What Do NRHS Clubs Look Like Online?
Daviel Schulman
New Rochelle High School’s decision to begin the 2020-2021 school year with remote learning impacted many aspects of the school, including extracurricular activities. Despite the difficulties with moving club meetings and activities to an online platform, many NRHS clubs have found ways to continue creating a space for students to bond over a shared interest.
Dungeons and Dragons Club
Meetings: Fridays at 3:20
Google Classroom code: e6prdnk
The Dungeons and Dragons Club was founded at NRHS just a few years ago to allow students to play this fantasy game together. It is probably one of the most unique clubs offered at NRHS. Theodore Deutscher, a senior and one of the founders, said that the club has about 30 members who split into Zoom breakout rooms during meetings. Deutscher said, “Each meeting that we have is a continuation of the following week’s story, making it like a TV show that only you get to control.” He explained that the Dungeons and Dragons Club normally holds its meetings in the House 2 Cafeteria where students can really let loose and get into their fantasy characters. Deutscher said that, under remote circumstances, “it’s more difficult to get your players to participate while you can’t see them face to face.” Nevertheless, he finds ways to engage the students and have fun with them.
Garden Club
Meetings: Thursdays at 3:15
Google Classroom code: xm6z3o5
The Garden Club normally works to maintain the garden and greenhouse on the NRHS campus. However, remote learning has forced the club to be more creative. Club president and senior Isabel Camara said that they have asked the school permission to meet in person and are planning a renovation for the school greenhouse. Camara explained, “We've designed a four-bodied project proposal that we want to begin in the spring and hopefully, future students will continue.” The four committees are called Green Spaces, Greenhouse, Planting, and the Fruit Trees Project, and they meet weekly to discuss planning. Camara also shares local volunteering opportunities, such as park clean-ups, with the rest of the club so they can stay engaged.
GSA
Meetings: Tuesdays at 3:00
To join: Email bryantsa2022@nredlearn.org or meriglianojo2022@nredlearn.org
The NRHS Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a club that welcomes students of all sexual orientations to participate in fun activities and openly discuss current events relating to the LGTBQ+ community. Samira Bryant, a junior and the club president, said that GSA meetings typically begin with an icebreaker so the new and old members can get to know each other. Aside from having discussions, the club also plays various games via Zoom and welcomes suggestions for LGBTQ+ content (movies, literature, singers, etc.). The GSA has actually found it easier to get new members in this online setting; members reach out to friends and invite them to their meetings.
JSA
Meetings: Thursdays at 3:30
Google Classroom code: u4ekpb4
The NRHS Junior State of America (JSA) is a club that allows students to have debates and discussions about current events as well as participate in larger events with JSA chapters from other schools. Dev Arbeiter, an NRHS senior and the Northeast Governor for JSA, expressed that the dynamic of JSA has changed due to remote learning, but the club was able to make the best of the situation: “The online format has also allowed us to connect with and debate JSAers from across the country, as we've had events with JSAers from Illinois, California, and Florida.” JSA is currently preparing for its annual Winter Congress convention, although the event is online this year. This preparation involves all NRHS members writing pieces of mock legislation to be debated in committees simulating the U.S. House and Senate. Arbeiter said, “I'm really looking forward to the event and am excited to see what New Ro JSA is able to pass in their committees!”
Operation Smile
Meetings: Wednesdays at 3:10
Google Classroom code: dsbb344
Operation Smile is a national organization that raises funds to help people with cleft lips or cleft palettes get safe surgeries. The NRHS Operation Smile club allows students to come together and support this organization. Bethany Young, a senior and the club president, said that club meetings are held via Google Meet and provide an informal space for students to share life updates and talk about school, which is especially important during the current pandemic. Young said, “We pride ourselves, as a club, on our motto of making friends while completing our activities to fulfill the Operation Smile goal.” The club is planning to hold a virtual, school-wide trivia night on February 5th to raise money for Operation Smile. Tickets can be purchased through the link on the club’s Instagram page (@operationsmile.nrhs).
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Meetings: Mondays at 3:15
Google Classroom code: uxk6dqr
The NRHS Tri-M Music Honor Society is a space for students who are passionate about music and are interested in music-related community service projects. During the club’s weekly meetings, students are split into Zoom breakout rooms based on the project they are working on. Now, the three main projects are a district-wide instrument drive to provide New Rochelle students with higher quality instruments, an after-school music tutoring program to support elementary and middle school students, and various virtual performances to share with the community. Nora Shefferman, a senior and the club president, said, “Within these groups, the members brainstorm ideas to make these ongoing projects better and how to reach more members of the community, both in the high school and all around New Rochelle.”
United Cultures Club
Meetings: Wednesdays at 3:00
Google Classroom code: ddy7eet
The United Cultures Club is for students who are interested in learning about other cultures and traditions in a fun and engaging way. According to the club president and senior Fadwine Celigny, the executive board has been planning to create an after-school tutoring program to support ENL students. The club is also preparing for the 8th Annual Latinx Youth Conference, an event facilitated by the Hispanic Culture Club in conjunction with the United Cultures Club, “to encourage and empower the youth to celebrate, share, learn and appreciate the richness of the Latino/Hispanic culture,” Celigny said. The United Cultures Club also does activities and presentations so members can explore various cultures and get to know one another.
Clearly, NRHS clubs have found creative ways to adapt to new circumstances and continue engaging students!