Activities and Clubs

Get Involved!

Most of the student clubs and activities described on these pages meet during Academic Advisement Period after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays. There is a second condensed bus run home on these three days after this period so students can stay to enjoy the wide range of activities offered at the school and still be transported home. For more information on any of the activities below, contact the advisor listed.

List of current clubs, activities and organizations

Art Club

Advisors: Mrs. Corrigan and Mrs. Layden

Students help to raise funds for and participate in a variety of art-related activities including workshops and projects, school and community mural painting, a spring trip, Arts Fest, and local and regional exhibits and competitions.

BH-BL Student News

Advisor: Mr. Reynolds

Our school newspaper is published several times each year. It functions as an activity, and students from all grades are encouraged to participate. Click here to visit the club’s website.

BH-BL National Honor Society

Advisor: Mr. DiPrimio

Students are elected to the Honor Society in limited numbers in their Junior year. Eligibility requires a 90 average in all courses and election on the basis of leadership, character, and service.

BH-BL World Languages Honor Society

Advisor: Mrs. Shanholtz

Students enrolled in a Level 3 language course or beyond are elected to the World Languages Honor Society in their Sophomore or Junior year.  Eligibility requires a commitment to the study of at least one language in the school district with a 85 or above average, and an active involvement in the language community, inside or outside of school.

CIVITAS (History Club/Debate Club)

Advisor: Mrs. Tolan

Open to students who want to learn formal debate procedures for controversial topics.

Coding Club

Advisor: Ms. Perry

Coding Club is open to all students who have an interest in computer programming and software development.  This club provides students the opportunity to collaborate with each other on projects of their own interest as well as those that serve the community.  Students have opportunities to compete in coding competitions with other high schools.  No programming experience is required.

Digital Media/Computer Club

Advisor: Mr. Mosall

Digital Media/Computer Club is for students who enjoy working with computers and are interested in creating movies. Interested students need not have computer experience to join.

Drama Club and Stage Crew

Advisors: Mrs. Derrick, Mr. Lombardi

Students interested in performing and acting sponsor a fall play and a spring musical. Students learn lighting and technical aspects of performing.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Advisor: Mrs. Wheeler

This a very active club which is affiliated with both State and National F.B.L.A. Students engage in a variety of activities every year, including state and national competitions. Emphasis is on developing leadership skills.

Green Club

Advisors: Mrs. Adams and Mr. Kowalski

An environmental awareness group open to all students.

Interact

Advisor: Mrs. Bach

Interact stands for International Action. It is a service organization sponsored by the Burnt Hills Rotary. The group prides itself on helping others and raising funds for worthwhile causes in the community, nationally, and internationally.

International Club

Advisor: Ms. Zaderej

Students who have participated in A.F.S. or other exchange programs share activities with students interested in promoting international understanding.

Jazz Ensemble

Advisor: Mr. O’Shea

Students who are already members of the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Symphony Orchestra are eligible to audition for this select group. Exception may be made for guitar and piano, but are strictly at the discretion of the director. The Jazz Ensemble performs at two evening concerts throughout the year, the annual Arts Festival, and at selected venues and festivals off campus.

Leadership Training Program (LTP)

Advisors: Mrs. Blais, Mrs. Golden and Mrs. Saccocio

Students are selected from this program following their sophomore or junior year to provide guidance, leadership, and mentoring for ninth-grade students. LTP students are expected to work closely with their assigned homerooms throughout the year.

LeFont

Advisor: Mr. Reach

LeFont is our annual literary magazine. It includes collections of essays, short stories, poems, and art work contributed by students. Editors read and appraise the material that is submitted and choose the features for publication.

Masterminds

Advisor: Mrs. Erickson

Masterminds is a quiz-bowl competition for high school students. This club is open to students interested in competing “Jeopardy-style” in academic trivia-based matches. Members of the team are selected and spend time practicing and preparing for matches at area schools.

Mu Alpha Theta Math Club

Advisor: Ms. Litynski

This club is open to all high school students who are interested in mathematics. We have monthly math contests and plan math-related activities. Emphasis is on having fun while working on math problems, building puzzles, and discussing math in the world.

New York State Mathematics Honor Society

Advisor: Mrs. Durant

Students are selected in their Sophomore year after completing three semesters of math in the high school. Eligibility requires a math average of 85 in all semesters of high school math and an average of 80 in all semesters of high school science. Students must exhibit exemplary character, leadership and service.

New York State Science Honor Society

Advisor: Mr. Watts

Students are selected in their Sophomore year after completing three semesters of science in the high school. Eligibility requires a science average of 85 in all semesters of high school science and an average of 80 in all semesters of high school math. Students must exhibit exemplary character, leadership and service.

New York State World Languages Honor Society

Advisor: Madame Leloir

Students must have maintained an average of 85 or above in the study of at least one language. Students must be actively involved in the language community, either inside or outside school.  Learn more about the World Languages Honor Society on the website.

Pep Band

Advisor: Mr. O’Shea

Open to all band students. Students perform at all home football games. Rehearsals are two or three times before the first game and prior to each game performance.

PRIDE

Advisors: Ms. Bach

Students in this club raise awareness and promote the acceptance of diversity in the district.

Principal’s Advisory Council

Approximately twelve students appointed by the principal meet as necessary in order to provide an independent voice in matters of student concern. These may include such diverse issues as cafeteria concerns, attendance, and skateboarding.

S.A.D.D.

Advisors: Mrs. Henry-Starace

Students Against Destructive Decisions promotes projects that discourage drinking and driving.

Science Club

Advisor: Mr. Watts

Open to all students wishing to explore their interests in science. The club allows students to further their knowledge in all avenues of science including technology, engineering, and electronics beyond what is taught in the classroom. Members have the opportunity to compete in several events during the year against other area schools.

Select Choir

Advisor: Mrs. Derrick

Students currently enrolled in Concert Choir, Mixed Chorus, Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Concert Band are allowed to audition for this group.

Ski/Snowboard Club

Advisor: Mr. McQuay

Day trips are planned to regional ski centers. Participation is open to all students.

Strat-o-Matic Club

Advisor: Mr. DiPaolo

Open to students interested in competing in this active version of fantasy baseball. The groups meets frequently during AAP.

Student Government Organization (SGO)

Advisors: Mr. Bucci and Mrs. Summersell

Student Government Organization is an umbrella for an active program of student activities. S.G.O. serves as an advisory board to the principal on matters of general concern. It meets regularly to study school problems and make recommendations for procedure or policy changes.  SGO Website

Wellness Club

Advisor: Mrs. Henry-Starace

This club promotes projects that discourage destructive behavior and promotes positive choices and decision making.

World Language Club

Advisor: Mrs. Shanholtz

This club is open to all students interested in expanding their knowledge and use of world languages and cultures.

The Spartan Yearbook

Advisors: Raelene Noll & Jennifer Faas

The Spartan is our yearbook. It is divided into many departments. Any student may work under copy layout, photography, advertising or business. If you have questions and concerns, please email hsyearbook@bhbl.org.

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Organizational Procedures for Clubs & Activities

Starting a Club

1. Any group of students wishing to form a club or organization should:
2. Identify the number of students interested;
3. Obtain a faculty advisor;
4. Obtain approval of the principal after stating the purpose and plans of the organization; and
5. Apply for a charter from the Student Government Organization.

Groups wishing to meet for short-term activities may do so with approval of the principal.

After-School Building Use

Any student group wishing to use the school for after-school activities should submit an application to the Main Office. This application should include a brief description of the activity and any special arrangements and should be signed by the advisor of the student group. The application forms are available at the Main Office.

Fund Raising

A calendar to register in-school sales of candy, etc. is kept in the Principal’s Office. Board of Education policy prohibits out-of-school sales.