Student Clubs and Organizations
Updated November, 2011
Moderator: Ms Linda Helmick
Requirements: Open to all
Major Activities: Meetings and various competitions
The Art Club allows members to expand creativity through group interests and personal exploration of individual talent. This extra time allows for experimentation with different media that otherwise are too-time consuming for a classroom. The Art Club also meets the needs of other groups by making posters, particularly in conjunction with the Spirit Club, and it assists in set design and props for the drama productions
Major Activities: Participation in art contests, visits to museums, poster-making and art designs for BCHS activities and groups.
Moderator: Mr. Andy Mundell
Members on the Sound and Tech Crew learn to use all of the audio-visual equipment at the school. Students are given numerous opportunities to use these skills and learn about the various pieces of equipment.
Requirements: Open to all. Students are encouraged to register for mass media classes, but all are welcome to participate outside of the classes. Members must be approved by the moderator.
Major Activities: Setting up and running the audio-visual equipment at school functions.
Moderators: Mrs. Kim Shaw, Mrs. Gayle Mass
BCHS for Kids is the new dance marathon. Changes were made over the past year to what was formerly known as IU/Riley Hospital Dance Marathon, an event that has raised over $215,000 in the past 14 years. The changes were made so that Bishop Chatard could support Riley Hospital, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital and, each year, a third charity of choice. The 2011 charity was the Make- A-Wish Foundation.
Requirements: Open to all.
Major Activities: Many fundraising and dancer recruitment activities, planning for the BCHS for Kids dance marathon in October.
Moderator: Mr. Greg Miller
The Bowling Club competes with other regional bowling teams from around the north/northwest parts of Indianapolis.
Major Activities: While this is a club, it also operates as a sport, only one that is not sanctioned by the IHSAA.
Meetings: Club competes on Thursday nights (and sometimes on Mondays) from 4-6:30 at area bowling centers. Practice is during the week also.
Moderator: Miss Stephanie Theis
The Brain Game is an Academic Competition Team that will compete in the Brain Game show televised on WTHR.
Requirements: All are welcome to attend practice. Competition team will be chosen based on attendance at meetings and performance at these practices. Up to 12 members can attend the taping, with the top three or four (depending on year) being on the competing team.
Major Activities: Practices in preparation for competition, which is a single elimination format.
Moderator: Ms. Jennifer Rea, Ms. Annie Moddrell
The Freshman Class officers serve as Student Council members while the newest class of Bishop Chatard students adjust to high school life. They serve as liaisons with other members of the Student Council and on behalf of their class with moderators, staff, and administration. This group is also instrumental in enabling the freshman class to get to know one another through social activities and service projects. The Freshman Class Officers are the driving force on which the moderators depend for class inspiration, dedication, contributions of time and leadership, and for positive examples.
Requirements: Candidates can be any freshman who is in good standing at BCHS. Those elected by their classmates will serve as Freshman Class Officers/Representatives. Freshmen are elected early in the new school year and are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA and have a minimum number of disciplinary infractions.
Major Activities: Class competitions, Class activities, voicing the needs of the freshmen to the student council and the staff.
Moderator: Mrs. Katie Schaffner and Mr. Andy Mundell
The Sophomore Class officers serve as Student Council members to suggest ideas and address concerns on behalf of their fellow classmates with the school staff and administration. Officers coordinate the selection of the class motto, song, Scripture, and flower. They also serve as the primary organizers of the Sophomore Class Ring Ceremony, which occurs in December, and participate in fundraising for the prom.
Requirements: Candidates can be any upcoming sophomore who is in good standing at BCHS. Those elected by their classmates will serve as Sophomore Class Officers/Representatives. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the Ring Ceremony or other activities are welcome at the meetings.
Major Activities: Sophomore Class Ring Ceremony in December, fundraising activities for the prom.
Moderator: Mrs. Lori Guerra, Mr. Matt Hilton, Mr. Damian Schmitt
The Junior Class officers serve as Student Council members to suggest ideas and address concerns on behalf of their fellow classmates with the school staff and administration. They also serve as the primary organizers of the Prom Committee, which falls to the responsibility of the Junior Class. They work with fundraisers to help defer the cost of the prom, including but not necessarily limited to those listed below.
Requirements: Candidates can be any upcoming junior who is in good standing at BCHS. Those elected by their classmates will serve as Junior Class Officers/Representatives. Anyone interested in helping plan prom is welcome at the meetings, with those who help more in the fall and winter given more authority when making decisions for prom in the spring.
Major Activities: Planning of prom, as well as several fundraisers to help offset the cost of prom, including face painting at home football games and selling Halloween-o-Grams and Valentine's Day carnations.
Moderator: Sr. Susan Lindstrom, Mr. J.T. Funk, Ms. Stacy Wright
The Senior Class officers serve as Student Council members in their important role as leaders of the school and student body to suggest ideas and address concerns on behalf of their fellow classmates with the school staff and administration. They also serve as the primary organizers of the Blood Drive, which falls to the responsibility of the Senior Class. In addition, they are instrumental in the planning and implementation of senior-specific activities, such as class spirit shirts, Homecoming class activities, and graduation activities.
Requirements: Candidates can be any upcoming senior who is in good standing at BCHS. Those elected by their classmates will serve as Senior Class Officers/Representatives. Anyone interested in helping with the Blood Drive or other activities is welcome at the meetings.
Major Activities: Blood Drive, spearheading senior efforts in class competitions, graduation-related items.
Moderator: Mr. Tyler Mayer
ComedySportz is an improv troop that competes against area schools in different stand-up comedy routines and settings.
Major Activities: Competitions on different weeknights and weekends throughout the year.
Moderator: Ms. Katie Kennedy
The Dance Team is a highly athletic and energetic group that performs dance routines at basketball games and during pep sessions. New music such as hip-hop, rock, and other classics are incorporated into new routines.
Requirements: Tryouts are in the spring and are open to students in all grades. Students should be flexible, coordinated, energetic, committed, and positive.
Major Activities: Performances at basketball games and during pep sessions.
Moderator: Mrs. Abby Funk
To be a member of the Thespian Society you need to acquire 10 points. You can do so by being involved in our two productions- the Fall Play and the Spring Musical either by acting or working on the crew. You can also do so by attending show outside of Bishop Chatard. There are no requirements to become involved in the plays. We welcome anyone to audition or apply for a crew position!
Requirements: Must earn 10 Thespian Points.
Major Activities: Fall Play, Spring Musical, ComedySportz, North Deanery Spring Acting Workshop, Regional Thespian Conference
Moderator: Mrs. Ellen Landers
French Club members learn more about the French language and culture through a variety of activities, including dining and cultural opportunities. Members will meet to discuss French topics and sponsor appropriate and enlightening activities.
Requirements: Open to all students taking French. Some activities are reserved for French III and French IV students only.
Major Activities: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; French dining.
Moderator: Mrs. Catherine Welch
The 'Growing Responsibility for Environmental Education Network' (GREEN) Team is a club to help Bishop Chatard live the message of our call for stewardship of the earth. In addition to learning about Catholic teaching regarding environmental issues, this group would be active in increasing awareness of and participation in events that promote an environmentally friendly way of life around Bishop Chatard and the greater community. Events may include promotion of and coordination of recycling programs, carpooling, tree-planting, and others as determined by the club. The goal is to have at least two or three major projects each year.
Major Activities: Recycling Programs, tree-planting, increase of carpooling, others as determined by the club.
Meetings: As a new club, meeting times can be decided by the members. Meetings likely twice a month.
Moderator: Mrs. Tracy Luke
The Journalism Program at Bishop Chatard High School is a co-curricular series of classes that provide students an opportunity to produce the school yearbook, newspaper, or daily announcement show to chronicle important events and provide mementos as lasting memories of these special high school years.
Requirements: Must be enrolled in the class to participate. The Beginning Journalism class is highly recommended before going on to newspaper or yearbook.
Major Activities: Work sessions on different weeknights and weekends throughout the year.
Moderator: Fr. Rob Hausladen
The liturgy committee offers ministry opportunities that support the liturgical life at Bishop Chatard High School. In addition to helping organize the various ministries for school and class Masses (lectors, altar servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, music ministry), this group will help coordinate and plan all Masses to integrate all aspects of the liturgy in a way to make it more meaningful to the Bishop Chatard community.
Major Activities: Planning of and coordinating school and class Masses.
Moderators: Mr. Kyle Barone & Ms. Stacy Wright
Bishop Chatard participates with other high schools in the IUPUI Model U.N., the oldest continuing Model U.N. in the nation. Students represent different countries. After researching their country, students draft a resolution to deal with a problem their country shares with other nations. At Model U.N., students debate and negotiate international issues.
Requirements: Open to Juniors and Seniors. Sign-ups announced in September. There is a $40 fee.
Major Activities: Participation in a mock session of the United Nations.
Moderators: Mr. Kyle Barone
Membership in the National Honor Society is a valued mark of distinction and is based upon excellence in four pillar areas: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The Father Casey Chapter of the National Honor Society has been in existence since 1965. Current members contribute to our community in a number of important ways, including service activities and being role models of academic excellence and well-rounded values.
Requirements: Membership is by application and selection by a committee. Must have and maintain a 3.6 GPA or above to apply. Must participate in a formal induction ceremony once a year. Must uphold and become a model for academic honesty and disciplinary integrity. Must conduct oneself in a responsible manner and adhere to the character values of BCHS.
Major Activities: Tutoring and mentoring of underclassmen. Annual induction ceremony.
Moderator: Ms. Jennifer Rea
Pro-Life supports and promotes the Catholic attitude and teaching on the value of all life. This group strives to make evident to the students, staff, and community our support of the moral issues of life. Members participate in various city and national events to plan major activities as well as develop ways to spread the message of respect for life and dignity.
Major Activities: March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January. City-wide events and rallies, such as the Life Chain.
Moderator: Ms. Ellen Landers
Promise to Keep is an archdiocesan organization in which members declare support of chastity and prepare a one-hour presentation to be delivered to junior high students in our North Deanery feeder schools.
Requirements: Open to juniors and seniors who are sincere about the message they are promoting.
Major Activities: Presentations at North Deanery schools.
Moderator: Ms. Carol Wagner
Retreat team helps lead and staff retreats for other students. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your faith, and to help others grow in their faith.
Requirements: Any sophomore, junior, or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Major Activities: Junior boys retreats, junior girls retreats, sophomore boys retreats, sophomore girls retreats, freshman day of reflection, leadership retreat, other miscellaneous retreats for North Deanery parishes.
SERV exists to create an atmosphere that promotes a free, honest, and informed discernment of God's will and call in the lives of young people. The group offers awareness of and support to religious and priestly vocations.
Major Activities: Awareness activities as determined by the group. Go to SERV page for more details.
Moderator: Maureen Rumer
This club promotes the snow sports of skiing, snowboarding, and blading (boot-length skis only). The moderator has been a member of the National Ski Patrol at Paoli Peaks for 21 years.
Requirements: Students may be beginners or above. There is a meeting at the beginning of November, and students have a spot on scheduled trip once they pay the trip fee.
Major Activities: Two trips in January- February are planned to Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks.
Moderator: Lori Guerra
The Spanish Club allows its members to learn an appreciation of other cultures and experience Latin American customs and cuisine. Students participate in a wide variety of activities and events to provide a wide breadth of experience with Spanish-speaking traditions, as well as participation in special events in the Hispanic community. Tutoring of Hispanic children is also encouraged.
Requirements: Open to all students taking Spanish
Major Activities: Participation in the International Festival, community events relating to Hispanic residents such as the Day of the Dead exhibit in October and a December celebration of La Virgen de Guadalupe, as well as Christmas celebrations. Foreign travel is offered. Tutoring of Hispanic students in the community is also encouraged.
Moderator: Meredith Fredrickson
The Bishop Chatard Student Ambassadors assist the advancement office in admissions-promotions and public relations efforts (including but not limited to Open House). Ambassadors also assist various BCHS events in and out of school. They are committed to the mission values of the school and bring that message to the community.
Requirements: Open by application to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The Freshmen ambassadors (also open by application to freshmen) are responsible for leadership in the school's shadowing program.
Major Activities: Open House and other advancement/admissions activities as determined by the school calendar.
Moderators: Mr. Tyler Mayer, Mrs. Robin Kontor, Miss Jennifer Rea
Student Council is involved in many school activities, including but not necessarily limited to spirit-building activities and provide service to the broader BCHS community.
Requirements: Student Council officers are elected by the student body at the end of the school year for the upcoming school year. Any student in good standing with the school may choose to run for office. Officers are expected to provide the bulk of the planning and guidance of Student Council responsibilities. However, any student can be of help with Student Council activities and can attend the meetings. All are encouraged to aid in preparing the activities.
Major Activities: Homecoming Spirit Week, Homecoming Dance, Canned Food Drive, Christmas Party for mentally challenged adults, Catholic Schools Week, Talent Show.
Moderator: Mrs. Paula McConnell
Student Union is an active, long-standing BCHS organization guided by students to accomplish an appreciation of all aspects of diversity within the BCHS student body and the community. Student Union members cheerfully assist with activities sponsored by other BCHS student organizations and rely upon assistance from members of the BCHS community to make our events successful.
Requirements: All students of BCHS are invited to become involved in Student Union. Members exercise significant influence over the activities of the organization and learn valuable leadership skills while enjoying the fellowship of a fun and diverse group of BCHS students.
Major Activities: Taste of Chatard, a one-day feast representing the heritage of BCHS students and friends of BCHS, Adopt a Family for Christmas, sponsorship of the Black History Month program, and the Fashion Show of Celebrations of the Arts.
Moderator: Ms. Stephanie Theis
BCHS students are invited to participate in this two week summer program offered through the curriculum of Roncalli High School. The program is one part academics, one part adventure, and one part retreat. Students hike, climb, camp, cook, swim, raft, backpack, play and pray in a uniquely challenging program that teaches students to respect themselves, to become leaders, and to work to achieve their dreams. Over 2,200 students have participated in the past 29 years.
Requirements: Open to students completing their junior or senior year
Major Activities: 2011 summer trip will be to beautiful Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest in Montana. Destinations change from year to year.
The Video Game Club is a place for people to share their interest in and compete in playing video games. In addition to discussing new games, concepts, and strategies, the Video Game Club is a place for players of all levels to enjoy healthy competition in appropriate video games. The Video Game Club is open to players of various games and consoles as determined by the members.
Requirements: Open to all. Students who bring in consoles/games are responsible for the safety and security of their items.
Major Activities: Playing of games at club meetings. Perhaps organization of tournaments for popular games later in the school year.
Meetings: Once every two weeks for an hour and a half each.
Writing Club is welcome to all students who are interested in reading or writing, and all genres are welcome!
Major Activities: Writing Club meets once a week after school to write and to appreciate one another's writing.
