At Niskayuna High School, we believe that extracurricular clubs play an important role in the culture of our school. Our clubs supplement the academic program, provide meaningful community service opportunities, and allow students to pursue their passions.

If you have any questions regarding clubs, contact the club advisor(s) listed below.

Clubs/Activities

Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center is a specialized club consisting of students who have been trained to offer peer-tutoring in the high school library as well as in classroom and Resource Rooms. Trained tutors staff the Academic Resource Center throughout the school day, including before and after school, and offer tutoring in all subject areas. Students who need help with academic work such as homework, quiz or test prep, or writing papers are welcome to stop by the ARC any time. No appointment necessary! Students who would like to become tutors an fill out an application in the Library. Tutor training is offered in June, and additional training sessions are scheduled as necessary.

Advisor: Ms. McAndrews

All Star Athletes

All Star Athletes is an inclusive sports club designed to get all types of students physically active while making new friends. We meet one Friday a month after school from about 3-4:30 p.m. We will play a different sport or other recreational game at each get together.

Advisor: Ms. Farquharson

Animal Welfare

To raise awareness and funds for various organizations, including the World
Wildlife Fund, Animal Protective Foundation and Homeward Bound, Mohawk
Hudson Humane that are dedicated to helping animals in need. Students will be exposed to opportunities for involvement in rewarding volunteer experiences. Meetings are in the Media Center and scheduled on specific Fridays before homeroom.

Advisor: Ms. Dagostino

Anime

To offer students an opportunity to be exposed to Japanese culture, language and art, through the media of anime and manga (movie and cartoon strips). Each Thursday, the club watches episodes of an anime series, samples anime music videos and gives lessons in drawing and Japanese language and culture.

Advisor: Mr. Alcantara

Art Exploration Collective

To provide a safe space for students to experiment with various art media and
techniques. To promote creative expression while engaging in community service projects that benefit the wider community.

Advisors: Ms. Romm and Ms. Palazeke

Asian Culture

To provide opportunities for members to experience and participate in Asian
cultures. Writing Chinese calligraphy, playing Chinese chess and Yo-Yo, tasting Asian foods, watching Japanese films and Korean dramas, and listening and singing Asian pop-songs.

Advisor: Ms. Steinberg

Badminton Club

Join us to play badminton.

Advisor: Mr. Bach

Beekeeping Club

Learn and explore the art of beekeeping by maintaining the beehive in the library

Advisors: Mr. Petrone and Mr. Sogoian

Bocce Club

To introduce and grow the incredible game of bocce – building a sub community in the high school of bocce enthusiasts.

Advisor: Mr. Bach

Breakfast Book Club

The Breakfast Book Club is open to all students who like to read, eat and chat
about books. Our club meets every other Thursday morning at 7 a.m. in the
Library classroom. We often read and discuss a book together, and sometimes talk about books that we’re reading on our own.

Advisors: Ms. Ihnatolya and Ms. Desimony

Broadcasting Club

Explore television and studio production opportunities at Niskayuna High School. Help produce a daily morning news show for the high school.

Advisor: Mr. O’Connor

Chemical Demonstrations Club

To share chemistry fun with young students within the community and to foster an interest in science. Participate in elementary school visits, the MiSci Science Festival, and Niskayuna High School Science Night.

Advisor: Ms. Paquette

Chess Club

To provide students the opportunity to play chess in a positive and friendly
environment where they can sharpen and improve their skills.

Advisor: Mr. Alcantara

Computer Science Club

Enjoy coding and other computer science related activities.

Advisor: Mr. Franck

Creative Writing Club

To provide a forum for students to explore their skills in creative writing. This club runs from Java Jive, which is a night of acoustic music and poetry.

Advisor: Ms. White

Crossroads (Yearbook)

Help produce the yearbook by participating in editorial meetings, sales promotions, layouts, copywriting, and photography.

Advisors: Ms. Farina and Ms. Audette

Culinary Club

To offer students an opportunity to learn culinary techniques and work
collaboratively in groups to prepare various snacks, meals and baked goods.
Students will prepare items to donate to local charities, bake sales, or for “getting to know you” activities.

Advisor: Ms. Hawkins

Debate Team

To engage in educated and structured debate with other individuals in the area and around the nation. Develop critical thinking and speaking skills while learning some philosophy and research skills. Compete in multiple tournaments at local schools and universities in the Northeast. Debate tournaments are held at local schools including Albany Academy and Shen,
nationally at venues including Lexington, Scarsdale, Harvard and Yale.

Drama Club

To serve as the producing organization for stage productions and to foster interest in the theater. Present plays in the fall and spring, acting and stage craft workshops.

Advisor: Mr. Dale

Environmental Club

The Environmental Club adventures into the outdoors. Outings include hikes in the Adirondacks, stream habitat exploration, snow shoeing, wilderness
camping, trail maintenance, and local habitat cleanup and restoration. Participants will learn about, explore, and preserve our natural environment.

Advisor: Mr. Thalheimer

FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America/DECA

Future Business Leaders of America is a nationally recognized business
club. This club, in conjunction with our strong business courses, prepares students for future careers in the field of business. The FBLA mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. Some activities include Sports Marketing Field Trip, guest speakers, FBLA competitions, fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Halloween costume contest and more.

Advisor: Ms. Youngs

Film Club

Students watch a free film on certain Fridays in the Little Theater. Refreshments and discussions follow. All are welcome.

Advisors: Ms. Gange-Welge and Mr. O’Connor

French Club

To provide an opportunity for students to understand and appreciate French culture, to further speak French on an informal basis and enjoy social Francophone world activities together.

Advisor: Madame Martin

Frisbee Club

To play competitive ultimate frisbee.

Advisor: Ms. Lee

Gallery Club

Gallery Club allows students the opportunity to engage in art without making it. The gallery crew thinks critically about how work should be hung and arranged. They learn technical skills including leveling, hanging work, and handling artwork with care. These skills can apply to more than just gallery and museum applications and prepare future art students for college expectations.

Advisor: Ms. Palazeke

Game Club

To provide students with the opportunity to play video games and other games for fun. Students share strategy and discuss areas of interest related to the games.

Advisor: Dr. Cloutier

Germain Club

To plan and enjoy German games, food and fun, including our long-standing
exchange program with Freiherr-vom-Stein School in Hamm, Germany.

Advisor: Mr. Melito

Habitat for Humanity

Help build houses for those in need, including travel aboard projects.

Advisor: Mr. Bach

Horticulture Club

To learn about the art and science of growing plants. Maintain a summer garden to donate produce to local food shelters.

Advisors: Dr. Moore and Ms. Vickerson

HOSA

Encourage future generations of healthcare workers by providing scholarship and competitive opportunities.

Advisor: Ms. Best

International Exchange Clubs (AFS)

To support students who are from a different country at Niskayuna on an exchange program. These students have chosen to spend a year away from their families and friends in their home country. Our homeroom deals with the day to day issues that these students have. We deal with everything from homesickness to host family placement issues. The advisors monitor how the exchange students are doing in their classes and provide support and guidance. We make an American family for these students and act as brothers and sisters to them. We plan seasonal events to help the Exchange Students feel more welcome and at home.

Advisors: Ms. Gardiner and Mr. Alcantara

IT Student Help Desk

To train and empower members to answer questions, provide technical support and help direct staff and students to technology resources within the district. Staff the I.T. Help Desk at Crossroads during the day, as scheduling allows. Bi-weekly meetings along with training meetings as needed. Production of informal and training materials.

Advisor: Mr. Fitzgerald

Jazz Combo Club

A satellite of our music program with an emphasis on small group playing and
improvisation. A mission to bring jazz performances to the school and surrounding communities.

Advisor: Mr. Pandori

Key Club

To provide service to school and community including: fundraisers to charitable organizations; parking and ushering at school events; visit other high school Key Clubs; bloodmobile; host The Blizzard and other social events to raise money. Attend a state-wide convention in the Spring.

Advisors: Mr. Melito and Ms. K. Ryan

Latin Club

To stimulate and promote interest in the Classics. Enjoy movie nights, a Saturnalia celebration, field trips, food, multi-language club holiday
celebrations, community service activities and Latin certamen competitions.

Advisor: Ms. Miller

Linguistics Club

Discuss and practice linguistics skills to get ready for a competition.

Advisor: Mr. Peters

Live Expression

Live Expressions is a student-run club which organizes concerts at Niskayuna High School where student musicians can showcase their talent in a live performance setting. These concerts are a unique opportunity for students to learn both how to perform in front of an audience and how to set up and use musical equipment. All students and all types of music are welcome at Live Expression shows, and all proceeds are donated to local charities.

Advisor: Mr Boburka

Masterminds

MasterMinds is a quiz bowl-style academic competition for high school students. Take part in league competitions.

Advisor: Mr. Alcantara

Math Club

To investigate topics of math that are interesting and challenging math problems, to take advantage of mathematics in our community, and to develop the talent of solving complex math problems. Compete monthly in Math League competitions and participate in Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, Purple Comet, Euclid Math and the American Mathematics’ Competition. Meet weekly to challenge students with interesting, outside the box math problems that are discussed in groups and as a whole club to introduce
different ways to solve the problems.

Advisor: Ms. Franck

Med Sci Club

Med Sci Club explores the field of medicine through guest speakers, hands-on
activities, and career guidance. We offer opportunities to hear from doctors and nurses, learn through interactive lectures, and receive mentorship on building strong portfolios with research, volunteering, and shadowing.

Advisor: Mrs. Reck

Mock Trial

To learn about all aspects of the court system through a competitive, trial
experience with other Schenectady County Schools.

Advisor: Ms. D’Angelo

Model UN

Model UN is a way for students to improve their public speaking, debating and
problem-solving skills. Throughout the school year, Model UN has weekly meetings that focus on practice for Model UN tournaments discussing and debating current historical and world events. When debating, the students are assigned a county or person they will be representing. During the debates, the students should try to present the ideals and beliefs of their specific country or person. Once or twice during the year, members of the club travel to compete in model UN competition around the northeast.

Advisor: Ms. Christou

Muslim Students’ Association

The MSA aims to provide an environment where Muslims can be represented and heard. As well as to counter negative stereotypes and erase misconceptions about Islam while educating our peers. The MSA partakes in multiple fun activities throughout the year. These include different ways of raising money for fundraising, such as; bake sales, henna booths, etc. The MSA plans to have a field trip in the late fall/winter.

Advisor: Ms. K. Ryan

NICS – Niskayuna Inter-Community Service

To provide service to the school and community through activities like picture day, courtyard dance, bloodmobile, daffodil day, back-to-school night,
awards night, a community service project, etc.

Advisors: Mr. O’Connell and Ms. Salvin

Niskayuna Athletic Project

The Warrior Project is a prevention-based club within NHS focusing on positive social norms, school spirit, elite performance and a commitment to a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Advisor: Ms. Nunez

Nisky Climate League

Complete projects related to bringing awareness to climate change.

Advisor: Ms. Desimony

Nisky Garage

Students build motorcycles from scratch.

Advisor: Mr. DeSimony

Nisky Mountain Biking Club

To explore, compete, and participate in mountain biking on trails.

Advisor: Mr. Rizzi

Nisky Friends

The Nisky Friends club is a student-run friendship club which creates buddy pars between students with and without disabilities. Nisky Friends is based upon the principles of the Best Buddies Organization, but is not limited to individuals with intellectual disabilities. We aim to create an inclusive school climate for students and a community culture of acceptance. Nisky Friends is a program where you can make lifelong friends.

Through in-school meetings and hang outs, you and your friends will have time to relax, socialize and get to know one another. Peer matches are encouraged to connect about once a week. You can play games, do homework or just talk! Once a month we meet as a larger group to do a fun activity together with our peers.

Advisor: Ms. Farquharson

Outing Club

Provide interesting students opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking, going on field trips, and through community service.

Advisors: Mr. Ormsbee and Mr. Peters

Pep Club

To promote school spirit through pep-rallies, in-school fundraisers, the fall dance, and Red and Gray Day.

Advisors: Ms. MacPherson and Ms. Moscinski

Political & Current Events (PACE)

PACE, or Political and Current Events Club focuses on the issues that are facing the world today. Through discussing hot button political topics, we enhance our political knowledge, listening to perspectives besides our own. For many students, this is an appropriate place to let their opinions be heard and responded to without the consequences of discussing politics one would face normally. Through hearing points from all sides of an issue, many times we are able to reach a solution that we believe will work in real life.

Advisor: Mr. Peters

Robotics

The Niskayuna Robotics Club strives to nurture a passion for robotics in students and teach them useful skills in Math, Science and Technology. By doing so, we hope to foster an interest in pursuing robotics or other related fields after high school, as well as teach important skills in real world problem solving and teamwork. The Niskayuna Robotics Club designs and constructs robots that compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge competition, an international competition that stresses innovation and teamwork. The Robotics Club also conducts outreach programs to nurture a passion for STEM in our community.

Advisor: Mr. Banaszewski

Science Bowl

To organize and prepare a Niskayuna High School Team for the Regional Science Bowl competition which occurs every year in mid-March.

Advisor: Ms. Kenny

Science Olympiad

To give students with an interest in science the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills through competition with other schools.

Science Olympiad is a very active TEAM throughout the year. (This is not a club). In the beginning of the year, students assemble to indicate their interest in the team. There are over 20 events that students compete in which are established at the National Science Olympiad each year. (In September, they are released and teams must register in their State to compete at a regional level.) The top teams from a Region go on to compete at a State level then the top State teams will go on to compete at a National level. The competition comprises Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Only 15 students are allowed on a team (with a maximum of 7 seniors) and each student must compete in several events. The students need to study, prepare information relevant for their topic, and build and operate devices.

Advisor: Ms. Colliton

Search

SEARCH (Science Engineering And Research Collaborative Hour) is designed to empower students by promoting a deeper interest in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The club not only informs students about STEM-related competitions and fairs in the vicinity but also provides a collaborative space to ignite their passion for these subjects.

Advisor: Mr. Mattoon

Spanish Club

To encourage and promote the appreciation of Spanish culture and language. Prepare typical foods and crafts, welcome Spanish exchange partners and participate in field trips that highlight the awareness of Hispanic culture.

Advisors: Ms. Gardiner and Mr. Alcantara

S.T.A.R.T. – Students are Recycling Today

Organize, coordinate, and implement paper and plastic recycling in the high school.

Advisor: Ms. Cuzco

The Silver Scribe – School Newspaper

The Warrior provided interested students with an opportunity to work on a paper. Writing, editing and publishing a school paper, students can also work on advertising, art illustration, cartooning and photo journalism—excellent
opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills.

Advisor: Mr. Banaszewski

Stock Market Club

To learn about the stock market functions through group meetings,
presentations, and individual and team games. Students will learn about investment strategies, types of investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc) and will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test using investment gaming platforms. After school meetings scheduled via Google Classroom.

Advisor: Mr. Eichfield

UNICEF

UNICEF Niskayuna High School Chapter: As an officially recognized high school chapter of UNICEF, our club raises funds during the year and then donates the money to the international organization for disbursement. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects.

Activities will vary, but in the past, our high school chapter has raised funds by
hosting Waffle Week, Crepes Week and Hot Chocolate Week.

Advisor: Mr. Lester

Visibility

Visibility is Niskayuna High School’s GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). We are here to raise awareness about the LGBTQ community and provide a safe space for
LGBTQ people and their allies. We promote acceptance and kindness, while
working to end bullying in the school, the community and the world.
Visibility-SAGA accepts everyone, no matter their sexuality or gender.

Advisor: Ms. Oppenheimer

Yoga and Wellness Club

To provide an opportunity for students to participate in and practice yoga and
meditation. We welcome all levels of yoga practitioners.

Advisor: Ms. McCarty

Pilot Clubs

Hispanic Culture Club

Explore and celebrate Hispanic culture.

Advisor: Mr. Melito

National History Day Competition Club

National History Day is an academic program where middle and secondary school students conduct primary and secondary source research on a history-themed topic, culminating in projects like papers, exhibits, performances, websites, or documentaries that are judged in local, state, and national competitions. Students must choose a historical topic related to an annual theme, analyze their findings to draw conclusions about historical significance, and present their work in various formats. The program aims to foster research, critical thinking, communication, and project management skills, culminating in the National Contest held at the University of Maryland each June.

Advisor: Ms. Banaszewski

Nisky Knocks Cancer

Participates in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. For 6 weeks, we will compete against other Capital District teams to raise the most amount of money for LLS. Raising money for blood cancer isn’t just rewarding, but the process also promotes good business management, fundraising, and communication skills.

Advisor: Mr. Mattice

Pantry Project

Coordinates numerous pantries in the area, or other local food banks, community programs, and school pantry services that provide emergency food assistance to food-insecure residents.

Advisor: Ms. Karp