Clubs + Extracurriculars

Before-/After-School Clubs (sponsored by Pinewood School)

Session Dates and Times

• Clubs begin the first week of school and end two weeks prior to the last day of school.
• After-school clubs are in session from 3:30pm-4:45pm.
• Middle Campus only: Before-school clubs are in session before the first class of the day.

Payment Policies

• Club fees ($90/month per club) will be billed monthly, in advance.
• If a student enrolls in a club mid-month, the full monthly fee will be due and payable.
• If a student's club enrollment ends mid-month, the full monthly fee will be due and payable.
• Pro-rated refunds of club fees are not available.
• If you wish to cancel your student's club enrollment, an online cancellation form must be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to non-enrollment. If the online cancellation form is not received by the deadline, the full monthly club fee will be due and payable.

Registration/Cancellation

• Pinewood-sponsored club enrollments/cancellations must be made online: no exceptions.
• If you wish to cancel your student's club enrollment, an online cancellation form must be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to non-enrollment. If the online cancellation form is not received by the deadline, the full monthly club fee will be due and payable.
• Registration is not required for after-school supervision or extra-curricular activities.

After-School Workshops/Classes (outside vendors)

Session Dates and Times

• Workshops/Classes typically begin the first week of school and end dates vary by vendor.
• Workshops/Classes are typically in session from 3:30pm-4:45pm.

Payment Policies/Registration/Cancellation

• All workshop/class fees are paid directly to the vendor.
• A registration form can be accessed via a link in each workshop/class description.
• All enrollments and registration confirmations are the responsibility of the vendor.
• If you wish to cancel your student's enrollment, please email the vendor.

• All Star Sports (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.
• Crafty Crafters Club (1-2) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  Children love to create things with their own hands. Join us in making all sorts of fun, artsy projects from around the world in a creative atmosphere. Some of the projects include making bracelets, mosaics, mobiles, pencil toppers, stuffed snowmen, finger knitting, and tie dying, just to name a few. Students will explore, experience, create, and enjoy! Note: Enrollment is limited to the first (24) students. Club Director: Ann Braunstein.

Tuesday

• Chess Club (K-2)
  Click here for additional information and to access the registration form. Fees are paid directly to this vendor. Please direct any questions you have to Bay Area Chess.
• Remarkable Writers Workshops (1-2) Note: the first meeting is August 29th
  During this workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of story writing, poetry, responding to imaginative writing prompts, and more! Children will be exposed to different styles of writing and will have the opportunity to develop their own inner author. Throughout the workshop, students will create projects with an artistic piece to accompany it. Projects will develop writing skills, foster creative minds, and enhance artistic abilities. At the end of the workshop, children will have a completed portfolio of their creative writing. Note: Enrollment is limited to ten (10) students. Club Director: Sarah Slayton.
  • Session #1 - Eight (8) sessions from August 29th-October 17th
  • Session #2 - Eight (8) sessions from March 20th-May 15th (no class on April 3rd)
  • Workshop fee is $325.
  • To register for this workshop, email Mrs. Slayton directly.
• Rockin' Readers Workshop (1-2)
  We will explore and discuss different literary genres and authors. Students will become comfortable discussing literature, making inferences and using text to support their views. Children will be exposed to different styles of writing and will have the opportunity to develop their own inner author. Each month, a creative writing project will accompany the genre we are discussing. Projects may enhance their writing skills, creative minds and artistic abilities. Some of the genres will include adventure, mystery, non-fiction and biography. Note: Enrollment is limited to ten (10) students. Club Director: Sarah Slayton.
  • Eight (8) sessions from October 24th-December 19th (no class on November 21st)
  • Workshop fee is $325.
  • To register for this workshop, email Mrs. Slayton directly.

Wednesday

• Creative Kids Club (1-2) Note: the first meeting is August 30th
  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! Club Director: Susie Danzig.
• Mr. Slayton’s Co-ed Clinics (K-2) Note: the first meeting is August 30th
  These eight (8) session clinics will be held - rain or shine - from 3:10pm-4:45pm and focus on individual offensive skill development and team play. Limited enrollment - first come, first served. Note: a minimum of 10 participants is required in order to run these clinics.
  • Fall: Flag Football • August 30th-October 18th
    Winter: Basketball • October 25th-December 20th (no clinic on November 22nd)
    Spring: Baseball/Kickball/Cricket • March 21st-May 16th (no clinic on April 4th)
  • To register for a clinic, email Mr. Slayton directly.

Thursday

• Choir Club (1-2) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  Engaging their minds and welcoming their hearts. Come sing, dance, and play every Thursday 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 thirty (30) students. Club Director: Julie Burgess, Assistant: Janine Yu.

Friday

• Game Day (K-2)
  Make every Friday a "game" day! Each week students will choose from a variety of constructive, guided activities designed to jump-start the imagination. Board games, card games, Lego, and other building activities will be among the choices offered. Join us for a great opportunity to explore through hands-on learning. Club Director: Jeanne Bates.
• Intro to STEM with Lego (K-2) • WILL NOT BE OFFERED STARTING JANUARY, 2018
• Mr. Slayton’s Co-ed Clinics (K-2) Note: the first meeting is September 1st
  These eight (8) session clinics will be held - rain or shine - from 3:10pm-4:45pm and focus on individual skill development and (where appropriate) team play. Limited enrollment - first come, first served. Note: a minimum of 10 participants is required in order to run these clinics. Local tennis pro Sharon Lamond helps lead our tennis clinics!
  • Fall: Tennis • September 1st-October 20th
    Winter: Sockey (soccer+hockey) • October 27th-December 15th (no clinic on November 24th)
    Spring: Tennis/Soccer • March 23rd-May 18th (no clinic on April 6th)
  • To register for a clinic, email Mr. Slayton directly.

Register for or Cancel a Club Now

Session Dates and Times

• After-school supervision begins 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 close at 5:30pm.

Payment Policies

• Fees will be billed the following month:
  • $10.00 - dismissal until 4:00pm
  • $25.00 - 3:45pm until 5:30pm
  • $10.00 - 4:45pm 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.

Girl Scouts of America, Brownies (1-2)

Pinewood staff members and parents, Olivia Bradley and Michele Isaac, will be leading a Brownie Troop this school year for first and second graders. Meetings will begin in late September and will take place once per month on a Tuesday at Pinewood Lower Campus. To register, please email Michele Isaac.

Before-/After-School Clubs (sponsored by Pinewood School)

Session Dates and Times

• Clubs begin the first week of school and end two weeks prior to the last day of school.
• After-school clubs are in session from 3:30pm-4:45pm.
• Middle Campus only: Before-school clubs are in session before the first class of the day.

Payment Policies

• Club fees ($90/month per club) will be billed monthly, in advance.
• If a student enrolls in a club mid-month, the full monthly fee will be due and payable.
• If a student's club enrollment ends mid-month, the full monthly fee will be due and payable.
• Pro-rated refunds of club fees are not available.
• If you wish to cancel your student's club enrollment, an online cancellation form must be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to non-enrollment. If the online cancellation form is not received by the deadline, the full monthly club fee will be due and payable.

Registration/Cancellation

• Pinewood-sponsored club enrollments/cancellations must be made online: no exceptions.
• If you wish to cancel your student's club enrollment, an online cancellation form must be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to non-enrollment. If the online cancellation form is not received by the deadline, the full monthly club fee will be due and payable.
• Registration is not required for after-school supervision or extra-curricular activities.

After-School Workshops/Classes (outside vendors)

Session Dates and Times

• Workshops/Classes typically begin the first week of school and end dates vary by vendor.
• Workshops/Classes are typically in session from 3:30pm-4:45pm.

Payment Policies/Registration/Cancellation

• All workshop/class fees are paid directly to the vendor.
• A registration form can be accessed via a link in each workshop/class description.
• All enrollments and registration confirmations are the responsibility of the vendor.
• If you wish to cancel your student's enrollment, please email the vendor.

Monday

• After-School Fun (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 (3-4) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  Design, Engineer, Prototype, Create, and Tinker away in Pinewood’s new 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. Note: maximum enrollment is twenty (20) students. Club Director: Jonathan Brusco.

Tuesday

• Before-School: Pinewood Children's Choir (3-6)
  This club is held on Tuesday AND Wednesday mornings from 7:30am-8:20am. Experience the joy of singing with your classmates! Students are invited to join the Pinewood Children's Choir at the beginning of the academic year; no experience is required. The choir goes on field trips, shares the stage with the Upper Campus choirs, sings for retirement homes, performs at the Winter and Spring concerts, and ends the year with the Festival of Music at Great America! Club Director: Julie Burgess
• Pinewood Culinary Club (3-6)
  Epicurean Group / Pinewood School Middle Campus is offering an after-school culinary cooking program. The classes will be presented by Pinewood’s lunch chef. Students will be introduced to cooking equipment and tools, safety and sanitation, food identification and preparation, cooking methods and techniques, etc. Focus will be on menu planning and food preparation, and of course, having fun! Note: maximum enrollment is fifteen (15) students. Club Director: Lidia Contreras
• Programming Computer Games (3-6)
  If you ever wanted to create your own computer games or animated stories and publish them online, this is your opportunity to learn a fun, user-friendly but powerful programming language called Scratch (developed at MIT). While creating cool computer games and animations, you will also learn some useful programming tricks and concepts, which will give you a better idea of what programming is all about. This is your opportunity to not only be a user, but also a creator of computer products. Don't wait, space is limited to twenty (20) students! Club Director: Haggai Mark
• Team PRIME (5-6)
  Team PRIME is for 5th and 6th graders interested in exploring mathematics and learning advanced competition math techniques. Interested students with a working knowledge of algebra will have taken some further classes in mathematics, like Stanford pre-collegiate classes, local Math Circles, classes at the RSM, or an advanced-level summer math class. The focus of this team will be centered around participation in the Math Counts Competition Series. Students will need to attend regularly in order to participate in the contests. To join Team PRIME, please use the registration button, below. The first team meeting will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Note: maximum enrollment is fifteen (15) students. Team Director: Anna Scicinska

Wednesday

• Before-School: Pinewood Children's Choir (3-6)
  This club is held on Tuesday AND Wednesday mornings from 7:30am-8:20am. Students are invited to join the Pinewood Choir at the beginning of the academic year; no experience is required. The choir performs at a Winter and Spring concert and sings an exciting mixture of classical, folk, jazz, blues, and holiday music. Club Director: Julie Burgess
• Drama Club (3-6) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  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. Don't wait, space is limited to thirty-five (35) students! Club Director: Lauren Post
• French Club (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! Club Director: Michele Golder
• Introduction to SketchUp 3D Rendering (3-6) ~ 2nd Semester
  SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for professional architects, civil engineers, filmmakers and game developers. It is also widely used by teens and pre-teens for educational fun. This rendering program allows users to rotate their creations in space and even enter and explore the insides of structures. We will spend ten one-hour lessons learning all of the easy and not so easy SketchUp techniques that you would not discover on your own. This club begins January 31st and is in session for ten (10) weeks from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Fee of $360 is paid directly to Phil Rosenthal. To register for this club or if you have additional questions, please email Phil Rosenthal.

Thursday

• Before-School: Morning Math Challenge (3-6) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  This club is held in the morning from 7:30am-8:15am. This club is for students of all math abilities who are interested in learning competition math techniques, problem solving, math games, and representing Pinewood in a national math competition (Math Olympiad Contest, Noetic Learning Math Contest, etc.). Throughout the year, members will work on practice questions, take practice tests, and compete in at least 2 contests. Students will have the opportunity to explore some math topics not covered by the core curriculum, including matrices, rate problems (speed/distance), vectors, spherical geometry and more! Note: maximum enrollment is thirty (30) students. Note: the monthly fee for this club is $60. Club Directors: John Swift and Linda Frolich
• Introduction to Photoshop CS (3-6) ~ 1st Semester
  These ten one hour classes teach basic navigation of the Photoshop palettes and menus then quickly moves on to more advanced manipulation of graphics and photographs. This club begins September 7th and is in session for ten (10) weeks from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Fee of $360 is paid directly to Phil Rosenthal. To register for this club or if you have additional questions, please email Phil Rosenthal.
• Maker Club (5-6) THIS CLUB IS FULL
  Design, Engineer, Prototype, Create, and Tinker away in Pinewood’s new 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. A separate materials fee will be required with each bi-monthly theme. Note: maximum enrollment is twenty (20) students. Club Director: Jonathan Brusco
• Science Adventure (3-6)
  Science Adventure is a hands-on, project-oriented club. Students will be given a variety of science projects and challenges that will allow them to expand their creative horizons and let their imaginations run wild with their own inventions. Note: maximum enrollment is thirty (30) students. Club Director: Julie Lauer

Friday

• Awesome Authors and Artists (3-4) THIS CLUB IS FULL • WAIT LIST
  This workshop is the perfect opportunity for the enthusiastic writer and artist to get opportunities to be creative, work hard, and have fun! Topics include the usage of grammar to make writing more exciting, powerful paragraphs, writing games, personification, poetry, group and partner activities, and more! The structure taught in the workshop, while in the realm of creativity, will be sure to carry over into your child’s school day and help them improve their writing abilities. Please direct any questions you have to Laura Huff.
• Chess Club (3-6)
  Click here for additional information and to access the registration form. Fees are paid directly to this vendor. Please direct any questions you have to Bay Area Chess.
• MathGymUSA Coding Class (3-6)
  Click here for additional information and to access registration information. Fees are paid directly to this vendor. Note: this workshop begins February 2nd and ends May 4th. Please direct any questions you have to the vendor.
• Spanish Club (3-6)
  Bienvenido al Club de Espanol! Welcome to Spanish Club! Do you want to practice your Spanish speaking and listening skills and be able to more effectively communicate in Espanol? If so, this club is for you! Travel throughout several Spanish speaking countries and experience the music, art, history, and most importantly, the food. Master the art of your favorite recipes as we cook our way through Latin America. We will even grow some of our own herbs, fruits, and vegetables in the Middle Campus garden to be used in the food we prepare, all while learning and practicing to speak in Spanish. Have fun and gain confidence as we play games and engage in role playing various situations where Spanish language can be used (vacations, ordering in restaurants, conversing with friends, etc.) Vamos y disfrutan! Come and have fun! Club Director: Sarah Haun

Register for or Cancel a Club Now

Session Dates and Times

• After-school supervision begins 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 close at 5:30pm.

Payment Policies

• Fees will be billed the following month:
  • $10.00 - dismissal until 4:00pm
  • $25.00 - 3:45pm until 5:30pm
  • $10.00 - 4:45pm 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.

Dig It Garden Club (3-6)

Students will plan for, create, and maintain our school garden. Club members will have fun in the garden as we learn how to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Ideas include creating a butterfly garden, a pizza garden, and a salsa garden - to name a few. The club will meet weekly on Wednesdays during lunch recess. Come grow with us!

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 Government (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 Mondays 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.

All students are required to complete a minimum twenty (20) hours of volunteer time per year in service-oriented activities. We believe students will benefit from this activity as much as those whom they serve.

• The service year extends from June to June each academic year.
• Community service can be completed as an individual, family or part of an organized group. Hours served as part of a youth group, church group, or scouts will also count for Pinewood hours.
• Ideas for individual or group service include tutoring, child care, working with disabled persons, city government, environmental activities, the arts, and much more.
• Students can find volunteer opportunities in the main office as well as using services like Volunteer Match, Create the Good, Just Serve, Idealist, Points of Light, and more.
• Download: Community Service Form
  Contact: Jackee Bruno

Chorus

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. Faculty Advisor: Christie Skousen.

Debate

Debate Club is open to all junior high students and meets once each week. Through games and impromptu speeches, students become accustomed to public speaking. Students learn various debate styles and have the opportunity for competition with other schools, if interested. Students can truly find their voice through debate. Note: At least eight (8) committed members must be enrolled in order to offer this club. Faculty Advisor: Tammy Gardner.

Journalism

7th and 8th grade students interested in journalism may contribute articles for The Perennial, the Upper Campus newspaper. This experience gives students an opportunity to work on their writing skills while learning the basics of newspaper publication. Faculty Advisor: Amy Olein.

Yearbook

Yearbook is an activity open to all interested 7th and 8th graders. Working closely with an adult advisor, students are encouraged to take pictures, offer input in the design and content of the book, and assist in the production. Students gain experience in group decision making and working with others on a joint project while learning basic publication skills. Meetings are held at lunch intermittently throughout the year. Faculty Advisor: Olivia Bradley.

Register for or Cancel a Club Now

Overview

All Pinewood-sponsored clubs must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• align with Pinewood’s goals for academic or intellecutal excellence (i.e. honor societies)
• provide opportunities for service in the community (i.e. Interact Club)
• enrich curricular areas (i.e. Robotics Club)
• have ten active members
• have a faculty advisor
• meet once a month, take meeting notes, and turn the meeting notes in to the administration

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 And Then There Were None, Neil Gaiman's The Ocean At the End of the Lane, and Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between The World and Me. The group also holds fundraisers and goes on field trips, such as last year's excursion to see the movie version of A Dog's Purpose. Come read with us! Faculty Advisor: Sabrina Strand.

Entrepreneur Club

The goal of the Entrepreneur Club is to provide opportunities for students to experience the challenges and joys of providing technology solutions to business problems in the community. Members use programming and computing skills to design and build websites and mobile apps to address business needs in the community. Members form teams and work on different business and technology aspects of a programming project to develop a real life to address the need. The club meets weekly during the school year and after school for certain months, depending on the business and programming project. Faculty Advisor: Haggai Mark.

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. Faculty Advisors: Sarah Prestwood, Caitlin Miller, and Monica Ventrice.

Health Science Club

Interact 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. Faculty Advisor: Michele Isaac.

NAMI On Campus High School (NCHS) Club

NCHS is a mental health awareness club for students and teachers on high school campuses. The purpose is to create a dialogue on campus about mental health and well-being to help eliminate the stigma of mental illness. It is not a support or therapy group. Students are encouraged to join and learn more about mental health, warning signs of mental illness, how to seek help for themselves or others, and how to be a supportive friend to someone experiencing a mental illness. Learn more, here. Faculty Advisor: Tina Maier

Pinewood Literary Magazine, Tabula Rasa

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. Faculty Advisors: Sabrina Strand and David Wells.

Robotics Club

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. Faculty Advisor: TBD. Advisor: Dean Reece

Social Awareness Club

The goal of the club is to raise awareness about many issues that exist today. This gives students the opportunity to learn about and find ways to reduce inequality and injustice in the world. Past projects have included all-school assemblies on topics such as racism and the stigmas surrounding learning differences, increasing the diversity of books available in the library, and finding solutions to help people living in refugee camps gain an education and career skills. These activities are designed to promote awareness and acceptance of differences at all scales from the classroom to the world. Members meet every other week. Faculty Advisor: Gabriel Lemmon

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. Faculty Advisor: Haggai Mark.

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: Amy Olein.

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.

Speech and Debate

Speech and debate offers students the opportunity to learn various debating styles such as Lincoln-Douglas and Parliamentary debate. Through in-class exercises, speeches and debates, students prepare for competition with member schools of the Coast Forensic League. Additionally, students can compete at local invitational tournaments such as the Santa Clara University and Stanford University tournaments. Students gain confidence at public speaking and hone their research and writing skills through debate. Contact: Tammy Gardner.

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.

Yearbook

The high school yearbook, the Paragon, is open to all interested students. Students 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: Jaime Fields.

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.

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.

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 national organization open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Spanish 3–5. To be eligible for membership, students must have an “A” average over three semesters and be recommended by their teacher. The teacher recommendation takes into consideration attitude and participation as well as academic standing. Members serve as assistants in World Language workshop and participate in various activities where they practice their Spanish.

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.

Overview

Pinewood School offers a summer internship program that partners high school students with local companies and business organizations, an opportunity that is open to current juniors and seniors. The goal of the program is to provide a meaningful, hands-on experience that allows students to explore potential careers and courses of study for college. Internships help students to understand how professional organizations operate and to develop valuable networking contacts. Work experience at a respected company or organization, especially if it's related to a field that is pursued in college, can also influence their college decisions.

In February, Pinewood’s Internship Coordinator arranges a workshop to teach students how to write a resume, write an introductory letter, and how to interview well. Throughout March and April, the coordinator works to secure appropriate internship sites for each student. If you are interested in providing an opportunity for one of our students, please:

• complete the Internship Partner Application Form OR
• contact Michele Isaac, Internship Program Coordinator via email or directly at 650-209-3027.

Responsibilities

The student intern agrees to:

• complete an internship application; click here to access the form.
• prepare a resume and letter of introduction.
• perform all duties and responsibilities, as defined by the internship position, in a professional manner.
• report to work for the agreed upon dates and times; the terms of which may vary by position.

The internship partner agrees to:

• serve in the general capacity of mentor/supervisor.
• define a list of duties and responsibilities for the duration of the internship program.
• assist the intern in attaining a measure of success during the program.

Past Internships

Since the beginning of the program, students have interned in the following areas:

• Education
• Engineering
• Laboratory Research
• Law
• Medicine
• Real Estate
• Start-Up Companies
• Web Design

Associated Student Body (9-12)

ASB (Associated Student Body) 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 ASB, 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.