Activities & Clubs

Advisor - Taylor Fox

The animal care club is a group of students who share a huge passion and love for animals. We work together to raise money and collect supplies for local shelters. Our goal is to be a great voice for animal rights, and to do what we can to support the animals in our community who need our help.

We host bake sales, animal supplies drives, fundraising events, and are hoping to hold an animal adoption event as well. 

Meets: Twice a month

Advisor:  Mr. R. Moskal

The AV club is a workshop hub for students interested in filmmaking to connect. The club has film festivals every few months for students to share student produced film with other students in the club. This is an opportunity to work on videos beyond what we do in our video classes. We also compete in some state-run film festivals and film challenges to submit our films beyond the school.

Meets: Once a week, after school

Advisor: Ann Barcellona

This is a program done once a year in the month of February and March. In Feb we travel to Barcelona for 10 days usually, and then we receive the students in March for 10 days.  This program has been running for 20 + years and students immerse themselves in the language and culture they have been learning about since elementary school.

Meets: Quarterly each year.

Advisor: Adric Quakenbush

The BL4S competition, organized by CERN — the world’s largest particle physics laboratory — challenges high school students to design proposals for experiments that could be conducted at a particle accelerator beamline.

Meets: Once a week starting up in mid-November and finishing writing the proposal by early April.

Advisor:  Mr. Michael Abadir

Bible Club provides an opportunity for students to gather for encouragement and an opportunity to explore the teachings of the Bible.  It is open to anyone whether seasoned in the faith, or exploring.  Meetings are during lunch and typically include a lesson given by a student and an opportunity for discussion and prayer.  We would love to have YOU come!

Meets: Once a week, during lunch

Advisor: Jennifer Infante

The Bilingual Connections Club (BCC) is dedicated to supporting young language learners in our community. We aim to strengthen the English language skills of ESL students by organizing engaging activities that connect elementary and high school students.

Meets: Once a month

Advisors:  Mrs. April Chestang

The BSU is an exciting club that engages the school community to become vocally and actively empowered around issues of race and diversity.

We sponsor bake sales, attend HBCU College Fair, attend Field Trips to to culturally significant locations and participate in community MLK, Black History Month and Juneteenth Celebrations.

All students are welcome.

Meetings:  Weekly, after school.

Advisor: Li Salewski

The Chinese Club is a fun and welcoming space where students explore Chinese language and culture through games, crafts, food, calligraphy, and holiday celebrations. It’s a great way to make friends, learn more about Chinese traditions, and practice speaking Chinese outside the classroom

Meets: Twice a Month

Advisor: Li Salewiski

For more information on the Chinese Honor Society click here.

Advisor: Mr. M. Hergenhan

The SPFHS Chess Club brings students of all skill levels together to play and learn chess. Our meetings are mostly informal sessions where students can play friendly matches against players of similar skill; more experienced players are happy to assist newer players with how to improve their game.

We are also working towards introducing more formal competitions against chess clubs from other area schools. In-school tournaments will also hopefully make a comeback in the near future!

Meets: Twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), but students are welcome to come to room 176 any day of the week and use our chess sets.

Advisor: Mrs. J. Allen

Description: This provides a selected “mixed” (boys and girls) chorus for any students wishing to be involved in a choral group on a higher level. Honors class for grade and one credit.  The Select Choir performs at community functions, two concerts, festivals and takes weekend trips.

Qualifications: Must be in Concert Choir, & audition with the Director in September.

Meeting Times: Weekly. 

Advisor: Sandy West
 

Club Inclusion is a welcoming and inclusive community where students of all abilities come together to build friendships, learn from one another, and celebrate diversity. Club Inc. creates meaningful connections between general education and special education students through fun activities, interactive games, or just hanging out during lunch. 

Meets: Twice per month, during lunch

Advisor:  Ms. J. Tumolo

Description:  The Front Squad acts as an active member in the Marching Band.  It helps to promote school spirit by participating in school activities, such as assemblies, sport exhibitions, parades, competitions and football games.

Qualifications:  Tryouts are held in the spring for current eighth graders, freshmen, sophomores and juniors for Band Front and special feature groups for flags, rifle, sabres and dance.

Meeting Times:  During the football season, Mondays after school from 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. in September and October.

Advisor: Beth Polito-Hickey

Crochet for Comfort is dedicated to improving mental health in high school students. We use crocheting to create meaningful connections and provide a productive alternative to screen time.

Meets: Once a Week

Advisor:  Mrs. M. FitzGibbon

DECA is the co-curricular Business club of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.  DECA competes at district, state and national competitions in a variety of role play and presentation events.   In addition to competition, DECA participates in the High School Heroes program where the students go to the district elementary schools to teach financial literacy topics.   DECA also hosts "Mr. Spiffy High", sells apparel through the DECA school store and works on various business chapter projects which are student led and run.      

Qualifications: Juniors or seniors are eligible to join DECA by enrolling in the Principles of Marketing course (5 credits) .

Meeting Times: Once a month

Advisor: Zachary Rittner

The Environmental Club seeks to create an inclusive community to inspire a love for nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards through volunteer work, authentic educational experiences and service projects.

Meets: Once a Week

Advisor: Lauren Bancone 

The fall color guard spins flags, sabres, and rifles and dances to accompany the marching band. 

Meets: Once a week

Advisors:  Mr. R. Koetzner

Ms. R Stayvas

Link to site: the fanscotian

Description: To publish the high school’s newspaper and to train students in journalism. The Journalism I course is now a prerequisite for Journalism II unless waived by the instructor.

Qualifications: This club produces the school newspaper. The class is open to any 10th through 12th graders who have taken Journalism I, a course that prepares them for the skills needed. Students participate in field trips and special events. All students must be willing to write, report or manage a newsroom.

Meeting Times: Period 14-15 every day.

Advisor:  Mrs. L. Mazzarella

Fashion club is open to all different students who enjoy fashion as a whole.  We discuss the history of fashion, current fashion and share what we like.  We also do some clothing drive's to help out individuals who need some assistance

Meets:  Once a month.

All are welcome!

spf_fashionclub

Advisor - Ryan Cookerly

Advisor: William Konig

Through F.L.T.I., students will gain general business and financial skills as they relate to investing. Members will be exposed to various investing concepts and terms, especially stocks and mutual funds. They will also benefit from a hands-on experience creating a stock portfolio through an online trading simulator. 

Meets: Once a Month

Advisor:  Mrs. J. Allen

Description: This is a special performing chorus for boys who wish to be involved in a high-level group for competition with dance choreography.

Qualifications: Audition with Director in June

Meeting Times: Before and after school, weekly.

Advisors: Monique Gilbert & Ilkay Ozdemir

The French Club is open to all high school students who are curious about the French-speaking world and want to experience more than what’s covered in class. It’s a place for students interested in exploring French culture, language, and traditions in a fun, social setting. Members participate in activities that celebrate French food, music, art, and customs while building friendships and cultural awareness. No prior French experience is required—just enthusiasm and an open mind!

Meets: Twice a month

Advisor: Monique Gilbert

Our French Exchange Program is a true cultural immersion partnership between Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Lycée Saint-Paul in Vannes, Brittany. Each participating student is paired with a French pen pal: when our students travel to France, they stay with their partner’s family, and later, they host the same student during the return visit to the U.S. (participation in both hosting and travel is required).

During the 10- to 11-day stay in France, students fly from Newark to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and enjoy a rich itinerary that includes a welcome celebration in Vannes, family weekends, a day trip to the Loire Valley with visits to Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s residence), a guided scavenger hunt in the medieval city of Vannes, and an excursion to Auray and Saint-Goustan tracing the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain and Benjamin Franklin. The trip concludes with two unforgettable days in Paris exploring Notre-Dame, Shakespeare & Company, the Marais, the Louvre, and the Catacombs.

Students must maintain good academic standing and exemplary behavior to be eligible for participation.

Meets: Once at the beginning of the year to introduce the program and once a month before traveling. We talk about all the specifics: packing, travel phrases, cultural awareness, etc. 

Advisors: Monique Gilbert & Ilkay Ozdemir

For more information on the French Honor Society click here.

Advisor:  Mr. Abadir   

Frisbee Club provides an opportunity for students to play Ultimate Frisbee.

We meet weekly during lunch throughout the Fall and the Spring when the weather is good.  We eat lunch outside and then play a game of Ultimate Frisbee.  

This is open to everyone whether experienced or learning how to play.

Come on out and experience Ultimate!

Meets: Once a week.

Advisor: Kyle Anderson 

Girl Up is a worldwide organization started by the United Nations. It is a club that empowers girls and women in leadership. We aim to be positive examples to other young ladies and highlight the women in the community who are examples of women in leadership.

Meets: Once a week.

All are welcome!

Advisor: Kyle Townsend

Our Habitat for Humanity club raises funds to support affordable housing projects. We volunteer locally at food banks to meet immediate community needs while we build skills and teamwork. As we grow our capacity, we’ll join a Habitat build site to contribute hands-on labor toward a home. Members can plug in at any stage—fundraising, service shifts, and the eventual build.

Meeting Times: Once a month.

Advisor: Danielle Tababa

Our club is a place where you can learn more about different healthcare careers in medicine, such as nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other allied health fields. You will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and participate in hands-on simulations to discover what various medical jobs are really like. In addition, our clubs mission is to raise awareness to health issues. 

Meets: Once a Month

Advisor: Warren Hynes

The History Club studies the past and present impact of history on our lives. The club welcomes all students to join in school-based and community-based activities related to our history.

Meets: Once a month. 

All are welcome!

Advisor:  Mrs. Robertson 

Interact Club is an organization dedicated to the idea of service above self. Our members look for ways to volunteer in and around our community to serve those in need. Our goal is to help others by participating at service events throughout Scotch Plains and Fanwood.  We work closely with the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club and with our school district advisors.

Meeting Times:  Twice a month.

Advisor:  Mr. M. Fabiano

Description:  Intramural activities to allow students to compete and have fun without any pressure. Students will choose their own teams. 

Sports offered: 

• Before-School Basketball
• Handball
• Pickel Ball
• Spike Ball

Meeting Times:  Once a week.

Advisor: Giuseppina Petracca

Service club which promotes the italian languge and culture, students meet monthly to review current local and international cultural events, or traditions, movie viewings in state. We include seasonal cultural events and celebrations. 

Meets: Once a month

Advisor:  Mr. J. Gillick

Spf Jazz is the second band at SPFHS. They perform throughout the year at festivals, state level competitions, and local venues. The student audition for the band and do a great job learning all styles of music.

Qualifications: Proficiency on required musical instruments.  Members selected through audition in June of each year.

Meets: Twice a week

Advisor: Carmela Lambert

The purpose of this club is to prepare students to travel abroad on an Italian exchange program. In addition, students prepare to host an exchange student and welcome them into our community. We have partnered up with UNICO this year and have received a 2K grant towards our students traveling abroad.

Meets: Once a month

Advisor:  Mrs. S. Kudron

For more information on the Italian Honor Society click here.

Advisors: Warren Hynes

The Jewish Student Union meets to celebrate Jewish heritage and to study more about the Jewish heritage and Jewish experience, while also serving the community. 

Meets: Once a month

Advisor: Janette Birkett-Scacifero

Literature Club is meant to foster an environment where students with an interest in reading and writing can feel heard, finding ways to contribute to a community of students. Literature Club will meet monthly to discuss upcoming events and discuss marking period readings.

Meets: Once a Month

Advisor:  Mrs. L. Salewski

For more information on the Mandarin Honor Society click here.

Advisor:  Mr. D. Thomas 

The SPFHS Marching Band is an all inclusive , competitive and comprehensive marching ensemble comprised of Color Guard , Percussion , Brass and woodwind performers . Music , Movement , with precise choreography on a 100 yard football field performed in a specific thematic and expressive fashion for audiences.  

Qualifications:  Wind and percussion instrumentalists who have been members of the middle school band or who have studied privately or who audition privately for the High School Band Directors.   

Meeting Times:  4-5 times per week

Advisor:  Mr. J. Koegel

The purpose of Math League is to enhance students' mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills through engaging and challenging competitive activities.  Math League aims to improve critical thinking, logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills by participating in competitions that extend on topics learned in the classroom.

Meeting Times:  Once a month

Advisor: Mackenzie Conway

The purpose of the Mental Health Awareness Club is to raise awareness within the SPFHS community about the realities of mental illnesses and the importance of mental health. We hope to educate members of the SPFHS community about mental health related topics and provide them with helpful resources and strategies. 

Meets: Once a month

Advisors:  Mrs. B. Oels and Ms. E. Sassaman

Students work together to serve as delegates at a Model United Nations convention in Hershey, PA. Through debate, discussion, and research students build skills as they solve international problems.

Meets: Quarterly

Advisor: Durand Thomas

Rehearse , play and perform classic and contemporary  Jazz Music for local and NJ State wide performances and competitions.

Meets: 4-5 times a week

Advisor: Taylor Fox

The multicultural club is a group that meets with the intention of celebrating and sharing cultures from around the world. We work to increase cultural awareness and appreciation, in the hopes of helping to highlight diversity within our own community. We are student led, allowing for individuals to share their cultural roots.  

Meets: Twice a month

Advisor: Brian McKenna

Muse is a literary magazine that publishes student poems, short stories, and original artwork. At our weekly meetings, students share their writing, and participate in workshops and other writing activities. At the end of the year, students choose their favorite writing pieces/artwork to include in our annual magazine. 

Meets: Once a week

Advisors: Ashley Farhan

The Muslim Arab Student Association (MASA) is a student-led club dedicated to celebrating and sharing Muslim and Arab culture, heritage, and values within our school community. Our goal is to foster unity among members and promote understanding of both Islamic and Arab traditions through open dialogue, cultural activities, and community service. MASA strives to provide a safe and welcoming space for cultural and spiritual expression, support students in their personal growth, and bridge gaps between Muslim and non-Muslim communities through educational initiatives. By celebrating religious holidays and addressing misconceptions about Islam and Arab identity, MASA promotes connection, respect, and pride in diversity.

Meets: Twice a month

Advisor:  Ms. G. Petracca

Description:  The National Honor Society promotes recognition for students reflect outstanding accomplishments in the area of scholarship, character, leadership and service. The chapter will conduct a chapter service project, which will benefit the school community.

Qualifications:  3.75 Academic Rank at end of second semester of the school year.  Satisfactory ratings in areas of character, leadership, and service as rated by faculty at large.

Meeting Times:  To be determined by the Club Officers.

Advisors: Warren Hynes and Kelly Brock

Not in Our School is a nationwide program designed to empower students to forge inclusive environments that stand up to bullying, bigotry and all forms of intolerance. Students are encouraged to be upstanders who act to stand up for themselves and for others. A Not in Our School campaign strives to nurture a school culture and climate in which students feel safe, respected and understood. The SPFHS Not in Our School chapter includes students, teachers, administrators, all staff members, and the community at large. 

Meets: Twice a month

Advisor: David Kessel

Better living through nutrition. The club maintains a "fridge" with fresh foods that is community supported. 

Meets: Once a month

Advisor:  Mr. C. Jackson

Description:  This group performs at school and community related activities, which occur outside.  These activities include football games, parades, a major evaluative trip in the spring and evaluative experiences in the fall.

Qualifications:  Percussion instrumentalists who have been members of the middle school band or who have studied privately or who audition privately for the High School Band Directors.  

Meeting Times:  See advisor.

Advisor: Josh Jordan

Peer Leaders empowers 11th and 12th grade students to be a mentor and leader during freshman physical education activities.

Peer Leaders facilitate small group activities to freshman throughout their cooperative PE curriculum.  Leaders also learn powerful ways to be a good leader throughout our meetings to prepare them for class and future endeavors.  

Meets: Once a week.

Advisor: Marilyn Ritter

Raider Peer tutoring is a program where students volunteer their time during lunch from 11:10-11:40 to tutor their peers in a variety of subjects. They can schedule a time via a google form where they can see the schedule of tutors available with their subjects or they can simply walk-in. This is a program that we encourage all students to seek out to receive the support they need to be successful in their content classes. 

Meets: Once a week

Advisor: Ray Moskal

The SPF Esports team competes against other schools across the country in video games. We have multiple teams competing in multiple games and have matches weekly after school. All skill levels are welcomed, even beginners, and you can play as many of the games we offer as you want, or just one if you specialize in one game.

Meets: Once a week

Advisor:  Mr. R. Moskal

Link:  Raider News on You TubRaider News You Tube Channel

Qualifications: Student must be enrolled in Intro to Journalism

Meeting Times: Varies.  

Advisor: Morgan Knight

Theatre at SPFHS is a dynamic and inclusive community of student performers, technicians, designers, musicians, and creators, guided by a professional team of arts educators. Each year, SPFHS proudly produces two major theatrical events -- the Fall Play and the Spring Musical (Repertory Theatre) -- showcasing the exceptional talent and collaboration of our students. Our program is dedicated to producing high-quality educational theatre that inspires, challenges, and enriches both participants and audiences alike. 

Qualifications:  Merely show up at the first meeting. Tryouts for stage parts are held. You do not have to appear on stage to be a member; there is always much to do in staging a production behind the scenes.

Meets: 4-5 Times per week during rehearsal periods

Advisors:  Mr. Ducker-Duffy 

The Robotics Club is both a club and a competition team. Our club focuses on learning on how robots work, to build them, and program them utilizing resources and materials provided by Mr. Duffy and the robotics team. The competition team is a roster of students selected in September.  This group works on a separate robot that will be used in competitions starting in November and going through April. Both groups design robots to be played in the current FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) season. In addition to this, our club and team work on being STEM ambassadors for our school district. 

Meets:  The club and team meet every Thurs & Fri from 3-5pm in Rm. 149.

Advisor:  Mr. R. Koetzner

SAGA is a student-led club that provides a safe, supportive space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. Members work together to promote understanding, acceptance and equality within the school community. The club hosts discussions, awareness events and activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. All students are welcome to join and help make the school a more respectful and affirming place for everyone.

Meets:  Once a week

Biology Advisor:  Taylor Fox

Chemistry Advisor:  Mr. A. Abadir 

Physics Advisor: Adric Quakenbush

The NJ Science League is a competition among NJ high schools from January through April each year.  All categories include Bio 1, Bio 2, Chem 1, Chem 2, HS Physics, Physics C.  Students practice before each monthly test.  Tests are 50 minutes long and Chemistry 1 and 2 exams consist of 25 multiple choice questions.  Each month different topics are covered.  Students who compete at least 3 times are ranked individually in the state, and team scores each month are based on the highest 2 student scores in that category. 

Qualifications:  After completing a test, the top four scoring students go to competitions at designated schools in the area.

Meeting Times: Once a week.

Advisor:  Mr. R. Stevens

Students Concerned for the Needy (SCN) is a service club that addresses the needs of those going through ufortante financial situations.  Our projects and programs are geared to help those in our immediate areas, but often help others across the state, county and world. Westyrive to provide educational information to the school community, provide volunteer opportunities for students and staff, and foster an attitude of helping, giving, and sharing.

Meets:  Weekly