Clubs & Activities

Our 6th graders are as active and involved as our 7th-12th grade students. In 2015-2016, we established clubs and programs based upon the interests of our 6th grade students.

• Lego Robotics

• Student Council

• Intramurals

• Video Game Club

• Art Club

• Li’L Irish Little Lifters Club

• Middle School Book Club

• E-Sports

Open to students in grades 6-8.

An academic competition in which schools compete following a quiz-bowl format where students must ring in and be recognized before answering. Questions cover a wide range of topics including: art, biology, chemistry, current events, geography, history, literature, music, political science, pop culture, religion and sports.

Open to students in grades 9-12.

Masterminds is an academic competition in which schools compete in 12 match-play rounds per season. Each match follows a quiz-bowl format where students must ring in and be recognized before answering. Questions cover a wide range of topics including: art, biology, chemistry, current events, geography, history, literature, music, political science, pop culture, religion and sports.

Open to students in grades 8-12.

A social yet competitive league featuring six competitions during the year, once in each month, lasting from September-February. Students compete against other schools answering challenging math questions.

Students may join at any time and may attend as many meets as they would like. Those who attend 4 out of 6 meets may participate in the Monroe County Math League competition in March. Math League participants earn class bonus points (please see your math teacher for details).

Open to students in grades 9-12.

Started in 2006, the National Honor Society encourages and rewards scholarship, renders service, promotes leadership and develops character among members. Eligible students must attain a cumulative weighted GPA of 92 by the end of their sophomore year. They must maintain this GPA for the remainder of their membership in the National Honor Society. Students must also exhibit leadership qualities, show evidence of exceptional character as reflected in their disciplinary record, and have performed significant hours of community service. The National Honors Society at Aquinas provides a peer tutoring service available to all students throughout the year.

Open to students in grades 7-12.

St. Thomas Club is for students in grades 9-12 who earn academic averages of 95-100 on their quarterly report cards. St. Basil's Club is for students in grades 7-8 who earn academic averages of 95-100 on their quarterly report cards. Students will be notified following the grading period and will be invited to a celebratory breakfast.

Open to students in grades 7-12.

The Aquinas Dance Program offers four levels of dance as a Fine Arts sequence. This program is offered during the school day and focuses on historical and contemporary dance themes through technique classes, master classes, films, choreography, and performance. Students are required to perform in two dance concerts during the year.

Middle School:

Middle School Dance Company is a choreography and performance class held during the FLEX period at the end of the school day, and is offered to students in grades 7 and 8. Students enrolled in this class will learn choreography in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, African and Musical Theatre styles, and will perform in the semi-annual dance concerts, in-school assemblies, halftime basketball shows and benefit concerts. Students enrolled in Dance Company may also have the opportunity to attend dance competitions and conventions. No previous dance experience is required to participate in Dance Company. However, because this class is a choreography and performance class, students are encouraged to take at least one weekly technique class outside of Dance Company.

Senior High:

Senior High Dance Company is a choreography and performance class that meets every day during the school day. It is offered to any student in grades 9-12, and can be taken for all four (4) years of high school. Students will perform in the semi-annual dance concerts, in-school assemblies, halftime basketball shows and benefit concerts. Students may also have the opportunity to compete in dance competitions and conventions. This class is a choreography and performance class, therefore students are required to take at least two hours of technique class per week outside of Dance Company. Students may take Dance Company in place of their PE course in 11th and 12th grade.

Open to students in grades 10-12.

Students run a television show each morning that broadcasts news and announcements to AQ students.

Open to students in grades 6-12.

Art club is open to all students looking for a creative outlet.

Open to students in grades 7-12.

Aquinas offers a wide variety of opportunities and courses for musicians, including: Beginning Instrumental Music Program, Middle School Band, Concert Band, Jazz Improv, and History of Rock 'n' Roll.  All courses meet during the day except Jazz Improv, which meets once per week after school.

Open to students in grades 7-12.

Vocal music courses provide an artistic and musical outlet for all students. Students from all experience levels and singing abilities are encouraged to participate. Using the New York State Standards for Music, curriculum is followed in proper singing technique, music theory, music history, and sight-reading.  Personal confidence is built through solo singing, concert performances and one-on-one music lessons.

Open to students in grades 6-8.

Four 6th graders, four 7th graders, and six 8th graders are elected to represent the Middle School and plan activities, events, and organize service work.

Open to students in grades 7-8.

Students photograph AQMS activities throughout the year and assist with designing the yearbook.

Open to students in grades 9-12.

Students photograph activities through the year and design the yearbook.

The main objective of this club is to promote tolerance and understanding among diverse groups within the Aquinas community and the world.

Open to students in grades 11-12.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Women’s Leadership Program at Aquinas Institute is a wonderful guided opportunity for young women to experience personal growth and develop leadership skills that will help them throughout their life. This year’s program includes lunch meetings, a personal growth in leadership project, and service activities. The program is led by the director of the Women's Leadership Program, Julie Melton, who is also Aquinas Institute's librarian, and the Leadership Advisory Committee. During the time together, the young women learn leadership skills through a variety of topical and relevant discussions, writing experiences, and other activities. Those that complete two years in the program receive a special cord and a certificate of completion at graduation from Aquinas. Many of the young ladies' projects will be included in their Capstone portfolios. The Sisters and Aquinas are very proud to offer this special experience to juniors, and seniors.

Open to students in grades 9-12.

Student Council, a prominent student government organization, gives students a voice in determining school activities and environment. It helps promote activities for the entire student body at Aquinas and fosters a positive climate throughout the school. The focus of Student Council is on developing leadership skills through interaction with students, faculty, community and other Aquinas stakeholders.

Examples of Student Council Activities: Dodgeball Tournament, Field Day, Planned Dress Down Days.

Open to students in grades 6-12.

Student Ambassadors assist in giving tours to prospective students. They may also have a shadow for a day so that the prospective students get a chance to experience a day at Aquinas in the grade they will be entering. Student Ambassadors are also an important part of our Fall Open House, providing tours to prospective students and their families.

The Iron Shamrock Club is an incentive and rewards-based strength building motivation program for student athletes. The incentive program will reward athletes for meeting strength standards. The ultimate aim is that the opportunity to reach the highest level will encourage student athletes to take their training more seriously - as well as enlighten them on what it takes to become an elite athlete. The program is based on relative strength calculations on 1 RPM on 4 key lifts. Relative strength calculation allows all athletes - male and female - of all body types and levels, the reasonable ability to reach at least one of the 4 standards: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite.

The 4 standards are set based on the body weight of the athlete therefore, not only are the standards attainable, but also serve as a powerful tracking tool of an athlete’s progress as he/she moves through the program. It is reasonable and attainable that by the time they leave Aquinas, that a majority of athletes will attain Advanced Standards. While fewer will possibly attain Elite level, the journey for athletes trying to attain this level will benefit their health and strengthen our sports programs. Athletes will need to make 3 out of 4 lifts at a level in order to qualify for that level. While this program is designed for student athletes, it is open to all students looking to improve their fitness levels. 

Open to students in grades 7-12.

Ski Club travels each Friday and on school breaks as long as weather permits.

Open to students in grades 6-12.

Open to students in grades 6-12.

Video Game Club generally meet once or twice a week for a couple hours.