F.A.Q.’S

 My child is very interested in Westwood’s Fine Arts Academy and/or the International Baccalaureate program. How do I get information regarding these programs? 

Check out the RRISD website for good nuts & bolts information regarding not only academies offered @ WHS, but also across the district.  Be sure to attend the information nights (see Timeline link for dates/times).  If you miss the evening programs, contact Mr. Schmitt for most up-to-date information.

How do I apply to an Academy? 

Completion of an application is only required for the Visual & Performing Arts Academy.  Participating in Westwood’s other academies simply requires meeting their prerequisites and selecting the appropriate entry course at registration time.  Application deadline for the Visual & Performing Arts Academy is March 12, 2010.  Westwood will still accept applications after this deadline but they will be date stamped in case our classes fill up.  Be sure to check out the “Academy” link @ this website for access to an application & other information.

What if we live out of RRISD school district – can we still attend Westwood? 

Our high population typically classifies WHS as a ”closed” campus each year – therefore, not open to out-of-district students.  You can double check by calling either Ms. Hughen (464-4027) or Mr. Schmitt @ 464-4008.

 We live in Westwood’s attendance zone but our child currently attends private, charter, home, etc. school.  How do we register for classes?  Call our Registrar, Barbara Hughen, @ 464-4027 & she will let you know what she needs from you (proof of residence, etc.).  You will also need to contact Marv Schmitt, Transition Counselor, at 464-4008.  He will basically walk you through the process!

 What is the difference between the pre-AP (Advanced Placement) & pre-IB (International Baccalaureate) programs & which is better for my child?

I encourage you to look at the two programs, not so much as which is “better”, but which is the best fit for you.  Think of the IB program as a “packaged” program which requires you to take mostly upper level courses in ALL core classes throughout your four years in high school. The Pre –AP/AP program allows you to “pick and choose” the upper level courses based on your academic strengths/weaknesses.  A distinguishing factor and at the core of the IB Diploma Programme is it’s requirement of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes, Extended Essay (4,000 words on student’s chosen topic), and 150 hours of Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).  Be sure to check out IB’s link on Westwood’s home page under academics for a much more detailed description of IB’s requirements.  Both offer highly demanding courses and an opportunity to acquire college credits while in high school.  Attending both the IB information program and the Parent Orientation program (see Timeline) should help you get a feel for the direction you want to go.

How do I know which English, math, science, or social studies class to sign up for?

Recommendations from 8^th grade teachers are given to all students coming from RRISD’s middle schools.  If you are not coming from Grisham or Canyon Vista middle schools, then you will work closely with Mr. Schmitt in determining your course selections.

 How accessible are Westwood’s teachers once the school year begins?

Each teacher can be contacted by phone or email easily.  Have your child obtain this information the first few days of school.  You can also go to Teacherweb.com (once you have the names of all your teachers) to find out when each teacher offers tutoring, info about homework, assignments, etc. 

 How do I find out about bus transportation?

Go to the Students/Parents link at the district’s website, www.roundrockisd.org, and you should find all the information you need.

What happens if I change my mind on one of my course selections and want to make a change?

Contact Mr. Schmitt ASAP to discuss your options.  Usually, prior to April 1^st changes can be made especially in your core selections.   However, ALL changes are “date stamped” so the “last ones in” are always the “first ones out” if it is determined we have too many to accommodate in a particular course.  Obviously, the later you wait to make this decision the more difficult it is to change. 

What is Fish Bowl?

First of all, you don’t want to miss out on this!  Fish Bowl is our student orientation program we offer to all our incoming freshmen to help them transition into Westwood.  We always offer this each year the Friday before the school year begins.  The program typically is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. with our new “fish” meeting with upperclass students the first 30-40 minutes.  During this time valuable information is shared on the “ins & outs” of WHS and also what to expect the first week of school.   It also offers a chance for the fish to ask questions.  Be sure to check out the Fish Bowl link for further details.

I would like my child to get a tour of the building – when can that happen?

The week before school begins each incoming freshmen will get their class schedule, locker, I.D., along with getting a personal tour of the building.  Watch for dates & times in the Warrior Word newsletter that is mailed during the summer, typically the last week of July.