We have finally reached departure week! Since many of you
have never been to Nats before I wanted to give you some tips before we head
out to SLC. It is likely you already have thought of these things – but maybe
it will help you as you prepare and pack this week.
So here we go….
• Publicity
– the District would like to feature the team and its accomplishments. I have
asked them to come take the photo of everyone on Wednesday during practice time
(1-3pm) when I have a confirmed time I will contact everyone.
• Practice:
McC will be at TRHS on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for practice. All
students are free to meet there at 1pm until 3pm. It is important to keep
practicing, but it is also important to not overdo it and burn yourself out
before we even get on the bus. Debaters must continue to update and cut
evidence. Students, don’t forget many of you have also signed up for supplemental
events.
• Travel:
We are leaving from DCHS at 8pm on Friday. All students must be at DCHS by
7:15pm. We’ll be driving through the night. If you have movies or other
entertainment please bring it with you. There will be a “lights out” once it
gets late – students should do whatever they need to get rest. Earplugs, eye
masks, blankets, and pillows are all smart ideas. It is okay to wear
“comfortable” clothes on the bus – but don’t forget we’ll arrive during the
middle of the day so you might want to bring something more presentable to
change into if you decide to wear PJ’s on the bus. It is also smart to bring snacks with you on
the bus. ESPECIALLY water. Please
remember to not pack medicine under the bus but keep it with you in case you
need it while we are traveling.
• Clothes:
It is okay to over pack. We have plenty of space on the bus. You’ll need
comfortable/non-competition clothes as well as up to 5 days of competition
clothing. Women should wear pantyhose (icky I know but ‘ya gotta play the game)
and should bring more than one pair. Roosevelt-swag is highly recommended. Wear
it with pride!
• Money +
Food: Students MUST have cash for food at the tournament sites. Cards can be
used when we go out to eat at restaurants, but it is highly unlikely you can
use them for lunch while competing. In the interest of saving money we’ll take
the students to the grocery store or Target when we get there so they can buy
breakfast and snacks. There are mini-fridges in the hotel room but I do not
think there are microwaves.
• Tournament
Information: If parents want specifics about the tournament the best resource
is the NSDA’s website. http://www.speechanddebate.org/nationals
• Hotel: We
are staying at the Hilton Salt Lake Center.
There will be four students to a room. Some students will share rooms with other West Iowa competitors.
• Adults
Traveling: All four of our coaches are headed to SLC. If you need to contact
your student please call Lauren McCool first – 910.330.3304.
• Last
word: This tournament is larger than anyone can imagine! Every year it grows
larger. It is incredibly important that we can trust our students to do what we
ask and be where we need them to be. If a student breaks that trust there will
be appropriate consequences that could involve them being sent home from the
tournament and/or prevent them from competing in the future. Remember, just
because another coach/school permits their students to do something it does not
mean it is okay for a Roosevelt Student.
If you have questions please call or text me! No question is
dumb or too small. I want this trip to be wonderful for everyone.
