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Club Special 2014

 

Unicycle Club: Senior Alexander Lund does a 360° unispin Monday, Sept. 8 outside the athletic entrance. Photo by Robin Donohoe
Unicycle Club: Senior Alexander Lund does a 360° unispin Monday, Sept. 8 outside the athletic entrance. Photo by Robin Donohoe

This year’s Club Day will showcase over 70 groups, displaying various interests and passions of students from all grades.
Science teacher and club director Michael Hazeltine said, “It is really important that students find a niche at the school, and clubs make that possible.
“Students should feel comfortable at the school, and clubs increase their comfort level, academically and socially.”
 
All Students Care (ASC)
What: Students serve the community by volunteering at various events.
When: Check ascnewton.org for meeting times.
Goal: “To get more kids involved and to help the community,” said junior Ben Shale, an officer.
Officers: Shale, senior Maddie Maloney, and juniors Henry Forman and Deven Labovitch.
Adviser: Parent Kim Boucher.
Contact: [email protected].
—Eleni Balafas
 
Animal Rights Club
What: Students volunteer and fundraise for an animal shelter.
When: Thursday X-blocks, location to be determined.
Goal: “To help out the community and be more aware of the issues around animal rights,” said junior Sarah Williams, the officer.
Adviser: To be determined.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Metser
 
Art Club
What: Students sell art projects to raise money to help homeless children in Boston.
When: Thursday X-blocks in 129.
Goal: “To create beautiful pieces of art, raise as much money as we can for ‘Horizons for Homeless Children,’ and have fun,” said junior Mary Solovyeva, an officer.
Officers: Solovyeva and junior Melissa De Carmago Gross.
Adviser: Art teacher Shannon Slattery.
Contact: [email protected], [email protected].
—Rose Bostwick
 
Asian Culture Club
What: Students learn about and participate in activities relating to Asian and Asian American cultures.
When: Monday X-blocks in 353.
Goal: “To put on the best Asian Culture Day and Asian Culture Night possible,” said senior Cameron Hunt.
Officers: Hunt, senior Julie Duong, and juniors Sabrina Ng and Fiona Yang.
Advisers:  English teachers Charlene Beh and Michele Leong.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Aviation Club
What: Students construct and fly homemade model airplanes.
When: Saturdays 12 p.m. at members’ houses or on the multi-purpose field.
Goal: “To get every interested member up to a point where they are comfortable piloting a model aircraft and have the skills to design and construct their own planes and multirotors,” said senior Izzy Brand, an officer.
Officers: Brand and senior Luke Fisher.
Adviser: Science teacher Kevin Brosnan.
Contact: [email protected] or Facebook group “NNHS Aviation Club.”
—Connor Vasu
 
Badminton Club
What: Students play badminton and compete against other schools.
When: Monday and Thursday X-blocks in the SOA.
Goal: “To improve our members’ skills and do well at the yearly state championships,” said junior Bonnie Chan, an officer.
Officers: Chan and sophomore Jing Zhu.
Adviser: Math teacher Derek Hogan.
Contact: [email protected].
—Isaiah Bowden
 
Bird Club
What: Students learn about and appreciate birds.
When: Wednesdays after school in 425.
Goal: “To share our personal birding experience and help each other gain a better understanding of birds,” said senior Kaija Gahm, an officer.
Officers: Gahm and senior Becca Webster.
Adviser: Science teacher Ann Dannenberg.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maxwell Kozlov
 
Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC)
What: Students discuss topics regarding race and hold the annual Black Culture Day.
When: Thursday X-blocks in 268.
Goal: “To create a voice for minorities by working with the community to spread awareness of who we really are,” said senior Mathena Abramson.
Officers: Abramson and seniors Ezeka Allen, Tanaja Jordan, Desiree Miranda, and Naz Night.
Adviser: Science teacher Jodie Cohen.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Behind the scenes: Juniors Kayla Tynes and Carly Thayer work on costumes Thursday, Sept. 11 in the costumes room. Photo by Robin Donohoe.
Behind the scenes: Juniors Kayla Tynes and Carly Thayer work on costumes Thursday, Sept. 11 in the costumes room. Photo by Robin Donohoe.

Boys’ Ultimate
What: Students practice, play games, and compete in local tournaments.
When: Everyday after school at Cabot Field.
Goal: “We’re trying to get out there, play some Ultimate, and cause a general ruckus,” said senior Eli Schwamm, an officer.
Officers: Schwamm and senior Alex Lund.
Adviser: Science teacher Matthew Anderson.
—Nour Chahboun
 
Creative Writing Club
What: Students write and share writing.
When: Friday after school in 368.
Goal: “To inspire members to write as much as they can and improve their writing if they’d like,” said sophomore Ariel Cox, an officer.
Officers: Cox and junior Katherine Zhou.
Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Class of 2015
What: Class officers discuss and organize both fundraisers and major events, in addition to managing budgets and discussing venues for Senior Prom.
When: Thursday third lunch in Beals House.
Goal: “Our goal is to raise more money than we did the year before, while managing to plan a prom that blows last year’s Junior Semi-Formal out of the water,” said class president Nathan Buchwald.
Officers: Buchwald and vice presidents Noah Blankenship, Lucine Boloyan, Bali Connors, and Alex Wei.
Advisers: History teacher David Bedar and television and film production aide Amanda Mazzola.
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Class of 2016
What: The president and officers work on an overview of the year and brainstorm long term plans, setting details for upcoming events, and delegating work.
When: Thursdays before school in the cafeteria.
Goal: “An unforgettable prom and a possible charity project or world record,” said class president Benjamin Cole.
Officers: Cole and vice presidents Sofia Leav, Perri Succoff, Sophie Tavolieri, and Alex Weylman.
Adviser: Guidance counselor Michelle Kennedy.
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Class of 2017
What: Class officers discuss ways to earn money throughout the year.
When: Barry House once a week.
Goal: “To raise money for events and items that the class will be excited about,” said class president Ryan Steele.
Officers: Steele and vice presidents Erique Green, Gabby Grossman, Devin Perlo, and Luna Zhang.
Advisers: To be determined.
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Math Team: Junior Ruthie Jia and seniors Anna Ellison and Kavish Gandhi prepare for a math meet Wednesday, Sept. 10. Photo by Robin Donohoe.
Math Team: Junior Ruthie Jia and seniors Anna Ellison and Kavish Gandhi prepare for a math meet Wednesday, Sept. 10. Photo by Robin Donohoe.

Class of 2018
What: Elected students plan events and fundraise for the Class of 2018.
When: Elections will be held Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Goal: “To plan events for the class and fundraise. I think it’s really important for kids to be involved in this,” said science teacher Jodie Cohen, the adviser.
Officers: To be determined.
—Andrew Mannix
 
Crossfit Club
What: Students complete short, high-intensity workouts to get in better shape.
When: Every day after school outside the fitness center.
Goal: “To encourage people of all levels of athletic abilities to pursue improving their fitness and health,” said senior Ming Kibel, the officer.
Adviser: Physical education teacher Lauren Baugher.
Contact: [email protected].
—Val Dountcheva
 
Dance Club
What: Students learn and perform different styles of dance.
When: Every day after school in 416.
Goal: “The goal for the club is for everyone to dance and get along,” said sophomore Victoria Rodriguez, the officer.
Adviser: French teacher Margot Murphy.
Contact: [email protected].
—Val Dountcheva
 
Debate Team
What: Students debate issues to practice thinking and speaking about topics with sophistication and responsibility. When: Thursdays 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., location to be determined.
Goal: “To learn that, as much as we refuse to believe so, every side of an argument has merit,” said senior Bill Shen, an officer.
Officers: Shen and junior Edward Ding.
Adviser: To be determined.
—Sean Garofalo
 
Divest Newton
What: Students advocate for progressive climate legislation and policy.
When: To be determined.
Goal: “To divest Newton from fossil fuels,” said senior Kerry Brock, an officer.
Officers: Brock and senior Peter Diamond.
Adviser: Science teacher Ann Dannenberg.
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Dreamfar High School Marathon Team
What: Students train to run the Providence Marathon.
When: After school Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in 469, and on Saturdays.
Goal: “To show students how inputting effort can output reward,” said senior Sarina Wolfe, an officer.
Officers: Wolfe and junior Ruby Mayer.
Advisers: Math teacher Stephanie Chmura and reading specialist Amy McMahon.
—Sean Garofalo
 
Fashion for a Cause
What: Students organize a spring fashion show benefitting UNICEF.
When: Monday X-blocks in 424.
Goals: “We’re all looking forward to working with new people, because most of the club graduated,” said sophomore Caira Turnage, an officer.
Officers: Turnage and sophomore Laurel Stanley.
Adviser: Science teacher Shu-Yee Chen.
—Adam Clements
 
Feminism Club
What: Students contribute and work with organizations and groups that support feminist issues to raise awareness about feminism and its importance.
When: Tuesdays or Wednesdays after school in 352.
Goals: “To spread awareness about gender inequality, decrease the stigma surrounding the idea of feminism, and educate ourselves and the rest of the school about issues both within our community and in the world,” said junior Naomi Forman-Katz, an officer.
Officers: Forman-Katz and junior Michaela Morgan.
Adviser: English teacher Shannon Barker.
Contact: [email protected].
—Zoe Dissanayake
 
Fencing Club
What: Students fence and practice fencing drills. Students who are new to the sport are taught the basic skills to help get them started.
When: Monday X-blocks in the cafeteria.
Goal: “To have fun fencing and teach kids how to do the sport. Depending on how many people we get, we may try to go to a competition or something,” said senior Noah Carlen.
Officers: Carlen and senior Aris Vanderpool.
Adviser: Latin teacher Elise Rubenstein.
—Zoe Dissanayake
 
Film Club
What: Students watch different films of various genres and discuss them afterwards.
When: To be determined.
Goal: “To have well-thought-out discussions about film and important elements of film culture and cinematography,” said senior Kyle Mendelsohn, an officer.
Officers: Mendelsohn and junior Noah Brown.
Adviser: Television and film production aide Amanda Mazzola.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacqueline Gong
 
Forté
What: Students learn and practice a cappella songs and then perform at gigs and concerts.
When: Sundays 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the officers’ houses.
Goal: “To learn more songs than normal and to have fun,” said senior Ella Laniado, an officer.
Officers: Laniado and senior Rachel Schindler.
Adviser: Fine and performing arts department head Todd Young.
Contact: [email protected].
—Andrew Mannix
 
Josh Shub-Seltzer Boys’ Ultimate: Senior Alex Gekas throws a disc during Ultimate practice at Cabot Field Friday, Sept. 12. Photo by Robin Donohoe.
Josh Shub-Seltzer
Boys’ Ultimate: Senior Alex Gekas throws a disc during Ultimate practice at Cabot Field Friday, Sept. 12. Photo by Robin Donohoe.

Friday Afternoon Culture Society
What: Students explore popular American culture through contemporary television programs.
When: Friday third lunch in 269.
Goal: “To blow off steam and eat delicious food after a long week of school,” said senior Ethan Plotkin, an officer.
Officers: Plotkin and seniors Ben Porter, Ari Seckler, and Remy Vrahas.
Adviser: English teacher Kate Shaughnessy.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jonny Levenfeld
 
Future Business Leaders of America
What: Students learn real life business skills such as actively recruiting potential sponsors, doing sales pitches, and planning for Newtonopoly.
When: Monday X-blocks in 319.
Goal: “To create a fundraiser production of a board game called Newtonopoly. The proceeds from the fundraiser will help to build a school store,” said business teacher Robert Kane, the adviser.
Officer: Senior Asya Grozdanova.
Contact: [email protected].
—Carolina Gutierrez
 
Gender Sexuality Alliance
What: Students engage in discussions on a variety of topics affecting the LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Asexual) community and plan events such as the annual ToBGLAD (Trans, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian Awareness Day).
When: Thursday X-blocks in 242.
Goal: “To increase a sense of community and understanding in our school,” said senior Spencer Bronk, an officer.
Officers: Bronk and seniors Leah Budson and Sam Taylor.
Adviser: Spanish teacher Daniel Fabrizio.
Contact: [email protected].
—Carolina Gutierrez
 
Girls Achieving Leadership and Service (GALS)
What: Students discuss female empowerment and feminism-related articles, as well as participate in other activities.
When: Monday X-blocks in 269.
Goal: “To volunteer as much as we can this year and really just form a club that girls are really comfortable to go to and just hang out and talk about things,” said senior Laura Schlossman, an officer.
Officers: Schlossman and junior Natalie Cohen.
Adviser: English teacher Mary Palisoul.
Contact: Facebook group “NNHS G.A.L.S.”
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Girls’ Ultimate
What: Students practice and play Ultimate, and compete in tournaments.
When: After school everyday at Cabot Field.
Goal: “We’re a super positive-minded sport and everyone’s really into the spirit of the game,” said junior Zoe Hecht, the officer.
Adviser: Science teacher Matt Anderson.
Contact: [email protected].
—Astrid Kugener
 
Greengineering Club
What: Students assemble into groups and take on projects concerning the environment.
When: Tuesdays and Fridays after school in the Innovation Lab.
Goal: “To provide time outside of class for Greengineering students to innovate and to give those who did not get into Greengineering an opportunity to try it,” said sophomore Tharun Kannan, an officer.
Officers: Kannan and sophomore Junghyun Park.
Adviser: Innovation Lab director Stephen Chinosi.
Contact: [email protected].
—Astrid Kugener
 
Class of 2016: Guidance counselor Michelle Kennedy discusses the upcoming school year with juniors Sofia Leav, Sophie Tavolieri, Perri Sucoff, Benjamin Cole, and Alex Weylman in a Class of 2016 meeting Thursday, Sept. 11. Photo by Robin Donohoe.
Class of 2016: Guidance counselor Michelle Kennedy discusses the upcoming school year with juniors Sofia Leav, Sophie Tavolieri, Perri Sucoff, Benjamin Cole, and Alex Weylman in a Class of 2016 meeting Thursday, Sept. 11. Photo by Robin Donohoe.

Guidance Aides
What: Upperclassmen join freshman homerooms each week to help freshmen transition into high school.
When: Tuesday and Thursday homerooms.
Goal: “To give freshman students a perspective on adjusting to the school and to give them people they can ask if they have questions or say ‘hi’ to in the hallways,” said senior Rachel Schindler, an officer.
Requirements: Students must be a junior or senior.
Officers: Schindler and senior Brianna Gershkowitz.
Adviser: Guidance counselor Christine Potter.
—Lucy Lu
 
Hiking Club
What: Students go on hiking trips to the Blue Hills and White Mountains.
When: Various days after school in 429.
Goal: “To get students out in nature through hiking and having fun with friends,” said senior Kerry Brock, an officer.
Officers: Brock and senior Michael Razis.
Adviser: Science teacher Ann Dannenberg.
Contact: [email protected].
—Lucy Lu
 
House Management Club
What: Students help set up the theatre and welcome Theatre Ink audiences by passing out programs and selling tickets.
When: Sign up for a show night on the Theatre Ink callboard.
Goal: “To give our audience members the best experience possible while they enjoy our productions,” said junior Maxwell Kozlov, an officer.
Officers: Kozlov, junior Amanda Kuo, and sophomores Sofia Perez-Dietz and Devin Perlo.
Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown.
Contact: [email protected].
—Leah Budson
 
Improv Club
What: Students practice and perform improvisational comedy.
When: X-blocks in the Little Theatre.
Goal: “To focus on getting more people to feel at ease when they are performing,” said senior Elena Rodriguez, an officer.
Officers: Rodriguez, senior Daniel Ruttenberg, and junior Jen Gately.
Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Theatre Ink: Junior Sam Shereda talks to senior Celia Gittleman about stage managing and Theatre Ink’s March musical, “Once Upon a Mattress,” at Theatre Ink’s open house Wednesday, Sept. 10. Graphic by Josh Shub-Seltzer.
Theatre Ink: Junior Sam Shereda talks to senior Celia Gittleman about stage managing and Theatre Ink’s March musical, “Once Upon a Mattress,” at Theatre Ink’s open house Wednesday, Sept. 10. Graphic by Josh Shub-Seltzer.

Italian Culture Club
What: Students arrange trips to the North End, watch and discuss Italian movies, and cook and eat Italian food.
When: Various X-blocks in 256.
Goal: “To experience and learn about Italian culture and teach people who might not take Italian as a language but are interested in the culture,” said senior Gabriella Coppola Flynn, an officer.
Officers: Coppola Flynn and senior Becca Popma.
Adviser: Italian teacher Maria Procopio.
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
—Maxwell Kozlov
 
Japanese Film and Anime Club
What: Students will watch anime and work with the Manga and Comic Club to organize and fundraise for a trip to Anime Boston, an anime convention in the spring.
When: Tuesday and Thursday X-blocks in 363.
Goal: “To provide our club members with experience in fundraising, expand the anime community, and share and discuss the anime that we watch,” said junior Joanna Le, an officer.
Officers: Le and senior Coco Erikson.
Adviser: English teacher Wendy Richardson.
Contact: [email protected] or the Facebook group, “Newton North Anime and Manga Club.”
—Amy Morrill
 
Kickball for A Kure
What: Students play kickball while raising money for a charity of choice.
When: Monday X-blocks on the front field.
Goal: “To raise money and have a successful club as well,” said senior Maddie Irwin, an officer.
Officers: Irwin and senior Bali Connors.
Adviser: Support teacher Brian Collier.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Ladies’ Coding Club
What: Students learn basic computer coding skills to program robotic devices.
When: Thursday X-blocks every other week.
Goal: “To learn the basics of computer programming and electrical engineering, as well as encouraging girls to explore these male-dominated fields,” said senior Sarina Wolfe, the officer.
Adviser: Innovation Lab director Stephen Chinosi.
Contact: [email protected].
—Leah Budson
 
League of Legends Club
What: Students play League of Legends, learn game strategy, and compete in tournaments.
When: Monday X-blocks in 217.
Goal: “To make a team and compete in a weekly competition where we play against other high school teams in League of Legends,” said sophomore Alex Chin, the president.
Officers: Chin and vice president Michael Yip.
Adviser: Jubilee director Sheldon Reid.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Ligerbots
What: Students from North and South work together to build a fully functioning robot and then compete against other schools, while also fundraising, organizing, and managing the team.
When: Informational meeting next Monday X-block in 139 (after that, to be determined).
Goal: “To remain a worldwide top 100 team, return to the New England District Finals or beyond, and have our team members continue to develop their engineering, management, and business skills,” said senior Sean Fitzpatrick, an officer.
Officers: Fitzpatrick, senior Alex Samaha, and South junior Rachel McVittie.
Adviser: Administrative technology specialist Phil Golando.
Contact: [email protected].
—Amy Morrill
 
Math Team
What: Students practice math skills and prepare for competitions.
When: Wednesday after school in 465.
Goal: “To compete well in meets, make it to States, make it to New England Regionals, and get younger members,” said senior Kavish Gandhi, an officer.
Officers: Gandhi and senior Anna Ellison.
Adviser: Math teacher Elisse Ghitelman.
Contact: [email protected].
—Catherine Waters
 
Media Literacy Club
What: Students watch movies and television shows and discuss their impact on society.
When: Monday X-blocks in the library.
Goal: “To talk about issues that people don’t want to talk about,” said junior Alexia Perides, an officer.
Officers: Perides and junior Samantha Leone.
Adviser: English teacher Mary Palisoul.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Stage Crew: Freshman Campbell Rogers works on a set piece for “Brighton Beach Memoirs” Monday, Sept. 15. Graphic by Leah Budson.
Stage Crew: Freshman Campbell Rogers works on a set piece for “Brighton Beach Memoirs” Monday, Sept. 15. Graphic by Leah Budson.

Mentors in Violence Prevention
What: Students discuss bullying and stereotypes in a safe environment.
When: Thursdays after school in the Library Learning Commons.
Goal: “To get everyone to come together and make the school a better place,” said senior Liv Sloane, an officer.
Officers: Sloane and seniors Brianna Gershowitz and Kat Hansell.
Adviser: Math teacher Rachel Mingos.
Contact: [email protected].
—Catherine Waters
 
Melocotones
What: Students arrange and perform covers of songs a cappella.
When: Weekends at members’ houses.
Goal: “To create a close group of friendly people who love to sing and perform,” said senior Camille Evans, an officer.
Officers: Evans and sophomores Jennifer Bindman, David Mapes-Frances, and Elizabeth Wu.
Adviser: Fine and performing arts department head Todd Young.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Microcredit Club
What: Students raise money and give out loans to businesses in developing countries.
When: Every other Thursday X-block in the college and career center.
Goal: “To raise money and make loans to people in third-world countries,” said senior Alyssa Kann, an officer.
Officers: Kann, seniors Anna Ellison and Mridula Peddada, and junior Gina Hsu.
Adviser: History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone.
Contact: [email protected].
—Andrew Mannix
 
Mock Trial
What: Students prepare both sides of an assigned case to compete against other schools.
When: Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m in room 356.
Goal: “Making it to the state championships,” said senior Rebecca Hurwitz, an officer.
Officers: Hurwitz and senior SeungWan Kang.
Adviser: History teacher John Fitzgerald.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Model UN
What: Students debate current world events and go to conferences at local high schools and universities.
When: Thursdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the film lecture hall.
Goal: “To get students more interested in current events and debate and to get them to learn about things from other countries’ perspectives,” said junior Lilly Skerlj, an undersecretary general.
Officers: Skerlj, secretary generals seniors Chloe Amouyal and Daniel Ruttenberg and undersecretary generals senior Haley Ring and junior Alex Weylman.
Adviser: History teacher Gregory Drake.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Newtonian
What: Students create this school’s yearbook, recording events of the past year.
When: In 275. Time to be determined.
Goal: “To put together a yearbook that everyone can enjoy,” said television and film production aide Amanda Mazzola, the adviser.
Officers: Currently accepting applications.
Contact: [email protected].
—Leah Budson
 
Newtonite
What: Students write and edit articles to be published in this school’s newspaper, both online and in print.
When: Every day in 273.
Goal: “To provide useful and interesting information to students and faculty at North,” said senior Leah Budson, an editor in chief.
Requirements: Students must take journalism to be an editor. Any student may write blogs, take photos, make graphics, sell advertisements, and maintain the website.
Officers: Budson and senior Connor Vasu are editors in chief.
Advisers: English teachers Thomas Fabian and Derek Knapp and television and film production aide Amanda Mazzola.
Contact: [email protected].
—Eleni Balafas
 
Newton Teen Voice
What: Students discuss issues affecting Newton teens and work with the city government and other social groups to find solutions to these problems.
When: Wednesdays 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Health and Human Services room at Newton City Hall.
Goal: “To work with the city government to effectively address teen issues by designing and implementing practical solutions for the community,” said senior SeungWan Kang, an officer.
Officers: Kang and junior Benjamin Cole.
Adviser: Youth Services director Jenny O’Higgins.
Contact: [email protected].
—Leah Budson
 
Northern Lights
What: Students collaborate as a coed a cappella group to make music.
When: Sundays 7 to 9 p.m at members’ houses.
Goal: “To make ourselves more widely known,” said senior Nellie Rogers.
Officers: Rogers and senior Jonathan Gomolka.
Adviser: Guidance counselor Matthew Ford.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maxwell Kozlov
 
Oceanators
What: Students express their interest in oceanography through engaging in discussions and other activities.
When: Wednesdays after school in 425.
Goal: “To make something that will benefit the whole school, and for people who love oceanography to share their passion,” said senior Tamara Aleksanyan.
Officers: Aleksanyan and senior Polina Feschenko
Adviser: Science teacher Ann Dannenberg.
Contact: “Oceanators” Facebook group and [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Old Grannies’ Club
What: Students participate in crafts such as knitting, crocheting, and needlepointing.
When: Thursday X-blocks in 129.
Goal: “To make crafts, have fun, and make friends,” said senior Lucy Beizer, an officer.
Officers: Beizer and junior Gloria Singleton-Kahn.
Adviser: Art teacher Cindy Massoff.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Peer Mentoring
What: Mentors serve as student ambassadors for new or prospective students by allowing students to shadow them. Mentors also help students out during their first days of classes.
When: Times vary.
Goal: “To facilitate the transition for new students coming into the school,” said senior Julia Feinstein, the officer.
Adviser: Guidance counselor Kyra Bateman.
Contact: [email protected].
—Leah Budson
 
Peer Tutoring
What: Students give or receive extra support in various subjects from upperclassmen.
When: Various blocks throughout the school week.
Goal: “To offer support to all students who struggle in one or more subjects by pairing them up in a one-on-one tutoring environment,” said science teacher Melissa Rice, the adviser.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jackie Gong
 
Philosophy Club
What: Students learn about philosophy and discuss thoughts and opinions about particular topics.
When: Thursday X-blocks, location to be determined.
Goal: “To foster a welcome and open community—we’re all just trying to learn,” said senior Alyssa Kann, an officer.
Officers: Kann and seniors Chloe Amouyal and Lauren Benson.
Adviser: To be determined.
—Andrew Mannix
 
Poetry Club
What: Students discuss, write, and share poems.
When: Friday third lunches in 364.
Goal: “To create a fun and relaxed atmosphere where we can read, write, and share poems,” said senior Molly Dalzell, an officer.
Officers: Dalzell and senior Leah Budson.
Adviser: English teacher Maureen Kavanaugh.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Rugby Team
What: Students play and practice rugby and participate in tournaments.
When: During the spring sports season every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday after school.
Goal: “To popularize the game of rugby in Newton. This year, our goal is to win the state title,” said senior Jack Sharer.
Officers: Sharer and South senior Conor Boyce.
Advisers: South teachers Michael Sapers and Matthew Condon.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Science Team
What: Students prepare to compete in different events, such as the Science Olympiad, the Blue Lobster Bowl, TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science), and others.
When: Times vary.
Goal: “To educate students in sciences that are not offered at this school,” said senior Luke Fisher, the president.
Officers: Fisher and vice president junior Amy Huang.
Adviser: Science department head Amy Winston.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Ski and Snowboard Club
What: Students ski and snowboard
recreationally.
When: Students take two to three weekend trips a year (leaving Friday after school and returning Sunday night) to ski mountains in the area.
Goal: “To allow students who love to ski and snowboard to be able to have a time to go with their friends and just have a good time,” said senior Meghan Lyons-Dunckel, the officer.
Adviser: Special education teacher Stephen Hess.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Social Debate Club
What: Students debate social issues in the world.
When: Monday X-blocks in 351.
Goal: “To allow students of Newton North to express and argue their opinion in an organized way about social issues that appear throughout the world around us,” said junior Natasha Yunen, an officer.
Officers: Yunen and sophomore Gregory Brumberg.
Adviser: English teacher Alicia Carrillo.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Squash Club
What: Students practice and compete against other schools in the area.
When: Three evenings a week at the Harvard Moore Center Squash Courts.
Goal: “To have good matches against other schools and maybe enter in the High School National Tournament,” said senior Fiona Ross, an officer.
Officers: Ross and senior Taylor Lord.
Adviser: Math teacher Audrey Prager.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Stage Crew
What: Students design and create the sets, lights, and sound for productions at this school.
When: Every day after school until 6 p.m.
Goal: “To create whatever scene, place, or time that is appropriate for the show to make it as lifelike as possible,” said senior Elizabeth Reilly, a student technical director.
Officers: Reilly and senior Abby Rowe are student technical directors. Juniors Natalie Bohm and Samantha Notick are assistant student technical directors.
Advisers: Theatre Ink technical director Michael Barrington-Haber.
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Student-Library Advisory Club
What: Students help the librarians do tasks in the library.
When: Free blocks and lunches.
Goal: “To learn the basics of being a librarian-in-training,” said junior Katherine Zhou, an officer.
Officers: Zhou, senior Becca Webster, and juniors Gina Joseph and Marisa Ng.
Advisers: Librarians Erin Dalbec and Annette Tate.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Theatre Ink
What: Students work to annually produce 12 to 13 productions.
When: Rehearsal and production schedules vary.
Goal: “To create a community where anyone has the opportunity to find and improve their niche, be it acting, creating sets, designing costumes and makeup, organizing props, or administering business,” said junior Amanda Kuo, a student producer coordinator.
Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maxwell Kozlov
 
Theatre Ink Costumes
What: Students craft, sew, create, and design costumes for Theatre Ink productions.
When: Every day after school in 179.
Goal: “To create and teach others the skills they need to create high quality costumes for theatre productions while having fun,” said costumes teacher Ruth Talvacchia.
Officers: Juniors Jules Clott and Alison Forman-Katz.
Contact: [email protected].
—Maya Abou-Rizk
 
Theatre Ink Student Producing
What: Students assist Theatre Ink director Adam Brown in running the business side of Theatre Ink.
When: Time varies.
Goal: “To ensure that Theatre Ink runs smoothly by creating the programs, handling bills, managing communication with parents, and helping set up on show nights,” said junior Maxwell Kozlov, a student producer coordinator.
Officers: Kozlov, junior Amanda Kuo, and sophomores Sofia Perez-Dietz and Devin Perlo.
Adviser: Theatre Ink director Adam Brown.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Tiger Docs
What: Students explore areas of medicine that club members are interested in through guest speakers, discussions, small projects, dissections, videos, and field trips.
When: Monday or Thursday X-blocks every other week in 213.
Goal: “To aim to expose participants to the various possibilities available within the field and to give back to the community by fundraising for a medical organization that the club members choose,” said senior Danielle deBairos.
Officers: deBairos and senior Adam Zupancic.
Adviser: Special education teacher Jane Kenslea.
—Andrew Mannix
 
Thoughtprints
What: Students discuss literature, art, and music submitted to the Thoughtprints magazine.
When: Sundays 7 to 9 p.m. at members’ houses.
Goal: “To foster a welcoming community devoted to lit, art, and music,” said senior Alyssa Kann, an editor in chief.
Officers: Kann and senior Kaija Gahm.
Adviser: English teacher Neil Giordano.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jessica Tharaud
 
Tutors In Action
What: Students help fifth graders at Cabot Elementary school with math homework.
When: Mondays outside the film lecture hall at 2:45 p.m to walk to Cabot Elementary School and tutor 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Goal: “To create a comfortable and focused learning environment in which tutors can assist students with their math assignments. The hope is that both tutors and tutees receive a benefit from working with each other, whether it be comprehension of material or learning to remain calm and patient,” said senior Lucine Boloyan, an officer.
Officers: Boloyan and senior Kimberly Ng.
Adviser: Counselor Darby Veere.
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
—Andrew Mannix
 
Unicycle Club
What: Students learn how to ride and practice new tricks on unicycles.
When: Monday and Thursday X-blocks on the tennis courts.
Goal: “To recruit new riders, get all new riders to be able to do some basic unicycling, create a Newton Unicycle Society, and work with Brookline juggling club to put on shows for charity and birthday wishes,” said senior Alexander Lund.
Officers: Lund and junior Benjamin Cole.
Adviser: Science teacher Deborah Lund.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jacob Sims Speyer
 
Up Close
What: Students discuss current events and politics.
When: Monday X-blocks in 326.
Goal: “To hold invigorating discussions that are fun and informational,” said senior Nicky Kaufman, an officer.
Officers: Kaufman and senior Liam Wilcox Warren.
Adviser: History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone.
Contact: [email protected], [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Veteran’s History Club
What: Students interview veterans and discuss history.
When: Once a month in 369.
Goal: “To further teens’ understandings of post traumatic stress disorder and the experiences of veterans after their combat is over,” said junior Thomas Wittrup, an officer.
Officers: Wittrup and junior Shay Lynch.
Adviser: History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone.
Contact: [email protected].
—Connor Vasu
 
Wiffle Ball Club
What: Students socialize and play wiffle ball.
When: Fridays 3 p.m. near the softball field.
Goal: “To build a friendly community,” said senior Jason Beshansky, an officer.
Officers: Beshansky and seniors Brian Fitzgerald and Brett Stanton.
Adviser: Basketball coach Matt Bell.
Contact: [email protected].
—Jonny Levenfeld

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