180 Turkey Farm Road Blythewood, South Carolina (803) WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE REDHAWKS

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1 180 Turkey Farm Road Blythewood, South Carolina (803) WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE REDHAWKS

2 WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE REDHAWKS For more information about Westwood High School, please visit our website at

3 WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE REDHAWKS Westwood High School Core Values Respect Responsibility Integrity Community Empathy

4 20th Century Classrooms Passive Learning Focus on memorization Emphasis on Knowledge and Comprehension Textbook Driven Students work in isolation Classrooms are teacher-centered Schools are factories that produce employees NCLB & Standardized Testing driven What do you want

5 21st Century Classrooms Engaged Learning Focus on what students know and can do Emphasis on analysis and evaluation Research Driven Students work collaboratively Classrooms are student-centered Schools produce independent thinkers & problem solvers Driven by exploration, creativity, and innovation in your school?

6 Research is a vital skill in the 21st century, students must think critically and make judgments about the barrage of information that comes their way every day. They must be able to assess the credibility, accuracy and value of information, and most importantly produce in a meaningful way using that information. By conducting research, students have opportunities to practice these important critical thinking skills. At Westwood, research is incorporated into every course. Students learn that research is more than just using Google to find a quick answer. Students in the Scholars of Academic Rigor (SOAR) Engineering Technologies students conduct inquiries into alternative energy, environmental technology, construction, manufacturing, materials science, architecture, transportation, and robotics. Students have the chance to experiment with each module and work with a variety of different materials and technologies. program conduct an original research project in the 10th and 11th grades. These projects are presented at the Region II Science & Engineering Fair, SC History Day, and SC Junior Academy of Science, or other competitions. These students use the University of South Carolina library, SC Archives, and online databases to gather information on their topic. They also conduct scientific experiments and social science interviews to gather data for their study. A Westwood student won first place in the Senior Research Paper category at SC History Day and advanced to the National History Day competition, and the SOAR Academy Director was named SC History Day Teacher of the Year in Science students perform laboratory research using Vernier probeware to collect data for analysis. AP Environmental Science students study the local watershed by collecting water samples for testing. Research [ri-surch, ree-surch] 1. diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications.

7 Westwood is also an AVID school. AVID, which stands for Advancement via Individual Determination, aims to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. The Westwood AVID program offers an in school academic support program for grades 9 12 that provides instruction based on the WICOR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. To be considered for AVID acceptance, students must have: Average to High Test Scores GPA College Potential with Support Have a strong desire and determination Studio D, Westwood s School of Innovation and Design, uses a ive stage research process to guide students through rigorous design challenges. Students use research to solve real world problems to which they must design innovative solutions. Students are pushed to do authentic research, working with experts in their ields, to gain the information they need in order to complete their challenge. LEARNING COMMONS The Learning Commons at Westwood provides multiple opportunities for students to engage in academic research. With a full Mac and PC Lab as well as access to multiple online databases such as DISCUS, Mackin Via, and multitudes of E Books students have a great number of resources for their research needs. Leading the Way in Research AVID - Studio D - SOAR Academy - Engineering - Learning Commons

8 Engagement also comes in participation in school clubs and activities, as well as community service. The school has organizations to recognize students for excellence in academics, such as the National Honor Society and National Beta Club chapters. Students in business and career/technical courses can join organizations such as DECA, HOSA, and FBLA. Many of these clubs have conferences, competitions, and scholarship opportunities for students. Some clubs and organizations are based on common interests, such as the Robotics Team, Tech and Gospel Choir. Students develop leadership skills through participating in the student government organization. Any student who is willing to serve can be a member of the House of Representatives or Student Senate. Selection of class and student body officers is through a process that includes application, interview, and election. The student-led Tech B@r provides on the spot technology support of 1:1 computing devices for both students and faculty. Professional organizations like H.O.S.A. (Health Occupation Students of America) sponsor events on campus like our annual blood drive as a way to connect students to potential career opportunities. Student activities gives students the chance to make a difference and have their voice heard. They sponsor many events on campus and have won numerous awards for their programs. En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

9 Arts, athletics and activities are just a few of the ways that Westwood students can be engaged in the life of the school and surrounding community. True to 21st century schooling, students need venues to explore their talents, be creative and innovate. Performing arts at Westwood are rich, with orchestra, symphonic and marching bands, dance, and choral music classes. Students with no prior music or dance training can enroll in beginning guitar, music appreciation, introduction to chorus, exploring drama, and beginning dance classes. Advanced levels are also offered for students who wish to continue to develop their musical, dance, or dramatic skills. For students who want to pursue visual arts, there are introductory classes, photography, 2-D, and 3-D art courses. En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

10 The Bands of Westwood Superior Rating at SCBD Concert Band Festival in 2012 Two top three finishes in competitions Best Drum Major Award SC Arts Commission Grant in 2013 Orchestra Richland District Two Orchestra Participants Regional Orchestra Participants All-State Orchestra Participants Dance Silver Trophy at Headliners Competition Performed at Amazing Feets JDRF fundraiser Bow Ties and Blue Eyes fundraiser for the Gabrielle Swainson Scholarship Foundation Visual Arts Gold Key Regional Scholastic Winners Silver Key National Winners Top Three Entries 2D SC State Fair Competition Top Three Entry Photography State air Competition Vocal Music Richland School District Two Honor Choir Participants All-State Choir Participants Performance at Blythewood Tree Lighting and Walk for Life Kick Off Events Theatre Palmetto Dramatic Association Convention Participants SC Arts Commission Grant Winner 2013 Produced original musical performance, Gullah Gumbo Full length musical each spring En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

11 Engaging with the community is an important part of the life of Westwood High School. Each month, there is a service learning opportunity for all students and faculty, such as staffing a 5K fundraiser run, hosting Brett s Rainbow camp for grieving children, or cleaning up roadways and trails in Blythewood. The school hosted the regional Special Olympics for midlands schools. Red Cross Blood Drives are organized by the health science classes. Clubs such as Redhawk Helping Hands focus on service work, such as mentoring and reading to elementary school children. Each year in November and December, the student body works together to serve the needs of the local community by collecting canned food, gathering clothing, purchasing gifts for foster children, raising money for Coaches Curing Kids Cancer, and volunteering time at food banks and other community service organizations. Students give of their time each month and receive community service hours for their participation. Many classes incorporate service learning opportunities into their curriculum as a way to enrich their high school experience. Students have the chance to learn leadership skills, pursue personal interests, make new friends, work collaboratively, and make a difference in their school and community. En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

12 The Convergence Media Program brings together all forms of media: broadcast, print, and online. It combines journalism (newspaper and yearbook) and media production (news and sports broadcasting, photo journalism, and online production). It supports web and layout designers, photographers, news and sports reporters, writers, and video editors in a single news organization. Convergence media operates like a real newsroom with deadlines in a real-life work environment. It is open to all students and begins in 9th grade with Journalism 1. Students select a focus in one of three areas: newspaper and yearbook, news and sports broadcasting, or photo journalism and online production. Students use only state of the art equipment to complete assignments. They learn to research, interview, and write stories for a variety of publications. Students learn to use online Programs and Adobe Suite for print and web production, as well as editing bays for video projects. Students will work in the broadcast studio on the Morning News Show which airs live every morning, as well as on special sports productions. Convergence Media brings news, sports, activities, and events to Westwood and the community. En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

13 Westwood High School Athletic Department mission is to provide student-athletes with an opportunity to compete successfully in a high school athletic program that is an integral part of their educational experience. The experience will provide a personalized learning environment that will allow the student to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally to develop their leadership potential. Win or lose, the Westwood Athletic Department will encourage student-athletes to provide a winning effort, exhibit sportsmanship, and demonstrate respect for all. In addition, our Athletic Department will encourage our athletes the importance of serving in our community and will take part in many different community service projects. Our Vision The Athletic Department at Westwood High School will continuously instill the athletic values of: Hard Work: In the classroom, on the practice and game field/court, and during offseason training. Discipline: In the classroom, in the community, and on the field/ court. Sacrifice: Our athletes are committed to playing for and representing our school, community, and respective teams. Accountability: Every action has a consequence and athletes are held responsible for their actions. Athletics Currently Offered at Westwood MEN S WOMEN S V Football JV Football B Football Cross Country Wrestling V Basketball JV Basketball B Basketball Track Tennis Golf V Baseball JV Baseball B Baseball Soccer V Volleyball JV Volleyball Cross Country V Basketball JV Basketball Track Tennis Golf Softball Soccer V Cheerleading JV Cheerleading En gage [en-geyj] 1. to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons) 2.to secure for aid, employment, use, etc.; hire 3. to attract and hold fast

14 Studio D focuses on design thinking to solve real world problems. We use a cross-curricular approach to incorporate academic standards into complex design challenges. These design challenges push students to create innovative solutions to complex questions; questions you can t answer by typing them in Google. Students learn skills that are vital to being productive, independent members of society like collaboration, Less Talk, More Action Less Consumption, More Production Less Dependence, More Empowerment creative thinking, leadership, and problem solving. We use elements of project based learning, maker education, and technology to create a challenging curriculum that allows students to be leaders, innovators, and designers. Less Standardization, More Customization De sign [dih-zahyn] 1.to intend for a definite purpose 2.to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan 3.to assign in thought or intention; purpose

15 CONNECTIONS: When students see connections, their world just makes more sense to them. As teachers, we constantly link academic content across the curriculum to increase understanding with our students. We also connect students with outside experts to maximize the impact of the learning experiences. COMMUNITY: We believe that students learn best around adults and colleagues that know them very well. Our students work in a collaborative cohort and enjoy a favorable 20:1 student teacher ratio. This environment allows us to better advise and design more personalized work for our customers. HIGH EXPECTATIONS: We are THE school of high quality student work. We believe that all students should always be held to the highest of expectations. Along with high curriculum standards, students design quality work that is subject to careful review, including critique, revision, and high stakes presentations. Rigor: Not only is our curriculum college preparatory and aligned with state standards, it is also made relevant with its connection to real world issues and needs. The curriculum allows students to think and work as professionals do, and their work is shared beyond the classroom. De sign [dih-zahyn] 1.to intend for a definite purpose 2.to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan 3.to assign in thought or intention; purpose

16 This brochure was printed with funding from the Magnet Schools Assistance Grant from the Federal Department of Education. Richland Two is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.