Clubs and Activities
SWIC Info | Student Activities | Band | Black and Gold Times | Chorus | Declamation | Eighth Grade Class Activities | Mathletes | NJHS | Pets Club | Prairie View Players | Student Council | Yearbook
Prairie View Middle School is a member of the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) which offers many competitive activities, including boys’ and girls’ softball, boys’ and girls’ cross country, girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ and boys’ volleyball, girls’ and boys’ track, Mathletes, Speech, Band, and Choral Programs.
We provide a broad and varied program of extracurricular activities designed to meet the needs and interests of our students. Students who represent Prairie View in extracurricular activities must maintain good academic and disciplinary status in order to remain eligible for these programs. Student eligibility is determined by their teachers, based on the student’s schoolwork and behavior. Any team member who receives an “F” in any subject is temporarily suspended from competition for one week, or until academic improvement is noted. At the coach’s discretion, students who are on activity suspension may practice but not play in SWIC sanctioned games or events until a passing grade or progress is made toward improving their academic performance.
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Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC)We encourage our students to become part of extracurricular activities because we believe that they are a vital part of the middle school experience. Various clubs operate throughout the year. It is expected that each club participant will maintain passing grades and appropriate behavior. Attendance during regular school hours is required in order to participate in after school activities.
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BandDirectors: Mr. R. Forlenza, Mr. M. Szczasny, and Mr. M. Hodges
D140 Band Parents: Ms. D. Puckett, President; Mr. M. Volk, 1st Vice President; Ms. M. Krakow, 2nd Vice President; Mr. R. Krakow, Treasurer; Ms. M. Bialka, Secretary
BEGINNING BAND
is the organization which lays the foundation for the entire Instrumental Music Program. Beginning band students receive one half hour small group lesson in their elementary school during the school day. Students have a choice of attending one of three after school Beginning Band rehearsals for the larger ensemble experience. Beginning Band members participate in two concerts during the school year. A recruitment is held annually in September to enlist for membership, students with no previous instrumental music experience. General requirements include a desire to excel musically and a willingness to conform to the District 140 Band Guidelines.
CADET BAND
is an intermediate group consisting of District 140 band members who have had some previous instrumental music experience (usually Beginning Band) and who have successfully displayed a degree of proficiency required by the directors. This band performs a concert in December and May. The Cadet Band also competes in one full band contest and individual members have the opportunity to participate in the I.G.S.M.A. Solo & Ensemble Contest. This group rehearses daily, before school, at Grissom Jr. High School.
SYMPHONIC BAND
is comprised of the most musically advanced instrumentalists from Prairie View and Grissom. Members in this group have displayed an exceptionally high degree of proficiency as mandated by the directors. This band performs at various concerts and festivals throughout the school year. The Symphonic Band also competes at various contests and festivals at both the local and state level. Individual members have the opportunity to participate in the I.G.S.M.A. Solo & Ensemble Contest. This group rehearses before school daily, at Prairie View Middle School.
JAZZ BAND
is comprised of District 140 7th & 8th grade band members who are interested in performing jazz music. This group performs at concerts and various special events. The Jazz Band rehearses once a week, after school.
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Black and Gold TimesThis is the Flagship Newspaper for Prairie View Middle School. It was created in 2002, a year in which there were six issues published. This year, we intend to publish an issue each month. The Black and Gold Times contains a plethora of interesting articles for both the students, faculty and parents of Prairie View. Some of the monthly features include: Feature articles; school activities; Dear Eagle and Ask Johnny advice columns; crossword puzzle; teacher talk interviews; editorials; comics; Things We'll Never See gossip column; nurse news column; horoscopes; sports; contests; and, literature and writing articles.
The Black and Gold Times meets on Tuesdays, but our writers are on duty 25/7!
We meet in the Black and Gold World Headquarters, Room C-4. Kids learn the importance of teamwork, deadlines, the power of the press, and editing and writing skills. Everyone is welcome.
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ChorusDirector: Mrs. Tuazon
For weekly choir rehearsal dates and times, please view our latest Kirby Chorus Schedule.
TREBLE CHOIR
This is an ensemble composed of younger, beginning, or less experienced singers, both boys and girls. Students may join without any previous choral experience, and there is no audition required. Students will learn to sing in two parts, learn to read music, and gain confidence in performing in various concert and festival settings throughout the year. This ensemble rehearses at Prairie View on Wednesdays and Fridays 3:15 pm - 4:05 pm, as well as sectionals during TIP times, and is open to Prairie View and Grissom students of all grades.
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
This is an ensemble composed of older, experienced, or more advanced singers, both boys and girls. Students may join without any previous choral experience, and there is no audition required. Students will learn to sing in three parts, improve music literacy, and gain confidence in performing in various concert, festival, and contest settings throughout the year. This ensemble rehearses at Grissom on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15 pm - 4:05 pm, as well as sectionals during TIP times, and is open to Prairie View and Grissom students of all grades.
HONORS CHOIR
This is an auditioned ensemble, and will be a small, select group of the most musically advanced choral students, both boys and girls. Any student who is also participating in either Treble Choir or Symphonic Choir may audition. Students will sing more challenging and sophisticated music in three parts, improve music literacy, and gain confidence in performing in various concert, festival, contest, and community settings throughout the year. A strong commitment to rehearsals is expected for the highest level of musical achievement. This ensemble rehearses at Grissom on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:15 pm - 5:05 pm, as well as sectionals during TIP times, and is open to Prairie View and Grissom students of all grades.
SHOW CHOIR
This is an auditioned ensemble, and will be composed of students who will sing and dance, both boys and girls. Any student who is also participating in either Treble Choir or Symphonic Choir may audition. Students will sing and dance in various styles, improve music literacy, and gain confidence in performing in various concert, festival, and community settings throughout the year. A strong commitment to rehearsals is expected for the highest level of musical and visual achievement. This ensemble rehearses at Prairie View on Wednesdays and Fridays 4:15 pm - 5:05 pm, as well as sectionals during TIP times, and is open to Prairie View and Grissom students of all grades.
For more information, click here to view our Kirby Choral Program brochure.
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DeclamationThe SWIC Speech Team offers 6th, 7th, and 8th graders an opportunity to build public speaking and acting skills in a variety of categories. A school team might consist of 7 to 21 students as a core group who work in some intense practices under the sponsor’s instruction. The SWIC Competition Team is chosen from among the participants, after they perform for families and friends at Family Night in late February. The competition team represents Prairie View at the final SWIC competition which is held in April. Try-outs are in December, and practices begin after the winter break in January. Students often perform for their peers or in limited engagements elsewhere. Students earn individual honors and recognition for their performances at the Conference Meet, as well as school placement honors.
Speech Team Events Include:
Humorous Duet Acting,Verse (Poetry) Reading, Dramatic Interpretation,
Humorous Interpretation, Oratorical Declamation (Speech), Prose Reading
For more information, contact Mrs. Wendy Wasilewski.
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Eighth Grade Class ActivitiesEighth grade students enjoy certain privileges and activities, many of which are scheduled at the end of the year. Eighth graders must demonstrate basic responsibilities and appropriate attitudes before they are allowed to participate in these activities.
Activities:
• Attending the Class trip to Great America
• Attending the Class Graduation Dance
• Attending TBA end of the year events
• Participating in the formal Graduation Ceremony. This participation involves the
purchase of cap and gown, paying the necessary fees, being seated with the Class
of Graduates at the Ceremony, and walking on stage to receive the diploma.
Requirements:
• Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 1.0 (D).
• Students must demonstrate appropriate behavior throughout the school year as
supported by behavioral records and staff recommendations.
• Students must show respect and cooperation toward adults and fellow classmates.
Reasons for Exclusion from Activities:
• A cumulative grade point average below 1.0 (D)
• Severe or repeated misconduct or misbehavior problems as documented through
conduct referral forms, detentions, suspensions, and teachers’ or administrative
notations.
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MathletesMathletes is open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student who enjoys working with puzzles, solving math problems and exploring math shortcuts. Mathletes use the computer to become more proficient problem solvers, compete in SWIC competitions, and help organize and run the St. Jude's Math-A-Thon in March. Interested students should see Mrs. Ware or Mrs. Brenner.
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NJHSEffective with the entering sixth grade class of the 2003-2004 school year, academic excellence which qualifies for the National Junior Honor Society recognition will be established at a level of 3.75 cumulative grade point average. This level of performance must be maintained throughout the duration of membership in the organization.
During the school year, NJHS members partake in several different activities. We have sold buttons to raise money for the families and victims of September 11th. We also sponsored the Toys for Tots fundraiser. All the money that was raised was used to buy toys for children less fortunate.
NJHS members take pride in helping out the community and the school.
Click NJHS STUDENT SERVICE HOURS SHEET to print a copy of a service sheet verification form.
Scholarship
Students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GAP) of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If a student falls below this criteria at mid-term, the student is placed on probation until the end of the quarter. If the student does not achieve the 3.75 GPA by the end of the marking period, the student loses the privilege of graduating with honors.
Eagle Expectations - Eye Passes
Reward slips are given to students who have performed an extraordinary service of honor. Eye passes are drawn on a regular basis and prizes are awarded to students. Prizes are purchased from our fund raisers and through the donations of our wonderful PTO.
Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community while working with or for others.
Character
The student of good character upholds the principals of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrated high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern and respect for others and generally maintains a good clean lifestyle.
Service Projects
Food Drive for Tinley Park Food Pantry
Button Sales for American Red Cross in New York
Fund Raiser
Cookie Dough Sales to purchase gifts for VIP's
Service
This quality is defined through voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community.
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Pets Club Pets Club takes pride in making it their priority to respect all animals and their owners. This club meets throughout the year and is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Activities sponsored by the Pets Club include fundraisers for animal shelters, such as bake sales & raffles; field trips to area shelters and vets; lessons on a variety of animals and their care; weekly featured pets on morning school announcements; and social opportunities to share with one another through parties & crafts.
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Prairie View Players All 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Prairie View Middle School students in good academic standing have the opportunity to try out or sign up for technical crews for the fall play production and become a “Prairie View Player!” We will explore the performance art of acting from a scripted play, as well as develop skills in the technical areas of theatre including scenery production, light design and operation, sound, makeup, costumes, publicity, and backstage crew. Our cast and crew will perform for the school during the day. They will also perform for families and friends in an evening performance in November.
Students are also invited to audition for the school musical sponsored by the Choral Department in the spring. There are many non-singing parts, as well as crew opportunities, so don't be shy you tone-deaf actors!
For more information, contact Mrs. Wendy Wasilewski.
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Student CouncilThe Student Council sponsors many events at Prairie View including the Halloween Dance, Valentines Dance, the Spring Dance, End of Year Dance, and much more. We also sponsor the food drive against Grissom and RED RIBBON WEEK. We decorate the dances, count the food goods for the food drive, and we decorate for RED RIBBON WEEK. We listen to the students and change what they would like to change.
If you have any comments or suggestions to make to the student council or if you have anything you would like to change at Prairie View, please contact your T.i.p. Representation and they will tell your idea to the executive board and the rest of the student council. Then we will try to put your idea into action.
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YearbookThis club is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Members work hard, use creativity, and choose pictures that will be a permanent part of the history of Prairie View. Books are distributed at the end of the school year.
Parents, if you have any great pictures from sport events, after school activities, or clubs that you think might be worth sharing, send them to school to Mrs. Jilek. Yearbook meetings are generally held on Monday from 3:00-4:00 unless otherwise stated in the announcements. Students know their schedules. However, as the deadlines approach, there will be additional meetings as well.
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