Lazar Clubs & Extracurriculars

All clubs and group meetings will be announced on LNN and will be posted on the Club Calendar.  Please advise your child to listen carefully to the morning announcements.  The dates and times listed on the calendar are subject to change.  There are times when the advisors may need to reschedule or cancel a meeting. In order to stay after, students must bring in a Lazar note to hand in during homeroom indicating the club or activity.

Art Club 
Advisor - Ms. Seastrand

The Art Club is open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The enrollment is limited to 20 students due to space restrictions. The club offers the students the opportunity to work in a variety of two and three dimensional art. We will meet Wednesday after school on scheduled days in room 56. You may sign up on September 15, 2025 after 8:30am using the Google Form. The application deadline is deadline is September 26 at 3:15pm.

Builders Club
Advisor - Ms. Praml

Builders Club will prepare middle school students to be active, engaged members of their communities by developing their leadership skills and service oriented character. Our motto is "Building Leaders". Members of the club will also work closely with the Montville Township High School Key Club and the local Kiwanis Club in town. See Ms. Praml in her Counseling Office (door with the dots near the gym) at any time to join. You can also send an email to heather.praml@montville.net

Broadway Night
Advisor - Mr. Green

Broadway Night is Lazar's third and final show of its theatre season. Auditions are in April, and students should choose a musical theatre song to audition with. The show, which takes place on the Lazar Middle School Stage in June, is a cabaret style performance of broadway solos, duets and group numbers. The gym is decorated like a cafe, complete with tables, lights, food, and hot drinks. All are welcome to audition.

The Chinese Club
Advisor - Ms. Phillippi

The Chinese Club is an after-school group focused on exploring and celebrating Chinese culture. Our activities and projects are student-driven—members will help brainstorm ideas and decide what we do together. Based on group input, a schedule will be created so everyone knows what to expect each session.

Each meeting will be engaging, educational, and fun, offering students the chance to experience the richness of Chinese traditions. Activities may include:

  • Singing Chinese rhymes and songs

  • Reciting short poems and tongue twisters

  • Watching short films or movies

  • Listening to traditional and contemporary Chinese music

  • Learning vocabulary through interactive games

  • Playing traditional card and board games

  • Practicing calligraphy and Chinese painting

  • Sampling authentic Chinese snacks and treats

Meetings will take place in Room 63 with Ms. Phillippi. All are welcome!

Chamber Choir
Advisor - Mr. Green

Chamber Choir is an audition-based choir run by Mr. Green. This choir tackles challenging music and does performances all around the community. Past performances have included Relay for Life, Montville Pride, sporting events, retirement homes and more. Auditions are in late September and again in January and meeting times vary by year. You do not have to be enrolled in Choir to audition for Chamber Choir.

Chess Club
Advisor - Mr. Rios

Chess Club is open to all Lazar students grades 6-8. In this club, you will learn the basic rules and movements involved in the game of chess. We will also discuss different strategies and playing styles. Finally we will play matches to put our skills to the test! Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10 in Room 3, and we will meet every Tuesday until May 19.

Digital Art Club
Advisor - Ms. Seastrand

In Digital Art Club, students will explore the exciting world of digital drawing, painting, and design. Whether you're a beginner or already love to create art online, this is a space to learn new skills, experiment with different styles, and share your work with friends. From character design to digital posters, animations, and more — let's bring your imagination to life! We will meet every other Tuesday starting October 14, 2025. You may sign up on September 15, 2025 after 8:30am using the Google Form. The application deadline is deadline is September 26 at 3:15pm.

Drama Club
Advisor - Mr. Green

Drama Club meets Friday mornings at 7:45am in Room 41 (the choir room). The club focuses on acting games, improv and gives students who are interested in theatre an opportunity to learn more about it and to connect with each other. If you are interested in improving your acting skills, building self confidence and making new friends, drama club is open to all students and you may come as you please.

Environmental Club
Advisor - Mr. Myers

The Lazar Environmental Club is a group that works to improve the environment of our school community.  Topics covered range from recycling, organic gardening, wildlife viewing and working to reduce the biological foot print of our school.  If you are interested in such topics, stop by room 27 after school on Tuesdays beginning in September.  Remember to bring a note to stay.

Fall Play
Advisor - Mr. Green

Welcome aspiring actors and stage crew. Each fall, Lazar puts on a fall play on the Lazar Middle School Stage. Rehearsals are several times a week, depending on your role and the performances are in late October. We welcome students who are not cast to work on lighting, set painting, crew, props, costumes and sound.

Fiber Arts Club
Advisors - Ms. Praml & Ms. Salerno

Fiber Arts Club (knitting & crochet) will meet on Wednesday mornings - beginning September 17 from 7:45AM - 8:15AM. Students may drop-in as their schedule allows. Meetings will take place in the School Counseling Suite (near the gym). Materials will be provided for students who need them. Come enjoy the benefits of fiber arts - improve mood, increase happiness levels, and feel more relaxed. All skill levels welcome...we will teach you!

Financial Literacy Club (FLC)
Advisor - Mr. Lynn

Students will learn about the fundamentals of personal finance, ethics, the global economy, and investing with the help of online EVERFI resources, guest speakers, and through participation in the Stock Market Game. Each participant will build and manage a $100,000 investment portfolio in a real world, dynamic marketplace. Students will analyze and make decisions, explore the consequences of their choices, and seek new ways to strategize for success. Come to Room 65 to explore a fun way to critically problem solve with other like-minded students!

Flag Football
Advisor - Mr. Rios

Flag football is open to all Lazar students grades 6-8. In this club, you will learn football concepts and skills and compete in flag football games! Meeting dates will be announced in the spring.

French Club
Advisor - Mr. Lynn

French Club is an after-school group based primarily on French culture, where members will brainstorm ideas and determine the activities we will do. These activities will be based on majority votes from the group, and a schedule will be set so students know which activities we will be doing on which day. Each session will be truly unique, and allow students to examine and partake in all the great parts of French culture. In the past, we have watched French movies, listened to French music, learned vocab and played soccer and basketball, painted masterpieces on canvas, played online French games, competed in a scavenger hunt, created Eiffel Towers out of toothpicks and marshmallows, enjoyed home-made ratatouille and baguettes, sampled French pastries, and even had an extravagant French cheese-tasting event. The possibilities are endless, and new ideas are always encouraged. All are welcomed to come and enjoy the celebration of French culture in Room 65 with Mr. Lynn!

Graphic Arts and Design (GAD)
Advisor - Mrs. Rollins

Join our Middle School Graphic Design Club with Mrs. Rollins, where creativity meets fun! Learn the basics of design using Canva, an easy-to-use tool to create posters, social media graphics, and more. Whether you're a beginner or have a passion for art, this club is perfect for students looking to explore their creative side and develop new skills. Let's design together and bring your ideas to life! No application is required this year.

Green Art Club
Advisor - Mrs. Silva

Green Art Club is the perfect place to combine creativity with eco-friendly action! In this club, students will use recycled and natural materials to create unique art projects while learning how to take better care of our planet.

From upcycled sculptures to nature-inspired paintings, members will explore fun and creative ways to turn “green” ideas into works of art, turning "Trash into Treasure!"

Green Art Club is open to students in 6, 7 and 8th grade who want to express themselves artistically while helping the earth. Green Art Club will meet afterschool on Wednesdays, twice a month. The Google Form sign up will open on September 17, 2025 at 8:20am. There is a limited number of spots and those spots are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Let's make art that matters—for us and for the planet.

Intramural Basketball Club 
Advisor - Mr. Reiber

Intramural Basketball allows all Lazar students to participate in drills and games to enhance their knowledge of the game.

Italian Club
Advisor - Ms. Torino

Join the Italian Club in Room 60 with Ms. Torino to celebrate Italian language and culture! In Italian club, we will explore fun traditions, play cultural games, learn about holidays, music, and everyday life in Italy- and even sample some Italian food! We will meet one or two Tuesdays each month. Whether you take Italian or just want to experience something new, everyone is welcome! Italians are all about family and we'd love for you to come join ours!

Jazz Club
Advisor - Mr. Sansone

Study a new musical genre through the performance of big band jazz literature, jazz theory, and beginning improvisation. Rehearsals will be held after school on Thursdays from 3:30-4:45 in Room 40. Later in the year, more rehearsals may be added to prepare for performances. Auditions will be held in early November for wind instruments, piano, guitar, bass, and drum set. Rehearsals will begin soon afterwards. Please see Mr. Sansone at the end of October for audition information.

Library Club 
Advisor - Mrs. Heim

The purpose of the Library Club is to assist in the organization and decoration of the Lazar Media Center. Students will design and create monthly holiday decorations, book displays, bulletin boards, and help put books back on the shelves. The goal is to make the media center a fun and inviting place!

Mathcounts 
Advisors - Ms. Barkey & Ms. Parmentier

Mathcounts is a nationwide math coaching and competition program. The Mathcounts program is designed to increase interest and involvement in mathematics among middle school students. Students meet in coaching sessions in the beginning of the school year and send a group of students to the regional competition in February. Winners progress to the state competition in March. The top four scorers at the states earn the privilege to represent their state at the National Competition. For more information, go to www.mathcounts.org.

Math Olympiad Club
Advisor - Ms. Barkey

The Math Olympiad Club is a community for students who want to sharpen their problem-solving skills and engage with math beyond the classroom. We prepare for local, national, and international math competitions by tackling non-routine problems that test logic, creativity, and analytical thinking. Whether you're aiming to compete or just want to deepen your love for mathematics, this club offers a supportive and stimulating environment for all levels.

Microscope Club
Advisor - Mrs. Triantafyllou

Microscope Club is new this year! The club meeting times are projected to be biweekly every Thursday and the goals of the club are as follows:

  • to enhance our learning on how to use various types of microscopes such as the compound microscope, and stereomicroscope

  • to learn more about life at the microscopic level --protists, fungi, algae, bacteria 

  • to learn various staining techniques and slide preparations

Mind/Body Connection (MBC)
Advisor - Mrs. Keiser

Mind/Body Connection (MBC) incorporates yoga-based mindfulness and meditation techniques with stress management. Through an interactive and engaging practice, students will learn the basics of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Activities include: study and practice of yoga poses, learning about mindfulness and engaging in mindfulness, and collaborating with peers to organize events throughout the school & community.

Mural Club
Advisor - Mrs. Silva

Do you love art and want to make a lasting mark on our school? The Mural Club gives students the chance to design and paint murals that will brighten our school and inspire everyone who sees them.

Because mural projects require teamwork, responsibility, and commitment, students will need to apply and meet with the advisor to make sure the club is a good fit. We have a limited number of spots, so this process helps us build a balanced team of students who can work well together. Mural Club will meet afterschool on Wednesdays, twice a month. If interested, please click on this link to the google form and apply. All applicants will be notified of the decision via email. Even if you are not selected this time, we encourage you to keep creating and join other art opportunities—we love seeing your creativity shine!

MURAL CLUB APPLICATION

Orchestra Club
Advisor - Ms. Brassel

Orchestra Club is for any and all string students after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays!

This time is for music students who:

  • Want to know more about what is needed to be a great ensemble player

  • Want to work on individual pieces or techniques

  • Need to refine any parts to orchestra music, both in and out of school

  • Are newer to their instrument

  • Want to learn how to help teach friends and peers

  • Plan to prepare for any Area or Regional Orchestra

  • Want to learn to find and study music online independently or with friends!

Open to all string students, come join our amazing ensemble!

Science Olympiad (8th grade students only)
Advisors - Mrs. Marnien & Mrs. Wardell

Science Olympiad is a nationwide organization dedicated to improving science education and creating a technologically-literate workforce.  Students compete in tournaments and non-competitive events in the building, district, county, state and national levels with an emphasis on teamwork and commitment to excellence.  For more information, visit www.soinc.org.

Set Design Club
Advisor - Ms. Seastrand

Join the Set Design Club as we bring the magic of the stage to life for this year's Spring Musical! In this exciting club, we’ll be working together to create and build several props and paint large-scale background panels that will transform the performance space. Painting experience is required, as we’ll be focusing on detailed, large-scale designs. Whether you're an experienced painter, a budding artist, or someone with a passion for theater, this is your chance to make a tangible impact on the show's visual presentation. We will meet starting Thursday, October 16, 2025. Meeting dates will be every other Tuesday and every Thursday. You may sign up on September 15, 2025 after 8:30am using the Google Form. The application deadline is deadline is September 26 at 3:15pm.

SOS (Study and Organizational Skills)
Advisors - Ms. Lanaras & Mrs. Rudge

In the Study and Organizational Skills Program, you’ll learn helpful strategies to stay organized and improve your study skills, which will help you succeed in middle school.  For the efficacy of the program, the maximum number of students per day is 8. If all slots are filled, please sign up for a different day. Each week we alternate between study skills and organizational skills. Remember to bring your Lazar note!

Spanish Club
Advisor - Mrs. Pizarro

iHola!  Spanish Club is open to all students, even if you take another language.  Spanish club will be held once a month on the second or third Wednesday of the month.  Join us as we learn about and celebrate Spanish culture and traditions. Students will get to try various foods and desserts from Spanish speaking countries.  Students will listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies and play “beísbol”. Students will assist in fundraising events to raise money for foundations in need.  

Spring Musical
Directors - Mr. Green & Mrs. Friedman

Welcome singers, dancers, actors, and artists! The spring musical performs a Broadway Jr. show each spring on the high school stage. Auditions will be held in December before rehearsals begin, and all who audition are welcome to be a part of the production. Rehearsals are held 3-5 times a week from January to March in the Lazar gym and choir room, and at the high school. We also welcome all students with creativity and technological skills to join stage crew and set design to work behind the scenes and paint the set! (Stage crew and set design do not need to audition). 

STEAM Club (Application Required)
Advisors - Mrs. Wardell & Mrs. Marnien

By adding the “A for Arts” to a traditional STEM club, STEAM integrates the Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Arts. We identify, research, solve and report on design challenges within the context of a theme, then build and test our designs using the 7 Step Design Loop. We record the results of our designs through writing, crafting, presentation software, movies, demonstrations and much more.

Processing applications for the seventh and eighth grade cohort will begin as soon as the application deadline closes. The sixth-grade cohort requires a recommendation from the applicant’s science teacher. Their applications will be processed in mid-October.

Space is limited to 25. Membership is not on a first-come come first-served basis. Membership is balanced for gender and grade level. Meets Tuesdays (rotating every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the morning, and last Tuesday of the month in the afternoon) from October to May. Designing and building will be in the morning meetings, with mentoring and reflective practices in the afternoon meetings.

Click on the picture below to apply:

STEAM Club Logo

Student Council 
Advisors - Ms. Novak & Ms. Scaglione

A democratic organization composed of elected representatives and officers who represent their classmates. The Student Council provides students with the opportunity to voice their opinions concerning school activities and acquire leadership skills. The representatives plan social activities as well as community projects.

Video Game Club
Advisor - Mr. Pensky

The Video Game Club meets every other Thursday, starting in December. The purpose of the Video Game Club is for students to make friends with other students that share similar interests through casual gaming together or competing in tournaments with other students in games such as Rocket League or Super Smash Bros.

Volleyball Club
Advisor - Mr. Reiber

Volleyball Club is a time for students to come and play games on an open court.

The Write Eye
Advisor - Mrs. Given

The Write Eye is a student produced magazine featuring essays, poems, short stories, and creative writing pieces written by Lazar students. Also, the magazine features student artwork of all kinds (paintings, sketches, cartoons, computer graphics). The pieces are nominated by teachers, peers, or presented by the artist themselves for review by The Write Eye staff. Each piece is then discussed, analyzed, and voted on for publication by the student staff. All staff members state their opinions on the merits of the piece being published in the yearly magazine. The student staff work to produce the magazine learning about design and layout. Being a member of the staff, students have fun working together and develop friendships with students who enjoy the arts! 

Yearbook (APPLICATION REQUIRED)
Advisors - Ms. Lange & Ms. Lanaras

Help create YOUR school's yearbook. Students will work together to select, develop and implement a theme and design a cover. November through April students will work in small groups to complete yearbook pages assigned to them. Meetings are held on THURSDAYS after school, with additional workshop days as needed. There are also scheduled work sessions that end at 5:00pm for students throughout our development but those will be determined as we go. Once a month (or more if needed) during “crunch time” we will have dinner work sessions staying until 7pm. Yearbook is a BIG commitment but we have fun working together! We will be hosting an information meeting on Thursday, September 19, at 3:30 in Room 5. Hope to see you there :).

If you have any questions before the meeting, please see Ms. Lange in the School Counseling Suite or Ms. Lanaras in room 5

To apply for Yearbook Club, use the link to the right (Yearbook Application for 2024-25).

Yearbook Staff Icon with a camera and Lazar Middle School Logo