Forensics (Debate)
Forensics comes from the Latin word forensis meaning public. As an adjective, it means belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts or public discussion and debate. Cal Forensics is a debate and public speaking society based on the discussions, debates, and performances that take place in Room 2 at California Middle School, although students from other classes are urged to attend. The club is a way of making the persuasive speaking unit, the recitation of a literary work, and even the essay format itself, take on greater meaning through competition in public forums. The club centers on the Speech and Debate class in which students research topics and prepare opening statements, while other students work on memorizing lines from The Glass Menagerie or speeches by William Faulkner or Dr. Martin Luther King. A few recycle scenes from the winter play, The Tempest, others learn whole new roles. Why? Because they are making a name for their speaking skills in a series of district-wide competitions. The results speak for themselves. Cal Debaters won the district championship in 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009!
4-time SCUSD Champs plan for third trip to Nationals
Email by clicking on teacher name.
Tournament Schedule
Debate Speech
Nov 7 @ Sutter
Jan 16 @ TBA
Apr 10 @ Cal
Oct 23 @ Sutter
Dec 4 @ Parks
Mar 4 @ Da Vinci
Championship May 22 @ TBA
Nationals TBA
Results from Oct 23 Speech Tournament
1st Place Spoken Word - Diana Pinter
1st Place Persuasive - Walter Spurlock
2nd Place Persuasive - Kyle Siden
4th Place Persuasive - Taylor Zimbelman
2nd Place Impromptu - Simon Martinez
5th Place Poetic Interpretation - Sophia Stults
Results from Dec 12 Debate Tournament
Jack, Walter and Masashi - 2-2; Peter, Sophia and Alex - 1-3
Cody, Thomas and Ryan - 2-2; Simon and Noah 1-3
Speaker Points (Most was 310)
Peter Freidenburg 300; Walter Spurlock 299.5
Sophie Porter 298; Alex Shantz 297;
Thomas Bates 296
October 23
Coach MacBeth talks strategy with the Cal debaters.
Ryan Schouweiler (above) and Thomas Bates (right & below) argue their cases at the Sutter Debate Tournament in November.
Masashi Sato (left) finished 5th and Walter Spurlock 3rd in speaker points at the Sutter Debate Tournament.
Our teams prepare for their debates on health care.
Results from Nov 7 Debate Tournament
Team Jack Gavron, Masashi Sato & Walter Spurlock
tied for 3rd Place with
Team Thomas Bates, Ryan Schouweiler & Cody Wood
Top Speakers (of 60 speakers)
3rd Place - Walter Spurlock
5th Place - Masashi Sato
Club Day
Students had the opportunity to sign up for clubs at lunch. Ecoclub, drumline, PASSage, Spirit Club, Basketball, Drama and Science Olympiad were represented by staff and students.
September 25
Vote Day
Student Body Officer hopefuls made speeches in an effort to convince classmates to vote for them. Students are vying for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Find Photos in Events
Zangle
Cal Middle
The Pride of Land Park