Due to overwhelming interest in school clubs, we are instituting a lottery registration system for 2nd semester of the 2021-22 school year. Further details will be sent out to all parents on November 1st.

How to Register for the Lottery and Select Club Preferences

Step-by-step instructions on how to register for the lottery (click ​here to download)

Questions? Contact Us

Please direct any questions to Barbara Hantke in our Business Office.

Monday

• All-Star Athletes Grades K-2
  Join Mr. Slayton for an afternoon of your favorite outdoor / indoor games and activities, particularly the ones that get you MOVING! You will get at least an hour's worth of physical activity and an opportunity to bond with fellow Pinewood students in an entertaining, athletic, and encouraging environment, one that stresses FUN over competition. Club Director: Andrew Slayton
   
• Chess Club Grades K-2 Outside Vendor
  Bay Area Chess combines fun and learning while promoting a team spirit where everyone helps each other succeed and improve. Our chess program will cover the very basics for new students to the game and we can challenge experienced players with more advanced concepts. Students will have the opportunity to learn the moves of the pieces, opening strategy, tactics, checkmates, and endgame play. Students will also learn valuable life skills through chess, such as winning and losing with grace, sportsmanship, planning, and team spirit. Our mission is to transform and enrich the lives of students through chess. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 36 students. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Course fee: $450. Click here to register!

Tuesday

• Chess Club Grades K-2 Outside Vendor
  Bay Area Chess combines fun and learning while promoting a team spirit where everyone helps each other succeed and improve. Our chess program will cover the very basics for new students to the game and we can challenge experienced players with more advanced concepts. Students will have the opportunity to learn the moves of the pieces, opening strategy, tactics, checkmates, and endgame play. Students will also learn valuable life skills through chess, such as winning and losing with grace, sportsmanship, planning, and team spirit. Our mission is to transform and enrich the lives of students through chess. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 36 students. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Course fee: $450. Click here to register!
   
• Creative Kids Grades 1-2 
  Come explore theatre games, storytelling, improv, dance, and puppet making. We will also learn about how some of these are done in different cultures around the world! Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 25 students. Club Director: Susie Danzig

 

Wednesday

• Choir Club Grades 1-2 
  Experience the joy of singing and performing together. The Lower Campus Choir club offers children the opportunity to grow musically by supporting each young student’s healthy vocal development through a comprehensive and balanced program. Come sing, dance, and play every Wednesday afternoon as we explore fun and diverse musical activities, slowly preparing ourselves for the Winter and Spring concerts with the choir from Middle Campus. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 34 students. Club Director: Debbie Ditton
   
• Creating with KIBO Grade K 
  Join Mrs. Andresen for an afternoon of robotics, engineering, coding, and creativity using a hands-on, screen free tool: KIBO! No reading skills required. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Julie Andresen
   
• Move & Groove Grades K-2
  This club is full of music and movement. We will warm up then have fun interactive physical games, and learn some basic dance moves. At the end of class we will work on choreography that will improve memorization and coordination skills. Students will also have the opportunity to contribute their own moves. We will create a music video on iMovie to share with friends and family. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Susie Danzig

 

Thursday

• Sports Skillz & Games Clinics Grades K-2 Outside Vendor 
  Mr. Slayton’s clinics focus on individual skill development and team play. Clinics will be held rain or shine from 3:10 pm to 4:45 pm. To register for these clinics, contact Mr. Slayton directly at aslayton@pinewood.edu. Note: Clinic must have 15 students to run. Club Director: Andrew Slayton
  • 1st Semester
    • Fall | Basketball | October 14-December 16 (8 sessions)
  • 2nd Semester
    • Winter | Yoga, Running, Throwing, Catching, Kicking & more! | January 6-March 3 (7 sessions)
    • Spring | Kickball, Baseball, Cricket | March 17-May 12 (8 sessions)
       
• Creating with KIBO Grade K 
  Join Mrs. Andresen for an afternoon of robotics, engineering, coding, and creativity using a hands-on, screen free tool: KIBO! No reading skills required. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Julie Andresen
   
• Move & Groove Grades K-2
  This club is full of music and movement. We will warm up then have fun interactive physical games, and learn some basic dance moves. At the end of class we will work on choreography that will improve memorization and coordination skills. Students will also have the opportunity to contribute their own moves. We will create a music video on iMovie to share with friends and family. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Susie Danzig

Friday

• Sports Skillz & Games Clinics Grades K-2 Outside Vendor 
  Mr. Slayton’s clinics focus on individual skill development and team play. Clinics will be held rain or shine from 3:10 pm to 4:45 pm. To register for these clinics, contact Mr. Slayton directly at aslayton@pinewood.edu. Note: Clinic must have 15 students to run. Club Director: Andrew Slayton
  • 1st Semester
    • Fall | Soccer Hockey | October 15-December 17 (8 sessions)
  • 2nd Semester
    • Winter | Yoga, Running, Throwing, Catching, Kicking & more! | January 7-March 4 (7 sessions)
    • Spring | Tennis, Volleyball, Frisbee, Spikeball | March 18-May 13 (8 sessions)
       
• STEM Basics with LEGO® Grades K-2 Outside Vendor
  Join Brick Tech as we introduce your child to STEM basics by building guided projects out of LEGO® pieces! Each LEGO® project will showcase relevant STEM concepts, such as a motorized car to discuss gear drives or a house with bricks to introduce overlapping construction, fostering hands-on learning for participants. One project will be introduced each day of class and students will have the remaining time to build, discover, and learn with additional LEGO® pieces. Come explore the basics of STEM this fall with Brick Tech! Course fee: $392. Click here to register!

Before-/After-School Clubs

Session Dates and Times

• Clubs begin the first week of school and end one week prior to the last day of school.
• After-school clubs are in session from 3:30-4:45 pm.
• Children will be signed into after-school supervision at 5:00 pm.

Club Fees - 2nd Semester

• Club fees for the semester will be $470 PER CLUB (Band is $282).
• All Pinewood club fees will automatically be billed to a family's FACTS account.
• Outside vendors charge their own fees and payment is made directly to that vendor.
• If a student enrolls in a club at any time during the semester, the full semester fee will be due and payable.

Lottery Registration and Club Requests | NEW!

• Due to overwhelming response during our previous clubs' registration, we have decided to implement an automated lottery system to determine enrollment in Pinewood clubs for the 2nd semester.
• A lottery registration form is required if a student wishes to participate in any 2nd semester club.
• Information on the lottery registration / club request process will be emailed to all K-6 families in early November.
• All club requests must now be completed through the lottery registration form. Therefore, club enrollments will NOT carry over from the previous semester.
• Registration is NOT required for after-school supervision or extra-curricular activities.

Outside Vendors: Clubs, Clinics, & Workshops

• Outside vendors will NOT be part of the lottery process.
• Online registration for all outside vendor clubs will take place in November via a link on Pinewood's website.
• Vendors charge their own fees and payment is made directly to the vendor.

Refund Policy

• There are no refunds of club fees on or after November 30th, and fees paid for any 2nd semester club MAY NOT be:
  • applied to any other 2nd semester club enrollment OR
  • applied to any future club enrollment OR
  • transferred to a sibling OR
  • reclassified as a donation to the school.
• Pro-rated refunds are NOT available at any time on or after November 30th.
• If a student's club enrollment ends at ANY TIME during the semester, the total semester fee, or any portion of the fee, will not be refunded.

Cancellation Policy

• If a student decides to withdraw from a club, an online Cancellation Form must be submitted no later than midnight on November 29th.
• For EACH club that is cancelled on or after November 19th but no later than November 29th, a $50 cancellation fee, PER club, will be assessed.
• All cancellations must be submitted online. Cancellations will NOT be accepted by email, telephone, or voicemail message.
• Cancellation for a club, clinic, or workshop that is offered by an outside vendor must be processed by that vendor.

Session Dates and Times

• After-school supervision begins on the first day of school and ends one day prior to the last day of school.
• After-school supervision is available Monday through Friday from 3:45pm-5:30pm.
• Lower Campus and Middle Campus both open at 8:00am and close at 5:30pm.

Payment Policies

• Fees will be billed the following month through FACTS:
  • $10.00 - dismissal until 4:00pm
  • $25.00 - 3:45pm until 5:30pm
  • $10.00 - 5:00pm until 5:30pm (after clubs)
  • After 5:30pm charges are $1.00 per minute

Registration

• Registration is not required for after-school supervision.
• Some students are in after-school supervision on a regular basis, however a drop-in option is available.
• Any student enrolled in a Pinewood after-school club or a vendor workshop/class may also attend supervision until 5:30pm.

Community Service (K-2)

Community service helps broaden a student’s awareness of families in need and provides opportunities for students to help meet those needs. Lower and Middle Campus families participate in a variety of activities during the academic year. Participation in these programs is strictly voluntary.

Due to overwhelming interest in school clubs, we are instituting a lottery registration system for 2nd semester of the 2021-22 school year. Further details will be sent out to all parents on November 1st.

How to Register for the Lottery and Select Club Preferences

Step-by-step instructions on how to register for the lottery (click ​here to download)

Questions? Contact Us

Please direct any questions to Barbara Hantke in our Business Office.

Monday

• After-School Sports Grades 3-6 
  Are you interested in a cool after-school club with your friends? If you are, After-School Fun is just for you! This club offers a pressure-free environment where you can play your favorite P.E games with students from all grade levels. Whether you are a sports fanatic or just enjoy being outside, this fun and exciting club will offer an afternoon of games and enjoyment. Come join us, where the best part about the game is just playing! Club Director: Ria Walker

• Maker Club Grades 3-4 
  Design, Engineer, Prototype, Create, and Tinker away in Pinewood’s iMaginarium Maker Lab. This club will focus on a new build project and design theme every two months. We will utilize all of the tools at our disposal as well as our imaginations to create something amazing from scratch. Students will learn about the design process, skills surrounding tool use, and concepts in science, technology, and engineering. We may also take part in outside events and competitions, including the Cardboard Challenge in October, and The Tech Challenge in April. Note: A separate materials fee will be required with each bi-monthly theme. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Will Rees

• Problem Solving Club Grades 5-6
  Present and future problem solvers of America, we NEED you. In this club you  will choose one of twenty global challenges such as global warming, deforestation, drought and water supply and research those global problems but then also research how that problem affects us locally with the task of identifying and planning local solutions that can be applied on campus and in our communities. There will potentially be a collaboration opportunity with other schools around the world, such as my old school, the International School of Duesseldorf, Germany, in which we learn about how these problems are affecting their communities and can see what kinds of solutions they arrive at. We will also reach out to and research State and local government officials to see what they are doing to help solve these problems. Note: enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: John Swift

 

Tuesday

• Before School - Pinewood Children's Choir Grades 3-6
  The Pinewood Choir is back!  Sing with your friends and perform in the big fall and spring concerts. In The Pinewood Choir students learn how to sing with their beautiful voices and work together to create an amazing musical experience. Students are required to attend both Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  Let your talents shine! Club Director: Justin Janer
   
• Tech Challenge Grades 5-6 Outside Vendor
  This club is reserved for students in grades five and six who are taking part in the Tech Challenge Design/Engineering competition. Participating teams will need to formally apply for the event and select an outside advisor (parent) who can help manage any extra curricular aspects of the competition. The bulk of the work will take place during club time, where teams will work from January - April to design and build a solution to the annual challenge. This year the challenge has to do with turning kinetic energy into sound. There will be an information session for parents and students in the Fall. Note: In addition to the normal club fee, there will be an additional materials fee for items purchased to build projects. This fee usually runs between $80-120/child depending on team size and project scope. This club is not subject to the selection lottery. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Will Rees. Click here to apply. More information, including the application process, will be available at the Zoom meeting on Friday, November 5th. 
   
• WeDO 2.0 Grades 3-4 Outside Vendor
  Do you like LEGO? Would you like to program your own LEGO creations? If you answered yes then this is the class for you. Come join us in this new class from Brick Tech to learn, program, and build at the same time. This course will use the LEGO WeDo 2.0 system to help gain a better understanding of programming. Course fee: $528. Click here to register!

Wednesday

• Before School - The Pinewood Band Grades 3-6 

  Join The Pinewood Band and have fun making music with your friends! We will learn how to play many great songs and explore all the exciting instruments in the music room. One of the great things is that we will be performing at the fall and spring concerts! The Pinewood Band is open to musicians of all skill levels.  No prior musical instrument experience is required. Let’s jam! Club Director: Justin Janer  

• Drama Club Grades 3-6 
  Calling all actors and actresses! Do you love the spotlight? Do you wish your drama class lasted all year long? Then join your fellow drama lovers each Wednesday afternoon with Ms. Post in the theater! Club members will play games, practice scenes and songs, learn about the technical aspects of theater and of course they will choose, rehearse, and perform a show for their friends and family at the end of the year. This is a wonderful club for students who love to perform as well as those who are hoping to gain more confidence and stage presence. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 35 students. Club Director: Lauren Post

• French Club Grades 3-6
  Bonjour et bienvenue! Good day and welcome to the Middle Campus French Club! Come join us as we learn some of the French language, travel through some of the French speaking countries, learn about French culture, and try some fabulous French food! Seasoned French Club students will learn more of the language and help lead games and activities. In addition, we will learn about the artists, architecture, and museums that make France the number one tourist destination! Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 12 students. Club Director: Michele Golder

Thursday

• Before School - Pinewood Children's Choir Grades 3-6 
  The Pinewood Choir is back!  Sing with your friends and perform in the big fall and spring concerts. In The Pinewood Choir students learn how to sing with their beautiful voices and work together to create an amazing musical experience.  Let your talents shine! Students are required to attend both Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Club Director: Justin Janer

• Gardening Club Grades 3-6 
  Students will explore plants and animals that live and grow in the garden.  We will create various themed gardens including a pizza garden, flower garden, and even a salsa garden. Students will learn about planting, harvesting, and worm composting and will be able to cook and eat some of their own produce. Club Director: Sarah Haun
   
• Rubik's Cube Club Grades 3-6 
  Have you ever wanted to learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube, but had no idea where to begin? Then this is the club for you! In this club, students will learn how to solve a standard 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube by completing each of the steps in the "Beginner’s Method”. Students will also receive their very own Rubik’s cube and solution guide to take home. Once they master the solution, students will be introduced to more complicated (and more efficient) solving methods. Advanced students may even try larger, more complicated cubes like the 4x4x4 Rubik’s Revenge Cube, the 5x5x5 Professor Cube, or the 12-sided Megaminx dodecahedron puzzle. Students will also eventually participate in Cube Mosaics by putting several cubes together to make dazzling artwork. No cube-solving experience is necessary. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Paul Zmuda
   
• Technical Theater Club Grades 3-6 
  Ms. Post, our Middle Campus Drama Director, is excited to offer a club for those students who are interested in learning about all aspects of what it takes to put on a show from a technical theater standpoint. Club members will learn to design props and sets for all of the musical productions at our Middle Campus (10 shows) as well as learning to run the light and soundboard. This club is perfect for those students who are creative and interested in all that goes on behind the scenes of a show. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Lauren Post

 

Friday

• Move & Groove Grades 3-6 
  This club is full of music and movement. We will warm up then have fun interactive physical games, and learn some basic dance moves. At the end of class we will work on choreography that will improve memorization and coordination skills. Students will also have the opportunity to contribute their own moves. We will create a music video on iMovie to share with friends and family. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 20 students. Club Director: Susie Danzig
   
• Awesome Authors and Artists Grades 4-6 Outside Vendor
  Various genres of creative writing will be explored in a fun environment.  Individual, partner, and group projects will be completed as we work hard, and have fun doing projects to take pride in.  Our session will end with a Publishing Party, where students will receive a portfolio of all of their projects. Click here to learn more! Email Laura Huff directly to register.

• Chess Club Grades 3-6 Outside Vendor
  Bay Area Chess combines fun and learning while promoting a team spirit where everyone helps each other succeed and improve. Our chess program will cover the very basics for new students to the game and we can challenge experienced players with more advanced concepts. Students will have the opportunity to learn the moves of the pieces, opening strategy, tactics, checkmates, and endgame play. Students will also learn valuable life skills through chess, such as winning and losing with grace, sportsmanship, planning, and team spirit. Our mission is to transform and enrich the lives of students through chess. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Note: Enrollment is limited to the first 36 students. Registration and fees are handled directly by Bay Area Chess. Course fee: $435. Click here to register!

 

Before-/After-School Clubs

Session Dates and Times

• Clubs begin the first week of school and end one week prior to the last day of school.
• After-school clubs are in session from 3:30-4:45 pm.
• Children will be signed into after-school supervision at 5:00 pm.

Club Fees - 2nd Semester

• Club fees for the semester will be $470 PER CLUB (Band is $282).
• All Pinewood club fees will automatically be billed to a family's FACTS account.
• Outside vendors charge their own fees and payment is made directly to that vendor.
• If a student enrolls in a club at any time during the semester, the full semester fee will be due and payable.

Lottery Registration and Club Requests | NEW!

• Due to overwhelming response during our previous clubs' registration, we have decided to implement an automated lottery system to determine enrollment in Pinewood clubs for the 2nd semester.
• A lottery registration form is required if a student wishes to participate in any 2nd semester club.
• Information on the lottery registration / club request process will be emailed to all K-6 families in early November.
• All club requests must now be completed through the lottery registration form. Therefore, club enrollments will NOT carry over from the previous semester.
• Registration is NOT required for after-school supervision or extra-curricular activities.

Outside Vendors: Clubs, Clinics, & Workshops

• Outside vendors will NOT be part of the lottery process.
• Online registration for all outside vendor clubs will take place in November via a link on Pinewood's website.
• Vendors charge their own fees and payment is made directly to the vendor.

Refund Policy

• There are no refunds of club fees on or after November 30th, and fees paid for any 2nd semester club MAY NOT be:
  • applied to any other 2nd semester club enrollment OR
  • applied to any future club enrollment OR
  • transferred to a sibling OR
  • reclassified as a donation to the school.
• Pro-rated refunds are NOT available at any time on or after November 30th.
• If a student's club enrollment ends at ANY TIME during the semester, the total semester fee, or any portion of the fee, will not be refunded.

Cancellation Policy

• If a student decides to withdraw from a club, an online Cancellation Form must be submitted no later than midnight on November 29th.
• For EACH club that is cancelled on or after November 19th but no later than November 29th, a $50 cancellation fee, PER club, will be assessed.
• All cancellations must be submitted online. Cancellations will NOT be accepted by email, telephone, or voicemail message.
• Cancellation for a club, clinic, or workshop that is offered by an outside vendor must be processed by that vendor.

Session Dates and Times

• After-school supervision begins on the first day of school and ends one day prior to the last day of school.
• After-school supervision is available Monday through Friday from 3:45pm-5:30pm.
• Lower Campus and Middle Campus both open at 8:00am and close at 5:30pm.

Payment Policies

• Fees will be billed the following month through FACTS:
  • $10.00 - dismissal until 4:00pm
  • $25.00 - 3:45pm until 5:30pm
  • $10.00 - 5:00pm until 5:30pm (after clubs)
  • After 5:30pm charges are $1.00 per minute

Registration

• Registration is not required for after-school supervision.
• Some students are in after-school supervision on a regular basis, however a drop-in option is available.
• Any student enrolled in a Pinewood after-school club or a vendor workshop/class may also attend supervision until 5:30pm.

Community Service (3-6)

Community service helps broaden a student’s awareness of families in need and provides opportunities to help meet those needs. Middle Campus students organize and conduct community service projects during the academic year. Participation in these programs is strictly voluntary.

Environmental Club (3-6)

Come join us as we brainstorm fun and creative ways to help save the planet! The Friday lunch meetings will include planning for environmentally friendly practices at Pinewood including recycling initiatives, endangered animals awareness and sponsorship, Earth Day activities and more.

Guitar Club (3-6)

You are invited to guitar club on Mondays during lunch recess! Students will learn the open chords as well as proper strumming and picking techniques, all while learning to play and sing fun folk and popular songs.A child-sized acoustic (nylon-stringed) guitar is recommended. This club is free, but space is limited and weekly participation is required. For more information, please contact Lauren Post.

Intramurals (3-6)

Intramurals is a very simple, yet fun activity that helps develop the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. At the beginning of each semester, the sixth grade team captains select players from among the entire student body and include participants from every grade level. Throughout the term a variety of games are chosen as the teams compete against each other during the lunch recess. Towards the end of the semester, campus playoffs are held as teams vie for the league championship. Though this is a voluntary activity, over 80% of the student body participates each term.

Nature Bridge - Yosemite (6)

The Nature Bridge environmental science program in Yosemite National Park offers our 6th grade students the opportunity to learn hands-on science in one of the world’s most stunning geologic wonders. This residential outdoor science program is led by experienced educators. Students will hike through the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite, explore ancient groves of giant sequoias, and challenge themselves to reach the tops of waterfalls. Students will explore the geologic history of the Sierra Nevada; engage in field research projects, such as macroinvertebrate biomonitoring; and discover how the environment has supported humans, from the early Miwok to the present. Students will be empowered to see how their actions impact their community and the world around them through service learning projects, such as removing invasive species that threaten biodiversity in the Park. Finally, students will connect with one another and form long-lasting bonds with their classmates which will carry them through their 6th grade year and beyond.

Organization Club (6)

Are you a sixth grader who likes fun, colorful school supplies and personalizing your planner? Are you in need of a little help in wrangling all of your books and papers? Are you an organization buff who wants to share your expertise with others? Each Thursday during lunch/lunch recess, Organization Club members meet to practice building valuable planning habits and study skills while working together to stay organized. Bring your lunch and your friends, and get ready to take down that mountain in your take-home folder once and for all!

Paw Prints, Middle Campus Newspaper (3-6)

Ever wonder how the Pinewood Newspaper gets printed? Who takes all the photos? How do they find the articles? Join the Pinewood Newspaper staff and find out for yourself! Have a blast conducting interviews around campus, "getting the scoop" at athletic events, and finding jokes and recipes to include in the monthly issue. Feel the thrill of seeing your face on the front page of the school paper, all the while improving your writing skills. Weekly staff meetings are held every first and third Tuesday during lunch recess.

Science Fair (3-6)

The science fair is held each year and is optional for students in the third through fifth grades. Students in sixth grade are required to enter a project, but may work with a partner. All entries will cover either research and presentation of a scientific topic or demonstration of a scientific experiment.

Student Leadership Council (3-6)

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) consists of students who have been elected by their peers. The SLC focuses on developing leadership skills, organizing school activities, and creating community service opportunities. Weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays during lunch/lunch recess.

Student Hosts for Student Guests (3-6)

Pinewood students must be recommended by a member of the faculty in order to serve as hosts for visiting students. Student hosts will be given their responsibilities for the day prior to their guests arrival.

Westward Adventure (4)

An overnight field trip to Sacramento and the Gold Country. Our students will spend two days immersing themselves in the lives of the pioneers; learning why people migrated to California and experiencing the struggles they faced. Students will spend one night in tents along the American River, tour Sutter’s Fort, and visit the Railroad Museum in Sacramento.

 

Monday

• Debate Club** Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:45 pm

  Debate is coming to Pinewood! The Debate Club is focused on improving students' public speaking skills and understanding of current events. Tournaments are available for those who wish to compete. Learn more about debate at Pinewood>> Director: Adam Fagel

• Book Club**
  Pinewood's book club offers the chance to read and discuss books just for fun in a low-pressure atmosphere. Students select a title outside of the prescribed school curriculum and meet on a monthly basis for an enriching discussion over yummy snacks. Recent selections have included Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, and Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis. In addition, we interact with the content on a deeper level by exploring relevant world issues related to the book we are reading; for example, one of last year’s picks, Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down, opened up a discussion about gang violence amongst teens in America. True to the belief that literature is, and should be, a shared experience, the group also holds fundraisers, such as the used book drive in partnership with the African Library Project, and goes on field trips, including last year’s excursion to see the movie version of Ready Player One. Come read with us! Club Advisor: Holly Phillips
   

Wednesday

• Debate Club** Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:45 pm
  Debate is coming to Pinewood! The Debate Club is focused on improving students' public speaking skills and understanding of current events. Tournaments are available for those who wish to compete. Learn more about debate at Pinewood>> Director: Adam Fagel 
   

Thursday

• Junior Music Explorers Thursdays from 3:15-4:45 pm
  As a bridge between the music class in Middle Campus and the music electives in High School, 7th and 8th grade musicians who play any instrument can join the weekly Junior Music Explorers to explore music in a fun group setting. A faculty advisor will guide the students through selecting pieces to explore, how to arrange them for the group’s instruments, and how to bring them to life as a self-directed ensemble. Although there will be informal performances, emphasis will be placed on understanding the music and how to play as a group, with portions of the pieces containing improvisation. We'll have fun, rock out, and all become better, more well-rounded musicians. Note: Students will not be taught how to play their instrument, so at least a year of studious experience or equivalent ability is strongly recommended. Club Advisor: Will Rees
   

Friday

• Junior High Choir Fridays before school at 7:00 am

  Junior High Chorus is open to all interested students. The choir rehearses once a week and performs publicly several times during the year, at California's Great America Festival of Music and for 8th Grade Graduation. Fun and serious pieces, from very old works to very new, comprise the group’s repertoire. Through practice and dedication the shy and the seasoned singer achieve proficiency. Club Advisor: Jessica Orr
   

Other

• Junior High Yearbook Once a week during lunch
  Yearbook club provides junior high students with the opportunity to assist in the yearbook's photography and design. Students will get to work with their friends in documenting the school year's activities and compiling them together to create a tangible memory of the entire year to share with their classmates.

Clubs meet on designated days at lunch, unless otherwise noted.

 

Monday

• Competitive Debate Team Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm
  Debate is coming to Pinewood! The Debate Team is focused on improving students' public speaking skills and understanding of current events. Tournaments are available for those who wish to compete. Learn more about debate at Pinewood>> Director: Adam Fagel
• Book Club**
  Pinewood's book club offers the chance to read and discuss books just for fun in a low-pressure atmosphere. Students select a title outside of the prescribed school curriculum and meet on a monthly basis for an enriching discussion over yummy snacks. Recent selections have included Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, and Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis. In addition, we interact with the content on a deeper level by exploring relevant world issues related to the book we are reading; for example, one of last year’s picks, Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down, opened up a discussion about gang violence amongst teens in America. True to the belief that literature is, and should be, a shared experience, the group also holds fundraisers, such as the used book drive in partnership with the African Library Project, and goes on field trips, including last year’s excursion to see the movie version of Ready Player One. Come read with us! Club Advisor: Holly Phillips
   
• Creative Writing Club**
  Pinewood's creative writing club aims to create a space where the process of writing matters more than the finished product, where ‘it was fun making this!’ triumphs over ‘my final draft is perfect.’ For those who might care about both, we provide focused workshops in character building, plot pacing, and other elements of writing. We do most of our writing during club meetings, rather than requiring members to do work at home, and try to keep writing as fun and stress-free as possible. As a community, we also learn from each other: we host group editing sessions where everyone can share and discuss their pieces, and we run a monthly intercampus workshop where we mentor budding Middle Campus writers. Club Advisor: Sabrina Strand
   
• Technology Club** 
  The goal of the Technology Club is to prepare students to meet the challenges of the technology-rich 21st century. Members use science, technology, engineering, and computing skills to devise solutions to the problems facing their communities and the environment. All members have the opportunity to participate in National and International contests. Members form teams and work with their advisor or mentor to develop a real life solution to the contest challenge. The club meets weekly during the school year and after school for certain months, depending on the contest. Club Advisor: Haggai Mark

 

Wednesday

• Competitive Debate Team Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm
  Debate is coming to Pinewood! The Debate Team is focused on improving students' public speaking skills and understanding of current events. Tournaments are available for those who wish to compete. Learn more about debate at Pinewood>> Director: Adam Fagel
   
• Robotics Club After School
  Robotics is a student-run organization where the first semester is spent learning about robotics, electronics, and programing, and the second semester is spent designing and building a robot and using it to compete. Students begin by building simple robots and discovering various aspects of robotics and how robotics relates to real life problems. By the end of the year students will have built a robot from scratch that will be able to solve a specific problem or navigate through a specific course. Club Advisors: Larry Mendoza

 

Friday

• Pinewood Serving Learning Club**
  Interact, a nationwide service organization affiliated with Rotary International, gives students the opportunity to serve their community in an organized and coordinated manner. Club members participate in activities that benefit the school, the community, and the environment. Interact meets twice a month on Fridays, alternating with the Health Science Club. Club Advisor: Monica Ventrice
   
• Health Science Club
  The aim of the Health Science Club is to provide a space for Pinewood students to pursue interests in a science/medical-oriented career. The club often has guest speakers from the science field come in to talk (this includes doctors, engineers, Pinewood alumni, etc.), learns basic first aid skills such as CPR, reads a medical book as a group, attends a science convention/museum as a field trip, has a science/medicine theme for each meeting where they discuss different issues that students would otherwise not have exposure to, watches related documentaries/movies, and fundraises to support the health of developing countries. The Health Science Club meets twice a month on Fridays, alternating with the Interact Club. Club Advisor: Kim Hudson
   
• Green Coalition**
  The Green Coalition is a group of students and teachers who are passionate about the environment and want to make Pinewood and the surrounding community more green. We look for ways to increase sustainability on campus, involve community members, and participate in community service. In our first year, we raised money for the World Wildlife Fund, hosted a succulent-plant station at Jamboree, bought reusable silverware for the faculty, phased out the 8 oz single-use plastic water bottles previously offered at lunch service, planted a native-plant garden, and increased the amount of recycling bins on campus. The Green Coalition is open to all students and faculty on Upper Campus and meets every other Friday at lunch. Club Advisor: Monica Ventrice
   
• Robotics Club After School
  Robotics is a student-run organization where the first semester is spent learning about robotics, electronics, and programing, and the second semester is spent designing and building a robot and using it to compete. Students begin by building simple robots and discovering various aspects of robotics and how robotics relates to real life problems. By the end of the year students will have built a robot from scratch that will be able to solve a specific problem or navigate through a specific course. Club Advisors: Larry Mendoza

 

Other

• Pinewood Literary Magazine, Tabula Rasa** Sporadic meetings
  Tabula Rasa is a student-produced publication that showcases the writing and artistic talents of Upper Campus students. It is published at least once each school year. Club Advisors: Sabrina Strand and David Wells

The following extracurricular activities are considered graded classes and are part of a student's weekly schedule for the term (with the exception of Drama / Musical Theater).

Journalism

The Pinewood newspaper, The Perennial, gives all interested students firsthand experience in the production and circulation of a monthly newspaper. Emphasis is placed on news, editorial, feature and sports writing. Reporters are responsible for researching, interviewing and writing the final copy of stories assigned to them. Students also have opportunities to learn layout, design, editing skills, circulation management, photography and computer graphics. Contact: Kim Wetzel

Pinewood Singers

The Pinewood Singers are a mixed voice ensemble of high school men and 11th/12th grade women. Focus is on building good vocal technique and musicianship skills to build a unified choral sound and create dynamic and musically sensitive performances. The group performs a wide range of music in many different styles and languages. They participate in Disney’s Magic Music Days every other year, rotating with an international touring opportunity. Past tours include: Vienna and Prague (2017), Paris and Bruges (2015); Frascati/Rome Choral Festival at the Vatican (2013); London International Choral Festival (2011) and Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City (2011). Contact: Katie Linza

Technical Theater

Technical Theater gives students a hands-on opportunity to be involved with the creative and technical elements of theater production including, but not limited to: scene design, construction, painting, and lighting and sound design. “Techies” work from concept to creation on at least four shows per semester. Students may be asked to work during the shows as house manager, backstage as stage manager or crew member, or board operator in the sound and lighting booth. Contact: Doug Eivers

Women’s Chorus

The Women’s Chorus is a choral ensemble consisting of 9th and 10th grade women. The group performs a wide range of music in many different styles and languages. Women's Chorus focuses on building good vocal technique and musicianship skills to build a unified choral sound and create dynamic and musically sensitive performances. Women’s Chorus will also prepare singers to join the Pinewood Singers as 11th and 12th graders. This group participates in Disney’s Magic Music Days every other year, rotating with an international touring opportunity. Past tours include: Vienna and Prague (2017), Paris and Bruges (2015); Frascati/Rome Choral Festival at the Vatican (2013); London International Choral Festival (2011) and Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City (2011). Contact: Katie Linza

Drama / Musical Theatre

High school students present two productions during the year—a play in the fall and a musical in the spring. All interested students will be asked to audition for the director and will be cast accordingly. Each production runs nine to sixteen weeks, with rehearsals held primarily after school. Rehearsals will culminate in a run of fully produced performances open to the public. Note: This activity is not included as part of a student's weekly schedule and is taken for a "Pass" credit. Contact: Katie Linza or Doug Eivers

Yearbook

Yearbook staff members learn the skills involved in putting together a yearbook or similar publication by utilizing computer applications for design, layout, computer graphic presentation, cropping, copy writing, editing and photography. Members of the editorial staff are also responsible for training new students in order to perpetuate a talented and skilled staff. Contact: Kyle Riches

National Honor Society

Membership in the Pinewood Chapter of the National Honor Society is open to selected seniors who show a commitment to academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. In addition to these qualities, and to be eligible for membership, students must have a cumulative 3.85 GPA by end of junior year, complete an application, and be approved by select members of the Pinewood faculty.

English Honor Society

The English Honor Society recognizes seniors who demonstrate excellence and intellectual curiosity in the fields of literature and writing. Requirements include a B+ average or above in the department's AP and Honors courses, consistent academic integrity and attendance records, and endorsement by members of the English Department. Responsibilities include attending meetings, volunteering for at least five hours per year in English Workshop, and helping the English Department with special occasions.

French Honor Society

The French Honor Society is an honorary group of French 2–5 students with high achievement in their French classes. Students meet on a periodic basis and are involved in various cultural activities including weekend museum visits, music events, luncheons, and theater attendance. Members are required to serve as assistants in World Language workshop, attend all meetings, and participate in at least one activity per semester.

Spanish Honor Society

The Spanish Honor Society is a Pinewood-affiliated organization open to juniors and seniors in Spanish 3-5 AP. Students are recommended by their teachers for demonstrating a passion for the Spanish language and culture and having a record of high achievement in their courses. Students attend meetings once per semester, participate in a variety of cultural activities on and off campus, and complete five hours of service.

Art Honor Society

The Art Honor Society is an honorary group of high school students who have completed four semesters of Studio Art with an “A-” or better and received the recommendation of an art faculty member. Art Honor Society members volunteer five hours of art-related service and participate in various art shows throughout the year.

Math Honor Society

The Math Honor Society is comprised of students who have taken, or are currently enrolled in, Calculus, AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, and that have performed with outstanding academic achievement through- out their mathematics courses. The students of the Math Honor Society are responsible for the planning and presentation of Pinewood’s annual Pi-Day event.

Science Honor Society

The Science Honor Society recognizes juniors and seniors who have shown exemplary achievement in at least two years of physics, chemistry, and biology and who have been recommended by two of their science teachers.

Student Leadership Committee (9-12)

SLC (Student Leadership Committee) officers, class officers, class advisors, and the activity advisor make up the Student Council. The council is responsible for scheduling and organizing assemblies, rallies, dances, special sporting and social events, and other activities. Elections for SLC, senior, junior, and sophomore class officers are held in the spring. Freshman student council members are elected in the fall. All officers must maintain a 3.0 GPA and set a positive example for fellow students. Faculty Advisor: Jackee Bruno.

Jr High School (7-8)

Working closely with their faculty advisor, the Junior High Student Council organizes, plans and implements service projects, 7th and 8th grade dances, and participation in school spirit activities. Faculty Advisor: Elaina Tyson.