Participation in extracurricular clubs and student government can be a rewarding and meaningful educational experience that enhances a child’s secondary education. It is important that students realize the time demands, responsibility, dedication and sacrifices required when making this kind of commitment. The following information defines the extra-curricular policies and procedures for all students participating in our High School activities. Please refer to the Student Activities Handbook for a better understanding of our philosophy, goals, and policies, or when a question about your child’s extra-curricular experience arises.
Intra-Curricular Activities
FFA
FFA is for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about FFA and the opportunities click here.
Advisors:
Ms. Jillian Plante
Ms. Clarice Menesale
Ms. Heather Hume
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We provide educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training. Read More…
Advisors:
Mr. Robert Conard
Ms. Elaine Batzer
Ms. Gina Williams
DECA
This intra-curricular organization prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Advisors
Mr. Joseph Giordano
Ms. Kristen Coolen
Mr. Bradford Chase
UACT
The mission of UACT at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School is to educate our school community to respect the differences within our culture, and that our similarities far outweigh our differences. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all who enter our school community feel comfortable being a part of our school.
U – an organization that UNIFIES the various communities and cultures of Essex North Shore’s student body, regardless of differences.
A – takes ACTION when issues of injustice, intolerance, and ignorance arise inside and outside of school.
C – COLLABORATES with the students, staff, and community to create an environment safe for everyone to achieve at high levels.
T – models respectful and inclusive TEACHING and learning about others’ cultures, faiths, beliefs, and differences.
Advisors:
Mr. Jason Stark
Extra-Curricular Activities
Art Club:
Come to this club to explore your creative talents and enjoy some DIY projects, art appreciation and have fun!
Advisor:
Ms. Laura Gallant
Chorus
Chorus and Advanced Chorus offer students an opportunity to sing acapella and contemporary choral pieces. Chorus meets on Thursdays until 4:00, and Advanced Chorus meets on Thursdays until 5:45. The Chorus season runs from September – December. Singers will work towards a December concert. All levels of singers welcome!
Advisor:
Cru
Cru is an international, faith-based organization where all students from any faith background are welcome to join us each week. Come check us out and enjoy some food, games, and a safe space for spiritual growth.
Advisor:
Mr. Matthew Huskey
Drama Club
Drama Club promotes creativity, community, and an opportunity for students to be involved in all aspects of production – from acting to stagecraft. The year will include a fall play, a winter entry into the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s High School Festival, and a spring musical.
Advisors:
Environmental Action Club
Activities include recycling, trail maintenance, setting up bat or bird boxes, composting, outdoor recreation, beach cleanup, and volunteer work with other organizations.
Advisor:
Equestrian Club Drill Team
An equestrian drill team is a group of horses and riders performing choreographed maneuvers to music.
Advisor:
Ms. Kimberly Rodriguez – Advanced
Ms. Vanessa Wilde – Drill
Goat Club:
Learn more about goats! Activities include completing an agility course, maintain their coats and nails, and provide environmental enrichment.
Advisor:
Ms. Heather Hume
GSA Gay-Straight Alliance
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), also known as Essex North Shore Awareness Group, is a forum of support for every sort of diversity, including but not limited to gender and sexual orientation issues, religious issues, and racial issues. GSA is a group of thoughtful and caring Essex North Shore citizens who are excited to belong to a school where diversity is not only accepted but encouraged. GSA sponsors social activities as well as forums for the education of the school community about the importance of tolerance and diversity.
Advisors:
Ms. Joyce Kimani
Ms. Rebecca Smith
Horror Literature club
This club will explore the classic, modern, and contemporary short stories and novels, from Edgar Allan Poe to Stephen King, and from folklore to today’s up-and-coming authors. There will be an emphasis on the development of the horror genre and archetypes of form and meaning. Attention will be given to supernatural, psychological, and allegorical themes and tropes in such fiction, as well as relevant social and historical background information. The course will center on written fiction, with occasional reference to horror in films and other media. Whole text and selections will include Dracula, The Shining, Carrie, Coraline, The Haunting of Hill House, It, The Troop as well as Lore podcast and selected short stories from Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Allan Poe.
Advisor:
Key Club/Community Service
Key Club is a service leadership organization for high school students who love to help in their communities and get involved.
Advisor:
Literary Magazine (Quill and Hawk)
The purpose of the “Magazine” is to provide the experience of writing, evaluating, and publishing creative works–paintings, line art, photography, graphic art, stories, poetry, and personal narratives–by students. All students are welcome to participate–contributions will be accepted throughout the year, focused on two publications–Winter and Spring, depending on interest and contribution.
Advisor:
Ms. Devin Maguire
Livestock Showing (Cattle Club)
This club is for students who want to learn to show cattle in fitting and showmanship competitions. Students will choose a school cow to work with and train to show in local cattle shows, such as the Topsfield Fair.
Advisor:
Ms. Linda Corson
Math Team
The Math and Modeling team prepares students to compete in the worldwide Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Students work in teams to answer tough real world problems and test their creative problem solving skills against students from 17 countries.
Advisor:
Mr. Mason Rodericks
Model United Nations Club
The Model UN Club debates world issues in replica United Nations assemblies. Students work in groups assigned a country and take the role of the ambassador to best present their country’s stance on an issue. We have food, current events discussions, and games as well to learn about geography, history, and world politics and events.
Advisor:
Ms. Christopher Nisco
Music Club
Music club invites any student who has a passion for music to bring and play instruments, sing or just appreciate the bands and music they love with like-minded peers. This will be an informal gathering for music lovers; voluntary performances are a possibility if students are interested, but no musical ability is required to attend.
Advisor:
Mr. Richard Noonan
National Honor Society & National Technical Honor Society
Celebrating outstanding educational achievement and advancement in career and technical education. Open to juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.87 who demonstrate leadership, service, and good character. This is an application process through invitation.
Advisor:
Ms. Karen Mills
Science Team
The Science Club offers students the opportunity to investigate their areas of scientific interest through discussion, individual and group research activities, and projects. The goal is an increased understanding on a deeper level of a topic of interest, and the opportunity for collaboration with fellow students.
Advisor:
Mr. Charles Bellantone
SnapShot Photography club
The Snapshot Photography club provides a supportive environment for students interested in photography to share their creativity, knowledge and passion.
Advisor:
Ms. Tessa Amorosso
Student Mentors
The Student Mentors are a select group of students who are charged with helping our freshmen transition to Essex North Shore. These students help at orientation and make connections with freshmen throughout the year.
Advisors:
Ms. Amy Deacon
Weightlifting Club
Physical fitness plays an essential role in longevity, health and character building. The education that can be attained in this club will not only help students stay fit and healthy, but they will also learn the significance and fundamentals of dedication, loyalty, and setting goals.
Advisor: Mr. Robert Merrill
Yearbook
Come and make some lasting memories while creating and organizing the School Yearbook. Yearbook is open to all students to work on a student-designed yearbook that covers the whole school and school year. If you are creative, like to take photos and create some cool pages – we’d love to have you. Yearbook meets on Mondays in A124, with Ms. Plante.
Advisor:
Mr. John Mejia
Ms. Tessa Amoroso
Video Game Club
The video game club explores the social aspects of gaming and video game culture.
Advisor:
Mr. Lou Polan
Class Advisors
Class of 2023
Ms. Nicole Grace
Ms. Karen Mills
Class of 2024
Ms. Amy Deacon
Class of 2025
Ms. Emma Gosselin
Class of 2026
Ms. Shelagh Anderson
Ms. Joseph Giordano
