ARTS & MUSIC

Music Program:  Choir, Instrumental Music Groups, Music Lessons
Cook-Wissahickon offers a large and active instrumental music program that includes a choir, orchestra, band, string ensemble, and various smaller performing groups.  Free lessons are provided by certified instrumental music teachers on the violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and various percussion instruments.  Thanks to our music teacher, Mr. Nic D’Orsaneo, Cook-Wissahickon has a music department website.  Please check

the music website for information regarding the school’s music curriculum and co-curricular opportunities (e.g., choir, guitar club, bucket drumming ensemble, band, and orchestra) and special music department fundraisers.  There is a special page for Band and Orchestra Information.

 

Art Program & Art Portfolio Club
Ms. Christina Kimmel is the Cook-Wissahickom art teacher.  See her art website for information on the Art Portfolio Club (6th-8th graders), which prepares students for an art high school interview and to attend an art-based high school or take future advanced art classes in high school.  The website also contains information on current student art projects and
art department

fundraisers.  Last year we installed a new kiln using funding provided by a generous grant from the Cole Hamels Foundation and funds raised by the Cook-Wissahickon HSA.

SCIENCE & STUDENT GOVERNMENT CLUBS

Energy Stars Environmental Club
6th-8th graders interested in energy conservation can join this club led by middle-school teachers, Mr. Jose Ramos and Ms. Diane Powers.  The club meets weekly during lunch and its focus is on increasing recycling, reducing energy use, and  greening Cook-Wissahickon.  If your child is interested in participating, please contact Mr. Ramos or Ms. Powers at:  jlramos[AT]philasd[DOT]org and  dofeepowers[ATphilasd[DOT]org.

Student Government
Participating in Student Council gives Cook-Wissahickon middle-school students a chance to voice their opinion and learn first-hand about the responsibilities and opportunities of participating in government.  The club gives the students a chance to voice their opinions, organize school-wide events, and advocate for changes within the school community.  Mr. Stephen Grosso is their faculty sponsor and can be contacted at sjgrosso[AT]philasd[DOT]org with questions.

Yearbook Club (8th Grade)
The yearbook club gives 8th graders the opportunity to design a book from start to finish, including photography, layout, and producing written content.  They gain substantial organizational and editing skills in the process.  For more information contact Ms. Cheryl Cabin at:  ccabin[AT]philasd[DOT]org.

SPORTS CLUBS, TEAMS & PROGRAMS

Track Team
Middle-school students at Cook-Wissahickon have a great opportunity to join Students Run Philly Style, an organization that sponsors students in Philadelphia to become more active by running in major races around the city, including the Broad Street Run and the Philadelphia Marathon.  This nonprofit connects students with adult mentors who help them accomplish goals that may initially seem beyond their dreams, including running a marathon.  Since 2004 Students Run Philly Style has served over 2,500 students, ages 12-18, from neighborhoods across Philadelphia.  Ms. Karen Javaruski is the coach for Cook-Wissahickon’s runners.  The season starts in March and goes until November.  Practices are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and all students who join are expected to attend all practices.  Since the group will be running races that require students to build up endurance, it is important that they come to practices as well as run on their own.  Contact Ms. Javaruski if you are interested.

Golf Program (Grades 1-5)
The First Tee Philadelphia golf organization works with Cook-Wissahickon faculty member, Ms. Ashon Washington, to bring golf lessons and mentoring to students in 1st-5th grades.  Students walk from the school to the Walnut Lane golf course after school once a week and return to the school by 5 p.m.  All equipment and lessons are provided by the First Tee Golf program.  Please contact Ms. Washington at anwashington[AT]philasd[DOT]org for more information.

 

Tennis Program
Provided by the Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center, Cook-Wissahickon students get weekly tennis lessons on the school grounds as part of the after-school program.

Sports Teams (Grades 6-8)

• Boys’ Basketball–Coached by Mr. Mike Hennessey
  (Contact:  mwhennessey[AT]philasd[DOT]org)
  
• Girls’ Basketball–Coached by Ms. Ashon Washington
  (Contact: anwashington[AT]philasd[DOT]org)
• Girls’ Softball–Coached by Mr. Mike Hennessey
  (Contact: mwhennessey[AT]philasd[DOT]org)
  
• Boys’ Baseball–Coached by Mr. Sean Gray
  (Contact: ssgray[AT]philasd[DOT]org)
  
• Golf Team [See above]
  

Students must have a PIAA physical to participate (a form including a doctor’s signature clearing a student to play).  Try-outs are held in the beginning of the season.  After teams are selected, there are 2-3 practices a week and teams participate in games and a regional tournament.  Games are played against teams in the northwest region with the chance to make the city playoffs if a team wins the regional tournament. 

All interested students should try out.  The focus is on having fun and learning the game with emphasis on teamwork, “hustle,” respect for the game and one’s opponents, and competing at one’s own personal best level.