Denver South High School

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In maintaining a "home away from home" atmosphere, South High School provides an array of activities tailored to the interests and needs of its students. Since involvement, fun and excitement are the keys to a comprehensive education at South School, all students are encouraged to be involved in at least one activity or sport.

Special Interest Groups and Activities

Avid

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a national academic program that focuses on the middle student with college aspirations. Starting in the freshman year through senior year, AVID engages students in building organization and academic skills with activities that enrich the core content courses and help students prepare for the college experience. AVID students are required to take a rigorous course of study, including accelerated (X) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students are supported in the AVID elective with tutorial sessions facilitated by the AVID elective teacher and college tutors that help students with their course load. AVID also emphasizes reading and writing activities to prepare them for college level work. AVID students also participate in fun team building activities, community service and field trips to give an overall academic and personal education experience. Potential AVID students are enrolled in AVID through an application and interview process.

Cheerleaders

Varsity Cheerleaders attend, support and promote all varsity athletics. The squad attends summer camp at a college campus. Other performances include pep rallies and the Homecoming half-time show. Their goal is not to simply perform- but to publicize games, encourage attendance, and elicit enthusiasm of all SHS sporting events.

Chess Club

The Chess/Video Game Club is devoted to the appreciation of games. Students who want to improve their thinking skills can play chess and have the opportunity to learn more about the game in terms of strategy and tactics. Chess boards, timers are supplied. Everyone is welcome!

Dance Club

Dance Club is an afternoon activity that meets twice a week starting in October. Dance club is open to all South High School students. Dance club members learn a variety of dances and perform in the annual Spring Dance Show.

El Pomar Youth in Community Service (EPYCS)

Working in conjunction with the El Pomar Foundation, EPYCS is a group of students dedicated to giving money to nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Raising $500 on their own, the remaining $7,500 is granted by El Pomar. Students then select, visit, and interview non-profit organizations in Colorado - eventually deciding who will receive grants and for how much. Students may also award grants to organizations within the South High community. South has granted more $100,000 over the past nine years to Colorado non-profits through the El Pomar Foundation.

FBLA

Future Business Leaders of America's (FBLA) mission is to bring business and education together by providing unique experiences for those students who excel in business. As a member of FBLA, you are recognized as a National affiliate member, as well as, a Colorado State Member. We participate at District and State Competitions. Approximate costs include; Dues $15, District Conference $20 and the State Conference $110, fund raising opportunities are available.

Film Club

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film

Freshmen Academy

Although not mandatory, all incoming freshmen are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend South's Freshmen Academy. Freshmen Academies are held at all DPS high schools as a transition from middle school to high school - both academically as well as socially. Held for the two weeks prior to the beginning of school in August, students are in class for 6 hours a day for two weeks. Five hours of elective credit towards graduation is given at the end of the Academy. RTD passes and lunch is provided for all freshmen students attending this Academy.

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Gay Straight Alliance is a school based group organized to end anti-gay bias and homophobia in schools and create positive change making schools a welcoming and safe place for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This group is a supportive group in its efforts to educate the community on tolerance of various life styles.

Key Club

Key Club is a national and international service organization sponsored by the South Denver Kiwanis Club. Its main goal is to serve others by generating and sponsoring community service activities throughout the year. Activities include (but are not limited to) Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, volunteer work for the Volunteers of America and other community service activities. All students are welcome. This is an excellent way for NHS members and all students to get their needed community service hours.

Link Leaders

Link Leaders are a group of juniors and seniors. On the first day of school in the fall, Link Leaders help the new freshmen class through their orientation. Link Leaders are the "link" from middle school to high school.

Model UN

Model UN (United Nations) is an internationally recognized student leadership program designed to give students the opportunity to experience the dynamics of international diplomacy. Students participate in 3 all-day conferences with other high school students from the metropolitan area where they attempt to solve problems and address challenges that face the world today. Model UN is an excellent program for South students who want to learn more about the world.

MESA

Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) spans many topics - from astronomy, to electronics, to rockets to zoology, and to renewable energy. This club has it all! Special speakers, events, and trips highlight the South chapter of MESA. Past field trips include trips to DU for a competition at World Affairs Challenge and the first place at the competition in the Newcomer category. End of the year Luncheon with an overnight competition, and visiting at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. MESA participates in many statewide competitions including Science Olympiad, Colorado Science Bowl, Colorado Bridge Building Competition, the Robotics Competition, and Jamboree! The South MESA chapter received the "2004 Outstanding MESA Program Award" for Colorado. South's MESA club has earned some money in scholarships, computers, and other awards in the past years. Also the South MESA has been taking young female students to programs designed to develop the interest of female students for engineering and Science.

Ski/Snowboarding Club

This club is for students interested in skiing and/or snowboarding. We take at least one trip per month to Winter Park or Copper Mountain. All abilities levels welcome. Deals on lift tickets and transportation.

Mountaineering Club

We are a group who likes all things pertaining to climbing. No prior experience or equipment is necessary to join us for our activities. Rock climbing happens on a weekly basis after school at a local climbing gym, and outdoor trips to the mountains are scheduled once-per-month for peak climbing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, or whatever students are willing to organize. Some students choose to compete in the monthly climbing competition sponsored by Paradise Gym in north Denver.

Speech and Debate

Speech and Debate is a competitive club. Our members pit their thinking and speaking skills against those of students from other metro high schools in Saturday competitions from October to April in such events as Debate, Oratory, Extemporaneous, Drama, Poetry, Humor and Duet Interpretation. Competitors are rewarded with improved speaking skills, lightning-fast thinking skills, and the pleasure of beating their peers from other schools. Students are also able to earn membership and awards from the national speech organization - the National Forensics League, and may win a spot to compete at the National Speech Tournament in June.

Student Senate

Student Senate consists of elected representatives from all four grade levels. Freshmen are elected in the fall while upperclassmen have elections in the spring. Student Senate members learn leadership concepts by creating, implementing, and promoting activities and opportunities for the entire South student body and staff. Activities include ( but are not limited to) the Homecoming, Rebel Round-up activities and Dance, 2 Hall Dances, Prom, Spirit Weeks, Penny Wars, Trick-or-Treat Street, Canned Food Drive, Community service activities, Social/Public/Safety awareness activities, Powder Puff Football, Mr. Rebel, Battle of the Sexes, and Pep Rallies.

Website Club

Students work together to improve the quality of the South High web site and keep the information updated. Students can work in the 161A lab using the industry standard software "Dreamweaver", students also have access to Flash and Fireworks. Students that have other obligations can still work independently and turn web design updates and new additions to the web site to Ms. Coberly when ready.

Youth and Government

Youth and Government students participate in a model legislature at the Colorado State Capital building for three days in November each fall. Each student writes a bill to present at this mock legislative session and tries to get it passed into law. This is a unparalleled opportunity to develop reasoning and speaking skills, to learn about the inner workings of our government, and is a must for any student interested in a possible career in politics!

Honorary Societies

National Honor Society

a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
approval by the faculty evaluation committee
3 teacher letter of recommendations

Initiation is held during the spring semester of each year. Annual dues and service hours must be completed to continue in and graduate with an NHS honors cord.

The Arts

Advanced Band

South's Advanced Band is open to students with instrumental experience. Music theory and performance is studied more in depth.

Beginning Choir

South's Beginning Choir is open to all students. The class will introduce the basics of vocal music and reading music. Performances are held each semester.

Drama Ambassadors

South's Drama students travel to local middle schools to teach their Drama classes for the day and hold workshops for the middle school students. It is an opportunity for the students to be leaders and give back to the students following them in the community.

Fall Play

The Fall Play of South High Student Theater is performed the first week in November, with students auditioning at the end of August and rehearsing for 8 weeks. It is a non-musical production, and selections are chosen with the intention of offering student actors a variety of challenges and experiences. Students can participate in a variety of ways from acting in the play, to working on stage crew, to handling publicity.

Improv Festival

Once a semester South High Student Theater invites actors from the other Denver High Schools to join us for a night of Improvisational games and activities. All South students are welcome to attend and participate.

Jazz Band

The South Jazz Band boasts some of South's most talented musicians. These selected individuals play for concerts, many South events, and jazz festival competitions. Students sharpen their music theory skills, their performance skills, and their ability to perform as a single unit.

Orchestra

South's Orchestra is open to students with instrumental experience. Music theory and performance is studied more in depth.

Pablo's Corner

Every Friday during lunch in room 204, students are invited to an informal poetry reading. Poets can read their own work, the work of other poets, or just come to listen and share in the conversation. Pablo's Corner is often an opportunity for poets to get feedback on their writing in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Select Advanced Choir

By selection only, this class provides the opportunity, within a classroom setting, to develop effective singing skills. Class Voice provides training in solo singing techniques as well as group techniques using a variety of musical styles. This is a performing group. No audition necessary.

Shakespeare Festival

Performing in the Shakespeare Festival is open to anyone. To attend you must prepare a scene from Shakespeare to perform in front of the drama teacher. The Shakespeare Festival is held in May of each year.

Slam Ambassadors

Selected student poets from South travel to various elementary, middle and high schools to perform slam poetry and offer workshops introducing students to Spoken Word. Slam Ambassadors let other schools get a glimpse of what performance poetry is all about.

SHOUT OUT!

The SHOUT OUT! is South's own monthly poetry slam event. Once a month there is a SHOUT OUT! held on a Friday night, giving students the opportunity to read on an open mic, see the performances of visiting feature poets from all over the country, and participate in South's own poetry slam competition where student poets compete in rounds. All students are welcome to participate, whether they are actually on stage or just cheering on the performers.

Spirit Dance Team

The South High School Spirit Dance Team is an advanced class, choreography and dance performance, which requires an audition. The Spirit Dance Team performs at pep rallies, the Homecoming half-time show and other venues throughout the year. Their major performance is the dance show in the Spring.

Spring Musical

South High Student Theater's Spring Musical is a large-scale musical production performed each year in mid-March. Auditions are held in mid-January. Musicals give the performers an opportunity to dance and sing, as well as act on stage. Students can also participate in stage crew and work on behind-the-scenes tasks.

Visual Art Society

Visual Art Society is a group of students who love making art or/and appreciate art. Most members are working towards earning a Letter. Activities vary from working with local elementary schools and their murals, using the time as studio time, conversing with fellow art lovers, supporting other school clubs, hosting our South art exhibit and fundraising.

JROTC

JROTC Color Guard

The ROTC Color Guard presents the National Colors at school and civic events throughout the year. They also post the American Flag and Colorado Flag on the flag pole in front of the school each day. Students train on the proper protocols for the United States Flag.

JROTC Honor Platoon

The JROTC Honor Platoon is a select group of young ladies in the JROTC program. They compete in drill competitions at city, state and regional, multi-state levels. They are also a service organization that performs school community service and community service learning projects.

JROTC Drill Team

The JROTC Drill Team is a select group of JROTC students. They compete in drill rifle competitions at city, state, and regional, multi-state levels. Students learn to drill with the M1903 drill rifle, using drill regulations and routines and movements of their own design.

JROTC Air Rifle Teams

The men's and women's JROTC Air Rifle Teams train and compete in Olympic style marksmanship competitions with other teams in the city and state. Olympic marksmanship events require great mental focus and concentration in addition to technique training.

Student Publications

Yearbook

The yearbook staff is made up of sophomores, juniors and seniors with teacher approval. The yearbook staff learns business, leadership, photography, editing, interviewing and computer skills. The yearbook staff meets one period, after school and occasionally on Saturdays.

The Gargoyle

The newspaper production course is one of the few classes where there is a final product that reflects the students' hard work and effort. That final project is The Gargoyle, South High School's student newspaper. The Gargoyle is a 16 page student newspaper published eight times each year. The course follows objectives and standards outlined by Denver Public Schools, with emphasis on practical experience. The course will require some after-school work, especially during deadline week.

Want to Start Your Own Club?

Don't see what you're looking for? Get together and start a club of your own. In order to be recognized as an official club at South, all you need to do is

Decide the purpose/goal of your club
Find a sponsor. This sponsor must be a South staff member
With your sponsor, decide meeting times, goals, activities & expectations
Inform Mr. Kelsey or Miss Odom of your club and all info
Recruit members and start having fun!

To learn more about activity meeting times and student availability click here