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Clubs

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Speech and Debate

Students in the 7th and 8th grades may participate. Categories they will learn about and may compete in are:

  • Debate: Each side seeks to win, by following the rules. Each side is either in favor ("for, ‘Affirmative’ "), or opposed to ("against, ‘Negative’ "), a statement which if adopted would change something. May be individual or teams.
  • Dramatic Interpretation: The Student shares an excerpt from a published play, novel, or short story. As the name suggests, the pieces are invariably from non-comedic (e.g., dramatic) works. Some performers select monologues, others may adopt the roles of several characters, changing their tone of voice, manner of speaking, and bodily position to indicate a change in character.
  • Expository: The student will describe, clarify or explain an idea, concept, social institution or process to his/her audience.
  • Extemporaneous: Students speak persuasively or informatively about current events and politics. In extemp, a speaker may choose a question out of some offered, then is given a preparation period with the use of previously prepared articles from magazines, journals, newspapers, and articles from news web sites, before speaking on the topic.

Athletics

Students at the junior high level may compete in basketball (boys team and girls team), or girls volleyball during the appropriate seasons. Students may also compete in the annual West Side Relays which offers a variety of track and field events.

Drama

Each year in which the school‘s calendar can accommodate it, the junior high students may participate in a dramatic play, usually showcasing a traditional fairy tale. With full costumes, props and sets, this is a wonderful opportunity for students to enjoy the pleasure of their first acting experience.

Spelling Bee

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School participates in the Sonoma County Regional Spelling Bee. Ms. Penry and Ms. Fix serve as our coordinators for the 4th - 6th and 7th - 8th grade spelling bee preparation. Held every year in March, the regional spelling bee is an exciting goal for students to set. While only two spellers from our school go to represent us at each bee, our teams have a great time during January with their own study sessions and elimination spelling bees on campus with family present.