Williamstown Middle School

2017-2018

School-Community

Involvement Handbook

CLUBS

SPORTS

ACTIVITIES

INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHOOL-COMMUNITY IS REQUIRED FOR THE

7TH GRADE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY APPLICATION PROCESS

INTRODUCTION

Williamstown Middle School students are encouraged to participate and get involved in school-community activities. School activities encourage students to view school as a place to learn, socialize with peers, and develop close relationships with others. Activity advisors are encouraged to include service learning projects as part of their extracurricular program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important for students to know that

possible admission into the National Junior

Honor Society requires students to be

involved in school-based clubs, school-based

sports and/or school-based activities. NJHS

applicant consideration will be based on the

student’s hours of attendance and

participation in these school-based clubs,

sports and/or activities. Student participation

is reviewed and considered by a faculty

council for possible admission into NJHS.

RENAISSANCE

Advisors:

Mike Spano / Laura Test 5/6

Kathleen Zera / Breanne Baney 7/8

Renaissance is a national program

that recognizes and rewards

students for excellence in academic

performance, character, attendance

/ lateness, participation in a

group activity and exemplary school

and community citizenship.

Students must apply and be accepted

into the Renaissance program.

Students are awarded gold, silver,

blue, or white cards which entitle

them to privileges such as

preferential lunch line status,

hall pass privileges, discounts at

school stores, events, and

invitations to Renaissance rallies

throughout the year.

NOTE: Renaissance is a student

recognition program and does not

qualify as a club, sport or activity

for NJHS consideration.

Williamstown Middle School

Interscholastic Sports

2017-2018

[Tryouts may be required in the event of large enrollments]

Fall Sports

Sport: Coaches:

Co-Ed Cross

Country Julie Betts / Samantha Steiner

Field Hockey Donna Tiernan / Melissa Schwindt

Winter Sports

Sport: Coaches:

Boys’

Basketball Mike Seidenberg

Girls’

Basketball Jon Shields

Cheerleading Maureen Coelho / Christine Vain

Wrestling Tom McAvoy / Bobby Scalley

Spring Sports

Sport: Coaches:

Track and Field Samantha Steiner / Julie Betts / Jon

Shields

LIST OF CLUB/ACTIVITY ADVISORS

2017-2018

Art Club Mike Arons / John Tighe

Band Karyn Park

(Renaissance) Braves Miranda Basilone

Builder’s Club Krystal Kuni / Katie Cosky

Chorus Edward Dougherty (5/6) / Lauren

Gerelli (7/8)

Computer Club Mike Arons

Drama Club Mallory Beach/Faith Brody/Kim McBride/

Sandi Ruggiero/Laura Test/Ken VanDyk

Environmental/Recycling Janet Mead

Jazz Band Laura Test

Math Counts Nicholas Falabella

Multi-Cultural Carlos Morris / Sadie Manzo

National Junior Honor

Society Kimberly Morris / Catherine Monahan

Newspaper Mike Arons / Catherine Monahan

Odyssey of the Mind AnnMarie Reber

Peer Leadership/Rebel 2 Paul VanHouten

Percussion Ensemble Karyn Park

Robotics Mike Spano / Matt Dempsey

Stage Crew Mike Spano

Student Council Paul VanHouten / Valencia Nichols

Volleyball (Intramural) Chris Sheppard

WBNN Morning

Announcements Mike Spano / Matt Dempsey

Weightlifting Tom McAvoy

Yearbook Debbie Anderson

ART CLUB – The art club is designed for the student who is interested

in exploring various types of visual art. Students participating in

the art club will have the opportunity to create original designs

using paper mache, glass, clay, and other materials. The art club

meets after school throughout the school year. Any interested student

is eligible to participate in the Art Club. Students should listen to

announcements for sign-up information.

BAND – Students who participate in the Instrumental Lesson Program,

have the opportunity to broaden and further their instrumental

educational experience by becoming a member in one of our 3 Bands: 1st

year Band (1st Level), 2

nd Year Band (2

nd Level) or the 7

th & 8

th Grade

Band (3rd Level). The WMS bands perform concerts for the school and

community. With the exception of the 1st Year Band, rehearsals begin

in September, are held once a week after school and continue

throughout the school year. Band members also have the opportunity to

attend numerous concerts and field trips throughout the school year.

BAND - Students regularly participating in the Instrumental Lesson

Program, will have the opportunity to broaden and further their

instrumental educational by participating in band. They will be placed

in the band best suited for their level of playing ability, regardless

of the student’s current grade. For example: If a student in 6th grade

is playing at the level of a 3rd Level Band member, they will be invited

to participate in that group.

There are three bands:

1st Level Band: Half Year Activity primarily for students,

regardless of grade, who just started learning how to play one of

the band instruments.

2nd Level Band: Full Year Activity typically but not limited to

students who are on their second year of instrumental lessons.

Additionally, 2nd Level Band members may have large group,

instrumental performance experience.

3rd Level Band: Full Year Activity typically but not limited to

students who are on their third or fourth year of instrumental

lessons. Additionally, 3rd Level Band members have large group,

instrumental performance experience.

WMS bands will perform in concerts for the school and community.

The experienced bands will also attend performance based field

trips throughout the school year.

BASKETBALL (Girls/Boys) – Basketball is an interscholastic winter

sport open to 6, 7 & 8th grade students. All eligible students are

encouraged to tryout, however, only a select number of players will be

on the team. Prior experience, knowledge and skills relative to the

game of basketball are important when considering trying out.

Students who participate in this sport will learn and improve upon

many different techniques that include, but not limited to, shooting,

passing, dribbling, rebounding and important defensive concepts.

Throughout the season, student-athletes will play an ultra-

competitive schedule against other middle school teams around the

area. The main goal is to teach practical fundamentals and skills that

are necessary to be successful at the high school level. Practices

will be held after school from 3-5pm beginning in December and

throughout the season.

RENAISSANCE BRAVES - This is a teacher/parent/student

advisory/leadership club. This committee is responsible for organizing

and completing projects in the following areas: Student Exchange with

NJ Clean Communities, environmental research and community clean-ups.

There will be approximately 18 students selected from grades 6-8.

There will be approximately one meeting per month, however students

will work on projects with their advisors at lunch and after school as

needed.

BUILDER’S CLUB – The Builder’s Club is a community service

organization. The club organizes activities such as sock and glove

collections, making cards for sick children or the elderly in homes,

and coordinating Thanksgiving food baskets to deserving families in

our school population. Students are also Santa’s Helpers and write

letters for elementary school classes. All WMS students are welcome

to participate. Meetings are one hour after school and continue

throughout the school year.

CHEERLEADING – Participation in this interscholastic winter sport is

open to all 6, 7, & 8th grade students. Cheerleading will provide

students the opportunity to perform at various school events.

Students who are thinking about participating in this physical

activity will learn/perform different cheers, dances and jumps in

front of spectators to show school spirit and support for school

teams. Winter Cheer runs from December until February.

Practices/Meetings: TBD

CHORUS – Fifth Grade Chorus is open to all fifth graders. Interested

students must complete an application which will be distributed at the

first music class of the school year. Chorus rehearsals are held once

a week after school. Students participating in chorus will perform in

concerts.

Any sixth, seventh, or eighth grade student may sign up for chorus.

Rehearsals are once a week after school on Tuesdays. Any interested

students should see Mrs. Gerelli during homeroom in room E104.

Students will participate in a Winter and Spring Concert as well as

attend the annual High Note Festival.

CO-ED CROSS COUNTRY – Athletes in grades 6-8 are welcome to

participate in this interscholastic Fall Cross Country Sport. It is

our goal that athletes on the Cross Country team are students first

and foremost. The Cross Country team members should take great pride

in class work, as well as, on the Cross Country trails. The aim is to

produce a team that is both respectful and well respected. By being

part of this team, each individual’s potential, self-esteem, and

confidence will be developed. In turn, each individual will grow as a

result of his/her experience with the Cross Country team. Runners are

expected to take pride in their sport and to show dedication to our

sport through their ability to follow directions, attendance, and

attitude. All athletes are also expected to adhere to the

interscholastic agreement/contract. Open to all 6, 7 & 8th grade

students. Practices will be held daily during the fall season and

meets are TBA.

ENVIRONMENTAL/RECYCLING CLUB - Students will meet after school once a

week for environmental club, also called S. A. V. E.; Students against

Violating the Environment. This activity is a combination of service

and academic work focusing on environmental issues in our community.

Students will study issues and work on solutions. Community partners

include Monroe Township Clean Communities, South Jersey Land and Water

Trust, NJ Field Office of US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Monroe

Municipal Utility Authority. Also, guest speakers will be invited in

throughout the school year to engage the students in current topics of

environmental careers.

FIELD HOCKEY – Field hockey is an inter-scholastic sport and will run

from September to October. If you’re looking to have fun outdoors

and get in shape at the same time, field hockey is definitely the

sport for you! Playing field hockey is an intensive cardiovascular

workout that requires constant movement, including walking, jogging

and high –intensity sprints. The game works the arms, legs, hips,

thighs, glutes and abdominals. Field Hockey players generally have

superior endurance, hand-eye coordination, agility and overall

strength. A late bus will NOT BE AVAILABLE for these players. All

equipment for field hockey will be supplied by the school with the

exception of footwear. Players need to be sure to complete all

necessary forms and get a physical prior to participating. Game

schedule TBA.

THE MAKER’S GUILD – The Maker’s Guild is for students who are

interested in computers, technology and how things work. Do you like

to take things apart to see what makes them tick? Do you wish you

could re-design something to make it better? Then the Maker’s Guild

is for you! We will take on projects such as custom computer builds,

industrial design, 3D printing and CAD programming and electronic DIY

projects. If you like to make things and want to take your abilities

to the next level then the Maker’s Guild is for you!

MATH COUNTS - Math Counts is an academic club that is ideal for

students who have a talent and passion for math who want to be

challenged. We will build on current mathematic skills through

problem solving activities. Students will engage in exciting, “bee-

style” contests in which they will compete against and alongside other

bright, motivated students. All grades are welcome but only grades 6-

8 are eligible to compete.

MULTI-CULTURAL CLUB – The purpose of the Multi-Cultural Club is to

increase student awareness of other cultures and to help them

understand the richness and diversity of other ways of life. The

students will learn about other cultures from guest speakers,

community service projects, and field trips. Students are responsible

for displays and announcements associated with the club. Any WMS

student may participate.

NEWSPAPER – Newspaper Club is open to students in all grades who enjoy

writing. Potential newspaper members should be creative writers who

are self-initiated. Four issues are printed and distributed to the

entire student body per year. Beginning in September, meetings are

held three times a month for one hour after school. Students should

listen for announcements in September as to where and when to pick up

permission slips and where to return them.

PEER LEADERSHIP/REBEL 2– Student Leadership members are selected to

participate based upon their leadership qualities. They will be

trained to develop skills necessary for drug prevention and group

leadership skills. Students will present programs designed to educate

students on drug and tobacco use and bullying among other students.

This is a year round activity. Meetings are held at least once a

month.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (ORCHESTRA/PERCUSSION) – WMS existing percussion

students may be invited to perform in the percussion ensemble. This

select group explores various types of percussion music and

experiments with different methods of creating percussive sounds.

Students meet after school weekly. Percussion ensemble members will

have the opportunity to participate in school concerts and possibly

attend field trips.

PLAY/DRAMA CLUB – The students at WMS present one Musical Theater

production each spring. Any interested student may audition for a

part in the play during the first week in January. Listen to morning

announcements to find out when and where auditions will be held.

Three after-school rehearsals (until 5: 00 PM) are scheduled weekly

until the last week of rehearsal. There are some Saturday rehearsals.

The last week of rehearsal and performances are more time intensive,

as students are needed from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. There are four

performances of the play (Thursday (for the district’s 4th grade

classes), Friday, Saturday evening and a Saturday matinee).

Drama Club also hosts an “Evening of Monologues”. This program is

available to all 8th grade students in the Drama Club. Students and

Mr. Van Dyk meet for one rehearsal a week for 4 weeks and then these

students perform two, two minute monologues, one comedic and one

dramatic. Throughout the rehearsal process students assess and

critique each other’s work in a positive way to help improve each

student’s performance.

ROBOTICS -The Monroe Township Robotics club is open to all 7th through

12th grade students. Students

who show interest in this club will have opportunities to learn about

3D printing and Design, Digital

fabrication, coding in Java, advanced robotics creation and other

related topics. The Robotics club is an

introduction to robotics for competition and serves as a source for

the official US First, FTC Robotics

Competitive Team. Students who participate in the Robotics Club with

integrity, drive, self-motivation,

creative thinking, and gracious perfectionism will be considered for the

competition team of a

maximum of 15 students mixed with high school students. Students who are

chosen for the competition

team will compete with and against other teams, worldwide, in a sports model

where they will design,

build, program, and operate robots of their own design to play a floor game

in an alliance format.

Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and

practice engineering principles,

while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas.

Interested 7th and 8

th grade

students can apply for the club and share interest in the competition team

at the following link:

https://goo.gl/forms/mQWvSJt78rzNLM3J2

STAGE CREW – The stage crew is a small group of students in grades 6-

8. An announcement will be made in the fall indicating sign-ups for

those students who are interested in behind the scenes theatre.

Interested students are evaluated by the advisor. Stage crew members

must maintain a “B” average in all academic and related arts subjects.

STUDENT COUNCIL – Student Council officers will be elected by Student

Council at the end of the year. Homeroom representatives will have to

apply and be voted on in next year’s homerooms after their

applications are approved. Only one representative per homeroom.

Student Council is a year round activity for any student who is

elected through the democratic process. Students who are elected to

student council will help organize and administer various school and

community-oriented events. Meetings are held once a month, and

attendance at these meetings is closely monitored.

TRACK AND FIELD – Track and Field is an interscholastic spring sport

open to all 6th-8th grade students at WMS. Track and Field is a sport

which involves various running and field events, including short and

long distance running events, long jump, discus, and shot put.

Students will be taught the running, jumping, and throwing

techniques/skills related to these events throughout the season.

Students will compete against other nearby schools at home and away

meets, as well as participate in various invitationals and relays. It

is our goal that athletes on the Track and Field team not only improve

their individual abilities as athletes, but also learn the importance

of being a member of a team. Students are expected to represent WMS by

demonstrating the utmost respect and good sportsmanship with their

coaches, teammates, and opposing schools. All athletes are expected to

adhere to the interscholastic agreement. A mandatory pre-season

meeting will be held in the winter for all athletes. Practice and

meeting dates TBD.

VOLLEYBALL (INTRAMURAL) - Students are given the opportunity to

participate in four Intramural Volleyball time periods/”seasons”

during the course of a school year. Each time period consists of

individual sessions that take place over the course of two months.

Each time period/season consists of 10-12 individual sessions that

last between 90-120 minutes. At the end of 1 season, a student has

had an opportunity to play nearly 15 hours of volleyball. If a

student were to participate in all 4 seasons, they would accumulate

nearly 60 hours of volleyball play.

The first time period for Intramural Volleyball is held during

September and October and takes place at Williamstown High School

in the gymnasium at the conclusion of the Williamstown High School

Girls’ Volleyball home matches. These sessions run from 5:30-7:30

and are open to any interested 7th or 8th grade student.

The second “season” of WMS Volleyball takes place during the

months of January and February. These sessions take place in

either the WMS 5/6 gymnasium or the 7/8 gymnasium. This “season”

is taking place at the same time that the WMS Interscholastic

Basketball teams are performing. When either our boys’ team or our

girls’ team has an away game, the Intramural Volleyball group will

use the open gymnasium. This season of volleyball is open to all

6th, 7th, and 8th grade WMS students. Individual sessions take place

from 2:50 – 4:25

The third Intramural Volleyball season is held during the months

of March and April. At this point, all WMS students are welcome to

participate and all sessions are held in the 7/8 gymnasium from

2:50 – 4:25.

The fourth and final opportunity for WMS students to participate

in Intramural Volleyball is held during May and June after school

from 2:50 – 4:25 and it is again open to all WMS students

regardless of grade level. These sessions are held in the 5/6

gymnasium.

WBNN MORNING ANNOUCEMENTS/AV- The WMS AV club is open to 5th through 8

th

grade students. Each grade level will have their own set of

responsibilities and contribution level to the live morning

announcements production. The WBNN Morning Announcements Team is open

only to 8th grade students and are selected from students who are in

the AV club. AV club and WBNN Announcement Team members will have the

opportunity to create their own content on a weekly and daily basis

while covering various school events to share on the morning

announcements. In addition, 8th grade members will develop the

Williamstown Braves Network News (WBNN) Live production each morning

both in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes managing

studio equipment.

WEIGHTLIFTING- This program is an after school activity, open to all

6th, 7

th and 8

th grade students at WMS. It is scheduled 3:00 – 4:00pm

Tue, Wed & Thur. Our goal is to introduce the middle school students

to age- and developmentally-appropriate strength training exercises.

The work outs include circuit style resistance training, cardio

endurance exercises, and flexibility drills. Students receive

instruction on how to safely and properly use the equipment in the

weight room.

WRESTLING- Wrestling at WMS is an interscholastic winter sport open to

all 6, 7, & 8th grade students. Wrestling is based on these

attributes: effort, technique, intelligence, strength, and quickness.

Practices are structured to allow every participant the opportunity to

further develop their technique, tactics, flexibility, stamina,

strength, etc. Physical competitions occur among two partners who

attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. All rules and

wrestling techniques are taught in detail. Our goal is to help each

athlete maximize their strengths while minimizes their weaknesses.

YEARBOOK – The Yearbook is an activity that continues throughout the

school year. A final yearbook of more than 100 pages is published. In

September, students should listen for an announcement to sign up.

Yearbook is only open to 7th and 8th grade students.

WILLIAMSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY (7

th and 8

th Grade Only)

Advisors:

Kimberly Morris and Catherine Monahan

Students become eligible for National Junior Honor Society based

on attaining a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 93% or higher at the

end of 6th grade, and after the second marking period in 7

th grade,

and maintain that average for the remainder of the school year.

Eligible students receive applications for entry into the National

Junior Honor Society in February.

The five principles of National Junior Honor Society are Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Character and Service.

Students must actively and consistently demonstrate all of the

aforementioned principles and be able to provide evidence when

they submit their applications.

Students must be involved in school-based club(s), school-based sports and/or school-based activities during the school year.

Club/sport/activity participation and attendance will be

evaluated during the application process.

Applications are reviewed and students are selected for membership by a faculty panel. Inductions are held in late

April/early May.

Students who are not selected for National Junior Honor Society in 7

th grade and meet the above criteria in 8

th grade may apply for

admission into National Junior Honor Society in grade 8.

Students inducted in 7th grade are consistently reevaluated for

continuation in the program in grade 8.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY PLEDGE

I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the

National Junior Honor Society to which I have been

selected. I pledge to maintain high scholastic

standing while I strive to be a model student at

all times. I pledge to hold as fundamental and

worthy an untarnished character, to endeavor

intelligently and courageously to be a leader and

good citizen, and to give myself freely in service

to others. I will be loyal to my school; and

dedicate my time and energy in doing all the

WILLIAMSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sports, Club and Activity Tiering For NJHS Requirements

Students who are anticipating on being eligible to apply for the WMS National Junior Honor Society must demonstrate that they are active citizens within their school community. An active citizen is one who regularly attends, participates and makes meaningful contributions to their school community through their school sport, club or activity. This student should represent the school community in a positive manner at all times. WMS sports/clubs/activities have been evaluated and tiered based on the amount of hours spent by the student representing and contributing to our school community. TIER ONE sports/club/activities are those that require the students to represent the school

community beyond after-school meetings. These students often dedicate many hours for

practice/participation for games/competitions after school and/or on Saturdays.

TIER TWO activities are those that require meeting attendance and minimal participation beyond

school hours.

Students who are desirous of being considered for NJHS MUST participate in AT LEAST ONE

Tier I activity or TWO Tier II activities.

ONLY WMS SPORTS/CLUBS/ACTIVITIES will be accepted as the school-community

participation requirement for the NJHS application process.

Tier I Activities

Cheerleading Boys’ Basketball Co-Ed Cross Country Robotics

Field Hockey Girls’ Basketball Drama Club Odyssey of the Mind

Wrestling Track and Field Stage Crew

Tier II Activities Art Club Band Renaissance Braves Builder’s Club

Chorus Environmental/Recycling Math Counts Multi-Cultural

Newspaper Percussion Ensemble Student Council Peer Leadership

T.V. Studio Volleyball Club Weight Training Club Jazz Band

Yearbook Computer Club Be the Change Team

Note: Renaissance is a recognition program and not an activity, club or sport. Students may note

their participation in Renaissance in the scholarship section of their application essay.