Academic Team
The Academic Team competes in fast-paced knowledge tournaments in local matches against teams in the Chester County league. During competitions, teams answer questions in categories including American and world history, science, literature, current events, geography, fine arts, and more. The top team from Chester County advances to the state championships, held every spring on the floor of the Pennsylvania Senate and broadcast statewide. Phoenixville Area High School will field both JV and varsity teams in this year’s competition and expects to distinguish itself in this prestigious competition. The Pennsylvania Academic Competition annually awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to championship teams.
Air Force JROTC
Welcome to Phoenixville Area High School Air Force Junior ROTC! PA-20142 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Group was established at Phoenixville Area High School in the fall of 2014 by agreement between the Phoenixville Area School District and the United States Air Force.
The AFJROTC curriculum includes aerospace science and leadership training. Cadet Officers and Noncommissioned Officers learn leadership and management skills by actively planning, organizing, and directing all activities associated within the PA-20142 AFJROTC Squadron. In essence our Junior ROTC program is designed to provide young men and women the opportunity to develop and hone leadership and management skills through hands-on experience.
While it may appear that JROTC programs are designed to serve as a transition to or potentially a recruiting mechanism for military service; the national program, founded in 1912 actually was not designed to this end. The original program philosophy, which we hold still today, is simply to provide a structured and disciplined program to aid young men and women reach their full potential as adults and citizens of our nation. Regardless of whether our students enter the military, our success is measured in the overall development and growth of our cadets.
Advisors:
Lt. Col. Baldi and
Sgt. Knight
Astronomy Club
The Astronomy Club is for students interested in observational astronomy. The club arranges 2-3 Star Night events in both the fall and the spring. During the Star Night events, we utilize our two telescopes to view the night sky on the upper turf. Students will learn how to use telescopes with and without tracking devices to observe features of the night sky. The club will be meeting one Friday per month with the time and location to be determined and communicated at the previous meeting. If you would like to be included, reach out to Mr. Bankes
Chester County Futures
Chester County Futures: Open Enrollment for 9th grade: The Chester County Futures Passport to College program is an academic enrichment program for high school students in Oxford, Phoenixville, Kennett, and Coatesville Area High Schools. Chester County Futures equips and empowers our students for academic and career success through after-school classes, real-world learning opportunities, and increased access to technology. We enroll for this program in the 9th grade and the once a week meetings are virtual at this time.
After-School Academic Enrichment Classes. Passport to College offers weekly academic enrichment classes conveniently held (virtually) in area high schools. It is our one-to-one academic advisory sessions between students and staff that creates a relationship of trust and encouragement and enables our students to remain focused on their goals. Our curriculum includes activities and discussions on relevant, grade-appropriate topics, such as study skills, financial literacy, communication and collaboration, SAT prep, college selection and application, Mentor Matching, FAFSA support, and career exploration.
Real World Learning Opportunities. Students experience a wide variety of learning opportunities that not only develop life and career skills, but also adds value in the competitive college application process. We offer learning opportunities, such as: corporate site visits and workshops, community volunteerism projects, Futures College and Career Expo, and college tours and workshops.
Increased Access to Technology. To support our students’ academic success, the following is provided:
• Refurbished laptops for high school juniors and seniors
• New Laptops for college freshman
• Other necessary tools, such as USB drives and calculators
More information and to apply on their website. : https://https://www.ccfutures.org/our-programs.html/our-programs.html
Interested in applying? Any questions or help with the application? Contact Program Advocate: Mary Williams 610-850-3068
[email protected]
Destinations with Direction
DWD is a program designed to increase awareness and motivate high-potential, economically disadvantaged students to pursue opportunities in higher education. The 30 students selected for DWD annually receive additional supports including extended school days, counseling, college mentors, tutors, weekly workshops and college tours. Additionally, school personnel establish relationships with the appropriate college level officials to help match student needs with resources and services available to assist them on this journey. By giving the students these additional supports, they will become empowered to pursue a college education. This effort will make our students believe in the importance of a college education and give them the confidence to know they have a realistic chance at becoming college graduates. DWD is advised by Mrs. Lewis
Debate Team
Debate club is focused on improving formal debate skills by researching current events to engage in structured debates. We follow formats like the 'Lincoln-Douglas' structure to have focused argumentative discussions. See Mr. Sprenkle for information if interested.
Empowering Women in STEM
The Empowering Women in STEM club is geared toward helping students explore topics in STEM and gain skills related to STEM. Students can achieve those goals by working on projects, sharing their interests with others, and participating in additional events such as discussions with people studying or working in STEM fields. Meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month starting at 7 a.m. in E-15. Contact Sophie Axten, or Mr. Jennings at
[email protected] for more information.
French Honor Society
La Société Honoraire de Français is a national organization that recognizes outstanding scholarship in the study of the French language. The PAHS chapter invites highly motivated students of French to apply for membership. The chapter focuses activities around the French language, and the cultures of the French-speaking world. Students demonstrate citizenship through service projects and gain other benefits such as participation in the annual writing contest as well as apply for the annual travel grants. Furthermore, officers develop their leadership skills through organizing and running the year’s events and French Club (Cercle Francophone). Members receive an official certificate from the organization and wear a tri-colored cord at graduation.
Advisor: Madame Gasbara
FBLA
Future Business Leaders of America is an academic club that prepares students for careers in and outside of business. It teaches networking, interview skills, and puts an emphasis on community service. FBLA is the largest student organization in the country and the largest club at PAHS with over 100 members. If you have any questions, please email
Mrs. Fields.
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is a club dedicated to expanding students’ minds beyond the community. Students meet once a week to discuss, debate and resolve world issues ranging from Europe’s increase in Muslim immigrants as a result of the Arab Spring, to ways to eliminate racism from the English Premier League soccer organization. The club is modeled after the real-world United Nations and gives students the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a delegate. Throughout the year, we will travel across the country to compete, debate and grow with some of the most talented minds from across the world. Advisors: Ms. Waltz and Mr. Winters
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society serves to honor those students who demonstrate scholarship, leadership, service, and character in both the school and community. Students in good standing with at least a 3.5 GPA are invited to submit their credentials for membership.
Advisor:
Mr. Winters
Phantom TV
Open to students in Grades 9-12. This club creates video content for Phantom TV, the school district TV channel which broadcasts to the Phoenixville community and beyond. Video production of PASD events such as sports, concerts and other special ceremonies is the focus. Students are also involved with recording the morning announcements. As students gain more experience they are welcome to create their own video projects. Academic credit is available. No experience required. Just stop by the TV Studio, located in the F Wing, and introduce yourself. Advisors: Mr. Motzer & Mr. Carucci
Physics Olympics
The PAHS Physics Olympics team will be competing with schools around the country to try to earn spots on the US team for IYPT, an international competition that will be held in Poland this year. The first two projects the club will be working involve understanding Newton’s Cradle and how drums work. This is physics-research intensive, so physics knowledge is required. Mr. Jennings (E-15) is the advisor.
Advisor:
Mr. Jennings
Reading Olympics
The Reading Olympics Club is often described fondly by our members as “competitive book club.” The purpose of the club is to unite students who enjoy reading for pleasure and discussing books with peers. A countywide list of books, covering a wide variety of genres, is chosen every year and serves as the basis for the club’s reading activities. Students will work in teams to prepare for a fun countywide competition held in Chester County every spring that brings together Reading Olympics teams from area high schools.
Advisor:
Mrs. Bicker
Science Club
The goal of the Science Club is to bring people together that enjoy Science, inquiry and different ways of thinking.
The first project of the Science Club is to host and ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR. This includes planning the Science Fair and offering assistance to our youngest Scientists.
The club provides the opportunity to compete against like minded students for scholarship, recognition and academic and opportunities. This year the club will be competing in the SCIENCE OLYMPIAD in February.
The club will also go on several Science related FIELD TRIPS.
Advisor:
Mr. Winters
Technology Students Association
The Technology Student Association (TSA) fosters Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education through personal growth, leadership and opportunities in Technology, Innovation, Design and Engineering (TIDE). Middle and high school members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts for the challenges of a dynamic world through co-curricular activities, problem solving, competitive events and related programs resulting in academic development and endless possibilities in our global society.
Advisor: Mr. Leinhauser