Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
Clubs & Activities
Arts & Cultures
Create something. Share a story. See the world differently.
A school community becomes richer when students share their languages, cultures, stories, and creative interests. Explore opportunities to perform, publish, make, connect, and discover a new way to express yourself at Data Science.
Your interests, your next step
Find your creative connection.
From Mandarin and cultural exploration to student publications, comics, and crochet, these activities give students different ways to contribute and connect.
Language and performance
Mandarin Drama Club
Bring language to life through expression and performance. Mandarin Drama Club connects communication, collaboration, and cultural exploration. Ask about current projects, performance opportunities, and ways to take part at your present language level.
- Practicing expression and communication
- Exploring language through dramatic work
- Collaborating with other students
Advisor
Annie Xi Chen
Get involved: Speak with Annie Xi Chen about this year’s activities, language expectations, and opportunities to participate.
Language practice and proficiency
Mandarin HSK Club
Extend your Mandarin practice and explore a language-learning goal. HSK is a separate assessment of Chinese language proficiency. The club offers a point of connection for students interested in developing their skills and learning about the current HSK pathway.
- Extending Mandarin practice
- Working toward language proficiency goals
- Learning about HSK preparation and current testing options
Advisor
Dr. Ning Zhang
Get involved: Ask Dr. Ning Zhang about your learning goals, the appropriate assessment level, and current school arrangements.
Culture, identity, and connection
African Student Association
Connect through an interest in African cultures, histories, identities, and perspectives. The African Student Association offers a way to share experiences, learn from others, and contribute to cultural understanding within the school community.
- Sharing and exploring cultural perspectives
- Building community and connection
- Contributing ideas for cultural activities
Advisor
Anthony Perdue
Get involved: Speak with Anthony Perdue about current meetings, projects, and ways to get involved.
Visual storytelling and imagination
Anime & Comic Book Club
Explore the characters, worlds, and visual storytelling that make anime and comics compelling. Connect with students who share your interests, discuss different stories and artistic choices, and ask about the club’s current creative and discussion activities.
- Discussing stories, characters, and themes
- Exploring illustration and visual storytelling
- Connecting through shared creative interests
Find your club contact
Start with the main office
Get involved: Ask the main office to connect you with the current Anime & Comic Book Club contact.
Photography, design, and school memories
Yearbook
Help tell the story of a school year. Yearbook connects images, words, and design to the people and moments students want to remember. Ask how you can contribute to current coverage, creative work, or the publication process.
- Capturing and organizing school memories
- Exploring photography, writing, and layouts
- Collaborating on a shared publication
Advisors
Michael Kucyk and Tatyana Zapata
Get involved: Connect with Michael Kucyk or Tatyana Zapata about current roles, submission needs, and deadlines.
Student voice and journalism
Newspaper
Notice a story worth telling? Student journalism offers a way to ask questions, listen carefully, and communicate what matters to the school community. Explore opportunities to contribute writing, reporting, interviews, photographs, or other work as available.
- Developing stories and asking useful questions
- Writing clearly and checking information
- Sharing student perspectives responsibly
Advisors
Donna Grape and Paula Durango
Get involved: Speak with Donna Grape or Paula Durango about current coverage, contribution guidelines, and publication opportunities.
Making, creativity, and patience
Crochet
Turn a strand of yarn into something you make yourself. Crochet connects a practical skill with creative expression, concentration, and the satisfaction of seeing progress one stitch at a time. Ask about current projects and how beginners can get started.
- Learning and practicing crochet techniques
- Exploring patterns, color, and texture
- Creating through patient, hands-on work
Advisor
Nana Asmah
Get involved: Ask Nana Asmah about meetings, experience levels, projects, and what supplies are provided or needed.
From an idea to something you can share
Your point of view belongs here.
You might begin with a scene, a photograph, a cultural question, a pattern, or a story idea. Give it time, seek feedback, and build toward work you are proud to share. The process is part of the achievement.
Notice
Find a story, experience, or creative idea that interests you.
Make
Try a draft, a design, a performance, or a new technique.
Refine
Use practice and thoughtful feedback to strengthen your work.
Share
Work with the advisor on the appropriate way to present, publish, or celebrate it.
Current students
Turn interest into involvement.
Start with a conversation. Your advisor can explain the current schedule, available activities, and any participation steps.
Pick a starting point
Choose an activity that matches something you enjoy or something you want to learn. Use the advisor listed in the directory as your first contact.
Get the current details
Ask about meeting days, time, location, joining steps, materials, and any requirements. If a contact is not listed, the main office can help connect you.
Show up and contribute
Make a realistic commitment, communicate conflicts, and come ready to learn with others. Follow the advisor’s directions and school expectations.
Prospective students & families
Imagine the connections you could make.
Student life helps you discover interests, develop confidence, and find a place in the school community. When you explore Data Science, ask students and staff about the activities that matter to you and what participation looks like.
Ask advisors about current opportunities and any eligibility or selection requirements. Specific projects and meeting arrangements may change through the school year.
Before you begin
Good questions. Clear next steps.
Do I need previous creative experience?
Ask the advisor how students with different experience levels can participate. Share what interests you and what you would like to learn. Current projects may have specific needs or preparation steps.
Do I need to speak Mandarin to ask about the Mandarin clubs?
Start with the relevant advisor. Annie Xi Chen can explain current Drama Club participation and language expectations; Dr. Ning Zhang can help you discuss HSK goals and preparation.
Does HSK automatically earn the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy?
HSK and the Seal of Biliteracy are separate pathways. Ask your Mandarin teacher and counselor about the current state-approved assessment routes for the Seal. Do not assume an HSK result automatically qualifies.
How do I contribute to Yearbook or Newspaper?
Talk with the listed advisors about current roles, content needs, submission instructions, and deadlines. Ask before submitting photographs or interviewing students so your work follows school expectations.
Should I buy crochet supplies before joining?
Check with Nana Asmah first. Ask which tools and materials are needed, what may be available through the group, and which project is appropriate for your experience.
Who can help if I am unsure where to start?
Visit the main office or call 973-350-5088 to connect with the appropriate school contact. Share the activity name so staff can point you in the right direction.