Extra Curricular Activities

An extracurricular activity is defined as any activity sponsored by the school and at the convenience of the school that causes students to be absent from curricular class periods.

The following are considered extracurricular activities:

1.          Student government and its related activities and organization.
2.          Music festivals or contests, speech contests, debates, dramatics contests.
3.          Organized activities that are part of interscholastic athletics.
4.          Organized activities that are part of intramural athletics.
5.          All types of interscholastic competition.
6.          Special interest clubs.

While all students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, the following requirements must be met:

1.          A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a semester to participate as outlined by the OSSAA.
            For more information on academic eligibility, please see your principal or athletic director.
2.          The student must meet the school’s attendance policy as indicated in this handbook and Board Policy.
3.          The student must be in good standing within the rules of the activity.

Student Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities (Participation Requirements)

Absences

1.          All students who are members of school activity groups, including 4-H are limited to ten absences per year per class period.  Any deviation from the ten days absence rule shall not exceed five days.
2.          It is the responsibility of the student to plan and be responsible for these absences.  The student should check with sponsors at the beginning of the school year to aid in selection of events that the student may wish to attend.
3.          The principal will keep or cause to be kept a record of those days or class periods missed due to school activities.  These records will be open for inspection by the student, parent or guardian of the student, sponsors, and other teachers daily to aid the student in planning absences throughout the year.
4.          Any absence over the maximum of the ten absences without the written permission of the Internal Activities Review Committee shall be counted as an unexcused absence in accordance with local board policy.

Sponsor/Teacher Responsibilities

1.          It is the responsibility of the sponsor/teacher to prepare a list of activities that the student may attend during the school year and advise students of this list.  These activities should be prepared and given to the principal at the beginning (or as soon as possible) of the school year.
2.          The sponsor/teacher should help the student select only those activities that will be of benefit to the student and/or the school.
3.          Sponsor/teacher should check activity absentee lists regularly in order to help students plan for future absences.
4.          Sponsor/teacher should strive not to be absent from any class period more than ten times due to attendance at activities.

Criteria for Earning the Right to Represent the School in Activities or Contests Beyond Ten Days

1.          Athletics – Guidelines as set forth by Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association for participation beyond district competition.
2.          Fine Arts (Vocal, Instrumental, Speech, Drama & Debate) Guidelines as set forth by Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association for participation beyond district competition.

Competitive Athletics

The Ardmore Athletic Department wants all student athletes’ experience while participating in sports to be a memorable and fun experience.  Participation in student athletics is a privilege, not a requirement or obligation; therefore students must earn the privilege to be a part of the athletic program.  The Ardmore Athletic Department encourages all students to be a part of a sport.

Extracurricular/Athletic Eligibility Calculation & Reporting

A student’s eligibility will be determined on Thursday of each week.  After eligibility is reported on Thursday an Eligibility Report is created.  The period of probation and ineligibility will always begin the Monday following the day eligibility is checked and will run Monday through Sunday evening.  If a student is placed on the ineligible listing, they may not participate in athletics or any extra-curricular activity until they achieve passing grades and are no longer listed as ineligible.  See the complete rules on scholastic eligibility as provided and required by the OSSAA.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Extracurricular and social activities can enhance the learning environment of our schools.  The board of education shall annually notify parents or guardians of students about clubs and organizations sponsored by or under the direct control and supervision of the school district.  The annual notification shall be placed in the student handbook and by posting information on the school district’s website.  The annual notification shall include, but is not limited to, the following information about each club or organization:

1.      Name;
2.      Mission or purpose; and
3.      Name of the faculty advisor, if known.

Parents or guardians of students will notify the school administration that they are withholding permission for their child(ren) to join or participate in one or more clubs or organizations,.  Parents or guardians shall be responsible for preventing their child from participating in a club or organization in which permission is withheld.  Parents or guardians are also responsible for retrieving their child(ren) from attendance at a club or organization in which participation is withheld.

If clubs or organizations are created or formed after the annual notification is distributed, the school district shall send additional notification to the parents or guardians containing the above-listed information regarding the additional clubs or organizations by way of updating the information below.  

Academic Bowl.................................................................................................................................................. Sponsor:  Paige Henry
AHS students compete throughout the state with peers in competitive Academic Bowl Matches.

Art Club............................................................................................................................................................... Sponsor:  Alyssa Emory
The purpose of Art Club is to allow art students the opportunity to work in the community, provide extra time to create artwork and collaborate in a creative atmosphere.  To promote teamwork to assist in school banners and posters for school events and athletic games

Instrumental Music Department......................................................................................................................... Sponsor:  Jonathan Moreno
Music education is a primary means by which an educational institution can transmit to students the cultural heritage of society. Music transcends barriers of ethnic background, economic status, language, and even literacy in its power to reach the depths of the human soul. Experiences with music develop a student’s ability to make value judgments, to function logically as well as intuitively, and to utilize one’s innate creativity. Participation in performance organizations encourages initiative and leadership in the students, stimulates goal-oriented thought processes, creates an appreciation and respect for the efforts of others, and assists students to develop a sense of responsibility to themselves, the organization, and in a broad sense, society. We recognize that few high school musicians make music a career. However, the mental discipline and thought processes required in the study of music are applicable in all fields of endeavor.

International Club.................................................................................................................................................. Sponsor:  Talitha Howell
The purpose of the International Club is to provide students the opportunity to become immersed in the diverse cultures of the world

National Honor Society...................................................................................................................................................... Sponsor: Paige Henry
The National Honor Society promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of Scholarship, character, leadership and service.

Science Club.................................................................................................................................................... Sponsor: Gary Spears
The purpose of the Science Club is to provide diverse opportunities for enrichment in the natural sciences and to encourage and facilitate science-related community service.

The ACT - Speech/Drama................................................................................................................................... Sponsor:  Noel Collins
The ACT is an organization dedicated to excellence.  They strive to compete and perform to the best of their ability and constantly work to stretch their skills to the limit.

Student Council........................................................................................................................................... Sponsor:  Michelle McDaniels
The purpose of AHS Student Council is to develop student initiative, leadership and democracy; to promote the general welfare of the students and to promote school spirit; to aid all new students in getting acquainted with the school; to promote close cooperation of the students, faculty, and community; to create an interest in all activities of the school and community; and to create and maintain standards of good citizenship among the students.

Vocal Music Club......................................................................................................................................................... Sponsor:  Roxie Wood
The purpose of the Vocal Music Club is to improve student skills as a solo/choral singer and to prepare students for signing in a choir program beyond high school