The Brearley School Activities & Clubs

BREARLEY UPPER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE 2020-2021

Club shopping period is from Wednesday, 9/18, to Tuesday, 9/24. Students email club heads for sign up by Friday, 10/02.

There are no sign ups at the Club Fair. Each student will email the club head if she is interested in joining the club.

School Sponsored	Description	Advisor	Meeting Time
Actor’s Collective (drop-in and open to all US students)	The Actor’s Collective is an initiative by the Brearley Drama Department to create a more cohesive community of actors on B-Deck. It will give active members of B-Deck (who focus on acting rather than tech) a place to share ideas and hold leadership. The co-heads will work with the Tech Heads to strengthen B-Deck as a community of people working on shows together.	Mr. Baldwin, Ms. Ball	Meetings as assigned
Art Club	A relaxing club in which students can do various types of art projects that may be difficult to do at home. As a club, we decide on various projects we want to do throughout the year, ranging anywhere from embroidering your own square on a giant quilt to decorating sneakers. Art club is a great place to take your mind off of the stress of school, while simultaneously doing art projects that students wouldn’t otherwise do. We will be inviting guest speakers this year.	Ms. Emmart	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Asian Awareness	Asian Awareness is a safe space to reach a greater understanding of and learn more about the AAPI identity and its position in contemporary conversations. We discuss issues and phenomena relevant to the AAPI community and educate ourselves on Asian culture and customs through the celebration of traditional holidays. Asian Awareness is a welcoming community for students to discuss and bond over ideas and experiences.	Ms. Marcus	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Athletic Association (elected position)	The Athletic Association works closely with members of the Physical Education Department to organize school-wide events (Homecoming, Mountain Day, Winter Carnival, Spring Fling and Field Day) as well as the intramural games between the two school teams, Reds and Whites. In addition, the AA may help to plan other athletic events, depending on the interests of the student body.	Ms. King	As assigned
BEAC	The Brearley Environmental Action Committee (BEAC) is a club dedicated to examining and raising awareness around the underlying issues in our community and the broader world through the lens of environmentalism. BEAC seeks to spark conversation and action surrounding environmental justice and intersectionality to foster a more holistic understanding of the climate crisis.	Dr. Seminara	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Beaver	Students in Class XI edit and staff the school literary magazine, published twice a year. Stories, poems, drawings and photographs are submitted to the staff by students in Classes V–XII; the staff selects submissions to be published, edits them as necessary and lays out the copy using desktop publishing software.	Ms. Von Huetz; Mr. Vernon Jones	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Big Sister, Little Sister	Big Sister Little Sister is a student led mentorship program for students of color at Brearley. Upper School mentors meet regularly with Middle School and Lower School students of color to have discussions, give advice, and form meaningful bonds. Our goal is to maintain an affirming and supportive environment for students of color that extends outside of scheduled meetings.	Dr. Huelett	Every other Thursday’s from 5:30-6:15 pm.
B-Nats (audition only)	The B-Naturals are Brearley's Upper School a cappella group. They perform and represent the school over 20 times a year both at school events and around the city. Students develop their musical knowledge and their range while learning to read music and harmonize with peers in small and full group rehearsals. Each year, students get the opportunity to record albums, which are subsequently released on streaming platforms- find us on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and more!	Ms. Joaquino	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Business and Financial Awareness	The Business and Financial Awareness Club increases awareness of business and financial topics in the Brearley community through fun, informative activities and discussions. Activities differ from year to year, depending on the interests of club members. We explore traditional business and finance topics, as well as their intersection with social, environmental, and political issues. Some past projects have included Beaver Tank (with Shark Tank-style business plan development), fundraising for female entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva, an inter-school stock market game, and several speakers on various topics. There is no previous knowledge of business or finance needed, only an enthusiasm to learn and try new things!	Ms. Gordon	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Chorus	Upper School Chorus, open to all students in Classes IX–XII without audition, meets twice weekly to prepare a varied repertoire and performs at school concerts and assemblies, as well as in joint concerts with boys’ schools.	Mr. Brady	Day 5 10:15-11:05 Thur 3:15-5:15
Classics	Classics Club encourages students to pursue an interest in the complex and diverse culture, mythology, and modern reception of the ancient world. In typical meetings, we discuss literature, articles, and current advancements in the field of Classics. We participate in several certamina (Latin “Jeopardy”) with other schools in the city and we host our own certamen. We also organize club events to museums and lectures. In our meetings we practice for Certamina, and members present on myths or historical events that interest them. Meetings are held every week during the school day, but special events may take place on the weekends. We welcome all members of the Brearley community regardless of previous experience with ancient languages or knowledge of the ancient world.	Dr. Lannom	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Comedy Club	Take a break from your academics once a cycle and play fun improv games, learn how to write stand-up, and help write and perform a Saturday Night Live-style show right here at Brearley. Whether you want to learn about comedy or just want to have a goof, join Comedy Club!	Mr. Baldwin	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Computer Science	Computer Science Club offers the opportunity for novice and experienced coders to acquire and practice new skills. Meetings will alternate between fundamental lessons for beginner members, fun collaborative activities for intermediate members, and open group discussions about the social aspects of technology and the applications of computer science. CS Club strives to have a fun and open environment for both experienced coders as well as beginners who are looking for basic exposure.		Day 1 10:50-11:30
Creative Writing	First, a limerick: "Fun-loving birds of a feather, Creative Writing’s got it together! We learn and we play As the days while away, Creating no matter the weather" Creative writing club is a tight-knit community of students interested in improving their writing skills through thoughtful games, exercises, author visits, and collaboration with other clubs!	Mr. Koh	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Debate	The Debate Team competes in the New York Parliamentary Debate League in the Parliamentary style. We debate both historically contested topics as well as current controversial issues. We encourage all students, regardless of past experience, to join.	Mr. Meyer	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Diversity Club	Diversity Club encourages open, non-judgmental dialogue about social justice, identity and intersectionality in the Brearley community and the world at large. Every meeting is open to all Brearley Upper Schoolers, regardless of club membership, to continue building a community where everyone feels they belong.	Mr. Sanchez	Day 3 10:50-11:30
ELLA	Members of ELLA are committed to celebrating and learning about Spanish and Latinx cultures within the Brearley community. ELLA’s mission is to explore through conversation and education the various Latinx and Hispanic experiences in New York City, the United States and globally. We are committed to being well educated citizens and allies to all underRepresented and unheard voices. In our meetings, we discuss politics, media representation and holiday festivities and traditions from the often unheard Latinx cultural perspectives.	Sra Rivera-Rivera	Day 6 10:50-11:30
French CIO	French CIO (Common Interest Organization) explores French culture and improves conversational skills, accents, reading, and writing, such as pop music, games, radio, TV, films, magazines and debates. We are committed to exploring non-white francophone identites and cultures, and discussing racism, inequity, and bias from different cultural lenses. French CIO welcomes both French speakers and non-French speakers (we alternate between meetings focused on French language and those focused on French culture).	Ms. Gardner	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Fresh CIO	An inclusive and innovative organization, FRESH aims to educate students about Food’s Relationship to Economics, Society, and History, by exploring food justice and interdisciplinary topics ranging from food security and food sustainability to the restaurant business. We will host speakers from many different parts of the food sphere and do food-related projects to understand food’s place in our local and global society. Understanding all of these elements will help us work towards achieving food justice and equity.	Ms. Hosein	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Global Girls	Global Girls is a club devoted to promoting global gender equality through discussions, fundraising and internationally micro financing women's business and education endeavors. We discuss modern feminism and sexism and engage in activism to benefit women worldwide.	Mme. Lucile	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Guitar CIO ON HOLD	Guitar CIO offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of acoustic guitar and talk about music in a relaxed and fun environment. Students with all levels of guitar experience will be able to learn new techniques and songs during weekly meetings throughout the year, and also participate in open discussions about songs, artists, and the music industry. Welcome all music lovers!	Mr. Moorney, Mr. Aiken	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Math Team	Math Team’s mission is to expand our mathematical horizons beyond the classroom for anyone interested, regardless of previous experience. Our team members bond over our love and appreciation for mathematics through creative problem solving and friendly competition, and we hope you’ll join us for the ride!	Ms. Glick, Mr. Altschul	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Medical Science	In Medical Science, we aim to educate our members on human anatomy and medicine through presentations, games, and videos. We invite guest speakers from the medical field to come in and share their experience as well as teach practical skills.	Ms. Nedbal	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Meditation CIO	Explore the meaning and practice of meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing	Dr. Gray	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Middle Eastern Culture and Current Affairs	MECCA (Middle Eastern Culture and Current Affairs) CIO is dedicated to discussing Middle Eastern current affairs and learning more about the many cultures of the Middle East. MECCA is a fun, low-pressure environment to learn about a fascinating and complex region of the world, and to engage in dialogue about important Middle Eastern issues. No prior knowledge is required, and we invite anyone interested in foreign affairs, politics, or just the Middle East in general to join us!	Dr. Shmookler	Day 6 10:50-11:30 Every cycle
Mock Trial	Mock Trial is a simulation of a real trial in a civil or criminal case, where students can learn about the legal system through games, videos, friendly competition with peers, and inter-school scrimmages. Mock Trial is a space for members to freely express their views on a range of case-related topics and seeks to hone listening, speaking and analytical skills of students. Yes	Mr. Meyer	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Model Congress (application only)	Learn about policy and politics while practicing public speaking skills in mock Congressional committees that focus on topics such as the military, education and technology. Debate a wide range of issues from different viewpoints, and explore policy areas you’re passionate about or discover a new one as you write bills to debate at several day-long conferences in NYC and a four-day national conference in Washington, DC.	Dr. Swett; Ms. Mendelson	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Model UN (application only)	Model UN simulates the United Nations in discussions and debates on the most pressing international relations issues facing today’s world, ranging from climate change to nuclear non-proliferation to the crisis in Syria. At conferences, you’ll represent your nation’s interests and work to reach agreements with other countries to tackle these global concerns.	Dr. Wright; Ms. Gordon	Day 1 10:50-11:30
Multiracial Affinity Group	The Brearley Biracial Affinity Group is a space where multiracial students at Brearley can comfortably discuss their identity both in and out of school. Through discussions of personal experience as well as information from outside sources, we hope to promote a community of acceptance and equality between Brearley high school students.	Mr. Sanchez	Day 3 12:35-1:35
Orchestra	Instrumentalists may participate in the Upper School Orchestra, which rehearses twice weekly and performs in concerts at the School throughout the year.	Mr. Aiken	Day 5 10:15-11:05 Thur 3:15-5:15
Panoramic	A creative magazine that is meant to educate, empower, and embody Brearley's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as cultivate a closer-knit school community by promoting individual self-care and embracing the intersectionality of all identities that exist within “One Brearley.”	Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Huelett	Day 3 10:50-11:30 (every other cycle)
Political Awareness	Political Awareness aims to bring a diverse group of students together to openly discuss and learn about current political news, elections, and the broader political system with an accepting, bipartisan approach. In the club, we strive to combine local, national, and international topics in order to give students a holistic sense of current politics. We seek to create an open forum where students feel they can share their opinions and bring up topics that are important to them.	Dr. Isaacson	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Queer and Allies (Q&A)	Queer and Allies (Q&A) is an open club dedicated to the dicussion of intersectional LGBTQ+ topics and the broadening of community through collaborations, projects, and engagement.	Dr. Wolf	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Robotics	Robotics designs, builds and codes a robot to partake in the FIRST Tech Competition (FTC). We design our robot for the annual FTC robotics challenge and compete with other teams in FIRST competitions. Students can work on the construction and/or coding of the robot, as well as our team’s outreach through social media and graphic design. We are a welcoming, tight-knit team and no prior experience is necessary to join! More information can be found on our website (designed by a team member!) at https://brearleydoublex.wixsite.com/	Mr. Karb	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Science Club	In a time when seeking out and understanding scientific research is more important than ever, Science Club aims to help students learn about various topics through discussions and demonstrations. We provide a space for students to explore different fields and express interests in topics beyond the school curriculum in a fun and collaborative manner, ultimately learning the relevance of science to current events and our lives.	Dr. Saunders	Day 6 10:50-11:30
Service Committee	Upper School Service Club provides opportunities for Brearley students to participate in service work and discussions. We seek to educate and raise awareness about important issues through discussions regarding equity and social justice as well as collaborations with other clubs and organizations. As a club, we engage in physical service projects both within and outside of the Brearley community and use our resources to support causes that align with our community values.	Ms. Dillon and Ms. Hosein	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Self- Government (elected position)	This Association aims to develop in each individual a sense of responsibility for herself and a sense of fellowship and cooperation with others. It represents the interests of the student body in discussions with the faculty and administration about many matters of school life.	Dr. Noel-Pierre & Ms. Kramer	Thursday’s at 7:55 am
Slide Show	The Slide Show is a compilation of photographs and video documenting the Upper School athletic program, including teams and major school functions like Mountain Day and Field Day. The show is produced as a gift to the graduating seniors and is presented at the Athletic Association Banquet and Assembly.	Mr. Pomerantz	Meetings as assigned
Student Ambassador Program	Brearley Student Ambassadors from Classes X–XII work closely with the Office of Admission, playing a key role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for prospective families. By conducting campus tours, student ambassadors have the opportunity to represent Brearley and share their stories with Middle and Upper School applicant families.	Ms. Cassis	Tours as assigned
South Asian Affinity Group	The South Asian Affinity Group aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for any students in the Upper School who identify as South Asian to discuss topics such as current events, culture, and identity. We hope to use these discussions to foster an environment of inclusivity that allows students to speak openly and connect with their South Asian heritage.	Ms. Hosein	Day 1 12:35-1:35
Student Events Association	A committee of student leaders dedicated to supporting and informing all initiatives related to Student Life. We seek students who would like to plan school-wide events and develop strong leadership skills and the ability to advocate on behalf of the student body.	Ms. Kramer	Thursday’s at 7:55 am
Summer Heart	Summer Heart is an organization that raises money to send children from the Exodus House Program at the East Harlem School to Brearley’s day camp, Summer Start.	Ms. Lyons	No meetings, only bake sales
Tech	The Tech Club is composed of students who do all of the technical work for Brearley’s staged productions. Tech work includes stage managing, building sets, running lights and sound, organizing props and making costumes.	Mr. Duke	4:30 pm several days a week beginning in October
Technology CIO	To increase awareness around technology and create a space where students are exposed to and learn about various topics while being able to ask questions and express their opinions.	Ms. Blumberg	Day 3 10:50-11:30
Umoja	Umoja is a safe space for black students to discuss black culture, black excellence, the black diaspora and the issues within and outside of the black community.	Dr. Huelett, Ms. Lyons, Ms. King	Day 6 12:35-1:35
Yearbook	Organized around a theme chosen by Class XII, the yearbook has sections devoted to every major division and activity of the School but focuses on the senior class. It contains some written features, many photographs and much artwork, all of which are produced and laid out by the staff.		Fridays 3:30 pm
Zephyr	The Zephyr is the voice of the Brearley community. The paper is edited and staffed by students in classes X, XI, and XII, and published five or six times yearly. During the year, members of Class IX are encouraged to contribute and learn how to write and edit articles. Our publication is inclusive of all student voices and aims to represent all community members while reporting on Brearley and beyond.	Ms. Chang	Day 6 (every other cycle) 10:50-11:30

Upper School Activities and Organizations

BREARLEY UPPER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE 2020-2021