A variety of extracurricular programs and clubs are offered to Norwood students throughout the school year. While participation in these activities is optional, many students take advantage of the opportunity and join. Typically these groups meet during lunch periods or immediately after school. Occasionally a group might have a commitment on a weekend. Teachers who have a personal interest in the activity generally serve as advisors.
Book Clubs:
Lunch-time book clubs are held monthly for students in fifth and sixth grades and seventh and eighth grades. Students meet with the middle school librarian to discuss possible titles and choose a book by voting.
Girls on the Run:
Girls on the Run is a national non-profit program that encourages preteen girls to develop strong self-esteem and healthy lifestyles through running. The Norwood program follows the GOTR curriculum which is used in more than 140 chapters nationwide. Each session, which focuses on a topic such as nutrition, teamwork, or handling peer pressure, is followed by a group run. One of the girls' goals is to complete a GOTR 5K Fun Run together. Norwood's GOTR program is organized by parent volunteers.
GLOW:
Growing Leaders of Our World is a group of fifth and sixth graders who meet once a month for activities and discussion on topics of equity and diversity.
Green Hawks:
Students participate in student-led green projects around the school. The goal is to educate others and to consistently look for ways to improve upon Norwood's environmentally friendly practices.
Horizons:
Norwood is a partner school for Horizons Greater Washington and hosts a six-week academic enrichment program every summer for low-income children. Norwood students, parents, alumni, teachers, and staff have the opportunity to help out at various Horizons events throughout the year. Contact our Site Director, Kendra Sun-Alperin (ksun-alperin@norwoodschool.org), for information about how you can help with Horizons.
Kid-to-Kid Giving Circle:
The K2K Giving Circle was established in the fall of 2012 to teach middle school students early lessons in charitable giving. Club members research and visit various local non-profit organizations that provide support for children and families. In the spring, club members will make presentations about their favorite non-profits and will collectively award grants to select organizations. K2K works in partnership with The Community Foundation for Montgomery County.
Leo Club:
The Leo Club Program is part of Lions Clubs, the world's largest service club organization. The purpose of the Leo Club is to develop leadership qualities by participating in social service activities. Members of Norwood's Leo Club, a middle school club, have held drives to collect gently used eye glasses and have sold cotton candy on Spirit Days to raise funds for the Horizons academic enrichment program. The Leo Club is run by parent volunteers.
Math Meets and Math COUNTS (ISMAW):
A local consortium of independent schools from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC meet for a friendly math competition three times a year.
Model United Nations:
This group provides an introduction to the Model UN program. Students in Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade prepare for and attend a conference for middle school students where they debate about world issues.
Odyssey of the Mind:
Students in third through sixth grade are invited to participate in Odyssey of the Mind, an international creative problem-solving competition. Norwood teams typically compete in the Maryland State Competition, and some teams travel to the World Finals, which are held in various locations throughout the U.S.
Peer Mediators:
Peer mediators educate their peers by presenting information on a variety of age-appropriate topics pertaining to social and emotional issues relevant to middle school students.
SCIP (Student Centered Independent Projects):
SCIP is a unique program which pairs students with adult mentors and allows them to work on a project of their own choosing. Mentors meet with their students once a week, guiding them through the project, which, when finished, is presented to parents and peers.
SEEDling:
Seeking Equity Education and Diversity (SEED) invites seventh and eighth grade students to meet monthly to exlore in-depth issues of equity and diversity through a curriculum rich in thoughtful discussion.
Student Advisory Council:
Comprised of 12 middle school students, three representatives from each grade, the SAC meets bi-monthly to discuss issues of student concern, to plan Spirit Days, and to act as the voice of the middle school student population in coversations with faculty and staff. Representatives are selected by faculty members based on application essays and peer election.
Student Ambassador Program:
Interested students are trained to act as ambassadors for the Admission Office, hosting prospective applicants to Norwood and attending admission open houses as greeters and tour guides. Click here to submit your application.
Suzuki Violin:
Violin lessons utilizing the Suzuki method of teaching are available beginning in First Grade. In addition to instruction, students enjoy performance opportunities throughout the year. In the past, performances have included playing the National Anthem at a University of Maryland basketball games and concerts for the school community. Click here to learn more about Norwood's violin program.
Theatre:
Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to participate in two theatrical productions each year -- the fall play in early December and the spring musical in May. In addition to acting, students can help with set design and construction, sound, lighting, costumes, and make-up. Click here to learn more about theatre at Norwood.
Yearbook:
The yearbook is produced annually by students in Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade. Students work through the school year to develop a publication that represents all aspects of life at Norwood.