Afternoon Introductions and Project Discussions at Alpha School

Overview

Gary Sheng facilitated introductions between Mahaveer Dharmchand (IBM Watson co-creator, entrepreneur, parent), MacKenzie Price (Alpha Schools founder), Johnny Rapp (Creative Producer), and other Alpha School staff and students. Discussions centered on potential collaborations, Mahaveer's AI projects, and Alpha School's outreach efforts.

Key Discussion Points

Mahaveer Dharmchand's Introduction & Projects

• Gary introduced Mahaveer to MacKenzie Price, Chris Locke, and others, highlighting his background with IBM Watson and his status as a parent of a freshman daughter at McNeil High.
• Mahaveer discussed his interest in integrating Alpha School's Two Hour Learning program with McNeil High, suggesting an after-school model within McNeil itself.
• He mentioned his strong connections at McNeil and other Round Rock ISD schools.
• Showcased his new startup concept: "Parental AI" or "Buddy System" - an AI agent to help parents manage schedules, finances, and gain insights into their children's activities and well-being. This project is currently being developed within Accenture.
• Offered to participate in or judge future Alpha Hacks events.
• Brought açai bowls from his shop for the Alpha School team.

MacKenzie Price Interaction

• Met Mahaveer and learned about his background and AI startup.
• Expressed enthusiasm for the "Parental AI / Buddy System" concept.
• Learned about Mahaveer's connection to Gary via his açai shop near her chiropractor.

Johnny Rapp Interaction

• Met Mahaveer and discussed the potential for AI in detecting mental health signals (related to gun control discussion).
• Briefly discussed his own background and ventures, including Mime Liquid and interest in locally sourced ingredients (like coconuts from Hawaii).
• Shared his perspective on phone screen time.

Alpha School Outreach & Integration

• Discussed the need for marketing materials (flyers, packets) tailored for public schools like McNeil to explain the Two Hour Learning program.
• Carson (Alpha Staff) offered to check with Jason (Marketing) for existing public school packets.
• Explored the logistics of integrating Alpha's program into existing public school schedules (e.g., after school) versus requiring students to come to an Alpha campus.
• Mahaveer highlighted the convenience for parents if programs are offered directly at the existing school.

Other Points

• Gary mentioned upcoming dinner at Zach Levi's ranch and potential attendees.
• Gary connected Mahaveer with Alex Mathew regarding Alex's mental health Build-A-Bear project.

Follow-up Actions

• Carson to follow up with Jason regarding marketing materials for public school partnerships.
• Mahaveer to explore potential collaboration with McNeil High School and other Round Rock ISD schools for Alpha School program integration.
• Mahaveer potentially participating in future Alpha Hacks events.
• Gary to connect Mahaveer and Alex Mathew further regarding the mental health AI project.