there will be an Odyssey of the Mind interest session at Watts on Thursday, November 12th at 4:30pm in Room 317.
What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international, creative problem-solving program where students work together in teams to tackle open-ended challenges. Depending on the problem, students might design and build a vehicle, construct an engineering structure, invent a contraption, or develop an original theatrical performance.
Teams spend months developing their own solutions, combining creativity, engineering, art, teamwork, and their imagination. Teams also have opportunities to participate in regional, state, and even international-level competitions.
Several DPS elementary schools participate in OM: Recently, Forest View Elementary's Team AstronOMical Odyssey won first place at both the regional and state competitions before going on to place 7th out of 61 teams at the World Finals, competing against more than 700 teams from around the globe.
We need volunteers to help coach!
An important part of getting an OM team started is finding caregivers who are willing to volunteer as coaches. The number of coaches will determine what form OM takes at Watts -- we can have an unlimited number of non-competitive "Primary teams" for grades K-2. Grades 3-5 may compete and display their solution on the first Saturday of March, in Raleigh. Each team can have 5-7 students, and needs at least 2 coaches.
Here's the good news: You do NOT need any prior Odyssey of the Mind experience to be a coach! Coaches help organize meetings, encourage students, facilitate teamwork, and support the creative process. Adults are not allowed to build, paint, design, or otherwise contribute in any way to the team's work. Enthusiasm and a willingness to support is what matters most.
What to expect at the interest session:
We'll have an experienced Odyssey of the Mind volunteer joining us to:
Explain how the program works and what participation looks like.
Share examples of the kinds of creative challenges students tackle.
Answer questions from parents and caregivers.
Discuss what it takes to get a team started at our school.
Want to coach but can't attend on Thursday?
If you would like to volunteer as a coach and cannot come to the meeting, please reply to this email and let me know! The availability of volunteer coaches is the biggest variable determining whether GWM can participate this year. Generally speaking, volunteers will be expected to attend weekly after school meetings with students, beginning before Thanksgiving and ending in March/April.
Learn more about the program at Odyssey of the Mind's official website.
Hope to see you there!