Dear Parents and Students,

Springtime is here and before we know it, the fifth graders will be leaving elementary school and moving on to middle school.  Today, your child attended a meeting regarding sixth grade class registration.  At the middle school level, students need to register for their electives including orchestra, band and chorus.  We wanted to take the time to encourage you to discuss this decision as a family.

Middle school allows students to be as involved as they wish.  Students may participate in any combination of band, chorus and orchestra.  These classes are scheduled as part of the school day and are a graded class on their report card.  For students who wish to focus on a more advanced level of performance, select ensembles are offered on an audition basis.  Specific descriptions or requirements of each class are listed in the Middle School Program of Studies.  It can be found on both middle school websites.  All music programs are electives, but do require a serious commitment from the student.  Students who select an elective music will not be able to make schedule changes during the school year, so please consider the information carefully.  Students enrolled in a performing ensemble will not be scheduled for a music class.

For students interested in something new, we also have a color guard program that is available for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.  You do not have to play an instrument to participate in this activity.  The color guard is open to any student interested in learning or further developing skills in twirling and flags. Students are expected to participate in the fall marching performances as well as the Memorial Day Parade in May.

Our HOPES and DREAMS are to have each one of our students continue to perform in some aspect for the rest of their lives.  The middle school music ensembles offer students a chance to perform at a higher level while enjoying the camaraderie of a large group of friends.  

ALL our students have shown potential and dedication to be great musicians!  As performers ourselves, we see that the benefits of continuing are endless and include the opportunities of scholarship, recognition, travel, and a lifelong love of music.  We hope that you will decide for your child to continue in the Middle School Music Programs.

Sincerely,

Mr. Michael Jordan
Lead Teacher for the Fine Arts

There are two different types of clubs that are offered at Middle School West.  They are special interest clubs and service/competition clubs.   Clubs are offered during period 10, but several of the service/competition clubs have activities that extend beyond the school day and require a commitment.  

Special interest clubs do not require an application for entry and are less formal than service/competition clubs.   Special interest clubs tend to be focused more around a specific hobby or activity.  

As a member of a club, you will be meeting during 10th period.  You must be in good academic standing and not require a lot of academic remediation during the week.  Student will work on projects and presentations and need to be able to be actively involved in the the club.

A student may be removed from a club at any point in the year if he/she does not meet club eligibility requirements.

**WE ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS TO BE INVOLVE IN AT LEAST ONE CLUB.   SERVICE/COMPETITION CLUBS ARE NOT A REQUIREMENT.**

A description of each special interest club can be found at this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aY_JURAtm9QOak7C_6pHcw9n2LplVZIUbAUu6huMibM/edit?usp=sharing

NAMES OF SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS
WSI2 Babysitting Club
WSI3 Board Games Club
WSI4 Chess & Checkers Club
WSI24 Coding and Makerspace Club
WSI6 Coloring Club
WSI25 Community Artists Club
WSI7 Creative Writing Club
WSI9 Drama Club
WSI30 Environmental Science Club
WSI50 No Place for Hate Club
WSI13 Origami Club
WSI29 PA Hunter-Trapper Ed Club
WSI16 Reading Club
WSI27 School Spirit Club
WSI19 Science Club
WSSC13 Select Crafts
WSI51 Teenage Survival 101
WSI52 Watercolor Painting Club
WSI31 West Rocks Club

A description of each service/competition club can be found at this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CM7em-5UO_1udVZr8WB_UIZ3Pb2_EUuiPuJahm0TGIY/edit?usp=sharing

NAMES OF SERVICE/COMPETITION CLUBS
Communication Club/News Crew
Math Counts
Students Against Destructive Decisions
TSA
What's Up West
Yearbook

Please fill out the application if you are interested being considered for one of our service/competition clubs during the 2020-2021 school year.  

To be considered for these club one must exhibit the following characteristics:
• hard-working
• dedicated
• enthusiastic
• positive
• show initiative
 
Our school relies on the community service clubs to participate in events, promote positivity, and unite our school and community.

As a member of this club, you will be meeting during tenth period. You must be in good academic standing and not require a lot of remediation during the week. We work on projects and presentations and need everyone to be able to be involved in our club.

Involvement in these clubs may require additional time beyond the school day.  Please review the description and requirements on the club description form before applying.

All these clubs have a limited number of students that can participate.  If you are selected for one of the service/competition clubs, you will not have one of the other clubs added to your schedule until everyone has at least one club on their schedule.

You may apply for more than one club but will most likely only be assigned to one service/competition club.  

Students interested in service/competition clubs must also complete the application questions listed below.    *You do not need to complete this section if you aren't applying for a service/competition club.