Clubs & Organizations

Click here to learn more about our Jr Lions Program

PJMS is proud to offer our students the opportunity to compete in the FIRST Lego League (FLL).  Our robotics teams are able to develop and build robots that complete a wide variety of tasks and compete against other schools. Our Robotics Team is sponsored by the U.S. Dept of Defense's DoD STEM Program. 

Advisor: Mr. Dan Vazquez

Students with an interest in visual arts have the opportunity to join our Art Club.  The Club runs twice a year (fall and spring) for 6 week sessions, that meet once a week after school.  Students are able to work on a variety of art projects where they learn advanced techniques in drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. Many of our students have the opportunity to submit their art projects into competitions and festivals.  

Advisor: Mrs. Daria Koester

The PJMS Drama Club provides our students with the opportunity to participate in dramatic performances in front of live audiences.  Students are able to learn and practice acting skills, singing, dancing, set building and costume design.  The PJMS drama club runs twice a year (fall and spring) and they meet after school hours.  Recent performances included ‘Annie’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.  

Advisors: Mrs. Deborah O’Brien, Mrs. Daria Koester and Mrs. Katie Elvin

Students have the opportunity to join our school choir, which meets before school begins to sing together as a group.  The choir performs during school masses, prayer services and concerts.   

Advisor: Mrs. Deb O’Brien

Students have the opportunity to participate in the PJMS Band.  The band includes brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.  Students are trained by our band director individually and as a group.  The band performs in school concerts and other special events throughout the school year. 

Advisor: Mr. Rich Barrieres

The Leadership Council is a club which gives our students the opportunity to be involved in various activities dedicated to fostering leadership skills.  The council’s goal is to empower our students with a sense of charity and responsibility for the greater good.  Recently, our leadership council has raised significant funds, food, and other goods for people in need by organizing different fundraising events.  

Advisors: Mrs. MaryEllen Russell & Mrs. Kristin VanBenschoten

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character. These five pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1929. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. NJHS members assist with activities at Pope John Middle School and in the community such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive for St. Michael’s Food Pantry and the Easter Basket Drive for Norwescap Head Start.

To be considered for membership, 6th grade students must have a minimum cumulative average of a 93 or above in their core subjects of math, reading, writing, science, and social studies for quarters one and two. 7th grade students must have a minimum cumulative average of a 93 or above in their core subjects of math, reading, writing, science, and social studies for their 6th grade year and quarters one and two of 7th grade.

Eligible students will be invited to apply at the beginning of the third quarter via a letter and application that is mailed home. Students with excessive behavioral issues including but not limited to parent notifications, detentions, suspension, etc. will not be eligible for membership.

For further information, please contact the chapter advisor Mrs. Westenberger at brookewestenberger@popejohn.org.

Advisors: Mrs. Samantha Bennett & Mrs. Brooke Westenberger

The newspaper club is designed to expose our students to the skills of journalism, photography, publication and collaboration.   The club produces seasonal editions which highlight the many activities at PJMS.  Student reporters get the opportunity to brainstorm topics, interview community members, take photographs, and write informational articles.  Students also have the opportunity to express their creativity through the creation of comic strips, artwork, jokes and puzzles.  

Advisors: Mrs. Laureen Golden