Directory of 

Co‐Curricular Activities

ALL SCHOOL PRODUCTION Advisor: Mr. David Marconi

Advisor calls meetings when needed during December, January, February and March. The purpose of this activity is to participate in the production of the musical. Four performances are given.

ART CLUB Advisor: Jessica Beebe

The purpose of this club is to create an interest in art. Meetings are held once a month or when needed. To become a member, sign up with advisor or club officer.

CHINESE CLUB Advisor: Ms. Lily Lee

The goal of the club is to generate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture, language, and history. The club promotes the four core Chinese values of Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, and Citizenship through monthly events, which will be announced via flyers and/or email messages. Popular club activities include dumpling making sessions, ping pong tournaments, and Chinese calligraphy classes. Our largest event is the annual Chinese New Year Celebration, which typically falls at the end of January or February and is held in the cafeteria. In order to receive club credit, students must sign up with dues and participate in 2/3 of the club activities.

COLOR GUARD AND FLAG Advisor: Jill Rothstein

Meetings are held several times a week during the fall on the Marching Band field. Open to all students.

COMPUTER SCIENCE CLUB Advisor: Mr. Jamie Hudak

DEBATE TEAM Advisor: Ms. Jeannie Ryan

The purpose of this activity is to learn and master forensics. Meetings are held once a month. Students enter the program at the JV level and participate in tournament debating.

DECA Advisor:  Ms. Melissa Petrella 

DECA, a business club, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. DECA chapter members compete in many business categories in three levels of competition: Regional (Northeast NJ), State, and International. Additionally, chapter members complete community service projects both state-wide and locally. To qualify for chapter membership in NVD DECA, students must be currently enrolled in a business course or have previously taken a business class.  NJ DECA states that in order to participate in DECA students must be currently enrolled in or have previously taken a full year business class. Per the NJ DECA guidelines a computer applications course does not meet the requirements.

DRAMA CLUB Advisor: Mr. David Marconi

The purpose of this company is to provide venues for students to learn all the arts and crafts connected in theatrical performances. Meetings will be held as necessary for major productions in the auditorium and other sites to be announced. Members should take an active role in any of the productions.

E-SPORTS CLUB Advisor: Mr. David Marconi 

E.M.S Club - Mr. Mark Sterinsky 

FCCLA CLUB (Foods) Advisor: Ms. Alexis Goebel

The purpose of this club is to provide students with co‐curricular opportunities in food production. Groups meet once a month and cook a menu based on a theme. To become a member, students must attend at least 50% of the meetings and pay dues of $10 which is used to purchase ingredients and supplies.

FILM MAKING CLUB Advisor: Mr. David Caminiti

The purpose of this club is to encourage the production of student‐produced films and to showcase student films to the community. Meetings will be held twice a month at lunchtime. In order to receive club credit, students should produce at least one film and attend the majority of meetings. See advisor for further details.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS Advisor:  Mr. Christopher Shaffsick

The purpose of this club is to participate in the activities sponsored by the State FBLA to create an awareness of business in the community, to operate the school store and to participate in community service. Meetings are held two Wednesdays per month, to be announced, in B120. Sign up in September during membership drive.

GIFTED AND TALENTED Advisor: Mr. Mike Ives

9th Grade VIA Convocation once a year at St. Thomas Aquinas. 10th through 12th grades: Ethical Issues series three times a year. Participation is by selection only.

GRAPHIC ARTS Advisor: Mr. Jonathan Spoelstra

Graphic Arts Club  is to give members opportunities to work with technology and media while providing design work for the school and greater community. Areas of activity include: the study and implementation of how various media and graphic arts are used to share information effectively and the design and creation of visual materials (posters, logos, ads, etc.) for the school community and events.

GSA Advisor: Mr. Joseph McCallister 

NVD’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) aims to educate our members, the school, and the community at large about issues of interest and concern to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning youth, and their families, friends and allies. The GSA is an inclusive group formed to address student concerns about, and to provide safe space for discussion of, sex‐gender issues.

HAND IN HAND Advisor: Mr. Bill Curts

Hand in Hand is a club created to provide socialization for developmentally disabled students who live in our district but go to special schools. These students come to our high school about once a month. Activities such as baking cookies, decorating pumpkins, and dance lessons are planned. The group meets in between visits to plan.

HEBREW LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CLUB Advisor - Elana Learner 

FITNESS CLUB

Volleyball Mr. Michael Carcich  (Fall) 

Basketball Mr. Mark Sterinsky  (Winter) 

Badminton Mr. Mark Sterinsky (Spring)

INVESTMENT CLUB Advisor:  Mr. Brendan Kenny

Introduce the Stock Market through our online game of VSE Market Watch where students learn the skills of trading/buying/selling.  

ITALIAN CLUB Advisor: Ms. Paola Innocenti

The purpose of the club is to promote and foster an appreciation for the Italian language and culture. The Executive Committee is appointed in September. In order to receive credit for Italian Club, students must pay club dues and accumulate five club credits by June. Students earn club credits by participating in club events and by assisting the Executive Committee in organizing various events during the school year. Information about club events is posted on NVNET and sent to members via email. The Italian Club sponsors a variety of events such as Italian Movie & Pizza Night, Cannoli Sale, Pasta Fest, Carnevale, Bocce Tournament, museum trips, and end of the year dinner at an Italian Restaurant.

JAPANESE CLUB Advisor: Mr. Bill Paris 

The purpose of this club is to introduce students and the community to Japanese and enhance students’ interest and appreciation of Japanese culture. Monthly activities will be held usually in the cafeteria and will be announced. To receive credit for the club, students sign up with dues in September and accumulate 2/3 of the participation points.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE Advisor: Ms. Danielle Wheeler

Meets every Wednesday night during the school year in the Music Department. Performs at many concerts and assemblies during the school year. To become a member, a student should be registered in a music class.

K.A.R.E. Advisor: Mr. Robert Pugliese

The purpose of this club is to get students to volunteer for community service both in and outside of school. To become a member, please see Mr. Pugliese.

KOREAN CLUB Advisor:  Ms. Myung Jin Lee

The Korean club introduces and enriches the students' understanding and appreciation of Korean culture, history, and society.  Through various activities and meetings, members will be introduced to Korean games, foods, and traditions.

LATIN CLUB Advisor: Ms. Carrie Opderbeck

The purpose of this club is to promote Latin awareness and celebrate Latin cultural events. Meetings are held once tri‐weekly or once a month in the Demarest cafeteria. To become a member, take Latin and fulfill requirements.

LITERARY MAGAZINE (RUNES) Advisor: Mr. Martin Springer

The purpose of this club is to produce an annual literary magazine promoting reading, writing and poetry. Meeting dates and times will be announced. One may either write for the magazine or work on production. See advisors for further details.

MARCHING BAND Advisor: Ms. Danielle Wheeler

Meets during the fall on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the marching  field. The band gives numerous performances plus participation in pep rallies and assemblies. To become a member, register for Band class.

MATH TEAM Advisor: Mr. Tricia Pasarotti 

The purpose of this club is for students to solve challenging math problems. There will be opportunities for members to participate in many different competitions. Meetings are held in room G‐119 starting at the end of September. To become a member see Mr. Ives or attend the  first meeting.

MOCK TRIAL Advisor: Mr. Joseph McCallister

The Mock Trial Team sets its goal to coincide with those of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. Students in this club will increase their comprehension of the historical, ethical and philosophical basis of the American system of justice. Students will demystify the operation of the law, court procedures and the legal system. This club will also help students increase basic life and leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and analyzing.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS Advisor: 

Model UN is an extracurricular activity that is open to all grades.  Simulating the United Nations, students research and discuss current problems facing the World.  Students debate, discuss and attempt to solve issues as global citizens, while understanding the impact of those decisions on individual countries.

MULTICULTURAL CLUB Advisor: Ms. Julia Bell

The focus of the club is to benefit from exposure to and discuss various cultures and multi‐ethnic groups.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Zahos

The purpose of the society is to promote those qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service to school and community that have been deemed most desirable in high school students. As its name implies, the organization is honorary and follows national criteria for selection. Membership in the NHS is a privilege, not an entitlement.

Students may be considered as potential candidates in the fall of the junior year. The basic selection criteria are summarized below: They are constantly being reviewed and are subject to change. The complete set of by-laws for the Norvalis Chapter, including a more detailed explanation of the criteria given below, may be available on the school’s homepage (clubs) and is also available from the advisor.

Academics: The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.7500

(as calculated by the Demarest Guidance Department).

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Ideally, candidates should have served in several leadership positions in any combination of Demarest activities and Community activities.

Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school, to classmates, or to community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. As a necessary condition for eligibility, the junior student must have participated in at least 6 in-school activities by the end of their sophomore year, and the senior student must have at least 7 in-school activities prior to the start of the senior year and confirmed by the advisor. Meeting the above-mentioned ‘activity minimums’ is not a sufficient condition for evaluation of ‘Service’ – it is only a starting point. All students will also be given the opportunity to document other services either unrecorded special work at Demarest or outside in the community that can help demonstrate their service commitment. The National Honor advisor will verify all such documentation.

Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. Part of the process in reviewing good character is the evaluation of the student’s disciplinary record maintained by the administration.

Once they become members, students must maintain their performance to the same criteria or face possible dismissal from the organization, as indicated in the by-laws. All current members are required to tutor in the tutoring center. Students must also do 20 hours of community service each year. Of the 20 hours of community service, 10 hours each year must be performed through in-school activities. Students who fail to maintain these standards will be warned of their deficiencies and given an opportunity to re-establish their good standing. The dismissal process can be found in the by-laws and on the school’s homepage (clubs). The NHS Faculty Council shall determine when an individual has exceeded a reasonable number of warnings. In the case of a flagrant violation of school rules (e.g., cheating) or civic laws, a warning is not required. In all cases of impending dismissal, a member shall have the right to a hearing before the Faculty Council Members who are dismissed from the National Honors Society by the NHS Faculty Council may appeal the decision to the building principal and under the same rules for disciplinary appeals in the school district.

Cheating/Plagiarism and admittance in the NHS 

• Confirmed infraction is cumulative for 4 years

• 1st Offense 6 points - 5 Detentions

• 1st offense does not automatically exclude the student from NHS

• As of the 1st offense, the student will be placed on academic probation

• 2nd Offense 12 points - 10 detentions-exclusion from NHS junior year, may be eligible senior year.

NORTHERN LIGHTS (YEARBOOK) Advisor: Ms. Rebecca Glennon 

We are here to enrich the memories of the graduating class through the production of the yearbook. We hope to advance the organization of the yearbook and to strengthen the bond of the classes.  Ultimately, we want to maintain a historical and memory record of the school.

NORTHERN STAR (NEWSPAPER) Advisor: Mrs. Jess Miano 

The purpose of this activity is to publish the school newspaper. Meetings are held in Journalism I and II and after school at publication time. To participate in this activity, you must register for the Journalism One course.

ORCHESTRA Advisor: Ms. Danielle Wheeler

Performs at many concerts and assemblies during the school year. To become a member, a student must be registered for Orchestra.

PEER MENTORS Advisor:  Ms. Rebecca Glennon

The purpose of this club is to help freshmen with the high school transition. Meetings are ongoing during the school year. Students apply to become Peer Mentors in the spring of their sophomore year. Members are chosen from the questionnaire they are required to complete.

SCHOOL SENATE Advisor:  Mr. Deborah Bajakian

This appointed committee will meet on a monthly basis during the school day to discuss issues relevant to our school. The committee is empowered to make recommendations and represents a cross section of our school community. These recommendations must have at least eleven votes in the affirmative in order to pass. This committee is comprised of students, teachers, one support staff member, and one supervisor.

SCHOOL STORE Advisor: 

The school store provides students with a learning laboratory to employ marketing and business concepts.  Profits raised from the store support the business department and club activities. The store is open after school from 2:36 to 3 pm for students to purchase a quick snack and/or drink.  

SKI CLUB Advisor: Mr. Michael Carcich

Activities planned are ski trips to local ski areas. There is approximately one meeting a month, which will be held after school. To become a member, a student must sign up and make a deposit toward the cost of the trips. See either advisor for further details.

SPANISH CLUB Advisor: Ms. Jessica Beebe 

The purpose of this club is to provide a variety of cultural activities to expose students to Hispanic culture. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month in the cafeteria. To become a member, listen for announcements in September regarding sign-ups.

STEM League Advisor: Mr. Eric Kane 

STEM League is a small club that meets occasionally throughout the year and goes to various schools in the area for Science and Engineering challenges. A team of 4-6 students will spend the day trying to come up with a solution to a STEM based challenge that is revealed upon entry. The skills used in the meets have ranged from basic woodworking to programming to chemistry labs. The meets last a whole school day and there are about 3-4 a year.

STUDENT COUNCIL Advisors: Mr. Robert Pugliese & Ms. Jennifer Glick

The purpose of the Student Council is to represent and serve the school and community. The student community elects members. Meetings are to be held bi‐weekly in conjunction with daily meetings in homeroom.

TRI‐M HONOR SOCIETY Advisors:  Ms. Danielle Wheeler

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program that focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. Tri-M is the only national honor society for student musicians in grades 6-12. There are more than 1,800 chapters across all 50 states, involving more than 75,000 students. Each year, these students contribute more than 750,000 service hours to their schools and local communities, and raise nearly $1 million for causes they care about. NAfME awards more than $4,500 in scholarships each year to chapters that demonstrate exceptional service and leadership.

WELLNESS CLUB:  Club Advisor: Ms. Bajakian

 (formally known as Stigma-free/SADD)

 is a student-led club whose goal is to create and support a healthy school culture by normalizing conversations about mental health and wellness.  By providing a safe space to de-stress, students will have the opportunity to:

• Practice, participate and organize activities that help to cultivate physical, emotional, and mental wellness

• Share resources on ways to manage academic pressures, anxiety, self-harming behaviors such as vaping/substance use, eating disorders, and other relevant topics of interest

• Reduce the stigma around seeking help for anxiety, depression, substance use, stress, and other areas of concern. 

• Help educate the school community about issues pertaining to mental health and wellness.