 | In the Middle School, clubs meet once during a seven-day cycle. The extracurricular offerings vary from semester to semester, depending on faculty talents and student interests. Each Durham Academy student is encouraged to get involved in the clubs offered, to try new things and to get to know the faculty on a different level.
At the beginning of the school year, Upper School faculty sponsors and students solicit interest and membership for a number of clubs and activities. Club activities will be scheduled into the tutorial periods.
Clubs and organizations are likely to appear and disappear as a result of varying student interest and faculty expertise, availability and leadership. These organizations may perform service for the improvement of school life or nurture and develop existing interests. |
Amigos Club The Amigos club is a club that helps local elementary students, primarily Hispanic, with reading, writing, and pronunciation. This experience not only helps the students but also the DA tutors as they gain a more thorough understanding of how to teach. Student leaders: Casey Rogers, Isabella Sazbolcs and Ansilta DeLuca-Westrate Sponsored by Mrs. Throop and Mrs. Simon Meeting time: Saturdays 1 - 3 pm Eligiblilty: Anyone can join. There is no Spanish language requirement since the kids speak English. All you need is eagerness to teach! The Amigos club is a club that helps local elementary students, primarily Hispanic, with reading, writing, and pronunciation. This experience not only helps the students but also the DA tutors as they gain a more thorough understanding of how to teach. During each club period, students work one on one with a tutor on reading comprehension, math, and writing. We use resources such as crossword puzzles, worksheets, and various reading books to ensure a complete understanding of the material at hand. In addition, we have added an adult ESL program to the club. Compañeros en Aprendizaje helps teach Hispanic adults English, thus enabling them to thrive in their work that most importantly, helps them further adapt to the cultural change in the United States.
Durham Academy students can get involved by either emailing Ansilta or Casey Rogers. Isabella is in charge of the adult program. It is not necessary for them to come to every Saturday however it is nice to have consistency so the kids can really form a relationship with the DA students. Also, a side note that you may not be aware of, we began a tradition last year of have one Saturday in April when we take the kids to the Museum of Life and Science. Ansilta and I planned it last year and it was a great success in addition to being a huge hit by the kids.
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Amnesty International The promotion of local and global Human rights through awareness campaigns, letter writing, fund-raising, and direct contact with people in need. Student leaders: Ariel Katz & Chloe Paterson
Faculty Advisor: Ms. Bessias
Location: Mrs. Bessias' room
Time: Day 3 Tutorial
The promotion of local and global Human rights through awareness campaigns, letter writing, fund-raising, and direct contact with people in need. At meetings, we aim to organize activities that will advocate for human rights. |
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Art Club The purpose of art club is to provide the materials, resources, and enviornment for students to express themselves through art. It also seeks to engage in community art projects. Anyone can join regardless of their art experince. Student sponsors: Luca Harrell, Evee Erb and Sarah Hey
Faculty sponsor: Ms. Gregory-Bepler
Location: Ms. Gregory-Bepler's room
Time: TBA, watch Upper School Announcements |
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Badminton Club Playing badminton and increasing awareness of it as a viable sport Student leader: Vishal Rutanen-Whaley
Faculty advisor: Mr. Wilson |
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Battambang Orphanage Project Raise money for this orphanage Student leaders: Sarah Edwards and Ellie Preyer
Faculty advisor: Mr. Lineberger |
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Cavalier Newspaper Student Leaders: Robert Kindman, Mary Sketch and Francesca Tomasi
Sponsored by: Ms. Bessias
Time: Wednesday tutorials (11:15 - 11:50 AM)
Location: Ms. Bessias' classroom (room 202)
The Cavalier is a great way for students interested in journalism, current affairs, photography, humor, entertainment... virtually anything, to showcase their knowledge and talents. Published about once a month, each edition is planned, written and edited entirely by students. We have weekly meetings on Wednesdays during tutorial in Mrs. Bessias's classroom to allow student to sign up for articles that they're interested in writing, and "workdays" about once a month for editors and people interested in layout and editing to lay out our paper. No prior experience is necessary to become either a writer or an editor. We typically require that editors have 1-2 years of writing experience before assuming an editorial role. We encourage all interested students to join us at our weekly meetings. No strict commitment is required, and we're always happy to have anyone interested write articles for us.
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Chess for Fun Club The purpose of the Chess Club is to allow for both students and faculty to become better chess players, while at the same time meet new people and enjoy themselves. Student leader: Tre Hunt
Sponsored by: Mr. Jenzano
Location: Mr. Jenzano's room
Time: Tutorial
The purpose of the Chess Club is to allow for both students and faculty to become better chess players, while at the same time meet new people and enjoy themselves. Mr. Jenzano is the faculty leader, and the chess club usually meets in his room during tutorial a few times every month. Everyone is eligible to join (no previous chess knowledge is required) and those who are interested in joining may approach Tre Hunt, the student leader, if they have any questions. |
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Cycledelics Train and then participate in the annual MS 150 bike event Student leaders: Audrey Williams, Caitlin Finn and Joel Nackman
Sponsored by Mr. Adair |
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Croquet Club The Croquet Club seeks to teach the sport of British Association Croquet, and to inspire appreciation for it. We offer opportunities for regular play, and hope to hold a tournament in April or May to raise money for a charity. Student leaders: Alex Hartford and Daniel Browning
Faculty sponsor: Mr. Gould
Location: DA Athletics Fields
Time: Friday tutorials (to plan for weekend matches); Sundays 1 - 3 or Saturdays 11 - 1
The Croquet Club seeks to teach the sport of British Association Croquet, and to inspire appreciation for it. We offer opportunities for regular play, and hope to hold a tournament in April or May to raise money for a charity. No prior playing experience is required, nor is a croquet set. |
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Dance Team Performing for homecoming, basketball games and other sporting events Faculty Advisor: Liz Coleman
Student Leaders: Katie Hearsey
Meeting times and place: Sundays 1-2:30 PM Upper School Dance Room
Dance Team is small but mighty second semester. Regular practices meet on Sundays from 1 to 2:30. Each practice consists of a warm up, stretching, review of Practice Dances and old routines, and each practice is finished off by working on new choreography or working on a performance piece. When Dance Team has more members, we perform at Basketball halftimes, Homecoming in the Fall, and the occasional assembly at the Lower, Middle, and Upper School. We serve to foster a love and enjoyment of dance, and display spirit for our school and sports teams.
Students can join by contacting faculty advisor or student leaders through First Class. It is important that Dance Team members always check their first class for any last minute changes or updates. |
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DA Radio Club Student leader: Nick Marek Sponsored by: Mr. Meyer Location: Mr. Meyer's room and the sound room Time: No scheduled 'time' per say. We do not meet often because the majority of time is spent broadcasting Monday through Friday either during Tutorial (11:15-11:55) or Lunch (12:45-1:25)
The purpose of Radio Club is for students grades 9 through 12 to broadcast LIVE ON AIR on 92.1 FM. Anyone can join and it promises to be a fun and educational experience for everyone. We will teach you how to use the radio equipment so no previous experience is required. Students or Faculty may broadcast anything from music to sports to issues at Durham Academy. We will archive any broadcasts and put them online for others to listen. Content must be PG-13!
If you are interested and would like to get involved, please email me (Nick Marek- 10marek@da.org) or talk to Mr. Meyer.
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Debate Student leaders: Josh Zoffer and Robert Kindman
Sponsored by Mr. Welty |
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Durham Student Connections Tutoring Club This tutoring club is focused on tutoring elementary students from both public schools and the Durham Academy Lower School. Student leader: Casey Rogers and Ansilta Deluca-Westrate
Sponsored by Mr. Cullen
Location: Upper School Library
Time: Sundays 1 - 2:30 PM
This tutoring club is focused on tutoring elementary students from both public schools and the Durham Academy Lower School. We meet on Sundays from 1:00-2:30 in the Upper School Library. The average session provides reading books, math games, and enhancement worksheets for the children to work on. The purpose of the club is to help these students overcome any obstacles they might have reached in school. Tutors are paired up for one-on-one tutoring with an elementary student. The environment provides for a welcoming and fun place for children to work on their math, reading, and writing skills. This club is to simply provide a bit of homework help to students who could use it. Tutors have fun tutoring these children, playing games with them, and running around on the grass. Durham Student Connections is a great club for students to receive homework help and for tutors to explore tutoring others. |
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Exurbia Publish school literary magazine Student leaders: Katie Hearsey and Megan Mikhail
Faculty sponsor: Mr. Wilson |
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French Francophone Film Club Viewing and studying French films to learn about the history & culture Student leaders: Max Ramage
Sponsored by Ms. Derfeuil |
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Friday Night Film Club Get students together to watch good films and eat pizza. Schedule listed at right on the Club Calendar. Student Leaders: Ansilta DeLuca-Westrate and Andrew Rose
Sponsored by: Mr. Parry
Location: Mr. Parry's room
This Club welcomes the entire student body to presented films shown on scheduled Fridays after school (usually once a month). The purpose of this club is to provide a free, welcoming, and safe environment for the student body on Friday nights. Films that are shown are entertaining and cater to the entire campus’ interests. Anyone can come to the movies – you do not have to be part of the club to participate. Films will be announced at Morning Meeting each month. We encourage everyone to come and share free pizza on Friday nights as we sit down, relax, and watch a great film. Contact Ansilta Deluca-Westrate or Andrew Rose via email.
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Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) The goals of Durham Academy’s GSA are to create a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and their straight allies and to increase understanding and tolerance in the community to make it a welcoming place for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. Student Leader: Meredith Burger
Sponsored by Ms. Wevil
The goals of Durham Academy’s GSA are to create a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and their straight allies and to increase understanding and tolerance in the community to make it a welcoming place for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. DA's GSA pursues these goals by increasing awareness and raising funds for the Human Rights Campaign, an organization at the forefront of the national movement for civil equality. |
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Go Green Club The Go Green Club is focused on making Durham Academy Upper School a greener campus. Student Leaders: Kerri Hoffman, Audrey Williams, Ansilta Deluca-Westrate and Sarah Edwards
Sponsored by: Mrs. McNamara
Location: Mrs. Wittman's Room
The Go Green Club is focused on making Durham Academy Upper School a greener campus. We host the weekly recycling during tutorials, earth week, and carpool days (along with the Waffle Club). Our purpose is simple – to make the student body more environmentally conscious and environmentally friendly by encouraging recycling and carpooling. We also encourage the student body to be resourceful by reusing plastic bags or by using your own bags at the grocery store. Some other ways to be environmentally conscious are by conserving energy either by shutting down computers at the end of the day or by turning off lights when you leave a room. We hope the student body will make a joint effort to care for the environment. We aim towards a greener earth and a cleaner campus. We live on this earth – so let’s keep it clean! Recycle! |
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Green Machine The Green Machine is Durham Academy's student spirit club. Student Leaders: Stephen Sotolongo
Sponsored by: Mr. Hark
Location: Student Commons
Time: Before games and via Facebook
The Green Machine is Durham Academy's student spirit club. We cheer at sporting events, support our athletes, and raise awareness about all school athletic events. The club meets to plan themes for basketball games and to strategize about how best to show enthusiasm for DA athletics." |
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Habitat for Humanity The Habitat Club is organized to support the Durham Habitat by raising funds to build houses, by participating as a high school chapter of the Youth United Club for High schools in Durham county, and by helping to build houses with the Habitat Program. Student Leaders: Sam Jones, Tyler O’Neal, Wilkins Zollicoffer, Marie Bowen, Louisa Mounsey and Ellie Preyer
Sponsored by: Mrs. McNamara
Location: US conference room or Mrs. McNamara's office
Meeting Time: TBA - usually with an announcement at Morning Meeting
The Habitat Club is organized to support the Durham Habitat by raising funds to build houses, by participating as a high school chapter of the Youth United Club for High schools in Durham county, and by helping to build houses with the Habitat Program. Activities include volunteering at the annual Halloween Bike Ride and getting pledges for riders (like Mr. Adair who regularly rides 60-100 miles in this event), promoting the California Pizza Kitchen FUNdraisers, holding BBQ or pizza dinners at basketball games, and scheduling work days for DA students. |
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Helping Hands Tutoring This club is private tutoring in which a tutor is assigned to a lower school student. Student Leader: Ansilta Deluca-Westrate
Sponsored by Mrs. McNamara
Location: Lower School
Time: set by student and tutor, usually after school
This club is private tutoring in which a tutor is assigned to a lower school student. Tutors are contacted by Ansilta De Luca-Westrate and given a student to tutor. Sessions typically take place at the lower school in one of the classrooms, after school (3:30). Sessions occur about once a week, but can go up to two or three times a week depending on the student’s need. Tutors mainly help the student with that day’s assignment but games to reinforce challenging concepts are widely used. Any other tutors interested in being put on the tutor list are welcome to join. Every time a parent or teacher contacts me about a student in need of a tutor, an email is sent to students on the sign up sheet. More spots are available is you wish to join. As of now, eight high school students are involved in Helping Hands Tutoring. |
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iClub Raises awareness of womens issues and interpersonal relationships. Student Leader: Ellison Littlewood Sponsored by Becky Georgi Meeting Time: TBA, check the Upper School announcements Location: Mrs. Georgi's office
The mission of iClub is to promote respectful relationships among young people through awareness education and leadership programs in our schools. In particular, iClub focuses on the problems of sexual assault, dating violence, harassment, bullying and other forms of abuse.
Meetings are scheduled to plan activities and events. Location for meetings is Ms. Georgi’s office. Students who are interested in joining can sign up at the beginning of the year at the club assembly. Anyone is welcome. |
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Improv Club Engage in improvisational theater games Student Leaders: Andres Davagnino
Sponsored by Mr. Bohanek |
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Indian Dance Club To learn Indian dancing and perform at an assembly later in the year. Student Leaders: Ishani Purohit and Isabella Szabolcs
Sponsored by Mrs. Throop |
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Japanese Tea Ceremony Club Learn about and host Japanese Tea Ceremonies Student Leaders: Maggie Ramsey, Andrew Willet and Moeno Nishida
Sponsored by Mrs. Throop |
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K-lub Fund raising events for Ivanhoe Student Leader: Kelsey Zelimeni, Kiera Schwartz and Molly Pathman
Sponsored by Ms. Gregory-Bepler |
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Lunchtime Music Groups Allow people to have fun with music and perform for the DA community Sponsored by Mr. Meyer |
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Math Team Participate in local math competitions and encourage student interest in the field of mathematics Student Leader: Carl Ward and Fred Ward
Sponsored by Ms. Knowles |
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Miracle Club Raise money for Childrens Miracle Network and Make a Wish Foundation Student leader: Vincent Corwin and Alida Zimmerman
Sponsored by Mrs. McNamara |
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Model United Nations Model United Nations is an ideal club for students interested in social, political, economic, environmental, and human rights issues on an international level. Student Leaders: Student Secretariat
Sponsored by Mrs. Marr
Meeting Time: Club meets on select Mondays or Tuesdays during tutorial, and also after school and on weekend afternoons on an as needed basis
Location: Room 230
Model United Nations is an ideal club for students interested in social, political, economic, environmental, and human rights issues on an international level. The club's primary purpose is to help students prepare to represent countries at mock meetings of the United Nations that are organized by university students. At these 2-4 day long simulations, hundreds of students from many different schools gather to discuss, negotiate, and debate critical world issues and their solutions. In the last few years our delegates have represented such countries as France, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Russia at conferences held at Duke University, the University of Virginia, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
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Nicarauga Club Raise money for Nicaragua through various activities Student Leaders: Derek Rhodes
Sponsored by Mr. Adair |
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Outdoor Club Camping and hiking trips throughout the year Student Leader: Dylan Marr and Charlotte Dunn
Sponsored by Mrs. Marr |
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Ping Pong Club Play ping pong and give students a chance to relax Student leaders: Alex Young
Sponsored by Mr. Spier |
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Pride (People Respecting Individual Differences Everywhere) To create a more inclusive environment through community interaction, learning and service. Student Leaders: Marco Reyes and Jordan Lawson
Sponsored by Mrs. Simon |
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Red Cross Club The purpose of the Red Cross Club is to plan and run the two Blood Drives (in November and April) which are hosted in the Durham Academy Upper School Gym. Student Leaders: Caitlin Cleaver, Caitlin Finn and Oliver Short
Sponsored by Mrs. Derfeuil
Meeting Time: TBA, check the Upper School Announcements
Location: Mrs. Derfeuil's room
The purpose of the Red Cross Club is to plan and run the two Blood Drives (in November and April) which are hosted in the Durham Academy Upper School Gym. We also hope to send representatives over to the Lower School to educate the students on basic first aid. Finally, we hope to lead other students in donating time and blood to the Red Cross. Club members help with advertising, bake refreshments, and encourage students at Durham Academy to donate to the cause. |
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Rocketry Club Build and launch model and mid-power rockets Student leaders: Sam Goldberg and Nat Goldberg
Sponsored by Mr. Jenzano |
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Ronald McDonald House Club Volunteering at and supporting the Ronald McDonald House through various activities Student Leaders: Jamie Molina and Michelle Corea
Sponsored by Mr. Phu |
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Sailing Club Learning racing tactics and competing against other schools Student Leaders: Zach Zweig-Vinegar and Alan Lindsey
Sponsored by Dr. Lamb |
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Salsa Club Promote the beauty of Latin culture through salsa dancing Student leader: Isabella Szabolcs and Marco Reyes
Sponsored by Ms. Kussin |
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Save the Animals Raise money for Carnivore Preservation Trust Student Leaders: Leah Rocamora and Cody Crenshaw
Sponsored by Mr. Murray |
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Science Olympiad Science Olympiad is a national organization that promotes science and engineering. In North Carolina, there are two divisions. Division B is for middle school teams, and division C is for high school teams. Each division has 23 events spread across a variety of subjects. Science Olympiad members also run a Science Fun Day for the DA first graders. Student Leader: Caroline Bodager and Tyler LaBean Sponsored by Mrs. Newman
Science Olympiad is a national organization that promotes science and engineering. In North Carolina, there are two divisions. Division B is for middle school teams, and division C is for high school teams. Each division has 23 events spread across a variety of subjects. |
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Sock Club The purpose of SOCK Club is to continue the SOCK Program's goal of helping out children in our area. Student Leader: Caitlin Cleaver, Elise Hartley, Julia Keelan, Katherine Koller and Stephen Sotolongo
Sponsored by Mr. Edwards
Location: Mr. Edwards' Room
Time: TBA, watch the Upper School announcements
The purpose of SOCK Club is to continue the SOCK Program's goal of helping out children in our area. The SOCK Club accomplishes this goal by working with our two local elementary schools, Hope Valley and Forest View, to assess the needs of their students and attempt to meet those needs. This year the club organized a Thanksgiving Food Drive for Hope Valley and hope to have a school supply drive in the Spring. In addition, the Durham Academy used book sale is donating their leftover children's books to SOCK, which the club will then organize and donate to the schools for their libraries. |
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Student U To get students actively involved in the Student U program Student Leaders: Caroline Buse and Deniz Aydemir
Sponsored by Mr. Kimberg |
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Soup Kitchen Club To help out at local soup kitchens and donate food Student leaders: Mary Elizabeth Russell, Sarah Kearney and Deegan Mundy
Sponsored by Mr. Ronco |
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Student Ambassadors To be strong, positive representatives of the school and will help out on student visit days and serve as tour guides for prospective students Student Leaders: Tatum Pottenger and David Fowler
Sponsored by Mrs. Reade |
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Students for Soldiers The purpose of Students for Soldiers is to provide support for Durham Academy Alumni in the military currently stationed overseas and far from home. Student Leaders: Mary Elizabeth Russell and Emma Bick Sponsored by Mr. Regnerus Meeting Time: Announced in morning meeting and on First Class prior to the event. Location: Mr. Regnerus' room
The purpose of Students for Soldiers is to provide support for Durham Academy Alumni in the military currently stationed overseas and far from home. We hold an annual Lower School Valentine Drive and send packages to alumni at various times throughout the year. We believe it is very important that the alumni know that current Durham Academy students recognize their efforts and their bravery.
Students can get involved by contacting Emma Bick or Mary Elizabeth Russell on First Class
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Surfing Club The surf club is a group where anyone who likes to surf or just likes the ocean, is welcomed. Student Leader: Maeve Cook-Degan
Sponsored by Mr. Gould
Location: Mr. Gould's room, NC beaches
Time: TBA, announced in morning meetings
The surf club is a group where anyone who likes to surf or just likes the ocean, is welcomed. There will most likely be a trip to the NC beach sometime in april where people can enjoy playing in water and surfing.
We meet to plan trips to the beach. We have had one meeting where we discussed a possible winter trip but decided it would be better to have a spring trip.
People can contact Maeve Cook-Deegan if they want more information. Any meetings will be announced (which will most likely be in Mr. Gould's room) during morning meeting or on first class.
The next meeting will probably be in April to plan a trip to the beach. |
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Talent Horizons To fund extracurricular activities for girls in India Student Leaders: Indira Puri
Sponsored by Ms. Whiting and Mr. Jenzano |
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Waffle Club To appreciate and eat waffles. Money raised will go to a charity. Student Leaders: Charlotte Dunn and Rhett King
Sponsored by Mr. Gould |
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Wiser Club The purpose of the club is to support the building of and the maintenance of the first all-girls boarding school and research center in Muhuru Bay, Kenya. To learn more visit their web page.Student Leaders: Louisa Mounsey. Emma Hart and Mariah Young-Jones
Sponsored by Mrs. Wittman
Meeting time: Days TBD. Tutorial, 11:20-11:50. The club meets monthly, but with more frequency as we prepare for our larger fundraisers.
Location: Mrs. Wittman's room, 223
The purpose of the club is to support the building of and the maintenance of the first all-girls boarding school and research center in Muhuru Bay, Kenya. Muhuru Bay is located in the Nyanza Province, the poorest in the country.
"WISER is dedicated to maintaining a strong academic program for girls that fosters a spirit of inquiry, intellectual independence and enthusiasm for learning. Girls will be challenged to lead, serve, make decisions and reduce the gender inequality gap in Kenyan society. We believe a girls’ boarding school is much more than a place where boys are absent. It’s the center of cultivating the next generation of leaders." |
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WJBCS We just build cool stuff! Student Leaders: Mike Ronco, Steve Benson and Ben Preston
Sponsored by Mr. Nozik |
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Young Life Club Meet Young Life leaders at periodic lunch gatherings Student leader: Marie Bowen
Sponsored by Michael Ronco |
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Writing Club Support and promote creative writing Student Leader: Rhett King
Sponsored by Mrs. De Radcliffe |
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Science Olympiad Regional Tournament
2/5/2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
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