Student Activities Guide
The purpose of this page is to give a brief description of many of the extracurricular activities offered at Daniel Hand. We do our best to keep the list as up to date as possible, but in case you are having difficulty finding information, please contact the main office.
Student Council
Student Council is a great way to help your school and community. We organize activities such as Pep Rallies, Homecoming, and Pumpkin Grams. Student Council also runs many charities, including the book drive, blood donations, and Christmas presents for the needy. Not only is Student Council a benefit to the school and community, it is also a great way to show your leadership abilities. By joining Student Council, you are leading your peers to success. If you are interested see Mr. Nye in room 306.
Interact
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for people ages 14 - 18 who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all students. The program gives young people an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and advancing international understanding and goodwill. While the Rotary Club provides guidance and inspiration, the Interact club is self-governing and self-supporting, giving members a chance to develop a range of leadership skills while learning the value of teamwork. The Madison Rotary Sponsored DHHS ( Daniel Hand High School) Interact Club has over 150 members and performs over 30 community service activities involving 300 or more student contacts with the community per year. For further information use this link.
http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/Interact/Pages/ridefault.aspx
Faculty Advisor: Isabelle Hahn VM# 7854 RM# 227A - hahni@madison.k12.ct.us
Madison Rotary Club Advisor to DHHS Interact Club Arthur H. Criddle 203-245-0663; acriddle@snet.net
The Leo Club
The Leo Club is a community service organization for young people ages 12 to 21. Leo Clubs are affiliated with Lions International, the worlds largest service organization. There are over 6,000 clubs in 137 countries. Objective of the Leo Club is to promote service activities among the youth of the community which will develop the individual qualities of Leadership, Experience and Opportunity. Goal is to unite members in friendship, fellowship and mutual understanding. Leo Club is self directed with the Madison Lions Club providing an advisor each school year. Club is challenged to actively support local, state, national or international projects or charities. Contact Person: Cheryl T. Campbell- CherylTCampbell@sbcglobal.net
Diversity Club
The Diversity Club meets in order to enhance an awareness of and appreciation for diversity at DHHS and in society. We challenge stereotypes and biases by sharing an array of viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences in an open forum while enjoying various activities such as discussing films. All students are welcome! Meetings are Thursdays at 2:10 in Room 240. Advisors: Ms. Crompton and Mr. Hansen.
Environmental Club
The Environmental Club is dedicated to making the Madison Public Schools and the Madison community at large more environmentally sensitive. We work collaboratively with other civic and students groups in town to raise the environmental awareness of
High School Bowl
High School Bowl is the academic sport of the mind. Using a buzzer system, the ten competing shoreline school teams answer toss-up, then bonus questions in 10 primary matches throughout the year, followed by seeded quarter-final through final matches in May. Topics range from all academic subjects to sports and pop culture. The team especially invites freshman and sophomore girls and boys to attend a practice. People who like Jeopardy, absorb facts well and are competitive are perfect for HSB. Membership is limited to 15, which is the number of buzzers available on our equipment. Practice is held on Wednesdays in Room 246 throughout the year.
Varsity Math Team
DHHS is one of 12 high schools that participate in the Greater Middlesex County Mathematics League. There are seven meets over the course of each school year, with practices before each meet. This is one of only 3 academic teams at our school. Advisor: Mrs. Brown.
Computer Club
The Daniel Hand Computer Club (DHCC) exists to provide students with a forum to meet, discuss, and share information on a wide variety of computer-related interests. Discussions have included such diverse topics as a comparison of operating systems and web browsers to the ethics of software piracy. A popular component of meetings is a technology “show and tell”, where students demonstrate intriguing hardware and software.
The DHCC meets approximately every week after school for about one hour. The club is open to all members of DHHS, and students are encouraged to join, even if they can’t attend every meeting.
Debate Team
The Hand Debate Team is an interscholastic competitive activity. We compete in the Connecticut Debate League with some 100 other high schools from surrounding towns, in a regionally invented model called Extraneous Debate. This combines some of the attributes of Lincoln-Douglas with the more traditional Policy style. The Hand Debate Team also participates in Connecticut ’s Great High School Debate event, which is strictly Policy and follows the National Forensic League rules. During the year the primary competitions are held for a full day on Saturday; we plan to attend six tournaments including state finals in April. Hand Debate develops critical thought, analysis of complex issues, organizational thought, critical questioning, analytical listening, and of course, confidence in public speaking. Coach: Mr. Glasser.
The Hands-on-Stage Company
The Hands-on-Stage Company, Daniel Hand’s Theater Arts Program, is a fun, exciting, and unique opportunity for DHHS students to get involved in the Performing Arts. Everyone is welcome to participate, either behind the scenes or in front of the curtain! We have an annual fall play and spring musical as well as a new “theater troupe” that performs at state festivals. Advisor: Joy Weaver (joyann228@yahoo.com)
Book Club
Family and Consumer Sciences Club (FACS)
This is the Family and Consumer Sciences Club open to all students. Each month we participate in a service project, we learn something new, and we have a fun activity where we get to know one another. One of the big service projects we participate in each spring is “Art from the Heart” where we design and redecorate a room for a child who has cancer. Advisor: Anita Ferron.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national, nonprofit organization for middle and high school students with a strong interest in technology. The mission of the Technology Student Association is to prepare its membership for the challenges of a dynamic world by promoting technological literacy, leadership, and problem solving skills, resulting in personal growth and opportunities. The Technology Student Association (TSA), formerly AIASA, is the oldest student organization dedicated exclusively to students enrolled in technology education classes grades K-12. It has a rich history that spans three decades.
The purpose of the TSA chapter here at Daniel Hand High School is to provide an opportunity for students to connect to our school community and participate in activities that promote 21 st century skills. This year will be our fourth year and the club continues to participate in activities for students to enhance their skills in a technological age. Advisors: Bryan Amenta and Dan Grenier.
Dance Team
The Daniel Hand Dance Team is a group of approximately fifteen students from all grade levels who will perform original choreographed dance pieces at various school and community events. The group was established to pursue creative expression and community spirit through motion. The Dance Team encourages participation from students in all grade levels but specifically seeks hard working and fun loving individuals with a passion for dance.
French Club
The French Club is an informal meeting of French students who plan activities, play games, speak French, and enjoy French culture. Activities vary, but have included a trip to a French restaurant, making our own French food to share at a member’s home, and watching a movie in French. We are also involved with the LCDC, Le Club de Correspondance, which facilitates the pairing of French adolescents from Lyon who come to Madison for 2 weeks in the summer to visit students in Madison . After this exchange, Madison students then spend 2 weeks in Lyon . Advisor:
El club de español
The Spanish Club is beginning its seventh year and we are ready to plan some exciting events! Members have to be enrolled in a Spanish course this school year to be a member of the club. Members are expected to attend each meeting, plan and vote on events, volunteer hours to raise money for the club, and be willing to take on the responsibility of promoting the club and its events. Past events have included Salsa Lessons, outings to Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, watching movies in Spanish, an International Dinner, and a Day of the Dead celebration. Some Spanish Club members continued their studies and went to
Junior Classical League (Latin Club)
Our chapter of the National Junior Classical League (a.k.a. Latin Club) is very active. It is open to all current and former Latin students. During the year there are activities such as picnics, games, parties, fund-raising, celebration of Roman holidays, attending classical-related movies and plays such as “ Troy ”, and culminating in State Latin Day in May and our own banquet. Students from all levels of Latin get to work and play together. To join, simply come to room 246.
Yearbook
Yearbook is a great way to become a part of the DHHS community. Choose pictures, create the pages, and help us to document the year! Yearbook meets Mondays in either room 345 or 348. For more information see Mrs. Earles (room 348) or Mrs. Marchese (Room 345).
The Hand Print
Founded in 1944, The Hand Print, a student newspaper of DHHS, remains one of the oldest clubs in our school. Published as an after-school activity, The Hand Print welcomes student writers and artists from every class who want to inform the student body of the latest news, as well as see their articles published. The Hand Print is published four to six times per school year and is full of news, photos, and feature stories, developed by the club members. Special attention is given to the Editorial section where students can speak out about issues that concern everyone. The newspaper is looking forward to publishing more frequently, using a new electronic format as it celebrates its 60 th anniversary as a student club. The club meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and welcomes new members throughout the year. Advisor: Mr. Barron.
Phoenix Literary Magazine
Phoenix Literary Magazine is an annual 48-page creative writing publication produced each spring by a staff of dedicated students who select writing, line art, and photos from contributions made by their peers, then edit, type, lay out, proofread, and publish it. The magazine needs a general editor, layout editor, and art editor who take on leadership roles in the production and sale of the magazine. We actively solicit creative work from the student body, welcome all contributions, and attempt to represent as many students as possible in our selection process. We need both contributions and staff members to make this magazine a success. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at
Advisor: Claire Sullivan
The Vox, A Musical Magazine
In realizing how many students at DHHS are passionate about and take part in music, beginning this year we are looking to create a school magazine that focuses on music and features artists, students and faculty, and student reviews. It will also feature history of music genres, new releases, editorials, student submitted articles, artwork and photography, and related fashion. There will be two releases, fall/winter, and spring/summer. Advisors: Mr. Rock, and Mr. Marchase.
Peer Advocates
Peer Advocates is a two part program which consists first of a thirteen-session, twenty-six hour training in which interested and qualified applicants learn to listen to and to be resources for their peers. Groups consist of 14-15 members and work in areas of self-awareness and insight, and to develop communication and referral skills. After training, Peer Advocates are expected to become involved in service, educational, and outreach opportunities provided through the ALUMNI portion of the program. These include CHOICES –through which trained Peer Advocates work with eighth graders on refusal skills and decision-making, REACH OUT – through which trained Peer Advocates welcome and support students entering DHHS from other school systems. Application/Interview process is involved for PA training. Facilitators: Taffy Bowes, bowest@madisonct.org, and Eric Becker, Madison Youth & Family Services, 245-5645. Choices Facilitator: Erin Corbett, DHHS Student Assistance Counselor.
Mentoring Matters
Mentoring Matters trains DHHS students to mentor Middle School Students who could use an older, grounded friend.
The Woodsy Club
The Woodsy Club is open to all DHHS students interested in spending time learning more about tracking, the local forest environment, and native cultures. Facilitator: Eric Becker, Madison Youth Services, 245-5645.
W.O.W. – Women of the World
Women of the World/Girls’ Group meets on Tuesday afternoons throughout the school year and provides a place for its members to voice their concerns, thoughts, and opinions. The group operates on the belief that serious does not necessarily equal solemn. Open to all DHHS girls. Facilitator: Taffy Bowes, Madison Youth & Family Services, 245-5657, bowest@madisonct.org.
A.R.M.S.
The Alliance of Racial Minority Students was formed in 2007 . The group meets bi-weekly and provides support for its members as well as education about a variety of cultures. Sponsored by Madison Youth and Family Services. Facilitator TBA. For update, contact Taffy Bowes at 245-5657, bowest@madisonct.org.
G.A.S.P.
Gay and Straight People, is a discussion group for students interested in considering questions of diversity and raising awareness about homophobia. The group meets at DHHS every other Friday. G.A.S.P. operates from the belief that all humans are worthy of consideration and respectful treatment. Open to all DHHS students. Facilitator: Taffy Bowes, Madison Youth & Family Services, 245-5657, bowest@madsionct.org.
Safe Rides
Safe Rides is a student-to-student transportation service that operates on Friday and Saturday nights from
Students of Madison Alliance for Saving Hearts (SMASH)
SMASH is a local community organization made up of Students of Daniel Hand High School and Grove School . The organization is supported and funded by the Madison selectman’s Council on Youth Substance Abuse. Our mission is to educate and inform the community of Madison on issues that affect youth. SMASH has created a Public Service Announcement to stop smoking, brought the AIDS quilt to Madison , raised money for cancer research, and participated in events related to fire safety. The group always welcomes new members. For more information contact Kerry Graham Shay at 245-2778 or kerryeg@prodigy.net.
AIDS AWARENESS PROJECT
AIDS AWARENESS PROJECT is open to any DHHS student interested in planning, organizing, and facilitating awareness and educational activities on WORLD AIDS DAY, December 1. The Project also raises funds for organizations that provide services for people with AIDS and for people in families affected by AIDS.
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