STUDENT CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Get Involved at O’Neill!

O’Neill offers students a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with peers through clubs, activities, and athletic programs throughout the school year.

For information about interscholastic and intramural sports, please visit our ATHLETICS pages.

Most clubs and activities meet at least once a week after school. Specific meeting times and sign-up details will be shared during the school year. Please note that available clubs may change annually depending on student interest and staff availability.

Browse the list below to learn more about each club and activity.

Chamber Strings

Overview: Members are selected from orchestra participants who audition for this additional challenging opportunity.

Meeting Time: 7:00 a.m.

Meeting Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Staff Contact: OMS Orchestra Director, Mrs. Spring

Courtyard Club

Overview: Introduces students to the basics of year-round gardening and maintains the courtyard.

Meeting Time: TBD

Meeting Days: First Wednesday of every month. Extra meetings may be called depending on the courtyard needs.

Staff Contact: Mrs. Pinkus

Craft Club

Overview:  A club for creative, artistic and craft-loving students.

Meeting Time: TBD

Meeting Days: Tuesdays once per month. Listen to announcements for meeting dates.

Staff Contact: Mrs. Mitzel and Mrs. Messineo

Note: Donations for club expenses can be made in the form of gift cards to Amazon, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

Drama Club

Overview:  An interactive, hands-on club for students interested in the performing arts. Students spend time learning and performing different acting techniques and activities through individual and group stage activities, games, and improvisation. Drama Club students will also have the opportunity to attend Downers Grove South High School evening theater performances.

Meeting Time: TBD

Meeting Days: Meet once a month

Staff Contact: Mrs. Potter

Jazz Band

Overview:  Students who are in good standing in Concert Band are eligible to audition for this more challenging and selective ensemble.

Meeting Time: 7:00 a.m.

Meeting Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Staff Contact: OMS Band Director, Mrs. Kaminski

Newspaper

Overview:  Do you think you would enjoy writing about events that are happening in our school or community? Do you like to interview people about their lives? What about creative writing? Looking for a place to publish your short story or poetry? The Newspaper Club is looking for you! Writing for the newspaper is open to anyone. The club publishes at least quarterly throughout the year and highlights student writing, photography, and artwork.

Meeting Time: after school

Meeting Days: Once a month on Wednesdays

Staff Contact: 

Note: Most work will occur independently with the meetings just used for checking in and giving assignments.

OMS Singers

Overview:  A select, vocal ensemble chosen from choir participants.

Meeting Time: 7:15 a.m.

Meeting Days: Wednesdays and Fridays

Staff Contact: OMS Choir Director, Janet Hecht

Chess

Overview:  Chess is an IESA-sanctioned activity and part of the SDEAA Conference. Teams from area schools compete by playing matches against each other.

Tryouts: No cut

Informational Meeting: Monday, 12/15

First Practice: Tuesday, 12/16

Practice Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Schedule:

  • 2025-26 Chess Schedule
  • SDEAA Conference Tournament: Saturday 2/21
  • IESA State: not participating in IESA competitions

Staff Contact: Mr. Scroggin

Scholastic Bowl

Overview:  Scholastic Bowl is an IESA-sanctioned activity and part of the SDEAA Conference. Teams from area schools compete by answering questions in subject areas such as math, science, literature, mythology, philosophy, economics, history, music, art, and current events. Matches include individual team members buzzing in (much like the show Jeopardy!) to answer toss-up questions and collaborating as a team on more in-depth questions from the subject areas listed above.

Informational Meeting: Monday, 3/2

First Practice: Tuesday, 3/3

Practice Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Schedule:

  • 2025-26 Chess Schedule
  • SDEAA Conference Tournament: Saturday, 2/21
  • IESA Schedule: 
    • Varsity: Regionals 4/29, Sectionals 5/4, State 5/8
    • JV: Regionals 4/29, Sectionals 5/4, State 5/8

Staff Contact: Mrs. Panico

Student Council

Overview:  This club helps create and provide opportunities for leadership and service in the local school and community.  The Student Council is open to all students interested in helping promote positive relationships and increase pride in the school community. The Student Council promotes academic achievement, good citizenship, school spirit, and involvement in activities.

Meeting Time: after school

Meeting Days: Wednesdays in Room 202

Staff Contact: Mrs. Saenz and Mrs. Lockett