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An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All
Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School
Lucy and CeCee: So, you put in a full day at school. Why should you stay after an extra two hours just to be in an extracurricular club? Actually, it turns out we both think clubs are supercool and totally worth the extra time (for different reasons, of course).
Why Clubs Are Cool by CeCee: Clubs are cool because you can hobnob with comrades who have common interests and goals. You can interact with your teachers outside of class and get to know them better. Also, you will come to establish quality traits like social responsibility and leadership skills. By joining a club and becoming involved, you feel more connected to the school community and become a “part” of things.
Why Clubs Are Cool by Lucy: You can meet guys. So, basically, there are three types of clubs: academic, athletic, and social. Some clubs require that you be voted in or try out—like student government or cheerleading—but most just require enthusiasm and willing attitude.
Typical Middle School Clubs:
♥ Mathcounts
♥ Future Problem Solvers
♥ Environmental club
♥ Science olympiad
♥ Spanish/French/German and other foreign language clubs
♥ Sports (basketball, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, football, soccer, etc. )
♥ Debate club
♥ Chess
♥ D&D (Dungeons and Dragons)
♥ Band
♥ Choir
♥ Student council/government
♥ Dance troupe or drill team
♥ Science fiction club
♥ Book club
♥ Cheerleading
♥ School newspaper
Personal Note from CeCee: Don’t shun the academic clubs. Case in point: My math skills and confidence were positively wretched in the sixth grade until I joined Mathcounts. Since then, my grades and test scores have totally improved. Don’t get me wrong—math will never be my favorite subject, but when our Mathcounts team competes against other schools and wins, it’s pure binomial bliss!
Madison Messenger
May Edition, Volume VII, Issue 5
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
It’s time for a fashion face-off with this PTA lady. Why does Mrs. Linda Pringle think she can change the dress code policy at Madison Middle to require uniforms? Students need to express themselves. Everyone knows uniforms are not the great equalizer; they are the great oppressor! Not only that, but establishing a uniform policy is unconstitutional and violates freedom of speech. Also, where is Mrs. Pringle getting all this research claiming uniforms raise test scores? We have so very few rights as middle school students as it is. Why take away our right to fashion?
Sincerely,
Dressed and Oppressed
Dear Dressed and Oppressed,
I certainly appreciate and understand your frustration. I like my fashion freedom, too! Unfortunately, if Mr. Payne, the PTA, and the Madison Heights School Board support the new uniform policy, it will most likely become a reality. That said, I will communicate your concerns and share them with the student body. Until then, flaunt your fashion freedom, and fight on!
Yours in label lust,
Cecelia E. Cruz, Editor in Chief
Addendum
How to Start Your Own Club by Lucy
I’ve decided to start my own club. It will be an environmental fashion club called the EFC. It’s a fab idea because: 1) it will be a diversion from the whole school uniform thing, and 2) it will make me superpopular.
As president of the EFC, I am quickly learning there are many things one must know before starting his or her own club:
♥ Have at least three people in mind that can help you start the club. Otherwise, you might be viewed as just some weirdo loner with a cause.
♥ Find a club advisor—hopefully a hip, cool teacher with some passion. In other
words, find a teacher who’s not just going to do it for the extra stipend but
can help recruit students and advise when necessary.
♥ Run ideas by the principal and fill out all required forms, including the club
objective, costs, fund-raising, and so on. Tip: Explain to the principal how the club will raise test scores.
♥ Advertise the club with eye-catching posters and homeroom announcements.
♥ Have a set meeting place and agenda.
♥ Serve cookies at meetings. Advertise the fact that cookies will be served.
♥ Make cool club T-shirts to be worn on club days.
Stuff You'll Need:
♥ Meeting place
♥ Plan or club platform
♥ Principal’s approval
♥ Sponsor
♥ Members
♥ Posters
♥ Cookies
♥ Courage and confidence
Thanks for visiting and commenting, Gurjender. Cheers!
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