John Adams High School Mission Statement

Quality Education

For

Every Student

Every Day

Welcome to John Adams High School, the Pride of the East

Side! Inside this publication, you will find a huge variety

of ways in which you can become fully immersed within your

high school experience while attending John Adams High

School.

Research has consistently shown that involved students

perform better academically and socially. Please spend some

time reading through this material and talking about all of

these options with your parents.

All of us here at john Adams High School are here to do

everything in our power to help you succeed and graduate

while creating four of the best years of your life.

John Adams High School has a fantastic magnet program -

International Baccalaureate Program. Our 2009 – 2010

freshmen were the first group to be a part of a smaller

learning community, which is designed to provide additional

support from teachers and other adults within the building.

Again, welcome to John Adams High School! We are all glad

that you are here and we look forward to being a positive

part of your life for the next four years! Have a GREAT

school year!

INDEX

Programs After School Tutoring

After School Tutoring/ENL

NHS Tutoring Program

Nova Net

School Clubs Mock Trial

Quiz Bowl

Model UN

Math Club

Spanish Club

National Honors Society

Student Government

Concert Band

Drama Club

Jazz Ensemble

Marching Band

Student Outreach Clubs GSA – Gay Straight Alliance

JAVA – John Adams Volunteer Association

Recreational Clubs Art Club

Ultimate Frisbee Club

Class Sponsors

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

After School Tutoring

Sponsor: Mr. Bartholmew/math department

Description: Provides students with needed academic assistance and

professional support in a controlled learning environment. Teachers stay

after school to help students with homework.

Location: Library

Hours: Mon – Thurs, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

After School Tutoring ENL

Sponsor: Ms. DelVecchio & Mr. Rivera

Description: This program is designed to provide English language Learners

with additional academic assistance. This includes help with reading,

homework and difficult concepts in their courses.

Location: To be announced

Hours: Mon – Thurs, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

National Honors Society – after school tutoring program

Sponsor: Mrs. Mary Dickerson

Description: This program is designed to provide students with additional

academic assistance. National Honors Society members and candidates earn

service hours for their time.

Hours: To be announced

EARN CREDIT AFTER SCHOOL

Nova Net – after school courses online Sponsor:

Description: Nova Net is a self-paced program that allows students to

receive credit for selected classes. The program meets after school two days

a week for 2 hours each day. Classes that are available include: Pre-Algebra

3021, Pre-Algebra 3022Algebra 3221, Algebra 3222, Algebra II 3421,

Algebra II 3422, Biology 4021, Biology 4022, Chemistry 4421, Chemistry

4422, Earth and Space Science 43312, Health 8021.

Hours: Tues and Thurs, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

JAHS SCHOOL CLUBS

The mission is to allow students the opportunity to interact with their peers

on a social level, and to provide a service to the school and the community at

large.

ACADEMIC COMPETITION

Mock Trial

Sponsor: Mr. Weaver

Description: Mock Trial is a competition with area schools that allows

students to learn the trial process through real legal cases and presentations.

Some students learn trial process and act as attorneys examining witnesses

and arguing law. Others act as witnesses or victims answering questions

according to their affidavits(stories).

Attendance is crucial

Hours: Monday and Wednesday Evenings, Oct. – Feb.

Goals of the program are:

o to understand the American Judicial System

o to present the facts of a case in a fair manner

o to apply the rules of evidence and argue with

respect

o to use techniques of witness control marked by

civility

o to maintain proper demeanor at all times

Quiz Bowl Sponsors: Mrs. Hernandez

Description: Quiz Bowl is an academic

team that competes on Wednesdays from

September to February.

Practices are held on Tuesdays at 3

p.m. in room 2826 unless otherwise

noted.

Model UN

Sponsor: Mr. Cotter

Model United Nations experience brings to life the

problems that face the real world and allows

participants to represent their assigned country's

position and work towards resolving issues of global

importance.

Now in its 24th year, Model UN through the University

of Chicago (MUNUC) has distinguished itself as the

premier high school United Nations simulation in the

country. MUNUC has received considerable national

praise for its professionalism and overall quality.

John Adams students will attend a four day conference

in late January in Chicago for this event.

Meet every Thursday after school

Math Club

Sponsor: Mrs. Arney

Description: Math Club is a support group for John

Adams high School students who struggle in their

respective math courses. Students may come to tutor

or to be tutored in Pre-algebra or even Calculus – and

beyond

Hours: Thursday 3:00 – 4:00 pm

LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL

Spanish Club

Sponsor: Mr. Krueger

Description: We meet in an informal setting from 3:00-4:00 and practice

speaking Spanish and we promote cultural activities. For example we have used

Mary Ann Dentino's room to prepare Spanish tapas, we have had presentations

by students that have traveled to Spanish-speaking countries, exchange students

have made presentations, we have had speakers from the Latino community, we

sometimes sing, dance, or go to a Hispanic restaurant.

Hours: Every other Monday 3:00 – 4:00 pm

LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

NHS - National Honors Society

Sponsors: Mrs. Mary Dickerson

Description: The National Scholars Honor Society is a private and independent

academic honors organization dedicated to encouraging, recognizing, and

rewarding high academic achievement in all areas of study. NHS also is a

selective, honorary society that recognizes students who reflect outstanding

accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership and service.

Students are inducted into NHS during the annual Academic Recognition Dinner

in March. Open to seniors with cumulative 3.0 GPA who have participated in

both extracurricular activities at school and activities outside of school, such as

scouting, church groups, and volunteer service.

Hours: As needed

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Government

Sponsor: Miss Zablocki and Mrs. Berebitsky

Description: The purpose of Student Government is that it shall; inform,

include, and integrate the entire student body in all matters, foster

communication between Administration, Faculty and Staff, and the Student

Body, build school spirit and pride in our community, unite the student body for

a common purpose of equality, fairness, and respect, and to promote the values

of involvement and pride in John Adams high School and our community.

Participants will gain a better understanding of how a democracy works, practice

self-direction, gain leadership skills, and learn to accept responsibility.

Activities include planning spirit week, the homecoming parade, dances and a

variety of fundraisers throughout the year.

Hours: Bi-weekly

PERFORMING ARTS

Concert Band

Sponsor: Dawn Forsythe and David Seel

Description: Students taking this course are provided with a balanced

comprehensive study of music through Concert Band literature. Solo and

ensemble activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship and

improve individual growth. Public performances serve as a culmination of daily

rehearsal and musical goals. Placement in Concert Band requires participation

in Marching Band (see Marching Band for more information). To participate in

Band you must have previous music instruction in band, you may audition or

you may be admitted by recommendation of the Band Director. Concert Band

begins after the Marching Band season. Four evening Band Concerts are a

mandatory part of the students’ grade. These will be Winter, Spring, JA District

Band Festival and Concert Band Contest. (December, March, April, May)

Hours: Beginning Mid-October, 1st Period

Drama Club

Sponsor: Mr. Tony Marando

Description: The John Adams Drama Club has a primary goal of providing

opportunities for students to participate in the many phases of a high school

production, including acting, set construction, technical support, costuming and

make-up artwork and design and so on. All students are welcome to audition for

JAHS productions. At least two productions are preformed each year, with a

musical every year, which is cosponsored by the JAHS Music Department.

Other activities may be held as well, such as backstage clean-up, make-up

workshops, theater field trips, etc.

Website: http://jadrama.blogspot.com/

Hours: As needed

Jazz Ensemble

Sponsor: Mr. Adrian Mark

Description: Jazz Ensemble is for music students interested in performing

different styles of music such as Latin, funk, swing, samba, hip hop fusion, blues

and be bop. All students will audition to determine placement in one of two

groups. Students taking this course develop musicianship and specific

performance skills through group and individual settings for the study and

performance of the varied styles of instrumental jazz. The instruction includes

the study of history, formative and stylistic elements of jazz. All jazz students

will have the opportunity to play with some well-known jazz artists and perform

at jazz festivals around our area. Each band will perform in one or two jazz

festivals as well as SBCSC Jazz Soundsations and our annual Big Band Bash.

Students should be skilled in performance on their musical instrument and also

be members of the concert Band, Orchestra or Choir. Students may participate

in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day that support and extend

learning in the classroom.

Hour: Zero hour

Marching Band

Sponsor: Mr. Adrian Mark

Description: Members of the Concert band must

participate in the Marching Band. The majority

of performances are on either Friday or Saturday

nights. Rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Marching band starts

rehearsals in the summer and run the first 9 weeks of school. Once Marching

Band is over, members will begin Concert Band everyday beginning at 7:45 am.

Hours: Zero hour (6:45 am) through 1st period, Rehearsals begin the last week

in July and run thru Mid-October.

STUDENT OUTREACH CLUBS

GSA - Gay Straight Alliance

Sponsor: Mrs. Becki Hernandez

Description: To provide support for students who are questioning their

sexual orientation, and to provide information on community resources for

those students, including communication with friends and family; and to

advocate for providing all students with the safety and respect they deserve.

All students welcome – gay, lesbian, straight, transgender, bisexual and

questioning.

Hours: Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

JAVA John Adams Volunteer Association) Sponsor: Mark Wilson

The John Adams Volunteer Association (JAVA) is a student-

based, volunteer group that seeks opportunities to assist and better

the community through service. Throughout the school year,

JAVA is committed to and involved in a vide variety of

community service projects all focused on aiding, supporting, and

bettering our community. JAVA is community focused, student

led, and student driven. JAVA IS students on a mission!

Meetings: Monday @ 3:00 pm Room 2206

RECREATIONAL CLUBS

Art Club

Sponsor: Mrs. Woodward

Description: Art club is open to all JAHS students who wish to work on art

after school. Students form friendships as they make art. Students also assist the

drama club with construction and painting of scenery. Art club holds fundraisers

through the year.

Hours: Wednesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Ultimate Frisbee Club

Sponsor: Ms. Elliott

Description: The purpose of the Ultimate Club is

to introduce high school students, both male and

female, to the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. The sport

of Ultimate focuses on honesty and integrity and

requires that players call their own fouls. One day

a week after school, students will join with

members from the Notre Dame Ultimate Club to learn

throwing techniques, strategies, and different

games associated with the sport. Students should

wear workout clothes and running shoes when coming

each week. Information about the club will be

posted in Ms. Elliott’s room during the school

year.

Class Officers – Freshmen Sponsor: Amanda Zablocki Description: Encourages the development of the officers’ leadership skills,

helps each class to develop its own identity, and enhances the overall school

environment. Responsibilities include planning a variety of fundraisers

throughout the year.

Hours: during homeroom and after school hours to be announced

Class Officers – Sophomores Sponsor: Courtney DelVecchio

Description: Encourages the development of the officers’ leadership skills,

helps each class to develop its own identity, and enhances the overall school

environment. Responsibilities include planning a variety of fundraisers

throughout the year and the Spring Fling in April.

Hours: during homeroom and after school hours to be announced

Class Officers – Juniors

Sponsor: Cecilia Stanton Description: Encourages the development of the officers’ leadership skills,

helps each class to develop its own identity, and enhances the overall school

environment. Responsibilities include planning a variety of fundraisers

throughout the year.

Hours: during homeroom and after school hours to be announced

Class Officers – Seniors Sponsor: Michele Thomas

Description: Encourages the development of the officers’ leadership skills,

helps each class to develop its own identity, and enhances the overall school

environment. Responsibilities include planning a variety of fundraisers

throughout the year, Homecoming Dance, Morp Dance, and Prom.

Hours: during homeroom and after school hours to be announced