KODA
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
2007 – 2008
KODA MIDDLE SCHOOL
970 Route 146
Clifton Park, New York 12065
Telephone: 518-881-0470 Fax: 518-383-1352
KODA CRITTER CLUB
ADVISOR: Ms. Mattesen
Our motto is “Helping people help animals.” The club is open to all KODA students. We will be sponsoring a middle school dance to raise money to help needy local families with unexpected veterinary bills and more importantly, we help people spay/neuter their pets to prevent unwanted litters. We also try to educate people about the importance of treating all animals with kindness. Our meeting times will be as announced.
KODA COURTYARD CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Dickinson
Koda Courtyard Creations gives students an opportunity to help beautify the courtyard at Koda. Students will help to install a pond with a waterfall and help enhance the area between the buildings, so students, teachers and staff can enjoy the great outdoors through out the day. Koda Courtyard Creations is open to all Koda students and will meet on Wednesdays in K604 at 3:45 until late bus.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
ADVISOR: Mr. Silvagnoli
The Jazz Ensemble is a group comprised of approximately 18 students. Entrance into the group is based on auditions held in September. The group performs several times throughout the school year at a variety of venues. It is a lot of fun, but requires a strong time commitment on the part of the student. Parents should be prepared to provide transportation to morning rehearsals and gigs. Rehearsals are held on Monday afternoons until 4:30 and Thursday at 8:00am
KODA KTV
ADVISORS: Mrs. Cummings/Mr. Valente
KTV is a multi-media presentation club that provides accurate and current information to the students and staff of KODA MIDDLE SCHOOL. Students report on events through Power Point presentations and live broadcasts over our video network at KODA. All 7th and 8th grade Koda students are welcome and we meet on Friday mornings from 8:00 to 8:40 am.
KODA KARES
ADVISOR: Ms. King
Koda Kares is a service club geared at providing students with an opportunity to interact with the school and members of the local community for the mutual benefit of both. This club is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Koda students and they will meet every week on Thursday mornings at 8:00 am.
KODA MATH LEAGUE
ADVISOR: Mr. Mruz
The contests for the math club are run by each of the sixth grade teachers. The competitions the students will complete include: Continental Math League (5 tests), New York State Math League (1 test) and a tri-building grade math competition.
KODA READING BUDDIES
ADVISORS Mrs. Psomas and Mrs. Smith
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students read with kindergarten students at Orenda Elementary School. This group learns how to work with young children, choose books for emergent readers, and practices oral reading skills. All Koda students are welcome, and we meet on Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 8:40 am
SCIENCE FAIR
ADVISORS: Mrs. Schaefer Mr. Sliwinski
Students will be given an opportunity to enter the Koda Science Fair in April. In order to compete, students must attend several organizational and safety meetings where they will be asked to explain their group’s project. Students must work in groups of two to four students to solve a problem through experimental work using the scientific method. Research scientists will evaluate the projects and prizes are awarded the night of the Science Fair. All Koda students are welcome to join and the meetings will be held as announced.
KODA SKI CLUB
ADVISORS: Mr. Mruz & Mrs. Vadney
The Koda Ski Club will travel to West Mountain for 6 ski trips during the months of January and February. The sign up is in early October. Students will learn the details at an informational meeting (date to be determined). All Koda students may join and the price will be determined by packet based pricing.
KODA SPANISH TUTORING
ADVISOR: Ms. Alexander
Open to all 7th & 8th grade students taking Spanish. Come and study, complete homework, participate in learning activities with the help of classmates and high school students. We will meet on Mondays after school until the late bus.
KODA STUDENT COUNCIL
ADVISORS: MRS. VADNEY & Mr.Mruz
The Koda Student Council is a student elected club. The homeroom representative elections are held in September and are open to all who have completed the nomination petition. Throughout the school year, the Student Council is involved in community and school activities, such as school dances, car washes, and collecting holiday gifts for the less fortunate. . Students are elected by their peers and meet on alternate Friday morning from 8:00 to 8:40.
YEARBOOK CLUB
ADVISORS: Ms. Mattesen & Mrs. Cummings & Mr. Valente
Koda 8th grade students help in the creation of the Koda yearbook. They will pick the cover, take photos, and choose and arrange the layout. Students are also involved in making posters to advertise the sale of the yearbook. They help with the collection of money and the distribution in June. The meetings are held as announced.
TRI-BUILDING AMBASSADORS
ADVISOR: Mrs. Kenyon
The Ambassadors are a mixed group of singers, both boys and girls, who perform at school concerts and civic functions for the community. The Ambassadors have also performed at Lincoln Center in New York City and at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the national group “America Sings”. The group rehearses on Tuesday afternoons from 3:40 pm to 4:10 pm, and on Thursday mornings from 8:00 am until school starts. Students in grades 6, 7 & 8 who are members of Middle School chorus, band or orchestra are eligible to audition to become a member of the Ambassadors.
TRI-BUILDING ART CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Shea
Art Club is an opportunity for students to creatively express themselves in ways that go beyond the projects that are done in art class. Students who enjoy being creative and working with a variety of materials are encouraged to join. The projects that will be done in the club are generated by students’ ideas and may include: drawing, painting, sculpture, clay, mural painting, etc. Art Club is open to 6th, 7th & 8th grade students from Gowana, Acadia and Koda. Our first informational meeting will be held for students after school on Thursday, October 19th in Room 907. Meetings will be held on Thursday afternoons from 3:35 pm to 5:00 pm. Parents will have to provide transportation home at 5:00 pm. There will be a $25.00 fee to cover material costs.
TRI-BUILDING
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKSTORE
ADVISOR: Mrs. Cobb
The Middle School Bookstore is a tri-building club open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade Shenendehowa Middle School student. The Bookstore provides an opportunity for students to learn business skills. It is a rewarding experience, but only reliable students should apply. The Bookstore is open from 8:30 am to 8:50 am every school day from September through May.
TRI-BUILDING GAK BOWLING CLUB – Grade 6
ADVISORS: Mrs. Haluska & Mrs. Sprissler
GAK Bowling Club is a tri-building club for 6th grade students who attend Gowana, Acadia and Koda. All students are welcome: experienced and inexperienced bowlers. Games will be bowled on Wednesdays at Spare Time Bowling Alley. The cost will be $50.00, which includes 2 bowling games, shoe rental, bus transportation fee, and use of lanes and balls. Transportation to the bowling alley will be provided by Shenendehowa buses. Students must have a parent/guardian promptly pick them up at 5:30 pm at the alley. Students will need spending money to purchase snacks at the snack bar. A pizza party will be provided on the last day of both sessions.
TRI-BUILDING GAK BOWLING CLUB Grades 7 & 8
ADVISORS: Mrs. Schaefer & Mrs. Palmer
GAK Bowling Club is a tri-building club open to 7th and 8th grade students. Students will take a bus from school to the Spare Time Bowling Alley on Thursday afternoons and bowl from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The fee charged for this club is approximately $54.00 per session (fall/spring) which includes the cost of bowling for six weeks, shoe rental, bowling trophies and bus transportation to the alley. Parents must pick up students at Clifton Park Bowling Alley by 5:30 pm. Each bowling session will be followed by a pizza/trophy party.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
ADVISOR: Mrs. Arthur
Chamber Orchestra provides an opportunity for orchestra students to play in a smaller, more intimate style of ensemble. Because a chamber orchestra is smaller, emphasis is placed on individual musicianship, collective problem solving, and teamwork. A major goal for the group is to achieve the ability to play and rehearse without a conductor. This group is an auditioned group that is open to instrumental students. The group will meet on Thursdays before school from 7:45 am to 8:30 am.
TRI-BUILDING CHESS CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. Soltys
Chess Club is open to all middle school students. The club will meet on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 8:45 am from October to May. Students may ride the early bus in to school or be dropped off by a parent at 8:00 am. The club provides a friendly environment where students can get together and learn the game of chess. From beginners to experts – all are welcome!
TRI-BUILDING CYBER MEDIA REVIEW
ADVISOR:
Cyber Media Review meets on Wednesday mornings from 8:00 am to 8:45 am. Students may take the early bus in (early bus passes are available from the library) or ride with a parent. Students may review all types of media including videos, games, books, etc. We are open to suggestions. Original writing including poems, songs and stories
TRI-BUILDING DANCE TEAM CLUB
ADVISORS: Mrs. Preston & Ms. Shady
Do you love to dance? Are you interested in improving your skills? The Dance Team Club is a spring, tri-building group open to all 8th grade students interested in learning precision dance techniques in the areas of jazz, hip hop, pom and kick line. All students are welcome, regardless of previous experience. Students who do not have a background in dance will have the opportunity to explore dance and learn new skills, while those with previous training will work on improving their technique and learning new moves. Finally, for those students who may someday be interested in trying out for the Shen Dance Team, this experience will enable you to meet current members of the team, help you to decide if you enjoy precision dance, and provide you with a strong foundation in precision dance skills that will help to prepare you for the tryouts. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Listen for announcements about club meeting times and dates in the spring. We hope to see you there!
TRI-BUILDING DRAMA CLUB
ADVISOR: Mr. Conover
The Tri-Building Drama Club is open to students in grades 6, 7 & 8 from all three middle schools. Students must audition for acting parts. Students may also become ticket sellers, stage hands, lighting people and other crew members. Any questions, call Mr. Conover at 881-0460, ext. 51030.
FAMILY, CAREER & COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA
ADVISORS: Mrs. Nicholls & Ms. Giudici
Everyone is part of a family, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is the only national career and technical student organization with the family as its central focus. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers and communities by addressing important personal, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. Each year the State Executive Council plans the program of work and creates a State Project. Additionally, officers are the ambassadors of our organization as they meet with government, business and community leaders. Chapter projects focus on a variety of youth concerns, including teen pregnancy, parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, environment, nutrition and fitness, teen violence and career exploration. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life ~ planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication ~ necessary in the home and workplace.
TRI-BUILDING FUN WITH FOOD
ADVISOR: Mrs. Wood
This club is for students (tri-building) who like to cook. We prepare different foods each time we meet. Guests in the culinary field are also invited to work with us and talk about their careers in food. We meet on Monday afternoons, starting October 16th through February 12th, from 3:40 pm to 5:30 pm. Students need to be picked up at 5:30 pm since there will be no buses running at that time. A fee of $25.00 to cover food expenses will be collected.
TRI-BUILDING FUTURE CITY COMPETITION
ADVISORS:
(GOWANA) Mr. Clark
(KODA) Mr. P. Whitley
(ACADIA) Mrs. Betzwieser
Future City Competition is a tri-building club. This club is mainly for 7th & 8th grade students; however 6th grade students may help. The members of the team are researching about cities and developing a city. 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 200 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: to develop an energy strategy to include fuel cell systems to power a city. 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 any one of the advisors, or e-mail Mrs. Betzwieser at betzdian@shenet.org. 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.
TRI-BUILDING INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
ADVISOR: Mr. Sergott
Indoor Rock Climbing Club will meet on Tuesday afternoon from 3:40 pm to 7:00 pm. The first club session meets from November to the end of December. The second club session meets from late March to the early May. Each club meets seven times and will accept approximately 30 students. There is a fee of approximately $115. to cover rental
TRI-BUILDING KNITTING CLUB
ADVISOR: Ms. King
Students learn various knitting stitches and practice them. Students will make knit squares to put together to make a blanket for “Warm Up America”. Knitting Club will meet every Friday afternoon from 3:35 pm to 4:10 pm. Students may take the late bus home.
TRI-BUILDING LATIN CLUB
ADVISOR: Ms. Griswold
Latin Club is a tri-building club open to all middle school students. Members help plan and hold the annual 7th through 12th grades Roman Banquet in May. The club also participates in activities throughout the year such as watching classically themed movies and doing projects. Our club will work with the High School Latin Club to match struggling middle school Latin students with “study buddies” from the High School. Our meetings are usually on Wednesdays after school in Room G16. There is a $6.00 dues fee. Specific events may cost extra.
TRI-BUILDING
MATH COUNTS
ADVISOR: Ms. Miller
Math Counts is a tri-building club for students interested in doing higher level problem solving in mathematics. The club follows the activities outlined in the National Math Counts program. It includes problem solving strategies, some enrichment instruction and participation in the local and regional Math Counts competition. It is open to 7th and 8th grade students. Meetings will begin in November and will be held in Room G26. Students will meet once a week after school on a day to be determined.
TRI-BUILDING MEN OF NOTE
ADVISOR: Ms. Messare
The Middle School Boys Choir is a select ensemble offered to boys from all three middle schools who are also members of either chorus, band or orchestra. The group will have weekly rehearsals after school every Thursday from 3:40 to 4:10 in Room 917. Students may ride the late bus home. Performances will include both winter and spring concerts along with various performances during the spring semester.
TRI-BUILDING MUSICAL THEATER
ADVISORS: Mrs. Feeny & Mrs. Arthur
The Musical Theater is an opportunity for all students interested in performing a Broadway production on the stage. Students are selected through an open audition process in early November. Rehearsals will begin in January and continue through until the actual performance of the production March 22nd, 23rd and 24th.
Rehearsals occur on various afternoons from 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm. Students not interested in performing are invited to be part of the production crews.
TRI-BUILDING ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
ADVISORS: Mrs. Betzwieser, Mrs. Alexander
Mrs. Gwinn, Mr. Sliwinski
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, see Mrs. Betzwieser in Gowana Room G18, or e-mail her at betzdian@shenet.org. She will give you the problems to look at. Listen to the announcements for our first meeting in September. We encourage anyone who likes to build, create, and have fun, to join.
TRI-BUILDING PEP CLUB
ADVISOR: Ms. Roberts
Pep Club is a tri-building cheerleading club which is open to all students in grades 6 through 8. Participants will learn motion technique, jumps, cheers, dances, basic tumbling, and the basic elements of stunting. The goal of Pep Club is to help participants start their preparation for freshman cheerleading try-outs. Pep Club will start during second semester.
TRI-BUILDING SEWING CLUB
ADVISOR: Mrs. Sayers
The Sewing Club will meet on Mondays from 3:35 pm to 5:30 pm. We will start at the end of September and meet until April. Students will complete projects by hand, as well as with a sewing machine. Projects will include room or personal accessories, simple clothing items and an optional recycling project. No experience is necessary. Since this is a tri-building club, you can join us with your friends from any middle school building.
TRI-BUILDING TALENT SHOW
ADVISORS: Mrs. S. Friedman & Ms. Shady
The Talent Show is a tri-building activity open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade Shenendehowa Middle School student. The show takes place in December, and there are mandatory auditions and rehearsals. Announcements of dates will be made well in advance of the show. A $5.00 fee will be collected from each student to cover material expenses. Come share your talent, whatever it is!
TRI_BUILDING TREBLE CHOIR
ADVISORS: Mrs. Messare & Mrs. Feeny
Treble Choir gives female students a vocal opportunity for girls’ voices. This is a select group chosen through an audition process in late September. This group is dedicated to the study and performance of quality literature. This group also offers an opportunity to perform concerts both in school and throughout the community. Treble Choir meets on Thursday afternoons from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm. Students must be picked up at 4:45.
INTRAMURALS
ADVISORS: Various Coaches
Many seasonal intramurals are offered to students in grades 6 through 8. They are listed in the student agenda, with approximate start and end dates. 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.
Middle School Intramural Schedule
Intramural Unit Dates Location
Soccer Sept. 11- Oct. 20 White Gym
Flag Football Sept. 11 – Oct. 20 White Gym
Field Hockey Sept. 11 – Oct. 20 White Gym
Tennis Sept. 11 – Oct. 20 Green Gym
Wrestling Oct. 23 – Dec. 1 White Gym
Gymnastics Oct. 23 – Dec. 1 White Gym
Volleyball Oct. 23 - Dec. 1 Green Gym
Basketball Dec. 04 – Jan.19 White Gym
Shooting games Dec. 04- Jan. 19 Green Gym
Handball Jan. 22 – Mar. 3 White Gym
Gymnastics Jan. 22.-Mar. 3 Green Gym
Hockey Mar. 12 – Apr. 27 Green Gym
Weight Training Mar. 12 – Apr. 27 H.S. East
Dodge ball Mar. 12 – Apr. 27 White Gym
Lacrosse Apr. 30 – Jun. 8 White Gym
Track & Field Apr. 30 – Jun. 8 White Gym
Baseball Apr. 30 – Jun. 8 Green Gym
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