Valley Clubs and Activities
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A Capella Reign
A Cappella Reign is Valley High School's a cappella men's group. Auditions are held in the fall. Performances include a winter show, a spring show, and a regional a cappella competition.
Advisor
Gregory Hudson
515-633-4044Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.Videos
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Acoustics
Do you know how to play the guitar or ukulele??
Even if you don't, we'd love to have you join The Acoustics where you and other stringed musicians will practice and perform on Friday mornings before school gracing the halls with beautiful music. We also have a monthly after school jam session.Advisor
Larry Mandernach
515-633-4125Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details. -
AI is for IA
The purpose of this club is to introduce students to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The intent is to raise awareness and interest in AI. AI is a growing career field that impacts our everyday lives, from Google search engines to recommended Youtube videos. Learning about various aspects of AI can help interested students further their knowledge. In this club, students will learn more about the basics of AI and then go further in depth into what AI can do. In addition, various speakers from businesses and universities that are AI experts will be invited to speak to the students about their research or job.
Advisor
Clint GentryWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details. -
Anime Club
Anime Club meets to discuss and explore Anime, Japanese Animation.
Advisor
Blythe StanfelWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1607When do we meet?
Wednesdays at 8 a.m. -
Art Club
Art Club is a place where students from a variety of backgrounds meet and create. It is a place where you can meet new friends with passion for art. You can learn and develop your art skills while having support from fellow artists.
Advisor
Tamara BraseWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2333When do we meet?
Wednesdays after school. -
Baker's Dozen (Mimes)
The Bakers Dozen is Valley's oldest club, founded in 1969 when a group of 13 kids met in a class. The troupe performs two shows per year, the Fall Nite of Mime and Spring Nite of Mime. The group also performs roadshows in our community and work with our elementary schools for their fine arts days.
Advisor
Ted Vandeventer
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
President's houseWhen do we meet?
Sunday evenings -
Best Buddies
Mission
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).Who We Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.Events
We have monthly breakfasts and Zoom! We also have metro events where we connect with other chapters throughout the metro. We participate in Best Buddies ball which is super similar to prom and one of our favorite events! We host our own huge metro event called Valleytines during February, last year we had an ice cream truck and 10 + businesses donate to a raffle, at this event you play carnival games and do crafts! If you have a buddy you will do activities outside of school like bowling, getting food, going on walks, and bonding over things you both like to do!Advisor
Ashley DeGrooteWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
TBDFollow Us on Social
- Instagram - vhs_bestbuddies
- Twitter - BestBuddiesVHS
- Facebook - Valley Best Buddies
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Bike Club
Our club was developed by students who like to ride bikes, want to do it more often, and even may want to become competitive or take their racing game to the next level.
Advisor
TJ LechtenbergWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2339When do we meet?
Thursdays at 3:20 p.m. -
Chem Club
Chem Club gives high school students a unique opportunity to experience chemistry beyond the classroom. Students engage in activities that enhance their understanding of the science and help them better appreciate how chemistry plays a role in our everyday lives.
Advisor
Kathy McGraneWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 3443When do we meet?
Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. -
Chess Club
Chess Club is for any student, no matter what level of play: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. We meet primarily to play chess together, but also for instruction.
Advisor
Rob SchebelWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
VHS Media CenterWhen do we meet?
Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. -
Chinese Cultural Club
The Chinese Cultural Club seeks to integrate Chinese culture into our culturally-diverse community. Our goal is to promote the understanding of this culture and its traditions. The Chinese Club normally meets throughout the school year every Tuesday after school. Meetings will start in October.
Advisor
Jon LinWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Tuesdays after school -
Choir/Vocal Music
There are many different Choir Ensembles at Valley! Our choirs are co-curricular, which means that you need to be a member of a curricular choir class to join.
Curricular Choirs (during the school day)
- Concert Choir
- A Cappella Choir
- Select Treble Clef
- Valley Singers (video)
Co-Curricular Choirs
- Show Choir
- Jazz Choir
Show Choirs
- Choralation: Varsity Show Choir. Co-curricular activity that features highly competitive singers/dancers in grades 10-12 who perform at competitions across the Midwest. Choralation rehearses Mondays 6 to 9 pm. Director Haley Gibbons
Choralation Video > - Ignition: Prep Show Choir. Co-curricular activity that features highly competitive singers/dancers in grades 9-12 who perform at competitions across the Midwest. Ignition rehearses Thursdays 6 to 9 pm. Director Chloe McCartney
Ignition video >
Jazz Choirs
- Vocalese: Varsity Jazz Choir. Co-curricular activity that features highly select jazz vocalists in grades 10-12 who perform at festivals and state competitions. Vocalese rehearses twice weekly; times may vary. Director Heather Nail- nailhe@wdmcs.org
Vocal Point: Mixed Prep Jazz Choir. Co-curricular activity that features highly select jazz vocalists in grades 10-12 who perform at festivals and state competitions. Vocalese rehearses twice weekly; times may vary. Director Haley Gibbons
Vocalese video > - Vox: Women's Prep Jazz Choir. Co-curricular activity that features highly select jazz vocalists in grades 10-12 who perform at festivals and state competitions. Vocalese rehearses once to twice weekly; times may vary. Director Heather Nail
Directors
Haley Gibbons
Heather Nail
Chloe McCartney -
Classic Cultures Club
We explore the cultures of the ancient world.
Advisor
Dan StoaWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
TBD -
Club Alpha
Club Alpha is designed for any student. There are three focus areas: Academic Achievement (doing the best we can in school), Post-Secondary Preparedness (finding the path to follow after graduation) and Cultural Literacy (understanding the impact we make on school culture).
Advisor
David MeeksWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
Every other Tuesday -
CORE: Community of Racial Equity
Community of Racial Equity (CORE) is an organization dedicated to racial justice in our communities and across the state. It is a statewide organization of which Valley is a chapter. we work with activists and racial equity leaders from across the state and host events to create racial equity in our neighborhood, school, and city.
If you are passionate about racial equity and want to work to make Iowa a better place, CORE is for you!Advisor
Petra LangeWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Fridays after school -
DECA
DECA is a Business Club that allows students to compete in events with students around the state and possibly the world if they qualify for Nationals. Students have many categories to choose from including: Marketing, Sales, Advertising, Business Law, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Hospitality and Tourism. This club has conferences and events which allow you to connect with other students around the state.
Advisor
Travis Young
Casey YoungWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Monday or Tuesday -
Drama
Each year, Valley produces two full-length productions: a fall play and a spring musical. Opportunities exist for students to engage in acting, stage management, as well as technical crews. CAMP Crew students work on costumes, advertising, make-up and publicity. TECH Crew students engage in set, lighting, and sound construction. Auditions are open to all and auditions packets as well as crew sign ups can be obtained by contacting Ms. Hansen.
Advisor
Stacy HansenWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
Varies -
Dungeons and Dragons Club
If you like fantasy and D&D this is a place for you. Meet with friends online and role play your favorite characters while listening to your Dungeon Master.
Advisor
Tamara BraseWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Wednesdays at 2:35 p.m. -
Eco Club
Eco Club was developed to help raise awareness about different environmental issues facing the world today. This year we will do a different action every month to hopefully make Valley High School and the community the most eco-friendly it can be today. This year the education and actions will be centered around intersectionality within the enivronmental justice movement.
Advisor
Brant ReifWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetings or Room 3417When do we meet?
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. -
FCA
FCA stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is an international organization focusing on ministry towards athletes all over the world. FCA at Valley consists of “huddles” and "small groups" which are the names for our meetings, which occur approximately twice a month on Monday nights from 8 to 9 PM in the VHS cafeteria or North Gym.
Advisor
Jeremy Caracci
Ryan EnersonWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
VHS cafeteria or North gymWhen do we meet?
Mondays twice a month at 8 p.m. -
FCCLA
FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of Iowa) is a club dedicated around our Family and Consumer Science classes. In this youth organization with family as its central focus, youth are empowered to address personal, work and societal issues through individual and chapter projects. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life necessary in the home and workplace such as planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication.
FCCLA Iowa Chapter: https://www.iowafccla.org
FCCLA National Site: http://www.fcclainc.org/Advisor
Courtney Mottet
Carmen Clark
Kelli KingWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2425When do we meet?
Second Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. -
FIDM Fashion Club
A group were we can talk about anything fashion. We will have games and crafts to do at our meetings.
Advisor
Carmen ClarkWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
TBD -
Film Production Club
Film Production Club is a group of young filmmakers. Here you can come to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking including equipment, cinematography, editing, and more. We also organize film creations of many kinds. Any type of filmmaking (short films, sketches, informational videos, documentaries, TikToks, vlogs, etc.) can be enhanced and prepared here. This club also organizes youth film competitions open to all high school students.
Advisor
Tory DeVriesWhere do we meet?
Room 2326When do we meet?
Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. -
First Robotics Competition
The Ultimate Sport for the Mind
Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of high school students are challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other teams, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team “brand,” and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.
Members of our team have gone on to Iowa State, Iowa, Purdue, South Dakota State, Worchester Poly Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, and many more with 1000's of Dollars in scholarship money.
We get the opportunity to travel all over the country competing. We have competed from Duluth, Mn to New Orleans, LA. We are the traveling team of Central Iowa Robotics.Advisor
Dean LangeWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
VHS Engineering Lab #1714When do we meet?
TBD -
Friends Without Borders
Friends Without Borders is a space that welcomes students and exchange students to interact with each other and have fun! This year we have volunteer activities and previous exchange students to interact with!
Advisor
Karen DowningWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
TBD -
Generation Spirit Cheer
Generation Spirit is a nonprofit organization on a mission that is powering a social inclusion revolution in high schools nationwide. In 2008, our founder created the nation’s first high-school based inclusive cheer team in a small Iowa town. In 2009, she created "The Sparkle Effect," to help other students do the same.
Over the past decade, The Sparkle Effect's mission, vision, and family of teams have grown beyond our wildest dreams. In 2020, the Sparkle Effect changed its name to Generation Spirit to match the power and the passion behind what has truly become a nationwide movement for inclusion.
We empower high school students nationwide to create school-based spirit teams that include students with and without disabilities. Over the past 11 years, with Generation Spirit's help, tens of thousands of students have stepped up to lead the inclusion revolution.Advisor
Desira JohnsonWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. -
Greenhouse Club
The Valley Greenhouse Club is determined to utilize the newly revitalized greenhouse area to educate students about the importance of agriculture and to inspire them to continue learning about agriculture past their career at Valley. In addition to teaching students the values of agriculture, the greenhouse club is dedicated to helping special education students learn essential life skills by providing hands-on learning to offer real-life experience in leadership, team building, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The Greenhouse Club plans to accomplish motivating students to take an interest in agriculture by providing students with opportunities to start seeds and manage the development of plants. Not only will this create interest in agriculture but allow students to learn basic aspects of horticulture. Contacting professionals that have jobs related to agriculture whether it be a greenhouse manager, a research scientist, or a farmer will also be imperative to spreading interest in agriculture. Through these activities, students will be given the chance to learn essential life skills. For example, as a way to learn the importance of service students might donate the produce that they grew to a local food shelter or donate flowers to teachers. The Greenhouse Club recognizes the importance of agriculture and the need for a club to offer them opportunities to learn about it while also engaging in fun activities that teach essential life skills to all students.Advisor
Brant ReifWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
TBD -
History's Mystery Club
Each meeting we look at a different historical mystery by finding out the basic information on the event and see if it has been solved, what modern research has been done if any to try and solve it etc.. We do computer research as well as watching lots of video clips, discussing etc.. If you like history, if you like mysteries, if you are looking for a place where you can belong, then you are home with us!
Our biggest mystery we looked into last year was the new search for the airplane of Amelia Earhart. National Geographic had a great new documentary that we watched, then we did some research online and then we hypothesized if what they found could be on the right track.
Advisor
Sonja Hansen-SmithWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2311When do we meet?
First and third Tuesday at 3:50 p.m. -
HOSA-Future Health Professionals
HOSA, "Health Occupations Students of America", is a nationally recognized educational healthcare organization. At a local level, HOSA encourages and fosters volunteer work in the medical field, and actively creates opportunities for member students to explore their interests in health careers by attending healthcare conferences. At the state and national level, HOSA acts as a competitive arena for students to contend in over 50 different areas all based in health care: such as medical spelling bees, biomedical debate, speech, writing, medical photography, presentation, drama, art/artistic interpretation, and many more!
We further act as an outlet for community involvement by sponsoring and organizing student-led volunteer/community projects. We are an exciting club that builds a body of students all with the same drive of success in medicine. There are no auditions or pre-requisites, but a registration fee is asked of members. Contact Mrs. Thompson for more information.Advisor
Andrea ThompsonWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1642When do we meet?
Every other Tuesday after school -
IHSSA Individuals Speech
The IHSSA Speech team students practice their public speaking skills through a variety of speaking styles. Students tryout and write/research/practice their performances each week before contests the end of February and first of March, with ALL STATE the end of March.
There are 14 events available to students for competition : Acting, Oratory, Radio, Poetry, Prose, Storytelling, Public Address, Lit Program, Spontaneous, Improv, After Dinner, Musical Theater, Expository, Review. We spend our time writing and practicing your event. This requires a small amount of time per week. The emphasis is on you and your development!Advisor
Carol Engelmann
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1716When do we meet?
Varies (December-March) -
IHSSA Large Group Speech
The Iowa High School Speech Association is home to over 25,000 Iowa students and several hundred right here at Valley! Large group categories include one act play, reader's theatre, choral reading, short film, television news, radio news, ensemble acting, musical theatre, group improvisational acting, solo mime, and group mime. Students audition for participation in up to two categories. Students perform for one judge at Districts. If the group receives a I rating, it moves to the ALL State competition where it is judged by three judges.
Valley has a very rich history of students being chosen to perform at the All-State Festival in Ames. In addition, Valley holds the state record for the most Critic's Choice as well as the E. Wayne Cooley Award for having the most entries at the All-State Festival. Stacy Hansen is the Large Group IHSSA Speech Director and can be reached at hansens@wdmcs.org or find her in the drama room. Please join us!Advisor
Stacy HansenWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1731When do we meet?
varies -
Ink Literary Magazine
Ink publishes Valley's award-winning literary magazine, a collection of student writing and art. The staff of Ink Literary Magazine also manage C4, Valley's spoken word night. Held in the fall and spring semesters, C4 is an excellent opportunity to present original poetry and short prose, or listen to the voices of the next generation of writers and artists.
If you have a passion for writing, spoken word, editing, publishing, or art, reach out to Ms. Perry for more information.Advisor
Erin Perry
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetings or Room 1313When do we meet?
Fridays at 7:30 a.m. -
Interact Club
Want to volunteer and help the community?
Interact Club is an excellent opportunity!
Interact is a service club for teens who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their community and learning about the world. Our VHS Interact Club is sponsored by the West Des Moines Rotary Club and follow the ideals of Rotary International. There are over 12,300 Interact Clubs in 133 countries helping to improve the world around them. The club volunteers in the community every month. Past volunteer events include Meals from the Heartland, Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo, snack packaging for local after school programs, Adopt a Family, and Furry Friends Animal Refuge.
Interact organizes two service projects every year, one that directly helps the school or community and another that promotes international understanding. These are in addition to monthly volunteer opportunities. Most volunteer efforts count toward Silver Cord hours.
If you enjoy hanging out with friends and doing community service projects, then come check out Interact Club!Advisor
Shannon JohnsonWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetings or Room 1321When do we meet?
varies, twice a month -
Intramurals
We offer a variety of team and individual sports opportunities for all students. Examples include: basketball, ping pong and bowling. Jon Williams coordinates the basketball intramural league along with his freshman C teams. The other activities are driven by student interest.
Advisor
Aziz HaffarWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
varies -
K Club
This club was developed so that there be a place for people with an interest in K-Pop or wanting to learn more about K-pop to find a new group to belong to. Many friendships are made because of K-pop. We are going to be learning/talking about different styles of K-Pop dances, songs, languages, culture, and fashion.
This is gonna be an environment where people don't judge each other and we are gonna jump out of their zone to explore and find new interests that you might not know you are interested in.Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1351When do we meet?
Wednesdays after school -
Key Club
Key club is a nonprofit organization with an international service program whose mission is to complete community service projects to further develop our community. We have a great time together creating fun projects that count towards Silver Cord!
Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetings or Room 1602When do we meet?
Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 3:20 p.m. -
Kures4Kids
Valley’s Kures4Kids is a group of students passionate about and dedicated to serving the community and contributing to the reasons behind smiles for patients and families at Blank Children’s Hospital. We do so by annually participating in the Festival of Trees and Lights, yearly fundraisers, writing cards for kids, making tie blankets, and more. Established in 2018, we have been dedicated to the mission of creatively making a difference in the community. We invite you to join Kures4Kids and contribute your ideas and talents! Silver Cord hours are also available.
Advisor
Gina ReinierWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details. -
Loco Suave (Valley Step Club)
Loco Suave is Valley High School's step club. They choreograph, practice, and produce original dances and music mixes. Loco Suave has performed at several school events including: The Homecoming Assembly and Parade and basketball games.
No auditions are necessary. Please see Mrs. Sinram or Mrs. Cooley for any questions. We are getting rolling on our first performance so anyone interested let us know ASAP!
Advisor
Becky SinramWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
When do we meet?
Wednesdays after school -
Math Team
Math team is a fun and competitive activity where students work together to succeed on contests such as the AMC 10/12. It is a great way to develop critical thinking skills and learn new types of math to a level unparalleled in the classroom.
Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
varies -
Mock Trial
Mock trial is great activity in which students form teams of 8-10 people to form hypothetical court cases. Students will act as both the plaintiff and defendant, and will compete against teams from other schools.
Advisor
Stephanie KaylorWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
TBD -
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1921. Learn more about these four pillars of membership here.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NHS activities. NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, Canada, and around the world. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
As such, NHS chapters and students are in schools that care not only about student achievement, but also community engagement.NHS students and their peers volunteer in their communities at the highest rates and make connecting with and serving within the community a priority. The average chapter contributes:
- 1,000 hours of school/community service
- $26,000 in charitable donations
- 1,000 pounds of food to local, state, and national causes
- 100 pints of blood
National Honor Society has an application process which occurs in the spring.
Advisor
Jana EdwardsWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1630When do we meet?
Tuesdays or Wednesdays after school -
Prayer Club
Valley Prayer Club meets weekly to pray together, to discuss Bible verses, and to learn how to grown in faith.
Advisor
Blythe StanfelWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1607When do we meet?
Fridays mornings at 7:20 a.m. -
RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Student Embassy)
The mission of the RISE program is to ensure Valley is welcoming to all students. RISE members are multilingual student leaders who are matched with a student who is new to the country and shares hobbies and at least one common language.This program will also give multilingual students opportunities to practice leadership, advocacy, and community organizing skills. We meet weekly to mentor students new to the country and also participate in activities outside of school for relationship and community building.Advisor
Gianna PuglieseWhere do we meet?
Room 1634When do we meet?
during Thursday Encore -
Science Bowl
The Iowa Regional High School Science Bowl is an opportunity for Iowa's top science and math students to face-off in an intense question and answer format that tests student's knowledge in a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics, energy and math.
Advisor
Kathy McGraneWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Rom 3443When do we meet?
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. -
Skills USA
Skills USA is an organization devoted to helping students prepare for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Students enjoy working on events that involve the hands-on building of projects. The projects help them build real-world skill in their area of interest.
Advisor
David SchubertWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1701When do we meet?
varies -
Spectrum Club
Spectrum Club is a safe space where LGBTQ+ and their allies work together to create a better environment for ALL Valley students. Our club provides a safe place for LGBTQ+ students and straight ally students to meet and talk about what is most important to them and the community. It is a place where anyone is welcome and we promote an environment of inclusion to help everyone feel comfortable with themselves and others.
Advisor
Kristen FriedrichsWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
TBD -
Student Council
Student Council is both a class and an activity. Students meet during the school day and work to plan Homecoming and Dance Marathon activities to support local charities.
Advisor
Ann KroisWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1634When do we meet?
8th period on Black days -
SURJ- Showing Up for Racial Justice
Showing Up for Racial Justice is a national network of groups and individuals working to undermine white supremacy and to work toward racial justice. Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability. SURJ works to connect people across the country while supporting and collaborating with local and national racial justice organizing efforts. SURJ provides a space to build relationships, skills and political analysis to act for change.
SURJ-VHS is the first high school chapter in the U.S. and works to further the understanding of racial issues with students and organize action within the district and community. Last year we led a staff and student book discussion group around Oluo's So You Want to Talk About Race. We also discuss topics concerning oppressive experiences and policies within the district and more generalized topics such as calling in (as opposed to calling out) peers or family members when they say something racist, understanding white privilege, the formation of race in U.S. history, validating the experiences of people of color, being an accomplice in racial justice movements, writing letters to editors or legislators, and interrupting white supremacy in our school.
Advisor
Petra LangeWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetings or Room 1315When do we meet?
Thursdays -
Tiger Lacrosse
Tiger Lacrosse is competitive club lacrosse for both boys and girls. No tryouts are required! Just come join in the fun!
Advisor
Bobbi BurnsWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
varies on boys vs girls teams -
Valley Hack
Hack-a-thons are a great way to build technology skills while also helping others.
ValleyHack will help solve real-world computer science challenges faced by the teachers and administrators of the West Des Moines Community School District. Students will work together in teams building software that helps our school district be more efficient and improve digital experiences.
Advisor
Clint GentryWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
TBD -
Valley History Bowl
At Valley History Bowl meetings, students learn about history and practice history questions to prepare for competitions throughout the school year.
Advisor
Ann KroisWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Sundays at 10 a.m. -
Valley Rugby
Valley Rugby competes as part of the Iowa Youth Rugby Association. It gives boys and girls the opportunity to compete in one of the most popular sports in the world. Valley Rugby has been incredibly successful in the IYRA and has competed for and won state titles. Team members have also gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
While the girls rugby season generally runs in the fall, this year's girls season was postponed due to COVID and the IYRA is evaluating what will be done in the spring. The current proposal is that both boys and girls will compete next spring, which traditionally would be the boys season.
Advisor
Dan KellyWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.When do we meet?
varies -
Valley Social
The mission of Valley Social is to promote a space of mental and physical well-being.
Advisor
Pamela WalshWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.Sign up for Remind noticifations for Valley Social: @g63787
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Valley Vinyl Club
Do you like the classic sound that can only come from a needle on a record? Valley Vinyl Club is the right place for you! Come join us to listen to and discuss this timeless form of sound.
Advisor
Rex DeckardWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
When do we meet?
TBD -
World Cultures Club
Join and gather to learn more about cultures! A space to learn and interact with different cultures and holidays celebrated by Valley Students!
World Cultures Club hosts International Night. An annual event that celebrates and shares the cultures of VHS students and their families.
Advisor
Erin PerryWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 1313When do we meet?
Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. -
Young Democrats
If you are passionate about Democratic values and want an opportunity for your voice be heard, Young Democrats is the place for you. In Young Democrats, everyone gets a chance to share their opinions about freedom, equality, and America. We are open to everyone, whether you are interested in getting involved in politics or just want to discuss, we have a place for you.
Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Virtual meetingsWhen do we meet?
Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m.Use our Remind code @ef4g8g3 to get meeting links and more information!
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Young Republicans
Young Republicans is a club in which students can come and discuss politics, often from a conservative point of view. This club provides a meeting place for those inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.
Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2314When do we meet?
Meeting times for the 20/21 year will be decided after the first meeting and updated. Contact Caleb Shenouda for details at: cs37673@wdmcs.org -
Young Socialists
The Young Socialists club would exist to educate students on various aspects of leftist politics. Specifically; the writings of Marxist, anti-colonial, and anti-racist authors, historical analysis of civil rights and revolutionary groups like the Black Panther Party, Political Organization for non-mainstream ideologies, and effective advocacy strategies. In doing so we hope to bring in guest lecturers who are experts on leftist topics as well as inviting students to discuss areas they are knowledgeable in. We also hope to collaborate with politically centered clubs be they left-leaning or right-leaning.
The Purpose of Young Socialists is to provide a space for students to learn about subjects that are rarely accurately represented in the mainstream despite them being discussed often as well as to help students develop political literacy skills.
Advisor
Where do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2349When do we meet?
Mondays at 3:30 p.m.
Join us for updates on Remind:
Text 81010
Send this message: @bhkc3e -
Youth for Mental Health
Youth for Mental Health focuses on mental health awareness in the school and community. We hope to educate others about the growing concern of mental illness in teens and young adults. Our club will work to organize and attend events that will educate others and raise funds for non-profits related to mental health. This club creates a safe space for students to connect with others who also want to help in the fight to combat mental illness.
Advisor
Jeremy CaracciWhere do we meet?
Advisor can communicate details.
Room 2351When do we meet?
Tuesdays before school