NVOT Clubs/Activities

The following co-curricular clubs/activities have been approved for the 2024-2025 school year.  For more information and for each club's criteria for service credit, contact the listed advisor.

All School Musical (ASMP): 

Director- Ms. Rivera

Producer- Ms. Wilcox

Students participate in the rehearsal and performance of a full-scale musical production. Students can be involved as actors, singers, dancers, as well as crew members for set construction, set painting, properties, running crew, technical crew, lighting and sound crew, make-up, set dressing, ushers, orchestra, business and advertising.

American Red Cross Club/Future Doctors of America: 

Advisor- Ms. Smilon

Art Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Gollub

The art club is open to all interested students.  Club members will have the opportunity  to develop individual art skills, prepare a portfolio, and volunteer artistic services to paint murals for the school. During the months of November, January, and February, students get heavily involved in set painting for the All-School Musical Production.

Astronomy Club: 

Advisor-TBD

Goals of the Astronomy Club

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of celestial objects.

• To be able to locate the moon, planets, and constellations and understand their changes in position with respect to the earth’s movements.

• To understand and explore the job of astronomers.

• To use the World Wide Web to find the latest developments in the field of astronomical research or events.

• To work with a local astronomical society/organization to bring greater exposure of astronomy to other students.

• Use fundraising for the purchase of a school telescope.

Chinese Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Liu

The goal of Chinese Club is to educate and spread information about the Chinese language and culture through enjoyable means, such as lectures, films and cuisine. The club offers many diverse activities that range from dumpling making, Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese games and sports. Chinese Club also plans and hosts the annual Chinese New Year Celebration at NVOT. Aside from club activities, the Chinese Club also participates in fund raisers for charity organizations and reliefs. It is open to the general school population.

Contemporary Social & Political Issues Club: 

Advisor-TBD

The Contemporary Social and Political Issues club is an opportunity for students to become more active, informed and civically responsible students and citizens.   Students engage the social and political issues the are currently being debated at the state and national level and those that matter most to them. The CSPI club offers students the opportunity for the exchange of diverse ideas and opinions through intellectual sharing, debate and discussion so that they are learning from each other.  They develop fundamental skill related to rhetoric, civics, and cooperation.

Criteria for Club Credit:  Attend 5 meetings and participate in fundraiser.

Debate Team: 

Advisor- Ms. Gallagher

Assistant (JV)- Mr. Goetschius

Debate is an activity that elicits the best of students, as they prepare for and participate in this activity. Whether as debaters or judges, students must master complex issues and think

creatively. Both varsity and junior varsity teams travel around the county to compete against other Bergen County teams.

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America): 

Advisor-Mr. Marino

Assistant- Ms. Rotella

DECA is a co-curricular, competitive marketing club that is run in accordance with the Marketing I class.  DECA aims to further enhance your knowledge and application of marketing topics to real world business situations.  Students can choose to compete in specific areas of marketing such as sports and entertainment, apparel and food marketing, just to name a few.  There is a strong emphasis placed of presentation and interviewing skills.

Drama Club: 

Advisor- Ms. Rivera

Assistant- Ms. K. Doherty

Members of the Drama Club develop and refine theatrical skills through participation in a full scale dramatic production. To receive credit, club members are required to participate in the Fall Production in at least one of the following production areas - performance, stage management, scenic design/build, costume design/construction, lighting, sound, or house management. Students will be encouraged to work in more than one department over their four years. At least two meetings will feature guest artists who will discuss careers in professional theater. Auditions for cast members and initial club meeting will be held in early September. Depending on student interest and ticket availability, club members may be offered the opportunity to attend selected live theatrical performances throughout the year.

E-Sports: 

Advisor-Mr. Lai

NVOT Esports aims to allow students to:

• Learn valuable life skills in entrepreneurship, strategy, content creation, and organization through their interests

• Create a community that allows students learn key communication skills 

• Foster a healthy competitive and supportive spirit within students

EMS Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Sposa

The NVOT EMS Club provides all students with an opportunity to explore volunteer opportunities and future career possibilities in all areas of emergency services including fire, EMS, and law enforcement. The club works closely with local agencies and departments to bridge the gap between school and community.

F.B.L.A. (Future Business Leaders of America):

Advisor- Ms. O'Sullivan

Assistant- Mr. Corso

The primary objective of this organization is to:

• Develop competent, aggressive business leadership. 

• Strengthen confidence of students in themselves and their work.

• Create more interest in American business enterprise.

• Encourage and practice efficient money management.

• Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.

• Facilitate transition from school to work.

Fitness Club- Fall: 

Advisor-  Mr. Byron

Fall Fitness Club offers participants the opportunity to enjoy and compete in volleyball games during unit lunch. 

Fitness Club- Winter:

Advisor- Mr. Byron

Winter Fitness Club offers participants the opportunity to enjoy and compete in basketball games during lunch. 

Fitness Club- Spring:

Advisor- Mr. Clause

Spring Fitness Club offers participants the opportunity to enjoy and compete in badminton games durning lunch. 

Flag and Color Guard: 

Advisor-Ms. O'Shea

Assistant-Ms. Suris

Instructional Clinics, open to all girls grades 9 -12, are held in late May for the Marching Band season of the following fall. Rehearsals are held during the summer and throughout the

fall in conjunction with the Marching Band. The Color Guard performs precision flag drills with the Marching Band at all football games, in addition to the Columbus Day and Memorial Day Parades and Herald News Band Festival. See Ms. Wilcox for additional information.

Fun Physics Club: 

Advisor-Mr. Elqariani

In the Fun Physics Club, students have discussions about research in physics, prepare for and compete in the Physics Olympiads and Physics Bowl, and watch and discuss physics-related movies. Members also visit area elementary schools and perform and discuss experiments.

GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance): 

Advisor-Ms. Greco

This club (G.S.A.) will be an all-inclusive group formed to address student concerns about sexuality, providing a forum for discussion about sex-gender issues such as hardships faced by gay, lesbian, bi- sexual, transgender, and questioning youth, family, friends and allies and to explore and pursue ways of alleviating them.

Gifted and Talented: 

Advisor-Ms. Vion

Individual and group activities are provided for students of exceptional ability and high interest in particular areas of pursuit. Specialized and leadership projects are projected offerings for this coming year. For additional information, see Ms. Vion.

Hand-in-Hand Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Doherty

Assistant-Ms. Christensen

Hand in Hand is a club created to provide socialization for developmentally disabled students who live in our district but go to a special school. These students come to our high school once a month for social, recreational, and daily living activities. Activities such as baking, crafts, dance, sports, and trips are planned. Northern Valley students meet prior to the monthly visits in order to plan activities.

Heroes and Cool Kids: 

Advisor- Ms. MacRae

Heroes & Cool Kids is an award winning program started by former New York Jet and Northern Valley resident, Bruce Harper, to train high school students to mentor middle school students. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for inclusion. Students must be recommended by a teacher and then proceed through an intensive interview process. Students must be in good academic standing and pledge to be drug and alcohol free. Students are put through intensive training to work with the 6th graders in the four sending districts. The high school students will mentor middle school students on important life skills, including sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and positive lifestyle choices highlighting drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention. The goal of Heroes & Cool Kids is to promote pro-social behavior in students and to create a caring and disciplined school climate.

Instrumental Music: 

Director-Ms. Wilcox

Investment Club: 

Advisor-Mr. Grothues

This club offers members the opportunity to explore and discuss current financial trends as well as participate in a stock market simulation. 

Italian Club: 

Advisor-Mr. Goetschius

The club’s goal is to enrich students’ understanding and appreciation of Italian culture. The club will offer diverse activities so that all members can gain an appreciation of Italian. Food is a major focal point: members bake biscotti, make pasta & pizza, and sell cannoli. Events include dining at an Italian restaurant, dinner/movie night held in school, and a NYC theater trip. 

Japanese Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Fukuda

The club develops an understanding of the Japanese culture, language, and ethnic background.  The club fosters volunteer service within the school and community. They also sponsor the Japanese Festival in March and a Japanese culture-related event every month.

Jazz Band: 

Advisor-Mr. Santa Cruz

Assistant- Ms. Wilcox

This ensemble is open to instrumentalists who are registered in a music department course, by audition, and explores progressive jazz, bebop, and jazz-rock music styles. The group

performs at concerts and special performances throughout the year. See Ms. Wilcox for additional information.

Korean Club: 

Advisor-Ms. MJ Lee

The Korean Club supplements the classroom with fun and educational activities. Students may learn more about Korean culture, history, and society, through participating in a wide range of activities, such as cooking, eating, or arts and crafts.

Library Council: 

Advisor-TBD

The Media Club is a service club where students volunteer some of their free time to work in the school library. Members assist library staff in the daily operations of the library such as new book processing, periodical cataloging, shelving, and special projects.

Literary Magazine ("Coldwater"): 

Advisor-Mr. Lai

Assistant-Ms. Reinfried

"Coldwater" is the school’s literary magazine and provides a showcase for student writing, art and photography.  It is published once a year in the spring, and material may be submitted from September through March.

Students who enjoy creative writing, photography,  or drawing are urged to submit their work to the editors or advisor for consideration. The magazine also needs students who can help with computer generated layout. An organizational meeting is held in September, and general staff meetings are held throughout the year to prepare the magazine for publication. Interested students should check announcements for notification of these meetings.  Further information is available from the advisor.

Marching Band: 

Director-  Ms. Wilcox

Assistant Director: Mr. Ward

Assistants- Ms. Casiano; Mr. Innella; Ms. Sotiropoulos

The Marching Band provides entertainment and spirit at all football games. It combines concert-style musical arrangements with precision marching drills. The Band provides a unique opportunity for students to work together toward a common goal of excellence. The Band is open through membership in Concert Band or Wind Symphony although qualified players who are not in these courses may also join. See also Color Guard.

Math Team/Club:

Advisor- Ms. Langan

The Math Team affords students the opportunity to use their critical thinking and math skills to solve challenging, non-routine math problems in a competitive environment.  The six New Jersey Math League competitions are open to all members; membership in the Bergen County Math League Team is limited to 15 students from this NJML group who have scored particularly well on previous tests. Individual as well as team scores are recognized.

Model United Nations: 

Advisor- Ms. Marinaro 

The Model United Nations organization is a simulation of the UN General Assembly. Students who join the Model UN Club step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda.  While playing their roles as ambassadors, student “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, and resolve conflicts at the Model UN Annual Conference--all in the interest of mobilizing “international  cooperation” to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. 

National Art Honor Society: 

Advisor-TBD

National Honor Society: 

Advisor- Mr. Quinn

Assistant- Ms. Orr

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 OT 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 Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan 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

Newspaper (The Lance): 

Advisor- Ms. Kulick

Assistant- Mr. Housley

The Lance is the student newspaper of Northern Valley Old Tappan High School. The newspaper club is made up of freelance writers and photographers who report to student editors and help to contribute to both the online edition of the newspaper (www.thelancenews.com) as well as the two annual print editions. Students meet regularly with editors and advisors to pitch ideas, practice journalistic writing techniques, and learn the hallmarks of news gathering and reporting.

OT Diversity: 

Advisor-Ms. Wiesenberg

“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” -- Maya Angelou. 

The goal of OT Diversity is to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students and to break down barriers of bias and prejudice through a better understanding of the cultures and universals in our world. Activities include film viewings, cooking classes, student demonstrations and performances, small workshops and discussions, field trips, and the annual Karaoke competition.

Peer Mentors: 

Advisor- Ms. MacRae

Assistant- Ms. Massaro

Students are selected from grades 10, 11 and 12 to be peer mentors. They are trained professionally and have ongoing supervision and practice sessions. Peer mentors are available to welcome new students and to provide ongoing service to students who are in need in any way. A special homeroom as well as designated drop in time is provided for students seeking to confer with their peers.  Schedule will be posted in the fall.

Philosophy Club: 

Advisor-Mr. D'Antuono

The philosophy club is dedicated to asking and discussing the big questions about life, existence, right and wrong, knowledge and belief, and human nature.  We meet each week on Thursday or Friday during lunch.

Photography Workshop: 

Advisor-Mr. Train

Photography club is for anyone interested in the visual arts and how they intertwine with society.  We foster an enthusiastic bunch of students who enjoy talking about interesting apps, visual details, and the creative process in general.  Throughout the year, this student driven club generates visual projects, participates in photographic assignments within the club and around the school, and supports various charitable organizations. Ultimately, any member of our organization is interested in learning, sharing resources with fellow photographers, and contributing to an enthusiastic group. 

Portfolio Workshop: 

Advisors-Ms. Dolby

This workshop is designed for those students who have an inter- est in developing an art portfolio for college. Concentration is on drawing from observation, portfolio presentation and documentation, and researching colleges and summer art programs. Students will experience drawing from a live model and take a trip to Pratt Institute of Art for National Portfolio Day.

School Store: 

Advisor-Ms. O'Sullivan

The school store sells a variety of NVOT items from clothing to water bottles. It is open during the unit lunch.  The store is run by the members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education): 

Advisor-TBD

This new club organizes fundraising efforts to help provide underprivileged children with the opportunity to attend summer camp.

Senior Options (WBL): 

Advisor- Ms. Haller

Assistants- Ms. Eno

See information in the "Senior Options" section of this handbook

Ski Club: 

Advisor-Mr. Steffner

Assistant-Ms. Langan

The Old Tappan Ski Club is one of the largest organizations in the school. Its purpose is purely recreational and social. The club has two meetings in November and approximately six trips during the ski season. The trips are Saturday or Sunday day trips to Catskill area mountains Hunter, Windham, and Belleayre.

Social Media/Digital Communication: 

Advisor- TBD

The Social Media/Digital Communication Club's mission is to build, promote, and preserve the integrity of the Northern Valley Regional High School brand. The club is responsible for obtaining information and pictures to post on all of the NVOT social media websites (Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram).  The club provides students with an opportunity to gain REAL WORLD experience in the marketing and branding fields.  

Spanish Club: 

Advisor-Ms. Veit

The goal of the Spanish club is to enrich students understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture. It is open to all current Spanish students. Culturally based activities such as field trips, holiday celebrations, games and movies are offered. Community service through Volunteens/Volunteachers is a must.

Student Movement Against Cancer (SMAC): 

Advisor-Ms. Collins

The Student Movement Against Cancer (SMAC) Club aims to raise awareness, provide support, and fundraise for cancer patients and research. We are a chapter of the SMAC non-profit organization, whose mission statement is to “empower, encourage, and inspire the generation that ends cancer.” Through events and collaborations with local hospitals and cancer organizations, in addition to school-wide fundraisers and activities, we aim to unite our community in the fight against cancer and make a lasting impact.

Student Senate: 

Advisor-Ms. Hoffman

The NVOT School Senate is a student/faculty organization that works together to improve the academic, social, and school environment for students. The NVOT Senate works in partnership with the NVD School Senate to coordinate meaningful change for the Northern Valley School District as a whole.

SWENext (Society for Women Engineers): 

Advisor-Ms. Hodgson

Tech Tutors: 

Advisors- TBD

Tri-Music Honor Society: 

Advisor-Mr. Meszaros

Assistant-Ms. Wilcox

TSA (Technology Student Association): 

Advisor- Maietta

The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth,leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs.

Vocal Music: 

Vocal Groups Director & Vocal Activities Director- Mr. Meszaros

Volunteens/Volunteachers: 

Advisor-Mr. Ahad

This is an open club for anyone who enjoys volunteering. A variety of trips and activities are planned all school year long. Activities may include: Habitat for Humanity, visiting senior

citizen homes, and a variety of fundraisers. The entire student body and faculty can participate in any or all of the activities. 

Wellness Club: 

Advisor-Dr. Restivo

The Wellness Club (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.

Women's Issues: 

Advisor-Ms. Greco

The Women’s Issues Club seeks to provide an open forum for discussion of any topic of interest to our members. The girls discuss a variety of current topics. The members plan and carry out fundraisers for various charities. 

Yearbook: 

Advisor- Mr. Rotella

Assistant- Mr. Marino

“Excalibur” is the title of the school yearbook. The yearbook is a proud tradition at Old Tappan and each year is a competition with the last year’s edition. Working on the yearbook gives students an opportunity to learn more about publishing. This year the staff is striving to initiate new fund raising activities. The staff consists mainly of seniors with underclassmen supporting in intern positions. There is one general meeting of the staff per year to discuss the book in general.