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Important — New Application Policy

All interested students must apply before the deadline — including returning members. The only exception: students who qualified for Metro Finals in March 2026 are automatically on the team and do not need to reapply. Everyone else must submit an application. No exceptions. No surprises.

2026–2027 Season

Apply to Join the
Cooper Debate Team

Open to all 7th and 8th graders at Cooper Middle School. No prior debate experience required — just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to work hard.

Student Info

Parent Info

Commitments

Short Answers

Submit

One-time activation required: When the first application is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to Hannahbshiv@gmail.com. Click the confirmation link in that email — all future submissions will then arrive directly in that inbox automatically. No account or signup needed.

Student Information

Please use your official school name as it appears on your FCPS records.

First Name *

Last Name *

Grade in 2026–27 *

Student ID *

Student Email *

Homeroom Teacher

Prior Debate Experience

Parent / Guardian Information

The coach will use this contact information for all team communications.

Parent / Guardian First Name *

Parent / Guardian Last Name *

Parent Email *

Parent Phone *

Relationship to Student *

Commitment Acknowledgments

This is a Cooper team, not a club. Please read each commitment carefully and check the box only if your student can genuinely fulfill it.

Practice schedule: Tuesday sessions, 2:30–4:30 PM in the Lecture Hall. September 2026 through March/April 2027. There are two session groups (A and B) — your assignment will be communicated after acceptance.

Tournaments: Saturday tournaments approximately once per month (5 total in the preliminary season). Students must attend at least 3 of 5. No FCPS transportation is provided — parents drive or carpool.

Tuesday Practices — I understand I must attend Tuesday practice sessions (2:30–4:30 PM) regularly throughout the season. Saturday Tournaments — I understand I must attend at least 3 of 5 Saturday preliminary tournaments (approximately 1 per month). Partner Commitment — I understand that dropping my debate partner at the last minute is not acceptable. It directly harms my partner and will not be tolerated. Research & Prep — I understand debate requires independent research, writing 4+ minute speeches, preparing Crossfire questions, and staying current as topics change every 1–2 months. Parent: Team Fee — My parent/guardian is aware of the $15 per student per year team fee. (Fee waivers are available — please contact the coach directly.) Parent: Judge Volunteer — My parent/guardian understands they are expected to volunteer as a tournament judge for at least 1 tournament. WASDL judge training will be provided (online, October). Parent: Transportation — My parent/guardian understands there is no FCPS transportation to tournaments and will arrange driving or carpooling. Parent: Required Google Meets — My parent/guardian will attend the required 1-hour team Google Meet sessions (one per semester: October and January).

Short Answer Questions

Answer honestly and in your own words. There are no right or wrong answers — the coach wants to hear your voice.

Why do you want to join the Cooper Debate Team? *

Describe any debate or public speaking experience you have.

Is there anything that might affect your ability to attend Tuesday sessions or Saturday tournaments this season?

Is there anything else you would like Coach Konde to know about you?

Parent / Guardian Agreement

By submitting this application, the parent or guardian listed above confirms they have read and agree to all commitments outlined in this form and on the About / Join page.

I, the parent/guardian, have read all student and parent commitments and agree to support my student's participation in the Cooper Debate Team for the 2026–2027 season.

Parent / Guardian Name (typed signature) *

You will see a confirmation message on this page immediately after submitting.
A copy will also be sent to the email address provided above.

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Application Received!

Thank you for applying to the Cooper Debate Team. Your application has been submitted successfully. Coach Konde will be in touch with next steps after the application deadline. Keep an eye on your student and parent email.

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Must Apply

Even if you debated last year, you must apply. Only Metro Finals qualifiers (March 2026) are automatically on the team.

Application Deadline

TBA — Early September

Exact date to be announced. Check back or contact Hannahbshiv@gmail.com

Selection Timeline

Late August Info Session for prospective members

Early September Activity Fair at Cooper MS

Early September Application deadline

September Two tryout dates (details sent to applicants)

September Acceptance notifications sent

Sept 2026 Season begins — first Tuesday session

Student Commitment

Tuesday practices 2:30–4:30 PM, Lecture Hall, Sept–March/April

3 of 5 Saturday tournaments required (~1 per month)

Research & prep between meetings — topics change every 1–2 months

Partner reliability — no last-minute drops; this affects real people

Parent Commitment

$15/year team fee (waivers available)

Judge at 1 tournament — free WASDL training provided in October

Drive to tournaments — no FCPS bus service

2 required Google Meets — 1 hr each, October & January

Permission slips packet due by October 1st

Questions?

Email Coach Konde at Hannahbshiv@gmail.com. Please allow 2–3 school days for a response during the summer.

Apply to Join theCooper Debate Team

Apply to Join the
Cooper Debate Team