Frequently Asked Questions

When does TSA meet?

Full TSA members will be in Mr. Powers' iLead class, where they will work on TSA projects. Also, TSA members will stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:45. After school sessions will begin the 3rd week of school, and the start date will be communicated.

How does pickup for after school sessions work?

Students will be brought out to the car loop at 4:45 to be picked up. If students are signed up for Roost, they will go to Roost following TSA to be picked up as usual. Children must be picked up promptly at 4:45. If students have not been picked up by 4:50, they will need to go to the Roost to be picked up from there.

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 each 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 $20 for regionals lunch and shirt, $150 for food for 4 days in Orlando, and purchasing TSA attire. If any of these costs are a problem please contact Mr. or Mrs. Powers for a scholarship. Also, RMA has multiple barely worn TSA shirts for use.

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 25 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.

Can my child participate in gifted enrichment and TSA?

No. TSA will take the place of any other enrichment option. However, the critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and other skills developed in TSA far outshine the opportunities in any other enrichment.

How does the TSA iLead class work?

Full TSA members will be in Mr. Powers' multi-grade iLead class. These students will spend less time on executive functioning skills than other students, to allow for more time on TSA events. Students are selected to TSA because they have shown mastery of executive functioning skills, so this differentiation will allow students to challenge themselves more appropriately with their time. If students struggle in school with this pace, they are not good fits for TSA and will likely be removed from the team.

What is the Practice Squad?

Practice squad members are 6th graders with strong applications who are being introduced to TSA to become full members next year. It is very difficult to beat 7th and 8th graders for spots on the team (Although each year at least 2 6th grade students are taken on to the team as full members). The Practice Squad is a way to get 6th graders on the fast track to making the team, and can also be called up to the team if another member leaves. Practice Squad members are not guaranteed spots next year, but should use the opportunity to share their skills and independence to earn the spot. These members will be invited to attend some during and/or after school meetings, which will be communicated to members and parents. The practice Squad does not attend competition.

What are Specialist Members?

Specialists are students who are masters of specific skills valuable to the team, such as art or film editing. Rather than being assigned specific events, these members will help groups in their areas of expertise. Specialist members may be in the TSA iLead and enrichment, depending on scheduling. Specialists also may be asked to attend some after school sessions, as need arises. These members do not have to attend competition, but may if they'd like; however, these members must attend States with their families if they choose to go.