition Schedule
* STATES: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight for those cleared to compete) - NOTE #1: The state tournament in Great Falls marks the end of our regular season. Those not competing at the national qualifier tournament in Helena will no longer attend practices after Jan. 25. - NOTE #2: Mandatory team meetings are over after Great Falls - our final weekly team meeting of the 2017-2018 season will be on Tuesday, January 23 (there is no school on Jan. 22). * NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Feb 9 & 10 @ Helena (overnight for those cleared to compete) - NOTE #3:Any competitors who do not advance to the second day of their event are REQUIRED to compete in Congressional Debate on Saturday, Feb. 10. If you are unable/unwilling to commit to both days of competition, you will not be invited by the coaches to participate in this tournament. - NOTE #4: Team practices are over after the national qualifier tournament - the final team practice opportunity of the 2017-2018 season will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8.
* NSDA NATIONALS (FOR ANY WHO QUALIFY): June 16-23 @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL - NOTE #5:Any competitors who advance to the national tournament in June will be required to individually communicate with their respective coach and teammates in order to coordinate practice / feedback sessions from February through June.
================ Remaining Practice Schedule
Monday, 1/22 = No School NO OFFICIAL TEAM PRACTICE Tuesday, 1/23 & Wednesday, 1/24 = FINAL TEAM MEETING / PRACTICE UNTIL 5 P.M. Thursday, 1/25 = PRACTICE UNTIL 4 p.m. Friday, 1/26 & Saturday 1/27 = AA State Tournament (Great Falls - see this email for competitor travel information) -------------- Monday, 1/29 - Thursday, 2/1 = INDIVIDUAL NAT QUALS PRACTICE - COMPETITORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING FELLOW TEAM MEMBERS / COACH TO SCHEDULE PRACTICE / FEEDBACK SESSIONS -------------- Monday, 2/5 - Thursday, 2.8 = INDIVIDUAL NAT QUALS PRACTICE - COMPETITORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING FELLOW TEAM MEMBERS / COACH TO SCHEDULE PRACTICE / FEEDBACK SESSIONS Friday, 2/9 & Saturday, 2/10 = NSDA National Qualifier Tournament (Helena - travel information will be distributed when available to competitors) --------------
February / March / April / May / June = Any team members who have qualified for the NSDA National Tournament will communicate with team members / coaches for practice and feedback sessions.
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AA State Tournament Information (Jan 26-27, 2018) Travel Information: Competitors (no observers will be traveling to this tournament) will be excused from class after 1st hour on Friday, January 26. The bus will begin loading on Gerald at 8:45 a.m., and we will leave as a team at 9 a.m. As per usual, we will stop for lunch and at a grocery store once arriving in Great Falls. Time and accommodations permitting, we will hopefully be able to have early check-in at the hotel by 1:30 p.m.
Tournament Schedule: All events will be held at C.M. Russell High School.
Friday, January 26th: Speech 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM *Extemp Draw 30 minutes before rounds in room 307.
Debate 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 27th: Speech 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Semifinals 1:00 PM Finals 3:00 PM *Extemp Draw 30 minutes before rounds in room 307.
Debate 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Octafinals 12:00 PM Quarterfinals 2:00 PM Semifinals 4:00 PM
Finals 5:30 PM
Awards will be held in Bill Will Hall. Music by the Russ Tones Jazz band will be provided for students prior to coaches entering the auditorium . Awards will begin once finals are tabulated and certificates are printed.
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Post-Season Information
Letters: After the season has officially concluded in February, Varsity letters will be delivered to individual team members who have qualified (see weekly email sent on January 5 for full information regarding team lettering policy).
Season End Party: Captains will be in touch with team members regarding details for the end of the year celebration - be on the lookout for information regarding this event in the near future!
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Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule one last time to read; wish us luck at Great Falls, and GO KNIGHTS!
* In light of the abbreviated schedule next week due to finals, everyone will be required to attend the Tuesday meeting plus one practice throughout the week. * Remember, next week is one of your last chances to practice as a full team before the AA State Tournament in Great Falls. End the season strong - make your full effort to practice twice as usual despite the circumstances. * Once the AA State Tournament in Great Falls is over, remember that only those competing in the NSDA National Qualifier Tournament in Helena are required to attend practices as usual.
Thanks, and please let me or Coach Hillary know if you have any questions
================
Monday, 1/15= No School (NO OFFICIAL TEAM PRACTICE)
Tuesday, 1/16= Regular Schedule, school lets out at 3:00 p.m.(TEAM MEETING / PRACTICE UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Wednesday, 1/17= 6 hours of final exams, school dismissed at 3:00 p.m.(PRACTICE UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Thursday, 1/18= 4 hours of final exams, school dismissed at 12:05(NO OFFICIAL TEAM PRACTICE)
Friday, 1/19 = 4 hours of final exams, school dismissed at 12:05 p.m.(NO OFFICIAL TEAM PRACTICE)
--------------
Monday, 1/22= No School (NO OFFICIAL TEAM PRACTICE)
Tuesday, 1/23 & Wednesday, 1/24 = (FINAL TEAM MEETING / PRACTICE UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Thursday, 1/25 = (PRACTICE UNTIL 4 p.m.)
Friday, 1/26 & Saturday 1/27 = AA State Tournament (Great Falls - Travel Details to Come This Week)
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Monday, 1/29= (NO TEAM MEETING, PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Tuesday, 1/30 = (PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Wednesday, 1/31 = (PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Thursday, 2/1 = (PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 4 P.M.)
Friday, 2/2 = (NO PRACTICE)
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Monday, 2/5 = (NO TEAM MEETING, PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Tuesday, 2/6 = (PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Wednesday, 2/7 = (PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 5 P.M.)
Thursday, 2/8 = (FINAL PRACTICE FOR NAT QUALIFIERS UNTIL 4 P.M.)
Friday, 2/9 & Saturday, 2/10 = NSDA National Qualifier Tournament (Helena - more info to come)
--------------
February / March / April / May / June = Any team members who have qualified for the NSDA National Tournament will communicate with team members / coaches for practice and feedback sessions.
Speech: Coach Hillary * Hey Gang, sorry I've been out sick. I would love to touch base with anyone that has pressing concerns/questions for me via e-mail or phone. [email protected] or 989-285-7445. I hope and trust everyone has had a good week back and is working toward our home meet!
Debate: Coach Bathje * LD, PF, & LEGI: Please be sure that your new cases/bills are written - be ready to practice in preparation for our last regular meet at Sentinel. Having said this, continue to watch your time management - if you require additional practice time beyond what is provided on campus, collaborate with your teammates to prep via other methods. * POLICY: Your final meet (unless you go for Congress in Helena) will be on Jan. 25/26. FANTASTIC JOB THIS SEASON!!!!!! The six of you have grown and developed so much as capable and respectable members of this team...we are all anxious to see what the future holds for you =) ============
Remaining Season Schedule & IMPORTANT Notes
* STATES: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight - whole team travels and competes as usual) - NOTE #1: The state tournament in Great Falls marks the end of our regular season. Those not competing at the national qualifier tournament in Helena will no longer attend practices after Jan. 25. - NOTE #2: Mandatory team meetings are over after Great Falls - our final weekly team meeting of the 2017-2018 season will be on Tuesday, January 23 (there is no school on Jan. 22).
* NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Feb 9 & 10 @ Helena (overnight) - NOTE #3:Any competitors who do not advance to the second day of their event are REQUIRED to compete in Congressional Debate on Saturday, Feb. 10. If you are unable/unwilling to commit to both days of competition, you will not be invited by the coaches to participate in this tournament. - NOTE #4: Team practices are over after the national qualifier tournament - the final team practice opportunity of the 2017-2018 season will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8.
* NSDA NATIONALS (FOR ANY WHO QUALIFY): June 16-23 @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL - NOTE #5:Any competitors who advance to the national tournament in June will be required to individually communicate with their respective coach and teammates in order to coordinate practice / feedback sessions from February through June.
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Revised Lettering Policy
Please see the following for the revised HHS Speech & Debate Team Lettering Policy. You will find that it is far more lenient than in years past, but that it still holds with many of the same key requirements for earning a Varsity letter. Contact Coach Bathje or Coach Hillary if you have any questions.
* No unexcused absences at mandatory Monday meetings * Attending minimum of 2 practices per week for the duration of the season * Competing at the varsity level in at least 4 of the 7 meets during the season (Butte, Kalispell, Bozeman, Kalispell, Helena, Hamilton, and Missoula)
Letters will be delivered to those qualifying after our regular season has concluded.
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Meet #7 (Missoula) Information:
Travel Specifics:
* Meet #7 in Missoula (Jan 12/13) is in town - we will be traveling from Hellgate on both Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL WITH THE TEAM. * Friday departure: The bus will begin loading at 2:15 p.m. on Gerald on Friday, Jan 12. Be prompt and be ready to load between 2:15 p.m. and 2:29 p.m. We will be leaving at exactly 2:30 p.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * Saturday departure: The bus will begin loading at 6:45 a.m. on Gerald on Saturday, Jan 13. Be prompt and be ready to load between 6:45 a.m. and 6:59 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 7:00 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * Concessions will be available on site at both Sentinel and Big Sky. Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday.
* Awards will be held at Big Sky immediately following the final debate round * If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
WEEKS 11-14 (DECEMBER 11, 2017- JANUARY 5, 2018)
Coach Updates:
Speech: Coach Hillary * Practicing and Signing-In As we head into the holiday break please remember to SIGN-IN when you Practice next week. There are still many people who are not signing in that I’m seeing practicing. It is a requirement to not only practice twice a week, but also to sign-in. (Note that because of next week’s short week, practice is only mandatory once) * Time to Polish Pieces and Buckle Down As we head into the last bit of our season, it is time to work on specifics to improve. Take note on what you’re struggling with and focus on improving! The general foundation for everyone has been laid out. Now it’s time to really starting adding details, nuances, specialty to your work. If you think you’ve hit “perfection” with your piece or you feel “stuck” or are unsure how to push forward—you should contact me. *Important Reminder Next week we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
We’ve had a great start to the season; let’s finish stronger than we came in! Keep on working and working well, gang!
Debate: Coach Bathje * Jan/Feb Case Deadline LD & PF: YOUR NEW CASES MUST BE FINISHED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JANUARY 5. BRIEFS ARE POSTED ON GOOGLE CLASSROOM. Topics: Catalonia (PF) and Plea Bargaining (LD) * Legi + Congressional Nationals If you haven't already discussed with me the requirements for writing a Congressional Bill to be considered for participation in the national tournament, do so by Wednesday, December 20th. There is a series of deadlines and files I need to forward to you by this time if you're interested. *Important Reminder Next week we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
Have a great and restful holiday break, everyone!
============
Remaining Season Schedule
EVERYONE: mark the meets in Missoula and Great Falls on your calendar...we all travel to these events to compete!
Competition in National Qualifiers will be based FIRST on coach recommendation, SECONDLY on personal preference - you MUST notify Coach Bathje at [email protected] by Friday, January 5th if you intend to compete in the national qualifier tournament (specifying your event) - the approval process for national qualifier competitors will be completed by Coach Hillary and Coach Bathje by Wednesday, January 10. Please speak with your respective coach as soon as possible if you have any questions.
* Meet #7: Jan 12/13 @ Missoula (separate travel on both days)
* STATES: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight - whole team travels)
* NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Feb 9 & 10 @ Helena (overnight)
* NSDA NATIONALS (FOR ANY WHO QUALIFY): June 16-23 @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL
============
In Search of Yearbook Photos!!!
By Friday, January 5, PLEASE submit photographs taken during practices and during meets to me at [email protected]; I will forward everything to my editors and layout designers. They are in the process of completing your team's spread, so give them fantastic options to feature!
CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM, ON YOUR KALISPELL PERFORMANCE!
Debate: * Varsity Lincoln-Douglas: Maia (3rd Place) * Public Forum: Su Su & Oliver (3th Place) * Public Forum: Otis + Estrella (6th Place)
SWEEPSTAKES = HELLGATE TAKES 4th PLACE!
WEEK 10 (DECEMBER 4- DECEMBER 8 , 2017)
Just a few general comments for all to read: * Sign in to meetings and practices. This is an absolute requirement and affects your standing on the team. We all know this because we have signed that we understand the contents of the team policy handbook. * If you know that you are not going to be attending a meet, you MUST IMMEDIATELY TELL YOUR RESPECTIVE COACH. Both Coach Hillary and I had a few very frustrating instances of students dropping from the Helena meet with insufficient notice. In a few cases, neither of us knew until we heard from others. This is absolutely unacceptable - constant communication is a must. Not communicating with your coach will result in substantial disciplinary action in the back half of this season.
Coach Updates:
Speech: Coach Hillary * I'm so happy with the continued commitment to the team. It's been a wonderful season so far and I'm looking forward to the meets we have left. I will miss you all terribly next week in Kalispell, but you will be in good hands and I'll do my best to support you from afar! * Remember--SIGN IN! Please remember to sign-in at our Monday meetings and whenever you practice. Then, after practice print out a critique sheet. I've been seeing a lot of people at meetings who haven't signed in and I've been working with a lot of people at practices that haven't signed in. I have to go by the paper records and not word of mouth of memory when it comes to requiring the fulfillment of practices. SO SIGN IN! Please and thank you! * Looking ahead in our calendar: during the week before Christmas we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
Debate: Coach Bathje * Remember that our new LD/PF volunteer, Bev, is willing to review your cases and offer advice via email. If you didn't receive my Remind message from earlier this week, please contact me as soon as possible and I'll give you her contact info! * IMPORTANT: Due to changes in my personal schedule, all debate practices will now officially need to be held during finite timeframes: 3-5 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday and 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays. Unfortunately, I will no longer be able to stay on campus later than these times, so please be sure that you are managing your time to the best of your ability after school. Please don't attempt to negotiate in any way for additional time if you are not finished by the end of practice - we all need to respect time constraints and work with what we've got. Remember that you can always prep/research at home and rehearse with your teammates remotely. Thank you very much in advance for your understanding and cooperation =) * Looking ahead in our calendar: during the week before Christmas we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
============
In Search of Yearbook Photos!!!
Attention! Since I am also the HHS Yearbook Adviser, I am currently on the lookout for photos that we can submit for this year's spread. My staff photographers can't logistically follow us to our meets - it will be up to all of us to provide some amazing photographs so everyone at Hellgate knows how awesome the team is!
In the next few weeks, PLEASE submit photographs taken during practices and during meets to me at [email protected]; I will forward everything to my editors and layout designers.
Long story short: Yearbook is eager to get started on the Speech/Debate spread, so get to it and send me everything you've got!
============
Meet #5 (Kalispell) Information:
Travel Specifics: * Meet #5 in Kalispell (Dec 8 & 9) is another Friday overnight stay * Since rounds for this meet begin at 2 p.m., we will need to leave earlier than usual - YOU WILL BE EXCUSED FROM THE ENTIRE DAY OF CLASSES. Please speak with your teachers beforehand in order to receive any make-up work that you will miss on December 8th! Remember that eligibility is ALWAYS a priority...if you don't have passing grades, you can't participate in meets until your academics are back in order!!! * The bus will begin loading at 7:45 a.m. on Gerald on Friday, Dec. 8. Be prompt and be ready to load between 7:45 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 8:00 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * We will be stopping for both lunch and a grocery store run before arriving at the meet. If you wish, please bring money for both / one of these stops. * NOTE: It is highly unlikely that early hotel check in will be a possibility - if it is not, be prepared to change and prepare in a restaurant restroom. My recommendation is for you to travel in your formal attire in order to avoid any stress once we arrive in Kalispell. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers! * Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: BUILDINGS: Speech events will be held at Flathead High School. Debate will be held at Glacier High School. CONCESSIONS: Full concessions will be available at both schools. AWARDS: Awards Assembly will be held on Saturday at 7:30 pm in the PERFORMANCE HALL at Glacier High. Awards and certificates will be given to the finalists in every event. Awards will be given to the top three teams in “AA” and in “ABC”.
SPEECH EVENTS @ FLATHEAD HIGH Round 1: 2pm (Friday) Round 2: 4pm Round 3: 6pm Round 4: 8pm Round 5: 8:30am (Saturday) Speech Quarterfinals (Top 24): 11:00am Speech Semifinals (Top 16): 2:00pm Speech Finals (Top 8): 4:30pm * If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM, ON YOUR HELENA PERFORMANCE!
Speech: * Placed 8th Overall at the Dusty Roads Tournament in Helena! * Humorous Interpretation: Monroe (3rd Place), Bella (6th Place), Caydance (8th Place) * Dramatic Interpretation: Dillon (3rd Place) * Duo: Llwyn and Dillon (5th Place)
Debate: * Placed 4th overall at the Carroll College Tournament of Champions! * Public Forum: SuSu & Oliver (3rd Place) * Novice Lincoln-Douglas: Faith (3rd Place), Luke (10th Place) * Varsity Lincoln-Douglas: Maia (3rd Place)
Coach Updates: Speech: Coach Hillary * I'm so happy with the continued commitment to the team. It's been a wonderful season so far and I'm looking forward to the meets we have left. I will miss you all terribly next week in Kalispell, but you will be in good hands and I'll do my best to support you from afar! * Remember--SIGN IN! Please remember to sign-in at our Monday meetings and whenever you practice. Then, after practice print out a critique sheet. I've been seeing a lot of people at meetings who haven't signed in and I've been working with a lot of people at practices that haven't signed in. I have to go by the paper records and not word of mouth of memory when it comes to requiring the fulfillment of practices. SO SIGN IN! Please and thank you! * Looking ahead in our calendar: during the week before Christmas we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
Debate: Coach Bathje * Remember that our new LD/PF volunteer, Bev, is willing to review your cases and offer advice via email. If you didn't receive my Remind message from earlier this week, please contact me as soon as possible and I'll give you her contact info! * IMPORTANT: Due to changes in my personal schedule, all debate practices will now officially need to be held during finite timeframes: 3-5 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday and 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays. Unfortunately, I will no longer be able to stay on campus later than these times, so please be sure that you are managing your time to the best of your ability after school. Please don't attempt to negotiate in any way for additional time if you are not finished by the end of practice - we all need to respect time constraints and work with what we've got. Remember that you can always prep/research at home and rehearse with your teammates remotely. Thank you very much in advance for your understanding and cooperation =) * Looking ahead in our calendar: during the week before Christmas we will have practice opportunities on Monday (12/18), Tuesday (12/19), and Wednesday (12/20). You will only be required to attend ONE practice (plus the meeting) during this week before we head off to a hard-earned vacation!
============
In Search of Yearbook Photos!!! Attention! Since I am also the HHS Yearbook Adviser, I am currently on the lookout for photos that we can submit for this year's spread. My staff photographers can't logistically follow us to our meets - it will be up to all of us to provide some amazing photographs so everyone at Hellgate knows how awesome the team is!
In the next few weeks, PLEASE submit photographs taken during practices and during meets to me at [email protected]; I will forward everything to my editors and layout designers.
Long story short: Yearbook is eager to get started on the Speech/Debate spread, so get to it and send me everything you've got!
============
Meet #5 (Kalispell) Information: Travel Specifics: * Meet #5 in Kalispell (Dec 8 & 9) is another Friday overnight stay * Since rounds for this meet begin at 2 p.m., we will need to leave earlier than usual - YOU WILL BE EXCUSED FROM THE ENTIRE DAY OF CLASSES. Please speak with your teachers beforehand in order to receive any make-up work that you will miss on December 8th! Remember that eligibility is ALWAYS a priority...if you don't have passing grades, you can't participate in meets until your academics are back in order!!! * The bus will begin loading at 7:45 a.m. on Gerald on Friday, Dec. 8. Be prompt and be ready to load between 7:45 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 8:00 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * We will be stopping for both lunch and a grocery store run before arriving at the meet. If you wish, please bring money for both / one of these stops. * NOTE: It is highly unlikely that early hotel check in will be a possibility - if it is not, be prepared to change and prepare in a restaurant restroom. My recommendation is for you to travel in your formal attire in order to avoid any stress once we arrive in Kalispell. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers! * Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: BUILDINGS: Speech events will be held at Flathead High School. Debate will be held at Glacier High School. CONCESSIONS: Full concessions will be available at both schools. AWARDS: Awards Assembly will be held on Saturday at 7:30 pm in the PERFORMANCE HALL at Glacier High. Awards and certificates will be given to the finalists in every event. Awards will be given to the top three teams in “AA” and in “ABC”.
SPEECH EVENTS @ FLATHEAD HIGH Round 1: 2pm (Friday) Round 2: 4pm Round 3: 6pm Round 4: 8pm Round 5: 8:30am (Saturday) Speech Quarterfinals (Top 24): 11:00am Speech Semifinals (Top 16): 2:00pm Speech Finals (Top 8): 4:30pm * If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
WEEKS 8 & 9 (NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 1, 2017)
Coach Updates:
From both Coach Bathje and Coach Hillary: HAVE A FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING BREAK! WE'LL SEE ALL OF YOU ON NOVEMBER 27!
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Final Season Schedule:
Please see the following for the FINAL schedule of meet dates and places. HUGE thanks to all of you for your patience as we have been ironing out details for this season!
Meet #4: Dec 1/2 @ Helena (overnight)
Meet #5: Dec 8/9 @ Kalispell (overnight) Meet #6: Dec 15/16 @ Hamilton (separate travel on both days)* * Legi is NOT offered at this event - please see Coach Bathje if you would like to try another event for this meet! Meet #7: Jan 12/13 @ Missoula (separate travel on both days)
STATES: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight - whole team travels) NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Feb 9 & 10 @ Helena (overnight) NSDA NATIONALS (FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY): June 16-23 @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Meet #4 (Helena) Information:
Travel Specifics: * Meet #4 in Helena (Dec 1 & 2) is another Friday overnight stay * You will be excused from Periods 3 through 7 - please speak with your teachers beforehand in order to receive any make-up work that you will miss on December 1st! Remember that eligibility is ALWAYS a priority...if you don't have passing grades, you can't participate in meets until your academics are back in order!!!
* The bus will begin loading at 9:30 a.m. on Gerald on Friday, Dec. 1. Be prompt and be ready to load between 9:30 a.m. and 9:44 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 9:45 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * We will be stopping for both lunch and a grocery store run before arriving at the hotel. If you wish, please bring money for both / one of these stops. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers!
* Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Saturday, December 2: RD 4: 8 a.m. RD 5: 10 a.m. Outround I: 1 p.m. Outround II: 3 p.m. Outround III 5 p.m. Awards: 7 p.m. Outround IV: after awards
* If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
WEEK 7 (NOVEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 17, 2017)
Coach Updates:
Speech - Coach Hillary: * Not many updates this week, gang. Great job on balancing a hectic week - we'll be a bit short-handed this weekend in Bozeman, but be ready to come back with a strong presence in Helena!
Debate - Coach Bathje: * This week's debate practice schedule is as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. No practice on Thursday...I will not be at work this day (my mom is getting remarried...kind of a big deal. Otherwise I would be here!) * We will still have practice on Monday and Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving...these practices will not be mandatory for attendance. If you can make it, great. If you can't, that's alright, too. Just make sure that if you miss practice the week of Thanksgiving.you're revising your cases/bills and practicing your speeches. * Topic changes for LD, PF, and Legi have officially been posted on Google Classroom - make sure you know what your case/bill topic is so you can begin/continue writing on Monday! Have drafts of your cases and bills completed ASAP...Baylor Briefs for LD and PF will be posted in Classroom on Friday (11/17).
Keep it up - we're almost able to pause long enough to catch our breaths =)
============ Upcoming Season Schedule
Please see the following for revised meet dates and places: Meet #4: Dec 1/2 @ Helena (overnight) Meet #5: Dec 8/9 @ Kalispell (overnight) Meet #7: Jan 12/13 @ Missoula (separate travel on both days) STATES: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight) NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Feb 9 & 10 @ Helena (overnight) NSDA NATIONALS (FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY): June 16-23 @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Last-Minute Meet #3 (Bozeman) Information
Travel Specifics: * Meet #3 in Bozeman is another Friday overnight stay. Since there's no school tomorrow (11/10), you will need to make sure you are at school on time for our 9:30 a.m. departure! * The bus will begin loading at 9:15 a.m. on Gerald. Be prompt and be ready to load between 9:15 a.m. and 9:29 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 9:30 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * As we did for Butte, we will be stopping for both lunch and a grocery store run before arriving at the hotel. If you wish, please bring money for both / one of these stops. * As of right now, the Athletic Office has NOT been able to secure early check-in for all of our rooms at the hotel. I have been told that the hotel is sold out on Friday night, and that an early flipping all of the rooms that we need is unlikely. You've been warned...if you are counting on extra time in your own hotel room like in Butte, you are probably not going to get it! Due to circumstances out of our control, prepare for the probability of having to QUICKLY share whatever rooms are ready for your preparation before the meet. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers! * Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: Friday, 10 November: 3:30 PM Extemp Draw for Round I in BHS Berg Library 4:00 PM Round I begins for all competitors 6:00 PM Round II for all 8:00 PM Round III for all Saturday, 11 November: 8:00 AM Extemp Draw for Round IV, Round IV Debate 8:30 AM Round IV Speech 10:00 AM Round V Debate 10:30AM Round V Speech 12:00 PM Quarterfinals/Octafinals for Debate 1:00 PM Semifinals/Finals for Speech 2:00 PM Semifinals/Quarterfinals for Debate 3:00 PM Finals for Speech 4:00 PM Finals/Semifinals for Debate 5:00 PM Finals for LD and PF if Octafinals are run 6:00 PM Policy Finals Begin if Octafinals are run 6:30 PM Awards Ceremony begins in Hawk Gym
* If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
Speech - Coach Hillary: * Reminder: my email is [email protected] * Thank you for those signing up for REMIND. If you haven’t yet, please do so! * A note about the new critique sheet system:
- If you’re doing a run thru, please fill the sheet out in full. If you’re working on a specific area (blocking, voices, cutting etc) I ask that you just jot down what your focus was that practice. - If you’re running thru your piece or speech, please record it and upload it to the Google Drive folder of your name.
Great work last week! Your hard work is showing!
Debate - Coach Bathje: * Thank you, debaters, for being receptive to the new routine of post-meet ballot reflections! Remember that you can access your reflections at any time via Google Classroom. Additionally, if you want to review your ballots again, they will always be stored in my room in the black accordion folder by my desk (or you can just take pictures of them). * Remember to keep adding to / revising your cases and bills. Keep in mind your post-meet reflection goals and continually strive to improve the content and structure of your arguments / anticipated cross examinations. * This month is going to FLY BY, and we all need to be diligent about our time management. We have 12 more days of full practice before we break for Thanksgiving - if you haven't done so yet, take a look at a calendar and get yourself familiar with the frantic pace of November. * As of now, PF and LD have come to a consensus that new case writing for the December topic change will be finished by Friday, November 17. Legi...what are you thinking? We need to get a game plan together for new bill writing ASAP!
Keep up your dedication and great work!
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Last-Minute Meet #2 (Kalispell) Information
Travel Specifics: * Kalispell (TOMORROW!) is a ONE-DAY-ONLY EVENT ON NOVEMBER 4th! We will leave at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and return late Saturday evening. * The bus will begin loading at 4:15 a.m. on Gerald. Be prompt and be ready to load between 4:15 a.m. and 4:29 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 4:30 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * If you are not on Remind, you did not see this warning from earlier in the week: due to availability issues, we will not be traveling on a charter bus tomorrow - we'll be rolling in style on a classic yellow school bus! This means dress warm and be ready to work a little bit to get comfortable once inside. * We will NOT be stopping on our way from Missoula to Kalispell - be ready with everything once you step on the bus. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers!
* Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: * SPEECH & LEGI DEBATE: Speech events will have three preliminary rounds, semifinals (top 16), and finals (top 8). There will NOT be a drop score used in Speech rounds. Extemp draw will be 30 minutes prior to each round. * DEBATE: Debate will have four preliminary rounds and a final “championship” round that will feature #1 versus #2 and #3 versus #4. Round 1—8:00 am Round 2—10:00 am Round 3—12:00 pm Round 4 (Speech Semi-finals)—2:00 pm Finals—4:30 pm
* CONCESSIONS: Full concessions will be available for students. * AWARDS: Awards Assembly will be at 7:00 pm in the FHS Auditorium. Medals & certificates will be given to the finalists in every event. Sweepstakes trophies will be given to the top three teams in “AA” and in “ABC”.
* If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
============ Meet #3 (Bozeman) Information
Travel Specifics: * Meet #3 in Bozeman is another Friday overnight stay. Whether or not you were aware, you have no school next Friday (11/10) - you will need to make sure you are at school on time for our 9:30 a.m. departure! * The bus will begin loading at 9:15 a.m. on Gerald. Be prompt and be ready to load between 9:15 a.m. and 9:29 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 9:30 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * As we did for Butte, we will be stopping for both lunch and a grocery store run before arriving at the hotel. If you wish, please bring money for both / one of these stops. * As of right now, the Athletic Office has NOT been able to secure early check-in for all of our rooms at the hotel. I have been told that the hotel is sold out on Friday night, and that an early flipping all of the rooms that we need is unlikely. You've been warned...if you are counting on extra time in your own hotel room like in Butte, you are probably not going to get it! Due to circumstances out of our control, prepare for the probability of having to QUICKLY share whatever rooms are ready for your preparation before the meet. * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday. Concessions will be available on site, and we will have drinks and snacks as donated by our wonderful parent volunteers!
* Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: Friday, 10 November: 3:30 PM Extemp Draw for Round I in BHS Berg Library 4:00 PM Round I begins for all competitors 6:00 PM Round II for all 8:00 PM Round III for all
Saturday, 11 November: 8:00 AM Extemp Draw for Round IV, Round IV Debate 8:30 AM Round IV Speech 10:00 AM Round V Debate 10:30AM Round V Speech 12:00 PM Quarterfinals/Octafinals for Debate 1:00 PM Semifinals/Finals for Speech 2:00 PM Semifinals/Quarterfinals for Debate 3:00 PM Finals for Speech 4:00 PM Finals/Semifinals for Debate 5:00 PM Finals for LD and PF if Octafinals are run 6:00 PM Policy Finals Begin if Octafinals are run 6:30 PM Awards Ceremony begins in Hawk Gym
* If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. * If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
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Season Schedule Changes
As a final note, unavoidable schedule conflicts have required the coaches to alter our meet schedule. Please see the following for revised meet dates and places:
Meet #3: Nov 10/11 @ Bozeman (overnight) Meet #4: Dec 1/2 @ Helena (overnight) Meet #5: Dec 8/9 @ Kalispell (possible attendance - not definitive as of now) Meet #6: Dec 15/16 @ Hamilton (separate travel on both days) Meet #7: Jan 12/13 @ Missoula (separate travel on both days) Meet #8: Jan 26/27 @ Great Falls (overnight)
CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM, ON YOUR BUTTE PERFORMANCE!
SPEECH PLACEMENTS! Monroe: 1st in HI Caydance/Mason: 1st in DUO Dillon/Llwyn: 2nd in DUO Meredith: 6th in EXT Claire: 7th in OO Bella: 8th in HI
DEBATE PLACEMENTS! Maia: 3rd in LD Otis + Estrella: 4th in PF Faith = 2nd in Novice LD Hannah + Kelton = 4th in Novice Policy
WEEK 5 (OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 3, 2017)
Combined Coach Updates: * If you are even entertaining the idea of switching events, just talk to us! We completely support you if you are still searching for your best place on the team; however, we will not support you if you give us little to no notice before meets. Also understand that if you switch into an event with which you are unfamiliar, you'll be observing for at least one meet before jumping into competition. * Speaking of dropping events: there are very rigid deadlines created by meet coordinators over which we have zero control; typically, the deadline for changing meet rosters is 48-72 hours before the meet. If you must drop, we MUST know ASAP so we can make the appropriate changes. According to team policy, you will be charged $20 to cover the cost of drops made after the final deadline designated by meet coordinator. Personal circumstances should not (and will not) be paid for by the school!
Kalispell Information:
Since we have a rapid turnaround from the Butte to the Kalispell meet, please see the postings outside of Bathje's room (330) for lists of Kalispell competitors and observers. Postings will go up first thing on Friday (10/27) morning. Coach Hillary and I will also be able to inform of competition/observation status during the Butte trip.
Travel Specifics: * Kalispell is a ONE-DAY-ONLY EVENT ON NOVEMBER 4th! We will leave early Saturday morning and return late Saturday evening. * The bus will begin loading at 4:45 a.m. on Gerald. Be prompt and be ready to load between 4:45 a.m. and 4:59 a.m. We will be leaving at exactly 5:00 a.m. - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * We will NOT be stopping on our way from Missoula to Kalispell - be ready with everything once you step on the bus! * Bring sufficient food and drink (or money for concessions once we arrive) to last you throughout Saturday.
* Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
Meet Specifics: * SPEECH & LEGI DEBATE: Speech events will have three preliminary rounds, semifinals (top 16), and finals (top 8). There will NOT be a drop score used in Speech rounds. Extemp draw will be 30 minutes prior to each round. * DEBATE: Debate will have four preliminary rounds and a final “championship” round that will feature #1 versus #2 and #3 versus #4. Round 1—8:00 am Round 2—10:00 am Round 3—12:00 pm Round 4 (Speech Semi-finals)—2:00 pm Finals—4:30 pm
* CONCESSIONS: Full concessions will be available for students. * AWARDS: Awards Assembly will be at 7:00 pm in the FHS Auditorium. Medals & certificates will be given to the finalists in every event. Sweepstakes trophies will be given to the top three teams in “AA” and in “ABC”.
* If you are competing, be dressed in your competition attire. If you are observing, you are still expected to wear professional clothing for wear at the meet .The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
WEEK 4 (OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 27, 2017)
Coach Updates:
Speech - Coach Hillary:
Extra Speech Practice Opportunity! Due to no school on Thursday or Friday I am opening up my studio for anyone who would like to come and work. This is not mandatory. But with our first meet quickly approaching, if anyone is interested and available please stop on my.
LOCATION: The Good Work Studio 127 N Higgins, Ste 306 (3rd Floor) Missoula, MT
Debate - Coach Bathje:
Thanks for all of your hard work this past week as we worked on practice rounds and flowing! Next week will look very similar to this week in terms of structure and expectations.
* Continue refining your cases - see me or your event mentors for any assistance with your argumentation. * Compile as much research as you can! We are in the computer lab every day for a reason - take advantage of our resources and print what you need so you have it to use during meets. * Find an organizational system that you can implement for all of your research during meets. This can be in the form of a set of folders, an accordion file, a briefcase (if you want to look ultra professional)....it's up to you. Just have a way to keep it all together and accessible during debate. * Above all, just be ready to have fun and enjoy yourself! Debate is a seriously challenging (and stressful) extracurricular, but my main priority is that you find satisfaction in what you're doing. Talk to me if you're not.
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Yearbook Team Photo
The Yearbook photo for our Speech & Debate team will take place at 11 a.m. (the very beginning of lunch) on Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Upper Gym. Be there on time and be ready with a smile! The group photo should take no longer than 10 minutes total.
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Butte Information
If you are traveling with the team on Friday (immediately check with Coach Bathje or Coach Hillary if you don't know your status), carefully note the following:
Travel Specifics: * You will be excused from Periods 5-7; speak with your afternoon teachers ahead of time and get any make-up work that you will need. * The bus will begin loading at 12:30 p.m. on Gerald. Be prompt and be ready to load between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. We will be leaving at 12:45 - failure to report for bus loading will result in disciplinary action AND you letting down your partner/team. DO NOT BE LATE. * Double check that you have your buddies' contact information so we all have contact with each other when traveling. Also, be registered for Remind when the coaches have urgent announcements to communicate to individuals or to the entire team.
* Hotel check-in is at 3:00 p.m. on Friday - we will have under an hour to get to the rooms, unload, and dress for first round. Be mentally prepared to hit the ground running with ALL of your event resources once we're in Butte!
Meet Specifics: * Speech/ Interp: Rounds are Friday at 4, 6, and 8. Saturday rounds are 8:30, 10:30, 1 , and 3. * Debate: Rounds are Friday at 4, 6, and 8. Saturday rounds are 8, 10, 12 (Q), 2 (S), and 4 (F). * Events will be self-timed. Please make sure to have your own timers.
* Pack appropriately for your overnight needs - take into account all personal items which you may need and plan ahead. * Bring sufficient money for food and drink - think: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturday snacks, Saturday lunch...you can also bring your own food. Again, plan ahead and have more than you think you might need to be safe! * If you are competing, have your business professional dress ready to go. See above for the timing of rounds in order to decide the amount of attire you wish to bring. * If you are observing, you are still expected to bring professional clothing for wear at the meet . The absolute requirement is that we represent Hellgate as maturely and professionally as possible.
WEEK 3 (OCTOBER 16 - OCTOBER 18, 2017) Coach Updates: Speech - Coach Hillary: Hey Speechers! Great week two. Lots of progress happening. Let's keep up the good work. * Get those permission slips and fees and other paperwork turned in ASAP. * Remember to sign-in every time you practice. * I'm now using REMIND to communicate with ya'll . Please let me know if you didn't receive a text message.
Debate - Coach Bathje: After two weeks, I'm excited to observe the beginning of practice rounds on Monday! A few comments for you: * Remember: Written cases are due on Monday (10/16). Do your best and come prepared after the meeting to participate in /observe a practice round and to work on flowing. * If you still have not registered for Google Classroom and Remind, please do. Check last week's email about codes and access. * As discussed this past Monday, the debate team will NOT be practicing on Fridays. You are always welcome to work in the library on Fridays, but remember: any work that you put in on Fridays will not count toward official practice attendance. The library is available until 4 p.m. if you decide to go in on your own!
Preliminary Butte Info: Next week I will be providing a full and very detailed list of information about arrangements and our first meet on Oct. 27/28. In the meantime, here are basics for beginning to plan ahead:
* Students asked to travel for competition/observation will be leaving campus on Friday, Oct. 27 at 12:45 p.m. Traveling team members will be excused from Periods 5-7. * No official permission slip will be required for travel during this season's meets; however, it is HIGHLY recommended that members from Speech and Debate who are asked to travel use next week to communicate with their afternoon teachers about make-up work. * The team will be staying overnight on Friday in Butte and will be leaving Saturday evening after the conclusion of the awards ceremony. It is probable that the team will not be leaving from Butte before 6 p.m. * Start planning amongst your family a communication plan for travel days. Families need to decide HOW team members will let their family know that they have safely arrived in Butte on Friday afternoon. Decide WHEN the team member will let family know when they are close to/at Hellgate. Decide HOW team members will be getting home once we have unloaded at Hellgate on Saturday night.
As I mentioned previously, many more details to come - however, this gives everyone an initial idea of what to expect for our first travel meet!
Snack Sign-Ups! Interested in donating snacks for our travel meets? Please follow the link below and help out! This link will also be posted under a permanent tab on the Weebly website for future reference.
Team Clothing Donations Do you (or anyone you know) have gently used, professional clothing items that you would like to donate for a great cause? The team is currently looking for the following to be donated to our Speechers/Debaters as an alternative to purchasing brand new (and potentially expensive) items:
If you have any items you would care to donate, please contact Coach Bathje at your earliest convenience.
WEEK 2 (OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 13, 2017) Coach Updates:
Speech - Coach Hillary: It was lovely to begin working with you all! A few notes about this past week and moving forward: *You're required to practice twice a week. You may practice more, if you'd like! There are weekly sign-in sheets. I am checking them. Those who do not practice will not be competing. *If you have conflicts to practicing you must communicate that with me. e-mail me @ [email protected] *All pieces/topics MUST BE APPROVED by me. If you've been working on something, you need to show it to me. As of right now I have approved less than a handful of pieces/topics. There are a lot more of you on the team than that. Fill me in. *I will be at practices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:15pm-6:00pm and I will try my best to be there on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:15pm-6:00pm. On days that I'm not there, our two volunteer coaches are present and happy to work with you! *The Google Drive folder that I mentioned in our meeting on Monday can be accessed HERE. Or by copying and pasting this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByEhPKIwGj8HRVAzN3N1RFhUczQ Documents that I pass(ed) out are there; Tentative schedule is there; If you have a piece you can upload it there. Anyone with the link may edit the folders. Please only upload, no deletes. *Please review the documents for your event that I passed out on Monday. (If you did not receive that document you can access it through the Google Drive folder.) In the "Order of Operations" you will see what steps I expect you to be taking in your event. This is a tool to help you build. If you build differently--COME TALK TO ME. I'd love to hear about it. Otherwise, I'll assume that you're going to follow those steps.
I'm really looking forward to moving into week two :-). Thank you so much for the work you've put into Speech with week one. We've got some really talented and driven folks on this team. It's very motivating!
Debate - Coach Bathje: Thanks for a fantastic, motivated first week everyone! I'm so happy to see you all diving right into your research with a collaborative spirit. Very well done =)
* The Importance of Attendance: Attend practice as often as your schedule will allow. In looking at this week's attendance, we are looking solid in terms of numbers. However, everyone should brush up on the attendance policies; be sure that you are communicating any absences directly me with me as per the team handbook ([email protected]) * The Importance of Mondays: If possible, please try to be at practice after each Monday's mandatory meeting. On these days the captains and I will be running whole group review in Room 330 on essential skills and information to help with case writing and presentation. * This Monday: After this Monday's team meeting, Debate will meet in Room 330 in order to review and practice the essential skill of flowing. If it is at all possible, BE THERE! * New Thursday Protocol: On Thursdays (unless otherwise notified), meet by 2:10 in the Library for event research and collaborative brainstorming. Katie (our fantastic Policy mentor) will arrive as soon as is possible. Until she does, please use your time to the best of your ability in the Library. This change stems from the fact that I am required to be in meetings until 3:30 for the vast majority of Thursday afternoons. We'll make it all work, so thanks in advance! * Classroom & 101: If you are a debate team member and have not yet registered for Google Classroom (code: dthqckx) AND Remind 101 (text @bathje to the number 81010), please do so. These are two crucial systems that I will be using to strengthen my communication with you during the season. Classroom and 101 are also two ways for me to get in touch with each of you about urgent announcements. Thanks in advance, and please see me if you are having issues with registering! * October Case Deadline: We just started, but mark it down: your first written case needs to be completed on Monday, Oct. 16! Contact me or your returning event teammates with specific questions on requirements - you still have next week to work, but be sure that you are managing your time and getting your case finished in order to serve as a proactive and productive member of the team.
Looking forward to Week 2, where we really get going!
Tentative Schedule Reminder: The coaches' goal is to have permission slips ready to be distributed next week for our first travel meet to Butte; please look for that slip to be coming home by Friday, Oct. 13. Also, please understand that logistically we cannot take all 54 (!) of our current team members to travel every meet for competition - coaches will be discussing travel plans, decisions, and goals with individual members throughout the course of the next week in order to solidify plans for the first meet.
1. Friday, October 27- Saturday, October 28 Butte 2. Saturday, November 4 Kalispell 3. Friday, November 10 - Saturday, November 11 Bozeman 4. Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 2 Helena/Carroll 5. Friday, December 8 - Saturday, December 9 Kalispell Regional 6. Friday December 15 - Saturday December 16 Billings Regional 7. Friday, January 12 - Saturday, January 13 Missoula 8. Friday, January 26 - Saturday, January 27 State AA Great Falls
WEEK 1 (OCTOBER 2 - OCTOBER 6, 2017)
About Tryouts & Team Placements...
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week the team coaches, captains, and district-approved volunteers held tryouts after school in 303C and the Computer Lab. Both the Speech and Debate side of things saw impressive numbers; we were impressed with the enthusiasm already demonstrated by then prospective (and now official) team members!
Everyone who came to tryouts has now been assigned a recommended event. If you are a student who was unable to make it to 303C in order to see roster postings, please email me at your earliest convenience OR just be sure to attend Monday's first team meeting to learn of your event recommendation.
First Week of Practice...
From now on there will be meetings every Monday after school in room 303C. If you are unable to attend a meeting or practice, please make sure you let your respective coach know 7 days in advance as per the team guidelines (see attached handbook for complete information). Please note that these meetings are officially scheduled to begin at 3:10 in order to give everyone time to travel from where they are at the end of the day. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in being on time and ready to go!
Remember that all paperwork and fees are due to me no later than Friday, October 6! Please see the attached handbook for further information, or email me directly at [email protected].
What to expect the first week of practice? Returning team members will be asked to work alongside our volunteers in order to help mentor newcomers in their recommended events. Newcomers, just be ready to focus and learn the parameters and nuances of your events so you can get to work prepping as soon as possible!
Communication... This year my goals are to quickly become acquainted with the flow of competitive Speech & Debate and to keep both students and parents in the loop as much as is possible. In order to achieve this latter goal, coaches and captains will be utilizing three methods of communication on a weekly basis:
A) End of the Week Mass Email Updates. Each Friday I will send out reminders and news of the upcoming week. My updates will be similar to this email, but MUCH shorter! I value everyone's time and pledge to keep the updates specific, yet efficient. If you prefer not to receive these on a weekly basis, please respond and I will promptly remove your address from this list. B) HHS Speech & Debate Facebook. The Facebook page will primarily be used for captains' updates and for student collaboration in preparation for upcoming meets. If you would like to become a part of this protected online community, please search via Facebook and request membership! Please note that the Facebook page is not monitored or run by coaching staff. C) Weebly Website. Please feel free to visit the previously established website for HHS Speech & Debate at http://hellgatespeechdebate.weebly.com. We are in the process of setting it up to house specific information on basic contact information, the season schedule and handbook (also attached to this email), and general updates.
Parental/Guardian Involvement... If you are interested in contributing to the HHS Speech & Debate community, there are several ways to do so! Please see the following for a list of ideas to consider as we kick off our season: A) Coaching staff for any sport typically is looking for assistance with sending team members off with snacks or drinks for the bus trip on away meets. If you are interested in volunteering to contribute to this effort (as of now we have 9 total meets planned, which means 9 separate planning events for 40+ students!), please contact LeAnn Millar with your name and information. LeAnn can be reached at [email protected]. B) During the Parent Night meeting last week, the fantastic idea was brought up about a possible clothing swap closet on campus to assist team members in having access to professional dress for meets. If you are interested in helping to organize or contribute, please contact me directly at [email protected] C) Fundraising is a critical aspect of any thriving Speech & Debate team...especially if that particular team is Hellgate, which has a distinguished record of sending students to nationals! I am open to any and all ideas - again, please contact me directly at [email protected] if you are interested in assisting with team fundraising efforts.
Here's to a fantastic first week of team meeting and practice!
Pre-Season (September 2017) * Tryouts are in 303 on Tuesday, 9/26 and 9/27 for all newcomers. * October 6th is the deadline to have all paperwork and fees turned in. A list of everything you need is on the final page of this year's handbook; if you don't have your hard copy, click HERE to see what you need.