Interest Groups
Open Groups:
Art Club
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Description: The Art Club is for creative students that would enjoy having more opportunities to create art. We will update the hallway bulletin board, make props for school plays, create fun projects, make art for fundraisers, work on art displays in the hallway, and assist with school art shows.
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Meeting time(s): 2nd & 4th of each month 3:05-4:15 pm
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Associated Fees: None
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Sponsors: Mrs. Gray
Book Club
- Description: The purpose of book club is to promote a lifelong interest in literature by reading a variety of books and discussing them in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants in Book Club will collectively select a book to read and will meet one month later to have a meaningful discussion about the book’s plot, characters, pacing, etc., and to share their opinions and favorite parts.
- Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch
- Associated Fees: Participants may need to purchase chosen book each month
- Sponsors: Mrs. Vivio
Creative Writing Club
- Description: The purpose of the Creative Writing club is to explore the world of writing and storytelling in a creative, vibrant environment. Club members will develop writing skills and nurture an appreciation for the written word. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to join and explore various writing prompts and collaborative projects. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and we’re here to help our members discover their unique voices.
- Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch
- Associated Fees: None
- Sponsors: Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Livingston
Crochet Club
- Description: Crochet club is for crafty students who want to learn to crochet or want to take their crochet skills to the next level! We will look at the different basic stitches, granny squares, and whatever projects the students want to learn!
- Meeting time(s): 1st and 3rd Monday from 3:05-4:15 pm
- Associated Fees: Participants will need to bring their own yarn and crochet hook
- Sponsors: Mrs. Fisher
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
- Description: FCA focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire, and change the world through the gospel. FCA core values are integrity, service, teamwork, and excellence. Participants in FCA will meet during lunch for games and devotionals led by Josh Ward.
- Meeting time(s): Mondays during lunch
- Associated fees: $5
- Sponsors: Mrs. Brauss and Coach Giles
French Culinary Club
- Description: The purpose of this group is to experience French and Francophone cuisine once a month during scheduled lunch times. Students will learn basic culinary skills (measuring, heat regulation, proper use of kitchen knives, etc.) and cook and eat their own lunches during the days when we meet. Students will also be able to bring home a French-English recipe home to share with family members. Students will need a signed parent permission form and $25 to be able to join the club. Cash and or checks made to the USJ French department are accepted. Club meetings will start in September.
- Meeting time(s): Once a month. Students will meet M. Smith in the cafeteria during lunch. M. Smith will email students one week in advance to let them know when their meeting time is scheduled
- Associated Fees: $25
- Sponsor: Monsieur. J. Smith
Game on!
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Description: Do you want a break from the stress of Middle School? Do you want to learn how to play new games? Do you want to learn how to be a good winner or loser? Do you want to have the time of your life? Board games encourage teamwork and healthy competition, sharpen strategy and thinking skills, strengthen friendships, encourage new friendships, reduce stress, and create laughter. Some games to be played include Trouble, Chess, Checkers, Jinga, Tetris, and Sorry.
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Meeting time(s): Monthly during break
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Associated Fees: None
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Maximum number of participants: 28
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Sponsors: Mrs. Vargason and Mrs. Davis
Multicultural Club
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Description: The mission of University School of Jackson’s Multicultural Club is to acknowledge the presence of different cultures in the world, as well as foster education, respect, and appreciation of diversity. The multicultural club gives students the opportunity to meet, learn, and share ideas. The goal is to have a student club that has various cultures, lifestyles, and opinions. This USJ club is for all students who want to learn about and be a part of culture diversity.
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Meeting time(s): Every Wednesday at Lunch Time
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Associated Fees: $0, May include additional costs for field trips
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Sponsors: Coach Jones, Mrs. Gooch, Mr. Smith
WordMasters
- Description: Would you like to expand your vocabulary, sound smarter in class, and impress your friends and teachers? You should join the WordMasters team! During our time together we will work toward becoming linguistic legends as we complete brain-bending word challenges and prepare to compete against middle schoolers from across the nation in three WordMasters Challenges. Winners from each challenge will receive a special treat, and the overall winner will be awarded the WordMasters Champion medal. Join today. Your challenge awaits!
- Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch (In Mrs. Byrd’s room)
- Associated Fees: None
- Sponsor: Mrs. Byrd
MS Boys Bible Study and Devotional Club
- Description: You are invited to join the Middle School Bible Study/Devotion Club. Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of faith, friendship, and growth? This club is exclusively for MALE students in grades 6-8 who are eager to explore the wonders of the Bible and dive deeper into their spiritual lives. This club will demonstrate that the Bible is not just an ancient book, but a living guide that can help us navigate through the ups and downs of life. We will also have teen-oriented devotions that are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and experiences of young people. These devotions will provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and joys, as we explore how our faith can guide us through the teenage years and for the rest of our lives. We can't wait to welcome you to the Middle School Bible Study/Devotion Club! This year, we are splitting into two groups: 6th Grade (only) and 7th and 8th Grade (combined)
- Meeting time(s): Lunch on Tuesdays, bring your lunch (from home or cafeteria)
- Associated Fees: minimal to none (based on numbers)
- Sponsor: Mr. Schwartz & Mr. Hight
MS Girls Bible Study and Devotional Club
- Description: Being a tween/teen girl who is just starting to figure herself out is challenging and complicated. This bible study will have a weekly devotional that will engage us in conversations about applying scripture to help find solutions to Middle School life. We will touch on real life challenges, like friends, school stress, drama, self-esteem, and social media. This will be an uplifting time that will encourage spiritual growth, strengthen family and friend relationships, and increase confidence and compassion. Devotional scripture will be emailed to parents each week to encourage discussions outside of our time together. We will also be doing art projects before Christmas and Easter.
- Meeting time(s): 1st Tuesday of each month:
6th Grade–7:30-7:55 with Mr. Schwartz
7th/8th Grade-During Break with Mr. Hight - Associated Fees: Costs for supplies for craft projects
- Sponsor: Erin Wagner
Video Game Club
- Description: Enter a world of mini-games, mega fun, and friendly competition! The Video Game Club brings together students who love to explore, play, and connect. Whether you're drawing wild guesses in Skribbl.io, traveling the globe in GeoGuessr, or showing off your skills in Shell Shockers, there's a spot for everyone with no experience needed!
- Meeting time(s): Monthly during break
- Associated Fees: None; participants will need to bring their own laptop to participate
- Sponsor: Mrs. Burch
Elected/Nominated MS Groups:
Student Council
- Description: Student Council is the student governing body of the Middle School and is responsible for student activities such as the 5th grade visit, USJ Open House, and Field Day. They will work with the sponsor and Upper School SGA to organize and promote school-wide fundraisers.
- How to participate: A period representatives are selected by A period classes. Interested candidates must collect and complete paperwork from Mrs. Engles. All officers are elected by students in the spring.
- Meeting time(s): Bi-monthly at break, as well as various during and after school activities
- Associated Fees: None
- Sponsor: Mrs. Engles
Study Group
- Description: Study group pairs Middle School students with an Upper School mentor. Students may study, work on organization, or complete homework.
- How to participate: Teacher recommendations- If you have not been recommended and are interested in participating, talk to your teacher.
- Meeting time(s): Weekly before or after school
- Associated Fees: None
- Sponsors: Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Whisenant, Mrs. Gooch, and Mrs. Livingston