Attn: K-5 parents,

Enjoy thinking “outside the box? Join Odyssey of the Mind at COES! If you and/or your child are interested in participating in OM we are looking for a parent to be a coordinator and Coach for this school year!  Last year our team competed and placed third at Worlds Competition in Orlando. It is an amazing program for students!  If you would like more information please read the information below. You may also click on the links to read more! If you are interested in coaching a team and becoming a coordinator for COES this year please email Tricia Sherburne at pobrien@pasco.k12.fl.us

Odyssey of the Mind  is a creative problem-solving program for students K-12 and college.  It provides participants with the opportunity to learn creative problem solving, teamwork, brainstorming, self-reliance, and respect for individual strengths — unique, unforgettable experiences that will serve them in every aspect of their lives now and in the future.

            Teams of five to seven students meet after school for several months, guided by an adult coach (usually a parent), to develop solutions to one of six Long Term Problems, while also practicing for a Spontaneous Problem.  Teams, problems and competitions are organized into five divisions by age groups.   In Florida we have Regional competitions and the higher scoring teams advance to State Finals.  The top teams from the State Finals go on to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

            For the Long Term Problem, teams develop a theatrical and engineering solution to a specific situational problem over several months.  Solutions may range from building mechanical devices to presenting interpretations of literary classics.  Just as much fun are the Spontaneous Problems, where the students develop brainstorming skills to solve problems given at the competition.       

Sign-up for participation will be on a first-come/first-served basis, as the number of team slots are limited and dependent on the number of coaches we have. If you are interested in being a coach, your assistance is greatly needed! Without coaches we will have no teams! You do not have to be a professional educator to get involved and no prior OM experience is necessary. Children of parent coaches are guaranteed a spot on a team. For each team, we need at least one coach.

Deadline is September 14^th.

Additional information about Odyssey of the Mind can be found at:

https://www.odysseyofthemind.com/ and https://www.floridaodysseyofthemind.com/

For information about our regional organization, please see: http://www.gcodyssey.com/

Connerton Teachers and Students are Happy for school year 2021 to be here!