CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

The Academic Team joins academics to competition and is a superior learning experience. This is a VHSL varsity sport called Quiz Bowl which is similar in format to Jeopardy, but four-person teams compete to answer questions.  Teams play nine matches in Peninsula District and qualification for VHSL District, Regional, and State competitions. For the last two years, MHS teams have also qualified for the televised “Battle of the Brains” show.  This competition is slightly different in format, but is of the same type.  This activity is educational with questions drawn from SOL’s, current culture, and electives.

Are you ‘aiming’ to for high marks in life?  Need to be ‘pointed’ in the right direction?  Bullseye!  The archery intramural might be the place for you.  The purpose of the archery team is to teach students the proper archery technique to shoot a genesis compound bow effectively.  All students involved will learn parts of the bow/arrow, whistle commands, safety, the 11 steps to shooting, and how to retrieve arrows correctly.  This intramural team will have weekly practices and a few competitions against other district schools to showcase their skills.

The purpose of Menchville’s Art Club is to promote the arts! We meet once a week to create and enjoy the whole process of making art in and around the school with others.

Assignment Green is a branch of OSAC in which members will help to maintain the Greenhouse and the Ponds in the Outdoor Learning Center as well as participate in meaningful activities outdoors that provide a service for people or establishments in need. This is a community service-geared organization.

The Menchville High School Ballroom Dance Club affords each club member an opportunity to further his or her development individually through learning ballroom dance skills taught by a professional dance instructor, attending local dances to perfect his or her dance skills, performing community service through dancing for various local organizations, testing his skill against others in formal competitions, and evolving into a responsible citizen.

The band program exists to further the musical education of each student. The Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and small ensembles are an extension of the classroom and are the public display of the program pursued in the daily schedule. All ensembles are of equal importance to the musical education of each student.

The Big Bang Science Club is an organization designed for students who desire to explore science through experimentation. The club helps students design and run experiments to discover the answers to their questions about the world in which we live. Special emphasis is placed on science project development and implementation.

Menchville’s goal is to create a challenging learning environment consistent with the needs of our school population. Parents, business partners, and community are major resources to help all students succeed. Through surveys, testing, and grant writing the School Improvement Team identifies Menchville’s goals and priorities. Some of the most successful collaborations between school and community occur through the leadership of BIGMAC, our advisory council.

BIGMAC (Business, Industry, Government, Menchville, Administration, Community) – was launched in 1994 as the steering body for a High Schools That Work grant and an effective mechanism for community and business involvement in school improvement. BIGMAC is a strong and effective partnership of: Major employers (Newport News Shipbuilding, CANON, SIEMENS, Virginia Power, Cox); Communications, (MCI/Worldcom, Patrick Henry Mall, Ferguson Enterprises, Coca Cola) ; Elected leaders in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, City Council, and School Board; Small businesses (including contractors, professionals, and management consultants); National research labs (Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility and NASA-Langley Research Center); City Government (Planning and Development, Police Department, Court Services); New Horizons Regional Education Center; Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe TRADOC; Higher Education (Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University, Thomas Nelson Community College); Parents, community members, teachers, central office personnel and school administrators

Book Club

Our Mission is to:  

• To expand the members personal literary experience by reading quality works that vary in genres from new and classic to science fiction to mystery and history.

• To encourage responsible writing and publishing of literature by writing letters of encouragement to authors, purchasing books and supporting literary events.

• To provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions during our Smart Moments Discussions.

Board Games engage students with authentic leisure experiences while introducing and reinforcing a variety of social, curricular and literacy skills. Game play also provides an opportunity for students to explore a host of social and life skills not inherent in the curriculum, but important for their success. All that said, this group will meet to have fun. Bring a favorite game from home or use one from the libraries collection. Sponsors: Patty Shohan and Sandy Graham

Basketball not your game? Not feeling football? Then show off your skills as part of the Menchville High School Bowling Team! Each year, all of the high schools on the Peninsula compete for the #1 spot. You can be #1 as part of the Menchville Bowling Team. You will learn team cohesiveness and team spirit, while also showing off your individuality! Friends and family are welcome to cheer you on! The league is a fun and challenging after school activity that runs from November to February, culminating in prizes and even scholarships for bowlers of all levels.

The Chess Club will promote interest in the game of chess and create a chess team. The Chess Club will both teach students how to play and allow already experienced students to improve their skills. The club will compete amongst itself to choose its best members to create a five man chess team that will compete in many competitions as offered by the city.

The mission for all choral students is to achieve the highest levels of music making for personal satisfaction.  While students will compete in contests, the motivation and ultimate reward for their work should be internal satisfaction.  Students will not only become masterful singers, but will understand the art of music by studying the areas of music theory and sight-singing in an effort to become well rounded and self sufficient musicians.

The purpose of Computer Club will be to promote information technology education. As a club we will work on projects such as, but not limited to: databases, web-design practice, and video editing. The Computer Club will also train students interested in participating in the Great Computer Challenge.

Creative Writing Club

The Creative Writing Club’s mission is to allow students who are interested in sharing their writing, whether poems, books, or short stories, to come together and have their work edited and praised! All students with a love for writing are welcome.  Students from past Creative Writing classes can spend time sharing the writings they have accomplished since taking Creative Writing and students who have never been in Creative Writing can experience what it is all about.  Club members will also be afforded the opportunity to help edit the Creative Writing Yearbook and participate in writing contests.  See Mrs. Majewicz in room 107 for more information.

It is the mission of the dance team to: promote and uphold school spirit and represent Menchville High School to the highest degree; set an example of good behavior at all times (whether in uniform or not) in class, at games, and at all school functions, whether performing or no, and in all other settings; promote friendship between all members of the dance team, and with all clubs and teams; promote friendship at schools with which we compete, perform, and attend camp; promote friendship between members of the squad, their coaches and parents. All students are welcome to join the dance team.

All students who take the Debate class develop public speaking, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. They also acquire basic understanding of philosophy and the different styles of academic debate. Competitive debaters, for whom the class itself is optional, prepare cases to debate at monthly tournaments. Menchville is a member of the Peninsula Debate League under the auspices of the VHSL.

DECA is co-curricular association of marketing students.  It is a non-profit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian youth organization of voluntary membership to help train future leaders of marketing and distribution.
PURPOSE:

• To integrate professional development and the Marketing Education Program
• To develop leadership
• To provide for social intelligence
• To instill civic consciousness
• To provide for vocational understanding
• To develop vocational competence

TYPES OF ACTIVITIES:

• Professional development (officer training, business luncheon, field trips to businesses)
• Leadership development (District Leadership Conference, State Leadership Conference, International Career Development)
• Transition to postsecondary education (VCU Career Day)

Students develop habits that can translate into academic and vocational success. Students involved in the organization understand that misconduct can result in being barred from the organization’s activities.

Students must be enrolled in a Marketing course.

Drawing club provides an opportunity for students to work on personal artwork in dry media (pencil, charcoal, pastel, marker). Students are encouraged to explore drawing according to their individual interests and at their own pace.

Our vision is for every member of the Menchville High School Community to have and use the leadership skills, business prowess, technical knowledge, desire and means to contribute to the economic prosperity of the nation and world.

Membership includes Menchville High students, faculty and staff as well as community organizations interested in:

• Starting their own business or improving a business they already own.
• Learning from experienced entrepreneurs.
• Understanding the mechanisms of entrepreneurial activity.
• Learning how to develop a business plan..
• Developing an invention.
• Commercializing an invention.
• Patent protection for an invention.
• Investing in real estate.
• Networking with students and others who have similar interests in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Club activities include:Regular club meetings with lectures by invited speakers or discussions on ideas and experiences of the members.

• Visits to selected companies.
• Invention and innovation development projects.
• Business plan projects and workshops.
• Participation in national conferences.
• Starting and running real businesses.
• Participation in national Entrepreneur Organizations.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a co-curricular organization, and its activities are an integral part of the instructional program designed to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

Goals:

• Develop competent, aggressive business leadership
• Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work
• Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise.
• Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community.
• Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
• Encourage and practice efficient money management.
• Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.
• Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.
• Facilitate the transition from school to work.

Virginia FBLA works on a five-point program of work which includes:

• Business Skill and Knowledge Activities
• Financial Activities
• Leadership and Promotional Activities
• School and Community Service Activities
• Social Activities

Membership is open to students enrolled in Business and Information Technology (BIT) classes as well as former members who are no longer in a BIT class.  Membership dues are $10 per year which includes membership in the State and National associations.  Membership dues may be paid to any BIT teacher/adviser.
Any student enrolled in a BIT class may participate in FBLA activities on the local chapter level.  Any activities beyond the local level or requiring travel outside the building require the student to be a dues paid member.

To promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader, members develop skills for life through-

• Character development;
• Community service;
• Creative thinking;
• Interpersonal communication;
• Practical knowledge; and
• Vocational preparation.

Students enrolled in Family & Consumer Sciences classes at anytime are eligible to join. 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the Church.

The mission of Film Appreciation Club is to view and discuss the films that have shaped the history of cinema. Films are selected for viewing based on their historical merit and timeless entertainment value.

The mission of Film Appreciation Club is to discuss the viewpoints of films that have shaped the history of cinema. Films are selected for viewing based on their historical merit and timeless entertainment value.

In Forensics, students develop speaking skills through after-school practice and monthly tournament competition in various events within the broad categories of speech making and oral interpretation. Menchville is a member of the Tidewater Forensics League under the auspices of the VHSL.

The French Club was formed to promote the French language and to explore and understand the culture of Francophone countries.  French Club activities include watching French movies, sampling and cooking French foods, playing French games and sports, sponsoring families at holiday times and performing community service projects.  The French Club allows students to increase their international awareness and become active members of the student body. Club members are encouraged to develop an appreciation of other customs and traditions.  Any past or present French student may join the French Club, which meets the third Tuesday of every month in room 134. No application is necessary; simply come to any meeting.

The French National Honor Society is an organization for students who have shown outstanding performance in French.  Students are selected after completing 3 semesters with honors.  Students must accumulate points by attending meetings, participating in peer-tutoring and completing service projects in the community. 

The Freshman Class Executive Board is an opportunity for all 9th grade students to actively represent the grade level during school sponsored events and to promote unity of the class. The Executive Board is lead by the class officers who are elected to office during the fall of each school year. The Executive Board assists in the coordination of fundraising activities for the benefit of class activities, participation in Homecoming Activities, and community service projects.

To create an after school computer and console gaming program for Menchville students, that will give the students and opportunity to interact with people they do not usually interact with, and also give them a safe place to be after school.

The mission of the German Club is to encourage and foster interest in German language and culture. Specifically, it is to:

• Provide a forum for socialization among those who wish to take part in German culture.
• Provide greater awareness of and exposure to German culture.
• To advance goodwill and understanding between German and American cultures.
• To provide a safe environment in which individuals can improve their German language abilities.

Types of activities include:

• Dancing (Fasching, Oktoberfest)
• Crafts (back to school packs, gingerbread houses, cuckoo clocks)
• Food (baking and going out to eat at Das Waldcafe)
• Movies
• Board games
• Fund raising (advent calendars)

German Honor Society
The organization is a national educational honorary society for the study of high school German and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).

The purpose of this organization is to recognize high school scholastic achievement in the study of German and to promote interest in the study of German language, literature, and civilization.

By becoming a member, you are committing yourself to:

• an ongoing interest in the study of the German language and culture
• the promotion of German study among younger/other students
• an active commitment to support the German program at the school
• the active presence and participation during the induction ceremonies and at chapter meetings
• participation in events

Eligibility requirements:

• The student must have completed three semesters of German.
• The student must have attained an average of 3.6 in German and a 3.0 general average in these three semesters, on a 4.0 scale.
• The student must commit to taking up through German IV and maintain the standards listed above.

The Green Club focuses on improving the energy footprint of Menchville High School and the surrounding community.  Students will meet once a month to discuss and brainstorm about creative ideas to accomplish this goal.  By volunteering within the community and developing new programs at school, students play an active part in the conservation of our planet.

The purpose of the after-school Guitar Quartet club is to engage students in the learning and performance of high quality classical music, serving as a music enrichment program for young guitarists. Our organization will focus on performing high level music in small performing ensembles (i.e. duets, trios, and quartet music).  The students will be expected to perform events for the community, including but not limited to; nursing homes, community events, libraries, and performances for underprivileged or disadvantaged children.  As the group will perform community musical services, it will reflect positively on Menchville and help garner school support from the local community.  While the community is served by our students, our students’ musical education is enriched by the classic standards they will perform.  Likewise, students will learn about community service and citizenship as well as the number of ways that music can be used both to serve others and oneself.  This organization targets advanced guitarists who are looking to improve the level of their playing and make a difference in their community.

The Health Club is a branch of OSAC that focuses on the health and wellness of its members. Students will learn practices that they can use in their daily life that will improve their overall wellbeing.

Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 14-18. The program gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.
Our mission is that each Interactor learns the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others and advancing international understanding and goodwill through service activities.  Each Interact club must perform at least two service projects a year — one that benefits the school or community and one that furthers international understanding.

The goals of Interact Club are:

• To  recognize and develop constructive leadership and personal integrity
• To encourage and practice thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others.
• To create an awareness of the importance of home and family
• To build respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of individual
• To emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community improvement, and group achievement
• To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve society
• To provide opportunities for gaining increased knowledge and understanding of community, national and world affairs
• To open avenues of personal and group action leading to advancement of international understanding and goodwill towards all people.

Our additional mission is to help connect the diverse population at Menchville High School with other youth throughout the world in an effort to develop greater understanding of other cultures and share common ideals.

The Junior Class Executive Board is an opportunity for all 11th grade students to actively represent the grade level during school sponsored events and to promote unity of the class. The Executive Board is lead by the class officers who are elected to office during the spring of each school year. The Executive Board assists in the coordination of fundraising activities for the benefit of class activities, coordination of the annual Junior Ring Dance, participation in Homecoming Activities, and community service projects.

Menchville's Key Club is an international student lead organization apart of the Hilton Kiwanis Chapter. The prestigious Key Club affords its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership. Students will foster the core values of initiative, useful citizenship, and leadership by cooperating with Menchville faculty and administration to serve the school and community.  The organization strives to develop competent, capable, and caring leaders through channel of service.

The Menchville Keyettes are a volunteer organization.  We go into the community and have a great time volunteering and participating in various events.  For example, during the year 2008-2009, we helped to manage and supervise a Fall Festival and an Arts and Crafts Festival at a couple of the local elementary schools.  We helped The Women’s Club of Newport News with their annual “Santa House”, produced goody bags for an retirement center at Christmas, decorated The Virginia Living Museum for their “Night of the Living Dead” Weekend, and participated in the Special Olympics event at Todd Stadium.  These are just a few examples of the volunteer opportunities we typically see.

Obviously, the community benefits from our services.  But how is joining the Keyettes going to benefit you personally?  Of course, you will meet new friends.  And, you will develop confidence and leadership skills. You will experience a personal satisfaction when you go out into the community to participate in a volunteering experience, and you will also develop contacts and acquaintances in that community who could potentially assist you sometime in the future when you are looking for a real job.  Additionally, when seeking employment, many employers are very favorably impressed with a job candidate when they see on her resume that she is a member of the Keyettes.  And of course, it looks great to colleges!  It also satisfies the volunteer requirement if you are looking to get into the National Honor Society.  So jump on board and join the Keyettes next year.

The purpose of our organization is to foster awareness and love for the game of lacrosse by instilling a work ethic and promoting team building and leadership skills.  Becoming a well rounded athlete does not stop on the field as we will concentrate on becoming leaders in the classroom as well and managing academia along with the work it takes to make a successful season.  We aim to represent our school with monarch pride during our competitions against schools from the south side and the peninsula and through community service projects.

Lacrosse is a spring sport, so we will begin conditioning and tryouts after exams in January. Since we are not yet a VHSL varsity sport, we play as a club team under the Hampton Roads Lacrosse League. Information; such as registration, fees, and rules, can be found at http://www.hrlax.com.

The purpose of our organization is to foster awareness and love for the game of lacrosse by instilling a work ethic and promoting team building and leadership skills.  Becoming a well rounded athlete does not stop on the field as we will concentrate on becoming leaders in the classroom as well and managing academia along with the work it takes to make a successful season.  We aim to represent our school with monarch pride during our competitions against schools from the south side and the peninsula and through community service projects.

Lacrosse is a spring sport, so we will begin conditioning and tryouts after exams in January. Since we are not yet a VHSL varsity sport, we play as a club team under the Hampton Roads Lacrosse League. Information; such as registration, fees, and rules, can be found at http://www.hrlax.com.

Are you a lady in a society that challenges your morals, values, and ideals? Would you like to have a place to share your challenges of being a young lady in today's society? Our mission is to help young ladies with the challenges they face in today's society. Our goal is to help young ladies with self esteem, etiquette, manners, and appropriate social skills, in order to be a successful lady of the 21st Century.

The Latin Club exists to promote the ideals and diversity of the Greek and Roman Civilizations. Members indulge in exploration of the mores of the Roman Empire. They explore the influences of the Classical Civilizations on modern culture. Food, civic duty, dress, and games are explored in club meetings.

Menchville Teachers for Tomorrow enlists today's students, who have an interest in the field of education, to conduct activities with and tutor local elementary students as they prepare to become tomorrow's teachers. It is the mission of Menchville Teachers for Tomorrow to provide students with assistance in a safe and nurturing environment, supported by school partnerships, that will instill the knowledge, skills and values necessary for all students to reach their full potential and to become contributing and compassionate citizens in the community.

In the Spirit of the United Nations, founded in 1945, the purpose of Model United Nations at Menchville High School is to provide an opportunity for students to research, explore and discuss current and historical global issues.  This club participates in research, debates and conferences all working to help resolve world problems.  This club benefits Menchville by creating active and informed students who will hopefully become active and informed adults.  Model UN provides the students with an opportunity to enrich their lives with knowledge about current events.  Students’ lives are also enriched when they are in an atmosphere where global knowledge is encouraged and awarded. 

Model UN is an open club, there are no requirements to join other than the fact that you should be interested in global issues and have the desire to solve these problems. 

The mission of the Monarch Credit Union is to promote financial education. Student workers and members will develop skills for life through character development, interpersonal communication, and financial literacy. VECU has committed to each member the following standards: to choose…to be friendly…to be educated…to be professional…to communicate and to be empowered. YOU CAN COUNT ON US!

Monarchs on Bikes promote the use of bicycles as tools to bring students and faculty together and to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness. Regardless of fitness levels, Monarch on Bikes provides an outlet for students and faculty to participate in group rides, information sessions, fundraisers, and volunteer activities. Students are required to submit parental consent forms, an approved helmet, and demonstrate an understanding of laws applicable to the safe operation of bicycles on city streets prior to participating in group rides.

Sigma Monarchs Chapter of the National Honor Society of  Menchville High School seeks to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in the students of Menchville High School.

Membership in this chapter is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty, and shall be based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.

The chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year. All members shall regularly participate in these projects. These projects shall have the following characteristics: fulfill a need within the school or community, have the support of the administration and the faculty, be appropriate and educationally defensible, and be well-planned, organized, and executed. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in an individual service project which reflects his or her particular talents and interests and as approved by the chapter adviser. This is in addition to the chapter projects to which all members contribute. The chapter shall publicize its projects in a positive manner. Each member will be expected to complete at least 8 hours of community service per each 9 weeks affiliated with the society.

NTHS is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education. Thousands of schools and colleges are affiliated with the Society. Member schools agree the NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps top students find success in today’s highly competitive workplace.

The Lion’s Roar is a student-created, student-run publication meant to give a voice to the Menchville High School student body.  The staff aims to create an informative and entertaining publication that focuses on the issues that are important to the Menchville community. The Lion’s Roar also serves as a medium for student opinions and ideas and presents content that is objective, well-balanced and accurate. Students interested in becoming a part of The Lion’s Roar staff must first enroll in and successfully complete Journalism I.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.

What makes Odyssey different?
Odyssey of the Mind is a competitive program, but it's nothing like your typical sporting event. The competitive element encourages kids to be the best that they can be, but it's a friendly competition. Kids learn from and even cheer on their competitors. Odyssey of the Mind is not a college bowl or a competition about knowledge. It's all about creativity, an often overlooked element in the growth and development of many students. Kids are rewarded more for how they apply their knowledge, skills and talents, and not for coming up with the right answer. In fact, in Odyssey of the Mind problems, there isn't one right answer. Ever.

The purpose of this club is to encourage students to watch, discuss and appreciate classic films from the past. This club will expose students to famous lines from films in the past that may appear as allusions in literature. Students will discuss classic films and compare them to current movies and literature.

Outdoor Science Adventures Club is an organization designed for students who are interested in science exploration. This club breaks the bonds of the physical classroom by taking the student out into the "natural" environment to observe, explore and make discoveries outdoors.

The purpose of the Poetry Club is to bring together students who have an interest in reading or writing poetry. The Poetry Club will read poems written by students and others and devote time to improving the students’ abilities to write original poems. The school will benefit from the Poetry Club because the club will provide a safe, inviting place for students to gather who share this common interest who might not otherwise be well served by our other activities or courses. The club will attempt to cultivate an appreciation for poetry and help writers improve their craft. Any student who is interested may participate in the club by attending the meetings. The club is intended for students of all grades and ability levels who have a genuine interest in poetry.

The mission of Pond Scum is to provide maintenance care for the Outdoor Learning Center. The club will endeavor to hold various fund raisers in order to make money available for necessary maintenance and construction expenditures. The Pond Scum Club will strive to develop and propagate an appreciation of outdoor learning throughout the Menchville population in a pleasant and conducive environment.

The purpose of Menchville's Pottery Art Club is to promote the clay arts in its many forms! The club's focus is to promote CREATing! So, we will be creating hand built and wheel thrown pottery work during our sessions every week. We meet once a week in room 401 to create and enjoy the whole process of making pottery with others. Students may find out more information about the Pottery Arts Club by contacting Ms. Clancy in the Art Department.

Project Inclusion participants explore issues of diversity and prejudice, gain insight into their own lives and values, and develop action plans to share their learning with their sending school(s).  Administrators have credited Project Inclusion with improving school climates, reducing incidents of bullying and violence, and building stronger connections between students and educators. Members are selected by the PI sponsors each session.

PUMP's mission is to serve as a tool or stepping stone for young girls whom may need guidance or resources to help them in their future endeavors.  Our goal is to provide them with the necessary tools and skills to become successful young women that will be an asset to their families and local communities.  PUMP’s goal is to help these young girls build self-esteem while getting their life in order. Our hope is that PUMP can be used as a foundation for these young girls to build on.

Triple Helix, the Menchville Robotics Team, participates in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition sponsored by the non-profit organization, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).  Activities include meetings involving engineering, fabrication, electronics, and computer programming fundamentals during the fall months.  In January, FIRST announces the new competition and the associated rules of the game.  From that point, teams have six weeks to design, build, program, and check out their robot prior to a mandatory ship date in February.  Competitions are held at various locations around the world during the months of March and April.  Additional activities will include community service and fund-raising activities throughout the school year.

Any student attending a Newport News public school in grades 9 through 12 may join the Menchville Robotics Team.  No specific application or referral process is currently required, but may be invoked at any time if student response is overwhelming.  The team is geared towards students interested in math, science, computer, and technology education tracks; however, students interested in business and the arts are encouraged to join the team, also.  Particular needs in these areas include students interested in photography and videography to chronicle team progress; students interested in art to design team logos, T-shirts, and robot decorations; and students interested in English and journalism to write press releases and serve as community relations specialists.  The team will meet on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays during the fall.  During the winter build season, the team will be meeting more often, including weekends, to ensure that robot fabrication is completed in a timely manner.

• www.triplehelixrobotics.org
• www.menchvillerobotics.org
• www.team2363.org

MISSION: Develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.

The objectives of JROTC are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

ACTIVITIES: Color Guard, Drill Team, Kitty Hawk Air (Honor) Society, Awareness Presentation Team.

Cadets serve as ambassadors for the school at numerous local, regional and national events throughout the year and keep MHS in the national spotlight.

STUDENT ENRICHMENT: Expose students to a wide variety of activities that enhance their leadership, managerial, and teamwork skills and give them a greater understanding of the impact individual actions have on team success.  Provide students with the opportunity to travel and interact with students from various backgrounds and cultures and broaden their overall knowledge and perceptions.  

All activities are open to all AFJROTC students.

Rugby is the largest club sport in America with over 600,000 participants. It is a predecessor sport of America Football and was developed from soccer. Menchville’s Rugby team will play in the Rugby Virginia League, which is one of the fastest growing High School Rugby Leagues in the country. Rugby Virginia is a member of the National Governing Rugby organization, USA Rugby. Warwick, Bethel, Kecoughtan and Menchville make up the Peninsula District High School Boys Rugby League.

Are you a leader?
Do you have good oral and written communication skills?
The SAGE (Student Advisory Group on Education) Committee is established to provide information to the school’s division Superintendent on educational initiatives from a student’s perspective. Members of the committee meet monthly with the Superintendent and provide input on important educational issues. Applicants from all grade levels are welcome.

The Science Club is an organization for enthusiastic, active students who have an interest in science and working with others interested in science.

The Freshman Class Executive Board is an opportunity for all 12th grade students to actively represent the grade level during school sponsored events and to promote unity of the class. The Executive Board is lead by the class officers who are elected to office during the spring of each school year. The Executive Board assists in the coordination of fundraising activities for the benefit of class activities, coordination of Senior Activities such as Senior Breakfast, Banquet, and Prom, participation in Homecoming Activities, and community service projects.

The Sophomore Class Executive Board is an opportunity for all 10th grade students to actively represent the grade level during school sponsored events and to promote unity of the class. The Executive Board is lead by the class officers who are elected to office during the spring of each school year. The Executive Board assists in the coordination of fundraising activities for the benefit of class activities, participation in Homecoming Activities, and community service projects.

The Spanish Club is an organization dedicated to share, be exposed and learn cultural experiences that have to do with the Hispanic World.

Types of activities

• Movies
• Dancing
• Music 
• Crafts
• Food
• Fund raising etc.

Students are engaged in the cultural aspects of the Hispanic world. The students have more contact with the language they are studying; they learn to appreciate the life style of other people around the world, the food, customs, etc. The program enriches and provides an opportunity for the students to participate, socialize; do extra curricular and community work that will help them expand their culture and participate actively in school activities.

The Menchville High School Step Team provides the young men and young women of MHS with the opportunity to express themselves through step while striving for academic excellence, building leadership and character, encouraging diversity, and fostering a sense of unity and community.

SCA provides learning experiences in leadership and opportunities to practice the citizenship skills necessary for effective participation in our democratic society.
The principal goals of the Student Council Association are to:

• instill American ideals, including the development of leadership and citizenship, among the youth of today.
• foster student leadership in a democratic environment.
• promote student participation within the school and its community.

The SCA promotes school spirit through activities such as Homecoming, Teacher Appreciation Day, and class officer elections. The SCA works to help the community through activities such as Red Cross Blood Drive, Paws for a Cause, Salvation Army, and the Peninsula Food Bank.

S2S (Student to Student) is a program designed to rapidly meet the needs of transitioning students.  S2S trained students from all grades take turns meeting transfer students on their first day at school.  The new student is taken to lunch on that fist day by an S2S student who answers questions, explains school procedures and rules, introduces the new student around and generally makes him/her feel as comfortable as possible.  S2S members are selected by teacher referral.  Training's are done as needed (usually twice a year).  Meetings are also held as needed.

Tennis club is geared toward students that are currently on the high school boys or girls tennis team/ or students who currently compete in USTA team tennis or tournament Jr. Tennis competitively. Club discussions will focus on goal setting, nutrition and hydration, physical conditioning, mental and tactical skills, college prep, and literature discussions. The club will be facilitated by Certified PTR teaching professionals.

The Thespian Society is the honors component of the school’s theatre program. Its purpose shall be the advancement of standards of excellence in theatre. More specifically, the troupe will encourage students to attain a better mastery of the theatre arts and will reward those who achieve it with induction into the troupe. Thespians achieving honor ranks shall receive recognition of their exemplary accomplishment.

To give students the opportunity to get together after school and participate in an intramural sports program. The club will give students a chance to not only learn how to play a new sport but will also provide a way to get exercise during the busy school week. This club also provides a way for students to make new friends and interact with others.

Members of The Crown yearbook staff strive to include all students, teachers and staff in a publication that highlights what it means to be a Menchville Monarch. This is an application only class. Students who apply must successfully complete grade 10 English and show evidence of above average writing skills. Student interest and teacher recommendation will also be considered.

The purpose of the club is to build character and to install integrity in young men and women so that they can become productive citizens in our community.  Students will interact on the second and fourth Thursday of every month to participate in various activities involving self esteem, college and career information, community service, and how to have positive peer relationships.  Students will also be able to:

1. Identify positive ways of transitioning into a young man or young woman.
2. Increase members appetite for positive risk-taking
3. Provide healthy coping skills in all relationships.
4. Encourage each member to be true and honest in looking in their mirror.
5. Improve relationships with parents, teachers, siblings, peers, and others.
6. Be able to recognize and express feelings in an appropriate manner.
7. Increase leadership roles in school and in the community.
8. Be able to demonstrate and improvement in how you feel about yourself.
9. Helping students understand what it means to have a smart, safe school.
10. Explore career and educational goals.

All students are welcomed to join the club in grades 9-12 and must attend regular meetings to maintain satisfactory standing. Students are expected to wear professional dress attire at every meeting and report on time to Cafeteria II no later than 2:15 p.m.  A $5 dues fee will be collected to cover the cost of refreshments for the meetings and the end of the year banquet.