Cougar Clubs & Activities
Developing well-rounded individuals involves exposing them to opportunities where they can learn more about themselves and their community, broaden their world view, and participate in clubs that highlight their strengths. We offer clubs of common interest as well as nationally recognized clubs with graduation honors. Please view this year's club schedules to see a list of current meeting dates.
Team-based STEM competition is designed to provide a dynamic learning experience. It builds essential skills like critical thinking, effective communication, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving—key tools for academic success and future careers.
Teams of three to four students participate in regional challenge events where they answer timed science-based questions. Teams simultaneously create a video to launch a start-up company aimed at solving sustainability issues and finding community-based solutions.
Grade Levels: 7 & 8 (application based)
CML develops higher level math problem-solving skills in grades five through eight. We invite all students to participate in five grade-level contests and attend all practice sessions. We stress individuality as well as team work during all practice sessions.
The club meets twice a month during recess periods and after school between October and March. We do our best to balance our meeting dates around band lessons, KH2, Peer-to-Peer, and other club sessions.
In Computer Club, students have the opportunity to work on computer projects or complete classroom assignments using a wide range of applications. Students may learn to extend their knowledge of coding. They may also play educational computer games for fun and skill practice. Computer Club members usually share a love of technology.
Green C Points
Two
Statement of the Culture Club's Mission
- To celebrate the rich cultural heritage from all countries represented in Closter Schools
- To engender a sense of appreciation for each other
- To provide leadership opportunities for students to develop ideas for a "common ground"
- To create avenues of artistic possibilities based on historical facts
Possible Activities
We may participate in celebrations of diversity and cultures through a variety of crafts and fine art experiences.
Green C Points
Two
The middle school debate team is a fun group where students learn how to share their ideas and discuss different topics with others. You'll get to work with teammates to practice making strong arguments, defending your ideas, and listening carefully to others. Debate helps you become a better speaker and thinker, all while having fun and meeting new friends! You’ll also have chances to compete against other schools and show off your skills. It's a great way to learn how to express yourself confidently and work as part of a team!
Debates Schedule
TBD
Green C Points
Four
Grade Levels: 7 & 8 (application based)
Drama Club offers students the opportunity to explore acting, stagecraft, and the performing arts in a fun and supportive environment. Members participate in theater games, improvisation, and rehearsals while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills. All experience levels are welcome!
Grade Levels: Grades 5–8
Green C Points: 3
The Gardening Club meets once a week, weather permitting, either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons during the fall and again in the spring. We meet from 3:10 to 4:00 p.m. and give a reminder each week in the morning announcements.
Club members maintain the gardens in the front and in the back of the main lobby. Students do not need any experience to join this club, and we welcome students in all grades. Come to the Garden Club and have fun learning and planting together!
Green C Points
Two
The junior chorus is open for audition to any fifth and sixth grade student who desires to sing.
KH2 is a student-run tutoring program that meets during lunch or recess periods. The program allows all students to receive academic help from their peers under the guidance of a staff advisor.
Green C Points
Three
Are you interested in making a positive impact at our school and developing your leadership skills? Peer Leaders serve as role models who help build a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive school community. They assist with school events, lead by example, and promote kindness and respect among their peers. If you enjoy helping others, working as a team, and taking on leadership roles, peer to peer is the club for you!
Green C Points
Three
Grades 5 & 6
Photography Club invites students to express their creativity through hands-on projects in drawing, painting, digital art, and photography. Members explore different techniques and mediums while developing their artistic voice. The club also provides opportunities to display student work and collaborate on school-wide art initiatives. No experience needed—just a passion for creating!
Our Mission
Students will create an awareness of good photography; each will develop a sense of appreciation for this art form and be able to use photography as a lifelong hobby.
Possible Activities
- Portraits
- Landscapes
- Photo alphabets
- Children's book ideas
- Scavenger hunts
- And more!
Green C Points
Two
Grade Levels: 5–8
Students in Production Club will learn how to operate the lighting and sound board to assist with Tenakill productions and assemblies. All students in 7th and 8th grade are welcome.
Grades: 7 & 8
Green C: 2
Science Olympiad is an academic competition that incorporates challenging events related to science, technology, and engineering (STEM) education.
Green C Points
Three
Scripta is TMS’s literary magazine.
Green C Points
One
Service Club is a student-led club that responds to local and global needs and events. The goal of the club is to build students’ social awareness and to respond to the needs of others by creating activities that inspire their peers. Previous activities include raising money for victims of natural disasters, charities, and community-based food drives.
We welcome students in all grade levels to participate. We hold our meetings after school and during lunch periods.
Green C Points
Two
Students in sixth through eighth grades are nominated to participate in this extracurricular activity.
The role of a TMS ambassador is to help new students transition to the school as well as serve as a welcoming committee to community members visiting the building. Additionally, club members look to inspire and encourage school spirit through an annual student-run charitable event.
Green C Points
Three
The purpose of the Tenakill Middle School Student Council is to promote school spirit, represent the interests of the student body, and provide and promote active citizenship.
Executive Board Members
Grade 8 Elected Students
Representatives
Grades 5–8 Students
Green C Points
Four (board members)
Two (representatives)
TBN is available to all fifth through eighth-grade students. To join TBN, students (with their parent/guardian) must complete a permission form (coming soon).
Please note: All daily hosts must visit their lockers before reporting to TBN to obtain their first-period books.
Green C Points:
Four - Grades 7 & 8
Two - Grades 5 & 6
The Tenakill Singers is open for audition to any seventh and eighth grade student who desires to sing.
Green C Points
Three
Newspaper Club is open to all fifth to eighth grade students who are interested in contributing to our school newspaper, The Cougar Chronicles, through writing, editing, or design. The club meets twice a month on Mondays from 3:10 to 3:40 p.m.
Yearbook Club gives students the chance to help design and create the school’s yearbook. Members take photos, write captions, design layouts, and work as a team to capture the memories of the school year. It’s a great way to be creative, develop design and journalism skills, and contribute to something the whole school will enjoy!
Grade Level: 8
Green C Points: Three