Westlake High School

(Twice a month), Room 111

All students who are interested in enriching their artistic experience within the school and the community, this is the club for you. Club trips to museums in NYC and creative volunteer projects are often our highlights.

Advisor--Mrs. Frawley, cfrawley@mtplcsd.org   

(Twice a month), Library

Book Club meets approximately twice a month and provides students with an opportunity to discuss books, as well as nurture a love of reading for pleasure. The group chooses which books to read, including popular books and classical works. We also conduct fundraisers and raffles throughout the year to raise money for literacy-related organizations.

Advisor-- Mrs. Knopp, mknopp@mtplcsd.org

(Biweekly) Room 204

The Business Club will provide students with the exposure to various careers in business, as well as the opportunity to research and understand more about global markets. Students will engage in activities that include discussions on global markets and financial news, research on careers in business, stock market investment challenge, discussions on banking and corporate finances, exposure to various careers in business by meeting with accomplished business professions (Banker, Trader, Hedge Fund Manager, Accountant, Financial Lawyer, etc.), and participating in seminars. 

 Advisor--Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

(Weekly starting in December), Room 222

In this educational program, co-sponsored by the New York Bar Foundation, high school students have the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures. Thousands of students participate each year. Objectives of the tournament are to: teach students ethics, civility and professionalism; further students' understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; improve proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; promote better communication and cooperation among the school community, teachers and students and members of the legal profession, and; heighten appreciation for academic studies and stimulate interest in law-related careers.

Advisor--Mr. Laterza, mlaterza@mtplcsd.org 

(Twice a month), Room 213 or Library

The English Honor Society seeks to promote interest in English, literature, and the humanities among the Westlake High School community. The purpose of EHS is to foster excellence in the English curriculum by advocating lifelong learning and active participation in the betterment of the Westlake school and community. Members will participate in school functions, maintain a unique forum for creative written expression, and volunteer for school and community activities. Students in grades 9 and 10 remain as general members of the club. Induction and the status of EHS is conferred only to qualified 11th and 12th grade students who meet the criteria. 

Meetings: Bimonthly, Thursdays, Room 213. 

Advisor: Chris D'Ippolito 

cdippolito@mtplcsd.org 

(Bi-monthly) in Room 111

Fashion Club provides interested students with the opportunity to show off their creativity while piquing interest in the fashion industry.  Being around other students who have “a passion for fashion” in a club setting is incredibly motivating.  Students experience a hands-on approach to fashion by brainstorming, illustrating, constructing fashions, following style trends, connecting with designers in the field, and showcasing their own designs (fashion show, displays, etc.).  Working individually or as a design team, students turn their visions into reality.  Club trips, recycled fashions, fundraisers, and community outreach are also areas of interest.   

Advisor: Mrs. Frawley,  cfrawley@mtplcsd.org  

Final Wednesday of the month in Room 203 from 2 :20-2:45 pm.

The WHS Gay-Straight Alliance is a club that works to improve school climate for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Members work together to make sure their school is a safe, supportive environment for ALL students. Our club raises awareness of anti-LGBT harassment in school and in society, draws attention to gender role construction and gender inequity, and provides a safe and supportive place for LGBTQ students and allies. We will utilize activities and discussions among members to raise enlightenment of current social issues while maintaining diversity in thoughts and ideas.

Advisor--Mr. Marinaccio, amarinaccio@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 216

The Italian Club is a club that fosters and promotes the cultural understanding and celebration of the Italian traditions, customs and heritage. It will provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom for those who have a desire to further their learning and understanding of Italian. Members will participate and benefit from various activities and fun experiences that will teach them about the Italian culture in a school and community setting.

(Once a month), Room 216

The Società Onoraria Italica, The National Italian Honor Society for High School Students, is a program that gives recognition to achievements in Italian as well as promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture and civilization. Here are the rules and regulations of the Società Onoraria Italica as set forth by their Constitution and By-laws that the students are held accountable for in order to be selected as candidates for induction into the Italian Honor Society. 

• They are enrolled in the level 4 Italian class
• They have a 90 average for all three years of Italian prior to the induction
• They have an 85 average for all of their courses
• They commit to the mentoring and tutoring program for lower level students who need help in Italian
• They promise to promote the study of the Italian language and culture in the future

   Advisor – Mrs. Bellomusto – fbellomusto@mtplcsd.org  

Last Thursday of the month in Room 203, from  2:20-2:45 pm.

The JSA Speech and Debate Club is a student-run organization that seeks to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society. Members learn the skills and protocol necessary to successfully participate in a debate. Debate topics are chosen by club members in preparation for the Fall State Convention in Boston, Winter Congress in Washington, D.C., and Spring State Convention in Stamford.

Advisor--Mr. Laterza, mlaterza@mtplcsd.org

(Twice a month), Room 208

A club in which students compete with other schools in monthly math competitions

Advisor:

Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

 

(Once a month), Room 208

Our goal and hope is to embolden mathematical service, promote mathematical leadership and encourage students to participate in activities involving math outside of the classroom.

Advisor--Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 225

Not so much a club as it is an achievement. However it meets all year and provides services such as parent-teacher conference and open house chaperones, toy drive for Blythedale Children's Hospital, and tutor availability.

Advisor--Mr. Paduano, apaduano@mtplcsd.org

(P.A.L.S.), (Several times a year), Guidance Office

P.A.L.S. (Peer Advice and Leadership Service) is a program at Westlake High School designed to help incoming freshman and new students adjust to the high school under the guidance and support of upperclassmen mentors. These mentors will be available to the student throughout the freshman year and beyond. They are here to help make the transition into high school a successful experience.

Advisor-Mr. O'Dwyer, todwyer@mtplcsd.org

(Twice a month), Room 109

Photography Club is an exciting club where students will work together to better their community through the use of photography! Past projects and activities have included creating a photo booth for Homecoming and Halloween. Students have also helped photograph the Education Foundation Turkey Trot, Hook Mountain Challenge, Strides Walk, Local Parades and more!!!

Advisor--Mrs. Morris, lmorris@mtplcsd.org

(General Members - once a month; Officers - Twice a month), Room 114

The purpose of this organization is to encourage participation in and recognition of scientific and intellectual thought, to advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, to communicate with the scientific community, to aid the civic community with its comprehension of science, and to encourage students to participate in community service and, in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all mankind.

(Weekly) Room 116 and Tech Room

Science Olympiad is one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to nearly 7,000 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing line-up of events in all STEM disciplines exposes students to practicing scientists and career choices. Our team at Westlake will compete against the other schools in lower Westchester and Rockland counties.

Advisor--Mr. Szczerba, rszczerba@mtplcsd.org
Advisor--Mr. Hall, thall@mtplcsd.org

Meets once a month in the Senior Cafeteria plus community events.

Service Club aims to provide community service and volunteer opportunities to WHS students in Grades 9-12. We network with community organizations such as: Thornwood Lions Club, Valhalla Lions Club, Mt. Pleasant Rotary, MidNight Run, Pets Alive, My Sisters Place, Netty's Gear, Hillside Food Outreach, Rosary Hill Nursing Home, Thornwood American Legion and various other organizations. Service Club meets monthly with general membership and periodically for its numerous service events. Members must remain in good standing by actively participating in service projects.

Advisor--Mr. DiPaolo, ndipaolo@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 212.

A Spanish language honor society for the high achieving Spanish student presently in the Level 4 or AP Spanish Language/Culture class who satisfies the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica criteria as set forth in the SHH admission policy. Members have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad scholarship, a senior award scholarship or to submit Spanish writings and cultural artwork to "Albricias", the SHH literary magazine. Student must officially be in Spanish level IV or AP Spanish during year of induction. Student must earn a 92% cumulative average from their Spanish high school level courses (9-12) without rounding off. The inductee should have at least an 85% school average. Student should portray oneself to be a model of  academic integrity, cultural maturity and appreciation, with the willingness to service their school/community in a volunteer activity to benefit the Society. Student commits to tutor students in lower levels who need help in Spanish.

Advisor—Mrs. Mittelmann, mmittelmann@mtplcsd.org

 (Once a month)  Room 212.

The purpose of Spanish Club is to provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom for those who have a desire to further their learning and understanding of the Spanish language and culture . Members will participate and benefit from various activities and fun experiences that will teach them about the diverse Hispanic world in a school and community setting.

 Advisor – Mrs. Mittelmann – mmittelmann@mtplcsd.org

STAR (Twice a month), Room 205

(Every Friday), Library

Tech Crew consists of students who have embraced the electronic world and want to share their knowledge with peers, teachers and community members. Our mission is to help students and faculty achieve proficiency using technology including devices, software and apps. In addition, we offer members of our community one to one assistance with their personal devices so they can connect with their families and feel comfortable using technology.

Advisor--Mrs. Knopp, mknopp@mtplcsd.org

(Frequently - Dependent on events), Room 113

Media Lab Students videotape and edit School wide events, make films and participate in Local, Regional and National Film Competitions! Check us out on Youtube at Westlake Media Arts - Link available on the WHS Homepage under student resources.   

Advisor-Mrs. Abate, cabate@mtplcsd.org

Westlake Players and Westlake Thespian Society--(Frequently), Auditorium

The Westlake Players and the Westlake Thespian Society are the theatrical performing arts clubs and honor society for Westlake High School. The Westlake Players, historically have produced two productions a year, a musical in the spring and a dramatic production in the fall. Students, under adult supervision, design and build sets and scenery, collect and create props, assemble costumes and read, learn and perform scripts to a live audience. Students accumulate points for their participation. When they accumulate 7 points they become “Westlake Players”. When they accumulate 11 points, they get inducted into the Westlake Thespian Society, the Theatrical Honor Society. Each Year ends with a Thespian Dinner where certificates and Thespian pins are awarded to the appropriate participants.

Advisor-Mr. Meisner, ameisner@mtplcsd.org

(Face-to-face meetings occur one or two times a month, digital contact occurs occasionally throughout the month), Room 200.

The Westlake Word is dedicated to providing the local community with news that ranges from updates at Westlake High School to breaking news across the world. Student journalists and editors actively select stories that will have an impact on the minds of its readers in hopes to inform, advise, persuade, commemorate, and entertain. These individuals actively participate in documenting Westlake's and the world's history in order to foster communication and change in society.

Advisor--Mrs. Muller, Imuller@mtplcsd.org

Pendulum is the name of the yearbook publication.  Yearbook is a publication club dedicating towards documenting the entire school year's events into 176 pages.  This fun and fast paced activity brings together the concepts of business management, graphic design, planning, photography, writing, and sales.  There is a role for everyone in this club.  We have experts and novice staff which work together to build a stronger skill set for the overall group.  Students craft this publication which will be remembered and treasured for many years.  The staff works hard to include all students and their special memories.