Student Clubs & Academic Teams

The team is open to 5th grade students, with eight students selected annually through an application process that includes a written essay and a knowledge test. Selected students are divided into two teams that follow the VEX IQ Robotics Competition framework. Over the course of several months, team members collaborate to design, build, and program a robot, as well as construct and practice on the official game board for that year’s challenge. Through this process, students develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, engineering design, and perseverance while preparing for competitive robotics events. Sponsor is Cecilia Susott (csusott@warrick.k12.in.us).

Battle of the Books (BOB) is open to all 4^th and 5^th grade students. The BOB team takes part in the Indiana Battle of the Books. Students on the team work together to read a list of 30 books prior to the competition in early April. During the 2-day competition, students compete against teams from other schools to answer a variety of questions about the books on the list. Sponsored by Mrs. Taunya Kirsch (tkirsch@warrick.k12.in.us) and Mrs. Danielle Kelly (dkelly@warrick.k12.in.us)

This after-school club is open to all 4^th and 5^th grade students during the months of October and November. STudents will learn basic American Sign Language skills, including the fingerspelloing alphabet, numbers, and common signs. The club will focus on learning to sign the National Anthem, which students will perform at the Veterans Day Program in November. Sponsored by Mrs. Erin Winternheimer (ewinternheimer@warrick.k12.in.us)

The Veterans Day Choir is open to all 5^th grade students and will meet weekly from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. during October and November. Choir members will learn and rehearse two songs to be performed at the Veterans Day Program in November in honor of our veterans. Sponsored by Mrs. Erin Winternheimer (ewinterheimer@warrick.k12.in.us)

The Boys to Men Club is a character-building program for fifth-grade boys at Newburgh Elementary School, created to help students develop the skills, confidence, and character needed to become responsible young men and, ultimately, true gentlemen.

Throughout the school year, club members meet every few weeks for lessons and experiences centered around our creed, The True Gentleman by John Walter Wayland. Through discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life experiences, students explore topics such as respect, responsibility, leadership, service, confidence, relationships, and how to conduct themselves with character in any setting.

The boys also participate in an annual after-school building project where they learn to safely use tools and power equipment while working together to create something that is donated to the school for students and staff to enjoy. This experience reinforces teamwork, perseverance, craftsmanship, and the importance of giving back to their school community. Projects have included building the school's Gaga Pit, wooden benches for the playground, a two person wooden swing for an outdoor teacher area, and metal picnic tables. 

One of the highlights of the year is our annual Dinner Date with Mom, where each boy invites a leading female in his life to join him for an evening together. In preparation, students learn about treating others with respect, making a positive impression, proper attire, conversation, and etiquette. The dinner provides an opportunity for the boys to put those lessons into practice while celebrating the important women who have helped shape their lives.

The Boys to Men Club is about more than learning how to be polite or well-mannered. It is about helping young men understand that character is revealed by how we treat others, how we carry ourselves, the choices we make, and the way we serve those around us. Our goal is to send each boy to middle school with greater confidence, stronger character, and a clear understanding of what it means to be a true gentleman.