With 66 different clubs, 55 sports teams and many other extracurriculars and programs, getting involved in the school community can seem overwhelming. Though some people begin their freshman year with a clear view of their future, know teachers through siblings and make it to clubs first meetings, the majority do not, and that's ok!
“I have liked highschool because of the new freedoms I have, though I still have no idea what I want to do when I get older, I hope that through highschool I will be able to figure it out.” NHS freshman Abygale Hall said.
First off, it is important to take the pressure off yourself. Understand that you do not have to be in a rush, clubs are always looking for new people. Many do not even have their first meetings until October, after the club fair. Take this time to figure out options, you can find a list of all clubs under Student Resources on the NHS website. One might catch your eye, in which case emailing the teacher for more information could be a good place to start. Though you could do this, just showing up is perfectly fine too. Clubs are a great way to make friends, but joining with a friend can also help to make if less intimidating
“Joining a club with your friend is always a good idea. My friend and I joined Girls Inspiring Girls last year and we ended up being the leaders of it the following year, so I think that it’s a really fun experience and can lead to many good things that are a lot of fun!” vice president of NHS Girls Inspiring Girls Emily Braun said.
Some people are more interested in sports than they are clubs, which is another great way to get involved in the school community. Most sports have a variety of levels, including freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams. Though these teams require tryouts, some are more selective than others, and for sports such as swim and track, tryouts are simply for placement, and nobody gets cut. If you are interested in a sports team, fall sports are already in full swing, but winter and spring tryouts haven't happened yet. To join a team, you can sign up on the Family ID website and upload a physical from the doctor. After this you are clear to try out for the team you signed up for. NHS junior Sara Heinen is a member of the varsity volleyball team, and loves the connections her and her teammates have built.
“I love volleyball because it is not just about you as a player, but your team as a whole. you cannot get a good set without a good pass and you cannot get a good hit without a good set. Everyone depends on each other to complete the play. We have become a family through the countless hours we have spent working together!” Heinen said.
Estelle Skerik is a freshman at NHS this year who plays soccer, on both freshman and JV teams. Skerik played in middle school, but has enjoyed the atmosphere in the highschool much more.
“Soccer in middle school was a lot less of a commitment than in highschool, but I like the team and school involvement aspect in highschool much more.”
Most clubs and sports take place before or after school, which could make finding rides challenging for underclassmen, or be difficult to schedule for anyone with outside of school commitments. In these cases, there are many great programs available within school hours, such as the culinary or journalism classes. Senior Renne Chard has been in journalism since her sophomore year, and loves the different dynamic and writing style that the class takes on.
“I really like to write, and normally I write narrative or fiction stuff, and starting journalism was able to open and expand my writing skills in a different format and report on this. I also really like how the class is self directed and not the typical teaching - doing dynamic. You always know that you're supported and can always get help from another student.”
These are a great way to acquire leadership roles and involvement in the community without using up excess time.
Several co - ed classes are available from the special education department as well, which is another fun way to get involved and take on leadership roles. Jill Gonski is a special education teacher at NHS and thinks that classes such as Tools for Living can be very valuable to all students.
“Tools for Living is a unified class offered at Newtown High School. General education students mentor and tutor students with special needs on valuable life skills.” Gonski said.
Overall, getting involved in the school community does not have to be as difficult as it is made out to be. Though it is what everyone says, it's true that your teachers and counselors are there to help you. Don't be afraid to reach out, but remember that there is no rush, as your freshman year can be overwhelming as is. There is no issue in waiting till the second half of the year, or even your sophomore year to focus on anything other than school.