Academic Clubs
The National Junior Honor Society recognizes outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. To be considered for the honor of membership, applicants must demonstrate excellence in each of these five areas.
- Scholarship
Students must have a GPA of 3.5. - Service
Students must demonstrate voluntary contributions made to the school or community, done without compensation. - Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. - Character
The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and maintains a clean disciplinary record. - Citizenship
The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects democracy; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.
Students who meet the scholarship requirement will have an opportunity to complete a form detailing their accomplishments in and commitment to service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The application process will take place in the spring. The NJHS induction ceremony will be held on May 29 after the school mass.
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
Seton Scribblers is a young writers group for students in grades 3–5 who have an interest in creative writing. Writers learn different techniques and tools to help enhance their writing skills and spark their creativity. Seton Scribblers usually meets the third Wednesday of the month from November to May. Contact Lynn Tayler, Advancement, for more information.
“We get to meet students from other grades and work together with them. Right now we are using story cubes to create stories and then we are going to combine our stories with others. We hope to share them at Young Authors’ Night.”
—Sascha, Student
The Math Club is open to any middle school student enrolled in Pre-Algebra or Algebra I. During Math Club, students engage in math problems that require higher-order thinking and work with their peers to solve multistep problems. Math Club meets on the first Thursday of each month. Please contact Ms. Taylor, Middle School Math, for more information.
“Math Club challenges you beyond our normal curriculum. You get to learn new things and get a taste of what you may learn in high school.”
—Sydney and Aedan, Middle School Students
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
The Spanish Club is open to any middle school student who is currently taking Spanish.
Activities are related to the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Recent favorites have been an annual Three Kings’ Day Fiesta, a celebration of el Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Feria de Comidas (food festival), exploration of various arts and crafts, games and traditions from the Spanish-speaking world, Zumba dancing, movies in Spanish, and speakers presenting music and cultural insights.
Spanish Club is held for a limited time during January and February. Contact Dr. Fraga for more details.
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.
The Arts
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.
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
Health and Fitness
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
