5 replies to this topic

[kaybird]

I was hoping to get some feedback/information about "The Wheel" courses at Folsom Middle School. My daughter will be entering it next year, and we are trying to decide between continuing on with music, or letting her try something new.

Waaaayyyy back, when I was in middle school, we did a rotation of art, home economics and woodshop. I didn't learn a darn thing all year. The Wheel isn't like that, right?

I would really appreciate any feedback you can offer. Thanks!

[jpow5]

When my kids were at FMS, there were four different wheel classes that the kids would rotate through. Each student would take 3 out of the 4. I'd say the classes were not super challenging but they did learn some fun new things. I would not consider what they learned to be academically necessary, but it did add variety to their day and let them experience new things.

I always thought it was a shame that the kids have to choose between the wheel and music, but if your daughter is even slightly into music, I'd have her do at least another year of it. If she doesn't like playing everyday, then maybe in 7th grade she could switch to the wheel. On the other hand, if she really doesn't like it, then playing everyday for a grade, might be a bit tough. To add to the mix, in 8th grade, she'll have a third choice: she could be a TA instead of music/wheel.

[stacycam]

My daughter is currently in 6th grade. She didn't like the wheel options, and especially hates creative writing, so she chose to stick with music. She didn't like that she couldn't pick what she wanted, plus the choices are lame for 6th grade. She is planning to switch to the wheel for 7th grade, and then possibly TA for 8th.

In all honesty, I wouldn't expect a whole lot from the electives. I don't think they are meant to be all that academic. It seems the purpose is to let them have a little fun while still learning something other than regular school stuff.

[glad2Bme]

My two middle schoolers decided to stick with music, and what a great program we have! My son plays saxophone in advanced band, and wants to be part of our phenominal jazz band next year (is even considering choosing Folsom High over Vista to stay with the Jazz band if he enjoys it as much as he thinks he will) and my daughter plays viola in intermediate orchestra.....what a huge difference from elementary school since the classes are every day, not just twice a week. Both kids intend to keep on with music through middle school. Neither had musical exposure to playing an instrument outside of the public school system, so I'm glad they are taking advantage of the opportunity. It's a blessing for their opportunity to play, and mine to listen.......I was the Autumn Serenade chair for 2011, and intend to continue supporting this program until my kids are no longer in it......

As far as the wheel goes, some of the classes look interesting, too bad students can't choose them though......

If your child is unsure about staying with music, I would encourage you to attend the next concert coming up (I don't have any dates yet). When the kids see how phenominal all the performances are, it really excites them to know they can be part of it, at least that's how my two kids feel. When advanced orchestra came from Vista to perform, my daughter said she definitely wants to continue-- this from a kid who doesn't "love" it enough to remember to practice, but appreciates it just the same. When the band kids see what our middle school Jazz band can do, it inspires many to try out for it the following year.

[kaybird]

Thank you for the replies, so far. My daughter would like to stick with the music program and that was my first instinct as well. My husband (the engineer) came home from the orientation held last night thinking that we should go for the Wheel classes. So, I need to gather all the info I can and discuss it with the two of them.

If anyone had children in the program who wouldn't mind giving their thoughts, I'd love to hear them. Please keep the advice/feedback coming?!

Thanks again!

[sunnyCA]

My son is in 6th grade at FMS and is really happy he chose the wheel. He liked music (did trumpet in 5th grade) but did not love it. He is busy with sports and music is just not a passion of his. So, the wheel was a good choice.

He started with technology, which is an amazing course. It combines math and science and during the trimester they learned about chemical engineering, nanotechnology, and physics. It is super hands-on with a very energetic instructor. He loved it! Right now, he is in home-ec and is learning about child development. They cook once per week. The cooking is nothing difficult as it needs to be completed in 1 class period, but he has fun doing it and is learning some practical things in the kitchen. His next elective is computers where they work with the various computer programs like excel, powerpoint, etc. I think that will be incredibly helpful for his work in other subjects. Because he only does 3 of the 5 programs, he will not do creative writing or art this year.

It's sad to me that people put the wheel down and say it is lame, etc. It's really not. Music is just not something that everyone loves and it is great that there are options beyond doing music every single day for an entire year. The elective teachers have been great so far. For example, the tech teacher is so wonderful...his class last year compared the efficiency of wind, water, and solar power and ended up on the Disney Channel for his innovative work. So, please don't feel like the wheel is awful. It's been great for us.