Parents and the Media on Seibun Race or Rally Day

Many teachers schedule the race or rally day and advertise the event before hand to encourage parents and the media to attend. Parent volunteers should be encouraged to: 'advertise' the event, or help out the day of the event or both if they wish. Parents should be used for crowd control and running the races or challenges. Do not let parents work on the vehicles. This day is meant to be a fun activity, but whenever there is competition or challenges for students, some parents turn it into a 'parent competition.' Go over or give parents a friendly sheet of Parent Guidelines or Race Guidelines.

If younger students are participating, then instead of a race, make it a rally. Taking the edge off of the competition makes the day more fun for more students by reducing the stress. A race might have but one winner, while a rally allows each student a chance to shine and show what was learned or mastered.

Use the Race Volunteer Logo (available at www.Seibun.net) and print up tee shirts for volunteers using a computer and the special iron-on paper available at computer or stationary stores.

Local print media, internet sites, radio, or television may wish to cover the excitement. Students showing off the vehicles and the science behind them make excellent, positive photo opportunities. Excited students racing or fixing vehicles or explaining how they worked or constructed the vehicle make good topics for interviews. Students, parents and the school will be proud of the students and teacher. Community activities lead to extra support.

  © www.seibunUSA.com