Middle School Activities

Learn something new, develop a new skill, discover who you are.

Learning at TAMS never stops. A multitude of clubs, in-school activities, and extracurricular activities is available to our students. Become a part of our active TAMS community through one of these exciting opportunities. All clubs and activities are led by Thornton Academy teachers and are open to all students at the middle school. Most meet directly after school. At TAMS, we believe that the happiest and most successful students are well-rounded and active with what they love to do.

TAMS activities

Chorus

The TAMS Chorus has been a vital part of our entire music program for over 15 years. Chorus is open to any student in grades 6-8. No prior experience is necessary. We meet in person on Monday & Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 9:30 in the Music/Art room, also called the VPA (Visual & Performing Arts room). Students who are remotely learning can also access our chorus and be an important and valuable member. Students do earn a grade for their participation, and we always have room for new singers! The chorus has been an important musical performing group at TAMS and in the community. Musical repertoire includes Jazz, Pop, Musicals, Classic Choral Literature and seasonal favorites. Email Mr. Henry for signing up, info or questions. aaron.henry@thorntonacademy.org

Band

The TAMS Band has been a vital part of our entire music program for over 15 years. Band is open to any student in grades 6-8. No prior experience is necessary, and we do have many instruments at TAMS for student use, renting an instrument generally not needed. We meet in person and remotely on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:00 in the Music/Art room, also called the VPA (Visual & Performing Arts room). Students do earn a grade for their participation, and we always have room for new musicians! The band has been an important musical performing group at TAMS and in the community. Musical repertoire consists of classic band literature, marches, pop and show music, movie classics and seasonal favorites. Email Mr. Henry for signing up, info or questions. aaron.henry@thorntonacademy.org

Strings

Yearbook Club

Yearbook club is open to students from grades 6-8. Members of this club plan, design, and draft our TAMS yearbook. We partner with Walsworth, a premier online platform, to create this memorable keepsake. Students who enjoy being creative and have solid computer skills are a perfect fit for this club! Yearbook club will meet twice a month on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 via Zoom. For more information or to join please contact Ms. Carter at haley.carter@thorntonacademy.org or Mrs. Laverriere at karen.laverriere@thorntonacademy.org

Civil Rights Team

A civil rights team is a school-based group of students who meets regularly and initiates projects that engage their school community in thinking and talking about issues related to race and skin color, national origin and ancestry, religion, disabilities, gender (including gender identity and expression) and sexual orientation in an age-appropriate manner. As a group we will work to engage the TAMS community in thinking about these issues. If these are issues you think are important, please join us so we can continue to work to make TAMS a safe space for everyone. The Civil Right Team will begin the week of October 13th. This group will meet on Tuesdays (every other week beginning on October 13th). If you would like to sign up for the Civil Rights Team please email Ms. Brewer at heidi.brewer@thorntonacademy.org

Math Academy

Math Academy is a place for students to receive extra help with math. Ms. True can help with current classroom assignments, content from the past, work organization, accessing resources, or just help with questions as they arise. Best results come from regular attendance; however, students may join the group at any time. If students don't come with something specific to work on, Ms. True will provide them with work designed to help students build a stronger foundation. Math Academy will meet once a week primarily on Wednesdays unless there is a conflict. The change of day will be noted on the Math Academy Google Classroom page in advance. Please email Ms. True to sign up – tracie.true@thorntonacademy.org

Art Club

TAMS Art Club is a great way for students to explore their artistic interests with their peers outside of a classroom setting. It is designed as a project based and student-centered learning experience where students choose the subjects, concepts, and art techniques of each project. In past years students have chosen to explore materials and artforms like sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. Please email Mr. Dracup at joshua.dracup@thorntonacademy.org with questions. Meeting Times: Wednesdays 3-4:30pm, Twice a Month

Honors Club

The Thornton Academy Middle School Honors Club is available for students in grades 7 & 8 who consistently demonstrate high standards in character, service & scholarship. The Thornton Academy Middle School Honors Club is one of the highest honors that can be awarded a student at TAMS. Activities are designed to foster the club members' character development through service and leadership in our TAMS and greater communities. We will meet twice per month on Monday afternoons at 3:30 via Zoom. Students who are interested in applying for membership can contact Mrs. Laverriere at karen.laverriere@thorntonacademy.org

Drama / Theatre Club

Our TAMS Drama department has been a real show-stopper as part of our overall Arts programs. Students in grades 6-8 can experience working with a large team of young people who have a passion for performing on stage or working on our stage crew. In the past we have performed shows such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Elf Jr., Beauty and the Beast and Madagascar, to name just a few! Our casts & crew typically involve more than 60 TAMS students and families. Our situation this year is tentatively on hold, as far as producing a large scale musical production. However, TAMS is offering a Drama Club to interested students. We will meet via zoom on Wednesday mornings from 11:00 - 12:00. We will have theatre games and activities, dance and script readings. More information is available by contacting either Mrs. Guiney.

ann.guiney@thorntonacademy.org

Student Council

Lego Robotics

Lego Robotics club is FUN! Students use legos to explore the basics of engineering, creating structures and objects. Students work both individually and in small groups on projects designed to introduce them to the principles of design and structure. This club meets after school and is open to students from grades 6,7,8. Contact the advisor, Mr. Hersey, at ryan.hersey@thorntonacademy.org.