Clubs and activities at Farnsworth Middle School

Clubs & activities

Clubs and activities

Farnsworth Middle School
Student activities 2007-08

A - K

L - R

S - Z

Adventure Club
Students will have an opportunity to experience cooperative games that lead into enjoying FMS' high ropes courses. Possible field trips will be scheduled based on student interest.
Activity Periods in the Gyms
All grades welcome
Coach Buckley
Coach Cacckello

Bookworms
Be the first to see what's fresh in our newly renovated Learning Center. Help with such tasks as creating displays, shelving books and other fun activities. There will be one initial meeting.
Learning Center
Time/Day to be announced
All grades welcome
Mrs. Dicker & Mrs. DiMaggio

Caldecott Award Book Club
Learn what the Caldecott Medal is and how books are selected as we read these award winning books together. We will look at medal winners from 1038 to the present and enjoy rating these books with our own rating system. Snacks included.
Reading Place
Thursday Activity Period
All grades welcome
Mrs. O'Connor

Chamber Strings
This is a select instrumental music group for any student who plays a string instrument and wishes to learn more string ensemble music including Baroque, classical, jazz and fiddle music. There are several performances during the school year. All interested students should audition in September with Miss Landers.
All grades welcome/12-15 students
Mondays/3:25 - 4:05 p.m.
Orchestra room
Miss Landers

Charlotte Award Club
This book club discusses good books, brainstorms book talks, works on projects and goes on field trips to promote good books. We will have guest speakers and generally enjoy all things literary.
Monday Activity Period
All grades welcome.
Learning Center
Mrs. Di Maggio, Mrs. Schmidt, and Mrs. Stedge

Chess Club
Students learn chess strategies, play games and participate in a tournament. A good time is had by all. No costs or restrictions. All skill levels welcome!
Thursday Activity Period
All grades welcome
Mr. Flynn and Mr. Szetela

Cooking Club
Ever have a desire to be a great chef? Maybe develop a cooking style with pizzazz! Maybe a little BAM! Learn recipes that will teach techniques of great cooking.
Date and time to be announced
Mrs. Kelly

Crochet Club
Service based projects as an opportunity for you to explore avenues of becoming an important part of the community. We would hope that you would use this opportunity to spend time helping in some way. The hours spent in service to your community can be used to fulfill the service requirements for National Junior Honor Society. Keep this log in a safe place and remember to transfer previous years of service into each new school year up to and including your eighth grade year.
All grades welcome
Mrs. Kelly

Dance Club
A club to get together to share your favorite dance moves, listen to music and have fun! Limited to 20 students.
Thursday Activity Period
Location to be announced
Ms. Larman, Ms. Belfance, Ms. Aragona

Farnsworth Air Force
Farnsworth Air Force is a club for those interested in all aspects of flight. Visits to a museum and community pilot talks are also a possibility. Soar to new heights, join today!
Time and place to be announced
Mrs. Kelly

FMS Marathon
Students will run 25 days (1 mile minimum each day) at home over a seven-week period. During activity period on Tuesday, June 3, all runners will run the last 1.2 miles together. The total run will be 26.2 miles, which is the distance of an actual marathon. Entry forms will be available April 2008.
At home/ after April break/April, May & beginning of June.
All grades welcome
$8.00 (Optional T-shirt)
Mrs. Quattrocchi

French Club
Fun French related activities. Food, crafts, games, movies, fundraising and a spring filed trip to Canada!
Place and time to be announced/Activity period
Cost as determined.
Mrs. Broderick & Mrs. Coons

Future Engineers and Architects
Completing this course, taught from January to May, is a requirement for students who wish to be on the Future City competition team the following year. We will learn the basics of architecture as well as engineering principles like bridge building and city planning, etc. and will experiment with hands-on activities in building models and creating working parts. We will also become familiar with requirements of the Future City competition and learn about the science of predicting the future. Students will create a SimCity model that will serve as the beginning of a plan for the Future City design. Field trip(s) may also be scheduled for this group.
Jan.-May, Thursdays @ 7:45 a.m.
Learning Center
6th and 7th grade students - Enrollment limited to 30.
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

German Club
Get together with other students interested in the German language. Have fun exploring a variety of activities connected with German culture.
Day/Place to be announced
Activity period
Ms. Hill

German Club Web site

Guilderland Animal Protection Society

GAPS- "Filling in the gaps between animals and people." Come join the fun and learn all about wildlife and domestic animals. Guest speakers, fundraisers and group activities for all animal lovers! From saving a manatee to adopting an elephant...we do it all!
Two Tuesdays a month
3:30 to 4:05 p.m.
Mrs. M. Whipple, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Green, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Margosian

History Club
Join this exciting group in which students research and create projects for National History Day competition. The theme this year is "Conflict and Compromise." Students can create a performance, documentary, exhibit, or write a research paper (either as an individual or a group of up to five). However, research papers can only be written as an individual, not as a group. Weekly classes will focus on skills and methods of history research. This project requires a significant amount of work outside of the classroom. Completed projects will be entered in the regional History Day competition at the State Museum in March. Students who win at the regional level will go on to the State competition, and State winners will go on to the National Finals in College Park, Maryland. We have had many FMS students who have made it to the national level of this program. Additional coaching sessions (outside of the early morning time) will be required and students will be responsible for scheduling those appointments with the teacher.
Wednesday @ 7:45 a.m.
Learning Center
All grades welcome - 25 student enrollment.
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

Intramural Sports
Soccer, lacrosse, softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country running, gymnastics, wrestling, floor hockey, and track and field are offered to FMS students.
All grades welcome
Activity period
Physical Education staff

Jazz Ensemble
Open to saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass guitar, and drum set students. This group will perform difficult jazz music meant for more advanced musicians. Students will be selected for this group by audition in September. See your band director or Ms. Holliday to sign up for an audition.
All grades welcome
Monday, Activity Period
Mrs. Austin

Junior Ski Club
Junior ski club is for new skiers and boarders and for those skiers who want to improve their skiing ability. All participants take ski lessons as part of a package offered by Jiminy Peak ski area. Transportation, lift tickets and lessons are included in the cost. Rental equipment is available. This is first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the program is to be determined, with preliminary information available at all open houses.
Starting in December
Thursday evenings
Mrs. Abbruzzese and Mr. D. Ball

Marine Biology Club
Learn about marine habitats. Culminates with a trip to Key Largo, FL and a publication created by students.
Place/Time/Day to be announced
Grades 7 and 8
Ms. Long

Mask
FMS Mask is the group which produces a full length musical in March. Any students in grades 6, 7 or 8 are invited to audition. Auditions will be in the fall and rehearsals will begin after school and will go into the evenings. Students will sing, dance and act.
Activity period
Day to be announced
Ms. Woodley/Producer
Mrs. Mewhorter/Musical Director

Mask Set Construction
Students will construct the sets needed for the Mask production using specifications and designs provided by the MASK director.
Activity periods Oct. - March 4
7th and 8th grade
Mr. McGreevy

Math Counts
Sharpen your math competition skills by participating in coaching sessions to prepare you for the Math Counts competition. Students who have attended coaching are given the opportunity to try out for the teams that represent FMS at the regional Math Counts competition at G. E. in February. The winning teams from Regional go on to the State Competition in March. Once the competition team members and alternates have been selected, they will be asked to participate in 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. coaching sessions during January, February, (and March if the team is going to State finals) to prepare for competition.
Grades 7 and 8
Monday, Activity Period
Place to be announced.
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar and Ms. Vangelis

Math Olympiad
Compete in five national "meets" and practice and develop math word problem-solving skills. Students must follow through with their commitment once accepted for the team. Coaching sessions are held each week, with one meet a month from November through March. Tryouts will be held during the first few meetings and team members will be chosen based on participation and achievement on tryout tests.
Grade 6
Tuesdays @ 8 a.m., October - March
35 student enrollment
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

Microbiology Club
This club is open to all students who have an interest in studying how microscopic organisms play a role in our lives. Participate in experiments and hands-on activities that focus on the microscopic world that is right in front of us but rarely seen!

Place/Time/Date to be announced
All grades welcome
15 Student enrollment
Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Winchester

Natural Helpers
A peer helping group that seeks to help students, the school community, and the greater community through service oriented projects.
Two Tuesdays per month
Place, time to be announced
All grades welcome
Mrs. Bartlett

Online Book Discussion
This is an online book discussion group that uses Blackboard Learning Systems for threaded discussions about books. A few monitored chat sessions (Optional) will be scheduled for selected evenings, possibly with published authors. For busy readers, as we can have virtual discussion anytime.
Meeting day, time and place to be announced
Mrs. Docker and Mrs. DiMaggio

On the Lot
Students who participate in this course will write a script for a one to two minute video production, become a director to have others act it out while you are filming, and finally (time allowing) edit it using desktop Moviemaker software.
Feb. - May, Mondays @ 7:45 a.m.
Location to be announced
Grades 7 and 8
20 student enrollment
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

Peer Mentoring Club
This is a peer-mentoring program in which mentors work with 6th and 7th grade mentees during Activity Period. You will assist with academics, organization, and other skills. Must receive parental approval and two teacher recommendations to qualify to join.
Late September (orientation)
Place/Time/Date to be announced
Mrs. Abbasi and Mr. Rogotzke

Pine Bush Club & Organic Garden Club
A service club dedicated to maintaining our butterfly, native plant, and organic gardens.
All grades welcome
Tuesday Activity period
Room 303
Mr. Fiero

Running Club
This club offers students the opportunity to exercise during the cold months of the winter. Students run inside the building and play running games in the hallways after school hours.
Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m.
All grades welcome
Mr. Rausch

S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
S.A.D.D. is a group dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, drug use, teen violence and teen depression and suicide. As a part of the S.A.D.D. group, students will participate in a variety of activities aimed to help other students make positive decisions.
Every other Tuesday @ Activity Period
Grades 7 and 8
Room 100
Mrs. McPherson

Select Band
This select band will perform difficult and challenging music as well as show tunes and fun music. Students must audition in September to be in the club. Any woodwind, brass, or percussionist may audition. Note: Earth science students can rehearse on Friday mornings.
All grades welcome
50-60 student enrollment
September in Band Room
Mrs. Austin

Select Choir
Select Choir is an auditioned group of unchanged voices that is open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. They must be a member and be in good standing with their grade level chorus in order to audition. Auditions are held in the fall. If accepted into this club, students must be able to commit to weekly Friday morning rehearsals from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Please note that Earth Science students can rehearse on Friday mornings and students may participate in both Select Choir and Select Band.
Friday morning @ 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
All grades welcome
Mrs. Mewhorter

Senior Ski Club (visit our Web site!)

Ski and board on Saturdays with your friends at various ski areas in New York and Vermont! Senior Ski Club is open to all students in grades 7 and 8 who have at least one year of experience. Seven trips will be scheduled from December through March. No lessons or equipment rentals are provided. Specific information can be obtained from Mr. Freeman in Rm. 505.
December - April
Time to be announced.
Mr. Freeman

Sign Language Club
Come learn or improve your sign language skills. Join us for games, storytelling, and role playing.
November - April, Time TBA
$2 per student for supplies
All grades welcome
Ms. Vooris

Spanish Club
Spanish Club is a club for all students interested in the Hispanic culture. Activities can include guest speakers from the community, service-oriented programs, cooking, music, arts and crafts. Join us for a great Spanish experience.
Place/Time/Day to be announced.
Mrs. Karins, Mrs. Dugan, Ms. Palma

Speech & Debate
Do you like to argue? Are you willing to learn how to argue in a formal contest? Then this group is for you. Students will learn Ted Turner (Crossfire) Debate procedure, improve and practice their public speaking and use logic skills to win an argument. There will be a tournament and trophies for the top teams. An interschool tournament may be arranged.
October - February, Mondays @ 7:45 a.m.
Learning Center
All grades welcome
40 student enrollment
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

Spring Roller Hockey
Competitive roller hockey games. Players will wear helmets and gloves.
Mid-March
Monday & Thursday @ Activity period
Main Gym
Mr. Curro

Stage Band
This is a jazz based group that teaches the jazz and rock styles of music and invites all band instruments to participate. No audition is required.
All grades welcome
Wednesday @ 7:45 a.m.
Band room/Round Building
Ms. Woodley

String for Beginners
The beginner strings program is offered to any student who is interested in learning violin, viola, cello or bass. Sixth grade beginners can anticipate joining the orchestra by January! Instrument rental will vary depending on instrument.
All grades welcome
September-December
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Room 514
Miss Lander

Student Council
Representatives and alternates are elected by their social studies classmates. Officers are elected in school-wide elections. Students must make a commitment to attend meetings and dedicate additional time to successfully organize and participate in activities. Meetings are every other week during the school day.
Place, Time, Day to be announced
Mrs. Clum Dolan
Mrs. Crisafulli

Taekwondo
Students will learn basic martial arts skills and develop fun and advanced techniques to put on a demonstration for an audience.
Tuesdays @ Activity Period
All grades welcome
Mr. Rice

Technology Club
Construction design and testing of rockets, Hovercraft and various technology related items.
Tuesday @ Activity Period
Grade 8
20 student enrollment
Mr. McGreevy

TV News Club
This club provides students with the opportunity to learn how to operate a television studio. The club meets for training sessions during activity period. Club members produce the FMS morning program and students become involved in various other video productions.
Place, days and times to be announced
Mr. Freeman, Mr. Huntley, Mr. Tuxbury

Videography
Students will learn the fundamentals of video taping special events and sports including working with other students on new stories for our TV News Club. You will learn to use computer editing and special effects programs for raw footage and put together a final project. You will produce, direct and run the TV equipment in the studio for shows that will air on Channel 16.
All grades during Activity period
15-20 student enrollment
Mr. Huntley

Vigorous Vocabulary
This class is a must for those students who are participating in the Johns Hopkins Talent Search and taking the SAT this year. In the class, we will have fun while learning Greek and Latin roots of words, expanding vocabulary and playing games like Bingo and Jeopardy to reinforce our learning. We will also learn strategies for vocabulary/reading assessment tests. Limited to 35 student enrollments, but an unlimited enrollment online option is also available for this course. See Mrs. Escobar for more information.
October - January,
Thursdays @ 7:45 a.m.
Learning Center
Sign up at www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/FMSenrichment
Mrs. Escobar

Washington Studies Group
Students will investigate the wonderful travel opportunities with a culminating three-day trip to Washington, D.C. on March 28-30, 2008. The cost will be $907.00. You will choose areas of interest and plan out your travel agenda. The group will create projects that share what you have learned. Parent chaperones are welcome!
Grades 7 and 8
1st Tuesday of the month/Activity period
Mrs. Gifford and Ms. Nugent

Web Page Design Club
The club is looking for students interested in learning Web design and podcasting. We need writers, artists, and those who like computers. We will focus on design, maintaining pages and offering support to others. No experience is necessary. You can earn service hours depending on the project you choose.
Tuesday Activity period
Place TBA
Mrs. Dicker and Ms. Mineau

Writer's Club
This club is for writers looking to develop their craft and talk to other writers about their work. Students will be given opportunities to publish their writing via our school literary magazine, the Alt n' U. Students will also be introduced to places to send their work outside of school for publication.
Place, day and time to be announced
Mrs. Fanning and Ms. Slingerland

Yearbook Club
Students work from the end of September through the end of February preparing the layout of photos for the yearbook. Students need to be available to attend work sessions one day a week (to be announced). They will also be responsible for selling yearbooks in November and distributing the books in June.
Place, day and time to be announced
Mr. Freeman and Mr. Tuxbury

Youth Iris Society
If you are interested in plants or just like to play in the dirt, come join the Iris Society. We will be planting and studying irises throughout the year. Members will be given opportunities to be published and participate in a poster contest and flower show. We will meet approximately once a month.
Place, day, and time to be announced
15 student enrollment
Mrs. Maier

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