Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
Clubs & Activities
STEM, Innovation, & Competitions
Follow a question. Test an idea. Rise to a challenge.
Curiosity takes many forms at Data Science. Explore a research question, work through a mathematical challenge, sharpen your strategy, or discover how things grow. These clubs give Circuits more ways to think, collaborate, and pursue an interest beyond class.
Your interests, your next step
Find your next challenge.
Explore the clubs below, including Mu Alpha Theta, our mathematics honor society. Connect with the advisor to learn about current activities, meetings, and participation or membership requirements.
Mathematics Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society. It promotes scholarship in mathematics and helps students deepen their enjoyment and understanding of the subject. Our chapter connects an interest in mathematics with academic achievement, enrichment, and opportunities to contribute.
- Recognition for achievement in mathematics
- Mathematical enrichment, collaboration, and service
- Exploring national contests, awards, and scholarship opportunities
Advisor
Patrick Barrett
Get involved: Speak with chapter sponsor Patrick Barrett about eligibility, registration, chapter expectations, and current activities.
Inquiry and evidence
Research Club
Start with something you want to understand. Research Club is an opportunity to explore questions, look carefully at information, and develop the habits behind a strong investigation. The goal is to move from an interesting idea toward an explanation supported by evidence.
- Developing a focused research question
- Evaluating sources, observations, and data
- Communicating findings clearly
Advisor
Patrick Barrett
Get involved: Talk with Patrick Barrett about your interests and the club’s current research opportunities.
Strategy and concentration
Chess Club
Every move creates a new possibility. Chess offers a way to practice planning, recognize patterns, and learn from decisions. Whether you are learning the pieces or refining your approach, ask about the current opportunities to play and develop your skills.
- Learning and applying chess strategies
- Thinking ahead and considering alternatives
- Practicing respectful competition
Advisor
Dr. Ning Zhang
Get involved: Connect with Dr. Ning Zhang about meetings, experience levels, and opportunities to play.
Argument and communication
Debate Club
Have an opinion? Learn how to support it. Debate connects research, reasoning, listening, and public speaking. Explore how to make a clear claim, examine another perspective, and respond thoughtfully when an argument is challenged.
- Building arguments with credible evidence
- Public speaking and active listening
- Responding to different points of view
Advisor
Praniti Gulyani
Get involved: Ask Praniti Gulyani about current topics, participation, and any upcoming debate opportunities.
Games and shared interests
Video Game Club
Connect with other students who enjoy games and the experiences they create. Games can spark conversations about strategy, problem-solving, storytelling, and design. Ask about the club’s current activities and the school-approved games available to participants.
- Discussing game mechanics and strategy
- Exploring interactive experiences
- Building community through a shared interest
Find your club contact
Start with the main office
Get involved: Ask the main office to connect you with the current Video Game Club contact.
Growing and environmental curiosity
Gardening
Make room for a different kind of growth. Gardening brings observation, patience, and care into a hands-on interest. Explore plants and the conditions they need while connecting with others who want to learn, grow, and contribute to a greener school community.
- Learning about plants and their care
- Observing growth and environmental conditions
- Collaborating on available gardening projects
Advisor
Dimitris Meredith
Get involved: Speak with Dimitris Meredith about current projects, meeting arrangements, and any materials you may need.
From curiosity to confidence
An interest can become a way of thinking.
Across these activities, the process matters: ask a better question, try an approach, learn from what happens, and explain your thinking. You can bring those habits back to class and into future college or career interests.
Ask
What do I want to understand, solve, or improve?
Explore
Which strategies, sources, or observations could help?
Test & reflect
What happened, and what should I try next?
Share
How can I explain what I learned to someone else?
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.
How does Mu Alpha Theta membership work?
Mu Alpha Theta has formal honor society membership requirements. National high school minimums include completing the equivalent of two years of college-preparatory mathematics in algebra and/or geometry, completing or being enrolled in a third year, and having a mathematics GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Chapters may set higher standards. Ask Patrick Barrett to review your eligibility and explain registration, chapter expectations, and associate participation options.
Do I need to be an expert before I ask about a club?
Start by sharing your interest and experience with the advisor. Ask about the current activities, how new students can begin, and any preparation or participation requirements.
Are competitions required?
Ask the advisor about the club’s current activities. Competition schedules and participation vary, and this page does not list a specific tournament commitment.
What should I bring?
Check with the advisor first. Depending on the activity, you may need a notebook, materials, or permission for a particular project. Ask what the school provides before buying anything.
How do I find the Video Game Club contact?
The main office can help you connect with the current club contact and learn about meetings and participation.
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.