Academic

 Academic Team Grades 6 – 8

The Academic Team is a six time Canevin quiz bowl champion and has placed 2nd in the state of Pennsylvania in on-line trivia competitions. The academic team plays games, learns facts and information in a competition but fun atmosphere. Archangel Gabriel Academic Team meets at lunch time at 11:15AM to 11:50 AM in Mr. Betten’s room. On-line competitions are from 3:00 PM to 4:00PM at AGS. Outside of school competitions require parent transportation. Our first meeting will be the 2nd week of October.
 

Battle of the Books Grades 4 - 6

Students are invited to participate in an academic reading competition called Battle of the Books. This is a reading incentive program that is held across the country. The books are carefully selected over a range of reading abilities so that all students can participate. Students will work in teams of up to six members. Each team is responsible for reading all of the books on a given list (usually 6 books.) Each student is encouraged to read as many on the list as possible. Teams, equipped with their books and parent leader, meet to review facts from each book to prepare for the battle. The competition quizzes the students on specific facts from each book, and score is kept during the four rounds of questioning. Trophies are awarded to the top two teams, and refreshments are shared by all participants.
The Battle of the Books is a valuable academic enrichment program that allows students to enter into a world of new authors and literature. It is also a fun way for classmates to interact socially when their team meets to discuss the novels. Parental involvement is needed. The club will be run by Mrs. Mattarochia, Mrs. Corona, and Mrs. Thiry.
 

Book Club Grades 3-5

Book Club is an after-school activity for students in grades 3-5 run by Miss Golden (5A) and Mrs. Beck (3A).  This activity is a way for students to come together to simply enjoy a good book. In addition to reading a novel together, students will engage in discussions and complete enjoyable activities and/or crafts that accompany the book.  Students who choose to participate in Book Club will be required to purchase the novel(s) ahead of time.  Some at-home reading may be required.  Book Club will be held from October to December.  More information to come in late September!
  

Chess Club Grades 1 – 8

Learning the game of chess is very beneficial to children. The game of chess helps young people learn to concentrate, think logically, overcome obstacles, spot patterns and categorize information. It helps with the development of problem-solving skills, planning, patience, the focus of thought, and self-discipline. Chess is a competitive activity, but, good sportsmanship and fair play are taught as essential elements of the game. A ten-week session of Tuesdays for students in grades 1-8 runs September 17 ^th thru November 26th(skipping November 5 ^th) from 2:55 to 3:55 PM. The classes will be downstairs in the Art Classroom. Dismissal will be thru the Gym doors. Classes include 30 minutes of instruction followed by 30 minutes of play paired by experience and results.  Students not picked up after class will be sent to “After Care”.  If you have any questions please contact Mr. Surlow at chesspoints@yahoo.com or call him at 412- 922- 3174.  The form has been blasted and is on the AGS website. 
 

Forensics Grades 6 - 8

Forensics is a competitive speech program where students compete in one of six categories: drama, prose, poetry, declamation, impromptu, and multiple reading. The students are judged on their abilities in verbal skills, vocal performance, pacing, eye contact, facial expression, understanding of mood, and poise. Regular meets are held on Saturday mornings three times a year with additional finals and all-star meets occurring in March. Forensics is a great program that helps students become more comfortable in speaking publicly, which is a skill that will be beneficial throughout their lives. Practice will be after school from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm, day to be determined.  Mrs. Smith is in charge of Forensics.
 

Girls Who Code 3-8

Girls Who Code is a club that aims to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue interests in jobs in the computer science and technology fields. This club will be divided into two groups: Elementary (Grades 3-5) and Middle School (Grades 6-8). The club will meet once or twice a month and will be run by Mrs. Mattarochia, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Corona, and Mrs. Orrison.
 

Number Fun K-2

Number Fun is an after-school activity for students in grades K-2 run by Miss Golden (5A) and Mrs. Beck (3A).  This activity is for students who really enjoy numbers and math but also for students who would like to practice their skills to get better at math.  While at Number Fun, students will listen to math stories, complete math games, and activities, and make math crafts.  Number Fun is usually held from January to March.  More information to come in January!
           

Science Club Grades 6,7, & 8

The Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Covestro PSREF) is a science fair competition open to all students in grades 6-12 in 21 counties in Western Pennsylvania and Garrett County in Maryland. Students can compete in the fields of science, engineering, and/or mathematics. The competition is held in March at the Carnegie Science Center. Covestro PRSEF will nominate middle school students at the local event to attend the Broadcom MASTERS Middle School Program held annually in October in Washington, DC.  Science Club meetings will either be during the day or after school, depending on the number of participants. More information will be sent home.  Mrs. Ford is in charge of the Science Club.
 

Student Council Grades 5 - 8

Student Council is a great opportunity for students to express leadership and community involvement skills. Students in grades 5th through 8th can run for homeroom representatives. One boy and girl will represent each homeroom. Eighth-grade students can also run for president, vice president, secretary, public relations, and treasurer these are 8th-grade offices only. The student council meets at lunchtime 11:15-11:50 pm in Mr. Betten’s room twice a month beginning in November. School elections were held Friday, October 4 ^th, 2019.
 

Fine Arts and Music

 

Art Club Grades K – 8

Students will enjoy painting ceramic pieces supplied by the Clay Café. This club meets on Mondays and runs for a 5 week period throughout the school year. There is a fee for this club. There will be club sign-ups several times a year. There is a limit on the number of students for this club.  The flyer went home in the back-to-school packet and is posted on the AGS website.
 

Chorus Grades 4 - 8

All students in grades 4 - 8 are invited to join the chorus. Under the direction of Mrs. Cassidy Minamyer, the chorus practices each Wednesday after school from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Members are encouraged to serve as cantors for our weekly school masses. In addition to cantoring, the students participate in 2 concerts and sing at school events.

 

Handbell Choir Grades 5 - 8

The English Handbell is one of the oldest and coolest musical instruments!  It is a unique way to make beautiful music with your own hands!  Each ringer in the bell choir plays two or three musical notes on their individual bells, which makes the choir sound as if music is playing on a single instrument by one person.  Being part of a youth bell choir program is an amazing experience for a student.  It not only enhances their faith and musicianship, but it improves their mathematics, art, physical coordination, and problem-solving skills.  It is a unique combination of music, teamwork, public service to the community while creating lifelong friendships through a fun activity!

AGS Handbell choir will provide a safe and fun environment to learn the fun art of Handbells.  Students will learn basic music theory, how to read music, basic handbell techniques, and gain the confidence to perform in front of crowds.   No experience is necessary, students do not need to know how to read music, or purchase anything to join the choir. Come join AGS Handbell Choir and be part of one of the only three-octave school handbell choirs in Western PA!  Be a part of a unique and unforgettable musical experience!

Director of AGS Handbell Choir
Yumi H. Fisher is the former director of St. Malachy School Handbell Choir, she has 13 years of experience leading youth bell choirs.  Mrs. Fisher has 30 years of worldwide ringing experience and is the current president of Ring Pittsburgh and a member of Handbell Musicians of America.  This will take place Tuesdays after school.

Praise, Worship, and Service Group Grades 3 - 8

The Praise, Worship, and Service Group is a wonderful faith-based after-school opportunity at Archangel Gabriel School. The purpose of the group is to pray together, praise together, sing together, and serve together. The group is open to children in grades 3 – 8 and will meet once a month from October through May.
 
In the group, we will be listening to Contemporary Christian Music (the kind of music you would hear on Christian radio stations like K-Love; 98.3 FM). We will sing, examine lyrics, and look at the artists’ reason “behind the music”. We will read the Bible verse that corresponds with the theme or inspired the artist and then do a service project associated with the theme of the song. The service project will consist of making a craft/project for a specific organization.                                                                                                           Approximately, once a quarter, we will go “off-site” and have a “hands-on” family service day. (Please do not worry if a younger sibling is crying or needs attention, or if someone has to step out--the purpose is to serve God together as a family, and all are welcome.)
 
The goal of this group is to inspire our students to want to serve others, serve God, learn different ways of praising God and find the joy in giving. This group will give the students a chance to bond together while being exposed to positive music with a positive message. It is also a great way to connect with our community and let them see Jesus working in our students
 

Proclaimers Grades 6 -8

Come one, come all who want to proclaim the word of God. Come and join The Proclaimers. The Proclaimers will be our lectors during our school masses and prayer services. We are looking for students in grades 6-8 that enjoy reading and participating in mass. The Proclaimers will also help with school prayer services during the year So, if you are interested in growing closer to God by helping lead our school in our weekly masses and prayer services please sign-up. Mrs. Smith and Mr. Betten will be overseeing the Proclaimers.
 

School Musical Grades 4 - 8

The AGS Musical is a great opportunity for students to showcase their creative side Whether it’s as an actor/dancer/singer or as part of the sound/lights/stage crew, there is something for everyone. Auditions for the show are held in November with rehearsals beginning immediately after the return from Christmas break in January (2+ days per week after school). There are three performances of the show in May. Students in 4th through 8th grades can participate. There is an activity fee of $30 per student to cover costs of cast t-shirts and food/snacks the week of the show.  Mrs. Minamyer and Mrs. Beck will be the teachers responsible for the School Musical.

 

Ukulele Club Grades 5 - 8

Ukulele Club will meet on Thursdays until 3:30 in the music room. Students need to purchase their own ukulele because one is not provided for them. In Ukulele Club we will learn the names of the strings, basic chords, and strumming patterns. We will use what we learn to play popular music that the students will recognize, and they can even request songs to learn in the club.  Grades 5-8 are welcome to join.  Mrs. Minamyer will begin this club in October.
 
Please note:  AGS offers various other clubs that are not on this list; this list is primarily clubs that the teachers are able to help with during the school year.  There are other clubs that information will come home about such as, boy scouts, girl scouts, bowling clubs, and art clubs, to name a few.   See flyers on the left for more information.