At Indian Hills there are many opportunities for students to be involved outside the classroom. Some activities include:

I-Care - Students use 1 study hall a week for a semester to volunteer for a community service project. I-care service projects include helping at a day care center, visiting a local nursing home and visiting a nearby animal hospital. Students may volunteer for other projects as they become available. I-Care opportunities will also be available on Wednesday afternoons 2:00-4:00.

Media Center Assistants - Student library assistants assist the school media center every other day (day 1 or 2). Their duties include checkout and check-in of media center materials to students and staff.

Office Helpers– Office helpers assist the secretaries with taking messages to students and teachers. They also help with tasks in the office when necessary. When not busy with office duties, students may study or read.

School Newspaper - The eighth grade elective, Communications Media, is responsible for the school newspaper, The Tiger Tracks. This newspaper welcomes submissions by any student.

Student Council - Student council is an opportunity for each grade level to have a voice in planning Indian Hills school functions, projects, and activities. Student council promotes cooperation between students and faculty, encourages the practice of good citizenship and serves as an opportunity to engage in leadership activities. Student council representatives are elected from each social studies class.

After the Bell Homework Club - This program meets after school Monday through Thursday from 2:45– 4:00. It provides students with a comfortable setting to work on their homework and get extra help. Snacks are served and students may sit with their friends. After the Bell Form

Tiger Service Club - Tiger Service Club is a service-learning program in collaboration with the Walnut Creek YMCA. The club allows students to develop their leadership skills, participate in field trips, volunteer, and gain life experiences. We meet from 2:45 - 3:30, days vary.

Yearbook - Student yearbook staff will learn how to use digital cameras, scanners, and online yearbook site to complete their yearbook assignments. Meetings will be held at least once a month from 2:45-3:45. Students will work on their individual and small group assignments at times convenient to them.

Athletics (8th Boys and Girls only)

Basketball (Boys) - Boys basketball is an 8-week season running from the beginning of January through the end of February. Typically there are three squads.

Basketball (Girls) - Girls basketball is an 8-week season running from the end of October through mid-December. Typically there are three squads, each playing ten games. The philosophy behind our program is to teach the fundamentals of basketball while giving all the girls as much playing time as possible.

Cross Country (Boys and Girls) - Cross Country is a unique experience in which 8th grade boys and girls can win in a highly competitive sport. Every runner knows there is no easy way to be a successful cross country runner and everyone is aware of the work ethic needed to climb that steep hill, burn down the long back stretch or fly around the wooded corner. Cross Country is an 8-week season starting on the first day of school and ending mid-October.

Football (Boys) - Football is a fall sport with the emphasis on learning the basic principles and techniques of the game. Some examples are tackling, blocking, passing, catching, and learning to work together as a team.

Track (Boys and Girls) - The track season is 7 weeks long, running from the end of March through mid-May, The boys and girls teams compete in 7 meets each. Participants will have a variety of events they may compete in including sprints, distance, hurdles, shot put, discus, long jump, and high jump.

Volleyball (Girls) - Volleyball is an 8-week season running from the first day of school through mid-October. Typically there are four squads each playing nine matches. The philosophy behind our program is to teach the girls the fundamentals of volleyball while giving them as much playing time as possible.

Wrestling (Boys) - Indian Hills wrestling continues the strong tradition of athletics at Indian Hills Jr. High. By learning basic moves, techniques, and holds, wrestlers train to compete against other schools at wrestling meets. The season runs from October until winter break, while wrestling nine meets. Student athletes gain strength, conditioning, and discipline by participating in this sport.

Music (7th and 8th Boys and Girls)

Band and Jazz Band - Jazz band is an extracurricular ensemble. Students must be band or orchestra members to be part of the group. Both 7th and 8th grade jazz bands rehearse outside of the school day and perform at concerts and contests throughout the year.

Chamber Orchestra - Chamber orchestra is composed of orchestra students from both Indian Hills and Stilwell Jr. High. The group members are selected by auditions. This group offers the advanced student the opportunity to play more challenging music. The chamber orchestra rehearses on Tuesday mornings before school at Indian Hills.

Choir - The Indian Hills Choir is open to any student in the 7th or 8th grade. Everyone is encouraged to participate!

Indian Hills Show Choir - (show choir selected by audition) - As the only select vocal ensemble at Indian Hills, membership is based on individual auditions held at the beginning of the school year. This ensemble is available to both 7th and 8th grade singers enrolled in chorus. Rehearsals are outside the school day. The show choir performs at all the Indian Hills choral concerts as well as various community and school events. Show, pop, jazz and a cappella music styles are explored. Some of the music is choreographed.

Solo Ensemble Contest - Band solo and ensemble contest is an optional activity for band members. Students will perform in front of a judge for a divisional rating. Orchestra solo and ensemble is also an optional activity, although most of the students choose to participate. As in band, students perform in front of a judge for a divisional rating. Vocal solo and ensemble festival is an opportunity for 8th grade vocalists to prepare a vocal solo or small ensemble, which will be performed in for a clinician. A divisional rating will be awarded, along with some helpful comments.

Drama (7th and 8th Boys and Girls)

Mimes - The Indian Hills drama department presents one mime show each school year. Any student may join the group, and any student may apply for a crew position for the mime productions.

School Play - The Indian Hills drama department presents one full-length play each school year. Students may audition for parts or apply for crew positions.

Light Crew – The light crew actually deals with both lights and sound in the auditorium for drama productions, school presentations, and community groups who come to use Indian Hills facilities. Interested individuals will be trained to use the electronic light and sound equipment.

"Not a Bad Seat in the House" Buy a seat for the IH Auditorium. Click Here.

Other Activities (7th and 8th Boys and Girls)

Fitness Club - Indian Hills's intramural fitness club is open to ALL Indian Hills students and staff. The club meets in the Indian Hills gym and weight room 6:15-7:15 AM. The focus is on fitness activities as a life skill and having fun while maintaining your fitness. The club engages in a wide range of fitness activities: strength training, aerobic fitness, martial arts fitness, and various other fitness-oriented activities. Days TBA.

Intramurals - Indian Hills's intramural sports and outdoors programs are offered to ALL Indian Hills students. The programming includes a wide range of sports (football, wrestling, basketball, rack and field) and outdoors programming (fishing, cross-country skiing, orienteering, and photography). The focus is on skill development, sportsmanship, relationships, and having FUN! Intramural meets most Mondays from 2:40 to 3:45 and on various other days during the week. Please check school announcements for Intramural days and activities.

Mock Trial - Students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses to prepare and present a case. Teams include up to 10 students. Mock trial is mainly an ELP activity due to the preparation time needed. Participation may be limited.
Debate - Students will learn the research, analysis, and presentation skills necessary to present informational and persuasive speeches. Debate is mainly an ELP activity due to the preparation time needed. Participation may be limited.

West Des Moines Teen Center – West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department has created an after school program of activities at the former Rex Mathes Elementary building. Students are able to participate in planned activities, play games, hang out with friends, or study at the center. Busing from Indian Hills will be provided after school and at 4:00. Students may be picked up by parents before 7:00pm (6:30 on Wednesdays). Teen Center Form

CHOW – Chill on the Hill on Wednesdays is a special activity for those early dismissal days. Students are invited to gather for a time of snacks, relaxation, activity, and enjoying friends. Click here to get a parent permission form. Chow Form CHOW Permission Form