The Middle School offers several co-curricular activities for students in grades 6-8. Students are encouraged to become involved in as many activities as possible to encourage the development of social and leadership skills. It is important for students to remember that when they join an organization they represent it at all times and should behave properly. Every group wants its members to be a credit to the organization. Below are the offerings for the 2024-25 school year:
Art Club
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Sierra DeJoseph
Art Club is open to any students interested in creating artwork. Work can be independent, group-oriented (as in collaborations) or specific projects, such as pottery, digital photography, murals, fundraisers, etc. Students will have an opportunity to experience art mediums they might not have a chance to use in regular school day classes and to bring art to the school and community. The Art Club maintains a permanent art collection of student work. Each year there is a competition with members of the school community voting on favorite art pieces. The winning art works are framed by the Art Club and displayed throughout the district.
Arts and Literary Journal
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mrs. Brennan
Students meet throughout the year to discuss, create, and share original creative writing. At the end of the year, students produce a literary magazine that encompasses original writing and artwork from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes. Club members are active participants in the creation of the magazine and work on piece selection, layout, and final edits before the magazine is printed. The final compilation of original literature and artwork is published in June. Students receive all publication information in their English and art classes.
Drama Club
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisors: Ivy Rechak & Megan O’Sullivan
Drama Club provides theatrical experiences in an exciting, challenging and fun atmosphere. Students have the opportunity to participate in many ways both on stage and behind the scenes with acting, choreography, set, stage, lighting, sound and more. The Middle School (grades 6-8) Drama Production of Moana Jr. will take place in November.
Environmental Club
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mr. Whalen
The Middle School Green Team (MSGT) is for students who have an interest in working on projects that fit into the four cornerstones of the Green Ribbon School initiatives. Some of the topics GRS works on are recycling, outdoor play, healthy habits, physical fitness and learning in the outdoors.
FFA (Future Farmers of America)
Open to students in grades 6-12
Advisor: Ms. Foote & Ms. Miller
FFA is an co-curricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. While the letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America, FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; instead it welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. Today, FFA remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. Throughout the year, students participate in field trips, state and national conventions, leadership competitions and so much more!
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mrs. Depoy
Future Business Leaders of America club gives students an opportunity to work with peers on various activities that benefit the school community as well as our district community. Students explore the skills that all good business leaders need. FBLA also sponsors the food drive for SAFER, the Halloween Dance, flower bulb sale/ fundraiser, and a murder mystery night in addition to an end of the year party.
Middle School Student Council
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mr. Jorgensen
The Middle School class officers are elected by their peers as representatives for the 6th, 7th- and 8th-grade student body. The officers organize three school events throughout the year in efforts to encourage social interaction among the middle school classes. All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.
Jazz Band
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mrs. Califano
The Middle School Jazz Band is a performing ensemble that rehearses during 10th period on Thursdays. This group will learn about various styles of music within the jazz tradition, develop improvisation skills and practice pieces for their spring concert. Interested students should either be in band class or currently taking private lessons for their instrument outside of school. Students must also attend an interest meeting in September.
Math Counts
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mr. Letzring
This is a national non-profit organization that strives to engage middle school students of all abilities and interest levels in fun, challenging math programs, in order to expand their academic and professional opportunities. At Schuylerville, we generally meet twice a month during 10th period starting early in the school year until members compete in the local, and possibly state, competitions. During the meetings, we work on math problems that are not typical of a standard math curriculum. Members are taught new material and provided insight and shortcuts to become better problem solvers. Overall, it’s a time for students to get together and share a common interest in math at a level not seen on a daily basis.
Middle School Book Club
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mrs. Steele-Whitney
Middle School Book Club is designed to expose readers to a wide variety of literature. Students and the advisor will discuss literary plots, themes, and conflicts. From September to March members will read ten books in preparation for the WSWHE BOCES Battle of the Books program. Book Club members will collaboratively prepare for the Battle of the Books competition in March. Sixth graders will compete in the battle; seventh and eighth graders will help to coach and prepare the sixth graders for the competition. After the competition, the focus will be placed on learning to analyze the deeper meaning of selected works through informal group discussions and engaging activities.
National Jr. Honor Society
Open to students in grades 7 & 8
Advisor: Mrs. O’Brien
NJHS is an organization that recognizes outstanding students in grades 7-8. It honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Eligible students are invited to apply to NJHS after the first semester of 7th grade. Active NJHS members are committed to maintaining academic excellence, as well as completing required community service hours.
Robotics Club
Open to students in grades 6-8
Advisor: Mr. Belden
Robotics Club works primarily with VEX IQ Robots and RobotC/vr.vexcode.com to build and program robots that can compete in the yearly VEX IQ Robotics Competitions. Typically, a VEX Competition is hosted at Schuylerville Middle School during which students have an opportunity to test their robots and programs with students from other districts. When possible, we work with elementary students using Lego NXT Robots. The emphasis is on learning and teamwork; our goal is to have autonomous robots and students that work as a team. The club meets once or twice a week depending on workload in room 136; the club can also meet virtually to work on programming.
Ski & Snowboard Club
Open to students in grades 6-12
Advisors: Mr. Whalen & Mr. Jorgensen (Grade 6), Mrs. Vallee (Grades 7-12)
Ski and Snowboard Club is an exciting opportunity for people of all abilities. The club makes five trips to Willard Mountain, leaving school at 3 p.m. and returning by 7:30 p.m. The first organizational meeting is held at the end of November. Sixth grade students attend with the elementary ski club.
Middle School Links
Middle School Contact
14 Spring Street
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Phone (518) 695-3255
Principal: Mary Kate Elsworth
Interim Assistant Principal (grades 4-8): Beecher Baker
Attendance: (518) 695-3255, ext. 1405
School Hours: 7:50 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.