* MacArthur's Odyssey of the Mind *

**Building Coordinator - Roberta Peterson (762-8180)**

***Commonly Asked Questions About Odyssey of the Mind***

•What is Odyssey of the Mind?

  →Odyssey of the Mind is a program which encourages children to use problem solving, creativity, and teamwork to solve specific problems. Teams of seven students are formed. These teams work together for several months under the guidance of a coach, creating skits, scenery, and costumes which will solve a particular problem.

•How can my child become involved in this program?

  →Student selection is made through teacher recommendations. The building coordinator also helps in the selection process. Children in 3rd to 5th grade are eligible to participate.

•How much time is involved in OM?

  →Initially, coaches hold team meetings once a week. As it gets closer to the competition date, meetings may be held more frequently.  Teams generally work from October or November up until the time of the competition at the end of February or beginning of March.

•What is the competition like?

  →The Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition is held on the last Saturday of February, this year at BOCES.  Teams compete within their problem and division.  Teams of students from K to grade 12 will perform an 8 minute skit in front of a panel of judges.  They will also solve a spontaneous problem as part of their overall score.  Awards are presented to winning teams in each division/problem at the end of the competition.  Keep in mind that children on primary teams (3rd grade or under) present their problems non-competitively.  MacArthur's OM teams do not start until grade 3.  Other schools may have primary teams at the kindergarten level.

•How can I become an OM coach?

  →If you are interested in coaching an OM team, please contact Roberta Peterson at MacArthur.