After School Academy

Academic Competitions
- American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
- Drone Competition
- FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
- FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics (FTC)
- Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
- Math Counts
- Science Fair Competitions
- Spanish Spelling Bee
- Math Kangaroo
American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Hernandez
Meetings: Mondays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Students compete in various individual and team events, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and statistics. Students work to solve problems under time constraints, enhancing their problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. The club encourages students to engage with math in a fun and competitive environment. The program promotes the analytical skills needed for future careers.
Drone Competition
Sponsor/Advisor: A. Ece and S. Caparoglu
Meetings: Mondays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Drone Competition Club introduces students to the world of drone technology, flight skills, and engineering design. Through hands-on learning, students will build, code, and fly drones while working in teams to prepare for local or regional drone competitions. All students in the club will participate in a drone competition, applying their skills in real-world scenarios.
FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Sponsor/Advisor: K. Martinez and K. Orduna
Meetings: Tuesdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
FLL (FIRST Lego League) is a robotics competition for students ages 9 to 16 that combines robotics, coding, and problem-solving to engage young minds in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Teams build and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms kits to complete tasks related to a yearly theme, which includes real-world challenges. In addition to robot design and programming, FLL teams also research and develop solutions for a specific problem related to the theme. The competition emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and innovation, while fostering skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. FLL inspires students to explore STEM fields while working together to solve complex problems.
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics (FTC)
Sponsor/Advisor: A. Gonzalez and S. Caparoglu
Meetings: Thursdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) is a robotics competition for middle and high school students that challenges teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in a series of challenges. Using a combination of off-the-shelf components and custom-built parts, teams create robots that must perform specific tasks in a game-like environment. FTC promotes STEM education by encouraging students to learn about engineering, programming, and problem-solving. The competition emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and innovation. In addition to building robots, participants also develop skills in project management, communication, and leadership as they work together to solve complex engineering challenges.
Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Sponsor/Advisor: Ms. Orduna
Meetings: Thursdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
HOSA offers 58 competitive events, ranging from skill-based to leadership and team-based. The event groups are as follows: Health science, health professions, leadership, and recognition events. Members compete at the regional, state, and international levels. Those who place in the top three positions at the state level are given the opportunity to compete at the international level.
Math Counts
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Dzhamolzoda
Meetings: Tuesdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide mathematics competition for middle school students that aims to promote problem-solving skills and a love of math. It provides students with the opportunity to participate in individual and team competitions, where they solve challenging math problems in areas like algebra, geometry, and combinatorics. MATHCOUNTS encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance while allowing students to showcase their math abilities. The program also offers practice resources and math clubs to help students improve their skills. MATHCOUNTS fosters a passion for math and helps prepare students for academic success.
Science Fair Competitions
Sponsor/Advisor: K. Martinez
Meetings: Mondays and Tuesdays (Contact sponsor for the schedule.)
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The Science Fair Club is a hands-on, inquiry-driven group where students explore the scientific method and prepare individual or group projects for school, district, or regional science fairs. All participating students will complete a science fair project from start to finish, including research, experimentation, and presentation. The club provides guidance, mentorship, and structured support to help students turn curiosity into discovery.
Spanish Spelling Bee
Sponsor/Advisor: A. Duran
Meetings: Tuesdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
A spelling bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree of difficulty. To compete, contestants must memorize the spellings of words as written in dictionaries, and recite them accordingly.
Math Kangaroo
Sponsor/Advisor: M. Dzhamolzoda
Meetings: Monday
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Perhaps you have heard of the annual mathematical competition Math Kangaroo USA. You probably know that it takes place every year on the third Thursday in March, in several places throughout the US, and that students all from grades 1 to 12 are invited participate.
Athletics
- Basketball 7th Grade Girls
- Basketball 8th Grade Boys
- Basketball 8th Girls
- Cheerleading Middle School Girls
- Esports Middle School Boys
- Esports Middle School Girls
- Volleyball Middle School Girls 7th Grade
- Soccer 7th Grade Boys
- Soccer Girls 7th Grade
- Soccer 8th Grade Boys
- Soccer 8th Grade Girls
- Volleyball Middle School Girls 8th Grade
Basketball 7th Grade Girls
Basketball 8th Grade Boys
Basketball 8th Girls
Cheerleading Middle School Girls
Esports Middle School Boys
Sponsor/Advisor: J. Garza
Meetings: Thursdays
Grade Level: Middle School Boys
Purpose: Gaming club is an opportunity for students to socialize and have fun together based on their hobby of playing video games. Students will have an opportunity to play multi and single player games, and spend time discussing gaming strategies and preferences.
Apply
Esports Middle School Girls
Sponsor/Advisor: P. Alaniz
Meetings: Thursdays
Grade Level: 6-8
Purpose: Gaming club is an opportunity for students to socialize and have fun together based on their hobby of playing video games. Students will have an opportunity to play multi and single player games, and spend time discussing gaming strategies and preferences.
Volleyball Middle School Girls 7th Grade
Soccer 7th Grade Boys
Soccer Girls 7th Grade
Soccer 8th Grade Boys
Soccer 8th Grade Girls
Volleyball Middle School Girls 8th Grade
Mentoring & Organizations
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
Sponsor/Advisor: E. Solis, C. Flores, and L. Santana
Meetings: Thursdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the nation's most prestigious organizations established to recognize exceptional middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership acknowledges students’ achievements and encourages them to grow through active participation in school activities and meaningful community service.
Apply
Student Council
Sponsor/Advisor: J Alvarado and S Soto
Meetings: Tuesdays
Grade Level: 6th to 8th
The purpose of the organization is to create a greater sense of responsibility within the student body; to strive for better student/faculty relationship; to promote unification of the student body and better representation of its ideas to the faculty and administration; to promote a positive attitude in the advancement of leadership and loyalty; to promote spirit in the school activities; as well as to uphold traditions and to set standards for generations of Harmony students to come. The objective of Student Council is to provide a service organization doing various activities within the community throughout the year, while developing student leaders. Membership dues are Priority.
Apply
Curricular Clubs
- Arts and Crafts Club
- Chess Club
- Cooking Club
- Newsletter / Yearbook Club
- Turkish (LOTE) Club
- Performing Arts Club
Arts and Crafts Club
Chess Club
Sponsor/Advisor: Ms. Garay and Mr. Banuelos
Meetings: Mondays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Chess is a strategic board game that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Chess club offers students the opportunity to develop these skills through regular play, tournaments, and practice. Players learn to think several moves ahead, enhance their focus, and improve decision-making. Chess also fosters sportsmanship and provides a platform for students to challenge themselves, compete with others, and build confidence in their abilities. Chess is open to students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Cooking Club
Newsletter / Yearbook Club
Sponsor/Advisor: C. Castillo and V Palacios
Meetings: Tuesdays
Grade Level: 6th-8th
A student publication is a media outlet such as a newspaper, magazine, television show, or radio station produced by students at an educational institution. These publications typically cover local and school-related news, but they may also report on national or international news as well. Most student publications are either part of a curricular class or run as an extracurricular activity.
Apply
