Extracurricular/Enrichment Opportunities

  • ACADEMIC COMPETITION

    Academic Challenge Bowl

    Come challenge yourself with great trivia questions.  Flex those brain muscles with friends and meet someone new.  Our 7th and 8th graders can represent GCMS and participate in competitive trivia contests against other schools.

    Advisor:  Ms. Boswell

    Email: jmboswell@gateschili.org

    Chess Club

    Club members learn to play chess and improve individual skills in a fun and friendly way. All skill levels are welcome, and meetings are scheduled two times per month.

    Advisor: Alex LeClair

    Email: alleclair@gateschili.org

    Math Counts

    Seventh and eighth grade students meet once a month to prepare for the Monroe County Math Counts Competition. Four team members and four alternates have been chosen to represent our school.

    Advisor: Mrs. Ferrari

    Email: mrferrari@gateschili.org


    ATHLETICS

    Students in 7th and 8th grade can try out for participation in Modified and/or JV Sports. Information regarding our robust athletic program is available on the district website at www.gateschili.org

    Intramurals

    The Intramural program evolves from activities in the instructional program. It provides an opportunity to apply the skills learned in physical education class.  It is open to any student who wants to participate.  The emphasis is on participation, low-key competition, and FUN! 

    Advisor:  Mr. Candileri

    Email: mjcandileri@gateschili.org

    Ski Club

    All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders may participate in ski club.  We will ski or snowboard on six Wednesdays in January and February. Students can learn how to ski or snowboard from certified skiing instructors. Ski Club information with this year’s prices will be available in September.

    Advisor:  Mrs. Radley and Mrs. Carr

    Email: karadley@gateschili.org or Svcarr@gateschili.org

    FINE ARTS

    Art/Music/Drama

    Art Club

    Art Club offers creative projects and experiences to students who are interested in the visual arts.

    Advisors:  Mrs. Manou

    Email: anmanou@gateschili.org

    Culinary Club

    In this club students will familiarize themselves in the kitchen by creating new recipes each month. 

    Advisors:  Mrs. Blaesi and Mrs. Navarro-Lindsay

    Email: snblaesi@gateschili.org or denavarro-lindsay@gateschili.org

    Drama Club

    The GCMS Drama Club develops student skills in the area of improv, choreography, singing, stage presence, and public speaking. This is a great opportunity to become involved nd begin preparing to participate in our school musical!

    Advisor: Mrs. Coughlin

    Email: hlcoughlin@gateschili.org

    Jazz Band

    The GCMS Jazz Ensemble is open to students grades
    6-8 through teacher selection.  Instrumentation includes trumpet, saxophone, trombone, drum set, piano, xylophone, bass, and voice.  Performances include local festivals, social functions, and formal concerts.

    Advisor:  Mr. Vane

    Email: rpvane@gateschili.org

    Musical

    A musical is held each year in November. Try-outs are held for participation in this group.  

    Advisors:  Mrs. Coughlin, Mrs. Volpe

    Email: hlcoughlin@gateschili.org

    Spartan Original Singers: Vocal Ensemble

    The Middle School Vocal Ensemble is known as S.O.S. (Spartan Original Singers). This group combines singing and choreography and represents GCMS at various events in the school district and community. Auditions are held in June for students entering the 7th and 8th grade.

    Advisor:  Mrs. Camp

    Email: emcamp@gateschili.org

    Talent Show

    The Talent Show is a wonderful opportunity to share your unique talents with your friends and family. All students are welcome to try out to participate in our annual talent show. Singers, dancers, comedians, artists, magicians, or musicians can perform solo or with a group. Participants should be prepared to work hard, be responsible and most of all, HAVE FUN!

    Advisor:  Mrs. DeGrave

    Email: rjdegrave@gateschili.org

    LITERARY COMMUNICATION

    Bookstore

    Bookstore helpers who display hard work and responsibility are selected through recommendations by teachers and an application process. During the school day, helpers are directly involved in our school store's operation. There are two meetings during the school year that bookstore workers must attend to work in the store.

    Advisor: Mrs. Falletti

    Email: mxfalletti@gateschili.org

    Newspaper Club

    GCMS students gather information from staff and students to produce a student-run newspaper. Students will work cooperatively with other students to be a reporter, interviewer, editor and distributor. Get to know other students and teachers and exemplify the Spartan Way by reporting on all the happenings at the middle school. Occasionally the club meets to play games and have fun

    Advisors:  Mrs. Ferrari and Mrs. Veneziano-Pulliam

    Email: mrferrari@gateschili.org or kmveneziano-pulliam@gateschili.org

    Yearbook Club

    Students, under their advisor's direction, work throughout the year to develop the annual yearbook. 

    Advisor: Mrs. DeGrave

    Email: rjdegrave@gateschili.org 

    SERVICE/LEADERSHIP

    Agape Club

    “Faith, Friends, Fun on Fridays!”  Agape Club promotes a safe environment (verbally and physically) where kids can have fun, play games, and socialize, all while discussing everyday issues with a Christian foundation. 

    Advisor:  Mrs. Mantisi

    Email: tcmantisi@gateschili.org

    Leo Club 

    Leo Club is a cooperative venture with the Gates and Chili Lions Clubs to provide positive volunteer experiences for Middle School students.  The club meets every other Wednesday.

    Advisor:  Mrs. Blaesi and Mrs. Navarro-Lindsay

    Email: snblaesi@gateschili.org or Denavarro-lindsay@gateschili.org

    Make a Difference Club

    Team members work with the advisors, school and community groups doing service projects that “Make A Difference.” 

    Advisor:  Ms. Fox

    Email: jwfox@gateschili.org

    Multicultural Club

    Multicultural Club offers students the opportunity to experience cultural diversity through a variety of after school activities.  The club time will include learning some common phrases, food, guest speakers, games and videos that highlight people and places around the world.

    Advisor:  Mrs. Williamson

    Email: rewillimason@gateschili.org

    National Junior Honor Society

    NJHS honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.  Students are selected for NJHS and will meet throughout the year.

    Advisor: Mr. Chase

    Email: jmchase@gateschili.org

    Peer Ambassadors

    Members of this group work throughout the year supporting students and parents. Ambassadors regularly assist in functions such as “Meet the Staff Night” and “Family Fun Night.”  They also participate in acts of goodwill helping teachers and principals. This program is available to 7th and 8th grade students only and by recommendation only. Recommendations are made in the spring of each year for the following academic year.

    Advisors:  Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Strong

    Email: errice@gateschili.org or tmstrong@gateschili.org

    Peers Against Substance Abuse (PASA)

    Students who join this group are interested in promoting positive lifestyle choices by making a commitment to live drug free.  Students learn how to discourage their peers from using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Members of this club play games, watch movies/presentations, listen to music, participate in outdoor activities, and have fun together while participating in healthy/safe alternatives to drug use. Students will help plan Red Ribbon Week and participate in other fun, drug-free activities throughout the year. 

    Advisors:  Mrs. Henchen and Mrs. Strong

    Email: jmhenchen@gateschili.org or tmstrong@gateschili.org

    School Improvement Team (SIT)

    SIT is a Middle School group comprised of teachers, support staff, principals, students and parents who meet regularly to create and implement programs and ideas to improve student achievement. The meetings will occur once a month.

    Advisor: Dr. Zdanowski

    Email: dtzdanowski@gateschili.org

    Student Council

    Student Council officers and representatives are elected by the student body.  They meet regularly to plan school-wide activities, help increase school spirit, and sponsor fund raising events.

    Advisors:  Mrs. Dorofy and Mr. Chase

    Email: lmdorofy@gateschili.org or jmchase@gateschili.org

    Upstander Club

    Upstander Club is an opportunity for students who recognize the power behind standing up for what is right in school and recognize they can influence others to do the same.  This is a student-led club where the activities and opportunities will be student generated, designed, and delivered in powerful and creative ways through the school. 

    Advisor: Ms. Sabido

    Email: kmsabido@gateschili.org

    SOCIAL SCIENCE

    Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Middle School Club

    The GSA promotes awareness, respect, compassion, and inclusion of all. This club is an opportunity for students to discuss issues, plan activities related to diversity and provide support. The goal of the GSA is to create a welcoming environment for all students and ensure a sense of belonging in their Middle School. 

    Advisor:  Ms. Sabido

    Email: kmsabido@gateschili.org



    STEM

    Science/Technology/Engineering/Math

    Lego Club

    6th, 7th and 8th students will prepare to compete in the FLL Robotics Competition. Each year, FLL introduces a scientific and real-world challenge for teams to focus on and research.

    Advisor:  Mrs. Radley and Mrs. Carr

    Email: karadley@gateschili.org or svcarr@gateschili.org

    Outdoor Club

    The outdoor club promotes inquisition and involvement with nature. Students in this club are working to develop a sustainable outdoor courtyard for our school community to enjoy for years to come. This club is also involved in hikes, gardening, and nature trails in our larger community.

    Advisors: Mrs. Brenneis & Mrs. Dorofy

    Email: dibrenneis@gateschili.org or lmdorofy@gateschili.org

    Science Club

    Come have fun while you increase your science knowledge. The Science Club is open to all students.  Some past activities include building earthquake towers, holiday specific science experiments, and other

    Advisor:  Dr. Williamson

    Email: rewilliamson@gateschili.org

    Technology Club

    Students will engage in design challenges relative to simple machines, electromagnetism, motors, and circuitry. Come have fun while you increase your science knowledge.

    Advisor:  Mr. Maznikovski

    Email: mgmaznikovski@gateschili.org

    Sports Statistics Club

    The sports statistics club puts a fun and authentic spin on math. Students will learn the math behind their favorite sports statistics. They will track professional athletes and sports teams over time. They will even apply some of their knowledge and skills to our own Gates Chili Athletics Program.

    Advisor: Mr. Phillips

    Email: tbphillips@gateschili.org