LIST OF CLUBS/ACTIVITIES
JSMS AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
2024-2025
JAZZ BAND* (1-3 points)
Advisor: Mr. D. Buckle
This is an advanced level class for the study and performance of jazz and popular styles of music, using the standard big band instrumentation alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, trumpet, trombone, percussion, bass, guitar, and piano. Class time is utilized for highly specific instrumental techniques and instruction, preparation for public performances, study of jazz band literature, and study of related music history, music terminology and notation, and music theory.
In each class meeting technical terms such as embouchure, breathing technique, , intonation, articulation, posture, improvisation, and sight reading skills are addressed. Other projects may include rehearsal, clinics, guest conductor seminars and performances of solo and small jazz ensemble literature, written assignments involving music theory and history, and examining recordings of fine swing, bebop, Dixieland and early jazz, fusion, and popular music for analysis. This course also focuses on public performances, including but not limited to jazz festivals with CJMEA, school & community performances, and regular concerts throughout the year. Daily practice is required for success; private study is highly recommended at the teacher's discretion to supplement this course. This group is open to all 6th - 8th grade instrumentalists regardless of experience. This band plays 2 concerts during the school year: a mid-winter concert and a spring concert.
* This is an audition-only ensemble. All grades are welcome to audition however this is a minimal instrumental group. Not all students can participate however if students are willing to learn and switch to fill out full instrumentation, they will be considered highly for a secondary instrument. We occasionally look for good musicians to convert to different instruments. Many of these are expensive instruments that the school can provide. All members will participate in field trips and competitions. dbuckle@obps.org
6TH GRADE INTERMEDIATE BAND* (1-3 points)
Advisor: Mr. D. Buckle
This is an intermediate level class for the study of band instruments-piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpet, French-horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Class time is utilized for highly specific instrumental techniques and instruction, preparation for public performances, study of wind band literature, and study of related music history, music terminology and notation, and music theory. It continues and expands upon the work of Beginning Band from elementary school.
In each class meeting technical terms such as embouchure, breathing technique, marching technique, hand positioning, intonation, articulation, posture, finger placement and sight-reading skills are addressed. Other projects may include rehearsal, clinics, guest conductor seminars and performance of solo and chamber ensemble literature, written assignments involving music theory and music history, as well as examining recordings of fine symphonic, 20th century, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo-Classical, American folk, and Renaissance music for analysis. This course also focuses on public performances, including but not limited to orchestra festivals with CJMEA, school & community performances, and regular concerts throughout the year. Daily practice is required for success; private study is highly recommended at the teacher's discretion as supplement for this course. The 6th grade Band is open to all 6th graders regardless of experience. Each student would then be assigned a lesson based on their instrumentation. This band plays two concerts during the school year: a mid-winter concert and a spring concert. All full band rehearsals will be conducted either after school till 4pm or before school unless otherwise specified by the director. dbuckle@obps.org
7TH & 8TH GRADE CONCERT BAND* (1-3 points)
Advisor: Mr. D. Buckle
This is a continuation from the intermediate level. class for the study of band instruments-piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Class time is utilized for highly specific instrumental techniques and instruction, preparation for public performances, study of wind band literature, and study of related music history, music terminology and notation, and music theory. It continues and expands upon the work of Beginning Band from elementary school and 6th grade band.
In each class meeting technical terms such as embouchure, breathing technique, marching technique, hand positioning, intonation, articulation, posture, finger placement and sight reading skills are addressed. Other projects may include rehearsal, clinics, guest conductor seminars and performance of solo and chamber ensemble literature, written assignments involving music theory and music history, as well as examining recordings of fine symphonic, 20th century, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo-Classical, American folk and Renaissance music for analysis. This course also focuses on public performances, including but not limited to orchestra festivals with CJMEA, school & community performances, and regular concerts throughout the year. Daily practice is required for success; private study is highly recommended at the teacher's discretion as supplement for this course. The 7th and 8th grade Band is open to all 7th and 8th graders regardless of experience. Each student would then be assigned a lesson based on their instrumentation and grade. This band plays two concerts during the school year: a mid-winter concert and a spring concert. All full band rehearsals will be conducted either after school till 4pm or before school unless otherwise specified by the director. dbuckle@obps.org
STRING ORCHESTRA* (1-3 points)
Advisor: Mr. D. Buckle
This is an advanced level class for the study of string instruments-violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Class time is utilized for highly specific instrumental techniques and instruction, preparation for public performances, study of string and full orchestra literature, and study of related music history, music terminology and notation, and music theory. It continues and expands upon the work of Beginning Orchestra from elementary school.
In each class meeting technical terms such as bowing, pizzicato, hand positioning, intonation, articulation, posture, finger placement and sight reading skills are addressed. Other projects may include rehearsal, clinics, guest conductor seminars and performance of solo and chamber ensemble literature, written assignments involving music theory and music history, as well as examining recordings of fine symphonic, 20th century, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo-Classical, American folk and Renaissance music for analysis. This course also focuses on public performances, including but not limited to orchestra festivals with CJMEA, school & community performances, and regular concerts throughout the year. Daily practice is required for success; private study is highly recommended at the teacher's discretion as supplement for this course. All full orchestra rehearsals will be conducted either after school till 4pm or before school unless otherwise specified by the director (Saturday Mornings can be implemented). This ensemble plays 2 concerts during the school year: a mid-winter concert and a spring concert. dbuckle@obps.org
ACADEMIC CHALLENGE* (1-3 points)
Club Advisor: Mr. B. Garrison, Ms. T. Flynn
bgarrison@obps.org tflynn@obps.org
NJHS-NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY* (5 points)
“Advisor: Ms. V. Failla
Faculty Council: Mrs. K. Kelly
Mrs. S. Kracke
Ms. A. Lalor
Ms. M. Lynch
Ms. M. Riemann
The National Junior Honor Society is an international student organization that consists of chapters in middle schools. Invitations to apply for JSMS' Chapter of NJHS will be sent out to eligible 7th Grade students in May of each school year.
To be invited to apply, you must meet the following requirements:
• Received High Honor Roll MP4 of 6th Grade and MP1 through MP3 of 7th Grade.
• Students in 6th Grade Enrichment Math, 7th Grade ELA Honors, or 7th Grade Math Honors must have 87 or higher in those classes.
NJHS meets once a month September-May to participate in community/school service.”
vfailla@obps.org
GUITAR CLUB *(1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mr. C. Cirillo
The Guitar Club is a great opportunity for students to learn or enhance their ability to play acoustic or electric guitar. Club members do not need to have prior knowledge to join the club, but are required to have their own guitar and bring it to school on meeting days. They will be introduced to different musical styles and instructed on learning new material including chords, scales and bar chords.
This club meets from November to June on Thursdays from 3-4:00
This club is open to 7th and 8th grade only. Permission slips can be procured in room 300
at ccirillo@obps.org
FRENCH CLUB *(1-3 points)
Club Advisor: Ms. R Atallah
French Club will give the students the opportunity to explore the French culture through music, art, and games. We will also learn about and celebrate popular holidays in French culture such as Mardi Gras and Bastille Day.
French club will meet once a month from October to May on Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:00 PM. ratallah@obps.org
GERMAN CLUB* (1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mrs. L. Costa
German Club will meet once a month and meeting dates will be announced over the loudspeaker and on the German Club team at least one week in advance. Students need to have a signed permission slip on file with Mrs. Costa to attend. Permission slips will be available outside of room 314 or from Mrs. Costa directly. Students do not have to be in German class to become a member of German Club and we accept new members throughout the year. Members will be added to the German Club team as they enroll. We celebrate cultural events happening in the various German-speaking countries throughout the year. lcosta@obps.org
SCHOOL STORE *(1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mr. M. Curtis
The school store is a student run "business" that offers the student body great school supplies, along with some fun items too, at affordable prices. Students are involved in all aspects of the business, from taking inventory, making sales, purchasing, pricing, advertising and marketing, and other management decisions.
The school store will be operating the entire school year 5 days a week. Students will be assigned to work certain days during their lunch period.
Sign up procedure: students can pick up a school store application in the beginning of the school year. It must be handed in a week after the first day of school and potential "employees" will be chosen after consulting with the students present and former teachers. mcurtis@obps.org
STUDENT COUNCIL *(1-3points reps) (5 points Board members)
STUDENT COUNCIL *(1-3points reps) (5 points Board members)
Club Advisor: Mrs. K. Bean and Ms. S. Poehlemann
Student Council is made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. There are 4 officer positions. Each homeroom has one representative.
Student Council works to put school spirit into Salk School. We plan the school dances, school spirit days, and more.
Student Council meets at least once or twice a month through September - June. The meetings are before school as well as during lunch some days.
kbean@obps.org spoehlemann@obps.org
G.L.O.B.E. PROGRAM * (1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mr. N. Andreacci
At Salk School, students may participate in the after-school club for the international G.L.O.B.E. Program. As a part of the G.L.O.B.E. Program, students may volunteer to go on a weekly field trip to a stream near the school. A Board of Education bus takes us to the stream, which is about a quarter mile away. We will take samples and conduct chemical and physical tests of the water according to the program’s protocols. We may also decide to go on other field trips. Other tests that we do for G.L.O.B.E., include weather observations, soil testing, biological observations, and other scientific tests. Like other G.L.O.B.E. schools throughout the world, we submit our test results to scientists in Washington, DC over the Internet.
The club meets on select days from December through May. The days the club will meet will depend on when other clubs meet and what club members vote upon.
Students should listen for the announcements after Thanksgiving to hear how to sign-up. (Students may need a recommendation letter from their Science teachers to join.) nandreacci@obps.org
A-V CLUB (AUDIO-VISUAL CLUB) *(1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mr. N. Andreacci
The A-V Club helps with sound systems, microphones, cameras, video recording, and lighting around Salk School, including assemblies, sports events, concerts, and school plays. For the school play, the A-V Club runs the lights and sound for the show.
The A-V club will meet from December through June. The days the club will meet have not been decided yet. It will depend on when other clubs meet and what club members vote upon.
Students should listen for the announcements after Thanksgiving to hear how to sign-up for the A-V Club. nandreacci@obps.org
THE ROADRUNNER ROUNDUP *(1-3 points)
ROADRUNNER ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER *(1-3 points)
Club Advisor: Ms. S. Poehlemann and Ms. M Arenella
The club is the school newspaper and students who enjoy writing and publishing are members.
We meet quarterly before school throughout the school year as well as during lunch periods. Students write and publish articles about school/community events as well as world events and pop culture. spoehlemann@obps.org marenella@obps.org
PEER TO PEER *(1-5 points)
Club advisor: Mrs. M. Reilly and Mrs. K. Whitman
Peer to peer is a statewide character education program that builds leadership skills and educates middle schools students about the dangers of substance abuse. Peer leaders are 8th grade students who act as role models for the student body. Peer leaders will be expected to co-facilitate outreach sessions with younger peers that address important challenges such as the dangers of substance abuse and resisting pressure to experiment with drug, alcohol, and tobacco.
This club will meet for the entire school year, Sept-June.
This club is open to 8th grades students only and students are selected based upon an interview process. Students will be asked to apply at the end of 7th grade. mreilly@obps.org kwhitman@obps.org
CHORUS *(1-5 points)
Club advisor: Mrs. N. Barrow-White
Chorus is an after school activity open to the entire student body. Songs are prepared for the Holiday Concert which is performed for parents and friends. The date is December 17, 2013 7:00 p.m. - LGI.
The club is active from October to December. Rehearsals are held Mon. through Fri. however everyone is not required to be at every rehearsal. It is a rotating schedule and the chorus is split into groups.
Chorus is open to everyone. There are no try-outs. Sign-ups take place in the cafeteria and a permission slip is required. nwhite@obps.org
CHESS CLUB * (1-3 points)
Club advisor: Mrs. C. Estrada
Chess club is open to all grades and skill levels. We will be two times a month before school. Students should see Mrs. Estrada in Room 209 for a permission slip with a list of dates and times. cestrada@obps.org
PLAY UNIFIED CLUB * (1-3 points)
Club Advisors: Ms. A. Tavernise, Ms. J. Gonzalez
Play Unified is an inclusive club that welcomes students of all abilities. During Unified, we will play sports, games, and other fun activities with students throughout the school. Unified is focused on accepting everyone regardless of their abilities and coming together as a team.
Play Unified is an inclusive community where people with and without disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate each other’s gifts, both on and off the playing field. The club will allow students to explore, learn, and practice new skills needed to become positive teammates and leaders.
There will be two components to this club. First, we will have weekly "play days" where we will learn new skills, play games, and discuss topics such as tolerance and respect. Play Unified activities are informal and could include pickup games, basketball shooting contests, dancing contests, corn hole tournaments—any “unified” activity that’s fun and fluid in nature, vs. competitive play. We will also be engaged in school activities such as running bake sales and having a Fans in the Stands activity. The second part of the club, which will be an additional and optional component would be in the Spring competing against other schools as a Unified Track Team.
The club will meet on Wednesdays starting mid-October through the Spring (Probably May).
atavernise@obps.org, jgonzalez@obps.org
The National Day of Prayer Club *(1-3 points)
Club Advisor: Mrs. S. Jones
The National Day of Prayer club meets from mid-February to mid-May. The National Day of Prayer is held yearly throughout the United States and is open to people of all faiths. This school year it will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 where we will rally around the flagpole as we pray for our nation. Days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. Officially, the National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event by an act of Congress in 1952 and was signed into law by President Truman. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer.
Permission slips are available from Mrs. Jones sjones@obps.org