Practicing Initiative: Upper Division Clubs

On Friday afternoons, Upper Division students end their week by dispersing to club meetings. With over 20 choices each quarter, Park’s Upper Division club program allows students to connect with like-minded peers across grade levels or try something completely new.

“Our clubs are important for building community,” says Elaine Hamilton, Upper Division Assistant Head and Student Club Coordinator. “There is such a wide variety of groups to join, from Jam Band Club to Outdoor Explorers, Trivia to Custom Design Club, that it gives students a chance to meet people with shared interests and make friends they might not otherwise have crossed paths with.”

A visitor to the Dungeons and Dragons Club, supervised by David Raabe, Grade 5 Humanities Teacher, and Anndrew Reinfeld, Director of Student Support, would see cross-aged clusters of students huddled around game boards and rolling dice. “Clubs are about finding your people,” shares Anndrew. “There’s always a lot of laughter and improv going on here. The group is so self-sufficient that it could run without my supervision, but I look forward to being part of the game and connecting with students.”

“In D&D you can do things you normally couldn't, like ruling over a kingdom as a tyrant dictator or saving hundreds of people from a rampaging dragon,” describes Burr, Grade 5. “It’s a getaway from the structure of classes and homework and a space for people to have fun. Everything learned or practiced in D&D could be used in other parts of school to help sort out conflict and have teamwork for projects.”

“I love the D&D club,” agrees Kavish, Grade 5. “I have been able to use my imagination to lead the players on a different adventure into the complete unknown.”

In the American Sign Language (ASL) club, DZ Zito and Alex Jones create a layered experience for students to learn the mechanics of signing and gain a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and history. “Each quarter, I invite my friend, who is Deaf and a fluent ASL user, to join a club session,” says DZ. “It’s meaningful for students to be exposed to the language through someone that uses it natively.” Other meetings are designed around learning topic-based vocabulary and practicing signing as much as possible.

“I love ASL club because it teaches me not only about a new language but also about the Deaf community,” shares Emily, Grade 6. “Ms. Zito is also teaching us how to quickly fingerspell and learn new words. I love learning about the Deaf community.” 

Kathy Come, Upper Division Spanish Teacher, supervises the One Stitch at a Time crocheting club and relishes the relaxing, creative time with her students. “Everyone chats while they crochet, and the older students teach the younger ones how to do certain stitches and patterns,” she explains. “Sure, it’s messy with yarn all over the room, but I love getting to know a different side of students.”

Eliza, Grade 7, can’t wait for Friday afternoons. “One Stitch at a Time is one of my favorite clubs; it’s kind of my go-to pick,” she confirms. “Everyone is very helpful if you want to learn a brand new skill, and Ms. Come always makes sure to stock up on supplies.”

Students are also invited to formally propose clubs they’d like to see offered, and they’re asked to specify how they would contribute to the Upper Division community, what resources are needed, and what type of teacher support would be necessary. Popular student-initiated clubs have included the Taylor Swift Club, Canva and Conversation, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Club. However, not every club proposal has come to fruition. There must be active student engagement. While it might be relaxing to wind down the week passively consuming with friends, all Upper Division clubs have Park students engaged and active. Elaine works with students and club teachers to craft a strong “doing” component, highlighting, for example, that students in Movie Club balance movie appreciation with movie-making of their own.

“Student clubs are a core part of Park’s Upper Division program,” confirms Elaine. “It gives students a chance to practice decision-making and initiative in a supportive context, and they develop a sense of agency in pursuing activities that excite them.”

By Nerissa J. Fry, Park Parent Editorial Board

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