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Schenectady High School

Clubs and Activities

AFJROTC
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, (AFJROTC) is both an elective class and a club like organization.  AFJROTC's primary goal is to build better citizens for American - citizens of character.  The program teaches responsibility, accountability, civics, history, science, health, wellness, physical fitness, and life skills.  Extracurricular activities include community service, curriculum associated class trips, fundraising, drill team activities, physical fitness teams to name a few.

ANIME CLUB
The Anime club at SHS meets once a week after school for students interested in Japanese culture and anime related topics such as viewing and discussing animation, comics, and movies.  Students also organize karaoke, play games and share their skills at sketching anime characters.  Meetings are held in D-52 with Mrs. J. Evans.

ART CLUB/OVA (OLYMPICS OF VISUAL ARTS)
This club is open to all SHS students interested in creating art and competing in the "Olympics of Visual Arts."  OVA is a statewide student competition held in Albany during the spring.  Students select from 9 problem categories and may work as individuals or in groups.  The problem categories are drawing, painting, sculpting, architecture, fashion design, industrial design, electronic media, performing arts and illustration.  Teams will display a long-term problem solution and participate in spontaneous problem-solving at the competition.  Club members meet in room FA22.

BEST BUDDIES
This international program was established to promote and facilitate friendships between mainstream and special education students.  Members meet during and after school with Ms. Maiello and Mr. Grevely for group activity and fun in the cafeteria or FA27.

BLACK AND LATINO STUDENTS UNION
This is an organization that discusses black and Latino cultural issues and diversities.  It's objective is to coordinate cultural social activities and events of interest to aid and promote educational, individual and group awareness.  Any and all students and adults are welcome to attend meetings and events such as college trips, museum trips, sports and musical events, guest speakers and talent shows. Peer tutors are also available.  Special events, such as Annual Black History Month/M.L. King Gala Celebration evening program and Hispanic Heritage Month are coordinated by our students members each year.  Meets in the cafeteria on Tuesday's at 3 pm.

BLUE ROSES THEATRE COMPANY
On October21, 1998, The Blue Roses Theatre Company made its official debut with its performance of Williams' lyrical masterpiece, The Glass Menagerie.  As part of the Schenectady City School District's Fine Arts, the BRTC continuously strives to present something unique and beautiful to its audiences in Schenectady's schools and the surrounding region as well.  At the core of its mission lies the belief that students learn best while working side by side with artists of various levels of experience.  For this reason, BRTC incorporates the collaborative efforts of students and adult artists, from both within the school district and from the community at large in every production it takes on.  Accomplished performers, designers and technicians, often bringing years of professional credits with them, have worked with students on every show during the past four years.  BRTC is the SSFA/SHS resident company and is open to every students regardless of theatre experience.  Meets in FA10.

CHESS CLUB
Chess Club is a bi-weekly meeting of students whose interests in chess can be satisfied in an atmosphere of amiability and competition.  In addition to being a classic game of strategy and fun that is centuries old, it has been proven that students who have learned to play chess and play it regularly have gained academic strength along with their chess skills.  Students at all levels from first-time players to masters are welcome in Chess Club.  So, if you like to think, want to have fun, or simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes from out-thinking your opponent, then come to a meeting of Chess Club with Mr. Spezzaferro in B22 on Mondays or Wednesdays in A9 with Mrs. Teleban. 

CLASS OF 2012 (SENIORS)
The Class of 2012 seniors met on a weekly basis to discuss and plan fund raising and senior class activities such as the prom and graduation.  Seniors - get involved!  Meetings take place on Thursday after school in D9 with Ms. Hoffa and Mrs. Budlong two times month.

CLASS OF 2013 (JUNIORS)
The Class of 2013 is involved in many activities, some of which help us to raise money for the prom.  The prom is very costly.  Without fundraising activities, the cost for prom bids would be too high for some of our students.  The Class of 2013 also participates in community service.  Be an active participant.  Advisors are Ms. Alexander and Mr. Pickett.

CLASS OF 2014 (SOPHOMORES)
The main responsibility of the Class of 2014 is the prom walk-in during the sophomore year and the prom, graduation breakfast and graduation during the senior year.  Students fund raise so that the students and parents are afforded the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful events during high school years.  Advisors are Ms. Clark and Mrs. Heggen.

CLASS OF 2015 (FRESHMEN)
Fun and fund raising activities including homecoming, dances, candy sales, etc.  Recognition of perfect attendance and honor roll achievement.  It's a good way to meet new friends.  Advisors and location to be announced.

CLUBE de ESPANOL (SPANISH CLUB)
Spanish Club welcomes students who take Spanish and those who are interested in the Spanish language as well as music, food and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.  Our club has cook-offs, salsa dancing, music, games and more.  We also offer tutoring for students who need extra help.  Please contact Ms. O'Brien or Ms. Bernard in AB!0 if you are interested in becoming a member.

COMMUNITY HELPERS
The purpose of this club is to provide an opportunity for students to perform community service within the school day.  The students meet during study halls and lunch time to perform various community service projects.  The club provides an opportunity for students to interact in a positive manner to meet some of the needs of various community organizations.  Meets in C8 with Ms. Greenfield and Ms. Bonaparte.

CRAFT CLUB
This club is open to all levels of talents and will be used as an outlet for student's creative side.  Students will be able to complete a variety of small craft projects.  The craft club is open to all students.  Supplies will be available to students who do not have their own.  The club meets on Wednesday in room D16 with Ms. Evans and Ms. Jackson.

CRICKET CLUB
This club provides the students of Schenectady High School the opportunity to learn the sport of cricket.  Crickets is a bat and balls port that originated in England.  Cricket Club participates in several competitions in the spring each year.  Meet with Ms. Brown and Mr. Weisse on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30 pm in the back gym.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Students with an interest in computer art will be given time to work on independent projects.  Students with an interest in photography will have an opportunity to enhance their photographic skills through a variety of independent projects with the goal of creating a club exhibit within the school by the end of the year.  The club will meet Wednesdays.

DRILL TEAM (Step Team)
The Schenectady High School Drill Team preserves the cultural tradition of “stepping.” “Step” evolved from African dance blending movements once seen in rites of passage ceremonies and military drills of returning World War II soldiers and can be seen in the “step shows” organized by African American and Latino fraternities and sororities at colleges and universities around the country. Today step blends hip hop dance and drills with elements of dance, cheerleading and gymnastics. The team performs at basketball games and may also perform in community events. Tryouts will be held in the fall

FAMILY, CAREER, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS of AMERICA (FCCLA)
This club promotes personal growth and leadership through Family and Consumer Sciences education. We focus on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development; creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communications; and practical knowledge; and career preparation.

FRENCH CLUB
Students who are interested in learning more about the French language and culture are welcome to attend bi-weekly meetings allowing them to experience this in depth. Students decide on the club activities and take responsibility for fund raising to pay for trips and parties. Together students promote and enjoy the French language and culture at Schenectady High. Meets on Wednesdays or Thursdays with Ms. Carlstedt and Mr. Gerbini.

FUTURE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
The Future Educators Association (FEA) program provides opportunities for middle school and high school students to explore careers in education. The FEA program not only helps students explore careers in education, but it also provides service opportunities and offers schools and communities a chance to shape their own future by shaping the future of the education profession. Meet with Ms. Benedetto.

INSPIRATION CHOIR
Inspiration Choir is a new name for an old group; the high school Gospel Choir. The goal and mission of the Gospel Choir is to learn and perform Gospel music, a genre that is a product of the African-American experience. Schenectady High School offers diverse musical experiences and learning opportunities for students, i.e. classical, jazz, choral groups like Boys Choir (a cappella), band and orchestra. Inspiration is simply another genre and another venue for creative expression.

INTERACT
Interact Club is a school - community - world service group associated with Rotary International. Its purpose is to conduct a minimum of three projects. One project must benefit the school; one the community, and the other, the world. In addition to the projects, the club participates in school activities and fund raising.

KEY CLUB
Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. What makes Key Club so successful is the fact that it is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through serving others. As members of the Kiwanis International family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Key Club is funded by nominal dues paid by every member as well as fundraising. Key Club meets with Marissa Rivituso and Dave Williams.

LPP (Liberty Partnership Program)
This program develops and implements activities which address the needs of our youth. It seeks to strengthen the institutions of family, community and school. The Liberty Partnerships Program provides activities and services in diverse areas. The immediate aim is to encourage the three R's: Respect, Responsiveness and Responsibility. The program meets after school Monday through Thursday in B11. Participating students are expected to attend at least two meetings per week and should come prepared to do their homework assignments. If interested, see Ms. Palmieri-Smith in AB13.

LITERARY MAGAZINE
"Litmag" provides students the opportunity to discuss and publish their creative work outside of the context of the academic classroom during weekly after school meetings.

We are students who are interested in exploring the possibilities of writing in all its forms. We post writing and solicit feedback from our peers on a "draft" blog: schdylitmag.blogspot.com. We also solicit, select, edit and publish Schenectady High’s student writers at our online magazine, So.There. (sothereshs.blogspot.com).

MASTERMINDS. . .competitive academic members encouraged to attend!!

Love Jeopardy? Beat everyone you know at Trivial Pursuit? Know unusual or interesting stuff? Whether you know a lot about a little or a little about a lot...This group will compete against local high schools; students in grades 9 through 12 are welcome to participate. Meetings will consist of trivia practice and games. Contact Ms. Olekoski, Mr. Phillips or

Mr. Spezzaferro if you are interested in joining this fun group.

MOCK TRIAL TOURNAMENT
The Mock Trial Tournament is a contest for high school students sponsored by the New York State and local Bar Associations. Participating schools select mock trial teams, which consist of student "lawyers" and "witnesses." The teams work closely with local attorneys/advisors to develop legal strategies to represent the plaintiffs or defendants in a fictitious lawsuit. The teams then compete in an elimination tournament beginning on the county level, with the winners advancing to the regional and finally to the state level. The mock trials are held in actual courtrooms with local judges presiding.

MUSIC CLUB/VARIETY SHOW
The Schenectady High School Variety Show Club is for students who love to perform popular music and wish to participate in public performances. The club’s primary focus is the annual variety show. Auditions are usually in January, followed by 4-6 weeks of rehearsals for the actual performance. The club will meet with Ms. Harman, Ms. Cohen and Mr. Gleason in FA3 beginning in January.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Membership is based on scholarship (minimum 3.3 grade point average by the end of the second quarter of the junior year), school/community service (significant participation in school and/or community service activities), character (good school citizen as defined y faculty evaluations) and leadership (in organizations or by example). Activities include tutoring of students who request help, the Giving Tree for the needy children in December and landscaping/maintenance of B-wing quads. Meet in A6 on Wednesdays with Ms. Snyder and Mr. Bub.

NATURE’S CLASSROOM
This club will create and maintain wildlife friendly gardens around the science wing of the high school. Club members will learn about the many beautiful indigenous species of New York plants that provide food, cover and homes for birds, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife. Club activities will focus on providing an opportunity for students to develop a hone a love a nature and horticulture as well as enhancing the high school environment. Some areas will be devoted to establishing species discussed to in the Environmental Science course. Meets at the Greenhouse on Mondays with Ms. Alexander, Ms. Bonds, Mr. Dominguez, Mr. Grevely, Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Sagendorf & Ms. Sorensen.

NEW YORK SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY
Those students who meet the necessary qualifications participate in various activities throughout the rest of their high school years. A project is required to maintain active membership. Meets in D35 with Ms. Sagendorf.

OUTING CLUB
The purpose of this club is to expose students to an outdoor classroom setting through activities such as hiking, nature walks and outdoor fun. Meets with Mr. Pickett, Ms. Azaretti, Mr. Adams and Mr. Decarlo in D38 on Wednesday afterschool.

PEER MEDIATION
Peer Mediation is an organization made up of trained and dedicated students modeling non- violent and school supportive behavior. Students who participate in this group recognize they have an obligation to themselves, their school and their community to strive for excellence through non-violent means of communication. We are the peacemakers who help our peers to solve their own problems confidentially using peaceful communication skills.

If you work well with your peers, are interested in a career in psychology, social work, teaching, law or any public related field, or want to play a positive role in school, please join our group. We participate in all school activities, fundraising and having a great time at our meetings. We also have our own t-shirts. Our club has grown into an important piece of school pride and new members are welcome. Contact Ms. Zanetta McZorn in C20 if interested.

ROBOTICS CLUB
The purpose of the Robotics Club is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about robotics technology and to gain insight into career opportunities in the engineering and technology areas. Much of the club’s meeting time is used to prepare for and participate

in robotics and design contests (i.e. U.S. First Tech Challenge, annual RPI Robotics challenge, Capital District Bridge Design Contest, Rube Goldberg competition, etc.) The club club uses large group problem solving strategies in planning for each contest, so students with diverse experience and ability levels are all welcome to participate. There is one prohibited word at all club events and meetings, the word impossible. If you can dream it, in Robotics Club you can build it! Club members will be given an opportunity to meet and talk with engineering professionals to gain career path insights for math, science, and technology-based careers. Meet in D39 with Mr. Patterson and Mr. Gauthier advising. More information and the club calendar may be viewed at: www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/users/pattersont/
RoboticsClub/index.html

SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions)
As of April, 1999, Schenectady High School became a member of The Students against Destructive Decisions Organization. All students are welcome to join us as we work toward reducing alcohol related fatalities, other destructive decisions, and killers of young people in accordance with the goals and objectives of SADD, Inc. They meet on Wednesday with Mr. Gizzi, Mr. Grevely, Mr. Peltier and Mrs. Furgele in D30.

SCHENECTADY ROWING CLUB
We are a club that supports student participation in the up and coming sport of rowing. We challenge students mentally and physically by teaching them a new sport and challenging them to compete with the fastest crews in the nation. The club runs during fall and winter athletic seasons in preparation for the spring racing season where it is recognized as a varsity sport.

We have approximately 60 rowers involved in the club. We meet everyday after school to teach students about rowing and prepare for competitions. Our races take up throughout the northeast. Rowing is a great way to build your fitness level, meet new people and learn what teamwork is all about. For more information about the club, please contact Mrs. Feguer in D4.

SCIENCE BOWL TEAM
Consists of a team of students to answer fast paced timed questions about science, math and technology. The team practices for weeks to prepare for the Regional National Science Bowl Competition held in the early spring. The competition usually involves many

area schools and the winning school at Regional’s goes directly to Nationals. Meets with Ms. Phillips & Mr. Robinson in D40 beginning in November.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
This group involves a team of students competing in various sciences and engineering types of events against other local schools. The year consists of three mini competitions and ends with the participation of the team in the regional competition where they compete in

18 events for a team score. Meets in D2 on Tuesday with Mr. Menis, Mr. Rhodes & Mr. Dominguez.

SCS TV PRODUCTION CLUB
The SCS TV Production Club offers real life production opportunities to students who would like to further develop their television/film skills. Club members will have the opportunity to work on various projects during their free mods or after school. Projects will be supervised but club members will have some opportunity for creativity. This club uses the latest in digital video technology. Meets in FA8 daily with Mr. Connolly.

SHS CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE
This group was established to provide a forum where students can meet to discuss issues challenging student Christians and to provide guidance and support in the areas of academics and spiritual growth.

SHS COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB
This is a student sponsored club. Its primary intention is to work with local charities or other community based organizations by doing hands- on projects that help needy persons in Schenectady. One of the main organizations that the club collaborates with is the Schenectady City Mission. Meet with Ms. Larkin & Ms. Raymer on Mondays in D8.

SKI CLUB
The Schenectady High School Jiminy Peak Ski and Snowboard Program runs for seven consecutive Tuesdays during January and February. It includes three hours of skiing, a one hour lesson, and transportation to and from the ski area. We leave for Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass directly following the school day and return at approximately 9:45 pm. We

will have 2 – 3 meetings prior to the beginning of the season. The dates for these meetings have not yet been scheduled. Contact Mr. Pelletier, Mr. Murray or Ms. Katz for more details.

SPEAK OUT
This club is open to all SHS students and meets to discuss and resolve issues that have an impact on the culture of Schenectady High School, such as suicide, bullying, gangs, etc. The club disseminates positive information to lessen the impact of these issues in the school. Contact Dr. Benedetto and Ms. Siracusa for more information.

SPECTRUM GAY/STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
Spectrum GSA is a gay-straight alliance open to all students. The principles of tolerance, acceptance and personal responsibility are the basis for membership. The club's mission is to communicate the ideals of courtesy, dignity and respect that all students deserve regardless of race, creed, gender-identity or sexual orientation. The club activities

include AIDS awareness walk-a-thon, Day of Silence project and workshop/training programs which foster a safe and respectful environment for all students. We meet in the commons every Monday with Ms. Russell.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS
The purpose of the club is to provide service to the school community. Student Ambassadors have served at the following activities this year: Transition Day (opening day of school), Back to School Night, Senior Citizen Dinner, PPT Clean up Day, College Fair, 8th Grade Parents’ Night, and International Fair. Our fund raiser this year was recycling

inkjet cartridges through Staples Recycling for Education. Meets Monday-Friday with Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Insull and Ms. Hoffa.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT
S.H.S. has a very active Student Government Organization. It consists of school officers and 2 representatives per house and grade level. Meetings are held at least twice a month in order to discuss and plan the projects and needs. We also offer our support and assistance with many school activities throughout the school year. We serve as the voice of the student body at Schenectady High School. Meets with Ms. Gerasia and Mr. Silvestri in B6.

STUDENTS FOR PEACE
Students for Peace are a new group that provides a forum for students to discuss political/religious issues in an effort to create tolerance and peace in and out of the classroom. The activities include debates, speaker events, and Socials. Be a part of the change you want to see in the world. Meets with Ms. Wygal.

STUDY CIRCLES
Schenectady High School Embraces Diversity (SHED) is a circle study group that explores the issues of race and racism and how young adults can appreciate the diversity within their school community. Students attend a 2 day seminar at Union College which focuses on the issues of race, racism and diversity. Meets in B6 with Mr. Agnello, Ms. Gerasia, Mr. Wylie and Mr. Weinman. All meetings will be announced in our daily bulletin.

THE PHOENIX
The Phoenix is a student newspaper of Schenectady High School. The Phoenix, reports activities and issues of concern to our students. Sports, music, school events and community events are covered. It is published using state-of-the-art desktop publishing programs and digital photography. Meets with Mr. Gaboury.

TRACK AND FIELD CLUB
Track and Field Club provides an opportunity for students to participate in activities which include skills and technique, weight training, cross training, etc. Participants will also have an opportunity to attend track/cross country meets, clinics and discuss track and field related interests. Contact Coach Cerrone.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY
Tri-M stands for Modern Music Masters. It is a national music honor society sponsored by Music Educators National Conference, the largest music education organization in the country. To be inducted students must be involved in a performing group at Schenectady High School, have a 3.0 average in their academic subjects, a 4.0 in their music subjects and have an outstanding level of citizenship in the school and community. The purpose of this group is to unify the music department and to raise the level of musicianship at Schenectady High School. Tri-M participates in Food Drive for the Hungry, Caroling at area nursing homes and hosts Battle of the Bands. Meetings are held once a month. Students inducted into Tri-M must be willing to perform for school functions and the community. Contact Ms. Gayne in FA14.

 

 

 

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