Hi Jen,
We have found that Science Olympiad requires enormous commitment and dedication--we have had a different coach for each of the last 5 years that I've been involved. One time it wasn't even a Science teacher, but she brought in volunteers from the community (businesses or govt agencies) to help coach different events. We are the only public school in my town that participates--others used to, but found it too much work or too expensive. I think it's such a great competition and students learn so much, that I'd encourage anyone to "save" it from being dropped.
What can parents do--sounds like you might volunteer to be the coach or find a good one. We had parents solicit sponsorships (materials/supplies, bus money to the regional & state competition, hotels, tshirts, dinner the night of the competitions, etc.) from local businesses. We coordinated getting team Tshirts, brought snacks to practices and competitions, helped re-direct kids during practices when they were getting distracted, found community assistant coaches (e.g. a bird expert who was happy to help with ornithology, a retired geologist who helped with Road Scholar and Fossils), put together equipment bags for each event before the competitions, etc. I think one of the most important ways to help is to organize the kids--give them things to focus on each practice with specific goals. Instead of "Go Study for Shock Value", I'd look up the interactive website on the computer where they can experiment with different circuits and say "Work on this".
My advice: Do what you can to save this great offering. Don't let them drop it.
