Extracurricular Activities

Zero Gravity Jump Rope Club
Team Moderators: Megan Black

Little Oak's Jump Rope Club began over fifteen years ago and the team continues to be an integral part of our school. The team received the "Making the Grade" award from the Drew Brees Foundation in 2007.  Zero Gravity, formerly the Firecrackers, will meet regularly to practice basic jump roping skills and tricks, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. The jumpers work with each other to improve their athletic skills, foster relationships, and learn the importance of commitment and persistence.  Students who are interested in joining the club must complete an application and permission form, attend the workshop, and try out before a panel of judges. If selected, Zero Gravity members must maintain a "C" or better average in all subjects and are expected to maintain appropriate behavior at all times. Administrative discipline referrals may warrant removal from the Zero Gravity Club.  Practice dates will be announced in advance.  Zero Gravity Club members are also expected to attend all practices. If a jumper misses more than three practices, they are dismissed from the team.

Moderator:  Allison Gressaffa

Being a member of the LOM "Dazzlers" Dance Team has many rewards and is a valuable experience. Dancers will demonstrate pride to our school and community through their participation on this team. The dance team will perform at various LOM and community events.  Students that are interested in joining the Dazzlers must complete an application and permission form, attend the workshop, and try out before a panel of judges. If selected, Dazzlers must maintain a C or better average in all subjects and are expected to maintain appropriate behavior at all times.  Students are required to participate in all practices and scheduled events.  Dazzlers are not allowed to miss any practices, unless there are extenuating circumstances, and Ms. Gressaffa must be notified and approve of these circumstances.

LOM Dazzlers Constitution

1. Purpose
   1. This Constitution has been written and adopted for the Dazzlers Dance Team. The team and its Constitution are governed by Little Oak Middle School and the Dazzlers members.
   2. The purpose of the Little Oak Dazzlers is to:
      1. Promote school spirit, pride and loyalty.
      2. Promote interest in school activities and perform at school assemblies.
      3. Develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort, strive for perfection, and develop character.
      4. Teach teamwork and pride in a quality performance through maintaining high standards.
      5. Promote positive relationships among all LOM students and faculty, as well as students from other schools.
2. Membership
   1. All members are selected through official tryouts.
   2. All members must maintain a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale with no Ds or Fs throughout the season in order to perform. Each member is responsible for reporting grade deficiencies to the sponsor.
   3. Due to the rigorous practices and performances, individuals who participate in outside activities such as dance studios, gyms, club sports, band, Zero Gravity, Color Guard, etc. need to clear any conflicts with the coach. Dazzlers activities come before outside activities, but an absence can be worked out with the coach and member. We do encourage members to be involved in other extracurricular activities, so long as they do not interfere with grades or attendance.
   4. The general conduct of Dazzlers must be positive. Recurring discipline problems will result in probation or dismissal from the team.
   5. All members must have a sports physical on file prior to tryouts.
   6. All members must know all the routines. Designated days throughout the year may be determined by the sponsor as tryout days. In order to participate in a performance, the member must perform the routines to the satisfaction of the coach.
   7. If a Dazzler receives a Student Behavior Report or an office referral, the coach/ sponsor must be made aware by the end of the school day.
   8. Each member shall know and abide by the Dazzler constitution.
3. Selection and Tryouts
   1. All students and parents/guardians must agree to abide by the LOM Dazzlers constitution. Both dance team members and parents must sign and date the constitution.
   2. Any student may try out to be a member if physically able and if the student agrees to abide by the dance team rules and regulations. If anyone tries out with an injury, the student will need to do as much as physically possible at tryouts and be judged on what she performs.
   3. No special treatment will be awarded to any person trying out.
   4. A former member who did not finish the preceding year in good standing is ineligible to try out for the following year. To complete this season in good standing, a member must have fulfilled all of their assigned responsibilities, financial responsibilities, and finished as an eligible and active member of the team.
   5. Clinics will be held before tryouts to teach the routines to those who will tryout. The coach and outgoing sixth graders will be present to assist. The choreography will be taught by our choreographer.
   6. Selection is based upon scores from outside judges.
   7. In order to tryout, a candidate must:
      1. Have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale, with no Ds or Fs.
      2. Sign the dance team contract and have parent(s) sign the contract.
      3. Be in good standing both financially and behaviorally with school policy.
4. Camp
   1. Summer camps are required for all members, as material learned is used throughout the year.
   2. Practices for camp are held in May and June. Dates/ times will be announced a month prior. Attendance at these practices must follow the outlined dance team attendance policy.
5. Attendance
   1. Attendance of all activities, including practices, are mandatory. Promptness is essential.
   2. Members must remain for an entire event until dismissed by the coach. In the case of an emergency, only the coach may give permission to leave the group
   3. A member must attend one half of the school day in order to perform at an event or practice that day.
   4. The team will practice at a designated time. The coach will determine any additional practices.
   5. A member must notify the coach prior to an absence from any scheduled event. This includes practices. Another Dazzler is not an option for delivering messages.
      1. Official Excused Absences:

a)    Personal illness with a doctor’s note

b)    Immediate family wedding or college graduation

c)     Death in the family

d)    Other reason approved by the coach prior to the absence

e)    Special school activity during or after school hours (permission must be acquired from the coach prior to the event).

5. 5. 2. Unexcused Absences

a)    Minor Illness – All Dazzlers are expected to attend all activities even if she may be unable to participate, unless under a doctor’s care or approved by the coach.

b)    Doctor’s Appointments – All practices are scheduled well in advance. Make every effort to schedule doctor’s appointments around practice and events. Special circumstances will be evaluated as they occur. Doctor’s excuses are necessary for excused doctor’s appointments. Unexcused doctor’s appointments pertain to check ups, dentists, etc.

c)     Family Activities – such as birthdays, reunions, vacations, etc., will not be excused.

d)    Participation in an out of school activity. Special circumstances will be evaluated as they occur.

5. 6. Any absence, excused or unexcused, in the week of an event may result in the Dazzler being benched from the event.
   7. An unexcused absence is automatically given if a parent notification does not occur within 24 hours of the missed event.
   8. The coach has the right to determine whether or not an absence is legitimate.
   9. If a member feels that an absence should be excused, it is the member’s responsibility to discuss the absence with the coach, not the parent’s.
   10. After one unexcused absence, the member may be benched.
   11. Any member missing 3 performances (excused or unexcused) may be removed from the team.
   12. Demerits are automatically given for unexcused absences.
   13. When a member is absent, it is their responsibility to call a fellow member to find out what was missed and what is required upon her return (proper uniforms, choreography changes, etc.)
6. Uniforms
   1. Each member is responsible for buying/ replacing one’s own uniform.
   2. During performances, members must be dressed in their full uniform.
   3. Personal jewelry may not be worn during performances.
   4. Hair must be neat and clean. During practice, hair must be in a ponytail and/or pinned out of the face and away from the eyes. While performing, hair must be out of face as designated also. Claw clips are not allowed while performing or practicing.
   5. Long fingernails are not allowed at practices or at performances.
   6. The performance uniforms may not be worn in public places other than a specified performance area.
   7. No part of the uniform should be worn by anyone who is not a member unless they have approval from the sponsor.
   8. No refunds will be given once booster club or Varsity payments have been paid. If the dazzler is removed from the team or if she chooses to not continue with Dazzlers after payments have been made, the family will not be refunded for any payments made prior to the dismissal.
7. Conduct and Obligations
   1. Members are leaders and are to exemplify the best in scholastic achievement and moral character at all times.
   2. Members are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA. Members must provide the sponsor with a photocopy or show their report card to the sponsor at least 24 hours after receiving it. If a member falls under a 2.0 or receives any Ds or Fs on their report card, they will be placed on probation. While on probation, the member will be expected to practice and attend all assigned duties and responsibilities. They may not perform but are required to be at the performances in uniform until the next grading period. Failure to bring grades up will result in the member being removed from the team.
   3. Members need to be courteous, cooperative, responsible, respectful, mature, and good role models.
   4. Concerns should be aired with only the parties involved and only presented to the entire team by the sponsor/ coach.
   5. Members must avoid excessive visiting with friends, mocking other teams, using phones or playing around during practices and performances.
   6. No foul language, any inappropriate gestures, or any action that may be unbecoming of a Dazzler.
   7. Good sportsmanship and spirit should be shown whether winning or losing.
   8. Dazzlers will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the year with no probation for the following:
      1. Violation of the alcohol, drug, and tobacco policy (in or out of school)
      2. Violation of the fight policy
      3. Any act that results in suspension in or out of school.
      4. Three or more Student Behavior Reports (depending on the behavior)
      5. Any behavior that results in a long form or disciplinary actions taken by administration
      6. Truancy
      7. Any behavior that could be considered unbecoming of an LOM Dazzler on or off campus and/or on a school/dance sponsored trip. This includes internet behavior & profanity. (coach’s and administration’s discretion)
8. Social Media
   1. Dazzlers will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the year with no probation for the following:
      1. Inappropriate language or gestures used on social media including TikTok lyrics & dance moves
      2. Inappropriate attire in social media posts
      3. Bullying social media posts
      4. Any posts that could be considered unbecoming of an LOM Dazzler
      5. Social media shall be defined as forms of electronic communication through which users share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as pictures and/or videos).
9. Fundraisers
   1. All Dazzlers must participate in all mandatory fundraisers.
   2. Dazzlers will be expected to serve, welcome, and work during all fundraisers. They may not eat the food/ snacks provided until all guests have arrived and eaten.
   3. All fundraising money will go directly to the Dazzler budget in the school’s account.
10. Parents and Family
    1. Fundraisers will be offered to defray costs, but ultimately the parents will be responsible for the financial obligations and expenses for his/her child.
    2. Parents will need to help chaperone, help with fundraisers, and help provide transportation to certain activities such as games, camp, performances, etc.
    3. Any family member of a Dazzler acting or speaking negatively toward any team will result in suspension from the following event.
11. Medical Insurance
    1. Members must have a current medical exam (physical) on file with the advisor.
    2. Members must have medical insurance and provide a copy of their medical insurance card to the sponsor.
12. Definitions
    1. 1. Benching - a Dazzler must attend the activity dressed in the uniform and sit with the sponsor without socializing, using electronic devices or any other activity besides focusing on the dazzlers and the game.
       2. Probation - the Dazzler is not able to perform at any performances or participate in any activities of the team.
       3. Dismissal/Expulsion - no participation of any activity of the team for the remainder of the year. A dismissed member must turn in his/her school-owned uniform and any other issued items.
13. Demerit System
    1. During the year, a member accumulating 45 or more demerits may be suspended/ removed from the team.
    2. Suspension/ removal will only take place after notifying the member and her parent(s).
    3. The demerit count begins immediately following the tryouts and will continue to accrue during the year.
    4. Demerits may be given to any member at any time.
    5. Demerit records will be kept by the coach and the lieutenant/ captain/ co-captain assigned to the role.
    6. Below is a list of the outlined demerits for specific infractions. The sponsor reserves the right to determine the appropriate amount of demerits for the specific violation with recommendation from an administrator. A total of 20 demerits will terminate team membership. 15 disciplinary reports will place the Dazzler on probation for one quarter.
    7. Demerits include but are not limited to the following:
       1. 5-10 minutes tardy - 5 demerits
       2. 11+ minutes tardy - 10 demerits
       3. Leaving practice without prior approval from coach - 10 demerits
       4. Unexcused absence - 20 demerits
       5. Giving false information about an absence - 15 demerits
       6. Incorrect practice uniform - 5 demerits
       7. Not fully dressed in performance attire - 20 demerits
       8. Poor attitude (this includes complaints) - 2 demerits
       9. Disrespectful to coach or a teammate - 10 demerits
       10. Poor representation on social media (inappropriate language, bullying, pictures, etc.) - 20 demerits
       11. Water bottle, snacks, or left items on the stage or in gym - 2 demerits
       12. Cell phone violation - 2 demerits
       13. Paperwork or necessary items not turned in on time - 2 demerits
       14. Detention (Tues/Thurs/Sat) - 20 demerits
       15. Student Behavior Report (SBR) - 20 demerits
       16. Administrative referral - dismissal from team
       17. Suspension - dismissal from team
       18. Any other violation that is deemed inappropriate such as poor attitude, not following directions, problems with behavior in the classroom etc. will be determined by the coach and handled with appropriate consequences. - case-by-case basis
    8. Disciplinary actions for accumulated demerits:
       1. 15 = benched from the following performance
       2. 30 = benched from two performances
       3. 45 = may be suspended from the team
14. Merits
    1. Merits can be earned by participating in service opportunities. The privilege to earn merits is at the discretion of the sponsor/ coach. Merits must be requested and arranged by the member. It is not the sponsor/coach’s job to find merit opportunities.
15. Officers
    1. Officer Selection
       1. Each candidate will participate in the complete tryout process.
       2. Candidates will be responsible for obtaining two additional letters of recommendation from their teachers.
       3. Candidates will be required to complete the officer packet prior to trying out.
       4. During tryouts, each candidate will be required to answer a question. The judges will score the candidate based on their response.
       5. Candidates will be chosen based on their tryout, interview, teacher recommendation, and essay.
    2. Officer Responsibilities and Duties
       1. Officers shall be held to a high standard.
       2. Officers must abide by the Little Oak Dazzlers constitution.
       3. Officers will participate in weekly meetings to discuss the upcoming week.
       4. Officers will be responsible for leading the team in stretches before practice and keeping track of demerits. All demerits will remain confidential and must not be spoken about with anyone.
       5. Failure to follow the constitution or responsibilities may result in being removed as an officer.
16. Duties of the Coach/ Sponsor
    1. The coach/ sponsor shall have knowledge and approval of all activities and decisions made for the team.
    2. The coach/ sponsor (or designated representative) will attend all meetings and game performances held during the year.
    3. The coach/ sponsor shall serve as the liaison between the team and the administration
    4. The coach/ sponsor and administration shall have the final decision regarding team concerns and needs.
    5. The coach/ sponsor will inform the team members of any benches.
    6. The coach/ sponsor has the right and responsibility to contact a parent in any situation where she feels it would be beneficial for an individual team member or the team (i.e. social media)
    7. Choose and attend a Varsity camp with the approval of administration.
    8. Register, monitor and attend all competition related functions
    9. Create a monthly practice schedule and send it out one week prior to the beginning of the month.
    10. Choose competition costumes and campwear
17. Duties of the Parents and/or team members
    1. Notify the coach of any absences prior to or on the morning of absence.
    2. Help with any fundraising activities.
    3. Pay for camp, uniforms, choreography fees, etc.
    4. Follow the proper chain when issuing a complaint: go to the sponsor/ coach first and administration last.
    5. Communicate with the sponsor and coach
    6. Support the Little Oak Dazzlers Constitution.
    7. Be willing to accept the sacrifices necessary to be a Little Oak Dazzlers member - Be Flexible.
    8. If for any reason you are no longer a member of the Little Oak Dazzlers, no refunds will be given and all expenses that are outstanding must still be paid.
18. Conclusion
    1. If at any time the coach or administration feels the need to alter any part of the LOM Dazzler Constitution for the good of the organization, they may do so without prior notice or discussion.
    2. Any special situations which may arise and are not specifically addressed in this constitution will be dealt with on an individual basis by the coach and administration.

25-26 LOM Dazzlers Constitution

I have read and understand the 2025-2026 LOM Dazzler Constitution.

 

___________________________________         ________________________________       ___________

Dazzler’s Name Printed                                         Dazzler’s Signature             Date

 

___________________________________         ________________________________       ___________

Parent’s Name Printed                                          Parent’s Signature                Date

Moderator:  Mary Dowden

The Yearbook Club is made up of 5th and 6th grade students.  Yearbook Club members are selected through an application process.  Students will learn how to work a camera, take perfectly framed photos, and design layouts and spreads for our upcoming yearbook. Through the work of our yearbook staff, the story of LOM is told by the students, for the students!  If you see a LOM Yearbook Staff member with a camera in their hands, be sure to smile! 

Moderators:  Kristy Miller and Meagan Jolicoeur

Junior Beta Club is an organization intended to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. At this time, Junior Beta Club is open to students in the 6th grade only. In order to be eligible, students must have maintained a 3.5 average or higher throughout their 5th grade year with no administrative discipline referrals. Junior Beta Club students will take part in a number of service projects in order to help those in our community. Students must continue to maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA during their 6th grade year, and must also have an excellent behavioral record in order to remain a member of Junior Beta Club.  

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBiS) Student Ambassadors
Moderator:  Michelle Haaga

PBiS is a prevention-oriented practice, focusing on positive behavior tactics. School personnel use evidence-based practices, improve implementation of those practices, and maximize academic and social behavior outcomes. PBiS supports the success of ALL students.

To best serve the needs of our students, each homeroom teacher selects two students to represent their class. These selected students are called PBiS Ambassadors. When we receive new students, PBiS Ambassadors greet the student(s) at the front office and take them on a campus tour. They also provide support until the student has adjusted to his or her new school. Ambassadors meet monthly during the school day to discuss student concerns, new ideas, and best practices.

Diane Hurd and Megan Black-moderators
Susan Roberts-Assistant

Girls on the Run is a 10 week program that focuses on building self-image and building strong girls, emotionally and physically. At the end of the program, the girls will participate in a 5K run in November. This club is open to 4th, 5th and 6th grade girls. Membership is on a first come, first serve basis. Girls register online through Girlsontherun.org.  Practice dates will be announced in advance.

Moderators:  Mrs. Burt (4th & 5th grade Chorus) and Mrs. Hayes (6th grade Chorus)

Chorus is available to students in grades 4-6, and classes take place two days a week during the school day.  Occasional after school practices will be held, and practices will be announced in advance.  Chorus students participate in a variety of LOM school and community events, including Christmas and Spring Concerts, Veteran's Day and School-Wide Programs, and parish chorus festivals.

BAND and CHORUS Band and Chorus selection will be determined through a try-out process, which takes place in the spring of the previous school year. Students in grades 5 and 6 are eligible to participate in band. Students in grade 4-6 are eligible to participate in chorus. Due to scheduling conflicts, after a specific designated date (set by administration) during the first few weeks of school, students will not be moved out of band or chorus. Students will remain in the band or chorus class for the remainder the year, which will serve as the child’s music class. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing the student from attending band or chorus practices, the student’s parent(s) must contact and meet with the band or chorus teacher to discuss options and develop a possible solution. Parents may elect for their child not to participate in band/chorus concerts or functions, but the student will remain in the band or chorus class for the remainder of the year.

Moderator:  Gary Hotard 

Band is available to students in 5th and 6th grade, and classes take place two days a week during the school day.  After school practices will be held, around concert dates, and practices will be announced in advance.  Band students are expected to attend all scheduled practices.  Band students participate in a variety of LOM school and community events, including Christmas and Spring Concerts, Veteran's Day and School-Wide Programs, and parish band festivals.

BAND and CHORUS Band and Chorus selection will be determined through a try-out process, which takes place in the spring of the previous school year. Students in grades 5 and 6 are eligible to participate in band. Students in grade 4-6 are eligible to participate in chorus. Due to scheduling conflicts, after a specific designated date (set by administration) during the first few weeks of school, students will not be moved out of band or chorus. Students will remain in the band or chorus class for the remainder the year, which will serve as the child’s music class. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing the student from attending band or chorus practices, the student’s parent(s) must contact and meet with the band or chorus teacher to discuss options and develop a possible solution. Parents may elect for their child not to participate in band/chorus concerts or functions, but the student will remain in the band or chorus class for the remainder of the year.

Bridget Blatz-moderator

The 4‑H Club is open to students in grades 4-6.  Students will complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors.  Students in the 4-H Club are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. 

Moderator:  Judy Rucker

The Robotics Club is open to students in grades 4-6, and students are selected through an application process.  Robotics is a hands-on and fun way for kids to learn STEM concepts by making robots, while working and sharing with other club members.  Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the making, programming, and designing of robots. Meeting dates will be announced in advance.  The Robotics Club will take part in community competitions. 

 

Moderators:  Samantha Fotsch and Paula Walters

STEM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM Club will focus on improving science and math instruction by using different approaches to keep students interested in STEM education. Students are selected for the STEM Club through an application process.  Students will work on projects that show how STEM subjects apply to real-world situations. Meeting dates will be announced in advance.  

Little Oak Middle School Aftercare Child Program
Dr. Susan Carter, Program Director
Aftercare Enrollment Form

Mission Statement: The mission of our Aftercare Program is to provide students with:

· An inclusive program that is safe and nurturing in a comfortable environment.

· A cultural, enriching program that promotes the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of each child.

· A program that meets the highest quality of child care standards.

Eligibility: The After School Child Care Program is a service provided to Little Oak students only.

About our Program: The Aftercare Program will be provided on regular school days, beginning after school until 6:00 PM. Aftercare is NOT an extension of the students’ school day. It is a Community Education Program that is supported by the attendants. In middle school, our teacher-student ratio will be 1 to 16, with no additional attendants. The program will not operate when school is closed, including holidays and ½ days of school. The program’s phone number is 985-502-0457.

Registration: Students must have the Aftercare Enrollment Form turned in to the front office prior to the first day of service. The Aftercare Enrollment Form can be found on our Little Oak Middle website.

Program Fees: The daily rate is $10 per day. Drop in attendants are required to pay $10 upon pickup.
Non-payment of fees will result in student removal from the aftercare program. Payments are due Monday of each week, all aftercare must be prepaid.  As per school policy, students who owe fees (including aftercare) may not be permitted to attend extracurricular activities. Rates are subject to increase during the school year if operating costs of the program increases.

Payments: Payments must be made in advance for the days your child will be attending aftercare. Payments must be made online through MyPaymentsPlus, which can be found on our school website.

Overdue Payments: If an account goes unpaid beyond 2 days, your child will not be allowed to attend aftercare until full payment is made.

Daily Schedule:
2:46-3:00 – Roll Call
3:00-3:30 – Homework Time
3:30-6:00 – Activity Time
Note:  Homework is done on the honor system. Children are expected to have all assignments. Students without homework or who finish early may read for enjoyment or study for upcoming tests. Assistance from a Child Care Worker is available.

Late Pick-Up Fee: A $10 late fee will be charged for each additional 15 minutes (1-15 minutes; 16-30 minutes; 31-45 minutes) when the parent/guardian is late in picking up each of his/her children. Children who are consistently picked up late will no longer be allowed to attend aftercare.  If parent contact has not been successful, authorities will be called for assistance with any student remaining after 6:30 PM.

Discipline: ALL students are expected to follow the same rules and procedures as during regular school hours. Inappropriate student behavior will be handled according to the STPSB Parent/Student Handbook. Students who receive disciplinary consequences will also receive a probationary warning. If behaviors continue, the student will no longer be allowed to attend aftercare. Aftercare should always be a safe environment for all. Students who injure others, purposely or accidentally, may be removed from aftercare immediately. Administration will determine if/when the student will be allowed to return to aftercare.  Students who are verbally abusive or use inappropriate language will also be removed.

Checkout Procedures: Only adults who are listed on the enrollment form will be allowed to sign out the child from aftercare. A photo ID will be required. Please keep your authorization list up to date at all times.

This exciting, fun-filled time once a week includes:
* Dynamic Bible Lessons
* Creative Learning Activities
* Missionary Stories
* Meaningful Songs
* Life-Changing Scripture Memory
* Afterschool Snack

Moderator:  Lauryn Baltrukevich

The IGNITE club is an introduction and hands on experience with computer science using resources such as Code.org, Scratch, Micro:bit, and Finch robots. Students will have new challenges each week as well as add to ongoing projects. 

 

Moderator:  Mrs. Verret  (Art Teacher)

Mission Overview:  Student leaders will create banners, posters, and fliers that celebrate everyone that is a part of our school and community through art! We get the privilege of making our school colorful, bright, and encouraging for everyone.