Welcome to our Academic Extension and Extra Curricular Courses!
ACADEMIC EXTENSION COURSES:
AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
All Challenge Math students and other interested students may sign up to compete. Sign-ups typically occur in late
October. This particular competition yields a student score, but does not lead to other competitions. The 45-minute math
test is held in mid-November.
MATHCOUNTS®
The mission of MathCounts is to increase enthusiasm for math and enhance achievement in middle school. Participants
will develop high-level mathematical skills through solving problems, as individuals, and as a team, in preparation for the
regional MathCounts Competition. This experience enhances mathematical skills, provides an avenue for students with
common interests, and challenges those students who have a strong aptitude and interest in mathematics. MathCounts
meets both during school and after school.
MIDWEST ACADEMIC TALENT SEARCH
An opportunity provided through Northwestern University for students to take the SAT and/or ACT as a middle level
student. Northwestern often invites top performers to participate in additional academic opportunities at the university.
Taking the SAT also qualifies students for the ATYP program (accelerated math and language arts opportunities available
through the Kent Intermediate School District). The deadline for participation typically falls in early November.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE
Sponsored by National Geographic, all NHMS students participate in first round of the National Geography Bee through
social studies classes in December. Building-wide top performers advance to the school competition in early January.
Students wishing to “study up” can find more information at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee/.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
Odyssey of the Mind allows students to work in teams to create a solution to a problem. Odyssey problems encourage
students to “think out of the box” and allow them to use their performance skills in a way the regular classroom doesn’t
provide. Teams of 5-7 students formulate a solution for the problem they select and present at the regional competition in
mid-March. Meeting times are determined by the team members and may be held at school in the evenings, although
much of the problem solving can be done outside of meetings. An information meeting is typically held in fall and copies of
the problems are available in the main office. Because of the group work required to be successful, students are
encouraged to form their own teams.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
The goal of our NHMS Science Olympiad team is to improve the quality of science education and increase student
interest in many areas of science. Through team building and problem solving activities, students develop an enthusiasm
for our Science Olympiad team that was formerly reserved only for varsity sports. Practice sessions are held after school
two days a week. Students “try-out” for the team with a general science knowledge test and problem-solving activity just
after the Thanksgiving break.
SCRIPPS HOWARD NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
Students who love to spell are encouraged to participate in the NHMS Spelling Bee. Students may sign up at school in
December and January. Study guides typically arrive in December. The school competition occurs in mid-January. The
NHMS top finisher continues at the regional competition in February and hopefully the Greater Grand Rapids Final
Spelling Bee and beyond.
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EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES:
INTERSCHOLASTIC AND RECREATIONAL SPORTS
A variety of interscholastic and recreational sports are being planned. A brochure with sports information for 2011-2012
will be mailed home and/or will be available at each middle school building.
SCHOOL PARTIES
Fun after-school events hosted by our Highly Involved Parent Group (HIP) or Lead the Way students. The school party
provides a variety of activities to meet the interests of a wide spectrum of developmental levels. Students can choose to
attend open gym, dance, play board games, or grab a snack with a friend.
TALENT SHOW
Students with a passion, a hobby, or even a talent are invited to perform for their peers. This informal show typically
occurs the last week of school. Individuals and groups of students are encouraged to participate.
