Clubs and Organizations

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

A significant part of having a quality educational experience is exploring interests and becoming involved in activities that supplement the academic offerings of the school.  West Ottawa High School (WOHS) supports its students in gaining this experience by offering extensive opportunities in activities and organizations that build character, teach leadership and develop teamwork skills.  

It is an ongoing goal of WOHS to improve the number and quality of the programs and clubs offered in our school.  To achieve this goal, we encourage each student to join an organization or activity that best meets their personal needs.  All clubs and organizations other than athletic teams will be defined as one of the following:

• Curriculum-Related Programs - Clubs and organizations that supplement a course offered for credit in the high school through performance or competition or that relate directly to the body of courses as a whole by honoring, recognizing or encouraging academic achievement in the context of the school’s curriculum. These require a commitment outside the hours of the regular school day.  (Examples include:  Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, CTEE, National Honor Society, etc.)

• Non-Curriculum Related Clubs - Clubs and organizations that exist with a specific purpose or mission outside of the academic curriculum.  These programs require a commitment outside the hours of the regular school day and parent permission in order to participate.  (Examples include: Chess Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, etc.)

Each Curriculum-Related Program and Non-Curriculum Related Club is overseen by an adviser or school official.  Some programs and clubs have open membership, while others require students to be elected to office, to make application based on certain criteria to try-out. Once a student joins an organization, it is expected that they will meet the specific requirements of that organization as determined by the organizational by-laws or rules of membership.  Students may be removed from these organizations for disciplinary or academic reasons.

If you have questions about an organization, please contact its adviser.  The administrator who oversees all of these programs is the building Principal.

To see West Ottawa High School club offerings visit the West Ottawa High School Clubs Website

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Membership in the West Ottawa Chapter of the National Honor Society is open to junior and senior students.  This honor is conferred upon them by the high school faculty in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, character, service, and leadership.  Equal importance is given to each of the four areas of achievement; therefore, a student must excel in all four areas.

In the fall of a student's Junior year, if he or she completed grade 10 with a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA (unweighted), that student will receive an invitation in the mail to apply for membership in the National Honor Society.  The student will submit evidence of continued and varied activity in the school and greater community to indicate service and leadership.  Students who successfully complete those steps will have their names submitted to WO staff for recommendations.  If a student meets all requirements and chooses to join the National Honor Society, he or she pledges to uphold the four pillars of NHS, and complete 20 hours of community service that is pre-approved by Mr. Taylor.  Questions regarding NHS can be answered by Mr. Brian Taylor at taylorb@westottawa.net.

STUDENT SENATE

The purpose of West Ottawa High School student government shall be to promote the welfare of the students, to express the opinions and concerns of the student body, and to work to enhance and improve the school climate as they interact with the faculty, administration, and community of West Ottawa High School.  For questions regarding Student Senate please contact Cathy Engel or Kevin Klassen.

STUDENT FUNDRAISING

Fundraising activities by school organizations must be approved in advance by the principal. Organization sponsors assume the responsibility for supervising the project, accounting for funds, making reports, and any other details involved in the project.

MASB 3800