Students at Dutchess BOCES Alternative High School look forward to Wednesdays because for one period they choose a club to explore a special interest.
Through Google Classroom, students sign up for unique clubs including music, cooking, art, anime, Dungeons and Dragons, movies, athletics and yoga.
The offerings were chosen after evaluating a survey sent out to both students and staff. Clubs are an important and exciting part of the school day as they allow students from various programs, districts, grades and interest levels to collaborate and form worthwhile connections with their classmates and teachers.
“Clubs are also a way students can engage in special interest areas, explore new activities and stretch their skills both academically and non-academically,” said Ms. Salka the Assistant Principal. Teachers and teaching assistants serve as club advisors. Held on Wednesdays, the meeting period rotates each week so students do not miss a class more than once a month. In art club, advised by Ms. Van Wagner, students drew and painted pictures and used a computer to make graphic designs. Aiden Haight likes drawing, but loves graphic design best because he uses his technology skills to create unique art. For Haight, joining the club was an easy choice. “Art to me is really therapeutic,” Haight said. “It helps with anxiety levels.” Anime club members spent the first day getting to know each other by talking about their favorite anime shows and movies.
Students and advisor Ms. Truitt got into the spirit of the theme by wearing shirts featuring their favorite anime characters. Tenth-grader Sugar Coleman joined the club because she has always been an anime fan. Her favorite work is the series “Fairy Tail.” “It’s super cool,” Coleman said. “I’ll be back 100%.” Clubs meet during the school day to provide all students access to them, as well as rotate periods each week. After school students are transported back to district or directly home.
