House System @ West
Project Based Learning (PBL)
Which Students Will Be Involved?
• As students are signing up for classes for
FRESHMAN year, they will have the option of
entering into the HOUSE SYSTEM.
• These students would then share a block of
time where they would take their 4 core
classes together.
Who will be teaching the house
classes?
Mark Anderson
Nicole Land
Emily Solati
Dan Pochinski
U.S History
English 9
Biology
Algebra/Geometry
How Will the Day Look For
These Students?
• Some days:
• Students will follow a
traditional schedule moving
from class to class and
working on core content
for each subject.
• On these days, students
will engage in traditional
course work, but will be
given additional
educational opportunities
with a variety of
technology.
• Other days:
• Students will engage in
cross curricular
assignments,
presentations, and
projects.
• There may be a day where
U.S History is bypassed so
that a longer Biology lab
can take place. Students
may be engaged in a
lesson led by an English
teacher that relates to the
Bio. Lab.
Advantages of the House System
• Increased communication and collaboration amongst your student’s core
content teachers
• Improved parent communication
• 21st Century Skills will be a focal point
• Core content will still be taught but with some alternatives to a traditional
classroom
• Participation in a smaller community of students within a traditional high
school, potentially cultivating a greater sense of identity
• Increased student engagement and hands on learning through Project-Based
Learning opportunities
• Integrated curriculum with an emphasis on real world application and
community awareness
High School Problems Students Can Avoid
• All core teachers will work together to make sure that major assignments and
projects are not due on the same day.
• All core teachers will work together to make sure student expectations are
consistent from class to class.
• All core teachers will work together to make sure relevant content is reinforced in
all classes.
• All core teachers will work together to meet student needs, identify issues, and
resolve problems.
• All core teachers will work together to understand student strengths and let them
help guide teaching and learning.
Why else would a student want to be in
the 9th grade house?
• The most up to date technology Waukesha West has to offer will
be used as often as possible.
• Students will get to create projects that deal with individual
interests.
• Students will get to be more active on a day to day basis then in
traditional classrooms.
What Are 21st Century Skills?
How do Pre-AP Classes Fit?
• Unfortunately, students taking Pre-AP classes currently
can not participate in the House. For a House to work, all
students must have the same courses and the same
teachers.
• Students who participate in the House CAN still opt into
AP classes after their freshman year.
How Do I Sign Up for the 9th
Grade House?
9th Grade Project Based House Request Form
I would like to sign up for the 9th Grade PBL House at West:
Student Name:
___________________________________________________________
Parent Name:
___________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:
_________________________________
Parent Phone Number:
Date: ________________
_____________________________________
Alternate Phone Number: _____________________________________
Please return form to the Guidance Department by Friday, March 30, 2012. If you have
additional questions, please contact the Guidance Department at (262) 970-3931.
***Please note that participation in the 9th grade House System is based on availability. If requests for
participation exceed available space, a lottery system will determine participation.***