All About Animals: The All About Animals after school club will meet one Saturday each month and on occasional Wednesdays after school to explore the relationship between animals and humans. Each Saturday we meet will be spent on a field trip to visit with a variety of animals from llamas, to alpacas, to goats and more. On Wednesdays visitors will bring animals as we continue to explore different types of animals, from exotic wildlife to dog training.  (Afterschool/Mrs. Williams)

Art to Share:  Create beautiful pieces of art to share with others.  Club members will have several art options such as creating mosaic tables, painting murals, painting ceiling tiles, making gifts, and working on art for community fundraisers and auctions.  While in the artistic mode, students will be able to listen to their favorite tunes and chat with their friends.  (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Astronomy Club: The purpose of the astronomy club is to have a greater appreciation of our celestial neighbors.  We will learn the constellations, star names, and the whereabouts of the planets during every season.  Some of the history and stories behind the stars and their constellations will be discussed.  Additionally, Students can learn about the operation of astronomical equipment such as telescopes, cameras, and computer programs.  At times we may perform minor scientific research, but the real purpose of the club is to get everybody to look up more often and have some late night fun. (Afterschool/Mr. Himburg)

Aviation and Aerial Photography Club:  In this club, students will have an opportunity to use a variety of technologies and tools to explore their world.  They will use a model airplane and a kite to obtain a bird’s eye view of our campus, GPS receivers to pinpoint their locations on campus, and mapping software to analyze and make their own digital maps.  Students will have many opportunities to fly a 6 foot motor glider which carries an airborne digital camera or an airborne video camera.  Participants will also work with the aerial digital pictures and video they take to update our campus map which is online.  We will also explore a few different natural parks in our area at different times of the year.  Please note that we will be meeting one Saturday morning per month (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Babysitter’s Training Course: The Babysitter's Training course has a unique interactive, educational format that tasks youth, ages 11 - 14 years of age, with activities such as identifying safety problems around the house and yard and selecting age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. Participants learn by doing. The Participants will learn Infant/Child CPR and First Aid during the course and earn certification when successfully completed.  Other topics discussed during the course are: Interviewing for a babysitting job, learning diapering and feeding techniques and handling bedtime issues.  (afterschool/Mrs. Rodocker)

Badminton Club: This club will begin by reviewing rules and playing techniques while learning about the game of badminton. As the trimester progresses, students will play singles and doubles matches in tournament format.(Trimester 1)

Behind the Scenes: Contribute to the magic of the theater and this year's all-school production!  Students in this club will explore the technical aspects of theater production, working closely with members of the faculty design team in the areas of stage management, props, costumes, set construction/painting, and lighting.  Club members will also be able to serve on running crews during the production’s run in January. (Trimester 2 only)

CASP: Cary Academy Student Productions is a student run blog and podcast forum where students post helpful hints about all kinds of technology including some specific to the use of tablet PCs. Podcasts often include podsafe music, round table discussions of current technology use at Cary Academy, and other. (Afterschool for 7th and 8th graders/Dr. Todd)

CAST News:  (Before School/Mr. Snively)

Chess Club: The main focus of the Chess Club will be to have fun playing chess. It is open to all levels of players including folks who want to learn the game. We will have "open play" days, mini-tournaments and timed tournaments. Our goal is to play lots of chess. (Trimester 2 and 3)

Competitive Math Team: The Cary Academy MS Competitive Math Team practices throughout the year for two events; Math Counts in February and Regional Math Competition in March. All Middle School students with a committed interest in competing are welcome to join. (Afterschool/Ms.Tombes)

Food for Thought: Food for thought is a chance to feed your creativity through enjoying, writing, and performing personal memoirs.  It is also an opportunity to feed your face as the club is centered around (and served with real food based on) delicious themes such as "Dessert first, then vegetables," "Let them eat cake!," "A cookie a day keeps everyone happy," and "Let's stir up a batch of trouble!"  (Trimester 2 and 3)

Great American Movies: So, you think you know a lot about movies, huh? Do you know about Buster Keaton? Cary Grant? Audrey Hepburn? Alfred Hitchcock? Whatever you know, here’s your chance to find out more. We’ll look at and discuss great scenes, performers, directors, and maybe some entire movies from the silent era to the recent past that have had an impact on audiences. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to rush out to Blockbuster. Popcorn not included. (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Guitar Club: I WANNA ROCK!!!  If you do too, and are interested in learning and playing acoustic and electric guitar with friends, come join us.  We’ll learn the basics, swap songs, explore some multimedia programs, and watch some concert videos of the masters.  All levels of experience are welcome.  (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

International Films Club: Come and enjoy some Das Boot or Asterix! We will be watching and discussing foreign films throughout the trimester.  Popcorn will be provided! (Trimester 2 and 3)

Jazz Band: We’ll have a weekly Jam session! Oldies, Jazz, and other fun music – anything goes (almost). All middle school students (6^th-8^th grade) with previous experience playing one of the following instruments can join: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone/Euphonium, Piano, Electric or Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Drum Set. We will perform for school functions and even band concerts. Put on your cool shades and get ready! 6^th grade students who began an instrument this year are eligible to join 3^rd trimester. (Year long)

Knitting/Crocheting Club- Interested in learning how to knit or crochet?  Already know how to, but want new ideas?  Join us as we share skills, ideas, and a good time.  We will focus on fashion accessories and gifts for everyone.  (Trimester 1, 2 and 3)

Literary Magazine: Do you have a short story that is half finished but you just don't know where to go with it?  Or a poem that isn't quite working?  Join this club!  We will spend the first couple weeks generating writing and the last several weeks of the trimester workshopping stories and poems so every writer gets substantive feedback they can use to revise their work.  These pieces will then be included in the Literary Magazine. (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Logic Club: This club is designed for those that enjoy a cerebral challenge.  We will dabble and learn some basic principles in formal logic and we will bend our brains around games and puzzles that will challenge our mental fortitude.  Math folks particularly should find this appealing, but all thinkers are welcome! (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Outdoors Club:  The MS Outdoors Club attempts to get students out of the doors of the school and doing some fun activities related to the outdoors. Possible activities include - camping, hiking, IMAX movies, ice-skating, rock climbing, horseback-riding and more! (Afterschool/Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Raskevitz)

Photography Club: Learn the ins and outs (ups and downs) of  photography and fun technical things like shutter speed, zoom lenses, and irises (not the flowers). We'll look at lots of photos, practice with cameras in class, and have a chance to learn more about the use of Photoshop CS2 and Photoshop Elements. NO PREVIOUS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.  Popcorn not included. (Trimesters 2 and 3)

Robotics: Robotics is an interactive club that focuses on the design, electronics, construction, and programming of robots.  In the first trimester the robotics club will participate in a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) contest a.k.a. Mindstorms.  This competition challenges students to design, construct, program, and troubleshoot a robot for a specific task.  This year’s LEGO challenge focuses on "Energy Resources - Meeting the Global Demand".  In the second trimester we will continue building robots using LEGO Mindstorms with a focus on basic design principles and programming.  Finally, in the third trimester we will explore a myriad of different robots using everything from kits to construct robots from circuit boards to TECHNO K’NEX.  Students who are motivated to learn about technology and willing to dedicate the time during and after school to program a robot should apply for this club.  (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Roller Coaster Madness: Calling All Thrill-Seekers!  This club will more than fill your need for speed as we explore the ins, outs, ups, and downs of the world's greatest amusement parks and their roller coasters.  Investigate the history and the mechanics behind these steel and wood giants, while experiencing first hand some of the area's greatest coaster! (Trimester 1 and 3 only)

Salsa Club: If you like dancing or would like to give it a try, this is an opportunity to  be introduced to salsa rhythm and learn basic steps. We will then learn simple patterns and turns! Depending on our progress we can advance as far as we decide! Gender balance is not going to be a problem, as we can learn both leading and following techniques!  (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Scrabble Club: Do you enjoy playing Scrabble? Have fun while improving a wide range of skills: vocabulary, spelling, dictionary skills, math (traditional and non-traditional), cooperative learning, conflict resolution and creative problem solving. Anyone who is interested to join is invited regardless of whether you are an expert or beginner player. We will learn strategies and have fun while playing scrabble in teams. (Trimester 2 and 3 only)

Scrapbooking Club:  Turn your pictures and memorabilia into a beautiful scrapbook that you’ll treasure! Great club for students who have tons of pictures and creative ideas! (Trimesters 1, 2, and 3)

Softball Club: This club is for girls interested in playing fast pitch softball this spring.  We will work on throwing, catching, hitting, fielding, and pitching.  You must bring a softball glove. (Trimester 2)

Sportstopia: Think of Sportstopia as "Intramurals During Enrichment."  We'll play field favorites such as Capture the Flag, Kickball & Ultimate Frisbee.  We'll even throw in some Spud and Other Classics..  What if it rains?  No worries--we'll play Maffia, Twister or watch some ESPN Sports Center! (Trimester 1 and 3 only)

Strategic Board Game Club: Compete against other board game fanatics in Risk, Clue, Monopoly and Scrabble—games that test your skills and challenge your mind. The tournament will last all trimester long so come armed with strategy and stamina. (Trimester 1, 2 and 3)

Student Leadership: We are looking for a core group of hard working, responsible and committed students who will serve as vital leaders for our student body. Student leadership representatives will exhibit service to others, integrity, and mutual respect. They will come armed with innovative ideas for strengthening our school community and work hard as a group to make those ideas a reality. Our endeavors this year will be challenging, but rewarding and fun! Be a voice for your school—apply today! (Year long)

Sweet Harmony Club:  This club will include the study and performance of acapella and other small ensemble vocal music styles of music. Group size will be no larger than eight members who are invited and accept the invitation to participate in the group. In order to perform in Sweet Harmony, the group must have four balanced vocal sections and students must be able to sing a vocal line independent of other singers. The group will perform at various venues throughout the year such as Home for the Holidays, Basketball games, and maybe a trip to a local retirement community. See Mrs. Holcombe if you are interested in being considered to be a member of the group. (Trimester 2 and 3 only)

Ultimate Trivia Challenge: Measure yourself against the best Middle School minds this side of the Mississippi in this weekly trivia challenge. We will gather each week in small teams to test our intelligence in a number of categories ranging from history, geography, and science to movies, TV, and music. Small prizes will be awarded each week to winning teams, but the true reward, the ultimate boon if you will, will come in knowing that, at least for one week, you are the true master of your trivia domain. Will you accept the challenge?  (Trimester 2 only)

Video Editing: Learn the ins and outs of editing digital video using Adobe Premiere.  You will be amazed at the movie-making opportunities at your disposal here at our school.  We will shoot some video, but we will focus on how you take video footage and turn it into a professionally edited piece, complete with sound effects, music, effects, and more.  (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)

Video Yearbook: Construct a video collage of grade-wide events from the entire year. (Afterschool/Mr. Shy)

VolleyGirlz: This club is specifically designed for 7^th and 8^th girls with the desire to play volleyball!  Are YOU interested in learning more about the sport of volleyball?  This club is intended to help young female volleyball players reach their maximum potential.  Focus will be placed on skill development, team strategy, and basic floor play.  VolleyGirlz will learn to think a step ahead while improving confidence, and physical ability.  Bring a positive attitude, lots of energy, and a competitive spirit!  (Trimester 3 only)

Web Design Club: Getting Started with a Web Page: Are you interested in developing your first web page?  Join this club to learn Internet technology and develop your own website! This club will be devoted to learning how to design websites using a web page editor, Microsoft Expression Web. Each student will choose a topic of his/her choice and develop the topic into a refined website. We will begin the club by looking at good and bad sites and deciding what makes a good vs. bad site and then begin building are own ideas from this framework. Students will have access to scanners and cameras if needed to develop their sites. Check this club out if you are "into the net!" (Trimester 2, and 3)

Yearbook Club: The Cary Academy Yearbook is for our whole school! The purpose of this club is for the Middle School to have more input into the yearbook. The theme and page layout for next year’s book will be decided in the Third Trimester. Also, you will learn all about the layout and design of a yearbook and the technical side of a publication. We will cover layout, design, theme development, photography, headline and caption writing, and publication procedures. A very important club for those 8^th graders who are planning on taking Yearbook as a class next year, but open to ALL middle school students!! (Trimester 1, 2, and 3 )

Yoga: In the yoga club we will learn poses from yoga to help with alignment and stretching, especially good for dancers and any athletes. We will also spend a part of the time each week in constructive relaxation. (Trimester 1, 2, and 3)