Activities Handbook

MORELAND RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
2023-2024


Moreland Ridge Middle School offers to its students the following Intramurals, Activities, Clubs, and Sports. Below is a list of each offering and the head sponsor(s) / coach(es).

Activities

Chess Club - Mrs. Woodward, Mrs. Doolin
Confident Me Club - Mrs. Millay
Diversity Club - Mrs. Mabin, Mr. Allen
FCA- Dr. Ebbrecht
Flag Football – Mr. Oyler
Garden Club - Dr. Stephens
Girls' Fitness Club - Ms. Wiltse/Ms. Garr
Geo Club - Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Siegler
Honors Orchestra- Mr. Mitchell
Husky Hype Club – Mrs. White, Mrs. Sullivan, Dr. Ebbrecht
Husky Poms - Ms. Bochenek, Ms. Metge
Jazz Band - Mr. Hurt/Mrs. Judd
Musical/Play - Mrs. Moehlmann, Mrs. Mainard
NJHS - Mrs. Twombly
One Acts - Mrs. Moehlmann
Project Lit Book Club - Mrs. Ahrens
RPG Club - Mrs. Burden, Mr. Wilkes
Spanish Culture Club - Mrs. Vendelin
Student Council - Dr. Ebbrecht
Thespians/Drama - Mrs. Moehlmann
Write On - Ms. Metge
Virtual Cooking Club - Mrs. Dean
Yearbook - Mr.Carrillo

Interscholastic Sports

Basketball Boys - Mr. Allen
Basketball Girls - TBD
Cross Country Boys- Mr.Carrillo
Cross Country Girls - Ms. Fiene
Debate & Forensics - Mrs. Moehlmann
Football - Mr. Middleton
Boys Track - Mr. Fansher
Girls Track - Mrs. Green
Volleyball - Mrs. King
Wrestling- Mr. Kusick
Scholar Bowl - Mr. Day

Intramurals

Basketball -Boys - Dr. Stephens
Basketball -Girls - Mr. Middleton
Cheer - Ms. Bochenek, Ms.Metge
Flag Football - Mr. Oyler
Soccer- Ms. Hatter
Volleyball- Mrs. King

ACTIVITY & INTRAMURAL INFORMATION

The Intramural Program at MRMS is designed to allow students to participate in activities that are of interest to them. Likewise the programs are designed to allow students to explore areas of potential interest. It is not necessary for students to attend all scheduled sessions of an activity, however, intramural activities do count towards the PBIS rewards trip. Intramural sports are recreational and instructional in nature. The only requirement for participation is that the student has an interest in the activity.

Basketball- Boys Intramural Boys Basketball is held before school beginning in late January and running through February. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys are welcome to participate. In each session the time is divided between doing drills to improve basketball skills and playing half court 5 on 5. Dr. Stephens is the sponsor ([email protected]).

Basketball- Girls Intramural Girls Basketball is held before school beginning in late January and running through February. 6th, 7th, & 8th grade girls are welcome to participate. The program offers a fun environment where players of all skill levels can play against each other while either learning the basic fundamentals or working on previously gained skills. Mr. Middleton is the sponsor ([email protected]).

Garden Club is designed to give students an opportunity to plant, weed and maintain the two island beds on our campus. It is open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th grader but the group is limited to only 20 students. Applications are first come, first serve. We meet six sessions in the fall and six sessions in the spring. Tools are supplied, but comfortable clothing and gloves are encouraged. The sponsor is Dr. Stephens ([email protected]

Chess Club is for 6th, 7th and 8th graders interested in learning chess and/or perfecting their chess skills. Students will practice weekly and then compete against each other and then compete in the district chess tournament at the end of the season. The sponsors are Mrs. Woodward ([email protected]) and Mrs. Doolin ([email protected]).

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is geared towards 6th, 7th & 8th graders who participate in or are a fan of sports. All are welcome who would like to build community, grow in their faith, and have fun. This group meets to encourage each other, make new friends, and grow individually. The sponsor is Dr. Ebbrecht ([email protected])

Flag Football Intramural Flag Football is open to all MRMS students (6th, 7th, & 8th Grade) who want to learn the fundamentals of football. Students will improve their basic football skills and compete with other students in games. The goal of the program is to grow as a player and enjoy the benefits of the sport. Everyone that participates will have a positive experience, as well as have a great time. The Flag Football sponsor is Mr. Oyler ([email protected]).

Honor Orchestra is an auditioned group made up of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from the entire Blue Springs School District. Practices are held Wednesdays after school at PKMS. The BSSD Honor Orchestra also participates in concerts, as well as out-of-school related functions. For more information contact Mr. Mitchell at [email protected].

Husky Poms is open to all MRMS students (6th, 7th, & 8th Grade) who want to learn the fundamentals of cheer. Students will improve their basic cheer skills and learn different sideline routines. Huskie Cheer will perform during school assemblies. The sponsors are Ms. Bochenek ([email protected]) and Ms. Metge ([email protected])

Jazz Band is an audition group made up of 7th and 8th grade students. The MRMS Jazz Band also participates in concerts, as well as school related and out-of-school related functions. There are weekend performances. For more information contact Mr. Hurt ([email protected]).

Musical/Play Each fall the MRMS Drama department presents a school musical/play. The production crew and cast are made up of 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. Auditions start shortly after the beginning of the school year and multiple performances of the play are presented in November. Cast members may be monetarily responsible for a portion of their costume. Crew members may participate in the construction of the Set, Lighting, Costumes, Sound, or the Prop Department. Practice times and dates vary depending on the role a student has in the musical. Sponsors are Mrs. Moehlmann ([email protected]) and Mrs. Mainard ([email protected]).

National Junior Honor Society (Invite Only) was established in 1929 to recognize middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. We focus on serving our local and global community and developing strong leaders. At MRMS it is an organization for 8th grade students that meet these exceptional qualifications: a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher consisting of A’s and no more than 3 semester B’s, 2 or more of which must be from honors classes, participation in activities outside the regular school day, and recommendations of faculty members. Becoming a member of NJHS is by invitation only. Qualifying students receive their invitation during the spring of their 7th grade year. The sponsors are Mrs. Twombly ([email protected]) & Dr. Stephens ([email protected]).

One Acts/Readers Theater is a performance opportunity for all students. Auditions and performances take place in March and April. Two shows are produced by the Thespians Troupe and culminate in a public performance. The sponsor is Mrs. Moehlmann ([email protected])

Project Lit Book Club is open to all 6th, 7th & 8th graders who want to read and discuss super cool books. Members will read the book of the month selected by book clubbers. Students will be introduced to a range of outstanding books in various genres. If you love to read and talk about books, this is the club for you! The Book Club sponsor is Mrs. Ahrens ([email protected]).

Soccer Intramural soccer is open to all MRMS students interested in the sport. Intramural Soccer offers a fun environment where players of all skill levels play against each other in a 1 on 1 or team vs team environment. Soccer will take place during the spring semester. Sessions are held before school. The sponsor is Ms. Hatter ([email protected]).   

Student Council is the school’s representative body. Interested students from all grades should apply in the fall. In addition to providing a voice for MRMS students, the Student Council sponsors social activities and service projects throughout the school year. Dr. Ebbrecht ([email protected]) is the sponsor.

Thespians is a group of 6th, 7th & 8th grade students who by participating in fine arts earn points to becoming eligible to join. This “Drama Club” has meetings once a month and is responsible for helping with the fall play/musical. They are also the student group that produces the one act play in the spring, choosing the director, the actors and the tech crew for the performance. Induction ceremonies are held once in the fall and again in the spring semester. The sponsor is Mrs. Moehlmann ([email protected])

Volleyball This intramural provides all interested MRMS students an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game of volleyball including serving, passing, setting and spiking the ball. You will learn the game and how to play while having fun playing some live play, drills and a mini tournament. Intramural Volleyball will start 2nd semester. The sponsor is Mrs. King ([email protected])

Winter Guard: Winter Guard is affiliated with the Blue Springs South High School Jaguar Pride Band Program. This activity involves visual arts performances and is open to 7th and 8th graders at Moreland Ridge Middle School. Auditions are held in November of the school year and the season runs through the Spring.

The Diversity Club at MRMS, a student-led group that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion here in the Moreland Ridge community and beyond. We develop educational content, help raise awareness, and contribute to overall inclusion for our students and staff. The sponsors are Mrs. Mabin ([email protected]), Mr. Allen ([email protected])

Write On If you enjoy writing, this is the club for you! Whether you prefer poetry, fiction, flash fiction, or non-fiction, join us to write, collaborate, and share ideas. We'll provide time to write, friendly feedback, and information about writing contests where you can submit your final products. You provide the creativity! We will meet twice a month beginning in October, and we would love for you to join us. The sponsor is Ms. Metge ([email protected])

Yearbook The MRMS Yearbook staff provides an excellent opportunity for MRMS 7th and 8th graders to work together to capture the memories and events of the school year. Students learn the many processes that are required to publish the annual MRMS Yearbook. Students interested in becoming staff members must complete an application process in the fall to be considered for a staff position. The staff meets before and after school, as well as occasional time spent outside of school hours covering after school events. The sponsor is Mr. Carrillo ([email protected])

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS INFORMATION
Moreland Ridge Middle School fields teams in the following sports. These teams are open to only 8th graders (with the exception of Girls and Boys Cross Country and Wrestling. 7th graders may compete in these sports) who meet Missouri State High School Activity Association and Blue Springs R-IV School District eligibility standards. Students must have a physical examination on file before attending practice.

Basketball (Girls and Boys) The MRMS 8th grade basketball season runs from November thru January. Tryouts consisting of a variety of sport specific drills that takes place the first few days of the season. Practices are held daily. Teams play 10 games and two 3 game tournaments. MRMS fields an “A” team and a “B” team in both Boys and Girls Basketball. The Girls Head Coach is Mrs Green ([email protected]). The Boys Head Coach is Mr. Allen ([email protected]), assisted by Mr. Fansher ([email protected]).

Cross Country (Girls and Boys) Cross country is a sport open to 7th and 8th graders in which teams run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. In middle school, courses range from 1.2 to 1.5 miles long. Cross Country is both an individual and team sport. Teams are placed and awarded by a points scoring method. Runners are awarded for individual performances as well. The “A” team is made up of the top 7 runners. All other runners will run the “open” races. The Cross Country season begins on the first day of school and lasts through early October. Practices are held daily; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays from 2:45-4:00 PM and Thursday and Fridays starting at 6 AM. There are 8 meets that are held generally on Mondays and Wednesdays once the season starts. The Girls Head Coach is Ms. Fiene ([email protected]). The Boys Head Coach is Mr. Carrillo ([email protected]).

Debate and Forensics MRMS 7th and 8th graders who meet MSHSAA eligibility requirements to participate in the activity may try out for this team. Interested students audition with a script from one of 11 events for Forensics. For Debate students are given a resolution and must present the affirmative or negative argument in a shortened Public Forum Debate round. The season begins in January and runs through March. The team participates in 5 tournaments during the season that are held on Friday evenings. Sponsor is Mrs. Moehlmann ([email protected]).

Football The MRMS Football team is open to 7th and 8th grade students. There are no tryouts and all students who meet eligibility requirements and are in good standing as a MRMS student are welcome to be on the team. The season runs through the middle of October. Athletes are placed on either the “A” team or “B” team based on ability. Practice is held daily after school and the teams play 6 games including the annual game with Delta Woods Middle School at Blue Springs South High School’s Stadium. Mr. Middelton ([email protected]) is the Head Football Coach. He is assisted Mr. Fansher ([email protected]), Mr. Day ([email protected]) and Mr. Allen ([email protected]).

Scholar Bowl is made up of 7th and 8th grade students at MRMS who have a wide range of trivia knowledge. The team practices after school and competes against other middle school teams in the Kansas City Metro region. Competitions are held in January and February. There is an “A” team and a “B” team. If numbers warrant, tryouts are held. The sponsor is Mr. Day ([email protected]).

Track (Girls and Boys): The MRMS Track and Field team is open to 7th and 8th grade boys and girls interested in running (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m & 1600m), hurdling, jumping (high jump, long jump, triple jump), and throwing events (shot put & discus). Practices are held daily after school beginning in March. The season runs through the first of May culminating in the Blue Springs Middle School Relays the last Friday of the season. The season consists of nine track meets. Students who meet eligibility requirements and are in good standing as school citizens may be members of the track teams. Head Girls Coach Mrs. Green ([email protected]) and  Head Boys Coach Mr. Fansher ([email protected])  

Volleyball - The MRMS volleyball team is open to 8th grade girls. The season begins with a five-day tryout before team practices can start (look for an email before the upcoming school year to know when the first day of tryouts will be). The season concludes in the middle of October. Athletes who are named to the team following tryouts are placed on an “A” team and a “B” team. Tryouts include tests over volleyball skills and general physical skills. Data from the drills is tabulated and used as one component in the team selection process. The season is made up of 10 games (Mondays and Wednesdays) and two tournaments (one Saturday and then the Blue Springs Tournament) during the season. The Head Volleyball Coach is Mrs. King ([email protected]) and assisted by Ms. Bochenek ([email protected]).

Wrestling The MRMS wrestling team is open to 7th and 8th graders. This season begins in late October. Athletes will compete with Delta Woods Middle School athletes as the Moreland Ridge, Delta Woods Cooperative team. The season is made up of duals and tournaments. The head coach is Mr. Jason Kusick ([email protected]).