Frequently Asked Questions

What if the cost is a problem for my family?

It is a priority to ensure cost does not prohibit anyone from participating in TSA. Rowlett pays for most of member's TSA registration, regional registration, state registration, national registration (If they attend), States hotel (If they do not go with their family), bus transportation, and materials. The total cost required from families is $175 to assist with these costs. If this is prohibitive, your family may receive a scholarship. Also, RMA has multiple barely worn TSA shirts for use if purchasing a TSA competition shirt is an issue.

Can students be in TSA if they are not in the Tech Elective?

Absolutely! There are many events that do not require advanced technological knowledge. 

What events are there, and how do members get events?

There's about 35 events requiring a wide range of skills. These events are explained here: 

https://tsaweb.org/competitions#middleschool

Mr. Powers separates events into three categories, with each student participating in one from each category:

• Onsites are events that don't require much preparation, such as tech bowl (a trivia competition), and coding (where students receive a challenge to complete at competition in front of judges).

• Presentations are typically team events where members research, learn, and present information, typically requiring the creation of a presentation board and/or model.

• Long terms are events that require lots of long term building and planning.

Students get matched with events by Mr. Powers based on their preference, strengths, and many other considerations. 8th graders who have been on the team before get to select one event themselves. Unfortunately, it's impossible to ensure every member gets to do all the events they want.

Why didn't my child make it in to TSA?

There are only a max of 28 spots available school-wide. Mr. Powers will select the members whose skills match the needs of the team, and who best show resilience, independence, leadership, and drive on their applications. Unfortunately, there is simply not enough space on the team for every awesome kid that applies each year. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply again next year.