Clubs and Activities

Clubs and Activities at Ypsilanti High

Ypsilanti offers its students a variety of before and after-school clubs and activities. Take a look at this list to see what we offer. For more info, click the link to launch a page with descriptions of the clubs

WE HOPE YOU FIND A GREAT CLUB, SPORT, ORGANIZATION OR ACTIVITY TO PARTICIPATE IN WHILE YOU ARE AT YPSILANTI HIGH SCHOOL!

CHECK OUT THE MANY GREAT OFFERINGS BELOW:

ACT-SO COMPETITION
Program will begin in February Contact: Ms. Jerilyn Lynn at 714-1083
This NAACP sponsored program showcases academic and artistic excellence among minority high school students. This year-long program identifies students unique talents, provides them with mentoring and coaching opportunities to perfect their talents and skills, and lastly allows them to test their skills against their peers in local and national competitions for cash awards, scholarships, equipment and prizes. Our goal is to provide our students with the knowledge, confidence, resources and support needed to achieve their dreams and realize their full potential.

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Meetings held the 1 st Monday of every month - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M., YHS Hall of Fame Room Contact: Mrs. Katherine Weathers, 482-7658 or (216) 214-5627
Attention Parents! Join the Athletic Booster Club and help our Athletic Programs at YHS! All parents are encouraged to participate in athletic event supervision, fund-raising for new equipment and improvements, and help with our special events at YHS. This group is instrumental in raising funds for our sports programs and the Hall of Fame room.

BEFORE SCHOOL TUTORING
Will be held Monday - Friday, 6:20 - 7:15 A.M., Rm. 118 Contact Mrs. Joan Porter at 714-1158
These tutoring sessions are available for all students. Come and get a jump on your academic day!

BIBLE CLUB
Mondays 2:30 p.m. Room 114 Contact: Mr. Sowder at 714-1142
Run by students and for students, the Bible Club welcomes all YHS students who are interested in learning more about the Bible and the Christian faith. The Bible Club will meet once a week in Mr. Sowder's class to discuss scripture, meet and socialize with new Christian friends, and to pray.

BPA - BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA
Meets weekly on Wednesdays, 2:30 P.M., Rm. 102 Contact: Mrs. Thomas at 714-1267
The YHS BPA club invites any student currently enrolled in a business, economics, graphic design (RCTC) and Computer Systems Technology (RCTC) class to join! The students compete and network with professionals and other students that share the same business interests. There are over 55 different areas of competitive events available for student to showcase their expertise. A yearly dues for the National and State associations are collected at the beginning of the school year. Students may fundraiser for the opportunity to compete at the Regional, State and National level. College scholarships are available for successful students. Contact the advisor, Mrs. Trish Thomas, in room 102 or call her at 714-1267. This club is for all Business Students, including Economics, Graphic Arts and Computer Systems Technology. These students participate in the fall Leadership Conference and compete in regional, state, national and international business competitions. This organization, along with the DECA Marketing Club, own, operate and manage the school store and concession stand at Ypsilanti High School.

CAREER PATHWAYS
Contact: Ms. Artemis Alex at 714-1268
What Are Career Pathways? Career Pathways provide a focus for a student's educational experience. They are six broad groupings of careers that share similar characteristics and whose employment requirements call for many common interests, strengths and competencies. The six Michigan Career Pathways are Arts and Communication; Business Management, Marketing, and Technology; Engineering, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technology; Health Sciences; Human Services; and Natural Resources and Agriscience. Students begin to identify their Career Pathways by completing an Education Development Plan (EDP) - see below regarding the EDP process.

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN (EDP)
Contact: Ms. Artemis Alex at 714-1268
Educational Development Plans (EDPs) are part of a larger, more comprehensive academic and career planning process that all 7th-12th graders must complete and review/revise annually to to reflect their experiences and education. Students focus on the following areas as they develop their EDP:
Careers/School of Interest
Four-Year Education Plan (Courses taken yearly/credits received)
Career Pathways
Career and Life Goals
Career Planning Activities
Post-Secondary Plans
Activities and Abilities
Extracurricular Activities
Skills and Abilities
Awards and Certificates
Work Experience
Volunteer Experiences
Using the "Career Cruising" web site (careercruising.com), students are able to complete a self-inventory and to research post-secondary institutions and their admissions requirements including ACT scores, tuition, and various community colleges and universities that will serve their career needs. They are also able to take a virtual tour of the colleges they are considering attending for fall 2008. Contact your child's counselor to discuss your child's EDP. For additional Career Preparation and Development information contact Artemis Alex, EDP Coordinator, at 714-1268.

DANCE TEAM
Meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2:30 P.M. Location: TBA Will begin in November and conclude in February. Contact: Ms. CheJuana Stewart, Room 505, 714-1223
Join the Dance Team, "The Dazzlin' Divas"and entertain the fans at the home basketball games! This dynamic group also participates in assemblies, talent shows, etc. at other high schools and colleges.

DECA MARKETING CLUB
Meets weekly, Rm. 102 Contact: Ms. Patricia Thomas at 714-1267
This club is for all Marketing students and is involved with outside service projects. The students also are responsible for the School Store operations. DECA is a business club for the student that in interested in a career of Marketing in any field of business. We work with EMU as well as the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Lansing. Students fundraise throughout the year to attend competitions that allow them the opportunities for college scholarships. Special conventions are available in New York for students interested in Finance and Apparel and Accessories Marketing; and in Florida at Disney World for Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Contact the advisor, Mrs. Trish Thomas, in room 102 or call 714-1267.

DRAMA CLUB
Meets weekly on alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:35 to 3:30/4:30 P.M., in the Auditorium Contact: Ms. Michelle Peet at 714-1048
This club is for all students who love the theatre! YHS's Drama Program is ranked among the top in the nation! Join this group of fun, energetic, theatre-lovers to be a part of on-stage and off-stage activities. You can participate in many field trips from small plays to Broadway productions, acting and entertaining opportunities at local businesses, fun events such as the Cafe' or Storytellers Evenings, and many other theatre opportunities with your fellow thespians! New members are welcomed year-round.

GAY/STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
Meetings are every Thursday at 2:30 P.M. in room 217 or 218 Contact: Mrs. Lamkin-Ferranti, 714-1166 or Mr. Burnett, 714-1165
The GSA Alliance is designed to provide and promote support, camaraderie and tolerance for people of all sexual orientations. Weekly meetings are open to all YHS students with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The goal of the Gay/Straight Alliance is to increase awareness, promote tolerance of the gay community, educate students and staff of YHS and create a respectful environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation where they may have fun and express themselves creatively.

GET INVOLVED IN PERFORMING ARTS!
As many of you are aware, the high school has an excellent Performing Arts Department. Being involved in band, choir, drama or taking part in the talent show is an excellent way to meet new friends and make that connection at the high school.

GRADES 9 - 12 ADVISORY GROUPS
Contact: TBA
These are organizations that work with students on class activities! More information will be distributed at a later date.

HOPE PROGRAM - HEALTH OCCUPATIONS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Program will begin in mid October. Meeting days and room TBA Contact: Ms. Charmica Abinojar , the Program Coordinator, at 714-1243
The Health Occupations Partners in Education (HOPE) Program introduces 9-12 grade students to careers in health and science. If you're interested in medicine, X-Ray, technology, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, forensic science, research or any health or science career, the HOPE Program is for you. HOPE students participate in a variety of activities including field trips, mentoring, job shadowing, research internships, college preparation workshops, summer programs on the University of Michigan campus, hands-on activities and scholarships for college. For more information, please call Charmica Abinojar, Program Director, at (734) 714-1243 or e-mail her at abinojar@med.umich.edu or call Mrs. Beverly Tyler, YHS Counselor and HOPE Program Laision at 714-1011. The HOPE Program is sponsored by the University of Michigan!

INDOOR TRACK CLUB
Meets daily at 2:45 P.M. in ISS Room 140 Contact: Coach Torin Moore, 714-1246
Are you ready to get in shape? Then this club is for you!! Condition and compete against other schools with the Indoor Track Club!! This club is open to all male and female YHS students! We will meet daily after school in the ISS room. See you there!

Interact Club
Ypsilanti High School has chartered an Interact Club. Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 14 to 18. The club is designed to help youth develop leadership skills, personal integrity, the value of individual responsibility and hard work and advancing international understanding and goodwill. The club was organized this spring under the guidance of the Ypsilanti Rotary Club and already the students have completed several community service projects. The students will also participate in the May 17 Ypsilanti Pride Day, working along side the Ypsilanti Rotary Club members at the Riverside Arts Center.

INTERGROUP
Will start January 31, 2008 - Thursdays, 2:30 to 4:00 CONTACT: Mr. Hans Sowder at 714-1142
This dynamic group of Juniors discuss leadership skills, sources of conflict and ways they can help to improve YHS! The project involves weekly workshops after school which consists of about 30 students. This club is for Juniors only. See Mr. Sowder to apply for membership!

INTERNATIONAL CLUB
Mondays-2:30 p.m. CONTACT: Mr. Adrian Antaya at 714-1184
This club's focus is on international cultures and language.

KEY CLUB
Meets weekly on Thursdays, 2:30-3:00 P.M., Media Center Contact: Mr. Mark McClure at 714-1013
The Key Club welcomes all YHS students into their organization. Students must have a 2.0 GPA in order to qualify for membership. A fee of $12 for annual dues helps with many needy causes supported by this group. They contribute to many charitable causes, help the school with various functions and benefit many worthwhile organizations by collecting canned goods, toys, etc. Please join us for the next meeting!

KNITTING CLUB New at YHS!!!
Will begin second semester. Thursdays, 2:45-4:15 P.M., in Room 509
Contact: Judy Dupuis at 714-1016
The new Knitting Club will start in the second semester. The Club will meet on Thursdays, from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. and is open to any student interested in learning how to knit or experienced knitters who would like the opportunity to knit for a social service project. We will knit projects for premature babies as well as one project the student chooses for themselves or as a gift. Yarn and needles will be available.

MOCK TRIAL
Will begin in October through February/March. Meets on Monday - Thursday, 6:45 A.M., in Room 230 Contact: Ms. Siegel at 714-1177
Participate in a statewide tournament through which Michigan students test their skills in listening, speaking and reasoning, while learning about the complexities of our legal system. Each year participating schools are given a fact pattern along with supporting materials and tournament rules, and are challenged to prepare to argue both sides of the issue in trial. A team divides the roles of attorneys and witnesses amongst its members, and prepares to confront teams form other schools in one of the two regional competitions.
Mock Trial gives students:

A heightened appreciation for academic studies and stimulated interest in law-related careers
A better understanding of the law, court procedures, and the legal system
An opportunity to communicate and cooperate with members of the legal profession
An opportunity to improve their proficiency in basic life skills such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning

Other practices will be scheduled on Monday-Wed. evenings and Saturday mornings from December to February. Regional competition is on Saturday, usually end of February or early March. Top ten teams form all regional tournaments qualify for State Finals. Check out the website of the Michigan Center for Civic Education through Law, which sponsors our state's tournaments at http://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/resources/miciviced/
Students interested in joining the team should see Ms. Siegel in Rm. 230.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Meets monthly in Rm. 206 Contact: Ms. Robin Evans, 714-1160
The National Honor Society is an honorary organization. Students are nominated and selected after the first semester of their Junior year. Selection is based on cumulative grade point average (3.25 and higher), leadership, character and service. A second chance for membership comes at the close of second semester during their Junior year. NHS students meet once a month and plan activities for the group. Members of the National Honor Society act as guides at various school functions such as open house, conferences, registration, etc.. Officers for the National Honor Society are elected each fall.

PALLADIAN
Meets weekly on Tues., 2:30-3:30 P.M., Rm. 232 Contact: Mrs. Carolyn Griffin at 714-1179
Since 1983 THE PALLADIAN creative arts magazine has published student stories, poetry, essays, cartoons and art work. All YHS students may submit creative works to Mrs. Griffin in room 232. The volunteer staff meets weekly on Tuesdays after school in room 232. Artists, writers, typists and proofreaders are needed. The staff selects, edits, does layouts, publishes and sells two or three issues of the magazine yearly. The magazines are also entered in a national contest yearly where they have received first or second rating during the last six year. The Palladian is published two times per year.

PTSO (formally the Stakeholders Group)
Meets Monthly in the HOPE room (located off the cafeteria), Rm. 401 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7:00 P.M. Contact: Sharon Caudill, 485-8265
The PTSO Group is open to all parents, teachers, students and community members interested in Ypsilanti High School. Join us and get involved! We plan to: Concentrate on communication between the high school, home and community; advocate for programs that benefit our students, and work with school staff, administration and the community in making Ypsilanti High School a great place for everyone. We hope to be bringing in special speakers from the community. Please join us for open discussion with Principal Brown and make a difference!

ROBOTICS TEAM
Meets weekly in Room 236 Contact: Mrs. Trudy Adams, 714-1183
Are you a "gearhead" at heart? A potential engineer? A creative problem solver? Do you want to learn computer programming? Develop entrepreneurial skills? Then the Robotics Team may be just the activity you are looking for!

YHS's award winning Robotics Team, Team 470, Alpha Omega Robotics, is affiliated with the national F.I.R.S.T.* Robotics Competition program and competes in the Great Lakes Regional Competition at EMU each year. Students in robotic-men and women!-are trained to design a robot to stated specifications, to operate all machining equipment used to build the robot, and to program the electronics that run the robot. Along the way, students engage in fundraising and community service, work closely with professional engineers and business people, have a great time and make friends. 90% of Alpha Omega Team members have gone on to college after graduation. Many former team members have earned jobs based on their Robotics Team skills and experiences. F. I. R. S. T. - FOR INSPIRATION & RECOGNITION of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ROTARY INTERACT CLUB
Rotary Interact Club plunged into their service activities March 1 when they volunteered to serve meals to the home bound through the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels program. The students are next planning to organize spring grooming baskets for the Meals on Wheels clients. They are looking for community sponsors to help them with the $1,800 needed to buy the toiletry items. The club is sponsored by YHS business education teacher Patricia Thomas. Contact Patricia Thomas - pthomas9@ypsd.org - Informational Flyer

SENIOR CABINET
Meets every Wednesday in the Room 234 Contact: Ms. Leslie Hall at 714-1181
Senior Cabinet is the governing body of the Senior Class. Membership in Senior Cabinet is open to all seniors with the completion of an application. Elected officers do have to meet other requirements. The class of 2008 has a total of 50 members on the Senior Cabinet! Senior Cabinet meets every week to plan the Senior activities for the year and participates in community service projects to give back to the community which has helped them make it to their Senior year.

SPANISH POPULAR MUSIC CLUB
Meets every Thursday during 1 st lunch and 2 nd lunch in room 227 Contact : Ms. Barbara Martin, Spanish Teacher
Join this club which studies popular Spanish artists and their music. Bring a lunch plus 5 friends and enjoy free chips, salsa, and sometimes chocolate! Ole'!!

STUDENT COUNCIL
Meets weekly on Tues., 2:30-3:30 P.M., Rm. 235 Contact: Ms. Nina Davis at 714-1182
The objective of Student Council is to promote a positive learning environment for students at Ypsilanti High School. The Student Council is open to any student at YHS. We have a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a representative for each grade. Elections are held at the end of each school year for the following school year. Elections for freshmen representatives are held at the beginning of the school year. Student Council is responsible for the Red Cross Blood Drive, Homecoming parade, Homecoming Dance, Coming Home dance, pep rallies and various fundraisers. Most of all we bridge the connection between the High School, the administration and the community.

STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Meets weekly on Fridays in room 226, (additional meetings scheduled as needed) Contact: Mrs. Fassbender, 714-1064, or Mrs. Schreiber, 714-1156
Join the paper to write and report on issues you care about, things that people are talking about. Now in our fourth year of publication, The Ypsi Times encourages all writers, photographers and graphic artists to get involved to help our paper grow. We are going to publish an 8-page newspaper per card marking, with a variety of school news, sports, and student opinions. By creating a free newspaper available to all YHS students, we improve reading and writing at our school.

TALENT SHOW
April 22 and 23, 2008 Look for more information next Spring!
Contact: Mr. Dave Poole at 714-1103
Show us your talent! All Ypsilanti High School students are invited to participate in our annual Talent Show which will be held in the auditorium next Spring. Prizes are awarded for the best performers and the winners will be featured in an assembly for the entire student body. Get together with your friends and start practicing now!

UPWARD BOUND
Weekly on Mon & Wed, 2:40-4:00 P.M., Rm. 124 Contact: Ms. Florence Andrews or Corey Baskin (EMU) at 487-0488
Eastern Michigan University's Upward Bound program is accepting applications for new members. Upward Bound is a federally funded program designed to increase college graduation among students from low-income families or from families where their parent(s) do not have a bachelor's degree. The program provides academic planning and tutoring, career exploration and cultural and social enrichment activities. Several college visits and exciting field trips in and out of state are also a part of the program. All program services and activities are free. Applications will also be available in the counseling office. For questions or more information please call 487-0488.

WOMEN'S INDOOR
TRACK CLUB Meeting time TBA Contact: Tom Micallef at tmicall3@ypsd.org
This is a club for the ladies. A chance to learn, get fit, and have fun!

WEDNESDAY TUTORING FOR IMPROVED WRITING SKILLS
Meets every Wednesday, 2:30-4:00 P.M., Rm. 104 Contact: Artemis Alex at 714-1268
We are very pleased to have established a partnership with "826 Michigan", a non-profit Tutoring and Learning center dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills. Through this partnership, our YHS students will be able to receive assistance in developing and perfecting their writing skills during after-school sessions which are available every Wednesday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Sessions are staffed with 826 Michigan personnel. Bus transportation is provided to students’ homes.

WRITER-IN-RESIDENCY PROGRAM New at YHS!!!
Meets every Wednesday, 2:30-4:00 P.M., Rm . 104 Contact: Artemis Alex at 714-1268
Ann Arbor-based Dzanc Books has launched a Writer-in-Residency program for YHS students in grades 9-12. Writer-in-Residency (W.I.R.P.) offers a unique relationship for students to work directly with professional writers by extending a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the young writers of tomorrow. This year's students will be working under the leadership of writer Barry Graham of Dzanc Books. The chance for these students to improve their writing skills enhances not only their creative talents but their overall communication skills in all arenas. Students also have the opportunity to have their creative works published by Dzanc Books at the end of the school year.

YEARBOOK
Meets Monday and Wednesday, 2:30-3:30 P.M., Rm.201 Contact: Mrs. Harmon at 714-1155
Please join in with the design and composition of the school yearbook. Writers, photographers, proof readers and more are needed. All interested students are welcomed.

YPSILANTI PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Contact: Joanne Hartmeyer, Director or Carol Gannon at 714-1080. Room A2 Ongoing throughout the year.
The YPS Foundation is an excellent way to earn volunteer hours for class or group requirements, or for those college applications. The Foundation hosts a number of events throughout the year to raise money for student scholarships, classroom grants, and special clubs or activities. Come and volunteer in the office or with fundraising projects or with special events! Stop by the office and sign up!
YPSILANTI YOUNG LIFE
Contact: Heidi Geib at 717-9383 or Joaquin Tittle at 480-2158 Meets each Monday from 7:00 P.M to 8:30 P.M. First Baptist Church 1110 West Cross St. Ypsilanti Young Life is a Christian organization that seeks to develop relationships between Christian adults and young people for the purpose of demonstrating Christian love and support. This is accomplished through mentoring relationships, weekly meetings, service opportunities, and camping experiences. Come join us, we are less than one (1) mile from YHS. All inquiries can be sent to Mr. Joaquin Tittle via email tittlejr@sbcglobal.net or by phone @ 734-480-2158. More information on Young Life can be found at www.younglife.org.

YPSILANTI YOUTH EMPOWERED TO ACT
Contact: Kathleen Stacey, Director or Nicole Brown, Assistant Director at 487-6570, or kathleen.stacy@emich.edu
YEAH=Youth Voice "Because the next generation can speak for itself!" - Youth speaks

Are you tired of the same after-school activities in Ypsi? Let your voice be heard, so your opinions can equal change! The future of Ypsilanti is YOURS!! Join YYEA: Ypsilanti Youth Empowered to Act!

YYEA is an organization to renew, excite and help the Ypsilanti community. We are dedicated and committed to the empowerment of youth and to changing the way your voice is heard. We are taking action and providing funding to promote engagement and decision making in the community. Join YYEA today!

YPSI YOUTH TRACK CLUB
Meeting time TBD Contact: Tom Micallef at tmicall3@ypsd.org
A chance to improve yourself and have some fun! A good opportunity for any women involved in spring sports to get in shape! This is a great opportunity for gifted track and field athletes to gain exposure and hone their skills. This club is open to all middle school and high school young ladies. No fee to practice.

(There is a nominal fee to compete at each venue.)