September

September parent letter

The following is information from the September email.

Thank You -

First off, thank you so much for taking the time to attend our parent meeting. If you missed it, no worries all the information can be found below and the recording is attached: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dDUE2L0pW_ald6RS1f41BJtqKFixjq4Z/view

Please know how much you are appreciated as parents/guardians. Without your support, none of this is possible. Welcome to our team and our Botcats family.

Important To-Dos -

FIRST Dashboard:

  • As a parent, you need to make and/or log into your FIRST account (called the Dashboard), your child can also make an account, apply for your student to be on FRC 3653, and complete your student’s Consent and Release Form. Without this, your student is not able to attend events.

  • If you are not sure if this has been completed, please reach out and we can let you know.

  • Attached are the instructions on how to do this.

Team Dues

  • Dues are $120 per student or $95 per sibling on the team

  • These must be brought to a Wednesday meeting in a sealed envelope

  • You can pay via cash or check (made out to Broward Botcats Inc)


Parent Communication -

Parent Only Remind - Text @parent3653 to 81010

Monthly Emails - Ensure you add us to your contact list so your emails don't go to SPAM

Team Website - Bookmark our website - https://sites.google.com/view/frcteam3653/home

Fundraisers & Partnership -

Current Fundraisers to Support:

  • Purchasing team apparel (can be done at Wednesday meetings when Booster is available)

  • Restaurant Fundraiser nights

    • Emails & Remind messages will go out with the date & location of these shortly

Becoming a Partner (or helping connect us to one)

  • A majority of our funding comes from our partners, individuals, local businesses, and organizations in the community that support our team

  • This can be monetary, in-kind, or an outreach opportunity - every little bit helps!

  • Attached is our partnership letter describing the team, our needs, and the benefits of partnering with our program

  • Please feel encouraged to distribute this to anyone you believe would be interested.

Social Media -

Please note that we have social media pages. The more widespread they can become the better. Please like, follow, and share them!

  • Facebook Page (not person) - @botcats3653 or Broward Botcats

  • Twitter - @botcats3653

  • Instagram - @botcats3653

  • LinkedIn - Broward Botcats and Broward Botcats Inc

  • Website - www.tinyurl.com/botcats3653.com

    • Here is where you will find a calendar of events for the year as they are populated, a copy of all emails, and other important information all year long

Scholarships -

We mentioned that students are eligible for up to $80 million in scholarships and internships. All information about this can be found here - https://www.firstinspires.org/scholarships

Mentor vs Parent vs Booster Support -

There is an important distinction to be made between a mentor and a parent of a student. Please read the descriptions below, these are the highlights. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. If you would like to begin the process of becoming a registered mentor, please let me know.

A mentor will do the following:

As a general rule of thumb Mentors will support the students through the activities and projects that they will embark on during the year, and particularly, the build and competition season. This is not limited to technical tasks, our team also requires help with other areas such as business, scouting, awards, outreach and others.

  • Complete the volunteer registration to gain clearance (via the school district policy)

  • Complete Youth Protection Policy screening in the FIRST Dashbaord (via the FIRST program policy)

  • Be willing to donate some of their time and expertise (much more than just engineering) to the team

  • Be included in a group chat (if they choose) to share important information regarding the team


A parent will do the following:

  • If you chose to serve as a chaperone for our overnight events, you must complete the volunteer registration to gain clearance (via the school district policy) both the Level 1 (just the form) and Level 2 (form and fingerprints with the district)

  • If you chose, provide other means of support such as:

    • Meals/snacks (this one is big, particularly during build season)

    • Transportation to community outreach and other events

    • Attend events when you are able

    • Support your child’s interest and involvement in the team activities

New this year! We have started a Booster Club (set up as a nonprofit - Broward Botcats Inc.) in order to help raise funds for the team and manage our expenses a bit easier. We are looking for parents who want to get involved with our Board and Committees so we can have a successful year. If you are interested, please reach out!

  • Opportunities include:
    - Fundraising
    - Team Meals/Snacks
    - Banquet (end of the year)
    - Audit
    - Interested in helping with the booster club, please fill out this form -     https://forms.gle/spPuGMJHhXBW4xUG9

Upcoming Meetings & Events -

  • September 21st, 3PM - Scouting/Hype (Prep for Competition)

  • September 24th, 8PM-6PM - Pirate's Pillage Offseason at South Dade High School – 28401 SW 167th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030 Completely free and open to the public, we encourage you to attend and see what we do!

  • September 28th, 3PM - Mechanical Tools & Systems

  • October 12th, 3PM - Mechanical CAD

  • October 19th, 3PM - Business Awards & Finance


Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.


On behalf of all the mentors and coaches, we thank you for your involvement!

If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to ask.


Your Botcats Booster Board!