Dear Speech & Debate Parents,
Welcome to the Newton South Speech Team. Your child has chosen to participate in a rewarding activity that will enhance communication skills for life. To maintain this wonderful opportunity, parent involvement is essential. You may think that high school is the time to let go of your children and stay out of their lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Teens need parents who show they care about their interests. Even if you child is pushing you away, telling you that you don’t need to be involved, most are glad when parents help. The Newton Speech & Debate Team is a way to meet your child’s friends and their parents, something that is difficult to do once students get to high school.
It is expected that every family will help in some of the following ways:
b) Solicit and track monetary gifts from parents.
c) Send thank-you/acknowledgements to donors
5. Year end Team banquet Food coordinator - We need someone in this role
Please refer to the Team Handbook given to students for more information about the Speech & Debate program at Newton South, description of events as well as rules and expectations.
It is expected that every family will help in some of the following ways:
- Judge at tournaments We need to supply 1 judge for every 5 speech entries and 1 judge for every 2-3 debate entries. If your child is entered in more than one event or you have more than one child in speech, then your obligation increases.
- Drive to/from tournaments (mostly Saturdays - when we compete in person) Most judges also serve as drivers.
- Help at the Newton South Tournament held in January. This is the team’s primary fundraiser. We are responsible for providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks for approximately 600 people. We need many volunteers. (Save the date: January 7, 2023.)
- Provide us with an email address that you access at least daily so we can request judges, drivers, and other volunteers.
- Be aware of the tournament schedule so your child is up and ready to compete on tournament days.
- Driver & Judge Coordinator -
- Newton South Tournament Food Service Coordinator - We need someone in this role
- Fundraising coordinator - We need someone in this role
b) Solicit and track monetary gifts from parents.
c) Send thank-you/acknowledgements to donors
5. Year end Team banquet Food coordinator - We need someone in this role
Please refer to the Team Handbook given to students for more information about the Speech & Debate program at Newton South, description of events as well as rules and expectations.