Holy Apostles Forensics
What is FORENSICS? It is a great way to build your public speaking skills. You will select or prepare a presentation, and present it. There are many categories, so you can choose what would be FUN for you.
Like to make people laugh?
Select and present a Humorous Solo piece.
Like to make people think?
Write an Informative or Persuasive speech.
Inspired by a famous speech?
Present it with your own style.
Enjoy poetry?
Share your poetry or poems of a famous author.
Enjoy reading?
Try Impromptu Reading – or – Prose.
Feel more comfortable in a group?
Try Group Acting – or – Group Interpretation
Want to share a talent or a hobby?
Try Demonstration.
Like to tell FANTASTIC stories?
Try Storytelling.
Quick thinker?
Try Impromptu Speaking.
When do we practice?
Almost every Wednesday after school from 2:25 – 4:00, starting Oct. 17 and going into the middle of March.
What do we do at practice?
We usually start with a group meeting. This is when I tell students about upcoming events and give handouts. Then I divide them into small groups and assign them to a coach for the day. Each group goes to different room to practice. While students are waiting their turn to present their piece, they may work on homework.
Is there a fee?
Yes. There is a fee of $20.00 per student. This helps us cover registration fees for the tournaments. Students who qualify to go to the State tournament pay an additional fee for that (last year it was $6.00).
Can parents ever see the students perform?
Unfortunately, forensics is not like volley ball where you can go and cheer your team on. When we go to tournaments, the students are performing in classroom with other students in their category. I will have a performance night when we have the school Open House in January to give parents a chance to see their child in action.
How do the kids get to the tournaments?
We car pool from H.A.
How long do the tournaments go?
All day. We leave early in the morning (about 7:15am) and return about 4:30. A student may leave after the third round (around 2:30, depending on the tournament) if someone can come and pick them up, and if I have been notified that this is happening.
Do the students need to go to all the tournaments?
No. They may go to as few as they like. If they want to qualify to go to the state tournament they need to score an average of 37 points, with no rounding, from three tournaments. The more tournaments you go to, the better your chances are of achieving this. The HA team goes to 6 tournaments.
Is there any way my parents can help?
Yes! We could not exist without the many, wonderful volunteers that work with us! We need additional coaches, judges (for tournaments, I will train you) and drivers. If your parents can help please have them contact me.
How does a student sign up for a tournament?
There is a sign up sheet in Mrs. Pelzer’s room. Be aware that the deadlines are usually several weeks before the tournament.
Do we have a snack?
Yes! I provide the snack for the first meeting and then students sign up to provide the snacks for the rest of the practices.
If I have other questions, who I contact?
Send an email to Mrs. Pelzer or you can call me at school. You may also go to my website and get information from the Forensic Pages. There is a page for handouts and a page for announcements.
Also, check out the middle school forensics website:
Holy Apostles Forensics Team
at the
Wisconsin State Forensics Tournaments
2006 – Medium School Division – 2nd Place
2005 – Medium School Division – 2nd Place
2004 – Small School Division – 1st Place
2003 – Small School Division – 1st Place
