First improvement- I am actively searching for expert coaches. If you are in a science field or have scientific interests, I am looking for you. You can run, you can hide, but I will find you and convince you Science Olympiad will also be your favorite thing! All areas of science are covered in the 19 different activities, so there is definitely a way you can support the team!!! From experience, I know that expert coaches produce more first place events than just trusting Ms. Fox's guidance!
Second improvement- I have created a "live binder" of information so that students can prepare from home too. It's a work in progress, but I think it will be helpful. It's even on a password protected site, which probably isn't necessary, but it boosts my self esteem to think our preparation is so awesome, it needs to be kept under lock and key!!!
Third improvement- I am looking for resources and supplies. Do you drink sodas and other carbonated drinks? We will be needing many 2 liter bottles, so save them and send them in please! Do you look for sales at the grocery store? If you find pasta at a good price, we could put spaghetti and linguine to great use! Are you ordering online for holiday goodies? Instead of letting your children play with the bubble wrap, send it in for Science Olympiad! And if you have electrical resources (circuit kits, breadboards, voltage meters, etc) we could definitely use donated or loaned sets for preparation!
In the end, Science Olympiad is about letting students experience science and getting them interested in science early on. However, if you're going to participate, it sure is worth trying to do your best! Looking forward to a great Science Olympiad season!