Clubs

South Loop Elementary values the creation of teacher- and community-run clubs to cater to a myriad of interests and specialties. Students are encouraged and supported as they pursue a passion or develop a new interest. They are given opportunities that strengthen their learning environment, enrich their social life, and improve academic programs and the school itself.

The South Loop Elementary School Chess Team:  If you child would like to participate in free Chicago Chess Foundation chess tournaments representing South Loop Elementary School.  ***You don’t have to be enrolled in the after-school chess enrichment club to participate***.  Tournaments are open to all that registers. 

• Enrollment: Open
• Fee: None.
• Meetings: TBD

Contact: Aisha McGlory

See Chess Club Page

The South Loop Elementary School Debate Club teaches students the fine art of formulating an argument and how to effectively debate both sides of an issue, even if they do not agree with the stance. It is a challenging club that will greatly enhance a student’s confidence in public speaking, understanding of current events, and analytical ability.   

• Enrollment: September for Grades 5th – 8th.
• Fee: None, students are responsible for obtaining certain materials (cases, files, folders, and copies) for participation.
• Meetings: Club meets Wednesdays from 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• Contact: Rishi Agrawal

South Loop has a long history of Girl Scouts with a number of active troops. Participation in Girl Scouts provides girl-led opportunities to learn leadership qualities, engage in service projects, develop friendships, and learn new skills.

• Enrollment: Grades K-6th, contact troop leaders for available spots.
• Fee: Yes, $25 fee for Girl Scout registration (required, financial aid available); troop leader(s) set fees for each troop, typically ~$50 per year.
• Meetings: Typically meet twice a month; troop leader(s) provide dates and location.
• Contact: Troop leader, click Learn More to view individual contacts 

The National Beta Club is an organization whose chief goals are the promotion of high academic achievement, rewarding and nurturing character, fostering leadership skills and, most importantly, encouraging service to others.  Student service projects are enacted to positively impact our school, community, and globe. 

• Enrollment: Nomination process for Grades 5th-8th; no limit per grade level.
• Fee: $15.
• Meetings: Club meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays.
• Commitment: Yearlong.
• Contacts: Jeremiah Murray and Kristen Gucciardo

Students will enrich their knowledge of science through various experiments and discussions. Students will compete in events against other schools that put their science knowledge and the scientific method to use!

• Enrollment: Open to Grades 6th-8th.
• Fee: None.
• Meetings: Club meets weekly on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: Mr. Ziolo 

Students will learn to come up with story ideas, interview sources, and write clearly and accurately about the people and events that make South Loop tick.  Members will attend meetings twice a month and will be responsible for writing at least one article per month.

• Enrollment: Open to Grades 5th-8th.
• Fee: None.
• Meetings: Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month from 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
• Contact: Ann Kaminski  and Heidi Stevens 

The Yearbook Club produces the school’s annual yearbook. Students work collaboratively on all aspects of the yearbook development process. They learn how to take photographs and are actively involved in photographing the numerous activities and events occurring throughout the school year. Students learn how to edit photos and lay out pages, and learn about various compositions and styles.

• Enrollment: Open to grades 7th and 8th, limited to 15 students (prior members have priority).
• Fee: None.
• Meetings: Club meets weekly on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Contact: Ms. Garcia