Club Registration (Click for registration form) -- Complete by September 24

CLUB SCHEDULES FOR 2018 – 2019

 

1st Tuesday	2nd Tuesday	1st Thursday	2nd Thursday
Dance Team Battle of the Books NJHS FBLA Drama	Dance Team Battle of the Books STEM Garden Yearbook Drama	Math No Place for Hate Drama FOR Smart Kids VA YMOD	Code Drawing Girls who Code Drama Smart Kids VA LOD
3rd Tuesday	4th Tuesday	3rd Thursday	4th Thursday
Dance Team Battle of the Books FBLA Drama	Dance Team Battle of the Books STEM Garden Drama	Math Drama Smart Kids VA YMOD SCA	Code Drawing Girls who Code Drama Smart Kids VA

 

Ladies of Distinction will meet every 3rd Saturday (unless notified)

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS:  The “Battle of the Books” club is for those students who love, love, love to read great stories! The club meetings will focus on fun strategies and constructive social time to prepare members for an academic competition. Club members who meet the club standards will have the opportunity to compete in an Open Competition in January. Five club members will go on to represent GPMS at the Piedmont Region Battle of the Books Final in March. Students must read 5-10 of the 20 designated books. Some books may be assigned.

Check out the GP Battle of the Books club website for more information and parental permission forms:https://grahamparkms.pwcs.edu/student_activities/clubs/battle_of_the_books_club

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Abrams/Mrs. van Kan

CODE:  In Code Club, you’ll learn the basics of computer programming.  You’ll work at your own pace with lots of games, videos, and hands-on experience.  In Code Club, you can expect to learn more about how the internet works, develop your problem-solving abilities, and build real-life skills.

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Kerr/Mr. Brown

DANCE TEAM:  The primary purpose of the dancer is to be a member of the team, which supports strong bodies, minds and Graham Park Middle School.  Dance Team members may perform at football games, basketball games, pep rallies and local dance competitions.  Above all, Graham Park dance team mission is to encourage school spirit through dance. Participation in Dance Team is based on try-outs.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Wood

DRAMA:  is an organization for students who are interested in the theatre.  Each year we produce a stage musical, with members performing, constructing and painting sets, making costumes, collecting and organizing props, and running lights and sound.  From October to Decembers, students can learn acting skills, play improv games, and participate in fundraising activities.  From January to April, many students will be cast to perform the musical.

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Sutton

DRAWING:  Drawing club is the club for you if you would like to enhance and practice your drawing skills, with the focus being on what you like to draw.  The Art faculty will assist and encourage improvement of your drawing skills.  These are not formal drawing lessons, but assistance and many visual resources are available.  We will also sponsor school-wide drawing contests and display student artwork.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Dicus-Green

FOR (Friends of Rachel):  Partnered with our Rachel's Challenge Assembly in October, FOR Club is designed to create a chain reaction of kindness and compassion in our school and community. FOR Club does many community service projects, fundraisers, and random acts of kindness. The main goal of FOR club is to help create a permanent culture change at our school. You never know how far a little kindness will go.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Garecht/Mrs. Brown

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA):  FBLA is the largest student organization in the United States.  Students develop leadership abilities, prepare for entry into business-related occupations through games and challenges, and compete at regional, state and national levels in business and technology curriculum. We will also plan and execute a community service project.  Come learn, have fun, and give back!

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Ita

GARDEN:  Wanted:  Students who are not afraid to get their hands dirty and are not afraid of bugs.  If you meet those two conditions, we want you for the Garden Club!  You will learn how to garden organically, identify garden pests and garden friends and how to plant, harvest and save seeds. Yes, weeding is involved but so is sampling fresh, just picked fruits and vegetables!

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Henley

GIRLS WHO CODE:  Is an after-school club that encourages girls to join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models and use computer science to change the world. When you join Girls who Code, you will learn from fun and simple online coding tutorials, and build animations, games, apps other things you dream up.  You'll also build community through interactive activities and learn about inspiring role models.  You then work in teams to design and build a Girls who Code Project that solves real world problems you care about through code!

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Kerr/Ms. Judd

GPMS R.A.P.:  is a wellness club promoting healthy minds and bodies through mental health awareness and stress management strategies.  Meetings are held the first Mondays of the month from October 2018 to March 2019. Transportation and meals are provided.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Funches/Mrs. McNair/Ms. Harper

 

 

LADIES OF DISTINCTION:  Our club will provide guidance and strong support structures to our lovely GPMS girls.  This club will be open to all grade levels to help them become all they can be academically and socially.  This will include inviting positive role models as guests and activities such as skill building, conflict resolution, etiquette, dressing for success, tutoring and hopefully trips to outside events to showcase our skills learned in our program.

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Harper/Mrs. McNair

MATH:  The members of the math club will have the opportunity to compete in two competitions throughout the year.  The first one is a national competition called “Math Counts”.  The second one is a Prince William County competition called 24 Challenge® tournament with the “Game of 24”.  Throughout the year, we will practice problems that are related to both competitions.  During that time, the members will look at new math topics, review old math topics, and work on mathematical reasoning.  The goal of both competitions is to solve Math problems quickly, efficiently, accurately, and with sound mathematical reasoning.  The club will also utilize an interactive computer game called Sumdog to help develop speed and proficiency.

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Chambers/Ms. Chase

NO PLACE FOR HATE:  The No Place for Hate Club is one that encourages students to be kind to others and stand up to bullying. As a part of the club, you are included in our mission to bring positive and continual change to Graham Park, making the school a more accepting place. We strive to encourage a community where positive peer influences embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness. Our student-led integration will take form through anti-bias and diversity activities to achieve positive goals.

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Martyn/Mrs. Sowers

N.J.H.S.:  Membership in the NJHS requires a 3.5 grade point average and good conduct from the beginning of 6th grade.  Members help with some school service and several community service projects throughout the year.  Members must do 30 hours of service a year.  Members must be recommended and selected to join.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Wells

ROBOTICS:  If you like to put things together and figure out how to make them work, then the Robotics club is for you.  Members will build and program robots to compete against other middle schools.  Grades, conduct and attendance will help decide who is invited to join.

Sponsor(s):  TBD

SMART KIDS VIRGINIA AFTERSCHOOL (SK-VA AFTERSCHOOL):  is an after-school career coaching club at Graham Park Middle School.  It is a pilot program managed by Smart Kids Virginia.  It is designed to provide career coaching to students interested in pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) degree or getting a STEAM-related job upon graduating from high school. Club activities may include events such as community service, field trips, peer mentoring, and college tours.  Parent orientation is required.  Student registration is required.  See www.SmartKidsVa.com for more information.

Sponsor(s):  Dr. Melvin

STEM:  Students will use the design process while exploring a variety of science/technology/engineering/math activities such as 3D design and printing, game design, computer science, virtual reality, laser engraving, and more.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Schubert

STUDENT COUNSEL ASSOCIATION (SCA):  The Graham Park Middle School Student Council Association (SCA) represents the GPMS student body.  Members attend Parent/Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) afterschool meetings and share input regarding school events, activities and fundraisers.  SCA members also support PTSO activities.  SCA strives to promote leadership, school spirit and accountability among the GPMS community.  Come to an SCA meeting to learn more about how you can make your voice ROAR at GPMS.

Sponsor(s):  Mrs. Sowers

YEARBOOK:  Members of Yearbook Club will participate in making key decisions in the creation of Graham Park’s yearbook, The Lion’s Den.  Some of the tasks students may choose to become involved with include: taking pictures of various school activities, choosing and organizing pictures to be included in the yearbook, completing page layouts, promotion and distribution of yearbook related materials.  Deadlines are very important, therefore, students participating in the Yearbook Club must be responsible and dependable.  (Based on participation, the club will meet on a rotating basis according to grade level groupings; students will not meet on all designated meeting days).

Sponsor(s):  Ms. Beck

YOUNG MEN OF DISTINCTION (YMOD):  is an after-school mentoring program for middle school boys at Graham Park Middle School.  This program is managed by Smart Kids Virginia.  It is career exploration club run by industry professionals.  It is designed to mentor middle school boys needing soft-skills development such as timeliness, attention to details, cooperation and teamwork.  Students will be introduced to Career and Technical Education as a career planning option.  Activities will be limited to after school club events ONLY.  No community-based activities.  Parent orientation is not required.

Sponsor(s):  Dr. Melvin

ACTIVITIES/CLUBS FOR 2018 – 2019

          We will begin our after-school activities on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.  Students have a number of clubs to consider.  In some cases, students may make up to three choices.  Check to see when each club meets to avoid conflicting dates.  From time to time, special activities will be held which will require a special sign-up.

 

          Buses will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate bus riders.  Students must get a bus pass from their club sponsor in order to ride the activity bus. All bus regulations and procedures apply to the activity bus. 

 

          Clubs and other activities will begin four minutes after walkers are dismissed which will normally be 3:05 pm. When you stay for an activity, you must remain in your last class until walkers are dismissed.  An announcement will be made at approximately 4:20 pm to end the activities.  You have approximately 5 minutes to get to the bus, which will depart promptly at 4:25 pm. 

 

          In addition to regularly scheduled clubs and activities and special events which you may voluntarily attend, there will be mandatory meetings for some students.  These may include:

 

• Detention - Assigned by one of the principals because of unacceptable behavior and/or violation of school rules.As per Code of Behavior, parents are responsible for providing transportation.Detention students may only ride the activity bus with the principal’s permission.

 

          Selected students will attend SOL prep study sessions as scheduled.  Parents of these students will receive notification and information about the program.  Furthermore, individual teachers may offer additional assistance to students on an as-needed basis.  You will be required to take a note home to your parents if you are staying for one of these non-club activities.

  

          Review the descriptions and schedules for the GPMS clubs. Make your choices and submit them online at Graham Park Club Registration .  We must have your choices no later than Monday, September 24, 2018.  Please save this schedule for reference.