Students are encouraged to take an active part in student clubs and organizations.  Wheeler High School offers a wide variety of clubs and activities that are as diverse as the interests of our students.  Only clubs and organizations that do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, and religious affiliation will be chartered by the Principal.  All approved organizations must be registered with the appropriate administrator and have a faculty sponsor. A staff member must be present at all meetings and activities. All club activities, including fundraisers, must be scheduled with the administrator at least two weeks prior to the event.  Fundraisers must be approved.  A list of clubs and activities can be found here: https://joom.ag/vYud

Fundraising

Policies JKA and JKB govern fundraising activities. Commitment to raise funds cannot and must not be made to students, parents, vendors, etc. until approval has been received from an administrator in charge. All fundraising activities must be requested in writing on the appropriate form and approved by the administrator in charge of fundraising/clubs. No sales may take place during class time.  At such events such as dances, students may be requested to show identification.   School regulations and disciplinary actions apply to all extracurricular functions. All special events must be approved and scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

Participation in Extracurricular Activities

State Board Policy and Cobb County Board of Education Policy require that students who participate in extracurricular activities meet certain eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for participation, a student must:

1. pass three subjects the semester preceding participation
2. be enrolled in at least 3 classes which offer at least 3 credits toward graduation
3. be on-track for graduation as follows:
   • earned 5 units at the beginning of the 2nd year
   • earned 10 units at the beginning of the 3rd year
   • earned 16 units at the beginning of the 4th year
4. if student enrolls in 3 classes (minimum day), all 3 classes must be passed to continue extracurricular participation

Additionally, students who participate in extracurricular activities are expected to display exemplary behavior.  Chronic and/or severe discipline problems will result in students being ineligible for class office or to serve as an officer in an extracurricular club.

A student who uses or possesses illegal drugs or alcohol on or off school property shall be suspended from interscholastic/extracurricular activities in compliance with Cobb County School Administrative Rule JJICA.  A student who is arrested for, or charged with, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a felony shall be automatically suspended from interscholastic/extracurricular activities. The student shall remain suspended from these activities until such time as the matter is resolved in favor of the student.

The Cobb County Board of Education recognizes the significance of extracurricular activities at the high school level.  In order to assure that students’ participation in these activities is in line with their progress toward high school graduation, the following standards shall be observed for student participation in all high school extracurricular activities.  (For the purpose of this policy, extracurricular activities include athletic and competitive teams sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association at the 9^th, JV, & V levels and groups defined by the Georgia High School Association including cheerleading, debate, and one-act play.)

1. Students must meet all academic eligibility requirements as outlined under “Guidelines for Participation in

Extracurricular Activities.”  

2. Students who wish to participate on an athletic team must have a physical exam performed by a licensed physician prior to participation.   This exam must be dated after April 1 of the preceding school year.  Students must also submit proof of adequate insurance coverage.
3. Students are not eligible to participate in a GHSA-sanctioned activity after their eighth semester in high school.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Governing Extracurricular Activities

In order to provide consistency and fairness in dealing with students involved in extracurricular activities who violate the drug and alcohol policy, we will follow the Cobb County School Administrative Rule JJICA.  Students participating in any athletic program may be dismissed by their coach if they have been involved in substance use.

National Honor Society

NHS recognizes and encourages academic achievement while striving for ideals in leadership, character, honor, and service.  Students are selected for membership in the spring of their junior year on the basis of GPA, character, and participation in extracurricular activities.  The GPA requirement is a 4.00.  Certain disciplinary offenses, occurring at any time during a student’s high school career, may exclude him or her from consideration.  These include, but are not limited to:  academic dishonesty, insubordination, skipping/truancy, fighting, forgery, and other inappropriate actions leading to ISS or OSS.

Wheeler Community Service

Community service has become an integral part of the Wheeler culture; however, it is not a requirement for graduation.  Many students take advantage of this opportunity to help others and make a difference at school and in the community.  These opportunities provide our students an avenue to meet others and develop leadership and life skills, which often make a difference in earning a scholarship, being accepted into college of their choice, and obtaining a job or internship.

• How to Earn a Letter:  You must earn a total of 45 documented volunteer hours that are from a Wheeler related event.  While in years past we have only recognized hours that were logged in direct service to Wheeler High School, we are now allowing students to log volunteer hours performed outside of school.  

Students will be notified of their award which will be handed out at an announced ceremony during the fall semester.  To obtain the Wheeler Service Letter students must pay dues in the amount of $10 through MyPaymentsPlus.  

• How to Earn a Service Medallion:  Students who have logged a total of 180 hours or more of community service by the end of their senior year are eligible to receive the Service Medallion which may be worn at graduation.  Medallions will be awarded in early May.  

Conduct at Athletic Events

Good sportsmanship is important to Wheeler’s athletic program.  Student fans represent Wheeler as much as the athletes do and are responsible for much of the school’s reputation.  Support your team enthusiastically but consider the other team’s players and fans. Applaud fine play and good sportsmanship by both teams.   Remember, extracurricular activities are an extension of the school day, and students must comply with all CCSD Student Code of Conduct policies.  We take much pride in our tradition of excelling on all fields of competition and in showing good sportsmanship. Let’s continue this fine tradition.