I am with Roger the telescope custodian and school activities should remain mostly separated. Perhaps SLAS could do other things (than star parties) for schools through the school star party coordinator. Perhaps one of our clubs school teachers could start a program, we do have possible funding for school activities, perhaps schools can become less dependent on us for star parties.
I think one possibility would be for schools to form their own astronomy clubs, which SLAS could help support. We could certainly help them get their own equipment. I think I'll chime in here and agree with Roger. While I've no
problem with teachers or students joining SLAS and borrowing telescopes I'm not sure we should really push the program with the schools. Having served as the telescope custodian in the past I know how much work there is involved with the program as it is and fear Roger could easily become overwhelmed were he suddenly to be confronted with a bunch of new requests.
I could see us (SLAS) maybe holding classes which SLAS members could attend to be come familiar with simple scopes which could lead to those taking the class buying scopes of their own. Maybe SLAS could even work a deal whereby those taking the class could get some sort of discount on the purchase.
Perhaps this could be discussed at tomorrow's SLAS board meeting?
Cheers,
patrick
p.s. As long as I have your attention, here's an audio clip some of you may enjoy. Off topic to be sure but you might enjoy it anyway, especially if you've ever wondered what might happen if the pilot of the plane you're riding in suddenly became "unavailable": http://tinyurl.com/deb23a
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