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Charlotte Lappla and Don Gill


2018 Don Gill OM Regional Competition winners!

Odyssey of the Mind at the Elementary Level

The first OM Practice was held on Monday, October 28th in the Don Gill Library.
Students ranked problems of interest, teams were be created and coaches have been assigned. Presently, there are 7 teams K-5 and no openings.

Odyssey of the Mind provides learning opportunities that encourage students to apply their talents and strengths to solving “problems” that develop their divergent thinking skills. A few of the benefits from participating in OM include:

  • Improves brainstorming and critical thinking skills.
  • Builds teamwork skills such as cooperation and creative problem solving.
  • Builds confidence and self-reliance leading to increased self-esteem.
  • Provides an environment where students can learn to express and implement their ideas in a  collaborative setting.
  • Challenges students to become more detail-oriented and inclined to do their best.
  • Leads to unique, unforgettable experiences that will serve them in every aspect of their life – both now and in the future.

Practices:

Participation in Odyssey of the Mind is a serious commitment for both the student and the parent.

Students will be required to stay after school one day a week, however 2 days a week and/or a couple of Saturday mornings starting in January, may be necessary for prop building and skit practice – depending on which long term problem a team chooses to work on. After-school hours can range anytime from 3:15 until 7:00 – depending on what works for coaches and team members.

Coaches & Judges:

A great need of the Odyssey of the Mind program is for parents to serve as coaches and/or volunteers. Coaches are responsible for facilitating the team experience and we are fortunate enough to have a few parents who have already volunteered to serve in this capacity. If you would like to coach or volunteer, we recommend attending a Coaches Training on Saturday, November 9th at Williamsport HS from 9 AM- 1 PM. If you would like to judge or volunteer for the Berwick competition, you must attend Mandatory Judge’s Training on Saturday, February 8th at 8 AM at Loyalsock Township High School, as well as work the day of our competition on Saturday, March 7th at Berwick Jr./Sr. High School. All coaches and volunteers must have their clearances as required by WASD school policy and OM policy.

Creating Teams:

In the event that we have more students interested than coaches available, we will have to give priority for participation to those students who have participated in the last 2 years, followed by students whose parents have offered to coach, and then to those whose parents offer to volunteer at the Regional Event in Berwick in March. Thank you in advance for understanding this process for participation.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding OM at the elementary level, please contact Jenn Sporer, Elementary Coordinator at jsporer@wellsborosd.org or at the Don Gill Elementary (570) 724-1811.

Forms

2019 Odyssey of the Mind Presentation
2019_20 OM PERMISSION SLIP.docx
2019-20 OM Problem Selection Form.docx
OM Interest Letter 2019 20
PARENT MEETING_Team Signups