Student Activities
The following are brief descriptions of some of many extra-curricular opportunities available to students at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. Students will be provided an opportunity to explore these activities in more detail during activities fair in the small gym at the beginning of the school year.
For a complete list of activities, sponsors and contact information please see our activities page.
Student Government
The Student Government is a vital link between students, faculty and school administration. It also sponsors social activities and service-related projects. Student Government is composed of representatives from each LEARN Class and other special classes. The representatives are chosen by popular vote conducted within each LEARN Class sometime during the fourth quarter for grades 7 & 8 and during the first quarter for grade 6. Seventh and Eighth grade students who run in their classroom election but are not elected may apply to the Student Government officers to be a member-at-large as the student government is always interested in those who want to participate.
Student Government officers, representatives, and members-at-large are the leaders in the school and as leaders should represent our school in the best possible manner. In keeping with this philosophy, any officer or representative of Student Government will fulfill the following eligibility requirements for his/her position.
- Must not receive a failing grade in any subject and must maintain a minimum 2.0 G.P.A.
- Must not serve a school suspension during the year.
- Must not receive more than two school detentions.
- Must perform their duties and responsibilities as stated in the BCMS Student Government Constitution.
If these requirements are not met, the officer or representative will have his/her eligibility revoked according to the Student Government Constitution.
The Student Government representatives, once elected, assemble with the officers on a regular basis during the school year in accordance with the Constitution of the Student Government. A faculty member, appointed by the Principal, serves as general advisor of the Government.
All Middle School social activities sponsored by Student Government must have prior approval of the Principal and advisor.
Student Government social activities are only open to Bala Cynwyd Middle School students unless otherwise specified.
For more information about student government, please speak to the student government sponsors, Mrs. Groen and Mrs. Morrison
Science Olympiad
Each year 15 top-notch science students will be picked by the science teachers to represent our school in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad. These students must be in sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth grade. The team will build various science projects and prepare for extensive testing in all areas of the science curriculum.
In March, the team travels to a college in the area to compete against other middle schools in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Science Olympiad. Based on performance in regional competition, eligible teams may participate in state finals.
Students who are members of this team should be excellent science students and be willing to spend quite a bit of time building projects and studying for the competitions. Commitment (attendance at practices, etc.) is a criterion for member selection.
Mathcounts
Mathcounts is a nationwide program designed to increase students’ interest and ability in mathematics, and to heighten awareness of the importance of math. It is an opportunity for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to compete with other students in mathematical problem solving at the local, state and national levels. Practice sessions for the competition begin in September. Students meet weekly culminating in the county competition in February. The four members of the Mathcounts team are chosen from participants in these practice sessions. Practice is informal and allows students enrichment in math, as well as an opportunity to have fun working on unusual problems in groups with other students.
School Store
The school store is located in the cafeteria. The school store offers an opportunity for our students to learn to operate a small retail business and provides a service to our students, parents, and teachers by making needed school supplies readily available. We are open from 7:50-8:10 AM on Tuesday and Wednesday unless school is closed or there is a two hour delay. During certain athletic seasons the school store will be open briefly after school from 3:10-3:20 PM.
Theater Productions
The middle school theatre program affords 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to showcase their many talents. Auditions are held for all students interested in performing in a musical and/or drama production. The BCMS theatre season consists of a full length play (drama or comedy), and a musical show. The theatre program offers students a chance to learn technical and performance skills. Lighting, sound, sets, costumes, props, and stage crew are the major technical crews. Students have the chance to perform as actors, dancers, singers, and musicians. By stimulating creative thinking and problem solving, the BCMS theatre program teaches the importance of personal commitment, cooperative work and goal setting.
BC Applause
This organization is for all students who are interested in theatre arts. Students who want to learn more about theatre and who want to participate in the performing and/or technical areas of theatre are invited to be a part of BC Applause. Any student who participates in the fall play and/or the school musical becomes a member of BC Applause.
BC Applause provides students with support, information, and experiences to make theatre an important part of middle school education. Officers (who are elected) and board members meet during selected LEARN periods through the year. BC Applause has a fundraiser each year as a way for students to give back to their community. Membership is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders who are interested in theatre.
Yearbook Committee: The Lance & Shield
Each year, the middle school publishes a school yearbook. The yearbook includes pictures of all the students, faculty and staff, as well as team pictures for sports and organizations. The yearbook staff is composed of middle school students who take pictures, assist with the design and layout, and help with the sales and advertising. Order forms for the yearbook will be mailed to students in early fall. Additional ordering information will be advertised throughout the school year. The sale will run until February and all yearbooks are distributed in June.
Student Government Sponsored Activities
BCMS Student Government sponsors several events for each grade level. These activities in the past have included but are not limited to: a school dance for 6th Graders, Campus Spirit Game/Pep Rally for 7th Graders, 8th Grade Spirit Game and Pep Rally at the High School, Schoolwide Challenge Day in December, School-wide Fundraiser in the spring and 8th Grade Movie/Activity Night. All activities are based on student government planning and preparation and are subject to change depending on the school year.
The following rules apply to night time events:
- Tickets will be sold before school every morning for the week of the event and at the door the night of the event.
- Guests from other schools are not permitted to attend.
- The doors will close 30 minutes after the events start time and no students will be admitted after that time.
- Students are not permitted to leave the dance until unless a parent/guardian comes to the door in person to pick up his or her child.
- No students will be permitted to leave the events early with anyone other than their own parent or guardian.
- Students who are not picked up 20 minutes after the end of an activity may be restricted from future participation.
Stage Crew
Members of the stage crew are responsible for stage operations during play rehearsals and performances. Duties include props and set construction, scenery handling, curtain operations, and special effects. Student stage managers also assist faculty stage managers in backstage management.
Tech Crew
Members of the theatre tech crew become acquainted with aspects of stage production dealing with light and sound, including lighting design, sound and microphone plots, sound effects, spotlights, and operation of the sound and light boards
Technology Student Association (TSA)
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a nation-wide organization dedicated to students K-12 with an interest in technology education. Through more than thirty competitive events, TSA teaches members a variety of lifelong skills such as teamwork, leadership, perseverance and dedication. TSA members have the opportunity to travel to exciting places across the country and the chance to form lasting connections with students of similar interests but diverse backgrounds.
TSA offers three levels of competition:
- Regional Conference – one day in mid-February
- State Conference – four days in mid-April
- National Conference – four to six days in late June, early July
Students must be successful at a conference in order to advance to the next conference. Students qualify for the Regional Conference by attending chapter meetings and putting forth good effort in their projects.
Intramural Program
Intramurals sports and activities are designed to take place during the off season. However, we make an effort to fit in intramurals whenever the athletic teams are not using the gym, fields or courts.
In addition to having after school intramurals offered between sports seasons, sixth grade intramural sports and activities will be offered a few mornings a week from 7:20 AM. to 7:50 AM. Parents are responsible for transportation. Students should listen to the daily announcements (morning, lunch, and end of the day) for dates and times of events
Depending upon availability of facilities and coaching staff, events may include soccer, field hockey, basketball, floor hockey, chess and computer games to mention a few. To participate in the intramural program daily attendance is not required; students may attend any session. Intramural activities are fun and participation is high. We’re proud of this extensive and varied program.