Wakefield High School (Arlington County, Virginia)

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Wakefield High School is one of three high schools located in Arlington, Virginia, and is just one block away from Alexandria. There are 140 teachers and a very diverse group of 1488 students within its walls as of November 2006. It is a fully accredited high school based on Virginia's SOL examinations. There has always been a push for students to take AP courses, but there has been a stronger push in recent years since the inception of the AP Network.

Wakefield is the only high school in Arlington requiring all seniors to participate in a Senior Project prior to graduation. Wakefield also offers the Spanish Immersion Program, the only high school in Arlington to do so.

Wakefield has a strong taste for students to participate in artistic activities. Instrumental, choral, theatrical, and visual arts are prominent in the school's atmosphere.

Wakefield's athletes are nicknamed the Warriors and wear the colors kelly green, white, and black. The school participates in the Virginia High School League. The Warriors are represented by an image of a knight holding a sword, which was preceded by an Indian head until 2003. Although Wakefield sponsors teams without high honors, they are known to have fans with great spirit.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Alumni Hall of Fame 2 Building Structure and Location 3 Student Life 3.1 Demographics 3.2 About the Students 3.2.1 The Schedule 3.2.2 The Traditions 3.2.2.1 Homecoming 3.2.2.2 Diversity Week 3.2.2.3 All Night Grad Party 3.3 Clubs and Activities 3.3.1 The Newspaper: The Chieftain 3.3.2 The Yearbook: Starstone 3.3.3 Wakefield and It's Academic 4 Academics 4.1 Special Programs 4.1.1 AP Network 4.1.2 Senior Project 4.2 Testing 4.3 Electives 4.3.1 Foreign Languages 4.3.2 Visual Arts 4.3.3 Performing Arts 5 Athletics 5.1 List of Teams 5.2 Pool and Stadiums 5.3 Warrior Fight Song 5.4 Varsity Boy's Basketball 6 Trivia 7 References 8 External links

[edit] History

The school opened for the first time for the 1952-1953 school year. Its current principal is Doris Jackson, is administered by the Arlington Public Schools and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2002, Wakefield became a fully accredited school based on the Virginia SOL examinations.

As of 2005-2006 the school has 1488 students and 140 teachers (of which 101 have Master's degrees and five have doctorates), covering grades 9-12.

[edit] Alumni Hall of Fame

During the celebration of the school's 50th anniversary in 2003, induction to the school's Hall of Fame began.^[1]

Class of 2003 Former Principal: Dr. Harold Wilson Former Staff Member: Neal Haygood Former Staff Member: Eddie Marsh Graduate in 1956: Pete Arntson Graduate in 1963: Hunter "Patch" Adams Graduate in 1965: Henry Hudson Graduate in 1966: Conchita Mitchell Graduate in 1968: Bill Newman

Class of 2005 Former Staff Member: Julian "Buddy" Stein Former Staff Member: Bobby Whittier Graduate in 1957: Douglas Wheeler Graduate in 1961: Ric Duques Graduate in 1961: Richard Kidd Graduate in 1965: Dawn Chatty Graduate in 1978: Doug Mills

[edit] Building Structure and Location

The school was built as a two-floored square building including two gyms, a cafeteria, and band room situated in different corners. The library is located in the center of the square, with an entrance available only from the first floor hallway between the two gymnasiums. The Main Office is connected to the library via a small hallway and has an entrance located between the music department and cafeteria. Directly across from the Main Office is another hallway connecting to the drama department and auditorium, which can also be accessed from outside the building. The second floor is purely academic, and the basement is used for physical education purposes and has various fine arts studios.

In 2005, the school repainted the halls so that each hall was a different color. North is red, south is yellow, east is green, and west is blue. This was done in case of any harm inflicted upon the school and so that halls know the when to move or evacuate.

One landmark near the school is the former Skyline Mall, which is now a Target Greatland. Another major landmark is the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College, which is located only minutes from the high school.

[edit] Student Life

[edit] Demographics

The demographic breakdown of the 2006-2007 school year is as follows:^[2]

• 45.3% Hispanic
• 26.3% Black
• 18.7% White
• 09.7% Asian/Pacific Islander

As of 2006-2007, 222 students receive ESL support.

In 2003, Washingtonian Magazine did a survey of all public and private high schools of the DC Metropolitan Area. They ranked Wakefield as the 17th most diverse high school out of 128.

[edit] About the Students

[edit] The Schedule

Wakefield's school day revolves around a blocked schedule. There are seven periods reflected on a student's schedule. Periods 1, 5, and 7 are taken on Day 1, whereas periods 2, 4, and 6 are taken on day 2. Period 3 is taken every day and is considered "homeroom" for all students. Video announcements are televised during homeroom since it is the only class in which all Wakefield students are present in the building. All other class times may be filled with courses taken via the Arlington Career Center. Lunch is coordinated with periods 4 and 5. If a student's class is on the main floor or basement, they are to take first lunch and then attend class. Those with classes on the second floor or at the Career Center are to attend class before taking second lunch. Seniors are privileged to take lunch off campus. After school, students are privileged to partake in various academic and athletic activities. An "activity bus" is provided for students who need a ride home. If athletic activities succumb to long hours, a "sports bus" is provided later in the day.

There are two 10-minute long breaks during the school day, the first being after the first class of the day, and the second being before the last class of the day. Vending machines are turned off during lunch, so students are able buy snacks prior to third period but not again until the end of the day. As of October 2005, vending machines have been replaced with those of a healthier kind. Milk has replaced carbonated beverages and snacks have been replaced with sugarless alternatives. Even with a healthier variety, vending machines are still turned off during lunch time to curb the purchase of unregulated food and drink and are turned back on after school.

[edit] The Traditions

[edit] Homecoming

Homecoming is an honored tradition at Wakefield. "Spirit Week" is also practiced. Each of the five days has a different theme, and the students and faculty dress accordingly. Faculty also give out little trinkets for students to collect only if the student is dressed to theme. At the end of the week, the students with the most trinkets becomes the the Prince & Princess for homecoming. Another tradition is the Lobby Decorating Contest in which each class is assigned one of the four lobbies on the main floor and is to decorate it according to the homecoming theme. The winner of the contest receives a cash award. The week then concludes with a pep rally, parade, football game, and formal dance.

[edit] Diversity Week

Diversity Week is an important week at Wakefield. This week is just like homecoming, in which each day has a different theme. Students are to dress up in cultural attire and bring in cultural foods on the assigned days. Students are also allowed to bring in cultural music that is played during the school day. During the week, each third period is to design their classroom door to represent the cultural diversity within the classroom and within the school. Similar to the Lobby Decorating Contest, the most well decorated door on each floor wins a Donut Party hosted by Leadership students. At the end of the week, a dance is hosted by Leadership students and cultural music is played during the night.

[edit] All Night Grad Party

After graduation, graduates and guests are to participate in the Boat Party and Breakfast. Students are bussed to the Potomac Wharf and board the Spirit of the Potomac and partake in a three-hour boat ride. Usually, the main floor is for dancing and dining, the second floor is designed as a mock casino, and the upper deck is for outdoor lounging. At the end of the trip, the students are bussed back to Wakefield and are provided breakfast by mothers of other students and participate in other activities.

[edit] Clubs and Activities

Wakefield offers many opportunities for students to participate in various clubs and activities to support their academics and challenge them to learn and grow outside the classroom. Such activities include:

Nationally Recognized: National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society French National Honor Society Future Business Leaders of America Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences Forensics Model U.N.

Scholastic Activities: Student Government Association It's Academic Math Team Instrumental Music Choral Music Drama Club

[edit] The Newspaper: The Chieftain

Wakefield's school-wide newspaper is known as The Chieftain. It is a course in journalism offered by the school and is produced solely by students. Stories covered include local and international news, school events, performing arts, athletic development, and the ever popular "Kiss-O-Gram"(student-to-student messages regarding Valentine's Day).

[edit] The Yearbook: Starstone

Starstone has been the title of the Wakefield's yearbook up until 2003 (the 50th anniversary) and has since been retitled year after year.

In 2004-2005, the yearbook was titled The Grass is Greener On Our Side, reflecting the new Astroturf planted in the outdoor stadium. Editors were going to pen a new title reflecting the success of the varsity boy's basketball team that year, but nothing was put forward.

[edit] Wakefield and It's Academic

Wakefield sponsors a team of students to participate in the locally televised quiz show, It's Academic. The team's faculty advisor is Scott McKeown. The Warriors have been sending the team to Scholastic Bowl tournaments (in addition to It's Academic) and have come home with multiple National District titles.

In the spring, the team hosts a tournament similar to the Saturday morning program for the other students and faculty of the school. They are to devise teams of 3 students and 1 faculty member of choice. Faculty most known to participate include Mr. Alfred Reid, Mr. Alan Beitler, Ms. Wendy Singer, and Mr. Thomas Cruger. It's Academic alumni are also known to come back and partake by reading questions or keeping scores. On the day of the tournament, teams are divided into two brackets, and play through an elimination tournament. The final two teams then play head-to-head in a closed-circuit televised event broadcast to the whole school. The winning team usually goes home with small trophies, as do selected players of superlative awards.

Games are usually played in four rounds: toss-up round, individual team round, faculty only round, and students only round. Questions include standard academic trivia, mathematic stumps, pop culture, and running jokes involving school faculty.

For the freshman of the school, there is a smaller tournament -- also headed by the It's Academic team -- known as the "Baby Brawl" with three teams representing each House.

[edit] Academics

[edit] Special Programs

• The Freshman Foundations Program divides all freshman into four "houses" known as House I, House II, House III, and House IV. Each "house" has a team of teachers with one teacher to a subject or rather "foundation": English, math, world history, biology, and technology. Each house has its own schedule when it comes to classes, electives, and lunch. Freshman do not attend Career Center courses. There is also one "team" (known as Team-1) devised of its own team of teachers. However, this team is built for students only having to repeat the freshman year.

• Wakefield's Academic Cohort Program identifies African American and Hispanic males in 9th grade who are capable of taking a more demanding course load. These students are supported through graduation. They meet weekly with our gifted Coordinator, a school counselor, and social worker to lend support to each other as they tackle the demanding coursework.

• Lunch Labs are provided to the students in all subject areas and offered only during lunch. Students are to go to these labs in an effort to develop their academic lack in the content area (i.e. make up tests, get homework assistance, study, etc.). Some labs are also offered throughout the day and after school.

• The Arlington Career Center offers technical courses served under: Business & Communication, Industry & Engineering, and Health & Human Services.

[edit] AP Network

Wakefield's Instructional Leadership Team can take credit for changing the way teachers think about just who the AP student is. Formerly, the Advanced Placement students were viewed to be those at the top of the class with the highest GPAs. These students typically took 2 or more Advanced Placement classes and were highly self-motivated. Currently, more students are enrolling in AP courses as result of staff initiatives.

The "Advanced Placement Program (AP®)" -- sponsored by the College Board -- offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses and possibly receive credits when they enter college. Currently, AP exams are offered in 38 subjects. In 2005, approximately 1.2 million students took more than 2.1 million exams, and over 2,000 universities worldwide use the AP Program to some extent.

Today, it is universally acknowledged that the greatest predictor of college graduation is participation in rigorous, college-level (AP) courses in high school. As such, Wakefield encourages all students who are willing and interested to take these courses-- as we believe that such courses are designed for the prepared and not simply the "gifted" student. The AP Network, which began as an Exemplary Project approved by the Arlington County School Board in the spring of 2004, is rooted in this belief.

Since the Network's inception, the faculty and staff of Wakefield have been "networking" and creating numerous academic programs to introduce pre-AP and AP courses. Among these programs are the Foundations Pre-AP Program, the Pre-AP Bridge Program, the AP Summer Bridge Program for upperclassmen, and the AP Study Seminar.

[edit] Senior Project

Wakefield is the only school in Arlington that requires students to complete a Senior Project as a requirement for graduation. As a junior, each student is to select a topic of interest in which he/she is to have approved. Students may begin research during the summer before senior year. However, all papers must be written and verified during the academic year. At the start of the seniors' academic year, students select a date in which they are to present his/her project giving them a time-frame in which papers are to be submitted. During the year, the student then decides on a panel (comprised of one pre-determined faculty member, one expert in the field, one person from the community, and another fellow senior) who will grade the project. Those who do not receive a "pass" or higher will report to Summer Institute to complete the missing requirements.^[3]

[edit] Testing

Wakefield administers the SOL tests for the state of Virginia.

Wakefield offers the PSAT free for students in grades 10 and 11. For students wishing to take the SAT, a preparatory course is offered at the school, as well as the actual examination. In 2005, the average SAT score was a 977 (480 in Verbal; 497 in Math). However, Wakefield does not offer the ACT.

Wakefield has always committed itself to making the AP exam affordable for its students. Now that the fee is paid by the school system, it takes the burden off of Wakefield's local budget and allows all AP students to test for free.

[edit] Electives

[edit] Foreign Languages

The Spanish Immersion program allows students to continue taking challenging courses involving the Spanish language. In the past, students have had part of the entire curriculum in Spanish, however, the high school level of Spanish Immersion allows students to develop their ability to both read, speak, and think in courses including Spanish Literature and AP Spanish. Starting in 2006, immersion students are privileged to study abroad in universities of various Spanish speaking countries.

Wakefield also offers French, German, Latin, and Italian.

[edit] Visual Arts

Wakefield bases most of its elective education on the visual arts. Ms. Wendy Singer has headed the school's Art Department and introduced various medias including easel art, ceramics, sculpture, and photography. Singer encourages students to participate in non-scholastic competitions and some have come back with high honors.

[edit] Performing Arts

Wakefield has also spawned a generation of students in the performing arts. In the winter of 2004, Wakefield introduced its newly renovated auditorium, now called the "Center of Performing Arts". This houses all performing arts including instrumental, choral, and theatrical.

• The Marching Warriors compete 3-4 times a season and have received multiple grade III honors, including with VBODA. During their season, they also play in several parades including Arlington's Neighborhood Day Parades and Randolph Elementary School's annual Halloween Parade. In 2002, the Marching Warriors traveled out of state to participate in a competitive parade.

• All the instrumental and choral groups -- including the String Orchestra, Band, and Choir -- compete twice annually amongst other schools both at the District 12 level in the fall and on an out-of-state trip in the spring. Respectively, the groups come home with grade I, grade II, and grade II honors. Other competitive musical groups include Jazz Band and the Madrigals. Symphonette and Blues Band are non-competitive but are offered to play in community functions.

• Wakefield's Drama Club performs in three different performances per year, including a fall drama production, a competitive One-Act production in the winter, and its more popular spring musical, all of which spawn award-winning performances. The spring musical competes annually amongst DC Metropolitan high schools in a formal ceremony for Cappies, awards similar to the Tonys. They also have a partnership with Arlington's Signature Theater.

[edit] Athletics

Wakefield's athletic department competes through the Virginia High School League. It is headed by Ms. Noel Deskins and Mr. Bob Strauss. The teams wear the colors kelly green, white, and black.

[edit] List of Teams

Boys Athletics: Cross Country Golf Football Cheerleading Basketball Wrestling Track and Field Swim & Dive Soccer Lacrosse Baseball Tennis Crew

Girls Athletics: Drill Team Cross Country Cheerleading Volleyball Field Hockey Basketball Track and Field Swim & Dive Soccer Lacrosse Softball Tennis Crew

Interscholastic: (Scholastic) Forensics It's Academic Math Team Model U.N. Jr. R.O.T.C. VJAS (performing arts) Marching Warriors Instrumental Music Choral Music Drama Club

[edit] Pool and Stadiums

Wakefield High School owns and manages its own swimming pool. During the week, it is used for physical education for the students of Wakefield and for students of neighboring middle and elementary schools. Other times, it is used publicly for the community at large. The community does not have a team to represent the public pool, but is represented by the Warriors' swim and dive team.

Starting in 2002, Arlington County was to spend well over $700,000 on the implant and maintenance of new Astroturf in various athletic fields and stadiums. In 2004, Wakefield's outdoor stadium was the first of the three Arlington high schools with this change. Washington-Lee High School and Yorktown High School had their fields implanted in 2005 and 2006, respectively.^[4]

In 2004, Wakefield completed the construction of the girls' softball field. This was the first time the two sports, softball and baseball, were segregated in the history of Warrior athletics.

[edit] Warrior Fight Song

Wakefield, your Warriors will always be true
for we will fight and spread your glory through.
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
Come, let us sing out the Wakefield battle cry!
With thunderbolts and tomahawks,
we'll make your name and spread your fame.
Wakefield, we're all for you!

[edit] Varsity Boy's Basketball

Wakefield Athletics entered a new era in 2002 with the hiring of coach Tony Bentley to head the Varsity Boys Basketball team. Bentley, a life-long Arlingtonian, had previously been an assistant coach at rival Washington-Lee High School.

In his first season, Bentley coached his new team to a 13-13 season. In the following season, Bentley had more success and took his team to the National District Championship. However, in the following game of the team's first Northern Region Tournament in recent years, the Warriors were defeated and ended the season at 19-6.

Following the success of the previous seasons, Bentley and most of the starters -- including 5 seniors -- returned to the 2004-2005 season with high hopes. Bentley coached the team to a perfect record during the regular season and led them to their second consecutive National District Title. They then went on to become Northern Region and play through the first round of the VHSL AAA State tournament. The Cinderella season came to an end when the team lost in a semi-final game just short of the state championship. The final tally came to 28-1. ^[5] For that last game, students were granted permission to travel to Richmond and cheer the team to an almost-certain victory. The spirit of the game also brought fans from neighboring high schools Washington-Lee, Yorktown, and H-B Woodlawn to travel with the Warriors.

In Bently's fourth season coaching, the Warriors once again took the National District Championship, but fell to 9th place in the Northern Region and ended their season with 15-8. Using this season as a minor setback, Bently was able to rise up against the competition once again in the 2006-2007 season with "The Big 3" returning as lead players. The team pushed through the regular season and the National District tournament only losing 3 games out of 26, capturing for the fourth time the National District Championship title. Bently conintued to coach the boys through the Northern Regional Tournament but falls at the Championship game. Sitting at 2nd place for the Northern Region, the Warriors are still invited to play at the State level. The tournament was played at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, and due to the location, no students were invited to watch the team's defeat of 64-83.

The boys continue to play strong, but have yet to come home with an All-State Championship title.

[edit] Trivia

• Early in the school's history, the Wakefield choir released albums of recorded concerts. Just as recordable cds are offered in various colors, these LPs were released in kelly green.
• On a high school tour early in their career, the boy band, Backstreet Boys, once performed in an assembly.
• In 2003, alumnus Brad Beck (class of 2002) signed with the rookie baseball team, the Mesa Angels of Arizona, after pitching with Montgomery College for two years. In 2004, he moved up one level to the amateur league and signed with the Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles. ^[6]
• The Warriors welcomed the more popular Superfans during the Varsity Football season of 2005. The term Superfans is still used today when referring to a single fan with Warrior Pride or to the slew of fans at any interscholastic activity.
• During the Varsity Boys Basketball season of 2004-2005, an H-B Woodlawn student captured the team's success both on and off the court in a feature length film entitled Remember the Warriors (a play on the award winning film Remember the Titans).
• In the spring of 2006, Wakefield was granted the Inspiration Award by the College Board, reflecting the inception of the AP Network and as one of the country's Most Improved High Schools. Only three high schools are granted this honor every year. Along with Wakefield in 2006 was John Tyler High School of Tyler, Texas and Hobbs High School of Hobbs, New Mexico.^[7]
• The 2006 Varsity Football team won the school's first homecoming game playing against National District opponent J.E.B. Stuart High School with a final tally of 44-0.^[8] This was the first homecoming win for the Warriors since 1997 when Wakefield defeated Washington Lee (This game was played at Washington Lee as a Wakefield Home Game due to construction at Wakefield).
• Wakefield High School entered its name into a lottery during a Washington Wizards Game. Gilbert Arenas drew the name, and the terms were that Wakefield was to win $100 per point scored by Arenas. He scored 34 points. The school's intent is to use this money to increase the technology and athletic programs.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

1. ^ Wakefield Alumni Hall of Fame [1]
2. ^ Find all information about Wakefield High School on the Local School Profile [2]
3. ^ The official website for Senior Project [3]
4. ^ Arlington and Synthetic Turf Fields [4]
5. ^ 2004-2005 Season Recorded off SportsCombine.com [5]
6. ^ WHS Alum Signs with Anaheim Angels [6]
7. ^ The College Board Recognizes America's Most Improved High Schools [7]
8. ^ Warriors Raid Stuart in Football, 44-0 [8]

[edit] External links

• Wakefield High School Homepage
• Arlington Career Center
• Wakefield High School Athletics
• Wakefield High School Alumni

The Arlington Public Schools System of Arlington County, Virginia

Elementary Schools Abingdon | Science Focus | Arlinngton Traditional | Ashlawn | Barcroft | Barett Campbell | Carlin Springs | Calremont | Drew | Glebe | Hoffman-Boston | Jamestown | Key Long Branch | McKinley | Nottingham | Oakridge | Patrick Henry | Randolph | Taylor | Tuckahoe

Middle Schools Gunston | Thomas Jefferson | Kenmore | Swanson | Williamsburg

High Schools Wakefield | Washington-Lee | Yorktown

Alternative Programs H-B Woodlawn | Arlington Mill | Langston | New Directions | Strayer University