Clubs & Activities

Open to all students, this activity competes against other metro area teams. Students quickly answer general knowledge questions at South Suburban and Quiz Bowl League tournaments from November to March. Contact Dan Hartman at dhartman@isd191.org.

BrainPower in a BackPack is a community service project of the BHS Youth Service Program that provides weekend food for elementary school children in need. Volunteer activities include collecting food items, raising funds, shopping, and packing backpacks every Thursday. Contact Pam Voigt at pvoigt@isd191.org, 

The chess team competes in Minnesota State Chess Association tournaments, South Suburban Conference tournaments, and several special tournaments. A letter may be earned by attendance and performance at practices and league play. Team and individual awards may be earned from league competition and special tournaments. Contact: Community Education and Brian Ribnick at bribnick@isd191.org.

Come expand your musical horizons and play along!  Students play a wide variety of music that is not a part of a normal concert band curriculum. We will learn to improvise and jam together on your instrument.  No experience necessary!

Jazz band will improve your overall playing skills and promote ear training.  We have several field trips where we perform during the year.  Parents are always welcome and encouraged to come along.

The mission of Nicollet Middle School's National Junior Honor Society chapter is to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. National Junior Honor Society is a national organization to recognize individual student academic achievement. NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, US Territories, and around the world. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students must apply to be inducted into our NJHS chapter. They also must commit to attending any regular general assembly meetings, completing volunteer service hours (15 hours completed by the end of the school year), and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, fewer than 2 discipline referrals per year for minor infractions, and a mindfulness of becoming a well-rounded student both inside and outside the classroom. Contacts: Sisi Fani Schumacher at: sfani@isd191.org.

PRISM (Proudly Respecting Identities of Students and Myself) is the gay/ straight alliance at NMS. PRISM’s mission is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all staff and students at NMS through education and raising awareness of LGBT issues (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) that affect students and their families. All students are welcomed at PRISM. Contact Jenni Schmidt at jeschmidt@isd191.org.

Blaze Robotics, Team 3184, comprises high school students in good academic standing from grades 8 through 12. The team is supported by high school staff members and adult mentors from corporate sponsors and the community. This is a year-round program which includes a six-week “build season” to design, build and program a competition robot. Each spring, the team competes with the robot at regional competitions around the country, as well as at a championship event. There are many aspects to the program including Java Programming and CAD Design, photography and videography, marketing, communications, electronics, engineering design and build, social media, and much more! Snacks are provided. Contact: Blaze Robotics at: ftcburnsville@gmail.com . 

Students have opportunities to conduct independent research and compete at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Students may move on to the Minnesota Academy of Science State Fair and the International Science and Engineering Fair. Students may enter their projects in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search. Research papers may also progress onto the Tri-State and National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Contact: Scott Nemetz at snemetz@isd191.org.

Singers and Swingers, run through the ISD 191 Community Education Department, are a group of male and female students interested in swing dancing. The group practices at Nicollet Middle School and performs at various functions and events throughout the year. Contact Ann Bakken at abakken@isd191.org.

The Student Council is the governing organization of the student body. Students interested in membership on the Student Council must complete an application each spring with the student council advisor. Selections are made by the senior council members and student council advisor each spring. All elected members form next school year’s Student Council. Student Council is involved with organizing Homecoming, Relay for Life, leadership conferences, International Dance, Minneapolis Miracle project, Snow Week and the All District 9th Grade Dance. Numerous activities occur during the school year that require student action, participation and/or representation. Contact  Adam Iverson at aiverson@isd191.org or Brad Sorensen at bsorensen@isd191.org.

This organization is open to all students at Nicollet who have an interest in the entire theatrical experience from ushering to acting, designing to directing and lights to sound. Contact Steve Orth at sorth@isd191.org.

WEB is a student-led program where eighth-grade leaders help to welcome, orient and nurture incoming sixth-grade students. Seventh-grade students apply to become WEB leaders each spring. Those selected received ongoing training – learning games and group leadership skills over the spring and summer.

The student based staff prepares the yearbook for publication each year by working during study hall, after school, and sometimes weekends and breaks. There are many opportunities available for dedicated students in areas such as art, photography, sports, copywriting, sales and a deeper involvement in student life. Contact Emiley Hoffman emhoffman@isd191.org.

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government is an experiential learning activity for students interested in public issues. This program gives students the opportunity to research, study and debate public issues. Participants will gain an understanding of the political system by taking part in model government experiences. No prior experience is necessary. There is a fee through the YMCA for this activity. Youth Services The Youth Service Program connects students with volunteer opportunities in schools and community. Students can give their time on a regular basis (weekly or other) or volunteer for one-time events on their own schedule. A list of opportunities is posted at www.isd191.org/bhs/youthservice. Contact at Courtnee Floback-Jackson at cfloback@isd191.org.