POISE

Shrewsbury POISE is the parents organization committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all team members of the Shrewsbury Speech and Debate team. Our activities are designed to ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel.

• Registration Fees: We manage all registration fees for regular season tournaments, ensuring a seamless process for our members.

• Membership Fees & Dues: Shrewsbury Speech and Debate is part of prestigious leagues including NCFL, NSDA, and MSDL. POISE covers all necessary fees for both the team and inducted students, maintaining our standing and participation in these esteemed organizations.

• Home Tournaments: Our home tournaments are more than just competitions; they are community events and an opportunity to showcase our school. We provide delicious food, decorations, and impressive trophies, all made possible by the support of our dedicated volunteers who help create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

• Need-Based Scholarships: Inclusivity is at the heart of Shrewsbury POISE. We offer need-based scholarships to cover the registration cost for the entire regular season to ensure that students on free or reduced-fee lunch programs can participate fully in all activities without financial barriers.

• Team Culture: We believe in building a strong team culture through various bonding activities. Over the year - POISE will enable ice cream socials and other team-building events foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging among our team.

• Travel Costs: POISE  shares travel costs for attending tournaments, including national events. This collective approach ensures that financial constraints do not hinder our members from competing at the highest levels. 

Shrewsbury POISE is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment where every member can thrive and achieve their best.

POISE Board

Who we are 

Shrewsbury POISE is an independent nonprofit corporation that operates in support of the Speech and Debate Program at Shrewsbury Public Schools. We are not a school, academic institution, or university.

The purpose of Shrewsbury POISE is to provide support to the Speech and Debate Programs at Shrewsbury Public Schools. We aim to do this by

• Cooperating with the School Committee and Administration to support Shrewsbury public schools speech and debate programs  in whatever manner possible under the scope of this constitution, its by-laws and its policies.

• Working  for the good name of and goodwill towards Shrewsbury public schools speech and debate programs. 

• Encouraging volunteerism in support of Shrewsbury public schools speech and debate programs and providing support for the volunteers, speakers, coaches, parents, alumni and friends of the programs. 

• To provide support, encouragement and promote awareness throughout the community of the Shrewsbury public schools speech and debate teams and to solicit contributions and engage in fundraising activities to further support the programs