Hello JWJ Families!
This website contains information to guide you and your student(s) as they continue in the Arts and/or Technology pathways begun at J. Wallace James Elementary.
Students in Pre-K are guaranteed a spot for the coming year at JWJ, but must still complete an application for Kindergarten at JWJ in order to hold that spot. Please go to www.lafayettechoice.com to complete an application, and select J. Wallace James as your FIRST choice.
Students in 5th grade at J. Wallace James must apply for their first choice middle school, either the arts academy at L. J. Alleman OR the technology academy at David Thibodeaux STEM Academy. More information below.
Applications are open on the LPSS Magnet Academies website (www.lafayettechoice.com)
from October 20, 2021 at 10 am until January 5, 2022 at 4:30 pm.
As part of the Magnet Academy procedures, all students from J.W. James who are entering middle school will be given "pathway priority" to one of two middle schools, L.J. Alleman and David Thibodeaux STEM. Please understand that this pathway priority can only be give for ONE choice of middle school. When applying, the priority will only be considered for the school you mark as your FIRST CHOICE in the application at www.lafayettechoice.com.
There are criteria for entrance and criteria for continuation that must be met. Read more about those here and below.
It is the parent/student's responsibility to read/understand/adhere to these criteria. Also, please note that J.W. James has no authority over who is chosen to attend what middle school, this is strictly part of the Magnet Academy process in LPSS.
Important Magnet Academy Information
There is no minimum grade entry requirement for Middle School Magnet Academies.
Students with a level 3 or 4 behavior infraction will not be eligible. If a student is ineligible due to a disciplinary issue an appeal can be made through the school.
All JWJ students that meet all entry requirements will automatically be accepted into their 1st choice school.
If a student decides to attend their 2nd or 3rd choice school, they will be entered into the normal lottery system with all other students
Lafayette Magnet Academies Online Applications are open as of October 20, 2021 at 10 am
If you need assistance you can call the Magnet Academies office at 337.521.7044
Here is a presentation about L. J. Alleman Arts Academy
Here is a video presentation about David Thibodeaux STEM Academy
Apply online at lafayettechoice.com
After the application is completed, the student will receive an email from Christy Cart with a google classroom code for the elective they have applied for.
The student will use that code to join the google classroom. Students MUST use their LPSS email address to join the google classroom.
In the google classroom you will see information about the auditions and audition packet as well as how to complete the packet in the google classroom. Students can only register for the art they are currently in at J. W. James.
Complete Audition Packet - once completed save, submit, & turn in to the google classroom - Online Arts Academy Information packet due by January 26
Fulfill Audition Requirements for your chosen elective. (see list below)
In-person Auditions – Saturday, January 23, 2021 at L. J. Alleman includes ALL incoming 6, 7, 8 grades & J. W. James:
IN-PERSON AUDITIONS
Band: 1 year: Bb Concert Scale memorized. Perform a line from your method book or a prepared piece.
2 years: Bb, Eb, Ab, and Chromatic Scales memorized. Perform a prepared piece. Percussion: Bells–same as above; Snare–double stroke roll and paradiddle.
3+ years: Bb, Eb, Ab, F, C, G, and chromatic scales memorized. Students should be prepared to sight read and perform a prepared piece of their choice.
Percussion:Snare-double stroke roll, paradiddle, & alternating flams. Bells-same as above
*Every band student must bring their own instrument to the audition excluding tuba, french horn, and baritone.
Piano: Level 1: Matching and reading rhythm patterns, pitches, and melodies to determine ability. Answer questions relating to interest and past experience.
Level 2: Play a prepared solo; basic theory test; white key 5 finger positions; sight reading
Level 3: Play a prepared solo; basic theory test; C, G and D major scales; sight reading
Chorus: All grades: Sing one verse of a song of their choice or sing one verse of “America.” Prepare to sight read beginning rhythms and pitches to determine skill levels.
Guitar: All Grades: The audition will include the following:
Matching and reading rhythmic patterns, pitches, and melodies to determine ability.
Questions relating to interest and past experience.
Students who already play the guitar should bring their guitar and sheet music to play a solo.
Virtual Auditions
Dance:
All Grades: 1. Watch the teacher-made video (which will be in the google classroom) to learn the audition combination.
2. Video yourself performing the audition combination to the best of your ability.
3. Submit your video to the "Audition" assignment in the LJ Alleman Magnet Academy google classroom.
Strings:
Beginner Level: Questions relating to interest and past musical experiences. Levels 1,2,3 1. Video yourself playing two prepared solos
2. Video yourself playing the following: Bass – Any major scale in 1 octave; Cello/Viola/Violin – Any major scale in 2 octaves.
3. Submit your videos to the "Audition" assignment in the LJ Alleman Magnet Academy google classroom
Visual Art:
All Grades: 1. Photos of 3 works of art done within this year that represent your artistic interests as well as your technical skills & abilities. These should be drawings, paintings, or mixed media.
2. These 3 photos will be uploaded to your google classroom “AUDITION” assignment
3. Applicants may be called for a follow up interview if necessary.
Theatre:
All Grades: 1. Present a memorized monologue using proper articulation, body language, and actions.
2. A monologue is enclosed in the packet or student may choose a monologue of their choice.
3. Applicants may be called for a follow up interview if necessary.
4. Submit your video to the "Audition" assignment in the LJ Alleman Magnet Academy google classroom
Apply online at lafayettechoice.com
Attend required information session. In compliance with social distancing and safety protocols, DTSTEM will call to schedule a time slot for information session after applying.
Watch the informational video about DTSMA (same as above) and take a look at the following document. These prompts will help you gather your thoughts for the interview process.
Join our Remind 101 class: https://www.remind.com/join/5thmagn or text @5thmagn to 81010
Contact Jacob Baroni, JWJ 5th Grade Counselor: jjbaroni@lpssonline.com
Contact Alyce LaBry, JWJ Academy Director: allabry@lpssonline.com
Contact Barbara Pippin, Enrollment and Recruitment Manager, LPSS Magnet Academies: bapippin@lpssonline.com