Upper School Extracurricular Activities

To form an Upper School club or organization at Waterford, please see page 22 of the Student & Parent Handbook under the section Student Proposals or contact the Upper School Dean.

Upper School Community Service seeks to establish a culture of service at Waterford by introducing students to service on local, national and international levels. Upper School-wide activities are held approximately once per month and range in time commitment from 1-2 hours after school to an all-day Saturday. All Upper School students are urged to participate in at least 1 activity during the year, and are invited to attend all activities.

Off-campus service trips of varying lengths are also offered 2-3 times per year. These excursions can be as short as 2 days or as long as 10 days; take students to such places as the Navajo Reservation or Calcutta; and include a selection process. For more detailed information on all Community Service opportunities, please contact the Community Service Council, listed below:

President – Katie Pelo
Vice President – Lauren Kidd
Vice President – Cali Hyde

Visit the Outdoor Program Website.

Student Government
Advisor: Matt Alexander
Classes IX-XII

The goal of Upper School Student Government is to give students the opportunity to share their talents in an effort to build the best community of students possible. Student leaders should be committed, capable, prudent, and a good example for others to follow.

The Upper School Student Government Council is made up of 8 student leaders: 4 student body officers and 4 class presidents. Elections are held in April for the following year. Students wishing to run for office must submit an application and be approved by the US Dean to be eligible. Students give speeches in US Assembly and are then elected by their peers.

The role of student leader carries with it serious and influential responsibilities. Elected officers attend weekly student government planning meetings, conduct assemblies, and plan and attend activities and events. In addition, they carry out the objectives and goals of the Upper School program as outlined by the Student Government advisors. Specific leader responsibilities may be found in the Upper School Student Government Handbook, available from the US Dean’s office.

Officers for 2007-08 are:

Student Body President - Patrick Coats
Senior Vice President - Jonnie Perkins
Junior Vice President - Sarah Ngo
Historian - Allison Nilsen
Class XII President - Charlie Shaw
Class XI President - Alexandra MacFarlane
Class X President - Philip Pascale
Class IX President - Steven Bennett

The Upper School Reading Group invites students who enjoy reading to read a selected book and then join a discussion during Upper School lunch. The title of the chosen book and the date of the discussion will be announced at Upper School assembly. Students may then sign up in the MS/US Library. A copy of the book will be ordered for each participant and charged to the student account. The group discussion is held once a term and all Upper School students are invited. Dessert is provided.

The purpose of the Waterford School plays is to apply the principles, concepts, and exercises taught in the theatre classes; to bridge the gap between classwork and performance. We also aim to contribute high quality theatrical productions to the overall experience at the Waterford School. We will work mainly with the great plays and playwrights, classical and modern. Classes VI - X may audition for the Fall Play, classes IX - XII may audition for the Winter Play. Students can expect to spend six weeks working on a given play, rehearsing for two hours after school on weekdays. We do have occasional Saturday rehearsals, as well.

The major focus of debate class is to learn to communicate effectively, to dig into new ideas, and to express deeply felt beliefs even in the face of tough opposition. To do this, students will need to develop skills to present their opinions, ideas, and convictions on a given topic in a clear and convincing manner. Upper School Debate provides students with opportunities to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills by competing in tournaments throughout the year. Of these tournaments, students are required to attend two per term, but may participate in more. Students will compete in individual events such as Impromptu, Oratory, Extemporaneous, Interpretation and Poetry, as well as in debate events such as Policy and Lincoln-Douglas.

Students will train in classical ballet. Classes will be focused on refining technique with emphasis on articulation and use of the feet, strength, control, balance, line, technical accuracy, fluidity, phrasing and exploration of artistry. The students will experience theory of movement. Classes will study technique of pointe work during the last half hour of class. All academy students will take part in an end of the year performance. Rehearsals for this performance will take place on Saturdays.

Classes IX-XII (ages 14 – 18). Ballet 4: Beginning / Intermediate Ballet Class.
1-hour class four times per week, including pointe work twice per week.
Classes IX-XII (ages 14 – 18). Ballet 5: Advanced Ballet.
1-hour class five times per week, including pointe work three times per week.

Rehearsals for dance performances: Only those interested in performing should attend these classes.