IAA Cougar Clubs
MS Day A
-
National History Day
Students will be studying about different events in US History. Students' interests of events will be considered at the start of the club. The club will start in September with the history and current figures of Hispanic people. Research and Google slides will be done in class. Projects will also be completed. At times, there will be games of historical importance. The club rules will be the same as in a regular classroom: follow directions, stay on task, and only positive interactions will be allowed. Peer interactions and collaboration will be required.
-
Art
Art Club explores a variety of techniques in visual art and topics from art history. Artists in the club should have a passion for art and be willing to learn new things. Students will create two and three dimensional projects in a range of materials. Activities may include but are not limited to drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture, and mixed media projects. Participants will work both individually and collaboratively to create great projects.
-
Chess
The Chess Club is an adventure of learning one of the greatest and oldest games in the world. Chess Club will be filled with opportunities to improve the students' strategy, critical thinking, mathematical skills, and sportsmanship among peers. Students will harness the art of thinking one step ahead, and apply this skill toward any desire they wish to pursue. Chess Club is a fun, competitive outlet for those of you who just want to learn, and for those students who are interested in improving their game.
-
Mind and Movement
Middle school students in the mind and movement club will learn about mental health and managing stress through activities, games, and exercises. Students will participate in activities and games like hopscotch, jumping rope, yoga, scavenger hunts and more. Activities during Mind and Movement will improve breathing, stretch and heal the muscles, energize bodies and benefit overall mental and physical health.
-
Homework
Homework Club is a program serving students at IAA. Homework Club (HC) provides a quiet, structured, and safe environment for students to complete their homework with the help of the teacher. HC staff provides help and support in all school subjects. HC strives to instill good work habits, organizational skills, time management abilities, and a sense of accomplishment in every student. HC believes that every student is capable of high achievement with the proper support. The HC teacher makes every effort to ensure that students understand every assignment they complete, even the ones that they struggle with the most. Expectations during this time include a quiet work environment, no cell phone use (cell phones will be collected during this time), and respect for the teacher and other students.
-
Math Counts
Do you like animation? Have you ever wanted to make a video? Do you like winning prizes?
Bring your storytelling skills, cell phones, and your creativity to this National MathCounts Video Challenge. The students will work towards making a math instructional video that can win prizes. -
Aevidum
Aevidum stands for "I’ve got your back," a phrase coined by students in a PA school district after they lost a friend to suicide; as such, this club will focus on mental health and suicide preventation awareness. As stated on Aevidum's official website, "Aevidum shatters the silence that surrounds depression, suicide, and other issues facing youth. We strive to create healthy communities where everyone feels accepted, appreciated, acknowledged, and cared for in schools. Aevidum empowers students to use their unique voices and talents to make a difference as well as recognize the gifts of their peers. Together, they create authentic cultures of care and advocacy within their schools." The club's daily agenda may include topics and student-made projects regarding anxiety, depression, self care, mental health resources, fundraising, and general prjects to increase mental health advocacy within our community and within the world. The participants will use their voices and ideas to make a genuine, positive change!
-
Reading Olympics
Reading Olympics is a countywide reading event that encourages students to increase the quality and quantity of books they read for enjoyment. The Reading Olympics is designed to inspire students to read for pleasure and learn the value of teamwork at the same time. In addition to helping students develop a habit of daily reading for pleasure, Reading Olympics provides students with the opportunity to have interactive discussions with their peers on the content of the books as well as flex their competitive muscles as they answer questions about each book they read. The books read are preselected several months in advance by teachers and librarians involved in the program.
MS Day B
-
SADD
The purpose of SADD is to empower students to make positive decisions and influence their peers in making positive decisions and promote a healthy mindset that will help them make smart decisions throughout life. SADD goals: To foster a sense of belonging, foster a sense of leadership, foster a sense of advocacy and resilience to make positive decisions and to empower peers to do the same.
-
Skills USA
The SkillsUSA framework will give students the opportunity to tap into their full potential. SkillsUSA emphasizes personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics. Skills developed in this club include integrity, hopefulness, professionalism, work ethic, self-advocacy, responsibility, discipline, communication, teamwork, leadership, multi-cultural awareness and sensitivity, decision making, planning, job specific skills and professional development. The goal of this club is to tap into and develop these skills while fostering individiuality in ascertaiing these assets. The one expectation for this club is there are no cell phones or air pods allowed during the time spent in this club as these devices will not assist in the mission goal for this club.
-
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach club will focus on teaching students about areas within our communities that provide a variety of services to underserved people in the Lehigh Valley. Specifically, students will be partnering with local food banks, soup kitchens, Latin & African American community centers, nursing homes, habitat for humanity, LGBTQIA+ centers and Lehigh Valley Youth House. Students will learn about the important role these centers and services play in our community at large. We will connect with these centers and plan ways in which we support them and get involved. This is a great opportunity for students to offer their service and give back to their communities.
-
Global Awareness
The Global Awareness Club gives students an opportunity to look into current events, culture, and world-wide happenings while also looking at their place in the world here and internationally. We will seek to understand, learn, and grow into global citizens who contribute to an ever changing world.
-
Debate
The Debate Club is going to be lots of fun. Students who like to argue their point in a safe environment or students who want to learn how to argue their point in a safe environment will enjoy the Debate Club. Students will learn to argue a point in an informed, respectful manner just like they do in the Supreme Court. In this club students will get to choose the topic, read the pros and cons and then debate the legality of the chosen issue. Students will learn to debate the issue, not the person. All conversations will be limited to the facts and the interpretations of them. There will be no attacking the person for their views, just good healthy discussion. Students will also learn to be the leader of the debate and learn to summarize the points for a final vote, if they choose. There may be no resolution to the chosen topic or issue which is acceptable because students are learning to debate and not solve the world’s problems...just yet.
-
STEM
STEM club will explore science, technology, math, and engineering concepts using the Sphero Bolt robots. Students will work with the app-enabled robots to code, create art, and work through challenges. These hands-on activities promote creativity and problem solving in exciting ways.
-
Homework
A quiet study hall where serious students can get help with homework or projects or catch up on missed assignments in all classes. Students choosing to not do homework or missed assignments will be expected to read, draw, or reflect quietly. Phones, chatting, or computer games will not be allowed in this club.
-
Drama
Drama Club is for anyone that has ever been interested in theater. Whether the student is an actor ready to shine in the spotlight, or a creative mind ready to design and build sets, they have a place in the Drama Club. In addition to acting and set design, participants will also learn stage terminology, costuming, and make up - everything needed to make a show-stopping performance together. Students with no prior experience on stage are welcome here. Participants will learn everything about theater production.
HS Day A
-
Fitness
This club will include a variety of workouts and movements for students to fine tune their skills for a specific sport or goal. In fitness there are 10 recognized general physical skills that will be broken down into a variety of dynamic workouts. Along with improving students physical fitness, students will also focus on nutrition which plays a critical role in their health. Proper nutrition can amplify the effect of their training efforts. Combining these two aspects will promote a healthy lifestyle and will maximize physical, social and mental well-being.
-
Volleyball
IAA Volleyball Club is designed to teach every skill of volleyball. Each student will learn fundamentals of serving, hitting, passing, setting, digging, and blocking. Players will have an opportunity to learn to work together as a team, along with being able to compete in scrimmages against their teammates. Students are expected to actively participate and learn and improve their volleyball skills, while having positive interactions with their teammates.
-
DECA
DECA focuses on bringing the classroom to life. This club will provide a hands-on experience by using creative skills, out of the box thinking, and collaboration by connecting with local businesses and community organizations. The goal is to prepare students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and business management. Find your place, make a difference.
-
Homework
Homework Club is a program serving students at IAA. Homework Club (HC) provides a quiet, structured, and safe environment for students to complete their homework with the help of the teacher. HC staff provides help and support in all school subjects. HC strives to instill good work habits, organizational skills, time management abilities, and a sense of accomplishment in every student. HC believes that every student is capable of high achievement with the proper support. The HC teacher makes every effort to ensure that students understand every assignment they complete, even the ones that they struggle with the most. Expectations during this time include a quiet work environment, no cell phone use (cell phones will be collected during this time), and respect for the teacher and other students.
-
National History Day
National History Day Club makes history come alive for students by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural, and social experiences of the past. As a group, students will share a goal they have for the day. One person shares, then the next person will share their goal, and make a connection between the goal they just heard and their own or something related in their classroom. This will build a shared desire for participation. Throughout the sharing, the facilitator will record the goals on the board next to the other questions already prepared.
-
Debate
Debate Club's aim is to empower Innovative Arts Academy students with the skills of expressing their beliefs clearly and concisely, public speaking and effective communication in a formal setting, and staying aware of current events in the world. Students learn to create factual/logical, ethical and emotional arguments to persuade others in the club that their “side” is correct. Despite the seemingly serious nature of debates, participants never forget to have fun along the way.
-
Chess
The Chess Club is an adventure of learning one of the greatest and oldest games in the world. Chess Club will be filled with opportunities to improve the students' strategy, critical thinking, mathematical skills, and sportsmanship among peers. Students will harness the art of thinking one step ahead, and apply this skill toward any desire they wish to pursue. Chess Club is a fun, competitive outlet for those of you who just want to learn, and for those students who are interested in improving their game.
-
Environmental
In the Environmental club, students will have the chance to investigate the world around them and our role as humans in it. The planet is vast and has many fascinating components that are precious and worth protecting. As part of our investigations, students will have the chance to complete experiments and activities demonstrating the issues surrounding climate change, the relationships between different species, and the consequences of human activity. Students will have an opportunity to create mini classroom gardens that they will be responsible for designing and maintaining for the duration of the school year. Students will be able to research and discuss current environmental issues our planet faces. From this research, students will have the chance to create green or environmentally related initiatives for the school and community.
-
Guitar
Students will learn and practice basic to intermediate chords on the guitar as they apply to selected songs. Students will be practicing individually as well as in small groups. There may be opportunites for students to showcaae their talents throughout the school year.
-
Leo
The LEO (service) club will look to provide students with opportunities to help those around them through various service opportunities. This may include volunteering time to help various members of the staff with their needs within the building as well as service projects to be completed during Cougar Studio. It is the goal of the LEO club to inspire volunteerism and build leadership skills.
-
Reading Olympics
Reading Olympics is a countywide reading event that encourages students to increase the quality and quantity of books they read for enjoyment. The Reading Olympics is designed to inspire students to read for pleasure and learn the value of teamwork at the same time. In addition to helping students develop a habit of daily reading for pleasure, Reading Olympics provides students with the opportunity to have interactive discussions with their peers on the content of the books as well as flex their competitive muscles as they answer questions about each book they read. The books read are preselected several months in advance by teachers and librarians involved in the program.
-
Creative Writing
Students are introduced to a range of technical and imaginative concerns through creative exercises and discussions, and exposed to all aspects of the writing process, including generating ideas, writing and revising drafts, and editing.
-
Dance Lab
High School Students who select Dance Lab club will have additional, advanced exposure to dance and performing. This is an opportunity for dancers to create and workshop their own choreography independently. Students will have the option to work as a large groups, small groups, duos, or solos and explore dance styles including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, and more. The student-choreographed dances could be selected to perform in the spring showcase. Dancers will have an opportunity to discuss and experience the process of appropriate casting for dances, music editing, dance costuming, and theatrical lighting as it applies to dance and performance. Participants will also discuss and explore opportunities for community engagement through dance performance, dance fundraiser ideas, and competition-style dance.
-
Yearbook
Help save IAA's memories by creating our 2022-2023 yearbook! Take pictures, write stories and do layouts (all are required of yearbook staff) and add it to your resume for college or for a job.
HS Day B
-
Spirit
Students in the Spirit Club will work together to create and hang seasonal decorations in school hallways and to prepare decorations for school events such as dances. Students will be part of a team that promotes a healthy school culture and climate.
-
Homework
Homework Club is a program serving students at IAA. Homework Club (HC) provides a quiet, structured, and safe environment for students to complete their homework with the help of the teacher. HC staff provides help and support in all school subjects. HC strives to instill good work habits, organizational skills, time management abilities, and a sense of accomplishment in every student. HC believes that every student is capable of high achievement with the proper support. The HC teacher makes every effort to ensure that students understand every assignment they complete, even the ones that they struggle with the most. Expectations during this time include a quiet work environment, no cell phone use (cell phones will be collected during this time), and respect for the teacher and other students.
-
SADD
The purpose of SADD is to empower students to make positive decisions and influence their peers in making positive decisions and promote a healthy mindset that will help them make smart decisions throughout life. SADD goals: To foster a sense of belonging, foster a sense of leadership, foster a sense of advocacy and resilience to make positive decisions and to empower peers to do the same.
-
Cheerleading
Cheerleading Club is great team-building sport for all participants. Cheerleading Club focuses on learning different skills such as proper stunting techniques (pyramids, bases, backspots, flyers), arm movements, cheers, jumps, and dance compilation. Students will be required to have a change of clothing (t-shirt and shorts/leggings and sneakers) aside from the school uniform. There is no try-out needed to participate. All students will begin with the basics and progress throughout the year.
-
Basketball
During Basketball Club, students will be able to learn about the game of basketball through the development of skills, concepts, and games. Students will be expected to follow the guidelines the teacher sets out for them and will participate each day with respect and honor for the game and classmates.
-
Art
The Art Club is designed to provide a quiet space for independent work in preferred media. Students will have opportunities to expand exposure to techniques and styles will be provided in the form of small optional projects based on the season throughout the year. Participants must develop obtainable goals that will guide them to improving their art. These goals may be simple such as "Finish this anime meme", or "Learn to draw a boat to add to my seascapes" to more complex: "Research and apply to local juried art shows." The instructor will assist participants with goal setting and give support for goal management. Participants should have a working knowledge of basic art concepts such as, color theory, composition, and perspective. Participants should also have a preferred medium (pencils, pastel, acrylic, clay etc) and style or subject matter (anime, botanicals, landscapes, illustrations, etc).
-
Computer Coding
This Cougar Studio will introduce students to computer coding through using Apple's Swift Playground. This program will help teach students how to write code in Swift, a coding language created by Apple that is used to create many apps. This Cougar Studio does not require any previous experience with writing code. This is designed for beginners. Many of the activities will involve solving puzzles to learn the basics and then learn some of the building blocks of coding that are used to build many apps.
-
Math Counts
MATHCOUNTS HS will provide engaging math programs to students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving. Students will compete by solving weekly problems. Students will be scored on accuracy and how fast they are able to solve the problems.
-
CougarThon
Innovative Arts Academy's Cougar-THON is modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon's (THONTM) Mini-THON. Senior students will choose a different philanthropy each year, where they will dedicate their time and resources over the course of the school year to volunteer and create a schoolwide benefit program. While participating in Cougar-THON, students will fundraise, work diligently with members of the community, and learn foundational skills for planning and advertising. Students will gain work-ready skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving while promoting teamwork, creativity, and spirit of IAA.
-
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach club will focus on teaching students about areas within our communities that provide a variety of services to underserved people in the Lehigh Valley. Specifically, students will be partnering with local food banks, soup kitchens, Latin & African American community centers, nursing homes, habitat for humanity, LGBTQIA+ centers and Lehigh Valley Youth House. Students will learn about the important role these centers and services play in our community at large. We will connect with these centers and plan ways in which we support them and get involved. This is a great opportunity for students to offer their service and give back to their communities.
-
Aevidum
Aevidum Club for high school students will help create a school environment where students feel accepted, appreciated, acknowledged, and cared for; a place where students and staff embrace Aevidum and have each others’ backs. Students will watch and possibly attend talk workshops and learn from national experts. Students will use their creativity to design school wide posters with messages that will help foster a positive school environment. Students will participate in mental health activities and learn about signs of depression and stress. They will also learn about who or where to go to for help and encourage others to find help as well.
-
Chronicle Newspaper
Newspaper Club is an academic club designed to expose students to the skills of journalism, photography, drawing, publication, and collaboration. The club will assist students in acquiring the responsibility needed to meet the demands of a schedule and publication deadline for the school newspaper.