Forensics (7-12)
Forensics is derived from the Latin word “forum,” which is an exchange of ideas. Oak Knoll students have the opportunity to develop the skills of a confident public speaker as members of this competitive speech and debate team. Oak Knoll is a member of the Newark Catholic Forensics League and the National Catholic Forensics League. As part of the Leagues, the team competes on Saturdays during the school year. In addition, Oak Knoll competes at various invitational and New Jersey Forensics League tournaments throughout the year. Seventh and eighth grade students can experience forensic competition as part of the Middle School Forensics team that competes in a county tournament each spring.
French and Spanish Trips Abroad (11-12)
Depending on student interest and the availability of chaperones, the language department sponsors a trip for juniors and seniors every other year. Typical destinations are France and Spain, but they may also include Canada and Latin America.
Green Team (7-12)
The Green Team works to raise the awareness of environmental issues in the community. This group of students and faculty operate a page on the AcorNet which encourages students to “blog” and to cooperate in sharing the latest news on environmental and “green” issues. How we can protect our environment is the focus of this group; how we can ensure this community is working toward sustainability and healthy space for all is integral to this group’s work.
International Awareness (7-12)
Understanding the Third World begins with gaining knowledge of a country's political, ethnic, religious, social, military, and intellectual structures. Learning more about world events in Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, and Asia is the prime focus of this group. Human rights violations can be analyzed and understood in the context of the country, its people, and its culture. Discussing and proposing solutions for addressing the needs of the Third World is of particular interest to this group.
Junior Great Books (8)
In the Junior Great Books program, eighth graders study traditional and modern classics intensively in a small group setting under the direction of a trained discussion leader. This twelve-session program is a supplementary course of study that helps to increase a student's ability to enjoy literature and to analyze and discuss ideas.
Knit for the Needy (7-12)
Knit for the Needy is a group which meets weekly. Depending on their comfort level, members knit scarves and hats. The completed projects are donated to different organizations (i.e., Bridges, Catholic Charities). All students in grades 7 through 12 are eligible to be members – no knitting experience necessary.
Latin Club (7-12)
Latin Club is a fun and enjoyable way to learn more about Roman culture outside of class. We have quiz bowls where participants split into teams and try to answer the Roman- and Latin-based questions. Roman and Latin culture is explored through examination of the Roman food, day-to-day Roman life, Roman clothes, Roman Gods, and myths.
Lighting Tech Crew (9-12)
The Lighting Tech Crew is responsible for designing, programming, and executing the lighting for all school performances and assemblies. Typically, members are students who are adept at computer skills and are not overly involved in the performing arts program. Members share responsibility for the annual calendar of events that require stage lighting. Members must attend periodic training sessions, learn how to operate the computerized light board, and commit their after-school and evening time to the rehearsals and performances of the events that they are lighting.
Math Counts (7-8)
Math Counts at Oak Knoll is an enrichment program for middle school students. Throughout the school year, students in grades 5-8 meet to solve mathematical problems using both classroom-learned skills and their natural aptitude for problem soliving. Mathematics can be fun and working with other students who love mathematical problems can be both fun and inspiring! A competitive program sponsored in New Jersey by the National Society of Professional Engineers provides opportunity for students to meet in enrichment, and selected students will compete on the team.
Mathematics Leagues (11-12)
Oak Knoll participates in the Catholic High School Mathematics League. We compete against approximately thirty other schools on both the Varsity and the Junior Varsity levels. The program consists of four competitions involving each school's outstanding math students. Participation in these competitions has encouraged students’ confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Mock Trial (9-12)
Each year the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF) sponsors mock trial competitions for high school students. The purpose of these competitions is to familiarize students with the operation of the law, court procedures, and the legal system. For many years now, Oak Knoll has formed a team to participate in these competitions. Consisting of students acting as lawyers, witnesses, and jurors, the team meets for about 3 1/2 months to prepare the case provided by NJSBF. The team first competes on the county level. Winning teams then move on to competitions at the regional and state level. A faculty member and a practicing attorney advise and coach the team.
Operation Smile (9-12)
Operation Smile is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries and in the United States. Oak Knoll students participate as members of the Operation Smile Student Association. Students participate in summer training workshops and as members of student education teams attending international medical missions. Two seniors attended a mission in 2005; and in February 2006, three seniors traveled to the Philippines as members of a student team. Oak Knoll students partner with area schools in raising funds to support the work of Operation Smile.
Peer Leaders (12)
The Peer Leadership Program, which consists of Peer Leaders for grades seven, eight, and nine, operates under the direction of the Upper School Dean in cooperation with the Student Council. This program requires a commitment of time, energy, dedication, and a desire to support others. Seniors who participate in this program are leaders who develop a special rapport with younger students. Peer Leaders attend weekly planning sessions during the year plus several over the summer to plan for the upcoming school year. Ninth, eighth, and seventh graders look up to their Peer Leaders and emulate their behavior and attitudes.
The Peer Leaders meet once every cycle with the students in grades 7,8, and 9. Other peer leaders work with the sixth grade students to ease their transition to the Upper School. The meetings include discussions about social and academic pressures; relationships with peers, parents, and faculty; and any problems or concerns that need to be addressed. In addition to the group sessions, Peer Leaders organize activities such as games, lock-ins, guest speakers, parties, and luncheons during the year.
Photo Club (9-12)
This club, open to students in grades 9-12, meets twice a week every trimester. Students can participate for one trimester or all three trimesters. Club members should have a 35mm SLR camera. Members study camera functions such as shutter speed, aperture, and exposure. The advisor teaches students to "see" creatively. Topics for discussion or workshop include lighting, flash, still life, and digital photography. Participants also learn about developing black-and-white film and making photo enlargements. Student leaders assist the club advisor in supporting students in the development of their photography skills. There is a fee to participate in this club.
The Photo Club joins the Photography I and II students in their annual field trip to a New York City museum. This trip is taken during the third trimester each year.
Royal Productions Club (7-12)
Students produce videos for the school community. These videos may include a broadcast news show and other special projects as needed. Club members write the scripts and learn how to film, edit (using special effects), and create the final movie.
School Consortium of New Jersey (7-8)
Oak Knoll is a proud member of the School Consortium of New Jersey. This organization comprises ten public and private schools from the surrounding area. Its purpose is to provide unique, worthwhile opportunities for students to share their talents, accomplishments and camaraderie.
An Executive Consortium Faculty Committee plans a yearly calendar of events to promote student growth in academics, sports, social skills, and creative arts. Participating and giving one's best effort are the primary goals. The consortium recognizes individual and school achievement with ribbons, certificates, plaques and trophies, yet keeps competition in proper perspective. The consortium wishes to impart to the students that "winning is not the important issue, but trying is."
Included in the calendar of yearly events are the following activities: Cross-Country Race, Choral Ensemble, Spelling Bee, Chess, Problem Solving, General Knowledge, Interpretative Reading, Extemporaneous Speaking, and foreign language.
Scribes (10-12)
Oak Knoll's Calligraphy Club, "Scribes," is an art service club composed of exceptional calligraphers who do lettering jobs for the school and community at large.
Science Club (7-12)
Through laboratory experiments, discussions, and literature research, students in the Science Club explore and learn about scientific topics that interest them. Recent topics have included learning, memory, and regeneration in a freshwater flatworm; and the science of hair. Field trips to local sites are organized as interest dictates.
Shades (7-12)
Shades is Oak Knoll’s multicultural association. At weekly meetings, members share their own cultures and ethnicities in a group setting and discuss current topics about diversity. Activities include trips to multicultural conferences and visits to guidance classes to broaden the discussion of diversity at Oak Knoll. Members also present multicultural topics at school assemblies and sponsor programs to which other schools are invited.
Society of Black Scholars (7-12)
Students in grades 7 through 12 meet each cycle to discuss, organize, and plan activities and presentations that celebrate the culture and ethnicity of African-Americans. The students plan the assembly presentations that focus on the celebrations of Kwanzaa, Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday, and Black History Month. Oak Knoll’s Black Scholars join with Black Scholars at other independent schools to dialogue and socialize. Although the meetings focus on issues pertaining to African-Americans and their culture, all students are welcome.
Stage Crew (7-12)
The Stage Crew is a group of technicians responsible for fulfilling all the jobs in connection with backstage workâsound, curtain, props, and set coordination. They also work cooperatively with the Lighting Tech Crew for program production. The president works closely with her advisor, the Dean of Students, and the various performing arts directors to coordinate the work and staff for each production.
Tour Guides (7-9)
With the guidance of the director of admissions, this select group of students from grades 7 to 9 serves as hostesses for visitors of Oak Knoll . They act as official guides to prospective students on visiting days and also assist with all school open houses during the school year.
Writers' Roundtable (9-11)
Writers' Roundtables I, II, III gather ninth, tenth and eleventh grade creative writers. Weekly the students meet to write creatively, share their work, and eventually get published. The moderator develops a variety of creative writing activities to inspire students to their best expressive writing in poetry, short story, and the personal essay.