Academy of American Studies - Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular Activities

Aside from the rigorous academic agenda, the Academy is home to seven PSAL sports teams, several ethnic and interest clubs, the Academy Gazette (along with other publications), a Digital Design class, a Technology Team, Eagles in the Morning Radio Show and an active Student Government.

Student Government

The Student Government is the center of planning all events and activities, as well as providing a voice for the student population in making progressive changes to the "culture and climate" of the school environment. Since the opening of the school, the members of Student Government ran as unified Congressional body, with no elections or hierarchy. Selection was based upon a written essay and occasional interview judged by the Coordinator of Student Activities (the faculty position). In 2005, the Student Government decided on a major structural change establishing a school-wide elected Executive Board and other appointed cabinet positions for leading different committees (similar to US Government). Uniquely, this Executive Board consisted of two Co-Presidents, a Treasurer, and Secretary. In 2008, the Student Government Organization voted on an amendment to modify the executive board. It was decided that there would be one elected President and an elected Vice-President. The positions of Committee chairs were instituted in order to simplify the internal organization of events in the school. The treasurer, secretary and Class officers remained intact.

Planning and running school events and activities are this organization's chief duties. They annually plan two Talent Shows and two Pep Rallies along with several spirit days and other fun-unique events. For policy changes, four Student Government Representatives sit on the Principal's Council which is a monthly meeting with the Principal to discuss current issues. Also, two Representatives sit on a city-council board for educational policy and two Representatives sit on a PTA council. Annually, several members of the Academy Student Government go on a three day trip to represent city high schools at the New York State Leadership Conference. Member from all parts of the state interact to share their ideas and to bring back new ones to their respective high schools.

Eagles in the Morning

Eagles in the Morning is the Academy "Radio Show" that takes place in both campuses.

The Academy Gazette

Funded by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, The Academy Gazette is the school newspaper which is published on a seasonal basis. Students with an interest in journalism and photography are encouraged to write for the newspaper which features special interest sections as well as a sports and editorial section.

PSAL Sports

The Academy features seven sports teams part of the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL).

- Boys Baseball Varsity Eagles

- Boys Basketball Varsity Eagles

- Boys Varsity Bowling Eagles (Co-ed) (Girls can join): Made first playoff (2008). also 09-10 and 10-11

- Boys Volleyball Varsity Eagles: city championship (2012).

- Girls Basketball Varsity Lady Eagles: won 2007 PSAL Queens B Division, went to final eight; won 2008 PSAL Queens B Division, went on undefeated season including playoffs (31-0) (2008); became PSAL "B" Champions (2008); first appearance in New York State Federation Championship (NYSFSSAA) for class b (2008).

- Girls Softball Varsity Lady Eagles

- Girls Volleyball Varsity Lady Eagles: appeared in city championship (2001); won 2007 PSAL Division title.

- Girls Football Varsity Lady Eagles

Ethic and Interest Clubs

Debate Team, Amnesty International, Literary Magazine, Academy Gazette (school newspaper), Multicultural Club, National History Club, Improvisational Theatre Club, Model UN, Digital Design course that prepares students for digital publications, National Honor Society, SADD, Senior Committee, Step Team, Food Club, Dance Team, Environmental Concerns (ECO) club, and Pilates club. Through the National Hostory club, students are able to enter New York City's annual National History Day Competition. There is also a yearly musical ever since the year 2008 with the production of "You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown." In 2009, the musical was "Working."