23-24 VA Extra-Curricular Clubs
Van Antwerp has many opportunities for students to take part in, one of them being our wide variety of student groups. If you are interested in participating in any of the following, please contact the listed faculty member. Information about meeting dates and club activities are included in the student daily announcements. This list may not be inclusive of every club or activity that gets planned during the school year.
AMC Mathematics Competition
Advisor/Contact: Math Department
Time of Year: December
This is an annual national test competition in mathematics. It is open by invitation to students based on their math scores and achievement. See the AMC 8 website for further information.
Art Club
Advisors/Contacts: Ms. Sela
Meetings & Time of Year: Bi-weekly September-June
Art Club is open to all students grades 6-8. Students learn new art techniques and create collaborative works of art. Open to any student that is interested in art. Meetings are from 3:15-4 p.m.
Bookworms
Advisors: Ms. Czachor & Ms. LaFountain
Time of Year: Monthly from September-June
To discuss books and anything book-related!
Culture Club
Advisors/Contacts: Ms. Stevens
Meetings & Time of Year: Bi-weekly September-June
The purpose of the Culture Club is to give students the opportunity to educate fellow students about their different cultural backgrounds through meetings, morning announcement presentations, and possibly even a cultural night for parents and students.
Drama Club
Advisors: Ms. Evans and Ms. Klein
Time of Year: Winter/Spring
The goal of the drama club is to promote a love of theater and offer students a chance to express their creativity and perform in front of an audience. The club looks to create a community where students can express themselves creatively, build confidence, and develop their acting skills.
Game Club
Advisors/Contacts: Ms. LaFountain
Time of Year: September-June
Game Club is a place to get together and play a variety of games with friends. These can be video games, board games, etc that students are welcome to use. This club normally meets after-school as often as possible with a group of interested students.
Geography Bee
Advisor/Contact: TBD
Time of Year: November through January
The National Geography Bee is open to any interested student. Students qualify through a competition on their team to score the highest on a qualifying exam. The VA competition includes the 3 top scoring 6th and 7th graders as well as the 4 top scoring 8th graders. The Van Antwerp champion takes a written test to qualify for the NYS competition.
Homework Club
Advisors/Contacts: Mr. McFerran
Time of Year: Bi-weekly from November through May
Homework Club is designed to provide assistance to those in need of homework help or a quiet place to complete homework. High school tutors are available to help. The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4 p.m. Participation is determined by a combination of interest, need and recommendation of teachers and counselors.
Math Counts
Advisor/Contact: TBD
Time of Year: September-June w/ Competition in February
Math Counts focuses on problem solving and investigation in mathematics. Work is completed in a group/team setting to prepare and compete in regional and national competitions during the month of February. The club is open to any interested 6th through 8th grader. See the MathCounts webpage for more information.
Science Bowl
Advisor/Contact: TBD
Time of Year: November through March
Students met as a team to practice in a Jeopardy style question and answer format to prepare for the regional competition held at GE Research & Development during the first week of March. Students meet about twice a week to review science content and practice on a buzzer set up. They also must meet on weekends to build a car as part of the Regional competition. The winning team at the Regional competition moves on to Nationals in Washington D.C. in April. All students are eligible, but must take a qualifying exam and meet other criteria in order to be on the final team of five.
Ski Club
Advisors/Contacts: Mr. McFerran
This program is designed for any interested skier or snowboarder. We go to Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts. Lessons and rentals are available. Ski Club runs from January-February (Friday nights, the bus leaves at 3:30 p.m. ) Information regarding the 23-24 Ski Club can be found in this slideshow. Additional information and registration forms can be found in this packet.
Student Council
Advisors/Contacts: Ms. Ellenbogen and Ms. Cole
Time of Year: September through June
Student Council members help to organize positive messages to students, community service activities, a Spring Fling Dance in March, and a Staff Appreciation Breakfast at the end of the year.
Sports Club
Advisors/Contacts: Mr. McFerran
Time of Year: Bi-weekly September through June
Students participate in a variety of recreational sports from 3:15 to 4:00.
Ultimate Frisbee
Advisor/Contact: Ms. Lee
Time of Year: September through June
Students meet before school in the VA gym on Fridays before school to practice throwing, catching, running small drills, and playing mini games. Local adult players from Albany Ultimate Disc Association and high school members of the Nisky Ultimate team help teach and coach. Ultimate is a co-ed sport that emphasizes the spirt of the game where players make their own calls, learn conflict resolution techniques, and support social and emotional learning in a positive and inclusive environment.
VAMS Morning News
Advisors/Contacts: TBD
Time of Year: September through June (Before School)
VAMS Morning News participants help to film and edit segments of Van Antwerp’s Morning Show/morning announcements. Students learn video editing and media basics to create student -produced programs. VAMS Morning News is always in need of anchors for the Morning Show. We’ll have additional information about this soon.
Visibility Club
Advisor: Ms. Malone
Visibility meets as a group to provide a safe, supportive, inclusive environment both within the club and in the larger school community for students who identify as LGBTQI+ or as Allies. Students will participate in activities that educate themselves, their peers, and staff on issues that affect individuals who identify as LGBTQI+. Club members will be challenged to confront bullying and homophobic slurs/statements in order to create a safer middle school environment for all students.
Yearbook
Advisors: Ms. LaPatra & Ms. Fluegge
Pre-sales: September-December
Regular-sales: January-March
The purpose of the yearbook is to capture lasting memories for Van Antwerp students. If you are interested in submitting photos of activities, events or social gatherings, please contact Ms. LaPatra, alapatra@niskyschools.org or Ms. Fluegge, efluegge@niskyschools.org. Yearbook order information can be found here.