Highlands Middle School offers clubs as way to grab and keep students' interest

New Highlands Middle School Principal Becky Bragan started the school year with a goal to boost student engagement.

So far, she’s crushing it.

With support from the district administration, Bragan tweaked the class schedules so students end each day in an advisory period where several times a week they participate in a club of their choice.

“The focus is on getting kids interested in something,” said Bragan, who worked previously in the district but most recently as middle school principal in the Steel Valley School District.

“We want to get them here and keep them here.”

Club days give students the choice of a dozen options each grading quarter. Initial offerings run from line dancing to yearbook to the history of rock.

Students have the opportunity to sample 16 clubs while in the building.

“We want to build interest at a young age in what we have available here,” Assistant Principal Cory Sakolsky said.

“The kids could make a connection with a teacher outside the classroom, where maybe it wasn’t possible with academics.”

Sakolsky said faculty has shown enthusiasm for the program, which he appreciates.

“If they’re excited, that means the kids will be excited,” Sakolsky said.

Seventh grader Liam Oddis said he was excited for a board game club.

“I have so many board games at home. I love to play,” the 12-year-old said, noting that Uno is his No. 1 favorite pastime. “Maybe we’ll create our own games in the club. Who knows?”

Bragan said the clubs offer an opportunity for many students that they might not get outside of school. Also, there are subjects that might ready them for a career.

Some of the options include newspaper writing, drawing, fun with science and fashion.

“I’d like to develop a chance for them to do the morning announcements and do things that reinforce their pride in the school,” Bragan said.

Eighth grade math teacher Christine Wagner is head of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Club, where the goal is to get students involved in an existing districtwide initiative to reward good behavior.

“We want feedback on incentives and rewards that would motivate them,” Wagner said.

This year, the middle school grades are split into teams that compose “The House of RAMS.”

The Harry Potter-esque configuration includes the RAMS expectations — House of Respect, House of Accountability, House of Motivation and House of Safety. It will see students and staff working to foster positive relationships but also having friendly competitions for the House Cup.

Wagner said staff already is doling out tickets to reward students with good behavior. Four tall trophy cups sit in the hallway where students can watch as they are filled each day with the tickets. The grade that earns the most wins a big prize at the end of each quarter.

“The prizes are things that the kids come up with, maybe a dodgeball tournament or a movie day,” she said. “It will be something to motivate them.”

School leaders said the clubs encompass such an array of options that there is something for every taste.

Bragan said 30 students signed up for crochet club. There also was a demand for the lost art of cursive writing.

“We had many students ask about it,” said Kate Rizzo, an eighth grade ELA teacher in charge of that club.

“Nowadays, a lot of kids can’t even read it, but it’s a valuable skill for signing a contract or other documents.”

Bragan said her goal with the clubs is to spur socialization, develop skills to work in small groups and build relationships. Next up will be finding community partnerships and turning some of the classes into bona fide clubs that will work with and compete against other schools.

Eighth grader Gloria Blythe is excited at the chance to make new friends who share common interests. She joined the show choir club because of her passion for music.

“I really like Christmas songs,” the 13-year-old said. “But we probably won’t be singing those. It doesn’t matter. I like hip-hop, too.

“I just like dancing and singing, and I want to meet other kids who like to do that, too.”