Extracurricular

CLUB/ORGANIZATION 

DESCRIPTION 

4-H Club 

The 4-H Club was established for the purpose of enriching the science curriculum. Membership is open to all fifth-grade students. The club meets monthly during the school day. Club activities include learning to give an oral presentation, exploring different science topics, and contributing to the community through community service projects. 

Sponsor: Kasey Gilliam  

Math Club 

The Math Club was established to expose students to advanced concepts of mathematics, deepening their understanding of mathematics, enhancing problem-solving skills, and competing in a math competition. Students in grades 3-5 are invited to participate in this after-school club based on their math performance. 

Sponsor: Lisa Banks 

Music Club 

The Music Club was established to recognize those students who exemplify talents in the area of singing. Membership is open to all 4th and 5th grade students who audition at a qualified level. Students demonstrate their musical abilities through an audition conducted by the music teacher. Guidelines are used to make the final decision. The schedule will be determined after the start of the year. 

Sponsor: Haley Bennett 

National Junior Beta Club 

The National Junior Beta Club was established for the purpose of recognizing outstanding academic achievement and promoting ideals of leadership and service. Membership is open to all rising fourth and fifth grade students who achieve and maintain a level of Honor Roll, Honor Roll with Distinction, or Principal’s List, receive all satisfactory behavior marks, and are recommended by their teacher. The club’s meeting schedule will be determined at the start of the year. Club activities include service projects for the school and/or community each year. 

Sponsor: Dr. LaShunda Hawkins 

No Place for Hate Ambassadors 

No Place for Hate is a student-led school climate improvement initiative that supports and strengthens our school's culture. The program empowers students to become leaders who promote unity, respect, and a sense of belonging throughout the school community. No Place for Hate Ambassadors—selected from 3rd through 5th grade classrooms—are students who exhibit strong leadership qualities and serve as positive role models and peer mentors. Through discussion-based and active learning activities held throughout the year, ambassadors will lead efforts to foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all. 

Sponsor: Bridgett Head 

Reading Club 

The Reading Club was established for 4th and 5th grade members to read at least four of the Georgia Book Award Nominees. Members review and discuss the books in preparation to compete for spots on the Reading Bowl Team. Members will be selected to compete in the Rockdale County Reading bowl. 

Sponsor: Tonya Grant 

Rockdale Honor Chorus  

The Rockdale Honor Chorus is a chorus made up of a select number of students from each elementary school in Rockdale County. Students from Barksdale’s 5th grade chorus are then chosen again by audition in December. The students participate in the county’s performance during the spring. 

Sponsor: Haley Bennett 

Running Club 

The Marathon in a Month Club was established to promote cardiovascular fitness. Students run Monday through Friday during the months in fall. Volunteers keep distance records for each member. The goal is to run a total of 26.2 miles (distance of a marathon). Membership is open to all students in grades 2-5. 

The Mileage Club was established to promote physical fitness and expand/develop students’ running ability. Membership is open to students in grades 1 through 5 and kindergartners with parent participation. The club meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before school during the months of March, April, and May. 

Sponsor: Dr. Ray Zahradnik 

The Anchoring Buccaneers (TAB) 

The Anchoring Buccaneers (TAB) is a leadership and character development club designed to cultivate positive character traits, strengthen leadership skills, and inspire students to become productive citizens within their school and community. Students selected for TAB are recognized for their potential and commitment to excellence and are expected to consistently demonstrate leadership both in and out of the classroom. 

Sponsor: Asiha Dollar 

WBES News Crew 

The WBES News Crew Club was established for the purpose of providing a format to inform all Barksdale students of the schedule of events within the school through a daily news show. Also, the News Crew promotes school spirit, celebrates individual and group accomplishments, and promotes attendance. Membership is open to all fourth and fifth grade students whose applications are accepted based on previous good attendance, responsibility, teacher recommendations, and availability of slots to be filled. Club activities include producing a daily news show, which entails such activities as acting as news host, preparing scripts, videotaping, and operating computer equipment. 

Sponsor: Haley Bennett and Tonya Grant