Are you an 8th grader thinking about joining the debate team? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I be in both Choir and Debate (or Debate and other student activites like Theatre, Athletics, or Band)?
A: Yes! Choir, Theatre, and JV Athletics schedules are easiest to coordinate with, but we have had students in almost every activity on campus. If you are not sure if there would be a conflict, please email or call the debate coach to consult about your personal situation.
Q: Do I have to be in the class to be on the team?
A: Only if you are Debating (rather than Acting or Speaking), and then, only your first year on the team. Most students on the team start out by taking the class their freshman year, but there are some exceptions.
Q:Do I get class credit for being on the team?
A:You only get course credit if you sign up for the class.
Q:How much does it cost?
A: There is an activity fee of $35 each semester and you pay for your meals when we go to tournaments. The team pays for your entry fees, the judge fees, and transportation costs. Fundraising is required to help keep the activity fee down.
Q: What kind of time is involved?
A: A lot!!! Practice is 1-2 hours a week for novices (freshmen) and 2-3 a week for jv and varsity. Plan on attending 1-2 tournaments a month. Tournaments last all day and night on the weekends. We leave school around noon on Friday and return around midnight. Saturday we leave the school around 6am and return around 9pm. This is a big time commitment.
Welcome eighth-graders and families!
ReplyDeleteI'm a student on the debate team, and I'm very excited to meet everyone interested in joining.
All in all, I have been very happy on the team. I work hard every week, and it pays off. I'm sure you will enjoy it if you join, but if you don't, it is still a new thing that you can say "I tried that!"
So I hope I see all of you at our parent meeting on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 6:00 pm!