Activities

We believe that extra-curricular activities have a positive impact on students both inside and outside of the classroom. Research indicates that participation in activities results in higher grades and graduation rates. Extra-curricular activities help students build skills, develop habits, make friends and gain mentors that can boost their self-esteem and help them say "no" to risky behaviors. Colleges also tend to prefer students who participate in extra-curricular activities as it shows initiative, accomplishment and commitment.

At Park Place Middle School, we offer a wide range of school-sponsored activities and encourage all of our students to get involved in activities that are of interest to them.

2024-25 Activities

AM Student Study Group

If you need a quiet place to study, catch up on work, get support on work then Morning Study Club is for you. Monday/Wednesday with Mrs. Stalter in room 231 from 7:00-7:40 and Tues/Thurs. with Mr. Day in Room 241. Hope to see you there.

PM Student Study Group

After School Study Group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 until 4:00 pm in room 143 with Mrs. Kaplowitz.  Students may attend all or part of the time in room 143. During Study Group, students are given a quiet space to work on missing assignments, retake tests, or work on projects. Mrs. Kaplowitz is available to support students who have questions and help them navigate their work. 

Art Club

Art Club meets on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30pm-3:30pm in room 154 and is a place where students can come together to create art, discuss art, and share art. Students can practice art skills, develop new techniques, and work on art projects. They may also work with materials that are not typically used in general education art classrooms. An example of this is creating pottery pieces and sculpting. (Full with waitlist)

Crochet Club

Our very popular Crochet Club will be starting back up on Thursday, November 14th. Crochet Club will meet weekly on Thursdays from 2:30-4pm. Our club consists of beginners to advanced levels in crochet. We have a great time learning how to crochet animals, hats, blankets and many other things. This is a very independent club, students select what they want to learn and work on and ask for help when needed. Beginners will learn the basics of crochet and how to build on their stitches to create projects. Last year we made a "kindness blanket" from a wide variety of squares created by students and staff. We hope to do smaller projects throughout the year to share with people in our community. We look forward to a very fun and creative year!

Drama Club

Park Place Drama Llamas Club is here to inspire creativity and build confidence through theater and improv. We provide a welcoming space where students can explore their imaginations, develop performance skills, and collaborate with others. Through both scripted and unscripted performances, we foster teamwork, quick thinking, and self-expression. Our goal is to empower students to take creative risks, develop improv skills, and celebrate the joy of storytelling in a fun and supportive environment. Stay tuned for performance dates in 2025!  Drama Club meets on Thursdays in the 230pod with Mr. Hanenburg.

Dungeons and Dragons Group

The Dungeons and Dragons group meets every Monday in room 145 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. This club offers students a chance to dive into exciting adventures, where they create unique characters, solve puzzles, and work together as a team to overcome challenges. Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration, making it a fun and rewarding way for students to build important skills. It's also a great way for students to make new friends, develop storytelling abilities, and practice problem-solving in an imaginative, supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is welcome to join and explore the world of fantasy together! (Full with waitlist)

Jazz Band Club

Puma Jazz Band is and always has been an exciting addition to the concert bands of Park Place.  The Jazz Band focuses on the big band style of the 50s and 60s of the last century, as well as the brass band styles of New Orleans and teaches the students the art of improvisation (the students learn to invent/compose their own melodies on the spot) as well has Jazz, Rock and Latin Jazz styles.  This band is open to students who have had at least one year of band and have enough technique and musical knowledge that they can jump into learning harder, more exciting musical literature.  Because of its ability to play lively music that deeply affects the audience, Jazz Band is also called PPM Bands' "special forces."  Jazz Band Club meets in room 173 with Mr. Duemchen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting at 6:45am.

Mariachi Band Club

Mariachi club is a club that explores the Mexican/Latin American musical artform Mariachi and reaches out to our Latino students population, but  It is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.  The group is comprised of vocalists, violinists, guitarists (Vihuela and Guitarron) and trumpet players.  Mariachi Band Club meets on Tuesdays from 2:30pm-3:15pm in room 173 with Mr. Duemchen's.

Rock Band Group

Introducing the Rockstars of Tomorrow! Puma Rock Band Group is a dynamic group of young musicians ready to take the stage and make some noise! No prior experience or instruments are needed to join—just a passion for music and the desire to have fun! Whether they’re learning classic hits or creating their own original tunes, students are developing teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence. Through music, our band members build discipline, make lifelong friendships, and discover their unique sound. Support these rising stars as they unleash their energy and talent!  Rock Band Group meets on Mondays from 2:30pm-4pm in room 173 with Mr. Hanenburg.

Robotics Group

Robotics After School Group 2024-2025 is a great space to be challenged with problem-solving, basic programming, team skills, and LEGO building (we use LEGO robot kits) from 2:30 to 4pm on Thursday afternoons in Mr. Day's room (241). Ms. Swanigan co-leads this dynamic group of students with Mr. Day. Students work both together and independently each week to build skills to make robots that do cool things! Internal competitions are encouraged and help hone all of our skills! Mr. Blakely, a Microsoft Employee and current Park Place student parent, also regularly volunteers his time to help students problem-solve their latest creations. Many of our past students have gone on to be involved with "next level" robotics up at Monroe High School, both in classes and with club and competition teams. As of October 7th, all grade level spaces are filled, but Ms. Maykovich is still accepting After School Activities Forms to get you on a waitlist for any openings that may come up as students move onto other after school obligations later in the school year such as sports. (Full with waitlist)

Spelling Bee Club

It's not too late for kids to join the PPMS National Scripps Spelling Bee Club!  Spelling Bee Club meets on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 in Mrs.Teague's Room 123. There's lots kids can work on when their work is finished in class, or at home, including downloading the Word Club App. This helps kids to prepare for our school competition in early March! Come join the club and develop your spelling vocabulary powers while you're at it!

Weightlifting Club

The objective of this intramural program is to give students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and practice the skills of weight training as a physical fitness activity. This program is intended to be both a learning experience and fun for those who participate on a regular basis.

Weightlifting is an excellent activity for anyone wanting to improve their fitness, or prepare for a sport. This intramural session will test your overall strength and endurance and help you to be a fit individual. We meet three times a week and students must attend at least one session per week. So please, get your friends and come lift weights and have fun!  Weightlifting Club meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:30pm-3:30pm in the weight room with Mrs. Harvey.

Yearbook Club

Yearbook club meets on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7AM to 7:35AM in room 132. In yearbook club, we take photos, lead interviews, and create the yearbook. (Full)