Billerica Memorial High School
Club Catalog
2021-2022
ADL Peer Leader Program
Advisor: Ms. Pierce
The ADL Peer Leader Program provides students in grades 9-12 with the opportunity to increase their understanding of the causes of prejudice and its manifestations such as name calling, bullying, and cyber-bullying. Working closely with the program’s school-based coordinator, Ms. Pierce, trained students will take an active role in leading workshops for their 8th grade peers during school to promote inter-group dialogue and understanding, self-reflection, as well as respect for individual differences. In addition, Peer Leaders will be expected to participate in some school and community events. All Peer Leaders will also have the opportunity to attend and possibly present at the ADL’s Annual Youth Congress in Boston in the spring.
Students interested in becoming an ADL peer leader need be in grades 9-12, need to apply (applications will be made available in October), need to complete two days of training off school grounds, maintain a C- average in every class as well as attend regular peer leader meetings during and after school (TBD).
Interested students should email: tpierce@billericak12.com or stop by room D459B
The Billerica Beat
Advisor: Mr. Landry
Meetings: Monday afternoons at 2:05 p.m.
Location: B324
The official school newspaper of Billerica Memorial High School, the Billerica Beat puts together two issues per year, focusing on school events, activities, teachers, sports, etc. Positions range from writers to editors to photographers and all students have a hand in designing the issues.
Examples may be viewed at www.issuu.com/billericabeat
Interested students should email: slandry@billericak12.com
Billerica Clean-Up Club
Advisor: Ms. Chiarella
Meetings: The first Monday of the month at 2:10 p.m. beginning September 30, 2019
Location:D366
The mission of this club is to protect biodiversity by reducing waste and pollution. Each month, the members will develop a plan to maintain and remove litter from the community. The members will then implement the plan.
Interested students may email: tchiarella@billericak12.com or stop by room D366
BMHS PRIDE Alliance
Advisor: Mr. Vennard
Meetings: Every other Thursday immediately after school
Location: C334
The BMHS Pride Alliance (formerly known as GSA/Diversity Club) functions as both a support network for LGTBQ+ students and as an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ issues. We run bi-weekly meetings, social gatherings and events for all LGBTQ+ students and their allies. The content of all meetings is confidential and the meetings are a safe place for candid conversation. In addition to our general mission of support for LGBTQ+ students and their allies, we will host special events throughout the year, such as film and documentary showings, book discussions, and more! Any and all members of the BMHS community are welcome to attend.
Interested students should email Mr. Vennard: zvennard@billericak12.com
Chemistry Club
Advisor: Mrs. Hines
Meetings: Biweekly, TBD (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday); first organizational meeting is Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 2:05 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: D364 Laboratory
We try out chemical experiments, learn to present chemical demonstrations to the public, (National Chemistry Week events); Program in a Box evening event, try out for the chemistry olympiad. Students get volunteer hour credits for participating in the National Chemistry Week event in October, and in the Chemistry Celebrates Earth Day in April.
Interested students should email: ehines@billericak12.com or stop by Lab D364
CLUB D’ITALIANO
Advisors: Ms. Groenendyk and Ms. Bowers
Meetings: Beginning Tuesday, September 24, 2019 after school; Tuesday or Thursday - Once per month
Location: Room C440
In Italian Club, we focus on learning the different aspects of the Italian culture through different activities such as games, crafts, stories, and different regional foods. By joining the Italian Club, students will have the opportunity to meet different students and be able to share their experiences with their family and community.
At the first meeting, we will discuss when the best time to meet and choose topics of interest. Refreshments will be served by the teachers. For the following meetings, refreshments will be provided by the students.
Interested students should email: sgroenendyk@billericak12.com or lbowers@billericak12.com
Community Service Club
Advisor: Mr. Molloy
Meetings: Wednesdays - Immediately after school
Location: Room D357
The Community Service Club is a community outreach program that seeks to make us more aware of the needs of others as we develop skills and ideas to better our world and community. With designs whose reach is both far and near, this group pursues an array of undertakings from Red Cross disaster relief fundraisers, dear soldier letters, to working with local assisted living centers Council on Aging for holiday centered events. The Halloween Masks Workshop and Holiday Coloring Book Extraordinary are special events where our students team up to spread holiday cheer with preschoolers. Spring and Fall Community Days, as well as club fundraisers, are especially important opportunities to spread goodness.
Interested students should email: jmolloy@billericak12.com for more information.
DECA
Advisor(s): Ms. Lydon and Ms. Prendergast
Meetings: Wednesdays after school and some advisories
Location: C233 and C234
The BMHS DECA program is a nationally recognized and award winning program which prepares emerging leaders in the fields of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Through competitive events, classroom instruction, chapter activities and travel DECA prepares students for the opportunities ahead - in both college and career. DECA’s 58 competitive events allow your student to explore various industries and career paths. Currently DECA is open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Underclassmen (8th and 9th) are encouraged to take Exploring the World of Business and other business electives to engage with the business department and plan their future DECA journey.
For information email: nlydon@billericak12.com.
Drama Club
Advisor: Ms. Yoniack
Meetings: Stage Crew on Thursday, September 19, 2019 with time and location TBA and Saturdays beginning on September 28, 2019 at 9:00 a.m with location TBA.
Location: Black Box Theatre or TBA
We are currently working on the fall production of Romeo and Juliet. Students should listen for details on the morning announcements or stop by the Black Box Theatre (third floor past the library at the end of the hall) and see Ms. Yoniack about how to get involved in all our activities this year. Looking forward to seeing you there!
For more information email: syoniack@billericak12.com
Dungeons & Dragons Club
Advisor: Mr. Strunk
Meetings: Every other Friday (started 9/13) from 2:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Location: Learning Commons
We work on teaching/playing the game of D & D. Dungeons and Dragons helps students with team building, mathematics, creative writing/storytelling, and acting. It is open to any grade level, newcomers or veteran players, and there isn’t a club fee.
Interested students should email: sstrunk@billericak12.com
Educators Rising Club
Advisor: Mrs. Tuxbury
Meetings: Beginning Monday, September 30, 2019; Monthly Monday Meetings (TBD)
Location: Cafe
An international student organization dedicated to supporting young people interested in education related careers. Educators Rising helps students develop strong leadership skills found in high quality educators. Club Activities Include Monday monthly meeting, community service projects, Shadow Day, Volunteer to assist with children during elementary
PTO meetings, Plan an activity for BMHS staff during Teacher Appreciation week.
Interested students should email: htuxbury@billericak12.com
Environmental Club
Advisor: Ms. Molloy
Meetings: Monday afternoons after school
Location: C240
The Environmental Club is a group of students who care deeply about the environment. A major concern of the club is to run the school's recycling program so as to reduce our carbon footprint in the community and the globe. Help become a leader in educating friends, peers, and the community on all the ways to live “green” and reduce our carbon footprint for generations to come. We will test our horticulture skills and explore the many small steps that we can all do to bring about much larger environmentally friendly results. This year we will be growing fresh vegetables and herbs that we hope the cafeteria will be able to use in their cooking of school meals. The Environmental Club will also be focusing on social and climate activism and raising awareness about climate crisis issues. Participation in the Fall and Spring Community Days, are especially important and attendance at those events is imperative.
Interested students should email: kmolloy@billericak12.com
FIRST Robotics Competition Team - FRC 4909 Bionics
Advisors: Mr. Flood and Mr. Flanagan
Meetings: TBA (an announcement will be made when scheduled)
Location: C331
The FIRST Robotics Competition team works as a small business to design and build a robot to compete in yearly events. Students learn engineering skills of design, evaluation, manufacturing, and communication in an exciting competitive environment. The team uses industry recognized equipment like manual and CNC mills, manual and CNC lathes, CNC routers to go along with 3D printers and laser engravers. Team members also learn how to work with sponsors, spread interest in STEM fields with the community, design business and marketing plans, and build long range forecasts for the overall wellness of the program. There is truly something for everyone! Anyone interested in signing up can do so at the first meeting.
Contact us at mflood@billericak12.com and bflanagan@billericak12.com
Fitness Center
Advisor: Ashley Tsoukalas
Meeting in the Fitness Center
The BMHS Fitness Center is open after school from 2:15- 4:00 for student and faculty use. The fitness center offers an array of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment such as free weights, benches, squat racks, medicine balls, weight machines, resistance bands, ellipticals, and treadmills. We offer ample space for our athlete’s pre-season training as well our students and faculty who have general fitness goals. The fitness center attendant is available for consultation and assistance at all times
For more information email: atsoukalas@billericak12.com
French Club
Advisor: Madame Bynoe
Meetings: Beginning Thursday, 9/19/19 at 2:05 p.m.; Every third Thursday of the month at 2:05 p.m.
Location: C333
Our club members engage in many fun and exciting French activities. We play games, sing songs, show videos and movies, highlight fashion, host crepe parties, travel on local and international field trips, and celebrate French national holidays. BMHS French Club is open to everyone.
Interested students should email: tbynoe@billercak12.com or attend the first meeting.
Garden Club
Advisor: Ms. Chiarella
Meetings: Mondays beginning September 23, 2019 at 2:10 p.m.
Location:D366
The mission of this club is to protect biodiversity through gardening. We will grow food for the food market and zoology animals. The club members will also educate the public on the benefits of growing their own food and maintaining plants that are beneficial to pollinators.
Interested students may email: tchiarella@billericak12.com or stop by room D366.
The History Mission
Advisors: Mr. Molloy and Mr. Bova
Meetings: Mondays and Tuesdays - immediately after school
Location: Room D357
The mission of this club is to bring together students and teachers who have a passion for history, art, and creation. We will explore the human condition while “asking questions about the universe,” pondering where we have been and where we might go. Our inquiries and investigations will be shared in the form of art, showcased into a unique museum of student craftsmanship, creating “objects of cultural, religious and historical importance” to be preserved and presented for others to consider and enjoy.
Interested students should email: jmolloy@billericak12.com or abova@billericak12.com for more information.
Key Club
Advisor: Mr. Peterson
Meetings: Every Thursday
Location: Learning Commons (Outside B223)
Key Club is a student led organization giving members an opportunity to get involved in their community, volunteer their time, as well as build character and develop leadership skills. There are 1,000’s of clubs just like ours located in more than 38 countries. We have some popular school fundraisers to raise money such as- spoo “key” pops, christmas candy cane grams, and Valentine’s Day carnations. Some community service we do is a yearly clothing drive, a biyearly mock crash to warn students about the dangers of drinking and driving, and so much more!
Interested students should email: cpeterson@billericak12.com
The Literary Club
Ms. Button and Dr. Lipsett
Meetings: Once per month beginning Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 2:05 p.m.
Location: Learning Commons
The Literary Club (aka Book Club) is an informal book discussion group. We usually meet once per month in the library to chat about what we’ve read and select a book for the next meeting. It’s a chance to more casually talk about books you’ve read for fun. Members suggest new books and vote on what to read with the group. We explore different genres including SciFi, Thrillers, Romance, Mystery, Comedy, Non-Fiction, etc. New members are always welcome and it’s ok to come even if you didn’t finish the book.
Interested students should email: cbutton@billericak12.com or elipsett@billericak12.com
The Literary Magazine
Advisors: Mr. Ciccarelli and Ms. Camasso
Meeting: First meeting will be Thursday, September 26th after school; Monthly meetings TBD.
Location : C241
The award-winning BMHS literary magazine publishes some of the top writing, artwork, and photography produced by the student body. The student members spend the year reviewing submissions and compiling them for our annual publication, which comes out each May. Students can also workshop their own writing and artwork during club meetings. Any student who has an interest in creative writing, art, photography, graphic design, or publishing would be a welcome member to the club.
Interested students should email: dciccarelli@billericak12.com or jcamasso@billericak12.com
Math League
Advisor: Mrs. Reubenstein
Meets (competitions): Beginning practice is on Thursday, September 26, 2019; First Thursday of each month October through March. Practice also held on Thursdays before each meet.
Location: B424
The Math League is an opportunity to flex your intellectual muscles in a challenging and supportive atmosphere. Experience comradery at monthly meets. Each month, we travel to a different school, eat pizza, and compete in several rounds of individual competition. There is also a team round. For each meet, there are 10 official competitors and some alternates. Being an alternate is an excellent way to learn about math league and sharpen your math skills. Each team is required to have at least (2) 8 - 10th graders competing.
Interested students should email: lreubenstein@billericak12.com or come to a practice.
Mock Trial
Advisor: Mr. Corum
Meetings and Location: TBD
"Are you interested in law? Interested in how or court systems work? Or just plain interested in beating people in elaborate debates? Look no further than the Mock Trial Club where we learn the ins and outs of our Court Systems and how to properly structure a debate and appeal to people. What better way to enhance your vocal skills, public speaking skills, critical thinking skills, and all other skills pertinent to life. Sign up now!
Interested students should email: scorum@billericak12.com
Model UN
Advisor: Mr. Carey
Meetings: Tuesdays (2:15pm)
Location: D356
Model UN is a club that 400,000 students join every year around the world. The goal of Model UN is to simulate the United Nations and how it functions. Students attend meetings where they discuss current events, practice public speaking, and learn about how the United Nations functions. Then students attend one of many Model UN conferences held every year where they serve on committees as representatives of another country in order to learn firsthand how UN resolutions are formed. Model UN emphasizes teamwork and provides students with an opportunity for new experiences and travel.
Interested students should email: mcarey@billericak12.com
Photography/Art Club
Advisor: Ms. Fredericks
Meetings: Thursdays beginning September 26, 2019
Location: E376 (entrance in the library)
The Photography/Art Club allows students to pursue their own art in an open studio, in a supportive environment. Each week students work on individual or group projects. Enrollment is open to any student that has an interest in art and enthusiasm for getting involved in the school and community. Our mission is to learn about art, create art, and enrich the school environment and community through art.
Interested students should email: sfredericks@billericak12.com
Poetry Club
Advisor: Ms. Molloy
Meetings: Wednesday afternoons after school
Location: C240
The purpose of the poetry club at BMHS is to create a community of accepting, supportive, and welcoming artists who hear each other’s stories and create their own. Each week, we meet in order to write, workshop, or read work aloud. Poets of all writing styles and interests are welcome. Every year the Poetry Club sends a team to compete in the annual Louder than a Bomb slam poetry contest in Boston. The Poetry Club also hosts several open mic nights during the school year where students can get practice performing their original works of poetry in front of a larger audience. Students in Poetry Club can expect to leave with an understanding of their voice, the confidence to speak in front of large groups, and the ability to accept and celebrate differences.
Interested students should email: kmolloy@billericak12.com
Science and Engineering Fair
Advisor: Ms. Chiarella
Meetings: The schedule will vary throughout the year as needed to complete project. The first meeting will be on September 18, 2019 at 2:10 p.m.
Location: D366
The development of independent research projects, guided by teachers or mentors. Culminating in a Science and Engineering Fair at the end of the year.
Interested students may email: tchiarella@billericak12.com or stop by room D366
Ski and Snowboard Club
Advisors: Ms. LaRosa and Mr. Shore
Meetings: 4-5 Trips/year; Trips to be scheduled December through February
Location: Pats Peak and Wachusett Mountains/Sunapee and Cannon Mountains
The BMHS ski and snowboard club is open to all students who are looking to get out on the slopes and take advantage of what New England winters have to offer. The club goes night skiing to Pats Peak and Wachusett. As we grow as a club we are will be taking trips to mountain like Sunapee and Cannon for day trip. You can attend one or all of the trip and we take about 4-6 trips a year. New and experienced students are welcome and will be able to rent equipment and sign up for lessons on each trip. The club is free to join but does cost money for each individual trip.
Interested students should email: llarosa@billericak12.com or bshore@billericak12.com for more information.
Spanish Club
Advisor: Señora Rivera
Meetings: First meeting is Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 2:15 - 3:00 p.m.; Following meetings will be the SECOND Thursday of each month.
Location: Room C239
In Spanish Club we concentrate on learning more about the Spanish culture and community through activities, field trips, movies, crafts, stories, food and more. Spanish Club is an opportunity to get to know other students who are interested in learning more about the Spanish language, culture, community and people. At our first meeting we will get to know each other and plan other activities that everyone might like to do. REFRESHEMENTS WILL BE SERVED!
Interested students should email Señora Rivera at: krivera@billericak12.com
JOIN US….. será divertido!
Student Government
Advisor: Mr. Gubelman
Meetings: Once per week on Wednesdays
Location: Learning Commons Room 1655
Student Government consists of the elected class councilors for each grade. The main goal of the club is to share ideas and concerns about what is happening within the halls of BMHS and to be a connection to the greater Billerica community. As the voice of the student body members of Student Government partake in a variety of projects throughout the year that include but are not limited to fundraising, helping others in need, and examining school practices. Elections for council positions are held each year, and anyone who wants to be a part of directly shaping their time in high school is encouraged to run!
Interested students should contact: agubelman@billericak12.com.
Television Production Club
Advisor: Mrs. Bouhanda
Meetings: Tuesday to Friday Advisory - Individual projects after school
Location: Learning Commons Recording Studio A372
The BMHS TV Production Club allows students who display and active interest in learning more about television production techniques and equipment. Students may have an interest in journalism, film, sports reporting, etc. to gain valuable hands-on experience to take to college and beyond. Students learn what it takes to be part of a production team of on-air personalities, producers, directors, editors, etc. Students also learn basic reporter skills in putting together news stories. We will also be partnering with BATV and looking for students to film after school events and programs. In addition to offering students to create and produce their own programs and monthly news.
- Covering and promoting BMHS athletic events
- Covering and promoting Fine Art and Theatre events
- Creating and producing shows on Studio B Television
- Creating and producing podcast program
Interested students should email: rbouhanda@billericak12.com
Unified Basketball
Advisors: Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Camilli and Ms. Clark
Practices/Games: Season is 7 weeks, meets 3 times/week at 2:10 - 3:10 p.m.
Location: Varies depending on game schedule
Unified basketball is a MIAA basketball team that is made up of a 50/50 ratio of students with and without disabilities that is recognized by special olympics. This is an opportunity for students to participate in an inclusive sport by bringing people together as teammates and competitors.
- Typically 1-2 practices/week from 2:10 - 3:10 p.m. and 1-2 games per week
- 1 end of season jamboree
- All students receive a varsity letter that participate for the entire season (participation can be listed on college resumes)
- The season will start the week of September 24th and run through the week of November 4th
- End of season field trip
What we are looking for: players, referees, scorekeeper/clock and fundraising.
Interested students should email: rclark@billericak12.com or mcamilli@billericak12.com
Ultimate Frisbee
Advisor: Mr. Kozlowski
Meetings: Spring 2020 - Mondays through Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Ultimate Frisbee is a fun, non-contact, club sport. The Ultimate Frisbee club at BMHS is a spring activity. We practice after school and will have 1-2 games per week with the possibility of tournaments on Saturdays. There is a $25 club fee.
Interested students should email: kkozlowski@billericak12.com for more information.
The Writing Center
Advisor: Mr. DeFeo
Meetings: Monday -Thursday at 2:02 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: BMHS Learning Commons
The Writing Center is a place where all students can come to receive help with their writing. During a tutoring session students will receive one-on-one attention with an experienced peer tutor (juniors and seniors, recommended by an English teacher) who will provide a conversation about your writing and give feedback on your ideas. The Writing Center is not a proofreading service. Our goal is to guide you to becoming a better writer and editor. We are happy to work with you to test arguments, explore ideas, and refine style, but your writing always remains your responsibility.
Students are welcome to drop in without setting up an appointment. However, if you would like to make an appointment in advance, feel free to email Mr. DeFeo at mdefeo@billericak12.com. You can come to the Writing Center at any stage in the writing process (planning, rough draft, final copy, etc.) and for papers in any subject. Both academic and creative writing pieces are welcome! Some teachers do offer extra credit for a Writing Center visit. However, this is up to your teacher.
Before a tutoring session begins, your tutor will ask about your assignment and what you would like to focus on in your writing. The tutor then may ask you to read your paper out loud. This helps the tutor fully understand your paper and will give you a chance to raise questions. Be prepared to be an active participant, as the session will be shaped by your questions and interests! Also, be aware that the tutor may be unfamiliar with your topic, so be prepared to be able to provide background information on your subject. The Writing Center is not a replacement for your teachers. We encourage you to come to the Writing Center IN ADDITION to seeking feedback from your teachers.
Yearbook Club
Advisors: Ms. Davidson and Ms. Fredericks
Meetings: Mondays beginning September 30, 2019
Location: E376 (entrance in the library)
We are BMHS and We are BMHS Yearbook Club!
Join the Yearbook Club and be a part of creating an amazing yearbook. If you are interested in journalism, photography and/or graphic design, you are encouraged to join our staff. The Yearbook Staff is responsible for developing the yearbook theme, layout, photo composition and page design with the aid of the yearbook online program, Josten’s. Members will work closely with Ms. Davidson and Ms. Fredericks to create and preserve memories for the 2020 Yearbook. As a member of the Yearbook Club, students will have the opportunity to gain life skills, assume responsibilities, and meet deadlines as well as be a part of a creative and fun team.
Please join us on September 30th or email us at: sdavidson@billericak12.com or bfredericks@billericak12.com your desire to join!
Yoga Club
Advisor: Mrs. LeClair
Meetings: Every Tuesday beginning on September 24, 2019 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Fitness Center
Yoga club focuses on the key components of mind, body, and breathing. The students of BMHS have the opportunity to join many schools across the country and the Commonwealth to participate in yoga classes made specifically for students. Students will participate in a yoga sequence but will also focus on mindful breathing practices that help promote self regulation, empathy, a positive mind, and healthy body. These skills will help students across multiple life settings as they navigate high school, interpersonal relationships, and transitioning to adult life. This club will be held by a licensed yoga teacher and member of the BMHS faculty. Students of all abilities and experience are welcome to join!
Interested students should email: mericksmoen@billericak12.com or stop by room B425