Extracurricular
Clubs offered at Newton High School
D & D Club
Sponsor: Emily Crow - emily.crow@usd373.org
"Dungeons and Dragons club or D&D club follows the 5e system and creates an environment where students can explore fantasy worlds and create characters for fun quests. There will be opportunities for students who have never played and for those who have been playing for years. During our club time, we create characters, fight dragons, solve puzzles, and laugh as we all try to work together.
Drama Club (Thespian Troupe)
Sponsor: Jessica Heidrick - jessica.heidrick@usd373.org
Whether you love performing, building sets, programming lights, crafting, painting, costumes, or makeup, Drama has something for everyone! At NHS, we put on three productions a year, and Drama Club helps with those productions both onstage and off. During our meetings, we play games and make plans--and, of course, laugh hysterically. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Heidrick, the Drama teacher!
Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Sponsor: Lydia Deckert & Madeleine Riley
lydia.deckert@usd373.org, madeleine.riley@usd373.org
GSAs are social groups. The GSA at NHS builds community within the school to lessen the isolation the LGBTQ+ students sometimes experience. We try to plan outings during club times and after school hours that the students plan. GSA is a supportive group and works to support safety from harassment in the school. Sign up today at the booth or email either of the sponsors.
German Club (Deutschklub)
Sponsor: Nan Bergan - nanette.bergen@usd373.org
German Club is a fun way to get to know about German culture and holidays. Any student who is either currently taken German or has taken German in the past is welcome to participate. Sign up at Railer Palooza on August 11, or contact Frau Bergen (nanette.bergen@usd373.org). We will meet once a month either during seminar or in the evening, depending on what students prefer.
French Club
Sponsor: Madeleine Riley - madeleine.riley@usd373.org
French Club is open to anyone who is interested in French and Francophone (French-speaking) culture. Students will participate in various activities that highlight French and Francophone culture such as French movies and games, learning how to make French pastries such as crêpes and madeleines, the traditional eating of a « Galette des rois » (King cake), celebrating Carnaval, and more! We will meet once a month during Seminar. Students must be enrolled in a French class, or have prior approval from Madame Riley to join.
Azteca Club / Spanish Club
Sponsor: Chandler Ochoa - chandler.ochoa@usd373.org
The Azteca Club / Spanish Club / Club de Español is merging this year! You do not need to know Spanish to join. Spanish Club is for any student enrolled in a Spanish course at Newton High School. Students will participate in various activities which emphasize Hispanic customs and culture such as food, dance, Hispanic Heritage Month, Día de los Muertos activities, Christmas and New Years activities, and Carnivales.
Azteca Dance Troupe
The Azteca Dance Troupe has promoted the Hispanic culture through Folkloric dances since 1990. We perform for area festivals. fiestas, schools, events, senior citizen centers. and community programs. The dance troupe is open to any student of any race. We practice twice a week after school.
Art Club
Sponsor: Eden Quispe - eden.quispe@usd373.org
You must be enrolled in an art course to participate (even if your class is in the spring semester). The art club allows students to interact with fellow artists and attend and help with art events. Field trips are funded through fundraising activities. Art projects, murals, and community projects are often created by students in the club. Come and create with us!
Railers for Christ (FCA)
Sponsor: Fred Schmidt - frederick.schmidt@usd373.org
Students meet together for Christian fellowship, bible study, and prayer time. You do not have to be an athlete to join.
HOSA- Future Health Occupations
Sponsor: Richard Mick and Fred Schmidt - frederick.schmidt@usd373.org
HOSA is a national health occupation organization. This is a great club that can give you experience as you prepare for your medical career. The club involves a fall and spring conference. The spring conference is a competition. This is a good experience to include in your medical experience portfolio.
Scholars' Bowl
Head Coach: Brian Skinner - brian.skinner@usd373.org
Assistant Coach: Mollie Mills-Weis - mollie.mills-weis@usd373.org
Newton Scholars' Bowl is coming off of several very successful seasons, including placing 4th at State in back to back years and 5th place last year. We are looking forward to building off of those finishes in 2023-2024! Scholars' Bowl is an academic competition, where students compete against other schools to answer questions in different categories fastest. Within Scholars' Bowl there are seven categories each round - Foreign Language, English Language Arts, Social Science, Math, Science, Fine Arts, and Year in Review. Each year, our season starts practice in September and concludes with the state tournament in early February. The number one concern I hear from students is that they are concerned they won't have time for scholars' bowl, because they are also involved in other activities at NHS. Conflicts with other activities are very rarely a problem. One of the great things about scholars' bowl is that the season and your participation can suit you. Every year some students are 100% committed the entire season, while others have to start late or split time because of other activities. Both types of students have been exceptionally successful and even won state medals. If you have any interest in joining, please reach out to Brian Skinner or Mollie Mills-Weis.
NHS Journalism
Sponsor: Kathryn Massaglia - kathryn.massaglia@usd373.org
Journalism allows students to give a voice to the NHS student population by writing stories and presenting information on behalf of the student body. Best way to sign up is to enroll in a journalism class like Audio/Video Production or Intro to Journalism. In order to be on Yearbook or News Mag staff, you must complete Intro to Journalism. To be involved with Railer Productions, must be enrolled in A/V Production in class. Our meetings are every class period.
E-Sports
Sponsor: Chase Camarena - chase.camarena@usd373.org
The E-Sports Club at Newton High School is a community of, both, casual and competitive gamers. As a community, we share resources, knowledge, and a common goal of improving our skills while always having fun. You do NOT need to be “good” at any particular game; this club is meant to feature gamers of every skill level. For the more competitive gamers, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents in competitive tournament play. Games to be featured in these tournaments will depend on the interests of club members. Additionally, exceptional players may earn the opportunity to engage in E-Sports league play.
Railer Ambassadors
Sponsor: Jennifer Horn - jennifer.horn@usd373.org
A Railer Ambassador is the first high school student face many in our community see as they enter various events throughout the school year. We mark reserved seating and hand out programs at home football games, sell tickets and usher at theatre productions, and mark reserved seating and stamp hands at home basketball games. Any student would benefit from being a Railer Ambassador by earning volunteer hours as well as getting in free to the event they work. Feel free to email J. Horn if you don't start getting emails by Labor Day. We will have one meeting at the beginning of the year and then utilize a shared Google Sheet to communicate volunteer opportunities.
Ping Pong Club
Sponsor: Brian Skinner - brian.skinner@usd373.org
Come join Ping Pong Club! Ping Pong Club is designed for students to learn the intricacies of ping pong in a friendly setting, welcoming all skill levels. Activities will include instruction, practice, and ping pong match play. This club is only intended for students that are serious about learning and playing ping pong.
Ag Academy
Sponsors: Lacie Fair - Lacie.Fair@usd373.org & Liz Gunn - elizabeth.gunn@usd373.org
The Ag Career Academy was created for students who wanted a different educational experience while in high school. Sophomores, juniors and seniors continue to take the necessary core classes but through the theme/lens of agriculture. The world of agriculture is extremely broad and provides a diverse selection of careers available to students post-secondary lives. Academy members will experience a smaller learning community, partake in field trips with hands-on activities, engage in agricultural content, while still completing the necessary requirements for graduation. Upon the senior year, Academy students will explore various career opportunities through organized internships off campus. Freshmen students will be visited by Academy staff and students during the spring semester with a more formal presentation and an opportunity to apply.
Newton FFA
Sponsor: Lacie Fair - lacie.fair@usd373.org
Newton FFA is a premier student led organization which provides opportunities for leadership, competition, and learning hands on skills. All students enrolled in our agriculture program are automatically members of our organization. Students can learn about food science, agronomy, horticulture, public speaking, vet science, mechanics, livestock , and most importantly have tons of fun along the way.
Circle of Friends
Sponsors: Eunice Kerbs, Heather Christner, Ocean Poston - heather.christner@usd373.org
Circle of Friends (CoF) is a school inclusion program for students who experience social isolation due to disability or other challenges. Through monthly meetings and meaningful activities students develop compassion and the understanding that they are more alike than different. CoF promotes a culture of acceptance and genuine friendship. Circle of Friends: Addresses the social-emotional needs and safety of each student. Provides strategies and support to help teachers connect with their students. Inspires compassion and self-advocacy to create student-led change. Improves student engagement, teacher morale, and school climate.
Students for Racial Justice
Sponsors: Esther Koontz - esther.koontz@usd373.org, Nan Bergen - nanette.Bergen@usd373.org - Chase Camarena - chase.camarena@usd373.org
Students for Racial Justice is a safe space where students can come together to support and celebrate people of all races and ethnicities. We seek to make Newton High School an open and affirming place for students and faculty of color. Various subgroups have formed to address dress code issues, curriculum, STUCO representation, and to study the Kansas Report Card data. Our meetings are student led, and all students are welcome.
LERO (Law Enforcement Related Occupations)
Sponsor: Josh Hulse, Lanna Carroll, Jon Adkins - josh.hulse@usd373.org
LERO (Law Enforcement Related Occupations) is for students who are interested in a career in Law Enforcement. LERO will give students an idea of what they need to do to start a career in Law Enforcement. Speakers from different Law Enforcement agencies will talk about their role in the LEO community. Guest speakers will range from local to federal agencies.
Chemistry Club
Sponsor: Adrianne Wedel - adrianne.wedel@usd373.org
The Newton High School Chem Club provides members with a unique opportunity to experience chemistry beyond the classroom. We are chartered through the American Chemical Society (ASC). More than 500 clubs across the United States and abroad participate in the ACS Chem Club program. The NHS Chem Club is a lab focus group. Experiments and hands-on activities are conducted at every meeting. Experiments include repeating labs from class that students loved, labs that there isn’t enough time for in chemistry class, and fun experiments seen online that students want to replicate. Depending on the interests of the group, Chem Club also does outreach and demos at local grade schools and field trips.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Booth #66 Sponsor: Molly Schauf and Kim Powell molly.schauf@usd373.org Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education through grade 12. FCCLA offers intra-curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
National Honor Society
Sponsor: Adrianne Wedel & Mandy Knoll - adrianne.wedel@usd373.org
The National Honor Society is a national organization of students dedicated to scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Students participate in service projects together in their community. Being a member of the NHS will introduce you to a community of like minded students and provide opportunities for community service with your peers. All of these will not only open up more college options, but provide you with a purposeful high school experience. Eligible students are invited to apply spring semester of their sophomore year. All NHS members must be in 10th grade or above, maintain a 3.5 unweighted GPA, be on track to graduate magna cum laude or complete the Kansas Scholars Curriculum as well as have a record of community service and leadership.
Boys & Girls Swimming
Sponsor: Kim Powell - kimberly.powell@usd373.org
Come join an energetic team of athletes and participate in competitive swimming! Practices are held right here at the NHS pool after school. Boys swimming competes as a winter sport and girls swimming competes as a spring sport. We will have a meeting for those interested in participating prior to the start of the season.
NHS Cheer
Sponsor: Krystyna Botterweck - krystyna.botterweck@usd373.org
NHS Cheer team helps promote school spirit throughout the entire year. NHS Cheerleading is a team-based sport that involves stunting, pyramids, tumbling, jumps and dance. It is a great opportunity to become involved with our school while also cheering on our favorite Railer athletes and competing at the Game Day State competition in the fall. Team tryouts are held in the spring. Practices start in late May to prepare for summer camp, continue through the fall while we cheer on our football team and go all the way to March when winter sports seasons concludes. This year, we will be holding fall tryouts to build our team so stop by our booth and chat with us on how you can become a part of our amazing team!
NHS Football
Sponsor: Greg Slade - greg.slade@usd373.org
NHS Wrestling
Sponsor: Tommy Edgmon - tommy.edgmon@usd373.org
Students are able to participate and compete in boys and girls wrestling for NHS. Any student with an interest in wrestling can sign up. Wrestling is a sport that challenges each individual both mentally and physically while fostering important life lessons such as resilience, sportsmanship and perseverance. Wrestlers form a strong bond built on blood, sweat and tears and support each other throughout the year. Each wrestler and individuals who support wrestling become a part of the Railer Wrestling Family. Wrestlers participate in various duals, tournaments, regionals and state during the Winter sports season (November-February). If interested in wrestling for NHS, please keep an eye out for the Winter sports meeting. Head Coach Tommy Edgmon is also available to answer any questions.
Do Crew (Pep Club)
Sponsor: Tommy Edgmon - tommy.edgmon@usd373.org
Do Crew is a student led group that shows their support for activities. Students pick themes for home and away games. Make cheers and chants for sporting events. The main goal of this group is to support Newton athletes by showing up to events and showing your support for the school and athletes.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Sponsor: Jessica Crabtree - jessica.crabtree@usd373.org
In Business Professional of America (BPA) there is something for everyone! We compete in different business competitions in Wichita twice a year and then students who qualify get to then compete at the National Leadership Conference. The National Leadership Conference is held at a different location in the United States each year! Competitions include presentation events that students can compete in by themselves or there are ones that they can compete in as a team! If presentations aren't what you are interested in, there are also test and interview competitions! Besides competition, BPA has a great time volunteering at different events in the Newton and Wichita area throughout the year! This club also is in charge of the annual powder-puff football game in the fall. We have a great time at our club meetings once a month with activities and food! We begin in September! Don’t miss out! See Mrs. Crabtree or a current BPA member to sign up!
DECA - Marketing
Sponsor: Andrew Tovar - andrew.tovar@usd373.org
DECA is a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The goal for DECA is to get students prepared for careers they are interested in by providing learning opportunities and competitive events for students to showcase their knowledge and learn more about what their career path holds. If interested in learning more about DECA or joining, reach out to Mr. Tovar!
Skills USA - Machining & Welding
Sponsor: Mike McConnell & Clayton Baugman - clayton.baughman@usd373.org
SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization designed to be an integral part of any career and technical education course or program. The idea behind SkillsUSA is to better prepare students for the world of work either after leaving high school or as an adult. This preparation comes from activities designed to build personal responsibility, equiping students with marketable soft skills, developing communication skills, respecting their trade and the concept of work. The SkillsUSA welding student chapter is only for those students currently enrolled in the Hutchinson Community College and Newton High School program. Membership fees are usually covered by student fund raising activities. Most concepts of the SkillsUSA CTSO are practiced and taught during regular class meeting times. However, special fund raising or other events such as advisory committee meeting and the state skills contest are held after school or on weekdays outside of school. The calendar of events for this coming year will be organized after the start of regular classes and is developed by the new student leadership for the year after being elected. SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school, college and middle school students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. Only students who are taking a Precision Machining course can be in Skills USA. Students must be a junior or senior to be eligible for membership. As a member of Skills, students have the opportunity to compete at the national level at the annual Skills USA competition using their machining knowledge.
Yoga & Fitness Club
Sponsor: Lisa Antonowich - lisa.Antonowich@usd373.org
Yoga and fitness club is geared toward students who want to improve their overall health and wellness. Each club will meet quarterly.
VICA - Auto
Sponsor: Bob Ziegler - robert.ziegler@usd373.org
SKills USA VICA is an automotive organization that focuses on automotive technical and leadership skills. Throughout the year members have the opportunity to participate in a number of contests, field trips, career fairs, college visits and other learning opportunities. To participate in the club students must be enrolled in the Automotive I, II, or II classes.
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Sponsor: Amy Ives - amy.ives@usd373.org
Tri-M is a music honor society for High School Students around the United States. To be a member, you must be enrolled in Band, Orchestra or Choir. Freshmen may participate in all activities, but you must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior to be inducted into the honor society. If you are interested in becoming a member, email Mrs. Ives or pick-up a form from the choir room. Forms will be due by Sept. 1st. Meeting dates will be set after our officer elections, but will occur during seminar.
RaileRobotics
Sponsor: Alan Vermilyea - alan.vermilyea@usd373.org
Colin Potluri - colin.potluri@usd373.org
Railerobotics is a part of a worldwide competition that is not only fun but helps students garner skills in all aspects of S.T.E.M. like design, manufacturing, programming, media and communications. It delves into technologies like autonomous programming in C++, cad design using Autodesk Inventor, 3d printing, metal working, rapid prototyping, video editing, circuit board soldering, and even sewing (and sometimes duct taping and zip-tying). The team currently meets on Tuesdays every week in the northwest corner of the high school maintenance building between the school and the ag/woodshop building (just look for our Railerobotics trailer parked outside) from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to come on in and attend our meetings to find out if they may have an interest. If they do want to join the team we will have applications available at the meetings if they haven't already gotten one in the high school office or at one of our presentations. We look forward to meeting you.
Railiners
Sponsor: Amy Yarberry - amy.pollard@usd373.org
JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates)
Sponsor: Dede Trumble - dedetrumble@usd373.org