Clubs List

Coordinator: Ms. Portal

The After-School Academy is an academic support program for students looking for a place to work on homework, or get some extra help. Ms. Portal coordinates the After-School Academy, which runs 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday). Students have access to the late bus for transportation home. ASA will take place in room 2111.

Advisor: Mrs. Carrasquillo

ASL Club is designed to teach students in learning American Sign Language and learn about deaf culture. Students of all levels and abilities are welcome. This club meets Mondays after school until 3:00, in room 1200.

Advisor: Mrs. Smith

The Animal Shelter Club is dedicated to promoting awareness and compassion for animals through education, advocacy, and hands on experiences. Students will have opportunities to work with animals as well as finding other ways to help them.

Advisor: Mr. Soeprasetyo

The Asian Culture's Club mission is to celebrate the diverse traditions, histories, and contributions of Asian cultures. Open to all students, the club seeks to create meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, connections, and pride in cultural diversity with the Berlin High School community.

Advisor: Mrs. Adams & Mr. Leonard

The Astronomy Club gives students a space to explore the universe beyond the classroom. Students will gain experience with science and leadership while exploring astronomy.

Advisor: Mr. Leonard

This club is dedicated to fostering a love for the art and science of baking. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative lessons students will learn everyday skills, explore diverse recipes, and create wonderful delights!

Advisor: Mr. Wisniewski

This club's focus is to explore cultures through food to get to know our BHS community. The club will raise money to further help the Berlin community through the food pantry and other organizations.

Advisor: Ms. DiMaio, Ms. DelGiorno, Mrs. Pach

Best Buddies friendship program builds one to one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering social interactions and inclusion.

Advisor: Mr. DelValle

This club will allow students to learn game play while collaborating with team players to problem solve and meet objectives. This club will provide an organized and healthy environment for competitive game play.

Advisors: Mrs. Wyskiewicz

This BHS chapter of Letters of Love will send out caring cards monthly to local hospitals or long-term care facilities to provide emotional support. Our focus is to show that one small act of kindness can change the world.

Advisors: Mr. Arnold & Mr. Hanna

The Bike Club is a combination of students and teachers that go on weekly bike rides. Don’t think you are too strong or too weak! Everyone is welcome and will be able to ride with the group. Road rides are every Wednesday after school. Members have a good time and get to travel to different places around Berlin (such as the New Britain Reservoir, Wadsworth Falls, Castle Craig, and others). We have also participated in the Discover Hartford Tour, the Hub on Wheels which is BikeBoston and we will conquer the 5 Boro Bike Tour through New York City again! Mountain biking destinations include Bicentennial Park, Castle Craig and Lamentation Mountain. This year there is an Urban Mountain Bike Race in Hartford! See Mr. Hanna or Mr. Arnold for a parent permission slip. If you don’t have a bike, we will provide one for you. BHS Ridin’ Redcoats …Take your training wheels off!

Advisors: Mr. Dippolino

The Bioengineering Club explores the intersection of biology and engineering through hands-on projects, creative problem-solving, and innovation that can improve lives. The club will learn about bioengineering innovations, explore real world applications, and research current problems that bioengineering can help solve.

Advisor: Mr.Arnold

Bowling Club allows for students who are new to bowling or who bowl outside of school to meet/interact with other bowlers within the school. Have fun bowling with other students and teachers while improving your bowling skills and building new relationships with students.

Advisor: Mr. Smith

Broadcast club focuses on the live streaming of BHS sports and events throughout the school year.

Director: Mr. Boyle 

Treble Chorale, Men’s Choir, and Bella Voce all meet as a class. Bella Voce is by audition and/or instructor approval. The Berlin High School Madrigal Singers is an auditioned, extracurricular ensemble that performs for the community and at chorus concerts.

Advisor: Mr. DelValle

Coding club is open to students of all skill levels with an interest in coding! If you are brand new to coding there will be opportunities to learn a new skill. If you already have some coding experience under your belt, come to work and collaborate with others on coding challenges. We will be involved in the school wide planning of Hour of Code and depending on interest may participate in formal coding competitions. We meet Mondays after school from 2:15 to 3:15 in Room 1602. 

Advisor: Mr. Dresko

The Color Guard is an integral part of the Berlin High School Marching Band that enhances the color and visual excitement of all performances. In addition to performing as part of the pregame and halftime shows at every football game, we also perform during pep rallies and other events.

Students may enroll in Concert Band I or Concert Band II which meet as classes during the week. In the fall, students enrolled in this class will participate as members of the Redcoat Marching Band. The Marching Band performs a customized field show at every home football game and at several marching band competitions throughout the region. Students are expected to participate in a one week summer camp before school starts and commit to one evening rehearsal per week during the fall. In addition, the band performs at the Berlin Fair and the Memorial Day Parade. The remainder of the year is devoted to concert band music. Every other year, students enrolled in a band class will have the opportunity to travel to a number of exciting destinations. Recent trips include Williamsburg, Orlando, Chicago, Boston and New Orleans.

Students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar or drum set may audition for the Berlin High School Jazz Band. The Jazz Band meets one time per week for 2 hours outside of school. This ensemble studies and performs advanced jazz literature in concerts and competitions throughout the school year. Auditions will typically take place in September or early October. Students can see the director for detailed information regarding auditions. 

Advisor: Mr. Cronk

This club will allow students to pick relevant topics with different viewpoints. The purpose is for students to be able to voice their opinions while using reliable evidence to support their findings. Students will group together, research and debate throughout the school year.

Advisors: Mr. Jones & Mr. Parisi

DECA Career ClusterThe goal of the DECA Business Club is to develop competent, motivated business leaders while creating an interest and understanding of American business enterprise. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that assist in preparing them to become emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for business related careers such as marketing, communications, sales, accounting, finance, hospitality, management, etc. Leadership skills can be built upon when attending DECA leadership conferences, job shadow field trips, DECA competitive events, and participation in community outreach opportunities. We value and encourage innovative thinking, integrity, teamwork and leadership. Some opportunities available to students are officer team, operation of the school store, job shadowing, educational field trips (related to business), stock market challenge, virtual business game challenge, fundraising, etc.

Advisors: Mrs. Adams & Mr. Dippolino

The Environmentalism Club welcomes all students interested in helping out the environment. Events we hope to accomplish this year include recycling common household materials to design "trash art," ecology scavenger hunts, nature walks, trash pick up sessions, raising awareness about environmental issues, designing posters about how and why to recycle, and much more. New ideas are always welcomed. This club meets twice per month in Room 2118. If interested in joining, please contact Mr. Dippolino or Mrs. Adams.

Advisors: Ms. Dionne

Students in the European Culture Club learn about diverse cultures, traditions, languages, food, and the history of Europe. 

Advisor: Jeanne Pike

The Berlin High School chapter of FCCLA give students the opportunity to participate in a Career and Technical Organization too develop skills for leadership and life which involves planning, setting goals, problem solving, decision making and communication.

Advisors: Officer DePinto & Officer Lagueux

The First Responders Club is centered around discussions and practical skills exercises related to Criminal Justice, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Response and Homeland Security careers. The club offers CPR training and opportunities for field trips to first responder facilities in the area. Mock drills are planned for this coming year. This club will meet twice a month on Tuesdays, from 2:15 - 3:00.

Advisors: Mrs. deRito & Mr. Letendre

Do you like to work with people? Are you interested in Math, Science or Computers? Are you artistic, mechanical or have a lot of spirit? Maybe FIRST is for you! Berlin FIRST builds robots designed by the team, then competes at Regional and National Competitions. The FIRST Robotics Competition is an exciting, multinational competition that teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is a life-changing, career-molding experience—and a lot of fun. New members are always welcome, and building occurs at night or on weekends at McGee Middle School. No prior experience needed! 

Advisor: Mrs. Dumas

Funky Fibers, the BHS knitting and crochet club, invites students to learn a new skill, start a project, or just stop by to sit and stitch for a while. Contact Ms. Dumas with questions.

Advisor: Mr. Sobolewski

Gaming Club is an opportunity for students to regularly connect with their peers by playing games after school together. Playing both video games on the SMARTBoard and board games together, students meet on Fridays in Room 1103 after school. Students supply their own systems, controllers, and games, and have the chance to organize tournaments to play together. If you’d like more information, come by and see if Gaming Club is the place for you!

Advisor: Mr. Sobolewski

Berlin High School's Gay-Straight Alliance club is a safe place for all students. This is a student-lead club dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in gender and sexual orientations. All students are welcome at any time. Activities include the Day of Silence, attending the True Colors conference and sponsoring educational and social programs for Berlin High School students, faculty, and staff. Meetings are after school on alternating Mondays in room 2122.

Advisor: Mrs. Wilkosz

Habitat for Humanity aims to eliminate poverty and homelessness both locally and globally. As a member of the Berlin High School Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, you will educate others on issues of poverty, raise funds and advocate to help those in need, and build houses in areas locally, nationally, and potentially internationally. We welcome anyone who wants to help others and strengthen communities.

Advisor: Ms. Letourneau

The Homecoming Committee plans and implements Homecoming festivities. Students from all grades are invited to join the committee, which meets in the fall.

Advisor: Ms. Hemming & Mrs. Wright

Are you contemplating a career in the medical field? The HOSA Club may be for you! We meet 1-2 times per month. Meeting attendance is flexible to accommodate your other commitments. In the past, we've had visits from medical professionals, gotten trained in CPR, researched careers and medical conditions, made cards for hospital staff, and explored opportunities to volunteer at local hospitals. If you would like information, please reach out to Mrs. Wright.

Advisor:

The art of improv is truly a skill that benefits you in almost all aspects of life. 
The Improv Team, "Chomping at the BIT," is a competition level improv troupe that works to create stories out of thin air. The team consists of a small number of students all dedicated to enhancing their skills. In the past we’ve competed/performed at the Hartford Improv Fest, Boston Improv, and locally in monthly shows we host.

Advisors: Ms. Carrasquilo & Mrs. Lovely
Rotary Advisors: Dr. Michele Imossi

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for students. BHS Interact Club is sponsored through the New Britain-Berlin and Kensington-Berlin Rotary clubs. Interactors complete multiple community service projects throughout the year. They partner with the Salvation Army, Hungerford, and CCARC on many of their events. Interacts also fundraise to help contribute to causes they feel passionate about. In the past, they have donated to Feed My Starving Children, Guatemala Clean Water Project, Make-A-Wish, Support Our Troops, CT Humane Society, and various others. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships and learn the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others, understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work, and advancing international understanding and goodwill. Interactors also have the opportunity to attend the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Conference at Springfield College (Sophomore year), attend the World-Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin (Junior year), or participate in the Rotary Summer Foreign Exchange program. Rotary also offers scholarships to eligible Interact seniors.

Interact Club Website

Advisor: Mr.Arnold

The Interfaith Bible Study club helps foster fellowship between religious students while providing inclusivity.

Advisor: Mr. Boyle

The Berlin High School Madrigal Singers is an auditioned, extra-curricular ensemble that performs for the community and at chorus concerts.

Advisors: Mr. DelValle

The Math Club offers students two opportunities: service and competition. The service opportunity is through tutoring at McGee Middle School. Members tutor students to succeed in their current math class, prepare them for future classes, and show the sense of community that Berlin is famous for. Members are also able to compete on the Math Team, a team of students that participates in mathematics competitions throughout the year. These include the American Math Competition in February and the Greater New Haven Math League.

Advisor: Ms. Gagnon

The BHS Math Tutoring Center is a place where students of all skill levels can seek help with mathematics. Student tutors offer assistance in most math areas. Students may attend a tutoring session during a study hall and before/after school. New tutors are recruited annually by teacher recommendation.

Advisor: Mr. Jones

The Mock Trial Club will promote student participation in law-related education that extends the learning experience for students with an interest in careers related to the law.

Director: Mr.Cronk

Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health, and more.

Director: Mr. Boyle

The musical takes place in early March and involves performing singers, actors, and dancers as well as technical theater and set construction. Auditions will be held in November. All are welcome and encouraged to get involved in some way!

Advisors: Mrs. Evans & Mrs. Ramy

The Berlin High School Chapter of the National Honor Society recognizes students who meet high academic standards, demonstrate leadership skills, good character, and provide service for the betterment of the community.  Our chapter encourages members to continue to develop these skills as seniors and in their lives after Berlin High School. 

Advisors:

The school newspaper is published monthly to keep students informed of school news, sports, community news, and more. Students are encouraged to pitch article ideas and to submit articles to the newspaper at any time throughout the year. New members are always welcome. Meetings are held in the media center weekly after school.

Advisor: Mr.Sobolewski

Pickleball club was formed to so that students have the opportunity to play the fun game of pickleball while making new friends. Students will get to be active while learning the sport and competing against their peers.

Advisor: Mr. Jones & Mrs. Quintero

Through civic engagement, education, and discussion about social justice, our history, and our lives, the POC Student Union will create an environment dedicated to promoting growth and development for people of color (POC). This safe space will lead to an increase in contributions to our school community by POC; non-POC will gain knowledge and empathy.

Advisor: Mr. Wisniewski

The BHS powerlifting team is an outlet for students who are interested in strength training. This co-ed team is open to all students regardless of previous experience. The team aims to work hard while competing amongst themselves and against other schools in a pursuit to build strength, better health, and wellbeing.

Advisors: Mrs. Wilkosz

The Berlin High School Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS is a social studies honor society that promotes scholarship and recognizes academic excellence in social studies among high school students; encourages interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies; and supports the interest, knowledge of, and participation in civic affairs through scheduled activities throughout the year. Admission into the BHS Chapter of Rho Kappa, NCSS is based upon several criteria; please see the advisors for more information.

Advisors: Mrs. Addamo & Mrs. Mayette

The Ryan T. Lee Memorial Foundation Club is for students interested in community service activities associated with the Ryan T. Lee Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the enduring spirit of a special young man by actively seeking out opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation is committed to identifying the effective ways to help individuals reach their goals and realize their dreams. To this end, students in the club are involved with various events including a food drive, blood drive, Holiday Giving Tree, and the Ry of LIght Challenge.

Advisor: Mr. Wisniewski

Do you love biology? Do you love plants? Do you want to gain experience working in a greenhouse? If you answered "yes!" to any of these questions, then Horticulture Club is for you! In this club we are all about plants and environmental stewardship. We will regularly be involved in plantings in the greenhouse and science courtyard, so be prepared to get dirty! This club will meet in room 2129 with Mr. Wisniewski. We love new ideas and new people! Come and join us!

Advisor: Mr. Hanson

The Scientific Research Club gives students the opportunity to participate in scientific research through activities, workshops, and competitions. It aims at creating venues for students to develop skills that will help them interact with the scientific community, and participate in both independent and collaborative STEM competitions.

Advisors: Mrs. Adams & Mr. Dippolino

Membership is open to all and attendance is required to remain in good standing. A high standard of ethical behavior is expected of class and Student Government Officers. Members are active with the Homecoming

Advisors: Mrs.Nascimento

The Student Ambassadors Club's purpose is to foster a sense of unity within the BHS community. The club's goal is to create an engaging environment that gives back by doing selfless service.

Advisors: Mrs. Adams & Mr. Dippolino

Membership is open to all and attendance is required to remain in good standing. A high standard of ethical behavior is expected of class and Student Government Officers. Members are active with the Homecoming committee in addition to representation on school-wide committees, community service, funding several programs, and class representation of pertinent issues, among other responsibilities. Student Government meets mostly after school once every week/every other week, with more frequent meetings when events are close by.

Advisor: Mrs. Niro

The Tech xPerts are a group of Independent Study students who support a technology help desk at BHS. The help desk assists students as well as staff with using various applications and improving technology skills. If you do not know how to use a program, you will independently learn the program by using given resources or by being trained by another xPert or Mrs. Niro. No previous skills are needed with the exception of wanting to work with and help others and wanting to learn more about different aspects of technology. During this independent study, you will be able to work with many programs, the Chromebooks, and the 3D printer.

Advisor: Mrs. Niro

Redcoat Rundown is a student run TV show. If you are interested in joining our video production team of producers, directors, writers and newscasters, come join us!

Advisor: Mr. Forman

Ultimate Frisbee club is a competitive co-ed club sport. The team will hold practices during the spring season to prepare for regular season and postseason games in Connecticut Ultimate League. No prior experience is necessary to join. See Mr. Forman and check for school announcements for more information regarding the Spring season and other club activities.

Coaches: Mr. Cruz

Unified Sports members are always looking for partners to work with special education athletes. Open to all students throughout the school year.

Advisor:

Unified theater dissolves typical barriers between youth through transformative, school-based performing arts programming. In Unified Theater, young people with and without disabilities, of all backgrounds, come together as equals to put on a production. The production is entirely organized, written, and directed by the students themselves. The concept is simple: Let teens lead, let creativity rule, and put the SPOTLIGHT on Ability. The performance takes place in early spring.

Advisors:

Unity Teams are school-based teams of student leaders committed to the mission of creating a safe, welcoming culture in schools. Unity Team members and Student Ambassadors promote a positive school climate for all. Through student-designed and student-led projects, Unity Teams help schools bring attention to and deal with bullying, teasing, harassment, and the use of degrading language. Student Ambassadors welcome new students to BHS, provide tours to community members, and seize opportunities to make sure every student at BHS develops a sense of belonging.

Advisor: Mrs. Addamo, Mr. DelValle, Mrs. DiCicco, & Mrs. Mayette

The Upbeat Leadership Program is a school and community-based character development and leadership training program whose goal is to encourage the youth of Berlin to develop sound decision making skills and to provide opportunities for positive community involvement and service. Peer leaders attend biweekly meetings and, working under the direction of a Senior Peer Leader, meet in small groups called houses to plan and implement community service projects. A variety of speakers, programs, and activities are conducted at the meetings, which are held every other Monday from 5:30-6:30. New members can see Ms. Patel in rm 2403.

Berlin Upbeat Website

Link to Stream the Radio Station

Advisor: Mr. Smith

WERB is for students interested in being a DJ, radio host, public speaker, news journalist, sports announcer, or music promoter. Our radio club members learn how to operate broadcast equipment, communicate to a LIVE radio audience, develop a weekly radio show, and follow the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

Advisors: Mr. Hanna & Mr. Wisniewski

The Wilderness Club will gather people from around the school to participate in various outdoor activities, potentially including but not limited to hiking, fishing, watercraft activities, bushcraft, first aid training, Leave No Trace, and sustainability work to create a lasting connection between Berlin High School, the outdoors, and the Berlin community.

Advisors: Mrs. Dumas & Mrs. Rice

Some stories provide the reader with a mirror so you can recognize yourself and relate to the character/story, while others provide a window for the reader to learn about different places, people, themes. Join us as we find out together what types of books we typically read and which ones we want to read more! Books are provided. Meetings will be in the Library Media Center after school. All are welcome.

Advisor: Ms. Quintero

The World Language and Culture Club invites students to explore the variety of languages and cultures stemming from the lived experiences of BHS students and the local community. In pursuit of this endeavor, club members offer one-on-one tutoring for students in the languages taught at the high school, host special meetings with guest speakers, share strategies for learning languages, learn about traveling and living abroad, and discover new customs and foods from various countries around the world.

Advisors: Mrs. Glass & Mrs. Portal

The Writing Center is a place where students of all skill levels can seek help with any type of writing assignment. Trained student tutors offer assistance in any stage of the writing process across all subjects. Students may attend a tutoring session during a study hall or after school. Register for an appointment by visiting the BHS website, or drop by the Center. New tutors are recruited annually by teacher recommendation.

Advisors: Mrs. Berube & Mrs. Dudis

The purpose of the yearbook is to compile and publish material that serves as a record of the activities of students at BHS as a tribute to the senior class. Meetings are held after school.