Drama Club

Drama Club is an activity for students interested in learning more about aspects of theater. Drama Club extends well beyond acting and performing and includes: stage terminology, set construction, costuming and makeup design, stage management, lighting and sound. The Club provides opportunities for students to build confidence, be creative, and socialize with peers who share similar interests.

Poland’s Drama Club produces a fall performance and a spring performance and, occasionally, a series of “one-acts” before the school year concludes. The spring performance has often been a musical, which allows students with public speaking and acting skills to extend their performance with song or dance or both.

The many roles students have to contribute to a final performance means that each rehearsal strengthens students’ understanding of teamwork. By the time a show opens for public viewing, students have gained understanding of how interpersonal reliability and collaboration support success for a community.

Envirothon Team

Envirothon Team is a high school club with a strong focus on academics. Student Envirothon teams investigate and learn about five topics: soil/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and a current environmental issue. Student teams complete a written test and oral presentation to demonstrate their ability to solve a specific issue.

The club’s advisor develops student teams and prepares students for competitions. Across the year, as students gain insights about the competitions, the program extends to regional contests. The club meets throughout the year with more frequent meetings occurring in the second semester.

National Honor Society

The Kuyahoora Chapter of National Honor Society is an organization for juniors and seniors who have been inducted into National Honor Society and collectively model the four pillars of membership: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Members must participate in chapter and individual service projects identified within chapter bylaws.

Kids Against Pollution (KAP)

Elementary KAP educates the school community about environmental issues by identifying local problems, applying creative solutions and ultimately affecting worldwide change. KAP is focused on education, awareness and finding ways to prevent pollution in the local community and beyond.

Mock Trial

Poland Mock Trial Club allows high school students the opportunity to learn about civil and/or criminal law and courtroom procedures. A team of students receives “mock trial” materials and enters into a tournament to compete against teams from other area schools. The educational club is co-sponsored by the New York Bar Foundation and the Law, Youth and Citizenship (LYC) Program.

Students in the club learn about preparing and presenting a courtroom trial under guidance from their club adviser and a volunteer attorney active in the New York State Bar Association. Across the school year, students gain a variety of skills while learning about law-related careers. Students can expect to strengthen listening and speaking skills, gain insights about persuasive argument, and practice civility and professionalism.

PCS Band

View resources and updates for the PCS music program, including performance schedules for various bands, curriculum guidelines, NYSSMA solo information, and educational articles.

• Visit the PCS Band website.

Peer Leadership Club

Students in grades 9-12 who join Peer Leadership Club can expect to collaborate with peers to focus on creating a positive school environment in the context of local and regional barriers to the outcome. One of the first activities students in the club experience is “Youth Summit”—an annual event facilitated by Catholic Charities Prevention Council. “Youth Summit” is held at Herkimer BOCES. The Summit brings regional school leaders together to identify current leadership challenges and how to engage peers in positive change.

Poland students plan activities with the support of the school adviser that are intended to have a positive impact on peers and a connection to the Herkimer County Youth Summit themes.

SADD

SADD is an acronym for Students Against Destructive Decisions and is a recognized as a national health and safety organization that allows students to lead change in their schools and communities. SADD is developed around four program pillars: leadership development, mobility safety, substance prevention, and personal health. Students generate awareness about these topics by sponsoring different activities such as “Contract for Life,” “Rock the Belt,” Red Ribbon week, and a “See! Be Seen!” pedestrian safety education.

Science Club

Science Club brings students interested in science together for the purposes of academic and social activities. The club supports the annual Science Fair and expanding science education and activities in our school. Members participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking. Students may participate in out-of-state travel opportunities and/or attend annual group outings.

Ski Club

Ski Club allows students who ski and snowboard a predictable day of the week to get outside and enjoy the winter recreation with an advisor providing structured guidelines.

Secondary students who intend to join Ski Club will require parent or guardian consent due to the cost of lift tickets and potential need for equipment rental or lessons.

Spanish Club

This activity is for students of Spanish with an interest in experiencing the culture of Spanish speakers. Throughout the year, students plan and participate in afterschool cultural activities.

Student Council

Poland Central School Middle/High School Student Council consists of elected class representatives or officers from grades 6-12 who work together to plan school-wide activities. Student Council engages in community and school service projects, promotes school spirit through celebratory days and events, and participates in leadership development programs.

Student representatives have the opportunity to attend the State Council on Leadership and Student Activities (NYSCSLA) Conference and interact with high school student leaders from all across NY. High School student representatives have the opportunity to attend the National Association of Student Councils Conference and participate in a variety of workshops, hear inspirational speakers, and grow leadership skills even more.

Varsity Club

All athletes who are currently competing on a varsity team may be members of Poland’s Varsity Club. Students in the club participate in planning activities that promote the school’s athletic programs, increase student involvement in athletics, and expand community pride. Students may assist with sports clinics or assist with athletic award ceremonies.

Yearbook Club

The Yearbook Club plans and designs the school’s secondary yearbook, Kuyahooran. In addition to having a role with design and photography, students manage a budget and help with advertising, marketing, and sales.

Members of Yearbook Club may be asked to attend afterschool activities, various sporting events to ensure that sports, clubs, and performances are represented in the final product.

Yearbook advisers support student learning, but the adults will take the lead with scheduling the annual student, faculty, and staff photographer, determining dates, and scheduling classroom times.