1 to 1 Laptops

The 1 to 1 laptop program began as a pilot program that was funded by the state. The TOTL (Turn on To Learning) program was a competitive learning technology initiative providing students with 21st Century learning tools. The 1 to 1 program began with the sixth grade class of 2007-2008. After the first year of the grant, funding was no longer available from the state level for the TOTL program. However the program has expanded, to encompass three grade levels, because of the support of the West Feliciana Parish School Board and its belief
that students must be prepared to work and live in the 21st century. One of the most important aspects of technology is it’s ability to level the educational playing field. By providing students with equal access to technology and resources, we are creating an educational environment that helps to ensure that all students have access to a variety of learning mediums. The effects of the 1 to 1 program also extends to the student’s family by providing some households with use to a home computer. While technology alone will never replace an effective teacher or
good pedagogy, it can serve as a multiplier that enables a student to experience
a lesson in an endless combination of ways. With the variety of technology available at WFMS, we have been able to expand our curriculum to include key 21st Century skills such as accessing resources, collaboration with peers, creation of original content and evaluation of information and resources.

Band

Band class at the middle school level is an instrumental music class offered as an exploratory class credit on a voluntary basis to all students in grades 6-8. Students are required to rent or purchase a band instrument from the brass, woodwind or percussion family to pursue their musical education. Performance is an integral part of the band experience; therefore it should be conceived as a part of the total learning process. Performance should be treated as a means to the end result of producing well-developed individual performers. The skills and concepts of musical development must receive the emphasis, not the performance itself. Outstanding public performers and competition-festival participation are a by-product of outstanding development.

Choir

Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir classes are year-long courses open to any student who likes to sing and is willing to commit to a group performance effort.  Both classes focus on building skills in singing, music theory, and group cooperation.  Songs from a variety of styles and cultures are rehearsed each semester in preparation for performance in a concert setting.  There are two required concert performances throughout the year, in addition to various school and community events.  These performances will be assessed as a major portion of the student's grade.

Renaissance Reading

The reading program for the seventh grade includes the Accelerated Reader program. Students are administered the STAR assessment to determine reading levels. They then must select books on their level and set individual reading goals. Students are required to read daily at school and at home. Students take computerized tests on their books once they have completed reading them.

Odyssey Learning Lab

Skills instruction in the lab is an integral piece of the reading and math programs. Students participate weekly through their reading and math classes. Programs are individualized in order to provide students with either remediation or enrichment opportunities.

Explore Testing

All eighth graders will take the Explore Test offered by the American College Testing Service. The Explore test is an eighth grade version of the ACT, the college entrance exam taken by juniors and seniors. The test is administered during the school day in October or November.

Accelerated Math

All sixth grade students are screened in the spring for the accelerated math program using an Algebra diagnostic test.  The score on this test is considered along with each student's math grade, teacher recommendation, and results of statewide testing to determine placement in the accelerated math program.  Students who enter the program take Accelerated Math in the seventh grade and Algebra I in the 8th grade, provided they maintain at least a B average in the program.

Duke University Talent Search

Those students who score at or above the 95th percentile on specific areas of the i LEAP test are eligible for participation in this program sponsored by Duke University. These seventh graders register to take the American College Test (ACT) in either December or February and are eligible for state or national recognition based upon their scores. Applications may be obtained through the guidance office.

Student of the Year

All eighth graders who meet the criteria established by the state committees are encouraged to participate in this program. Students are interviewed and selections made by a school-based committee of teachers.

Synergistics Lab

The Synergistics Lab provides year-long, hands-on experiences in higher order Math and Science modules. For the six weeks prior to LEAP, students will use the lab for LEAP preparation.

Youth Legislature

Students in the eighth grade social studies classes have the opportunity to participate in the annual Youth Legislature, which is held in Baton Rouge at the State Capitol for two days in February or March (depending on which session our school attends). Students will receive more information from their social studies teachers at the appropriate time.