Extracurriculars
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We're proud to offer an array of over 30 co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities* led by SAA faculty/staff, parent volunteers, and enrichment partners who are deeply committed to the education and development of our students beyond the classroom. *Many of our offerings are currently being offered virtually until we are able to safely return to in-person meetings.
Mission of Extracurriculars at SAA Extracurriculars at Science & Arts Academy strive to cultivate a sense of belonging, foster school spirit, increase collaboration with students in different grade levels, and provide opportunities for students to connect with teachers outside of class time. Our objective is to provide every student with the opportunity to take advantage of at least one learning opportunity beyond the classroom that will enrich his/her school year experience. We accomplish this by delivering high value programming - diverse options at low costs on the SAA campus - to our students. Participation & Impact Current or former faculty and parent volunteers facilitate 90% of offerings and 4 of every 5 students participate in at least one school sponsored extracurricular each year, demonstrating our community’s deep commitment to cultivating the academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth of students beyond the classroom. SAA recognizes the challenge of balancing extracurricular involvement with the concern of over scheduling. The school understands that students and families have varied interests and goals, logistical challenges, and other circumstances that dictate participation levels. We encourage students and families to participate at a level that feels right for them. Student and parent satisfaction is continually assessed through surveys and other feedback mechanisms, and informal program observations are conducted periodically. Family Engagement We’re appreciative of our families who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to extracurriculars. Volunteerism takes many forms: leading a semester or yearlong activity, providing snacks for competitions, transporting students to off-site events, and more. SAA keeps families abreast of prospective extracurricular activities, important dates and events, and ways to support their child’s involvement through the school website, weekly newsletters, email, Schoology (LMS), back to school events, and extracurricular fairs. Participation in extracurriculars is contingent on students maintaining good academic standing and adhering to the same behavioral expectations as the regular school day. Every school year year we look forward to providing a wonderful extracurricular experience to our student body, whether it be on stage, in the lab, on the field, or somewhere in between! For questions about our extracurricular program please contact Zach Elkin, Director of Auxiliary Programs, at zelkin@scienceandartsacademy.org or 847-827-7880. |
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Athletics
Basketball Team (5th-8th grade) - Varsity and JV teams compete against local schools. More details >>
Cross Country Team (5th-8th grade) - Varsity and JV teams compete against local schools. More details >>
Intro to Karate (JK-4th grade) - An introduction to karate skills and self defense taught by MBD Martial Arts Academy. More details >>
Running Club (JK-4th grade) - Improve running skills and develop a love for running. More details >>
Soccer Clinics (JK-3rd grade) - Non-competitive, skill-based soccer lessons taught by Super Soccer Stars. More details >>
Language & Culture
Certamen Team (6th-8th grade) - Competitions challenge students on Latin language, Greco Roman mythology, history, and culture. More details >>
Chinese Club (JK-8th grade) - Learn about Chinese history, geography, culture, clothing, animals, food, and more. More details >>
Club Español (JK-8th grade) - Spanish immersion classes taught by Excellerate Learning Academy. More details >>
Mandarin Class (JK-8th grade) - Theme-based Mandarin practice and cultural activities taught by a native speaker. More details >>
Polski Klub (K-8th grade) - Polish immersion classes taught by Excellerate Learning Academy. More details >>
Leadership
Community Problem Solvers (5th-8th grade) - Students apply future problem solving skills to real problems in the community.
More details >>
National Junior Honor Society (7th-8th grade) - Recognizing students for excellence in scholarship, service, and citizenship. More details >>
Positive Learning Environment Student Task Force (4th-8th grade) - Promotes positive activities amongst the SAA student body. More details >>
Student Advisory Board (5th-8th grade) - Formal channel for school leadership to hear middle school perspective on school issues. More details >>
Student Council | 5th-8th grade) - Student leadership program that promotes service at both SAA and in the local community.
More details >>
Student Library Assistants Board (5th-8th grade) - Recommends and implements improvements to the library program. More details >>
Math
3rd-4th Grade Math Club - Math games, activities, and meets for students who love math and want more challenge. More details >>
K-2nd Grade Math Club - Enrichment based math activities for younger students to complement the school day curriculum. More details >>
Mental Math Abacus Training & Speed Math (K-8th grade) - MMAT method taught by experienced mathematician. More details >>
Middle School Math Club (4th-8th) - A non-competitive version of Math Team for students who love math. More details >>
Middle School Math Team (5th-8th) - Varsity and JV teams prepare for and compete in several math contests and meets. More details >>
Science
Elementary Science Olympiad (3rd-4th grade) - A standards based STEM program and segue into the middle school division. More details >>
Girls Excelling in Math & Science (1st-2nd grade girls) - Science, math, and engineering club for young girls. More details >>
Science Enrichment Program (JK-1st grade) - Hands-on science lessons and experiences led by Mad Science instructors. More details >>
Science Olympiad - Varsity and JV teams compete against other schools on rigorous, standard-based science challenges. More details >>
Scouting
Cub Scouts (1st-5th grade boys) - Family-oriented program focused on character development, leadership, citizenship, and service. More details >>
Girl Scouts (K-5th grade girls) - Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors have fun while becoming leaders at school and in the community. More details >>
Strategy & Additional Enrichment
Chess Club (1st-8th grade) - Informal chess practice for students with an understanding of the game and who want to improve.
More details >>
Chess Enrichment Program (1st-8th grade) - Instructional chess for all playing levels taught by certified CHESS-ED instructors.
More details >>
Coding Club (5th-8th grade) - Work on a choice coding project or coding language, and collaborate and discuss projects with peers. More details >>
Cooking Classes (JK-4th grade) - Fun, inspiring, and creative cooking classes taught by Sticky Fingers Cooking. More details >>
Quiz Bowl Club (5th-8th grade)* - Teams compete to answer questions in categories like history, literature, science, and fine arts. More details >>
Theatre & Music
Hulusi Instrument Ensemble (3rd-8th grade) - Learn to play the Hulusi, a free reed gourd flute from the Yunnan province of China. More details >>
Middle School Musical (5th-8th grade) - Past productions include Lion King, Jr., Willy Wonka, Jr., and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. More details >>
Middle School Play (5th-8th grade) - Past productions include The Enchanted Bookshop, Seusspeare: Hamlet, and The Birds. More details >>
Private Music/Voice Lessons (JK-8th grade) - Piano, flute, saxophone, violin, viola, and voice lessons by individual instructors.
More details >>
*These activities are not currently offered but may be introduced if there is enough interest from students and families.
Basketball Team (5th-8th grade) - Varsity and JV teams compete against local schools. More details >>
Cross Country Team (5th-8th grade) - Varsity and JV teams compete against local schools. More details >>
Intro to Karate (JK-4th grade) - An introduction to karate skills and self defense taught by MBD Martial Arts Academy. More details >>
Running Club (JK-4th grade) - Improve running skills and develop a love for running. More details >>
Soccer Clinics (JK-3rd grade) - Non-competitive, skill-based soccer lessons taught by Super Soccer Stars. More details >>
Language & Culture
Certamen Team (6th-8th grade) - Competitions challenge students on Latin language, Greco Roman mythology, history, and culture. More details >>
Chinese Club (JK-8th grade) - Learn about Chinese history, geography, culture, clothing, animals, food, and more. More details >>
Club Español (JK-8th grade) - Spanish immersion classes taught by Excellerate Learning Academy. More details >>
Mandarin Class (JK-8th grade) - Theme-based Mandarin practice and cultural activities taught by a native speaker. More details >>
Polski Klub (K-8th grade) - Polish immersion classes taught by Excellerate Learning Academy. More details >>
Leadership
Community Problem Solvers (5th-8th grade) - Students apply future problem solving skills to real problems in the community.
More details >>
National Junior Honor Society (7th-8th grade) - Recognizing students for excellence in scholarship, service, and citizenship. More details >>
Positive Learning Environment Student Task Force (4th-8th grade) - Promotes positive activities amongst the SAA student body. More details >>
Student Advisory Board (5th-8th grade) - Formal channel for school leadership to hear middle school perspective on school issues. More details >>
Student Council | 5th-8th grade) - Student leadership program that promotes service at both SAA and in the local community.
More details >>
Student Library Assistants Board (5th-8th grade) - Recommends and implements improvements to the library program. More details >>
Math
3rd-4th Grade Math Club - Math games, activities, and meets for students who love math and want more challenge. More details >>
K-2nd Grade Math Club - Enrichment based math activities for younger students to complement the school day curriculum. More details >>
Mental Math Abacus Training & Speed Math (K-8th grade) - MMAT method taught by experienced mathematician. More details >>
Middle School Math Club (4th-8th) - A non-competitive version of Math Team for students who love math. More details >>
Middle School Math Team (5th-8th) - Varsity and JV teams prepare for and compete in several math contests and meets. More details >>
Science
Elementary Science Olympiad (3rd-4th grade) - A standards based STEM program and segue into the middle school division. More details >>
Girls Excelling in Math & Science (1st-2nd grade girls) - Science, math, and engineering club for young girls. More details >>
Science Enrichment Program (JK-1st grade) - Hands-on science lessons and experiences led by Mad Science instructors. More details >>
Science Olympiad - Varsity and JV teams compete against other schools on rigorous, standard-based science challenges. More details >>
Scouting
Cub Scouts (1st-5th grade boys) - Family-oriented program focused on character development, leadership, citizenship, and service. More details >>
Girl Scouts (K-5th grade girls) - Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors have fun while becoming leaders at school and in the community. More details >>
Strategy & Additional Enrichment
Chess Club (1st-8th grade) - Informal chess practice for students with an understanding of the game and who want to improve.
More details >>
Chess Enrichment Program (1st-8th grade) - Instructional chess for all playing levels taught by certified CHESS-ED instructors.
More details >>
Coding Club (5th-8th grade) - Work on a choice coding project or coding language, and collaborate and discuss projects with peers. More details >>
Cooking Classes (JK-4th grade) - Fun, inspiring, and creative cooking classes taught by Sticky Fingers Cooking. More details >>
Quiz Bowl Club (5th-8th grade)* - Teams compete to answer questions in categories like history, literature, science, and fine arts. More details >>
Theatre & Music
Hulusi Instrument Ensemble (3rd-8th grade) - Learn to play the Hulusi, a free reed gourd flute from the Yunnan province of China. More details >>
Middle School Musical (5th-8th grade) - Past productions include Lion King, Jr., Willy Wonka, Jr., and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. More details >>
Middle School Play (5th-8th grade) - Past productions include The Enchanted Bookshop, Seusspeare: Hamlet, and The Birds. More details >>
Private Music/Voice Lessons (JK-8th grade) - Piano, flute, saxophone, violin, viola, and voice lessons by individual instructors.
More details >>
*These activities are not currently offered but may be introduced if there is enough interest from students and families.
