Clubs
ACADIA MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Rosney, Mrs. Bagnardi-Way, Mrs. Plouff, Mrs. Kuftiak, Mrs. Haluska
Emails: RosnJenn@shenschools.org; halulean@shenschools.org; plourebe@shenschools.org; waykell@shenschools.org; kuftjess@shenschools.org
We meet before, and after school as well as during the day as needed. Open to 7th and 8th Graders. Students will collaborate with club advisors on creating a meeting and recording schedule. Students take part in creating, editing and hosting Acadia's Morning Announcements Videos.
ACADIA SKI & SNOWBOARDING CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Quinn, Mr. Messinger, Mrs. Tobin
Emails: quinnsara@shenschools.org; messjona@shenschools.org; tobierin@shenschools.org
Ski Club meets on six Thursday afternoons from 3:35 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. during January and February. Bussing is included from and back to the school. Skiing is at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA. Students need to be picked up from school at the school at 9:45pm. An informational meeting will be held before school this fall where registration forms will be distributed. Information packets can also be picked up in the Acadia attendance office. We ski on THURSDAYS beginning January 4th for seven weeks depending on the weather. The cost ranges from $310 upwards for the six weeks plus approx. $110 for bussing. Cross-enrollment with Gowana/Koda is not allowed.
ACADIA YEARBOOK CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Bonano, Mrs. Kruk, Ms. Sutherland
Emails: bonasara@shenschools.org; kathkruk@shenschools.org; suthjess@shenschools.org
Open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, the Acadia Yearbook Club creates and sells the Acadia Yearbook. Students are guided by advisors to create the best student centered yearbook for their class and classmates, using an online publishing program. Biweekly meetings are held to design, create, and work cooperatively to achieve short term as well as long-term goals. Meetings alternate with one before school meeting at 8:10 and one after school at 3:35 in Room A108. Meetings are held biweekly on Thursdays starting in October. Listen for updates on the morning announcements. Students should bring their chrome books to meetings. Yearbooks are currently available for $28 online at www.yearbookforever.com. Personalized yearbooks are also available for purchase.
ACADIA STUDENT COUNCIL
Advisor: Mrs. Jeffers, Mrs. Risch
Emails: jeffbrig@shenschools.org; riscalex@shenschools.org
Acadia Student Council will be held after school on Tuesdays from 3:35 to 4:10 in the Acadia Cafeteria with the late buses available. Student Council consists of representatives from each grade level. A mandatory informational meeting is held during October for students interested in working on community based activities. Student Council representatives will be responsible for sharing club activities and events with their peers during Advisory. Meetings are held to plan activities which foster school spirit, develop leadership, and support the community. Throughout the year, Student Council will sponsor an Acadia school dance, 6th - 7th - 8th Grade Dodgeball Tournament, food drives, spirit week, staff appreciation, and more.
ACADIA MENTOR PROGRAM
ADVISORS: Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Funyak
Emails: bategail@shenschools.org; funycaro@shenschools.org
This club connects students to faculty and staff. We encourage the mentors to meet weekly with their student and we have activities as a group each month. After school activities vary and a great time is had by all!
ACADIA Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society
ADVISORS: Mrs. Spain, Mrs. Bates
Emails: bategail@shenschools.org; spaitric@shenschools.org
The Acadia Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is an organization dedicated to scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, and community service. Club members will be active this year in a variety of community service activities, both in Acadia and in the larger community. Club members are current Acadia eighth-grade students who were inducted in May 2023. Current seventh-graders who are academically eligible for the Acadia NJHS will receive an invitation to apply in February 2024.
SCIENCE BOWL
Coach: Mr. Quell, Mrs. Perno
Emails: quelandr@shenschools.org; perncrys@shenschools.org
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl® is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. Middle school student teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and -answer format, being tested on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Teams will compete in March at the Regional Science Bowl. Club will start in early October, check out Acadia morning announcements for more information.
Tri-Building Clubs
TRI-BUILDING SHEN BUDDIES
Grades 6, 7, 8 ADVISORS: Mrs. Sutherland & Mrs. Borelli suthjess@shenschools.org borelaur@shenschools.org
Shen Buddies pair students with disabilities to non-disabled peers in an effort to build friendships. The club meets once or twice a month on Thursdays from dismissal – 4:30. The club will meet in the Acadia cafeteria for their meetings. Members participate in various social activities including snacks, crafts and games together. Members must be able to attend our group functions regularly. Grades 6-8 welcome.
Future Cities
ADVISOR: Mr. Sliwinski - sliwjose@shenschools.org
Grades 6-8
Future City Competition is a tri-building club. This club is for students in 6th- 8th grade. The members of the team research about a particular problem that faces cities today and in the future. The purpose is to try to solve the problem and develop a futuristic city with the solution part of its design. There are three parts to the competition. The first part is to use the Sim City Computer Program to develop a city that has at least a 150 year history, while maintaining certain levels of excellence for its citizens. The second part is to write an essay concerning the theme for this year. This year’s theme is: “Climate Change”. The third part is to actually build a large model of a section of the city. The competition is held in January. If you are interested in joining the team, see or e-mail the advisor above from your home school. We encourage anyone who likes working on computers, (especially if you have used the Sim City programs), as well as building models, to join us. The first introductory meeting will be October 10th from 3:30pm – 4:15pm in K808. Listen for announcements!
VOCAL WORKSHOP CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. Antonacci - antotimo@shenschools.org
The Vocal Workshop club is for students preparing for vocal performances through NYSSMA, All-County, Suburban Council, and other extra musical activities. Students will need to audition for those experiences to join the club. Rehearsal dates and times will vary.
Junior S.A.G.A. Club
(Sexuality & Gender Acceptance Club)
Advisors: Mrs. McCauley & Mrs. Arevalos - mccagene@shenschools.org arevregi@shenschools.org
Junior SAGA is an alliance of students, faculty and staff in the tri-building who celebrate diversity and promote an environment of acceptance for all students. The club’s purpose is to create a safe learning environment for all students. The club will function as a social group, in which students will participate in various activities in school and outside in the community. The group will provide support, safety and confidentiality to its members. We will meet twice a month before school in the Gowana Library classroom. Students can take the late bus home.
TRI-BUILDING GAK BOWLING CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Haluska & Mrs. Rosney halulean@shenschools.org rosnjenn@shenschools.org
GAK Bowling Club is a tri-building club for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who attend Gowana, Acadia and Koda. All students are welcome: experienced and inexperienced bowlers. Games will be bowled at Spare Time Bowling Alley. Transportation to the bowling alley will be provided by Shenendehowa buses, leaving from Acadia after school. Students must have a parent/guardian promptly pick them up at 5:30 pm at the alley. Students may bring spending money to purchase snacks at the snack bar. The fall session begins in October and the spring session dates will be announced later in the school year.
TRI-BUILDING AMBASSADORS ROCK BAND
ADVISORS: Mrs. Feeny & Mr. Conover feenrebe@shenschools.org conojona@shenschools.org
Welcome to the Shenendehowa Ambassadors home page. The Ambassadors are a mixed, auditioned rock band open to any students at the tri-building middle school. The Ambassadors are made up of guys and girls in grades 6, 7, and 8. We have several students that participate in band and orchestra as well as several members who take chorus. This diversity allows students to bring their unique points of view and varying musicianship skills together to create a sound that is both exciting and unique. Ambassadors meet on Thursdays after school until 5:00pm. Transportation will be needed.
TRI-BUILDING MUSICAL THEATER
ADVISOR: Mrs. Feeny - feenrebe@shenschools.org
This is open to grades 6, 7 &8 in all three middle schools. In a workshop setting, club members will learn about the different aspects of theater and musical production. Students will engage in activities that focus on stage performance as well as the work that is necessary behind the scenes to create a musical production. Students are not required to sing in this club and they will work collaboratively toward a self-directed performance opportunity. An informational meeting is Monday Sept. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 1st. Auditions are October 7 & 8. Rehearsals will run Monday through Fridays from 3:30-5:30. A parent/guardian will need to pick up. No late bus is offered at that time. Show dates are March 21 & 22nd 2025.
TRI-BUILDING TREBLE CHOIR
ADVISOR: Mrs. Harrington messroby@shenschools.org
Treble Choir is a vocal performing ensemble for unchanged voices. We will perform at a number of different venues with varied repertoire while having a great time. This is an auditioned group. Auditions will be held the third week of September. Any member of a performing group grades 6-8 (band, orchestra, chorus) can audition. We meet and rehearse Thursdays after school from 3:35-4:50, September through June.
MIDDLESCHOOL TALENT SHOW
ADVISOR: Mr. Silvagnoli & Mr. Conover
silvmich@shenschools.org conojona@shenschools.org
Video Auditions will be submitted in January and the Rehearsals will be the Week of February 23rd. We will culminate with a live show in the Middle School Auditorium on Friday February 28th, 7pm! Lookout for announcements when we get back to school in January!
TRI-BUILDING FRENCH CLUB
ADVISORS: Mr. Luttinger & Mrs. Bruckmann
luttjake@shenschools.org brucsusa@shenschools.org
French Club is a tri-building club facilitated by Monsieur Luttinger and Madame Bruckmann. It meets every other week from September until the end of May. It is open to all students in grades 6-8 whether they are taking French or not. Students participate in cultural activities such as food preparation, celebration of French holidays, games and more!
TRI-BUILDING GERMAN CLUB
ADVISOR: Herr Whalen whalrobe@shenschools.org
Grades: All students in grades 6, 7, & 8. German Club features hands on experience with German culture and is open to all middle school students regardless of actual language enrollment. Some examples include celebrating Oktoberfest, New Year’s customs, German board games, and food preparation/tasting. Meetings are held on every other Monday after school until 4:45 p.m. Transportation will be needed or you can leave early and take the late bus. The first meeting starts on Monday, October 7, 2024 and runs through May.
LATIN CLUB
ADVISORS: Mr. Breitweiser & Mrs. Griswold
breiwill@shenschools.org griskris@shenschools.org
This club is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, regardless of what language you take. We do projects, celebrate holidays, and participate in other activities all related to ancient Roman culture and the Latin language. The Latin club meets every other Monday after school in Room 948. Our first meeting will be on Monday, October 7th.
TRI-BUILDING MATH COUNTS
ADVISOR: Ms. Sprague, Mrs. Giesselmann, Mrs. Romano sprajenn@shenschools.org giesstep@shenschools.org romasusa@shenschools.org
The Math Counts Club is a national middle school program that promotes mathematics achievement and creative thinking through group work and fun and engaging competitions. The club is open to any tri-building student in grades 6 – 8.
TRI-BUILDING ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
ADVISOR: Mr. Sliwinski sliwjose@shenschools.org Odyssey of the Mind is a tri-building club. It encourages the students, on a team of 5-7, to creatively solve one of five problems. All ideas on how to solve the problem, and the work, must come from the students. The team usually meets once a week after school until 5:00 pm. Competition occurs locally in early March. If anyone is interested listen to the announcements for our first meeting in October. We encourage anyone who likes to build, create, and have fun, to join.
TRI-BUILDING INTRAMURALS
ADVISORS: Various Coaches Many seasonal intramurals are offered to students in grades 6 through 8. They are listed in the student agenda. Intramurals meet before school at 8:00 am. Announcements are made to let students know when each sport intramural is starting, and where they meet. Sports currently offered are: Soccer, Flag Football, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Tennis, Boys & Girls Basketball, Floor Hockey, Volleyball, Team Handball, Girls & Boys Lacrosse, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, Weight Training, and Track & Field.
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
ADVISOR: Mr. Clark
clarscot@shenschools.org
Speech and Debate Club is run by high school students and it offers students training aimed at improving oral communication, logical reasoning, research skills and persuasive techniques in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. First, students meet as a whole club, then they break into smaller more specific groups based on speech or debate event. We meet Thursdays till 4:15pm after school in the Library. The first meeting will be 10/10/24. Students can take the late bus or get a ride home with a parent.
TECH CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. Travis & Mr. Mink
travrock@shenschools.org minkandr@shenschools.org
This is open to 8th graders in all 3 Schools. This club typically begins at the end of October, listen for announcements. We meet Tuesdays after school until 4:15 PM. The late bus is provided. This is a hands on club where students come and build on skills they learned in class. They will work on projects for themselves and the community. *Prerequisite - Must be a current Mr. Mink/Mr. Travis student due to safety requirements.
CODING CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Goliber-Sibson - golicaro@shenschools.org
This is open to all students in all 3 grades in all three middle schools.
We will meet on Mondays after school in room A109 from 3:35-4:30pm starting on Monday, 9/30. Meetings where students learn coding/programming and can compete in competitions. It will prepare students to compete in the ACSL contest. All skill levels welcome! Late bus passes are available for those who need a ride home.
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Hoffman
hoffnaom@shenschools.org
The FIRST Lego League (FLL) Club is a program that introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to middle schoolers through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FLL participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. Club meetings are Thursdays after school until 5:00pm in the Gowana Tech room 930. Parents will have to provide transportation home. If interested, please email Mrs. Hoffman at hoffnaom@shenschools.org.
SHEN SOCIAL CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Shea, Mr. Shea - sheadona@shenschools.org sheajami@shenschools.org
The club will meet on Monday's after school in room 909. The club will end at 4:15 and the kids will take the bus home or get a ride. We are offering this club to 6th and 7th graders. The club will start Monday, November 4th and will finish the club at the end of April. Any students that are interested please pick up a permission slip at the Koda Counseling office or room 909. The club will be an opportunity for students to make new friends, and participate in discussions that foster positive communication.
TRI-BUILDING WALKING CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Jenney & Mrs. McLaughlin
jennmary@shenschools.org mclameli@shenschools.org
All students are welcome to join in this early morning club. We meet in the Koda Cafeteria and Koda Front entrance by 8:05am and walk for a half hour until 8:40am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All students are welcome to come walk with us. No commitment is necessary, you may drop by as you are available.
TRI-BUILDING CHESS CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. McLaughlin - mclacono@shenschools.org
The Tri-building Chess Club will be meeting every other Wednesday after school from 3:30-5:00 pm, starting on September 25th. This club is open to all tri-building students, grades 6-8. No prior chess experience is required! Students of all ability levels will meet to learn, compete, and have fun playing chess together. We will meet in the Acadia Library. There will be no late buses, so students need to have a ride home. Announcements will be posted on our Google Classroom page (class code: bpjwzgh). If students have any questions, then they can email Mr. McLaughlin.
TRI-BUILDING MURAL CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Hallenbeck - hallmega@shenschools.org
This is a tri building club open to 8th graders who would like to leave their mark on the school. In this club we will be designing a mural based on a theme and submitting our designs to be selected by school administration. The selected design will then be drawn out and painted by all in the club. This club will meet in room 921 after school with no after school transportation provided. Please listen for announcements for upcoming meetings.
TRI-BUILDING ROCKET /ASTRONOMY CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. Clark
clarscot@shenschools.org
This is a tri-building club that centers around the field of aerospace design (rocketry) and astronomy. This club meets Wednesdays after school in G18 from 3:30-5:00p.m. Students will be building rockets in the fall and spring. In the fall they will be using rocket kits, in the spring they will be making custom designs. We will be launching rockets throughout the year (light and weather dependent). All students in grades 6,7 & 8 are welcome.
TRI-BUILDING ART CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Jenney
jennmary@shenschools.org
Any student in Koda, Acadia and Gowana may join this club. We meet on Thursday mornings at 8:05 in the Gowana Café and Mrs. Jenney will bring you to room 911. Art supplies, pencil and paper will be provided at no cost. Announcements will be posted on our Google Classroom page (class code: wp2trlo).