ACTIVITIES GUIDE 1

EAST MEADOW HIGH SCHOOL

A GUIDE TO CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

19TH EDITION 2013-2014

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 2

Table of Contents

Introduction

List of clubs and activities ................................................................. 3

Clubs and Activities

Art Club .............................................................................................. 4

ASL Honor Society............................................................................. 4

Chess/Go Club .................................................................................... 4

Composers Club ................................................................................. 5

Connection Club .............................................................................. .. 5

Environmental Club .......................................................................... 5

EPIC Club........................................................................................... 5

Ethnic Awareness Club ..................................................................... 6

Fashion Club....................................................................................... 6

French Honor Society ........................................................................ 6

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) ................................. 7

HOOPS ............................................................................................... 7

Horticulture Club ............................................................................... 7

Italian Honor Society ......................................................................... 8

Jet Gazette .......................................................................................... 8

Key Club ............................................................................................. 8

Kickline/Rockettes ............................................................................. 8

LOTE Honor Society ......................................................................... 9

Math Team ......................................................................................... 9

Model Congress .................................................................................. 9

National Art Honor Society ............................................................... 9

National Honor Society .................................................................... 10

Peer Leaders ..................................................................................... 10

Perspective ........................................................................................ 11

Pre-Med Club ................................................................................... 11

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decision) ............................ 11

SAFE (Students Alliance for Equality) .......................................... 12

SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team) .................................... 12

Science Honor Society ...................................................................... 12

Spanish Honor Society ..................................................................... 13

Step Team ......................................................................................... 13

Theatre Guild ................................................................................... 13

Tri-M Music Honor Society .......................................................... ..14

WHAC (World Hunger Action Club) ............................................ 14

Yearbook (Resume).......................................................................... 14

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 3

COME JOIN! Extracurricular involvement constitutes an integral part of the high school experience. As many students already know, getting involved in the myriad of activities available is necessary for a completely enriching educational life. Clubs and activities not only help you to make friends and have fun but they can help you make a big impact on our community.

At East Meadow High School we are proud of the many clubs and activities offered. Whether you are deeply involved or not at all, let this guide serve as a menu of opportunities for a well-rounded high school experience. For further information on these clubs and activities, and for their meeting dates, times, and locations, as well for their advisors, listen to the morning announcements, or check in Room 117 or in the Main Office. Come Join!

ART CLUB

ASL HONOR SOCIETY

CHESS CLUB

COMPOSERS CLUB

CONNECTIONS CLUB

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

EPIC

ETHNIC AWARENESS

FASHION CLUB

FRENCH CLUB/ HONOR SOCIETY

FBLA

HOOPS

HORTICULTURE

ITALIAN HONOR SOCIETY

JET GAZETTE

KEY CLUB KICKLINE/ROCKETTES

LOTE HONOR SOCIETY

MATHLETES

MODEL CONGRESS

NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

PEER LEADERS

PERSPECTIVE

PRE-MED

SADD

SAFE

SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY

SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY

SALT

STEP TEAM

THEATRE GUILD

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

WHAC

YEARBOOK (Resume)

*All clubs/activities are subject to changes and/or additions pending student interests and district approval.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 4

ART CLUB Our purpose in the Art Club is to learn more about the world of art through activities, meetings, field trips, group projects, and informational meetings. Students work collaboratively on long-term art projects for the Olympics of the Visual Arts, a NYS art competition, which provides an opportunity to participate in artistic problem solving. Project areas can include drawing painting, sculpture, photography and architecture.

The Olympics of Visual Arts culminates with a field trip to Saratoga Springs where students display their work and compete against schools from all over New York State.

ASL HONOR SOCIETY

The American Sign Language Honor Society is an organization dedicated to the awareness of ASL as a language and the Deaf community comprised of Juniors and Seniors who excel at the language. The ASL Honor Society accepts applications from those who have taken ASL since 7th grade, who main-tain a 90 overall average, and have at least an 85 average in other subject areas. The ASL raises money for deaf charities and organizations. Our trip to Gallaudet University in Washington DC is the highlight of the year.

CHESS CLUB/GO CLUB

The Chess Club is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn and enhance their playing techniques and the strategies involved in the game of chess. The club is a great place to meet people and we welcome new members.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 5

CONNECTION CLUB

The Connection Club offers students in grades 9 –12 a safe place to make social connections with each other through a variety of activities. Students have the opportunity to participate in games, physical activities, and go on trips. The club meets twice a month.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

The Environmental Club is a group of dedicated students who help raise environmental awareness to the student population. This is done through community education and fund-raising for worthy causes and direct beautification of the earth. Students participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Our main event is our Earth Day Celebration in the Spring.

COMPOSERS CLUB

The Composers Club provides after school time for students to use the Music Lab software and equipment for creative projects and composition.

EPIC CLUB E.P.I.C. (Expanding Your Pride in Israel Culture) is a Hebrew culture club designed to offer students opportunities to better understand the rich culture, history and traditions of Israel. Students will learn about different holidays and customs celebrated by the Hebrew people. Meetings are fun, informative, and filled with lively discussions. The year ends in a student-designed presentation for select social studies classes. It is a commemoration of Holocaust Awareness Day. Meeting times vary and are announced in the morning.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 6

ETHNIC AWARENESS CLUB

The Ethnic Awareness Club is designed to promote cultural awareness, as well as to bring people of world-wide cultures together in order to share each others’ ways of life. To accomplish the goal of sharing cultures from around the world, a variety of activities are planned each year. There are regular meetings, shared fundraising activities and extended afterschool rehearsal, as well as the African-American History Program. A May banquet culminates the year’s activities.

FASHION CLUB

The Fashion Club works toward educating high school members about current fashion trends. Members of the club become informed about possible careers in the fashion industry and how to achieve their fashion goals. The year ends with the annual fashion show featuring students from E.M.H.S. Each year, proceeds are donated to a different charitable organization.

FRENCH CLUB/HONOR SOCIETY

The French Club is open to all students in order to expose students to authentic examples of French culture and to learn more about France and French people.

The French Honor Society is limited to Juniors and Seniors with a 90 average in French. They are required to participate in French club activities and to tutor other students in French.

Meetings are once or twice a month to celebrate French culture through film, games, sample some French foods, or celebrate a traditional holiday. We also try to do events/activities which can make the French program visible in the school and district.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 7

HOOPS (Homework Offers Opportunities Promoting Success)

HOOPS is an afterschool program which provides students with the opportunity to do homework, projects (including computer use) and study for tests either Individually, in small groups, or with the assistance of a teacher.

The “drop-in” format allows you to stay for as long as you need. The program provides a designated time and space for homework completion, as well as organizational, time-management and study skills. Snacks are served and text-books and school supplies are available for use.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA

(FBLA) The Future Business Leaders of America is a national organization of all high school students participating in business and office programs. FBLA strengthens the confidence of students in themselves and their work by providing opportunities for students to succeed in projects, activities and competitive events bringing them recognition and awards for a job well done.

FBLA at EMHS gives students a competitive edge through career exploration, self-improvement, training, and community service. FBLA students build their resumes, make new friends, participate in business competitions and attend business field trips. FBLA is known for their Thanksgiving Dinner, Blood Drive, weekly pizza sales, Spring Charity Dodge ball event, business competitions, and fundraising activities.

Students from all grade levels are welcome to join!

HORTICULTURE CLUB

The Horticulture Club members participate in a variety of activities that center around plants and gardening. We work in the school greenhouse and maintain various school gardens including a seasonal vegetable garden. We help keep East Meadow High School beautiful!

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 8

JET GAZETTE (School Newspaper)

The purpose of the Jet Gazette is to disseminate information and issues affecting the lives of the East Meadow student both in and around the school. Students interested in journalism may join as staff writers writing sports, news, features, editorials, and arts & entertainment articles. Additionally, students interested in photography or the business side of journalism may participate.

This club meets several times a month to plan, create and distribute the paper. Students work on all aspects of the paper, including advertising and layout. Announcements are made in the morning several days in advance of the meetings.

KEY CLUB

Key Club is not all about Keys. It's about FUN, CHARITY, and MAKING NEW FRIENDS. It is a student-led organization whose goal is to teach leadership through serving others. It provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. Key Club International is part of the Kiwanis International Group.

Some of our major events include the Convention, Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner, Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner, and visiting A. Holly Patterson. Some of our major accomplishments include raising THOUSANDS of dollars for the March of Dimes.

If anyone is interested in joining, dues are $15.00 for the year; just come to our next meeting.

ITALIAN HONOR SOCIETY

The Italian Honor Society is made up of students enrolled in levels 4 & 5 Italian. Their Italian GPA while in high school must be a 90 or better and their overall GPA must be an 85 or better. Students that are active in the club will participate in community activities such as food drives and fundraisers. They also tutor younger students that struggle with the language in lower levels. The Italian Honor Society meets once a month to discuss upcoming events.

KICKLINE/ROCKETTES

The East Meadow Rockettes are a Kickline team. The Rockettes participate in all home football games, basketball games, and homecoming events. The Rockettes take part in Long Island dance competitions throughout the year. There are captain positions available for seniors that have been on the team the previous year. To become a member, the student must be a sophomore, junior, or a senior. Students may try out entering their sophomore year.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 9

MODEL CONGRESS

Model Congress is a debate-type club. We take current issues, turn them into potential laws, and argue the pros and cons of those issues. Visitors from other schools are allowed to attend meetings.

During the weekends, conventions take place. A Regional Convention is held at EMHS school and other Model Congresses are invited to come and participate in debates and contests.

MATH TEAM

The Nassau County Interscholastic Mathletes consists of teams of students in grades 9-12 from schools throughout the county. An introductory meeting will be held in early October. All students interested in problem solving and challenges in mathematics are invited!!

LOTE HONOR SOCIETY

The LOTE Honor Society is an organization for 11th and 12th graders who demon-strate outstanding performance in the field of Spanish, Italian, French and ASL.

Students who are accepted must meet specific criteria and must complete an application in order to be considered.

The Honor Society activities include: induction of new members, fundraisers, Foreign Language Week Activities, field trips, cultural activities and end of the year dinner/party.

NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY

The National Art Honor Society is an organization for the 10th-12th grade artists. The NAHS members demonstrate an advanced skill in the field of art. Art students can apply as long as they have an overall 85 GPA and 90 GPA in art. NAHS members participate in group activities that help promote the arts. These in-clude field trips to museums, concerts at Lincoln Center, organizing and volunteering at art exhibits, etc.

NAHS members are inducted annually at our student organized Induction Ceremony. One of our goals is to help promote art within our school community. Members can also apply to participate in our annual Senior Art Show in May.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 10

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

As the most prestigious club in the school, the National Honor Society provides a program for the 11th & 12th grade students who have an overall G.P.A. of 90. The club promotes intellectual stimulation and growth by interaction with others who share the same enthusiasm for learning. The goals of the club include establishing an Academic Wall of Fame. This wall has the pictures of past Valedictorians and Saluta-torians. Another goal is to raise the standards of the club. The N.H.S. meetings are held after school and are held monthly. The student held positions on the board include: 2 Presidents, 2 Vice Presidents, 2 Secretaries, and 2 Treasurers.

One of the National Honor Society's major events is the Induction Dinner for the new N.H.S. members. Some other activities include trips to museums, Broadway shows and movies. The National Honor Society also ushers events such as graduation, the Senior Academic Awards Ceremony and "Meet the Teacher Night." A major accom-plishment of the National Honor Society is that it established a student-run, 1-on-1 tutoring service. This service is provided for any student needing help in any area of study. The club has grown to be much more than something to write down for college. The members of the organization are expected to and do contribute their

services to the school. There is an application and admissions process. Please see the Guidance Office for additional criteria.

PEER LEADERS East Meadow High School’s Peer Leaders are a select group of Seniors who undergo a rigorous interview process in the spring of their Junior year . Those selected are trained on various topics throughout the year. They go into classes once a month to lead discussions and activities, in order to help clarify misconceptions, aid and educate students to make well -informed decisions by passing on their knowledge and expertise. Their role is not to preach, but to educate.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 11

PERSPECTIVE

Our purpose is to provide a literary magazine filled with the best of our students' creative writing, grades 9-12. We meet once a week after school. Here we discuss our own writing, setting up critical criteria and making decisions based on that criteria. We receive about 300 poems and prose pieces per school year and accept about 50.

The EMHS CREATIVE WRITING AWARD for a graduating senior perennially emerges from work submitted to Perspective. Aside from this prestigious award, Perspective sponsors a creative writing contest, the winner's work being features in our magazine. Anyone interested in poetry, short stories, and drama is welcome to join!

PRE-MED CLUB

The Pre-Med Club relates to service professions associated with the welfare of people, animals and society in general. We learn about different professional careers associated with serving people. The club has monthly meetings and runs an annual fundraiser which donates its money to Smiletrain. All members must do hours of service in some type of medical field with a supervising adult. Volunteer work is also discussed and recommended.

SADD

(STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS)

Students Against Destructive Decisions, commonly referred to as SADD, is dedicated toward helping raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, especially combined with driving. Members are involved in discussions, activities, occasional guest speakers, and various fundraisers throughout the year. The SADD chapter at East Meadow H.S. meets on a monthly basis, which is announced in the morning and posted throughout the school.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 12

SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY

The Science Honor Society’s purpose is to encourage an interest and understanding of science and science-related careers, as well as to recognize the academic achievement in science of high school students.

Students who are members are enthused about research, participate in science-related activities, have demonstrated achievement in science learning, tutor peers in science classes, and present excellent personal character.

SAFE (STUDENT ALLIANCE FOR EQUALITY)

Student Alliance For Equality helps promote a safe school environment for all stu-dents regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or other differences. Club members attend workshops, run fundraisers, and participate in various activities throughout the year. The year culminates with the Day of Silence.

STUDENT ATHLETE LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Student Athlete Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) is a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. In addition to informing students of these issues, the program also promotes involvement in positive activities, such as sports and clubs. The students must maintain an 85 average or better.

The S.A.L.T. members have attended trainings prior to this visit to learn how to conduct these sessions at the middle school. Members are trained in how to set up their work environment, how to introduce themselves, how to speak to the students, and how to field questions from the middle schoolers. S.A.L.T. members are there to serve as positive guides for the middle schoolers and answer any questions to the best of their ability in hopes of continuing to steering the future of East Meadow School in a positive direction.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 13

STEP TEAM

The Step Team provides group unity and coordination, as well as a physical and aerobic work out for all members on the team. The team stomps their feet and/or claps hands to a musical beat, along with moving into different formations. It is a big accomplishment for all when the team works together as a group with their Hip-Hop energy. Come join the fun!

SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY

The Spanish Honor Society is open to those students who have an average of 90 or better during their Freshman and Sophomore years and continue to maintain that average into their Junior and Senior years. The students must also have an average of 85 or above in their core classes. This club accepts only Junior and Senior foreign language students that are enrolled in honors Spanish. They must be able to meet all the requirements before the induction ceremony. Obligations include peer tutoring, submitting an original piece of written work in Spanish, and fundraising.

Several cultural events are held during the year. Meetings are mandatory and are an-nounced in advanced.

THEATRE GUILD

One of East Meadow High School's largest clubs is the Theatre Guild. For those who would like to be on stage, there are two major performances throughout the year. Along with these two major productions, there is the Children's Theatre Showcase, which travels to elementary schools and puts on plays for children. For those who enjoy singing, there is the Singing Showcase, which performs at Holiday Parties and other social events. There is also the Third Thursday Theater Showcase, which takes place in the Performing Arts Center every Third Thursday of each month. These shows feature different aspects of East Meadow High School’s Performing Arts each month. Another aspect of our Theatre program is the Dance and Choreography Workshop. For those who would rather not be seen or heard, there are numerous jobs doing technical work, production, directing, costume designing, and electronics. These positions are as important, if not more important, than those on stage.

To find out what is going on with Theatre Guild you can listen for announcements, or look at the Call Board, which is located inside the doors exiting to the courtyard off the Main Lobby.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 14

YEARBOOK (RESUME)

The main goal of the EMHS Resume Staff is to produce the best yearbook possible. Staff members make layouts, submit drawings, and take pictures. There is a job for almost any interest. Anyone interested can join by coming to any one of the meetings or contacting the editors.

Among other accomplishments, the Resume staff creates a yearbook that East Meadow High School can be proud of.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

The formation of the East Meadow chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society signified the school’s recognition of the importance of the arts in the development of a comprehensive educational program.

Tri-M Music Honor Society provides a means of recognizing the efforts and achievements of music students who volunteer their time and share their musical talent

with others. Students are selected for membership on the basis of musicianship, scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership, and service to their school and

community, as well as their attitude toward teachers and fellow students.

Students must have participated in NYSSMA and achieved an A on a level VI solo, and must be in good academic standing. The organization’s high standards serve to

challenge students to greater effort and accomplishment, and to encourage them in the pursuit of excellence. Music students will be invited to become members by the music

teachers of the department, and then fulfill the requirements set forth by the Tri-M manual.

WORLD HUNGER ACTION CLUB

The World Hunger Action Club, commonly referred to as W.H.A.C., is a service organi-zation concerned with promoting awareness about world hunger. Under the supervision of the advisor, WHAC aims to make positive changes within our community by organizing the annual food drive, visiting a soup kitchen to do volunteer work, and conducting sever-al fundraisers.

All year, we conduct food drives and provide the collection of items to a local food pantry. We also fundraise for “adopt a family“ in December. Other projects include: clothing, coat drive; baby drive; creating “care packages” of necessary items, like toiletries for patrons of the Mary Brennan Inn.

For these events to be successful, an active membership is needed. All high school students are encouraged to listen for announcements.

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 15

East Meadow High School

Administration

Richard Howard, Principal

Michael A. Barracato, Assistant Principal

Kristi Detor, Assistant Principal

Scott Woerner, Assistant Principal

William Brennan, Dean of Students

Board of Education

Joseph Parisi, President

Marcee Rubinstein, Vice President

Joseph Danenza

Corey Fanelli

Brian O’Flaherty

Jeffrey Rosenking

Walter Skinner

Administration

Louis R. DeAngelo, Superintendent of Schools

Anthony Russo, Asst. Superintendent for Personnel and Administration

Cindy Munter, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mary Ann O’Brien, Asst. Superintendent for Business and Finance

Patrick Pizzo, Administrator for Operations

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 16

ACTIVITIES GUIDE 17