Post on 16-May-2018
transcript
Williamstown Middle School
2017-2018
School-Community
Involvement Handbook
CLUBS
SPORTS
ACTIVITIES
INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHOOL-COMMUNITY IS REQUIRED FOR THE
7TH GRADE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATION PROCESS
INTRODUCTION
Williamstown Middle School students are encouraged to participate and get involved in school-community activities. School activities encourage students to view school as a place to learn, socialize with peers, and develop close relationships with others. Activity advisors are encouraged to include service learning projects as part of their extracurricular program.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important for students to know that
possible admission into the National Junior
Honor Society requires students to be
involved in school-based clubs, school-based
sports and/or school-based activities. NJHS
applicant consideration will be based on the
student’s hours of attendance and
participation in these school-based clubs,
sports and/or activities. Student participation
is reviewed and considered by a faculty
council for possible admission into NJHS.
RENAISSANCE
Advisors:
Mike Spano / Laura Test 5/6
Kathleen Zera / Breanne Baney 7/8
Renaissance is a national program
that recognizes and rewards
students for excellence in academic
performance, character, attendance
/ lateness, participation in a
group activity and exemplary school
and community citizenship.
Students must apply and be accepted
into the Renaissance program.
Students are awarded gold, silver,
blue, or white cards which entitle
them to privileges such as
preferential lunch line status,
hall pass privileges, discounts at
school stores, events, and
invitations to Renaissance rallies
throughout the year.
NOTE: Renaissance is a student
recognition program and does not
qualify as a club, sport or activity
for NJHS consideration.
Williamstown Middle School
Interscholastic Sports
2017-2018
[Tryouts may be required in the event of large enrollments]
Fall Sports
Sport: Coaches:
Co-Ed Cross
Country Julie Betts / Samantha Steiner
Field Hockey Donna Tiernan / Melissa Schwindt
Winter Sports
Sport: Coaches:
Boys’
Basketball Mike Seidenberg
Girls’
Basketball Jon Shields
Cheerleading Maureen Coelho / Christine Vain
Wrestling Tom McAvoy / Bobby Scalley
Spring Sports
Sport: Coaches:
Track and Field Samantha Steiner / Julie Betts / Jon
Shields
LIST OF CLUB/ACTIVITY ADVISORS
2017-2018
Art Club Mike Arons / John Tighe
Band Karyn Park
(Renaissance) Braves Miranda Basilone
Builder’s Club Krystal Kuni / Katie Cosky
Chorus Edward Dougherty (5/6) / Lauren
Gerelli (7/8)
Computer Club Mike Arons
Drama Club Mallory Beach/Faith Brody/Kim McBride/
Sandi Ruggiero/Laura Test/Ken VanDyk
Environmental/Recycling Janet Mead
Jazz Band Laura Test
Math Counts Nicholas Falabella
Multi-Cultural Carlos Morris / Sadie Manzo
National Junior Honor
Society Kimberly Morris / Catherine Monahan
Newspaper Mike Arons / Catherine Monahan
Odyssey of the Mind AnnMarie Reber
Peer Leadership/Rebel 2 Paul VanHouten
Percussion Ensemble Karyn Park
Robotics Mike Spano / Matt Dempsey
Stage Crew Mike Spano
Student Council Paul VanHouten / Valencia Nichols
Volleyball (Intramural) Chris Sheppard
WBNN Morning
Announcements Mike Spano / Matt Dempsey
Weightlifting Tom McAvoy
Yearbook Debbie Anderson
ART CLUB – The art club is designed for the student who is interested
in exploring various types of visual art. Students participating in
the art club will have the opportunity to create original designs
using paper mache, glass, clay, and other materials. The art club
meets after school throughout the school year. Any interested student
is eligible to participate in the Art Club. Students should listen to
announcements for sign-up information.
BAND – Students who participate in the Instrumental Lesson Program,
have the opportunity to broaden and further their instrumental
educational experience by becoming a member in one of our 3 Bands: 1st
year Band (1st Level), 2
nd Year Band (2
nd Level) or the 7
th & 8
th Grade
Band (3rd Level). The WMS bands perform concerts for the school and
community. With the exception of the 1st Year Band, rehearsals begin
in September, are held once a week after school and continue
throughout the school year. Band members also have the opportunity to
attend numerous concerts and field trips throughout the school year.
BAND - Students regularly participating in the Instrumental Lesson
Program, will have the opportunity to broaden and further their
instrumental educational by participating in band. They will be placed
in the band best suited for their level of playing ability, regardless
of the student’s current grade. For example: If a student in 6th grade
is playing at the level of a 3rd Level Band member, they will be invited
to participate in that group.
There are three bands:
1st Level Band: Half Year Activity primarily for students,
regardless of grade, who just started learning how to play one of
the band instruments.
2nd Level Band: Full Year Activity typically but not limited to
students who are on their second year of instrumental lessons.
Additionally, 2nd Level Band members may have large group,
instrumental performance experience.
3rd Level Band: Full Year Activity typically but not limited to
students who are on their third or fourth year of instrumental
lessons. Additionally, 3rd Level Band members have large group,
instrumental performance experience.
WMS bands will perform in concerts for the school and community.
The experienced bands will also attend performance based field
trips throughout the school year.
BASKETBALL (Girls/Boys) – Basketball is an interscholastic winter
sport open to 6, 7 & 8th grade students. All eligible students are
encouraged to tryout, however, only a select number of players will be
on the team. Prior experience, knowledge and skills relative to the
game of basketball are important when considering trying out.
Students who participate in this sport will learn and improve upon
many different techniques that include, but not limited to, shooting,
passing, dribbling, rebounding and important defensive concepts.
Throughout the season, student-athletes will play an ultra-
competitive schedule against other middle school teams around the
area. The main goal is to teach practical fundamentals and skills that
are necessary to be successful at the high school level. Practices
will be held after school from 3-5pm beginning in December and
throughout the season.
RENAISSANCE BRAVES - This is a teacher/parent/student
advisory/leadership club. This committee is responsible for organizing
and completing projects in the following areas: Student Exchange with
NJ Clean Communities, environmental research and community clean-ups.
There will be approximately 18 students selected from grades 6-8.
There will be approximately one meeting per month, however students
will work on projects with their advisors at lunch and after school as
needed.
BUILDER’S CLUB – The Builder’s Club is a community service
organization. The club organizes activities such as sock and glove
collections, making cards for sick children or the elderly in homes,
and coordinating Thanksgiving food baskets to deserving families in
our school population. Students are also Santa’s Helpers and write
letters for elementary school classes. All WMS students are welcome
to participate. Meetings are one hour after school and continue
throughout the school year.
CHEERLEADING – Participation in this interscholastic winter sport is
open to all 6, 7, & 8th grade students. Cheerleading will provide
students the opportunity to perform at various school events.
Students who are thinking about participating in this physical
activity will learn/perform different cheers, dances and jumps in
front of spectators to show school spirit and support for school
teams. Winter Cheer runs from December until February.
Practices/Meetings: TBD
CHORUS – Fifth Grade Chorus is open to all fifth graders. Interested
students must complete an application which will be distributed at the
first music class of the school year. Chorus rehearsals are held once
a week after school. Students participating in chorus will perform in
concerts.
Any sixth, seventh, or eighth grade student may sign up for chorus.
Rehearsals are once a week after school on Tuesdays. Any interested
students should see Mrs. Gerelli during homeroom in room E104.
Students will participate in a Winter and Spring Concert as well as
attend the annual High Note Festival.
CO-ED CROSS COUNTRY – Athletes in grades 6-8 are welcome to
participate in this interscholastic Fall Cross Country Sport. It is
our goal that athletes on the Cross Country team are students first
and foremost. The Cross Country team members should take great pride
in class work, as well as, on the Cross Country trails. The aim is to
produce a team that is both respectful and well respected. By being
part of this team, each individual’s potential, self-esteem, and
confidence will be developed. In turn, each individual will grow as a
result of his/her experience with the Cross Country team. Runners are
expected to take pride in their sport and to show dedication to our
sport through their ability to follow directions, attendance, and
attitude. All athletes are also expected to adhere to the
interscholastic agreement/contract. Open to all 6, 7 & 8th grade
students. Practices will be held daily during the fall season and
meets are TBA.
ENVIRONMENTAL/RECYCLING CLUB - Students will meet after school once a
week for environmental club, also called S. A. V. E.; Students against
Violating the Environment. This activity is a combination of service
and academic work focusing on environmental issues in our community.
Students will study issues and work on solutions. Community partners
include Monroe Township Clean Communities, South Jersey Land and Water
Trust, NJ Field Office of US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Monroe
Municipal Utility Authority. Also, guest speakers will be invited in
throughout the school year to engage the students in current topics of
environmental careers.
FIELD HOCKEY – Field hockey is an inter-scholastic sport and will run
from September to October. If you’re looking to have fun outdoors
and get in shape at the same time, field hockey is definitely the
sport for you! Playing field hockey is an intensive cardiovascular
workout that requires constant movement, including walking, jogging
and high –intensity sprints. The game works the arms, legs, hips,
thighs, glutes and abdominals. Field Hockey players generally have
superior endurance, hand-eye coordination, agility and overall
strength. A late bus will NOT BE AVAILABLE for these players. All
equipment for field hockey will be supplied by the school with the
exception of footwear. Players need to be sure to complete all
necessary forms and get a physical prior to participating. Game
schedule TBA.
THE MAKER’S GUILD – The Maker’s Guild is for students who are
interested in computers, technology and how things work. Do you like
to take things apart to see what makes them tick? Do you wish you
could re-design something to make it better? Then the Maker’s Guild
is for you! We will take on projects such as custom computer builds,
industrial design, 3D printing and CAD programming and electronic DIY
projects. If you like to make things and want to take your abilities
to the next level then the Maker’s Guild is for you!
MATH COUNTS - Math Counts is an academic club that is ideal for
students who have a talent and passion for math who want to be
challenged. We will build on current mathematic skills through
problem solving activities. Students will engage in exciting, “bee-
style” contests in which they will compete against and alongside other
bright, motivated students. All grades are welcome but only grades 6-
8 are eligible to compete.
MULTI-CULTURAL CLUB – The purpose of the Multi-Cultural Club is to
increase student awareness of other cultures and to help them
understand the richness and diversity of other ways of life. The
students will learn about other cultures from guest speakers,
community service projects, and field trips. Students are responsible
for displays and announcements associated with the club. Any WMS
student may participate.
NEWSPAPER – Newspaper Club is open to students in all grades who enjoy
writing. Potential newspaper members should be creative writers who
are self-initiated. Four issues are printed and distributed to the
entire student body per year. Beginning in September, meetings are
held three times a month for one hour after school. Students should
listen for announcements in September as to where and when to pick up
permission slips and where to return them.
PEER LEADERSHIP/REBEL 2– Student Leadership members are selected to
participate based upon their leadership qualities. They will be
trained to develop skills necessary for drug prevention and group
leadership skills. Students will present programs designed to educate
students on drug and tobacco use and bullying among other students.
This is a year round activity. Meetings are held at least once a
month.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (ORCHESTRA/PERCUSSION) – WMS existing percussion
students may be invited to perform in the percussion ensemble. This
select group explores various types of percussion music and
experiments with different methods of creating percussive sounds.
Students meet after school weekly. Percussion ensemble members will
have the opportunity to participate in school concerts and possibly
attend field trips.
PLAY/DRAMA CLUB – The students at WMS present one Musical Theater
production each spring. Any interested student may audition for a
part in the play during the first week in January. Listen to morning
announcements to find out when and where auditions will be held.
Three after-school rehearsals (until 5: 00 PM) are scheduled weekly
until the last week of rehearsal. There are some Saturday rehearsals.
The last week of rehearsal and performances are more time intensive,
as students are needed from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. There are four
performances of the play (Thursday (for the district’s 4th grade
classes), Friday, Saturday evening and a Saturday matinee).
Drama Club also hosts an “Evening of Monologues”. This program is
available to all 8th grade students in the Drama Club. Students and
Mr. Van Dyk meet for one rehearsal a week for 4 weeks and then these
students perform two, two minute monologues, one comedic and one
dramatic. Throughout the rehearsal process students assess and
critique each other’s work in a positive way to help improve each
student’s performance.
ROBOTICS -The Monroe Township Robotics club is open to all 7th through
12th grade students. Students
who show interest in this club will have opportunities to learn about
3D printing and Design, Digital
fabrication, coding in Java, advanced robotics creation and other
related topics. The Robotics club is an
introduction to robotics for competition and serves as a source for
the official US First, FTC Robotics
Competitive Team. Students who participate in the Robotics Club with
integrity, drive, self-motivation,
creative thinking, and gracious perfectionism will be considered for the
competition team of a
maximum of 15 students mixed with high school students. Students who are
chosen for the competition
team will compete with and against other teams, worldwide, in a sports model
where they will design,
build, program, and operate robots of their own design to play a floor game
in an alliance format.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and
practice engineering principles,
while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas.
Interested 7th and 8
th grade
students can apply for the club and share interest in the competition team
at the following link:
https://goo.gl/forms/mQWvSJt78rzNLM3J2
STAGE CREW – The stage crew is a small group of students in grades 6-
8. An announcement will be made in the fall indicating sign-ups for
those students who are interested in behind the scenes theatre.
Interested students are evaluated by the advisor. Stage crew members
must maintain a “B” average in all academic and related arts subjects.
STUDENT COUNCIL – Student Council officers will be elected by Student
Council at the end of the year. Homeroom representatives will have to
apply and be voted on in next year’s homerooms after their
applications are approved. Only one representative per homeroom.
Student Council is a year round activity for any student who is
elected through the democratic process. Students who are elected to
student council will help organize and administer various school and
community-oriented events. Meetings are held once a month, and
attendance at these meetings is closely monitored.
TRACK AND FIELD – Track and Field is an interscholastic spring sport
open to all 6th-8th grade students at WMS. Track and Field is a sport
which involves various running and field events, including short and
long distance running events, long jump, discus, and shot put.
Students will be taught the running, jumping, and throwing
techniques/skills related to these events throughout the season.
Students will compete against other nearby schools at home and away
meets, as well as participate in various invitationals and relays. It
is our goal that athletes on the Track and Field team not only improve
their individual abilities as athletes, but also learn the importance
of being a member of a team. Students are expected to represent WMS by
demonstrating the utmost respect and good sportsmanship with their
coaches, teammates, and opposing schools. All athletes are expected to
adhere to the interscholastic agreement. A mandatory pre-season
meeting will be held in the winter for all athletes. Practice and
meeting dates TBD.
VOLLEYBALL (INTRAMURAL) - Students are given the opportunity to
participate in four Intramural Volleyball time periods/”seasons”
during the course of a school year. Each time period consists of
individual sessions that take place over the course of two months.
Each time period/season consists of 10-12 individual sessions that
last between 90-120 minutes. At the end of 1 season, a student has
had an opportunity to play nearly 15 hours of volleyball. If a
student were to participate in all 4 seasons, they would accumulate
nearly 60 hours of volleyball play.
The first time period for Intramural Volleyball is held during
September and October and takes place at Williamstown High School
in the gymnasium at the conclusion of the Williamstown High School
Girls’ Volleyball home matches. These sessions run from 5:30-7:30
and are open to any interested 7th or 8th grade student.
The second “season” of WMS Volleyball takes place during the
months of January and February. These sessions take place in
either the WMS 5/6 gymnasium or the 7/8 gymnasium. This “season”
is taking place at the same time that the WMS Interscholastic
Basketball teams are performing. When either our boys’ team or our
girls’ team has an away game, the Intramural Volleyball group will
use the open gymnasium. This season of volleyball is open to all
6th, 7th, and 8th grade WMS students. Individual sessions take place
from 2:50 – 4:25
The third Intramural Volleyball season is held during the months
of March and April. At this point, all WMS students are welcome to
participate and all sessions are held in the 7/8 gymnasium from
2:50 – 4:25.
The fourth and final opportunity for WMS students to participate
in Intramural Volleyball is held during May and June after school
from 2:50 – 4:25 and it is again open to all WMS students
regardless of grade level. These sessions are held in the 5/6
gymnasium.
WBNN MORNING ANNOUCEMENTS/AV- The WMS AV club is open to 5th through 8
th
grade students. Each grade level will have their own set of
responsibilities and contribution level to the live morning
announcements production. The WBNN Morning Announcements Team is open
only to 8th grade students and are selected from students who are in
the AV club. AV club and WBNN Announcement Team members will have the
opportunity to create their own content on a weekly and daily basis
while covering various school events to share on the morning
announcements. In addition, 8th grade members will develop the
Williamstown Braves Network News (WBNN) Live production each morning
both in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes managing
studio equipment.
WEIGHTLIFTING- This program is an after school activity, open to all
6th, 7
th and 8
th grade students at WMS. It is scheduled 3:00 – 4:00pm
Tue, Wed & Thur. Our goal is to introduce the middle school students
to age- and developmentally-appropriate strength training exercises.
The work outs include circuit style resistance training, cardio
endurance exercises, and flexibility drills. Students receive
instruction on how to safely and properly use the equipment in the
weight room.
WRESTLING- Wrestling at WMS is an interscholastic winter sport open to
all 6, 7, & 8th grade students. Wrestling is based on these
attributes: effort, technique, intelligence, strength, and quickness.
Practices are structured to allow every participant the opportunity to
further develop their technique, tactics, flexibility, stamina,
strength, etc. Physical competitions occur among two partners who
attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. All rules and
wrestling techniques are taught in detail. Our goal is to help each
athlete maximize their strengths while minimizes their weaknesses.
YEARBOOK – The Yearbook is an activity that continues throughout the
school year. A final yearbook of more than 100 pages is published. In
September, students should listen for an announcement to sign up.
Yearbook is only open to 7th and 8th grade students.
WILLIAMSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY (7
th and 8
th Grade Only)
Advisors:
Kimberly Morris and Catherine Monahan
Students become eligible for National Junior Honor Society based
on attaining a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 93% or higher at the
end of 6th grade, and after the second marking period in 7
th grade,
and maintain that average for the remainder of the school year.
Eligible students receive applications for entry into the National
Junior Honor Society in February.
The five principles of National Junior Honor Society are Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Character and Service.
Students must actively and consistently demonstrate all of the
aforementioned principles and be able to provide evidence when
they submit their applications.
Students must be involved in school-based club(s), school-based sports and/or school-based activities during the school year.
Club/sport/activity participation and attendance will be
evaluated during the application process.
Applications are reviewed and students are selected for membership by a faculty panel. Inductions are held in late
April/early May.
Students who are not selected for National Junior Honor Society in 7
th grade and meet the above criteria in 8
th grade may apply for
admission into National Junior Honor Society in grade 8.
Students inducted in 7th grade are consistently reevaluated for
continuation in the program in grade 8.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY PLEDGE
I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the
National Junior Honor Society to which I have been
selected. I pledge to maintain high scholastic
standing while I strive to be a model student at
all times. I pledge to hold as fundamental and
worthy an untarnished character, to endeavor
intelligently and courageously to be a leader and
good citizen, and to give myself freely in service
to others. I will be loyal to my school; and
dedicate my time and energy in doing all the
WILLIAMSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sports, Club and Activity Tiering For NJHS Requirements
Students who are anticipating on being eligible to apply for the WMS National Junior Honor Society must demonstrate that they are active citizens within their school community. An active citizen is one who regularly attends, participates and makes meaningful contributions to their school community through their school sport, club or activity. This student should represent the school community in a positive manner at all times. WMS sports/clubs/activities have been evaluated and tiered based on the amount of hours spent by the student representing and contributing to our school community. TIER ONE sports/club/activities are those that require the students to represent the school
community beyond after-school meetings. These students often dedicate many hours for
practice/participation for games/competitions after school and/or on Saturdays.
TIER TWO activities are those that require meeting attendance and minimal participation beyond
school hours.
Students who are desirous of being considered for NJHS MUST participate in AT LEAST ONE
Tier I activity or TWO Tier II activities.
ONLY WMS SPORTS/CLUBS/ACTIVITIES will be accepted as the school-community
participation requirement for the NJHS application process.
Tier I Activities
Cheerleading Boys’ Basketball Co-Ed Cross Country Robotics
Field Hockey Girls’ Basketball Drama Club Odyssey of the Mind
Wrestling Track and Field Stage Crew
Tier II Activities Art Club Band Renaissance Braves Builder’s Club
Chorus Environmental/Recycling Math Counts Multi-Cultural
Newspaper Percussion Ensemble Student Council Peer Leadership
T.V. Studio Volleyball Club Weight Training Club Jazz Band
Yearbook Computer Club Be the Change Team
Note: Renaissance is a recognition program and not an activity, club or sport. Students may note
their participation in Renaissance in the scholarship section of their application essay.