Student Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and Organizations Purpose

The purpose of school clubs is to give students an opportunity to join a group and to pursue certain interests in a non-classroom setting. Eligibility is checked each week for students who participate in activities that have specific GPA or attendance requirements.

Parents and guardians may notify the District that they are withholding permission for their student to join or participate in one or more extracurricular clubs or organizations sponsored, directed or controlled by the District. However, parents and guardians may not withhold permission for student participation in clubs and organizations that are necessary for a required course of instruction. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for preventing their student from participating in a club or organization for which they have withheld permission, but they are also solely responsible for retrieving their student from attendance at a club or organization for which permission has been withheld.

The following clubs and organizations are available at Ponca city Senior High:

Extracurricular Clubs and Organizations

Afro-American Club

Afro-Am Club's mission is to provide cultural awareness, enhance knowledge of African-American history, and provide structured social and volunteer interaction among students. The Afro-Am Club is an organization that is intended for, but not limited to, African-American students. The club also sponsors the Stomp Team, coached by Racheal Haynes. Stomping defined as a series of claps and steps that are combined to make a rhythmic beat. The team performs at various events during the school year. Afro-Am is a community service club. The faculty sponsors are Mr. Brice Mbolong and Ms. Tyra Gowdy.

All-School Play/Theater Production

The mission of Theatre is to encourage students to develop an appreciation for the fine arts, to discover individual talents, whether they are technical, design, or performance skill, and to understand how those skills can be used in an everyday setting. The All-School Play seeks to involve any current student who wishes to take part in theatre arts, even if they don't have time for theatre class during the regular school day. The All-School Play rehearses after school. Ms. Ami Nichols Hensley is the faculty sponsor.

Anime Club

The Animé Club offers a time and place where fans can get together and discuss Manga and Animation associated with the genre. Meetings are held each Tuesday and Thursday in the Assembly Center at 3:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. to discuss books, animation, games, and a sharing with friends who are Animé enthusiasts. Everyone is welcome to come and build friendships and/or to meet and make new friends. Faculty sponsor is Mr. Ian Rand.

BPA Business Professionals of America

This club is for students enrolled in any business course. The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills. Faculty sponsors are Mr. Stephen Parr and Ms. Patricia Jolly.

Chess Club

Chess Club is open to any student who plays or wants to learn how to play chess. Among other things, chess allows players to deepen focus, elevates creativity, improves memory and helps players develop perspective. Faculty sponsor is Ms. Catherine Schmutz.

CrimeStoppers

Po-Hi Crimes stoppers allows students to give information to help solve crimes while remaining anonymous. The Crime Stoppers program allows anyone to send tips by text or through email. It is simple, just text "PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637)". The Po Hi Crime Stoppers Board made up of a school administration representative, the School Resource Officer, along with student members meet once a month before school. There are four student board positions filled each year and all students are welcome to join. Patrolman Dakota Tomlinson is the School Resource Officer and the Faculty advisor is Ms. Molly Carter .

DECA

This organization is for students enrolled in any marketing education course. Members develop leadership skills, vocational understanding, civic consciousness, and social intelligence through activities and competition. The mission of DECA is to enhance the co-curricular education of students with interest in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. DECA helps students develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community service. Faculty sponsor is Ms. Heather Monks.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

The FCA is a community working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Sponsor is Ms. Wendy Landes.

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

The mission of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Science education. All students enrolled in a Family and Consumer Science class or the FCCLA Leadership MUST, are automatically FCCLA members. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for work, home and community. They learn cooperation, take responsibility, develop leadership, and give service. The faculty sponsor is Ms. Angela Buller.

Foreign Language Club

The Foreign Language Club is a group that promotes the understanding of foreign cultures. The club tries to include all of the foreign exchange students that are currently attending Po-Hi, so that other students can learn more about their countries and cultures. Activities primarily center on cultural events. Faculty sponsor is Mr. Brice M'Bolong and Ms. Molly Carter.

Future Farmers of America (FFA)

FFA is a club that allows students to learn about modern techniques in agriculture. The FFA students study everything from growing wheat to raising sheep. The Ponca City FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through Agricultural Education. Faculty sponsor is Mr. Kevin Frazier.

Key Club

This student service club offers teens an opportunity to develop leadership skills through community involvement, working with both children and adults toward a common goal, and experiencing the rewards and fulfillment that come when one helps make a difference. Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership. This club is sponsored by Kiwanis International. Faculty sponsor is Ms. Paige Marsh.

Kindness Committee

Kindness Committee is a student-run organization that aims to help students grow in compassion, both toward others and themselves. Sponsors are Mr. Relo Adams and Christa Goodal.

Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA)

GSA is a club whose goal is to unify all communities and knock down LGBT targeted bullying. We focus on LGBT rights and equality, raising awareness on issues related to LGBT people, and making LGBT youth feel safe and supported at school. The faculty sponsors are Ms. Paige Marsh and Mr. Ian Rand.

Math Club

The Math Club is focused on solving real life math problems, helping students prepare for ACT and other college-prep tests, and tutoring peers in all math classes. Faculty sponsors are Ms. Jill Klein and Ms. Kelsey Fortney.

National Honor Society (NHS)

The mission of National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. To be a member of the NHS, a student is nominated by the school based on their academic standing following the first semester of their junior year. The eligible student must then complete the selection process and have the approval of the NHS Faculty Council to become a member. Faculty sponsors are Mr. Eric Lansdowne-Peeples and Mr. Jacob Keely.

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)

National Technical Honor Society honors student achievement and leadership, promotes educational excellence and enhances career opportunities for technical students. NTHS provides recognition of the top achieving students in the Career Tech Classroom. This organization is for junior and senior students who are currently enrolled in a Career Tech class. Scholarship and local, state and national recognitions are available through this club. Ms. Heather Monks is the faculty sponsor.

Native American Heritage Club

The Native American Heritage club is focused on learning about and promoting Native American heritages. Faculty sponsor is Sara Bell.

Robotics

Robotics exists to inspire engineering in youth interested in academic excellence through a safe learning and working environment. The support of the community will be attained by developing successful students celebrating through Robotics Competitions while practicing good stewardship of our entrusted resources. The Robotics Teams provides a unique opportunity for students to learn firsthand the science and technology of making a multi-functional robot for competitions. The club offers technical and non-technical opportunities, such as mechanical and electrical design as well as web design and public relations. Students can earn a Robotics letter after two full years of participation, meeting letter requirements. The faculty sponsor is Mr. Derek Taylor.

Student Council

The students of Ponca City Senior High School have formed the Student Council in order to promote student/faculty relations; to institute and coordinate school-wide student activities; to improve school pride, morale, and spirit; to set a high standard of citizenship; and to establish an atmosphere of working school spirit and a democratic form of student government which will further the best interests of themselves and their school. Officers are elected by the entire student body; representatives are elected by each class. Elections for class representatives and officers are held in the spring for the following year. The at-large members are chosen by the council in August of the current year of service. Ms. Kwanzaa Bohnert and Ms. Molly Carter are the faculty sponsors.

Students Standing Strong (S3)

S3 looks to provide a Christian club for students to meet on campus and fellowship with one another. Sponsors are Mr. Derek Taylor and Ms. Jill Klein.

Symphony Orchestra

This organization is comprised of string musicians in grades 9-12 that are enrolled in orchestra during the school day. The woodwind, brass, and percussion members are selected through audition and must be enrolled in band. The mission of the Symphony Orchestra is to give string, woodwind, brass, and percussion student musicians the opportunity to have a full symphony orchestra experience not available during the regular school day. The highest level of musicianship is expected from each person in order to achieve the level of performance, as well as the quality of music, expected from our high school students. Ms. Paula Cochran is the faculty sponsor and director.

2M2L

(Too Much Too Lose)

This group meets to discuss the benefits of making good decisions. This organization helps students understand the consequences of their own decisions and decisions of others. The mission of 2M2L is to raise awareness about the problem of underage drinking and offer students an opportunity to positively influence their peers. Mr. Zac Murray and Officer Dakota Tomlinson are the faculty sponsors.

Youth Traffic Court

Established in 1953 by the city council, Youth Traffic Court promotes safe driving among Ponca City's high school students. The court presides much like the Municipal Court. Any students at Ponca City Senior High who are under 18 can take their citations to Youth Traffic Court. Students file for offices in the spring. Then the Student Council votes for the Youth Traffic Court officers for the following year. The faculty sponsor is Ms. Betsy Easley in connection with the Ponca City Police Department. Officer Dakota Tomlinson is the local police department sponsor.

Curricular Clubs and Organizations

Academic Team

The Academic Team uses their knowledge in academic subjects to compete in academic bowls, in tournaments and on the computer. Practices are after school. The purpose of the OSSAA Academic Bowl is to enhance the learning and intellectual pursuit of Oklahoma students. Faculty sponsor is Mr. Delwin Bartelt.

Band

The Po-Hi Band is an organization open to all students grades nine through twelve. Previous band experience is a plus but students without experience will be welcomed if they visit with Mr. DJ Rodriguez, the band director and faculty sponsor.

Baseball

This group is made up of freshman, sophomores, juniors, and senior boys that are split into three teams. This is an open sport based upon tryouts for summer baseball help in May each year. We play during the Spring and Summer months with workouts beginning in October and practices starting December 1 after school. Head coach is Mr. Grant Middlebrooks.

Basketball Boys

This team is open to sophomores, juniors and senior boys based on tryouts held each spring. Practice begins 7^th hour until finished. Summer events are required. You must be in good academic standing at the time of tryouts in order to participate in the tryout. Mr. Ivan McFarlin is the head boys' basketball coach.

Basketball 9th Grade Boys

This team is open to freshman boys based on tryouts held each spring. Practice begins 7^th hour until finished. Summer events are required. You must be in good academic standing at the time of tryouts in order to participate in the tryout. Mr. Ivan McFarlin is the head boys' basketball coach.

Basketball Girls

The team is open to girls in the 9^th through 12^th grade. Tryouts are held in May of each year and summer participation is required. The teams will practice during 7^th hour and after school. Mr. Jody Fincher is the head girls' basketball coach.

Cat Tale Yearbook Staff

The school yearbook is produced through the yearbook class and requires an application and advisor's approval to take the class. The mission of the Cat Tale yearbook staff is to create a record of each academic year at Ponca City. Faculty sponsor is Ms. Paige Marsh.

Cheerleading

Membership for Varsity and Freshman Cheerleading is based on the tryouts during the Spring. Summer practice is required. Varsity and competitive faculty sponsor is Ms. Amie Huster.

Chorale

This music organization is for student's grades ten through twelve by auditions held in the Spring. Advanced vocal and choral techniques are taught through rehearsal and performance of all styles of choral music. Students are required to attend all extra rehearsals and performances. Mr. Chad Keilman is the faculty sponsor and director.

Color Guard

This organization is open to only those who are members of the instrumental music department. Tryouts are held every April. The Flag Corps meets in conjunction with the marching band. Mr. DJ Rodriguez and Ms. Chesley Davis are the sponsors.

Cross Country

This team is for students grades 9^th through 12^th who like to jog. Cross Country is a fall semester sport and there are no tryouts for this team. Practice begins the first Monday in Practice during school is over at 4:30 pm or earlier and Cross Country meets are once a week. The head coach is Ms. Wendy Landes.

Football (Freshman)

Freshmen football is open to any 9^th grade student who wants to join the team. Practices will begin at 2:30 pm until finished. Summer activities will be offered for freshmen football players. Students must pass all courses and have an athletic physical to play football. Mr. Scott Harmon is the head football coach.

Football (Varsity)

Students in 10^th - 12^th grade will be eligible to be on the varsity football team. Practices will be in the afternoon from 2:30pm - 5:15pm. Attendance to summer activities is required to be a member of the varsity football team. Student must pass all courses and have an athletic physical to play football. Mr. Scott Harmon is the head football coach.

Po-Hi Steppers

This drill team organization is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and senior girls based on tryouts held each spring. Rehearsals are from 6:30 a.m. through 1st period. Summer rehearsals are required. Ms. Kristin Smith is the coach and faculty sponsor.

Soccer

A spring semester sport. Open to 9^th through 12^th grade girls and boys based on tryouts each spring (usually between the last week of April and the first week of May) and 1^st semester grades. Practices start in January and occur during 7^th hour and last until approximately 4 pm, there are several practice that occur over spring breaks (usually the latter half). TBD is the head coach and faculty advisor.

Softball

Girls' softball is open for girls 9^th through 12^th grades that are interested in being part of the softball program. Tryouts are held the last week of April every spring. Practices for the summer begin the second week of May, and continue throughout the month of June. Once school begins, practices will begin 7^thhour and last until after school. Practices and games will be held at Po-Hi Softball field behind West Middle School. For more information about the Softball program, contact head coach Ms. Jeneva Nelson-Burgess.

Swimming

Swimming is a winter sport open to boys and girls grades 9^th through 12^th. There are no tryouts for swimming and practice begins the first day of school at the YMCA. Ms. Heather Harris is the coach.

Tennis

Tennis is a spring sport for boys and girls grades 9^th through 12^th. There are no tryouts for tennis. Mr. Brad Larimer is the head coach.

Track

Track is a spring sport for boys and girls grades 9^th through 12^th. There are no tryouts for track. Practice begins second semester during 7^th hour and meets are typically held on Fridays from January through May. Boys' Track coach is Mr. Steve McHenry and the Girls' Track coach i Mr. Brad Parent.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fall semester sport for girls grades 9^th through 12^th. Tryouts are held the first week of May. Practice is all summer and games begin before school starts and the season lasts from August to the first week in October. Ms. Jennie Hinterreiter is the head coach.

Wrestling

The Wrestling team is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and senior boys. Wrestling offers year round training for the athletes involved. Practices start at 2:25 P.M. on weekdays. Holidays and weekend practices will be announced for regular season. Practices are a mandatory part of this organization as we are committed to team unity. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Justin Roland, the head coach of wrestling.

Ponca City High School

Student Clubs and Organizations