Middle School Student Activities Information
District 140 middle schools offer sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students a variety of activities that support their interests, talents, and personal growth. These programs provide meaningful experiences beyond the classroom while helping students build social skills, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence.
Grissom and Prairie View offer many common activities, which are outlined below. Each school also offers unique clubs, activities, and events based on the interests and needs of its students during the school year.
This is designed to help students and parents understand the range of extracurricular opportunities available in District 140.
Middle School Administrators
- Prairie View Middle School
- Maura R. Baskovich, Principal, and Colleen Sempek, Assistant Principal
- Address: 8500 W. 175th St., Tinley Park, IL 60487
- Phone: 708-532-8540
- Maura R. Baskovich, Principal, and Colleen Sempek, Assistant Principal
- Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
- Michael Rumbaugh, Principal, and Assistant Principal
- Address: 17000 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477
- Phone:708-429-3030
- Michael Rumbaugh, Principal, and Assistant Principal
Both District 140 middle schools are members of the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC), which includes 12 south-suburban junior high and middle schools. Through SWIC, students have opportunities to participate in a variety of athletic and academic activities with other member schools. This handbook is intended to help District 140 families understand the activities available to students, the general structure of each activity, and how students may participate.
SWIC Member Schools
The following schools are current members of the Southwest InterScholastic Conference (SWIC):
Century Junior High School (District 135)
10801 W. 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467
708-364-3500
Conrady Junior High School (District 117)
7950 W 97th Street
Hickory Hills, IL 60457
708-598-5721
Evergreen Park - Central M.S. (District 124)
9400 South Sawyer Avenue
Evergreen Park, IL 60608
708-424-0148
Grissom Middle School (District 140)
17000 S. 80th Ave
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-429-3030
Jerling Junior High School (District 135)
8851 West 151st Street
Orland Park, IL 60462
708-364-3700
Liberty Junior High School (District 111)
5900 W. 81st Street
Burbank, IL 60459
708-952-3255
Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School (District 123)
5345 West 99th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-499-6400
Orland Junior High School (District 135)
14855 West Avenue
Orland Park, IL 60462
708-364-4200
Palos South Middle School (District 118)
13100 S. 82nd Ave.
Palos Park, IL 60406
708-448-5971
Prairie View Middle School (District 140)
8500 W. 175th Street
Tinley Park, IL 60487
708-532-8540
Simmons Middle School (District 122)
6450 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-599-8540
Tinley Central Middle School (District 146)
18146 Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-614-4510
The following activities are sponsored by SWIC. Each member school is expected to participate in each sponsored activity.
SWIC-Sponsored Sports
Cross Country
Cross Country is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. The season runs from late August through the first week of October. Each member school may have one boys' team and one girls' team, with students from all three grade levels competing on each team. Teams compete in meets throughout the season, ending with a conference meet.
Girls' 12" Fastpitch Softball
Girls' Softball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. The season runs from late August through the first week of October. Each member school may have one team, usually made up of 12-16 students from all three grade levels. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Boys' 16" Slowpitch Softball
Boys' Softball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. The season runs from late August through the first week of October. Each member school may have one team, usually made up of 12-16 students from all three grade levels. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Girls' Basketball
Girls' Basketball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. Each member school sponsors two teams: one 6th/7th-grade team and one 8th-grade team. The season runs from early October through mid-December. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Boys' Volleyball
Boys' Volleyball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. Each member school sponsors two teams: one 6th/7th-grade team and one 8th-grade team. The season runs from early October through mid-December. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Girls' Volleyball
Girls' Volleyball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. Each member school sponsors two teams: one 6th/7th-grade team and one 8th-grade team. The season runs from January through mid-March, with tryouts beginning in early December. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Boys' Basketball
Boys' Basketball is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. Each member school sponsors two teams: one 6th/7th-grade team and one 8th-grade team. The season runs from January through mid-March, with tryouts beginning in early December. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Track & Field
Track & Field is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade boys and girls. Practices and competitions run from mid-March through May. Students compete in running and field events throughout the season. The season ends with the SWIC Track Meet, held at an area high school on the third Saturday in May. Students can earn individual honors, and schools can earn team honors.
Girls' Soccer
Girls' Soccer is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade girls. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. The season runs from late March through mid-May. Each member school may have one team, with students from all three grade levels. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
Boys' Soccer
Boys' Soccer is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade boys. Students must attend tryouts and be selected for the team. The season runs from late March through mid-May. Each member school may have one team, with students from all three grade levels. Teams compete in conference games throughout the season, ending with a postseason tournament.
SWIC-Sponsored Academic Activities
Mathletes
Mathletes is open to interested and qualified 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. Each member school may have one team, usually made up of 6-10 students who compete. Additional students may be invited to participate in early math meets or practices. Students must demonstrate strong math reasoning and computational skills. The season ends with the SWIC Mathlete Meet, where students compete for individual and team honors.
Declamation
SWIC Declamation is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students interested in building public speaking skills. A school squad may include 8-12 students who practice with the sponsor and represent their school at the final SWIC competition in April. Tryouts and practices usually begin in December or January. Students may also perform for classmates or at other school events. Students can earn individual recognition for their performances, and schools can earn placement honors at the conference meet.
Several activities are recognized by SWIC but not required for conference-wide participation. Each member school may choose whether to participate in these activities.
Cheerleading
Member schools may choose to create cheerleading squads. In District 140, both middle schools currently host cheerleading squads for 6th/7th-grade students and 8th-grade students. The activity runs from January through mid-March and parallels the boys' basketball season.
Band Festival
SWIC schools invite their band directors to participate in an annual SWIC Band Festival, usually hosted at one SWIC school site. The festival gives students an opportunity to perform together under the direction of a guest conductor. This special performance is usually held on a weeknight in the spring.
SWIC Eligibility
District 140 students who participate in SWIC activities are expected to maintain good academic and behavioral standing throughout the season. Students represent their school when they participate in extracurricular programs, and eligibility is based on schoolwork, behavior, and teacher input.
Students who are not passing a class may be suspended from competition for one week or until academic improvement is shown. At the coach's discretion, a student on activity suspension may still attend practice but may not participate in SWIC games or events until the student is passing or making progress toward improving academic performance.
SWIC athletic activities are competitive programs. Coaches will review expectations with students and parents before each season, including expectations for behavior, appearance, academics, teamwork, and commitment. While every student-athlete is an important member of the team, participation in games may vary, and playing time is not guaranteed.
Students must also have all required District 140 medical release and permission forms completed before participating in tryouts, practices, or competitions. Parent/guardian permission must be submitted before a student may try out for an athletic team. These forms are available through the school health office.
SWIC Awards
At the conclusion of each SWIC activity, sponsors or coaches may recognize students for their participation, effort, and contributions.
Sponsors and coaches may also recognize students for outstanding effort, leadership, or special contributions at the end of the school year, including during 8th Grade Awards Night.
The conference may also recognize students for outstanding contributions at the conclusion of each season through honors such as all-conference awards, most valuable player recognition, and other special awards.
Both District 140 middle schools offer a variety of activities that support student interests, leadership, creativity, service, and school involvement. Some activities are offered at both Grissom and Prairie View, while others may vary by school based on student interest and building needs.
Band
District 140's instrumental music program begins in 5th grade with Beginning Band. Students are introduced to an instrument, receive instruction, and begin developing skills both individually and as part of a group.
In 6th grade, students may continue in Cadet Band. Cadet Band members practice daily from 7:35-8:20 a.m. The 6th-grade band performs in District concerts and may participate in selected competitions.
In 7th and 8th grade, students may continue in Concert Band or Symphonic Band. These groups practice daily from 7:35-8:20 a.m. Both bands perform in District concerts and participate in regional competitions.
Middle school band participants will also receive more direct, weekly instruction through sectional practices occurring during the school day.
Participation in middle school band requires commitment, responsibility, and good citizenship. Band placement may be based on grade level, skill development, and overall commitment to the program.
Chorus
Middle School Chorus is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who enjoy vocal music. Chorus gives students opportunities to sing, perform, and participate in music-related activities throughout the school year.
Chorus groups may perform on- and off-campus for parents, students, and the community. Practices are held after school, and initial recruiting usually begins in late August. Students who join Chorus are expected to attend practices and participate in scheduled performances.
National Junior Honor Society
Grissom and Prairie View each have a recognized chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). NJHS recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, character, citizenship, service, and leadership.
Seventh-grade students may apply for membership if they meet the required grade point average and complete the application process, which includes an application and essay. Candidates must also provide information about their character, citizenship, and service to their school and community.
To qualify for NJHS, students must have a career cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher. This average includes grades from 6th grade through the second trimester of 7th grade. Students who meet the requirements are typically inducted in late April or May of their 7th-grade year.
Sixth and seventh-grade students interested in future NJHS membership should focus on strong study habits, positive citizenship, service, and academic excellence.
NJHS Membership Criteria
- Maintain a career cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher
- Complete 20 hours of community service, including 10 school-based hours and 10 community-based hours, while a member of NJHS
- Demonstrate positive leadership in and out of the classroom
- Actively participate in NJHS-sponsored projects
Yearbook
Both middle schools offer students the opportunity to purchase a school yearbook as a keepsake of their middle school experience. Yearbook committees may help with layout, photography, sales, story ideas, and other parts of the publication process. Yearbooks are usually sold at the beginning of the school year and distributed later in the year. Purchasing a yearbook is optional.
Student Council
Student Council is open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. Under faculty sponsorship, the Student Council gives students a voice in school activities and provides opportunities to build leadership skills.
Each school may organize a Student Council based on its own needs and student interests. Student Council members and officers may help plan community service projects, school activities, special events, spirit days, assemblies, dances, and other student-centered programs.
Student Council activities may include:
- Student leadership opportunities
- Community food drives
- Charity fundraising events
- Special assemblies
- Seasonal or themed student dances
- Spirit days
There are no strict academic requirements to join Student Council, although students serving as officers or representatives are expected to demonstrate good citizenship and responsibility.
Intramurals
Intramurals are open to interested 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. These programs are designed to encourage physical activity, participation, and recreation. Intramural sessions usually run for 6-8 weeks on scheduled days before school. Students must have a completed parent/guardian permission form to participate.
District 140 middle schools provide many opportunities to recognize students for achievement, effort, improvement, citizenship, leadership, and participation. Recognition may take place through teams, school-wide programs, activities, athletics, and academic honors.
Interdisciplinary teams may recognize students through awards such as Student of the Month, improvement awards, effort awards, and citizenship awards. Each middle school may also offer school-wide incentives throughout the year to recognize spirit, effort, achievement, and positive contributions to the school community.
Students may also be recognized through the academic Honor Roll. All subject areas are included when determining honor roll status. A grade point average of 3.75-4.0 within one trimester qualifies for High Honor Roll. A grade point average of 3.5-3.74 within one trimester qualifies for Honor Roll.
After-school bus service is available at 4:05 p.m. for students who normally receive District 140 bus transportation. This service is reserved for students who are transported to District 140 schools by bus as part of their regular transportation routine.
Grissom and Prairie View offer students a variety of opportunities to get involved, including competitive conference activities and school-based clubs, programs, and events. Parents may contact the appropriate club sponsor or coach with questions about specific activities. Families should also review school newsletters and the District 140 website for seasonal updates and activity information.
District 140's goal is to provide 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students with meaningful opportunities that support their transition from elementary school to high school. Students who get involved often build friendships, develop new skills, contribute to their school community, and create lasting memories.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.