JMS Student Activities

Academic Games have been an integral part of the District's after-school program for more than 20 years. The players become involved in problem-solving activities, critical thinking, quick recall, and research skills. Intraschool and interschool competition occurs on all levels from 5th grade through high school. Participants are expected to attend twice-a-week practices.

Sponsors: Jen Marnik and Brad Kavo

Open to all 6th–8th-grade orchestra students, the Chamber Orchestra Club provides an opportunity to perform in a small ensemble setting while developing musicianship, teamwork, and confidence. Students will explore a variety of musical styles and strengthen their listening and performance skills. The club typically meets before or after school and is open to any orchestra student interested in making music with others.

Sponsor: Ms. Bitsko

Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning the game, Chess Club is a great place to sharpen your skills, challenge yourself, and have fun! Open to all students in grades 6–8, the club typically meets after school and provides opportunities to learn new strategies, play friendly matches, and compete in a welcoming environment. Join us to build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and friendships—one move at a time!

Sponsor: Mrs. Duchin

CodingGals meets after school once a week at the High School with the District Technology Director, Mr. Stengel. Students in grades 6-12 learn the joy of coding through exercises in tools like scratch as well as other fun programming apps and kits. We also try to organize field trips to local places of interest like Carnegie Mellon for learning and even coding competitions!

Sponsor: Chris Stengel

Forensic competition gives middle schoolers a chance to work as a team to contest other teams in various argument and advocacy skills.

This club runs from September through February. 

Sponsor: Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Stilley

Open to all 6th–8th-grade band students, the Jazz Band Club offers students the opportunity to explore jazz through ensemble performance, improvisation, and a variety of musical styles. Members will develop their musicianship, rhythm, and listening skills while performing fun and engaging repertoire. The club typically meets before school and is open to any band student interested in learning and performing jazz music.

Sponsor: Ms. Barbone

Do you love to perform, create, or work behind the scenes? The Jefferson Middle School Musical is open to all students in grades 6–8 and offers a fun, rewarding way to get involved after school. Whether you're interested in acting, singing, dancing, stage crew, set design, costume design, or simply being part of an amazing team, there's a place for you! The musical is typically performed in March, with auditions held in December or January. Come make new friends, build your talents, and help bring a production to life!

Sponsors: Mrs. Wetmore, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Beckett, and Mrs. Hertzog.

Do you want to make a difference in your school, community, and beyond? The LIGHT Education Initiative is open to students in grades 6–8 who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact. Through service projects, awareness campaigns, and humanitarian efforts, members develop leadership skills, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back while working with like-minded peers, the LIGHT Education Initiative is the place for you!

Sponsors: Mrs. Duchin and Mrs. Melvin

Math Club meets on Wednesdays in room 020 from November to February. The sponsor prepares students for a series of competitions designed to produce high levels of math achievement. Math Club is more than a competition; it promotes logical thinking and helps students at all levels improve their problem-solving skills.

Sponsor: Mrs. Sofran

This club meets after school in the fall and spring to run together. Students wear safety vests and are supervised as they run in the vicinity of JMS.

Sponsor: Mrs. Hertzog and Mrs. Miller

This club provides the opportunity to participate in a creative scientific environment. Students may attend one or two after-school meetings each month. Inquiry and problem-solving activities include topics not covered in the middle school science curriculum.

Interested students can also prepare a research project for presentation at the Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition held each February. The science club sponsor will work with individual students to develop and refine the presentation.

Sponsor: Mr. Petsko

Study Lab is an after-school opportunity designed to help students stay organized, complete assignments, and develop effective study habits. It provides a quiet, structured environment—free from the distractions of home—where students can focus on homework, prepare for upcoming assessments, or create a plan for managing their workload. Open to all Jefferson Middle School students, Study Lab is offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15–4:00 p.m. Registration for this club is required.

Sponsor: Mr. Berg and Mrs. Levison 

This is an opportunity for students who want to participate in the daily production of the morning broadcast. Sign-ups are held the first week of school, and a training session is required. Announcers and technical positions are assigned based upon student interest. Once trained, students are assigned to week-long broadcasting duties occasionally throughout the year.

Sponsors: Mr. Bluemling and Mrs. Anstandig

Open to all 6th–8th-grade band students, the Wind Ensemble Club provides an opportunity to perform challenging and engaging concert band literature in a collaborative ensemble setting. Students will strengthen their musicianship, technique, and ensemble skills while preparing high-quality performances. The club typically meets before school and is open to any band student interested in expanding their musical experience.

Sponsor: Ms. Barbone