Extracurricular Activities
Galloway Township Middle School offers a variety of after school activities. GTMS activities are designed to promote school spirit, develop student's leadership and service, and enable students to expand or explore interests and abilities. All students are encouraged to participate. Specific information regarding activities and clubs are provided throughout the school year. Students should listen to announcements and pay attention to the GMTV morning broadcasts during homeroom. Below is a list of clubs offered at GTMS.
Please note that all after school activity buses are scheduled for pick up at 4:00 pm. Students are not permitted to walk home on activity days. All students are required to either take the bus home or have a parent/guardian pick them up.
Athletic Activity Suspension (AAS)
Students who are assigned a ‘Detention’, ‘In-school suspension' and / or ‘In/Out-of-School Suspension’ will be suspended from their club/athletic team, as well as dances and other after school activities, based on the following:
Students who receive an after school detention will be suspended from all non-academic after-school activities for 1 to 4 school days.
Students who receive an ‘In-School Suspension’ will be suspended from all after-school activities and athletic teams/events and/or practices/rehearsals for 5 school days.
Students who receive their first and/or second ‘Out-of-School Suspension(s)’ will be suspended from all after school activities/athletic teams for 10 school days and will be placed on probation.
A student with two failing grades in any marking period will be suspended from all non-academic after school activities and athletics for 15 school days or until the student’s grade(s) improve. The student may be referred to guidance or any after school academic activity as determined by administration.
Athletic and Activity Requirements
Students at Galloway Township Middle School have the opportunity to try out for interscholastic sports teams. The teams compete in the Atlantic Cape Junior High Athletic League. Students must have an approved sports physical to participate.
It is strongly encouraged that every student interested in participating in sports/activities come to one of the summer physical examination dates listed below in order to meet the required physical due dates. Click here for additional sports physical information.
Summer exams take place at GTMS
Summer Sports Physicals
Time: 9am - 1pm and no appointment necessary
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Thursday, August 15, 2024
The Importance of Extracurricular Activities
Student participation in after school activities have shown to be more than mere child’s play. In fact, quality extracurricular activities are thought not only to positively influence student academic performance and attitudes towards school, but also to enhance student mental, physical, social, and emotional development.
In the transition years between elementary and middle school, after school activities have shown to help develop a personal connection between students and their new school. The feeling of belonging is especially important during this time of adolescent development. Students attempt to discover their niche in their new school and adjust to their different surroundings. Participation in extracurricular activities may smooth this transition.
Generally, after school activities can be categorized into five groups: community service, academic, leadership, arts, and athletics. Each activity group share common characteristics and provide students opportunities for individual development. In addition, it allows students to develop friendships and spend time and others who share like interests. Each activity has specialized attributes to present to participants.
Community service activities help students build self-esteem and pride in their accomplishments as they complete altruistic projects. A sense of social responsibility and respect for others is promoted as they develop valuable workplace skills that they will need in the future.
Academic activities allow students to further develop talents and skills in subject areas to which they have a special interest. Through participation in these activities, students are able to enhance their understanding of concepts taught in the curriculum, to concentrate on one particular aspect of the curriculum, or to expand their knowledge beyond the curriculum.
Leadership activities present students with opportunities to have a positive impact on the direction of student issues and concerns. Students learn the benefits, burdens and impact of decision making while accepting responsibility. This promotes individual skills necessary to work effectively with a team.
The Arts help students understand and connect with other people and cultures by providing an avenue for exploration, creativity, problem solving, self expression, and appreciation of history. The arts enhance our lives through participation and observation.
Participation in athletic activities presents students with opportunities to develop healthy, strong bodies, to gain confidence in their physical abilities, to compete against others, and to develop a sense of camaraderie among teammates.
Encourage your child to look into the many extracurricular activities Galloway Township Middle School has to offer. Students who get involved in an activity will strengthen and broaden their skills and talents. The ultimate goal in providing your children this comprehensive choice of activities is that each student will become a valuable member of the GTMS community.
Sources:
Science or Soccer? How Important Are Extracurricular Activities?
Focus Adolescent Services
Your School-Age Child Middle School—What’s Up at School