After School Activities at Westland
The school day ends at 2:40pm, but there's still plenty going on at Westland after hours! Westland has a variety of after school activities ranging from classes and clubs, intramural sports, interscholastic sports, and school plays and musicals. Please read ALL the information below for specifics about our after school activities. After school activities that run until 4:00pm are also supported with transportation. There are activity buses on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - click here for the schedule of buses & bus stops. In addition, the sports bus runs whenever an interscholastic team practices.
Click here for a handy one-page, up-to-date summary of all the Winter offerings! The winter session begins January 10 and runs through March 15th (10 weeks). The only exception to this is the Digital Photography class, which meets for just six (6) weeks, beginning February 8, 2012.
FLEX Academies
FLEX Academies is a partnership among the Westland PTA, the school, and FLEX Academy. FLEX offers a variety of clubs, classes and sports as part of Westland's after school activity program.
Click on the FLEX logo below to go to the FLEX website, complete with class descriptions, session dates, registration information, videos, and more!
School-Sponsored Clubs & Intramural Sports
These programs are open to all Westland students. The only applicable charge is the one-time MCPS ECA fee, described below. No pre-registration is required for these activities. Any questions about school-sponsored clubs or intramural sports should be directed to Westland Administrator Shelia Harrison.
Chess Club
This new year-long club will be headed up by Westland science teacher and chess master Mark Wellman. Meets on Tuesdays in Room 218, starting 9/13/11.
Flag Football & Football Weight Training
This super popular club takes place in the fall on Tuesday afternoons on a drop-in basis and continues into the winter, with outside play when weather permits, and indoor football weight training sessions when the weather's not so good. Coached by Westland world studies teacher Jeff Walker.
Gay Straight Alliance
This group is not limited to those who are LGBT - anyone who needs a safe place to be themselves is welcome to attend. Facilitated by Westland counselor Melanie Khani. Meets in Room 213.
Homework Club
Homework Club takes place all year on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, in the Media Center and is supervised by Westland staff and teachers. Students request passes from teachers whose assignments they plan to work on and bring the note to the Media Center that same afternoon. Students can also make an appointment for homework assistance with a specific teacher and meet after school in the teacher's classroom.
Math Team Great opportunity to be part of Westland's dynamic team and compete in area-wide math competitions, including the MCPS Middle School Math Competition. Open to all 7th and 8th graders, as well as 6th grade IM students. The Team meets in Room 216 and is coached by Westland math teacher Alyssa Walstein.
Newspaper ClubLearn the basics of journalism and newspaper production. See your work in print! The Newspaper Club is headed by Westland English teacher Deborah Mehnke. Meets on Thursdays in Room 114
Table Tennis
Come show (or develop!) your ping pong prowess in this winter after-school activity led by Westland PE teacher Dana Coleman. Group meets in the dance studio on Thursdays.
Interscholastic Sports
Middle school interscholastic sports teams are open to 7th and 8th grade boys and girls. Softball (boys & girls) and cross country (coed) take place in the fall; basketball (boys & girls) takes places in the winter; and soccer (boys & girls) takes place in the spring. More information regarding these teams, including tryout schedules, coaches, and required forms is located on the PE and Health Department page. Questions regarding interscholastic sports should be directed to Tim Crane.
Performing Arts
Chamber Chorus
Chamber Chorus is an auditioned ensemble for 7th and 8th graders. Chamber Chorus is open to boys and girls who are enrolled in chorus during the school day and interested in participating in an advanced choral group. Students will perform popular music, Broadway, and jazz. Members are required to attend rehearsals after school on Wednesdays and on additional dates which will be announced. Stop by and talk to Westland choral director Carrie Eyler for more information.
Fall & Spring Play/Musical
Westland students produce a fall and a spring play. Listen for announcements for auditions. Speaking or singing parts available, or students can work on scene and set design. Auditions for the Spring Musical will take place on March 6, with a read-thru on March 8. Vocal rehearsals will begin March 13. For more information, please contact Sherion Cosby.
Jazz Ensemble
Designed for 7th and 8th grade students who want to learn the basics of jazz harmonies, articulations, and improvisations. All students must audition and be able to read music. Jazz Ensemble auditions will be held in late September. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays in the band room and will end in time for students to catch the activity bus. Participants must purchase a $15 book and be committed to the ensemble. For more information about auditions and rehearsals, please contact Westland instrumental music director, Mary Garay.
Talent ShowEach year, students have an opportunity to showcase their talents before the Westland community. Auditions will take place January 5 and there are five after-school practices on January 10, 12, 17, 18 and 26, 2012. The Talent Show takes place on Friday, January 27th. Please contact Sherion Cosby for more information.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Westland's SGA enables students to participate in an effective and flexible governing system. It provides opportunities to discuss policies, create projects, and make recommendations to promote school spirit and positive peer interaction. It is open to all students in grades 6-8 and generally meets on Wednesdays in Room 215. SGA officers are elected by the student body and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Please contact Maria Kohlerman for more information.
Annual Fees
FLEX Administration Fee
All participants in any of the FLEX classes or clubs must pay an annual fee of $25. This fee helps to defray administrative costs and reduce the amount the PTA must pay to subsidize the program. Payment of the annual fee entitles your child to participate in any of the clubs or classes offered by FLEX during the 2011/12 school year. Participants in FLEX programs must also pay the the MCPS ECA fee, described below.
MCPS Extracurricular Activities Fee
The Montgomery County Board of Education requires payment of a $30 MCPS extracurricular activities (ECA) fee by middle or high school students who participate in extracurricular activities for the 2011-2012 school year. This fee, payable to MCPS, is used to pay for after school activity buses, as well as to underwrite the costs of certain clubs and classes. Participants in ALL after-school activities must pay the ECA fee. Click here to pay the ECA fee on-line; you will need your student's 6-digit ID number, as well as a credit card.
Financial Assistance
Please contact Westland Counselor Melanie Khani for scholarship information. All after school programming at Westland is open to all students and cost should not be a deterrent. All requests will be kept confidential.