Extracurricular Activities
wHAT OPPORTUNITIES, CLUBS, AND ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN TO ME?
Check below to see the vast selection of possible choices to enhance your learning and social experiences here at Cooperstown Central School. You can email the advisor directly if you would like more information. Parents and Caregivers, if you might be interested to assist as a volunteer! This list is continuously evolving, so please check back frequently.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
What is your purpose? The American Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award is the most prestigious award given by lawyers to a non-lawyer. The day is set aside by the Congress to celebrate our great heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under law. Law Day was instituted during the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower to emphasize that the United States is under the rule of law, as a counterbalance to the then-prominent May Day military parades in Soviet-bloc countries, which were ruled by dictators.
The Otsego County Bar Association organizes this event. The CCS History Department chooses four students based on student interest in the award. The selected student is required to write an essay on the Law Day 2020 theme: “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: the 19th Amendment at 100”. The ceremonies include presentation of the annual Liberty Bell Award to an outstanding area high school student.
Information: Contact John Brotherton jbrotherton@cooperstowncs.org or 607-547-8181
Art Club
Contact: Ms. Krause jkrause@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Wednesdays after school
Where do you meet? Room HS306
What grades are involved? 5-12
What is your purpose? Students participate in supervised instructional time and are encouraged to freely explore and to continue to develop their artistic abilities. Late bus provided.
Battle of the Books (B.O.B.)/Library Club
Advisor: Mrs. Hitchcock mhitchcock@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Various meeting dates throughout the school day and after school
Where do you meet? Library-Media Center
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? This group exists to develop, strengthen, and promote a love of reading and libraries to share with others. This group enlists meetings to incite others to develop a love for reading. An annual battle of the books is held each spring, both academic and public. This group also tours libraries.
BOYS STATE and GIRLS STATE
What is your purpose? Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors, respectively. Boys and Girls are usually nominated by their high school during their junior year.
Each state's program varies, but in general program participants are divided into subgroups referred to as cities. The citizens of each of these cities elect mock municipal officials and representatives to the mock state legislature. Many programs also have a county level as well. The participants also elect state officials, such as governor, lieutenant governor, and other state-level officials mirroring their actual State. The legislature meets to organize, elect leaders, and to pass bills, in a way that is similar to how their actual state legislature operates. Some programs tend to have a more traditional education focus, providing speakers and training throughout the week and then concluding with mock political functions. Other programs take a more hands-on approach by running the mock government activities all week.
Students are nominated by the High School Faculty in early February, and sent to the JSHS Principal
Contact Ms. Alena Krug, JSHS Office Secretary at 607-547-8181
CCS Growth Team / Trash Talkers
Advisor: Mrs. Parr aparr@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Various meeting dates throughout the school day and after school
Where do you meet? Room HS104
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? Students will participate in supporting community and local youth food awareness projects.
CCS Thespians
Advisor: Mr. Iversen and Mrs. Hogle tiversen@cooperstowncs.org, khogle@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Evening and afternoon rehearsals – Fall Musical & Spring Junior Musical
Where do you meet? TBD
What grades are involved? 7 & 8 (Spring Junior Musical); 9-12 (Fall High School Musical); 7-12 (Hawkeye Review)
What is your purpose? Fall High School Musical is rehearsal-intensive and is open to all students in the senior high school. Hawkeye Review is open to all students. Spring Junior Musical requires rehearsal and is open to junior high students.
Cooking Club
Advisor: Katie Cole
When do you meet? Tuesdays between 3:15 and 4:30 p.m. – multiple sessions hosted, please review what sessions you are in with the advisor
Where do you meet? Room HS309
What grades are involved? 3-6
What is your purpose? Students learn how to properly prepare and cook meals, with various foods and lessons hosted throughout the club’s time. Students will also eat what they make!
Envirothon
Advisor: Mrs. Parr aparr@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Thursdays after school
Where do you meet? Room HS104
What grades are involved? 9-12
What is your purpose? Students can broaden their understanding of natural resource management through the application of forestry, soil science, aquatics, wildlife, and current events. Two teams are chosen to compete at the Leatherstocking Regional Envirothon.
HOBY YOUTH LEADERSHIP
What is your purpose? Founded in 1958 by American actor Hugh O'Brian, the first youth leadership seminar was held in Los Angeles, California, and was held once a year until 1967. Since then, the HOBY program has spread to over 70 locations in all fifty U.S. states, and 19 countries and regions.
To attend seminars in the United States, a student must be chosen by their high school out of all students in that school's sophomore class. At the seminars, students participate in programs designed to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. Students also meet and converse with leaders in their community in fields such as volunteerism, media, education, philanthropy, and politics, among others.
CCS teachers recommend four students ranked on potential for leadership. The conference is held during four days in May of each year at SUNY Oneonta. Information will be sent home with students who have been nominated and selected.
Information: Contact Mrs. Jeanette Lyons, JSHS Guidance Office Secretary,
Identity Alliance
Advisors: Ms. Eldred and Mrs. Burk-Sciallo aeldred@cooperstowncs.org, rburk-sciallo@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Every other Tuesday, 3:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Where do you meet? Room HS125
What grades are involved? 7-12
What Is your Purpose? IDA creates a more inclusive and celebratory environment for the LGBTQ students. IDA leads the day of silence each year, brought more LGBTQ friendly reading material into the libraries and created a PSA to teach students in grades 5-10 what an ally means.
Junior High School Musical
Advisor: Mr. Iversen tiversen@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Daily rehearsals after school
Where do you meet? Room HS301 (Choir Room)
What grades are involved? 7 & 8
What is your purpose? Junior high students are invited to participate in all aspects of the show’s production. Students involved learn a vast array of performing, technical, and administrative skills.
Junior High School Student Council
Advisor: Mrs. Parr aparr@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Tuesday, once monthly, then as needed. During 5th period lunch.
Where do you meet? Room HS104
What grades are involved? 7 & 8
What Is your Purpose? This organization allows students a way to voice their opinions, foster school spirit and sense of community, support charities, reflect the opinions of the student body and introduce themselves to their role in a democracy.
Leo Club
Advisor: Georgia Hren-Saphier georgia.hrensaphier@nm.com
When do you meet? Thursdays, 7:00 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
Where do you meet? TBD
What grades are involved? 9-12
What is your purpose? Students who participate in Leo Club will develop time management, leadership skills, and work with team members on community service projects.
Media Team
Advisor: Mrs. Gardner jgardner@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Weekly meetings, every Friday (time TBD)
Where do you meet? TBD
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? High school students are introduced to the art of documentary filmmaking. Students are encouraged to engage with people within our community, to move outside their comfort zone, uncovering the funny, quirky, exceptional people in our midst.
National History Day
Advisor: Mrs. Hitchcock and Mr. Brotherton
mhitchcock@cooperstowncs.org, jbrotherton@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? TBD
Where do you meet? Library-Media Center
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? Students research topic based on the annual theme. They produce a process paper, annotated bibliography, and a final project. Students participate in the regional National History Day competition. Students who move on to the next level of state competition, will continue their research and improve their projects (state and then the national competition).
National Honor Society
Advisor: Mrs. Wolfe mwolfe@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Monthly meetings
Where do you meet? Room HS117 (BYOD Lab)
What grades are involved? 11 & 12
What is your purpose? Students who have earned a 92.5 average or higher will be contacted in March to apply. Students are then interviewed by a faculty committee. Honor society recognizes outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
N.Y.S.S.M.A. Music Festival (New York State School Music Association Music Festival)
Advisor: Mr. Iversen and Mrs. Hogle (Junior-Senior High School) / Mr. Daum and Mrs. Arkema (Elementary School)
tiversen@cooperstowncs.org, khogle@cooperstowncs.org, pdaum@cooperstowncs.org, jarkema@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Individual practice, audition, and some ensemble practice
Where do you meet? HS301 (Choir Room); HS302 (Band Room); E402 (Choir Room); E403 (Band Room)
What grades are involved? 5-12
What is your purpose? Students with a great interest in music may prepare a solo, either vocal or instrumental, for an adjudication festival. Some adjudications can lead to simply individual scores, and some may qualify a student for a festival sponsored by the New York State School Music Association.
Odyssey of the Mind
Advisor:
When do you meet? Weekly meetings September – December; twice weekly January and February
Where do you meet? TBD
What grades are involved? K-12; anyone can join.
What is your purpose? This program encourages teamwork and lateral thinking, working towards a common goal.
Outward Bound
Advisor: Mr. Smith bsmith@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Please see Mr. Smith for more details.
Where do you meet? Room HS305 (Tech Room)
What grades are involved? 9-12
What is your purpose? High school students may apply to participate in this Clark Sports Center program. If you are chosen, you will spend three weeks during your summer vacation in Maine where you will be canoeing, backpacking, and doing a “solo” experience. Upon returning home, you will participate in community service.
Quiz Team
Advisor: Mr. Iversen tiversen@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Weekly
Where do you meet? Room HS301 (Choir Room)
What grades are involved? 9-12 (7 & 8 by invite)
What is your purpose? Members practice for competitions such as Double Down tournament, Brain Busters tournament, TC3’s High School challenge, etc. Senior high school students are invited to participate and occasionally we will invite junior high students as well.
Rotary International Exchange Program
Advisor: Mrs. Mandy Robinson
When do you meet? Accepted students meet four times at the Rotary District level before departure
What grades are involved? 9-11
What is your purpose? Students are immersed in the culture and life of another country for one year. There is an informational meeting offered for anyone interested in September. Please listen for the announcements. There is an application process and Interview that follows. Students are notified if they are accepted in October/November.
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (RYLA)
What is your purpose? (RYLA) is a leadership program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club's district committee. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential. Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants. The format of the event vary from district to district, but commonly take the form of a seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event's curriculum.
Cooperstown RYLA participants are selected through the Cooperstown ROTARY Club, and asks our school to nominate young men and women who have proven leadership abilities and who will profit from the experience. Eligible students must be a student who will enter their senior year in September, and nominations are completed in early February.
Information: Contact Ms. Alena Krug, JSHS Secretary to the Principal, 607-547-8181
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
Advisor: Mrs. Wolfe mwolfe@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Monthly before school meetings (7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.), presentations, and events
Where do you meet? Room HS117 (BYOD Lab)
What grades are involved? 7-12
What Is your Purpose? Students are given the opportunity to learn how to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives.
Senior High School Musical
Advisor: Mr. Iversen tiversen@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Daily rehearsals after school
Where do you meet? Room HS301 (Choir Room)
What grades are involved? 9-12
What is your purpose? Senior high students are invited to participate in all aspects of the show’s production. Students involved learn a vast array of performing, technical, and administrative skills.
Science Olympiad
Advisor: Mrs. Davis bdavis@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? See Mrs. Davis for more information.
Where do you meet? Room HS103
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? Students will learn to work together and emphasis will be placed on hands-on projects that will test all disciplines of science.
Scrubs
When do you meet? Monthly meetings September – May
What grades are involved? 9-12; Applications are mailed home with report cards in June.
What is your purpose? Students have the opportunity to participate in all facets of healthcare careers and occupations.
Senior Jazz Rock Ensemble
Advisor: Mrs. Hogle khogle@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Weekly all year; before school
Where do you meet? Room HS302 (Band Room)
What grades are involved? 9-12*; By Audition
* Co-requisite students must be enrolled in Concert Band
What is your purpose? This instrumental ensemble is open to all senior high school students who wish to participate in a bid band-style ensemble that is purely extra-curricular and provides an opportunity for small ensemble playing at a high level.
Senior Jazz Rock Vocal Harmonia
Advisor: Mr. Iversen tiversen@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Twice weekly all year; before school
Where do you meet? Room HS301 (Choir Room)
What grades are involved? 9-12*; By Audition
* Co-requisite students must be enrolled in Concert Choir or Mixed Chorus
What is your purpose? This vocal ensemble is open to all senior high school students who wish to participate in an advanced-level vocal ensemble that is purely extra-curricular and provides an opportunity for small ensemble singing at a high level.
Senior Play
Advisors: Mrs. Burk-Sciallo rburk-sciallo@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Evenings, twice a week
Where do you meet? Room HS125
What grades are involved? 11 & 12
What is your purpose? Students practice over an extended period of time, January through April, creating a positive and uplifting theater community.
S.T.E.A.M.
Advisor: Mr. Peplinski dpeplinski@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Wednesdays after school
Where do you meet? Room E106
What grades are involved? 5 & 6
What is your purpose? Students may participate in a variety of science-related activities ranging from rockets to crystals, to tie-dye, and more!
Technology Education Club
Advisor: Mr. Smith bsmith@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? See Mr. Smith for more details.
Where do you meet? Room HS305 (Tech Room)
What grades are involved? 7-12
What is your purpose? Students are provided the opportunity to explore technological processes that are unable to be accomplished in existing classes.
Yearbook Club
Advisor: Ms. Schallert sschallert@cooperstowncs.org
When do you meet? Fourth period and after school
Where do you meet? RoomHS126
What grades are involved? 9-12
What is your purpose? To develop, create, and sell the Cooperstown Jr./Sr. High School Yearbook. Check out our Google Site for more information!