A.C.T.S. (Awareness in the Community Through Service)
A.C.T.S. (Awareness in the Community Through Service) is a volunteer service organization for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Students meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Mrs. Cato's room- 101 3:05-4:00. Students can choose a variety of ways to serve which may include (raking leaves, babysitting, helping in animal shelters, etc.) Students earning 12 hrs- will receive a Pizitz service award, 50-100 hrs-award from President Bush, a major service project merits eligibility for a Disney award and the Prudential Spirit Award.
Annual Staff(Annual Staff webpage)
Students on the Annual staff create the yearbook for Pizitz students and staff. Staff members meet during 8th period each day. Tryouts for upcoming 7th and 8th graders are held in the spring. Students must have an "S" in conduct and at least a "C" in all subjects.
Citizenship Awards for 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders
Students from each academic team are chosen by their teachers as a good Citizen. Students should exemplify outstanding citizenship qualities. This award is considered the highest award presented at our school. Two students from each team per nine weeks are chosen during the grading period. Citizenship winners are announced at a Citizenship Assembly following each nine week grading period.
Math Olympiads
Math Olympiads is an international organization promoting problem-solving. During practices students share problem-solving strategies and are taught mathematical concepts and skills not typically presented in the sixth grade curriculum. Beginning in November, students compete in five monthly contests held on campus. The scores are reported to the national headquarters, which recognizes individual and school achievement at the end of the year.
Any sixth grade student maintaining an "A" or "B" average in math and able to attend scheduled practices and contests may join Math Olympiads.
Math Olympiads practices begin in mid-September. Every other Thursday, students leave math class to work with the sponsor. An assignment is given and due before the next practice. Five monthly contests are held throughout the year.
Math Team for 6th Grade
Math team is a competitive academic activity. Team members participate in about three math tournaments at schools in Alabama on Saturdays from February through May.
Beginning in mid-October, members practice every Thursday afternoon from 3:10 - 4:00. Any sixth grade student who is a member of Math Olympiads and are able to participate in scheduled practices and tournaments may join 6th grade Math Team.
Math Teams for 7th or 8th Grade
Math team is a competitive academic activity. Team members participate in about ten math tournaments held in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee on Saturdays from November through May.
Any 7th grader enrolled in Pre-Algebra or Advanced Math 7, or any eighth grader enrolled in Algebra I or Algebra I AL may participate. Members must be able to participate in scheduled practices and tournaments.
Members attend either morning practices at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays or enroll in 8th period math team class. Students are encouraged to attend as many summer practices as possible.
MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is the only international math competition for seventh and eighth graders. Students must learn and apply course content ranging from Pre-Algebra to Algebra II topics.
In January, a four-person tournament team is chosen to represent Pizitz. District competition is held in February, with the top three teams advancing to the state competition held in March. The top four individuals at state will represent the state of Alabama at the national competition in May.
Any seventh or eighth grade math team member able to attend scheduled practices and competitions may join MATHCOUNTS. MATHCOUNTS members practice during the summer and from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.
Pirate Powerline
Pizitz Powerline staff broadcast announcements each morning to keep students and staff informed of upcoming events. Two students are the actual broadcasters, with a broadcast crew of two. Students need to be available before school to prepare for the morning announcements. Tryouts are held in the spring. Interested students must have an "O", outstanding conduct and at least an "A/B" average.
P.T.O. River of Words
A program sponsored by the Pizitz P.T.0., River of Words. It is an international poetry and arts program created in conjunction with the Library of Congress to promote both literacy and environmental stewardship. ROW encourages students to explore and develop respect for the natural history of their own "watersheds." The contest is held in the fall and local winners advance to international competition. All Pizitz students are encouraged to enter. There is no fee to enter, and students may submit multiple poems or works of art.
Pirate Girls - (Pirate Girl Webpage)
Pirate Girls are the official hostesses for Pizitz Middle School composed of 7th and 8th grade girls. These girls assist at PTA meetings, sell tickets, work the concession stand at athletic events, and serve as aides to teachers during 8th period. Tryouts are held in the Spring and consist of an interview with a panel of outside judges. Requirements include: must have a "C" average in each subject and an "S" or above in conduct for each nine weeks.
Scholar's Bowl
Scholar's Bowl is an academic activity in which students test their knowledge on a wide range of topics, from math to miscellaneous trivia. Pizitz's sixth grade team competes both locally and nationally (via computer). Meetings and practices are scheduled by the sponsors. Usually sixth grade practices after school. 7th and 8th grade practice on Tuesday and Thursday during 8th period. Interested students may try out in the fall. The Scholar's Bowl Team is a source of school pride.
Student Government Association - SGA (SGA Webpage)
Being a representative in the Student Government Association (SGA) is a great way to be involved in your school. Elections are held in the fall, and two candidates are chosen from each homeroom (one boy and one girl). All grades then elect five of the nominees to represent them on the SGA. In the spring of your seventh grade year, you may run for the following SGA offices: President, Girls' Vice President, and Boys' Vice President. Sixth and seventh graders may run for these offices: Chaplain, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, Historian, Seargent at Arms, and Secretary. Campaigns last approximately one week. Posters, banners, and buttons will help you gain the support of fellow students. Homeroom Representatives and officers meet on Wednesdays during Homeroom.
TSA (Technology Students Association)
TSA is the competition element of the Technology Education class. Students compete at the state and national levels in 13 areas. Any interested 7th or 8th grader may request information from the sponsor.
Meetings are held on Thursday afternoons.
