Clubs and Activities

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is an international student organization that recognizes high-achieving students in grades 6-9. Established in 1929, its mission is to promote the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship within a school.

The NJHS Archbishop James Bayley Chapter at Mother Seton School is advised by Mr. Christopher Cosentino and Principal Kathleen J. Kilty, PhD.

The purpose of this chapter shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage good citizenship in the students at Mother Seton School.

Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates eligible for selection to this chapter must be in the second semester of the  seventh grade or first semester of the eighth-grade class. 
• To be eligible for selection to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been  enrolled for a period equivalent to one semester at Mother Seton School. 
• Candidates eligible for election to the chapter shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.  
• Upon meeting the grade level, enrollment, and GPA standards, candidates shall then be  considered based on their service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

By-Laws of the Archbishop James Bayley Chapter 

The Middle School Book Club and grade-specific book clubs form each year depending on student interest. Students meet monthly with a faculty sponsor to explore and discuss classic and contemporary literature. Contact Mrs. Monacelli, Librarian, for more information.

“We joined the book club because we like reading. Right now we are reading adventure books. We bring in a potluck lunch, share it with each other, and talk about the book we read. Mrs. K and Mrs. Monacelli do a great job!”

—Larisa and Jack, Grade 8

The Science Club is open to all seventh grade students interested in engaging in scientific explorations and promoting good stewardship practices for our environment. The club meets the third Thursday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Contact Mrs. Kuykendall, Middle School Science Teacher, for more information. 

“This year we’ve made homemade body scrub and table cleaners using all-natural ingredients. We get to be creative and make things while learning about science.”

—Emma and Brendan, Grade 7

The Engineering Club is open to all eighth grade students interested in building, designing and invention. The club meets every second Thursday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Members of the club pay $10 dues to defray costs of materials for projects. 

“We worked together as a team and made a load-bearing bridge out of Popsicle sticks and a working Ferris wheel. It was a lot of fun and Mrs. K is really awesome!”

–Garret and Marshall, Grade 8

Students in grades 5 - 8 are selected for the Yearbook Committee, which published the annual Mother Seton School Yearbook. The committee meets with faculty advisors to plan the yearbook, select the format, write copy, edit and prepare the yearbook for publication. 

The Makerspace club provides a creative outlet for students in grades 3 - 5. Students have opportunities to design, code, engineer, fabricate, create, build and collaborate. This club meets on the second Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again on the fourth Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Middle-school students are invited to participate in exploration and hands-on activities related to various cybersecurity issues.

Weekly instrumental music lessons are taught each Monday to students in Grades 4–8 who enroll in this optional course. Band performances are held at Mother Seton School in the fall and spring and at other locations within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Dress code for performances is white shirt, black pants and dark dress shoes. Students register for band in early September. An additional fee is charged for this activity.

Ms. Natalie Gries is our current Band Director. Please visit her site for more information about the 21-22 School Year" https://sites.google.com/view/band-at-mother-seton/home

School Chorus

Students in grades 4–8 may join the school chorus in September and January. No audition is necessary. Chorus meets for practice on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Chorus traditionally performs for two major school productions, as well as other community or school functions. Dress code for performances is white MSS shirt, black skirt or pants, and dark dress shoes. Please contact Cheryl Carney, Music Teacher, for additional information.

Liturgy Chorus

A small group is chosen from within the chorus to form the liturgy chorus. This group leads the music at school liturgies and other times of prayer.

smART Masters is a middle school volunteer art program offered from 3:00-4:00 pm the last Wednesday of the month. Students work with the art teacher once or twice a week as an apprentice, setting up fine arts displays, working in the art room and creating a virtual art exhibit. Students log service hours and volunteer their time to help with World Peace Day, Christmas banners for U.S. troops and local churches, special events and the Ronald McDonald House “tab” collection program.

The program enhances organizational skills, communication, independent work habits and creative minds.

Students need to commit for the full school year. Signup sheets are available at the beginning of the school year. There are 12 available openings. Please contact Karolyne Myers, Art Teacher, for additional information.

“We learn new things about art and get to do cool art projects. We love working with Mrs. Myers.”

–Kailee and Larisa, Students

The Tech Crew is chosen from middle school students. This group helps facilitate activities that require the use of the stage, curtains, microphones and other technical equipment as needed. Signups and selection take place in September. Please contact Cheryl Carney, Music Teacher, for additional information.

“We get to learn all of the background stuff that goes into a production. We enjoy working with the younger students during the performances.”

–Liv, Sydney and Natalie, Students

Sixth-grade students are invited to join a healthy eating club that meets on the last Friday of every month in the Science Lab during lunch and recess. The purpose of the club is to learn about and share healthy foods. Each month, members sign up to bring an entrée, a side dish, a dessert or a drink to share with the group. Members come prepared to tell the group why the food is healthy: for example, the club member researched to find out what vitamins and other health benefits a particular fruit or vegetable provides. Members often research how to prepare a dish in a healthier way (less fat or sugar). Please contact Danielle Kuykendall, Middle School Science, for additional information.

“You get to learn about a lot of new dishes and expand your palette. I’ve learned others’ homemade recipes. It’s very fun!”

–Annika, Helen and Makena, Grade 6

Middle school students interested in winter sports may contact Karolyne Myers, Art Teacher, for additional information.

“I started snowboarding because of the MSS Night Club card. It’s something I’ll continue doing as long as I can.”

–Sean, Student