Wheeler Policy Debate Team

2015-2016 Season

2014-2015 30 + students

WHEELER DEBATE TEAM 2015-2016

PARENT MEETING AGENDA

About Debate Benefits of Debate Former High School Debaters Team – Novice, Junior Varsity, Varsity Team Meetings / Season Tournaments Coaching / Sponsorship Lettering Debate Business Communication

About Debate . . . Formal method of interactive and representational

argument Centerpiece of deliberative bodies and groups –

legislatures, public commissions, court proceedings, Board of Director meetings, etc.

Must be prepared to argue either side – improves empathy and understanding

Competitive Debate with a partner as determined by coach

and/or team leadership

Benefits of Debate

Development of Research Skills

Public Speaking

‘Thinking on Your Feet’

Self-Confidence and Poise

Introduction to Public Policy

Camaraderie and Fun

Benefits of Debate - continued

College – Demonstrates a Commitment to Academic Pursuits

Debate Coaches may submit recommendations to College Admissions Office

Past Team Leaders Kevin Plattenburg ’07 – Team Founder – Duke Mark Gurevich ’09 – Ga Tech – Presidential Scholar Darpan Patel ’10 – Columbia University Dami Aladesanmi ’11 – Harvard University, Karan Pahawa ’11-Ga Tech Danny Kreus ’12 – Dartmouth College Lucy Zhang ‘13 – Harvard University, Pranav Shenoy ‘13 – GA Tech Matthew Coffin ‘15 – Harvard University, Erin Kreus ‘15 – Rice

University

Top Colleges with Policy Debate Teams

Dartmouth * Emory * (scholarship available)

Georgetown * Harvard Northwestern * Stanford * University of Georgia * University of Michigan * Wake Forest * (scholarship available)

* Wheeler Debate Team Students have attended these summer debate camps

Former High School Debaters

PresidentClinton

PresidentJohnson

President Nixon

OprahWinfrey

Antonin Scalia– U.S Supreme Court Justice

President Kennedy

Brad Pitt – Actor

Debate Topic 2015-2016

DOMESTIC SURVEILLANCE

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially curtail its domestic surveillance.

Team / Meetings

Team Novice – 1st year Junior Varsity (‘JV’)

Goal is to ‘advance’ Novice debaters to Junior Varsity ASAP

Varsity Meetings

Wednesdays 3:30-5:30 – Magnet Room 512 Refer to Calendar linked to Website

TEAMWORK & TEAM ETIQUETTE

Teamwork Focus of training tends to be individual Program exists as a team endeavor – debate in pairs

Team Etiquette Expect various levels of experience and commitment

among team members Be respectful and supportive of all team members If you up for a tournament, your attendance is

expected–otherwise partner is left debating ‘maverick’ Coach and/or team leadership will determine pairings

Season August through March

Not as many tournaments after Thanksgiving Approximately 10 Tournaments / season Tournaments – Typically 1 – 2 days (local) 2 Local Tournaments included in Team

Dues Participation flexible

Can ‘skip’ several tournaments and/or meetings to meet other time demands

Tournament Schedule - Local

Attendance at two of these tournaments is included in team dues. Check website regularly for up-to-date information

CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENTS      

GFCA 1st & 2nd Year 2 2/20/2016 Y  

GFCA Varsity State 3 03/04/2016 Y

Tournament Schedule - National

For dedicated and experienced debaters Typically in search of bid for TOC –

Tournament of Champions Past National Tournaments Attended

Wake Forest (NC) Glenbrooks (IL) Montgomery Bell Academy (TN) UGA (GA) Emory (GA)

Coaching / Sponsorship

Teacher / Sponsor – Sean Kurkjian Email: Sean.Kurkjian@cobbk12.org

Coaches – Daniel Kreus and other Wheeler Debate Alumni – Pranav Shenoy, Lucy Zhang, Matthew Coffin, Erin Kreus

Team Parent – Stephanie Pokowitz Team Parent – Monica Greco Contact us:

wheelerhighdebate@gmail.com

Lettering in Debate Attend 5 Tournaments at Varsity Level or Attend 3 Tournament and advance to quarter

finals at a Varsity Tournament or Exemplary achievement in the following

categories: Dedication / Commitment Years involved Enthusiasm Effort Leadership

First year debaters are not eligible

Debate Business Team Dues - $200

Includes Participation in 2 Local Tournaments Additional Costs – Local Tournaments

Additional Tournaments $25-$200 each (average $60) Overnight Stays and Meals Team T-Shirt $10\

Paperwork – Complete online, print, sign and return Registration Medical Release Travel Release

Parents’ Role Driving to Tournaments / Overnight Stays / Chaperone Snacks Prompt Communication

Debate Business – continued

Tournament Sign-ups SignUp online by deadlines communicated Cancellations after deadline – Responsible for penalties Partner will be assigned Tournament Travel / Carpooling

Please RSVP / SignUp at time of tournament sign-up Partners must arrange alternative transportation in the

event they finish at a different time than others

Debate Business – continued

wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com

Debate Business – continued

wheelerhighdebate.weebly.com

Communication E-mail

Meeting & Event Notices, Upcoming Tournament Information/ Links to Tournament and other Sign-ups, Cancellation notices, Carpool schedule

Website Team Calendar, Event Information and Sign-ups

(including carpool), Team Forms & Policies, Links to helpful resources

SignUp Genius Snack Sign-Up Other Misc. Sign-Ups

Need Your Help–Any Volunteers?

Carpool Scheduling Fundraising Website Database Carpool Drivers and Chaperones Snacks

Debate Team Websitewheelerhighdebate.weebly.com