Student Activities and Clubs

There are several types of after school activities that occur in the Middle School as well as a few lunch time activities. This directory lists many, but not all, activities (we are adding to the list all the time!).

Students who want more information about any activity should ask the teacher in charge or ask in the office. If a student misses the sign-up for an activity, it is often still possible to participate.

Students are expected to arrange for rides home at the end of these activities and wait in the front lobby. Students cannot stay after school without permission from and direct supervision by a staff member. 

Academic Help- There are two ways students can get help from a teacher after school:

Teacher Help: Teachers often ask students to stay with them for individual help because homework is incomplete or because a student is struggling with the course content. This help is set up directly with the teacher and usually goes until 3:15 p.m. Teachers generally designate which days are available for this help.

Homework Club: There is a 6th grade Homework Club, a 7th grade Homework Club, and an 8th grade Homework Club.  Students use HW Club to complete assignments, get extra help, make up work, or just have a quiet place to study.  All students staying for HW Club report at 2:30 and are expected to stay until 3:30.*  Arrangements can be made to work in the library or the computer lab.  Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack and drink.  Students who need rides should make arrangements to be picked up no later than 3:45.  (HW Club usually meets twice each week on Tuesday and Thursday.)  The rooms will be announced.  

*(Sometimes students request to leave before 3:30 when their homework is done; however we need your permission to have your child leave early.  If your child needs to leave the club early, please send a note informing the homework club proctor of the early dismissal.  This helps in ensuring your child’s safety.) 

Sports - There are two after school sports programs: intramurals and inter-scholastics.

Intramurals: Our intramural program at the Middle School is open to all students.  There are different modules offered throughout the year. Sports options may include: touch football, climbing, yoga, soccer, archery, field hockey, basketball, badminton, volleyball, hockey and others.  Students attend as many days as they wish.  (See Mr. Cavanaugh for more information)

Interscholastics:The interscholastic program in the Middle School is open to 7th and 8th graders.  The fall teams consist of boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, field hockey, and cross country track.  Practice and/or games are every day but Wednesday and students are expected to attend every day.  (There is an interscholastic sports participation fee of $100/sport.)  Prior to tryouts, all students must ensure that they have a physical within the last 13 months.  If one is not on file at the school, a physical form must be provided prior to the tryouts. 

Clubs & Musical Activities- There are a variety of after-school clubs and musical activities that meet each year depending on student interest and the availability of a faculty advisor. These clubs usually meet one day per week although some meet more often. Attendance for the clubs is optional. Examples of this year's offerings include the following:

Earth Science Club: This club is run by our Earth Science teachers for 8th grade students. It conducts sky watch several nights a week in the fall, winter or spring.

Roots & Shoots Club: Wayland Middle School is a chapter of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots Club.  This club promotes the idea that knowledge leads to compassion, which leads to service.  Therefore any activity that raises awareness, benefits people, animals or the environment can be a club activity.  The Roots & Shoots Club is open to all middle school students.  Students are welcome to participate in any or all activities throughout the year.  (See Mrs. Hawkins or Ms Darling for more information.)

Rocket Club: This club meets on Thursdays in September and October from 2:20 - 3:30. Students will build and launch model rockets. (See Mr. Longnecker or Mr. Gorsky for more information.)

Science Olympiad: This club meets from October through March on Friday afternoons.  Students compete in a variety of activities that encourage competitive teamwork in science and engineering fields.  Examples of activities from past Science Olympiads are egg drop, building projectile devices, astronomy and chemistry events, etc.  The team competes in regional events during the year and the state competition in the spring. (See Mr. Rivera or for more information.)

Math Team: The Math Team meets once a week.  Grades 7 and 8 students meet after school on Thursday, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.  Grade 6 students meet after school Fridays, from 2:30-3:15.  The Math Team competes with other local schools five times a year.  Participation is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. (For information, see Ms. Hagan.)

Yearbook Photography Club: Students generally meet on Tuesdays after school and utilize digital cameras to photograph school events.   Additionally, members learn photocomposition, selection, and layout skills in creating our yearbook. (See Mrs. Ravid in the library for more information.)

Yearbook Crew meets on Tuesdays in the Library from 2:30-3:15. See Ms Hagan or Ms Gavani for more information.

Student Council: This group of 6th, 7th and 8th graders meets every Tuesday morning to plan school events. Events include the 6th grade socials, 7th and 8th grade dances and numerous community service activities. Please see  Mr. Reddington or Mr. Farley for more information.

School and Community Service Club:  This club meets throughout the year both during the school day and afternoons and/or evenings depending on each project.  Recent examples of student efforts include:  recycling, serving meals in a shelter, working in the community garden, and making sandwiches for a local soup kitchen, to name just a few. Listen to the announcements for opportunities to be involved.See Ms. Monahan for more information.

Open Art Studio is on Tuesdays from 2:30 - 3:30 in the Art Studio.  This relaxing yet busy studio time is an opportunity for students to work on a project of their choice, experience media of their choice or to have more time to work on a project they are currently creating in their Art Class. A perfect opportunity to have extra time practicing their artistic skills and techniques. See Ms Ryan for more information.

Music

Jazz Band: The Jazz Band meets twice a week on Tuesday afternoons (2:30 - 3:30) and Friday mornings (6:45 - 7:30 a.m.) and performs primarily big band arrangements of standard swing and Latin tunes. This is our travel group and is open, by audition, to those who play big band instruments. Students must be a member of a flex music group to be eligible for a jazz group (except guitar and piano players). (For more information, see Ms Muffitt.)

Stage Band: The Stage Band meets either Monday afternoons (2:30 - 3:15) or some Thursday mornings (6:45 - 7:30 a.m.) rehearsals. This performance group is open, by audition, to any musician (on any instrument) who would like to learn to play jazz. Students must be a member of a flex music group to be eligible for a jazz group (except guitar and piano players). (See Ms Muffitt for more information.)

Select Chorus: Select Chorus meets after school on Thursday (2:30 - 3:30) and Wednesday mornings (6:45 - 7:30 a.m.).  This chorus provides an opportunity for singers to learn more challenging repertoire, including the Junior District audition pieces.  It also provides an opportunity for band and orchestra members to sing chorus music.  Students are selected by audition and must be members of school-day Chorus, Band, or Orchestra to be eligible.  (See Mr. Murray for more information.)

Honors Chamber Orchestra: The Honors Chamber Orchestra (HCO) is a select ensemble consisting of auditioned students in grades 6-8 of outstanding performance ability. The group rehearses on Mondays from 2:30 – 3:30. In addition to performing at each orchestra concert, HCO performs on a tour of the elementary schools, at local functions such as the Wayland Public Schools Foundation annual fundraiser and the Wayland Chinese New Year Celebration, as well as a competitive festival each spring. HCO is a fantastic way to challenge yourself on your instrument while making new friends and learning great music! (See Mrs. Tandon for more information.)

Sound, Recording and Tech Crew: This group of students learn about digital recording techniques, how to handle microphones and other sound equipment and then records concerts during the year. Students also learn to run the tech systems in the theatre and it is from this group that students are chosen to work sound and lights for our drama productions The team members work toward certification in various areas (sound reinforcement, equipment, theatre sound, editing, etc) and then are able to be in charge on particular aspects of our work. Enrollment is limited due to limited equipment; students should enjoy computers and be reliable and self-motivated. see Ms Muffitt for more information.

Drama

After School Plays: The spring musical production is open to all interested students. Contact Mr. Large for further information.

Tech Crew (see Sound, Recording and Tech Crew above) 

The Base Program combines homework time with recreational activities such as gym/outdoor games, computer lab, cooking, and arts and crafts. Taught by a highly qualified and dedicated staff who attend workshops, conferences and in-service training sessions to promote professional development, the students participate in after school age-appropriate activities designed for their enjoyment and academic enrichment. Students also often attend or participate in middle school sporting events, club meetings, and special activities like the Science Olympiad or Math Team. During a homework period, all students focus on academic work, although some choose to begin homework as a free choice activity during the recreational period. As one BASE student proclaimed, "You do fun things at BASE. The teachers are nice and are cool to hang out with!"

Please contact Brian Jones, Director of Wayland School Community Programs, at (508) 655-6404 or at Brian_Jones@wayland.k12.ma.us for more information and fees.

After-school Detention - There are two kinds of after-school detention: teacher detention and general detention.  Both are used when a student has violated a teacher or school policy.  Both are served on the day of the detention or 24 hours later depending on whether a student needs to arrange for transportation home.  Both are served from 2:30 - 3:10 p.m. A teacher detention is served in the teacher's own classroom, and a general detention is served in a room to be announced by the office.

Teacher Detention:Teachers give students detention for violating previously explained class rules ranging from acting inappropriately to failure to do required homework.

General Detention: A student serves a general detention for failing to show up for a teacher detention without permission from the principal or assistant principal.  (The student is still expected to serve the teacher detention.)  A student can also be given a general detention for breaking a previously explained school rule outside of the classrooms such as in the hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, study hall, or being late to school without approval. 

Lunch-time Clubs

Juggling Club meets during 8th grade lunch on B and D days. All levels of jugglers are welcome. We hope to get started soon. Listen to announcements for startup times. See Mr. Montwieler for more information.

Unicycle Club is getting ready to roll for the year. We hope to get started soon. Listen to announcements for startup times. See Mr. Longnecker for more information, lunch passes, and meeting location.

Everyone is welcome to give unicycling a try. No prior experience or long-term commitment required. Come join us for some fun.