Student Activities

PALCS High School 2022-2023

Interested in joining a student activity?


Attend the Virtual Activities Fair on September 20th!

Join us at 11:00am in Mr. Logue's Zoom Room

https://palcscommunity.zoom.us/j/693785669


Get in touch with the staff advisor today!

Contact info is listed under each activity.

American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language (ASL)

The American Sign Language (ASL) Club will teach anyone who wants to learn how to sign on a basic level as well as some basic conversational phrases. We will also touch on some deaf culture and deaf awareness. Everyone is welcome to join the club, whether you have none, some, or a lot of previous ASL experiences


For more information, please contact

Ms. Boyce, aboyce@palcs.org

Ms. Francisco, afrancisco@palcs.org

American Sign Language (ASL)
Anime Group

Anime Group

Anime Group exists for students with an interest in all forms of anime to meet and share their interests. During group meetings, students will show, discuss and promote anime in a group setting. The Anime Group will also focus on identifying messages behind various anime as well as broadening their understanding of the culture anime arises from.


For more information, please contact

Mr. Currie, zcurrie@palcs.org

Anime Group
The Art of Debate and Civil Discourse

The Art of Debate and Civil Discourse

The purpose of the debate and civil discourse activity is to teach students to research using credible sources in order to support an argument. Students will also learn how to debate opposing views with their peers using respectful communication.



For more information, please contact:

Ms. Murphy, amurphy4@palcs.org

Ms. DeJoseph, edejoseph@palcs.org

The Art of Debate and Civil Discourse
Book Group

Book Group

Book Club is a community of PALCS students who read and meet virtually once a month to discuss books from a wide variety of authors, styles and genres.

Please view the Flyer for more information



For more information please contact:

Ms. Walsh, jwalsh3@palcs.org

Book Group
PALCS College Club

PALCS College Club

A place for students to discuss upcoming college and career plans. Discussions will center around choosing colleges, navigating which college is best for you, application processes, deadlines and more. Having a peer group to share thoughts and experiences with can help make these big decisions easier and less intimidating. There will be opportunities for students to attend info sessions, hear from guest speakers, and receive advice for navigating the world beyond high school.



For more information, please contact:

Alyx Matchett, amatchett@palcs.org

PALCS College Club
Creative Writing Circle

Creative Writing Circle

PALCS is offering a platform for students to write, share, discuss, and critique their work in an informal group setting. Our goals are for you to gain ideas for your creative pieces from your peers and also from a few of our English teachers. You can also bring forth anything you are working on either for school, a creative portfolio, or for just your own personal use and allow the group to review or help improve your work. In addition the faculty advisors will help initiate ideas to create stories, poems, characters, and other exercises to help get you writing. Students will also have the opportunity to submit creative work for a biannual literary magazine which is published for the students and families of PALCS.



For more information, please contact:

Mr. Pettit, tpettit@palcs.org

Mrs. Propato, gpropato@palcs.org

Ms. Walsh, jwalsh3@palcs.org

Creative Writing Circle
French Honor Society

French Honor Society

Purpose: to encourage & foster the study of the French language and culture


The Société Honoraire de Français (The French National Honor Society) is an organization whose intent is to recognize high school students in the United States who have maintained excellent grades in at least three semesters of French language courses; this is done by induction into the organization.


Qualifications: Three full semesters of High School French with a grade of A- or better; a minimum 3.0 GPA in all other coursework (excluding French grades); completion of at least one full semester at SJHS (transfer students).


Proposed Meeting Time:

  • Meetings at least once a month at a time chosen each year to accommodate schedules

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Crisafio, jcrisafio@palcs.org or by phone at extension 1261

French Honor Society
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

The mission of FBLA is to “inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.” Students will be exposed to Career Exploration, College Preparation, Academic Competitions, Community Service, Scholarships and Travel while being a member of the largest career student business organization in the world.



For more information, please contact:

Ms. Kaelin, rkaelin@palcs.org

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
PALCS Gaming Group

PALCS Gaming Group


Students will be invited to cooperate to share completion tips for games, game reviews, gaming news, and much more. Students will also investigate issues within the gaming community and develop a better understanding of both positive and negative trends in gaming. There are also opportunities to participate in live game playing.



Fore more information, contact:

Mr. Paffas, bpaffas@palcs.org
PALCS Gaming Group
Gender and Sexuality Alliance

Gender and Sexuality Alliance

A Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is a student-run group which provides a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia.


For more information, please contact:

Ms. Steines, esteines@palcs.org

Mr. Paffas, bpaffas@palcs.org

Gender and Sexuality Alliance
Global Scholars Program

Global Scholars Program

Sponsored by Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) and as part of a national initiative, the goal of the Global Scholars Program is to help cultivate globally minded students while preparing students for personal and professional success in our increasingly international society.


Click to view more details on PALCS Global Scholars Program


For more information, please contact:

Madame Barlat, bbarlat@palcs.org

Senora Toncini, mtoncini@palcs.org

Global Scholars Program
Extended Trips Program

Extended Trips Program

Have you ever had the urge to travel abroad? If so, the extended trips program is the place to be! The PALCS Extended Trips Program is pleased to announce our travel abroad travel program with Mrs. Intelicato and other PALCS teachers. This unique program allows students to explore a new country and culture, make international friends, and learn about yourself and the world around you. We travel to amazing destinations across the world so get ready!


International Travel Destinations

Here are some of our up and coming destinations.

  • 2022-2023, The Alps and the Mediterranean
  • 2023-2024, French Studies in France
  • 2024-2025, Best of the British Isles
  • 2025-2026, The Galapagos Islands
  • 2026-2027, The Capitals of Scandinavia
  • 2027-2028, Eastern Europe


Become a global citizen today!


For more information, please contact

Ms. Intelicato, eintelicato@palcs.org

Extended Trips Program
I PLAY - Sports Club

I PLAY - Sports Club

I Play - Sports Club is a hybrid club/information center for anyone that has questions or is interested in learning more about participating in athletics in their home district. This Resource center is also a place for PALCS student athletes to meet and discuss their experiences.



For more information, please contact

Mr. Bonfadini: jbonfadini@palcs.org

I PLAY - Sports Club
Psychology Club

Psychology Club

Through personal stories, research in psychology and neuroscience, and evidence-based techniques to optimize brain health, students will learn how to utilize mental health solutions for themselves, their families, and their communities.


Becoming more aware of our mental health will allow us to deconstruct the stigmas against mental health and promote a framework of self-awareness, equanimity, and well-being.



For more information, please contact:

Ms. Julie Kaplan: jkaplan@palcs.org
Psychology Club
Mobile Photography

Mobile Photography

Join the Mobile Photography club!

  • If you love snapping pics and sharing to social media, this club is for you!
  • If you enjoying being creative and want to learn the basics of photography, this club is for you!
  • If you'd like to make some friends and be more social, this club is definitely for YOU!

Every other week you'll have a photography "mission" using your smart phone/device and the social networking app Instagram. In these missions, you will be using the photography and editing skills you learn along the way and sharing your photos through Instagram and in our weekly club meetings.


You will need:

1) A mobile device (smartphone or tablet) that can take pictures and connect to the internet

2) An Instagram account You will be setting up a school account with the social media platform Instagram



If interested, please contact

Mrs. Guerriero, mguerriero@palcs.org

Mobile Photography
Muslim Student Association

Muslim Student Association

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is a club that helps students in the western world learn about Islam and helps students understand and cope with how to be practicing Muslims as well as being active members of their society. The MSA is a way for Muslim students to learn about Islamic history, culture, beliefs, etc. and how all of these things can mix together with cultural norms of the United States.


For more information, please contact:

Ms. Harrigan, sharrigan@palcs.org

Student lead: Hafsah Bhatti, hbhatti@stu.palcsmail.org


or complete interest survey

Muslim Student Association
National Honor Society

National Honor Society


The PALCS Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) is for all students in grades 10-12 who have a cumulative 3.5 GPA and can demonstrate leadership, service, and character. The chapter exists to increase academic scholarship, and to build connections with various communities through community service. Membership is based on an application process. The application will be available in December in the PALCSchool Lobby, and will be due at the end of January. Applicants will also interview with teachers as part of the application process. If accepted, students will attend an induction ceremony in March to formally become a member of NHS. Once inducted into NHS, we have monthly meetings run by student leadership. Students organize local community service events across the state throughout the year.



For more information, please contact:

Mr. VanHassent, dvanhassent@palcs.org

National Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These five pillars have been associated with membership in the organization since its inception in 1929. Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.


For more information about applying, please contact Mr. Gerstle at dgerstle@palcs.org

PALCS Student Government

PALCS Student Government

PALCS Student Government is run by the officers and grade-level representatives who are elected by the student body. We work to strengthen the relationships between our students, teachers, and administrators through collaboration, school activities, and service projects. We would love for you to join our team!



For more information, please contact

Mrs. DeJoseph, edejoseph@palcs.org

PALCS Student Government
Pre-Health Club

Pre-Health Club

Pre-Health Club serves students who have an interest in the healthcare field. We aim to prepare students for post-secondary education, raise awareness of current topics in healthcare, and form connections between scientifically oriented individuals. During each club meeting, we will analyze, discuss, and review healthcare-related content. Come join Pre-Health Club if you are interested in a profession in the medical or healthcare field!


For more information, please contact


Dr. Laureys klaureys@palcs.org

Pre-Health Club
Project Proclamation

Project Proclamation

Project Proclamation! A Bible study activity where students have the opportunity to study the Bible and discuss their faith.




For more information, please contact

Ms. De Zelaya, adezelaya@palcs.org

Project Proclamation
Spanish Honor Society

Spanish Honor Society

Purpose: to encourage & foster the study of the Spanish language and culture


The purpose of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (The Hispanic National Honor Society, known as the Spanish Honor Society at PALCS) is to recognize high achievement in Spanish and Portuguese by students of secondary schools in the United States and to promote continuity of interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian studies. For our school, we focus on study in Spanish.

Qualifications: Three full semesters of High School Spanish with a grade average of A- or better; a minimum 3.0 GPA in all other coursework (excluding Spanish grades).


Proposed Meeting Time:

  • Meetings at least once a month at a time chosen each year to accommodate schedules


For more information contact:

Ms. Abreu, labreu@palcs.org

Spanish Honor Society
S.T.E.A.M.: Science & Art Creativity Club

S.T.E.A.M.: Science & Art Creativity Club

The S.T.E.A.M.: Science and Art Creativity Club is for any student who enjoys thinking creatively and producing projects that reflect their ideas. Students can explore drawing, painting, photography, technology presentation platforms, videography, design, or construction. The club includes creativity activities to get students to stretch their thinking, and a “workshop” atmosphere where part of the club time is devoted to producing a project of the student’s choice. There is a sharing time where students can showcase their work and receive feedback from other students and the club monitor. This is a fun club that emphasizes creativity, science, art, technology, math, and engineering. Students can use their own materials such as markers, colored pencils, pastels, construction kits or materials, cameras, and devices.



For more information, please contact

Mrs. Giampietro, mgiampietro@palcs.org

S.T.E.A.M.: Science & Art Creativity Club
Tech/Coding

Tech/Coding


For more information, please contact:

Mr. Berman, aberman@palcs.org

Tech/Coding
Teen Parent Connection

Teen Parent Connection

SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT
We will provide support needed to navigate through life in high school as a teen parent.


EDUCATION
Instruction on how to be the best parent and student you can be for you and your baby.


CONNECTION
Students can come to add a new friend to their life, connect with others to share the fullness of life as a young parent.


For more information, please contact:

Ms. Hartzell, thartzell@palcs.org

Teen Parent Connection

Stock Market Game

The Stock Market Game Club will introduce you to investing through a simulation of the stock market!


You will be given $100,000 virtual dollars to invest in order to try to make your money grow using an online program.