Middle School Enrichment Activities
Adventure Club
The New Albany Middle School Adventure Club is an after-school activity open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The club was formed to provide students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in regards to science and environmental issues. Social development is also an objective as the group develops friendships and works together to achieve goals throughout the entire school year. Examples of activities include field trips to sites such as an observatory or rock climbing facility; guest speakers on science and environmental topics; and outdoor exploration, including exploring our own wetlands and camping together at the end of the year.
Advisors: Mandy McNamara and Laura Lombardi
Eagle Pride/SOAR Character Education Program
The Eagle Pride/SOAR Character Education Program was developed by staff and students to foster the most positive school culture possible. One of the primary goals of the program is to have all students come to school free from the fear of being teased, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. The entire staff and student body selected five “Eagle Pride” words: Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty. The staff and students believe these qualities embody ideal student behavior. The program’s goal is to improve the lives of our students and increase their chances of living happy, successful, productive lives, both during their school years and as adults.
Advisor: Mr. Steve Gehlert
Junior Ohio Model United Nations
Junior Ohio Model United Nations (Jr. OMUN) is sponsored by the Ohio Leadership Institute to help Ohio’s young people develop a greater understanding of the United Nations, the world’s largest peace-keeping and humanitarian organization, and to help build leadership skills in Ohio’s youth. Following weeks of intense research, delegates from member nations present and debate originally-written resolutions. Delegates select and represent a nation during the lively three-day simulation. Students are involved in conducting research, writing resolutions, developing support for their resolutions, learning debate procedures, and preparing to represent their nation in council sessions and in front of the OMUN General Assembly. Students serve as leaders of the simulation and are eligible for numerous contest and leadership awards. In addition to the OMUN simulation, students are involved in numerous global education contests. They also participate in an International Talent Showcase and attend an International Summit that concludes with an International Celebration.
Advisors: To be determined
MathCounts
Mathcounts is a national mathematics competition for middle school students. The mission of Mathcounts is to increase enthusiasm for and enhance achievement of middle school students. Students meet in the fall to prepare for the school competition in January by practicing challenging, non-routine problems. The top-scoring students will advance to the chapter competition, with the possibility of advancing to state and national competitions.
Advisors: Ginny Nicholson and Abbey Jarvis
Power of the Pen
Each year New Albany Middle School enters a full writing team (six 7th graders and six 8th graders) to compete interscholastically in the art of written expression. Our talented writers compete and receive recognition and awards for excellence in three rounds of impromptu writing. After the district tournament in February, individual writers may qualify for regional or state competition in the spring.
Advisors: Michele Oldenquist and Shannon May
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an academic competition that covers many different topics in science. Two teams ranging from 6th through 8th grades will compete in 23 challenging, problem-solving events. Students prepare for the regional competition held in March and the State competition held in April. Topics range from bottle rockets and tree identification to astronomy. The competition helps students become independent and creative problem solvers. The New Albany Middle School team has advanced to state competition seven out of eight years. In 2002, the 7/8 grade team won 1st Place in Chemistry, Astronomy, and Navigation at the regional competition.
Advisors: Kirsten Jaster & Parag Patel
Ski Club
Middle school students are provided an opportunity to join a downhill skiing/snowboarding club. The group consists of approximately 140 middle school students and parent and teacher chaperones. Students join the club in October and the Tuesday night skiing trips occur in January and February. The club makes five ski trips to Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio. Students enjoy riding chartered buses for the one-hour trip to Zanesfield. Travel time is used as a study time to complete homework. Ski Club provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn to ski and snowboard while learning to be considerate of others in a non-competitive sport. The club also provides a chance for parents and teachers to join students in a fun activity.
Advisors: Laura Lombardi and Beth Wilke
Spelling Bee
New Albany Middle School students participate in the Columbus Dispatch-sponsored spelling bee. Using the book Words of Champions, students prepare for grade level competitions. The individual winners from grades 4 through 8 proceed to the district contest. The district champion competes at the Regional Spelling Bee held on The Ohio State University campus. The purpose of the spelling competition is to help students improve vocabulary, learn concepts, and develop correct English skills that will assist them throughout their lives.
Advisor: Patty Randall
Student Council
The middle school Student Council consists of officers and homeroom representatives elected by the student body at the beginning of each school year. The objectives of the council are to provide a training ground for student leadership, to aid in developing a greater sense of loyalty to school and class, to promote a better school spirit, and to promote programs within the school. The Student Council will have major responsibilities in scheduling and coordinating various co curricular activities.
Advisors: Lana Williamson and Laura Lombardi
Yearbook
The middle school yearbook staff is comprised of representatives from the 8th grade. These students create, produce, and sell The Eagle, the New Albany Middle School yearbook. This experience includes the opportunity to learn how to develop page layouts, as well as the importance of having a schedule. These students meet after school and during study center to complete their project.
Advisors: Mary Grefka and Jennifer O’Bruba
Youth to Youth
This middle school club is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who are committed to being drug free. Yearlong drug, alcohol, and healthy living education is provided in a supportive and fun atmosphere.
Advisors: Sara Peterson
6th Grade Pilgrim Hills Trip
In the spring of each school year, the 6th grade students travel to Camp Pilgrim Hills, an environmental studies site located north of New Albany. For a week, students have opportunities to integrate various elements of the academic curriculum through hands-on and authentic outdoor activities. In addition to academic studies, the students develop social and cooperative skills. The 6th grade team of teachers and selected New Albany High School student counselors accompany the class.
Advisors: Dave Howard and Janice Roof
7th Grade Camp Nuhop Trip
Seventh graders will spend two nights at Camp Nuhop, located just outside of the Mohican State Forest. A canoe trip on the scenic Mohican River, creek bed study, and a blindfolded “drop off” hike featuring the basics of orienteering are among the highlights of the three-day trip. A visit to nearby historic landmark Malabar Farm State Park is included.
Advisors: Melissa Kelley and Shannon May
8th Grade Curriculum Trip
In eighth grade, students will take two single-day trips to locations in Ohio including a day at one of Ohio’s world-class amusement parks. These day trips allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life experiences. For example, they will feel the forces of physics during their trip to Cedar Point or Kings Island. The second trip varies by year and is scheduled to coincide with special opportunities or events that may only be available that school year.
Advisors: Josh Flory (8B Team), Mandy McNamara (8C Team), Claire Monk (8A Team)