Student Activities

Field Experiences:
Field trips or field experiences are a privilege. In order for any student to participate in a field experience, he/she must be a cooperative student and interested in learning. Students who have not earned the privilege may not participate. Grades may or may not affect field experience privileges. Students are expected to abide by the same rules on any trip as given in the classroom. It is imperative that respect and obedience is given to the adults conducting the trip, this includes being attentive and following all instructions. Inappropriate behavior, e.g. fighting, disrupting, or damaging other's property. Insubordination, or violations of the laws of the state, or country where the student is visiting, is grounds for immediate expulsion. Students will wear uniform clothing representing the school unless the field experience demands a different type of clothing (e.g. Levi's for wading through swamp or dirty work, etc.)

Student Council
The student council is voted into office by an "electoral college" of peers. Electoral representatives are either elected of appointed in their "home room" class under the direction of the teacher. Electoral representatives cannot hold an office, but are "wise" students of the highest integrity who can see leadership qualities in their peers. The Electoral group meets and selects a panel of potential student candidates who are then interviewed by the electoral college members. Council members are then chosen and a "call" is made to see whether the candidate(s) will accept the position. This is the manner in which the Founding Fathers selected "wise, honest and virtuous" leaders to guide the country. It is not a "popularity" vote of the Academy nor a pure democratic vote. A potential student officer must have and maintain a "C" Grade Point Average or better, and must not be a behavioral problem in any class.

The Officers and their jobs:

President:
The President of the student council conducts all meetings and is in charge of all business not specifically assigned to other members of the student council. Age: 15 - up.

1st Vice President:
The 1st Vice President is over the planning and scheduling of assemblies and spirit days. He/she also takes over the responsibilities of the President in his/her absence. Age: 14 - up.

2nd Vice President:
The 2nd Vice President is over the planning, coordinating and scheduling of dances and the club activities. This person is responsible for the Student Store and Athletic activities. He/she also assumes responsibilities of President in the absence of the President and 1st Vice President. Age: 14 - up.

Secretary:
The Secretary takes the minutes in all student council meetings, reviews suggestions from the suggestion box, and makes student council additions to the daily announcements. Age: 13 - up.

Middle School Representative
This person represents the middle school, it's desired activities and gives input into the Council. Must be an 8th Grader.

Historian/Treasurer
The Historian/Treasurer accounts for all moneys allotted to the student council. He/she also writes articles representing the Student Council in the student newspaper and local newspaper as well as maintaining a scrapbook of school and community events at American Heritage Academy.

Cultural Arts Chairperson:
The Cultural Arts Chairperson promotes and helps coordinate all cultural events including Spirit Days, Art Days, Health Days, etc. He/she will give counsel for appropriate dance and activity music.

Sports:
Sports programs are made available to students based on interest by students and the availability of a knowledgeable advisor/coach. Sports at American Heritage Academy are designed to promote the student's sense of personal greatness through helping them personally excel. Participating students must have an overall "C average" grade in order to play. Programs that may be available are volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball and cheer leading Students whose behavior is inappropriate at games or in school will NOT be allowed to participate. All students who qualify will play.

Clubs:
Students may have clubs by submitting a potential club membership list with at least 6 members and a club constitution outlining the purpose of the club to the Administration. Each club must have a sponsoring advisor to the club (a teacher). Club objectives can include service, non-proselytizing religious organizations, political issues, cultural studies, mutual interests, mutual goals, or study purposes. Once a club is organized, they can have activities, fund-raisers, etc. using the school facility. The Administration retains authority to veto and revoke any club at AHA.

Dances:
Student Council or other clubs may plan a dance.

Enrichment Days and Activities:
Prior to Spring Break, and during the last two days of school (in May), students participate in a program of Art and Health: gallery tours, hands-on ceramics, cooking, stained glass, painting, health classes offered by Doctors and Dentists, personal hygiene, abstinence base "sex-ed," and related classes. The last day of school culminates with yearbook signing, "wet" fireman games, swimming, and Parent Council provided lunch. AHA has guest speakers, special programs, student council sponsored dances, spirit days, awards and recognition programs. Field experiences include trips to Boston, Washington D.C., Mexico and California.