Olsen Middle School offers opportunities for students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. Parents and students are encouraged to consider the merits of becoming involved in this segment of school life, which can widen student choices of positive leisure time activities, extend their cultural horizons, and develop in them a wide range of experiences appropriate for children on this age level. Brief descriptions of a variety of activities follow.

Student Council

The Student Council provided students with the opportunity to run for class office, to help make important decisions concerning their school, and to take part in community service.

Field Trips

Teachers and teams organize interesting field trips to supplement the curriculum each year.

Intramurals

Students in all grade levels may find interest in the after-school sports and fitness program. Seasonal experiences in a variety of sports are provided on school grounds.

Community Service

During November and December, clothing, toy and food drives are held to benefit families in our community. Several student clubs and organizations coordinate these drives.

Academic Competitions

Students in all areas of the curriculum compete in county and state competitions. They include spelling bees, literacy fairs, science fair, social studies fair, mathematics competitions, foreign language competitions and fine arts competitions.

Jazz Band

Student musicians who are involved in the Olsen Middle School band program have the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Band. These dedicated musicians practice and perform after school and at special community events.

Cheerleading

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students can participate on this team cheering for our various sports programs. Cheerleading practices are after school.

Sports

In order to encourage students to be well-rounded, Olsen Middle School offers several interscholastic sports teams for students in grades six, seven and eight. Teams formed include volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and softball.

Yearbook

The Olsen Middle School yearbook captures the highlights of memorable activities of the year. Published through the journalism class and yearbook club, it provides students with skills in organization, business management, planning photography, and writing.

Peer Counseling/Tutoring

This program involves students helping students achieve success. Seventh and eighth grade students participate in this program and assist their fellow students with academic challenges and resolving conflict. Student participants learn responsibility and become empathetic to the needs of others. Contact Ms. Noufer or Ms. Cobo-Suarez for more information.

Media Managers

Students learn to manage various aspects of the media center including book check-out, shelf organization, and computer cataloging. Students assist the Media Specialist and become library experts. Contact Ms. Marino for more information.

National Junior Honor Society

At the end of the third quarter, students in the seventh and eighth grades who meet the criteria for selection are inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. The requirements include scholarship (3.6 cumulative average or higher), outstanding character, leadership, citizenship, and service.

Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA)

This club is for students in grades six, seven and eight who are interested in learning more about a career in education. Career exploration and tutoring experience help these students learn more about the field of education.

Viking Corps of Volunteers

The Viking Corp of Volunteers is a community service based club for students in grades six, seven and eight. The activities of the club are a response to community needs. Each quarter a school wide community service project is organized. Last year the Viking Corp of Volunteers and Olsen Middle School students raised over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. Each quarter the Viking Corp of Volunteers visits and assists the local Soup Kitchen in our own community.

Crime Watch

Students can participate in Crime Watch and help keep our campus safe. These students learn how to help themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations and learn to be aware of the world around them. Students are given the opportunity to participate in safety workshops and become involved in school safety planning. This activity is run byOlsen's School Resource Officer, Deputy Chip Brockman

Just Say No

Students in this club JUST SAY NO to drugs and alcohol. They learn about the consequences of substance abuse and how to handle peer pressure. Students stage many awareness activities during the annual Red Ribbon Week which reminds students of the dangers of substance abuse and reminds them that there are many fun alternative activities. This activity is run byOlsen's School Resource Officer, Deputy Chip Brockman

Student Recognition Program

Olsen Middle School honors students who demonstrate improvement, excellence, accomplishment, and good citizenship. Parents are urged to join the faculty and staff in celebrating the special achievements of our students.

Principal's Honor Roll

All students who meet standards for the A or B honor roll are awarded with special certificates each quarter. Students with a grade point average of 4.0 are invited to a quarterly breakfast hosted by the principal and support staff.

Caught Doing Something Good

Students are randomly recognized when their name is turned in for doing something special such as helping another student or keeping our campus clean. Staff members or parents can submit names to the guidance office for recognition.

Student of the Month

Approximately fifteen students are recognized each month for outstanding improvement in the areas of achievement and citizenship. These students attend a special ceremony hosted by the principal and support staff and are awarded letters and plaques for this honor. Student of the Month honorees are featured in photos in our guidance and administrative office areas.

End-of-the-Year Awards Ceremony

A ceremony is held at year end to recognize students who have excelled in areas such as academic achievement, fine arts achievement, and school service. Merit certificates, ribbons, and trophies are awarded.