Clubs and Activities

Sponsor: Dr. Gay

Email: mark.gay@browardschools.com

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a dropout prevention and mentoring program committed to closing the minority male achievement (access) gap.

Sponsor: Ms. Joassaint

Email: joanna.joassaint@browardschools.com

AOC members follow an activities curriculum during the school year that is in line with the school district’s prevention/awareness days. Members develop pro-social, organizational, communication, and leadership skills through community service, participation as elected officers, and leading school-wide activities and awareness campaigns. AOC groups are advocates for raising awareness about violence, bullying behavior, and social justice in their schools and communities.

Sponsor: Ms. Munice

Email: franceska.munice@browardschools.com 

At our school, we believe in fostering creativity, expression, and appreciation for the arts. The Fine Arts Club is a vibrant community dedicated to exploring and celebrating various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, literature, architecture, and film. 

Through a diverse range of activities, events, and opportunities, we aim to inspire and empower students to unleash their creativity, cultivate their talents, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the arts.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, musician, actor, writer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and power of artistic expression, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery, creativity, and collaboration. 

Come explore the world of the arts with us and unleash your imagination at the Fine Arts Club! All students in grades 6-8 are welcome to join. Please see Ms. Munice in CR-2.

Sponsor: Ms. Bethel

Email: jotann.bethel@browardschools.com 

First Priority is a nondenominational Christian club that hopes to teach student members to share the Gospel across campus. This student-led club promotes love, kindness, and hope through a variety of on-campus events. Mini Game Mania is one of the events that is hosted by First Priority that highlights camaraderie among peers and the Rickard's "We are Respectful, Mindful, & Safe" motto. 

As everyone from all different walks of life are welcome to join First Priority, we seek to remind each individual that "You Belong Here!"

Sponsor: Ms. Joassaint

Email: joanna.joassaint@browardschools.com 

Florida Future Educators of America, or FFEA, is a leadership organization for students who are interested in leadership, service projects, and education. The program provides a forum for students to become aware of career opportunities in education and nurtures their interest in teaching as a career.

Sponsor: Ms. Ellis and Ms. Williams

Email: yulanda.ellis@browardschools.com; alexiskiara-terrinica.williams@browardschools.com 

Welcome to Sisters of Distinction, a club created to empower middle school girls by providing a supportive community. Our aim is to promote high academic standards, respect, sisterhood, and collective service to our community. Our club is proudly sponsored and supervised by Yulanda Ellis and Alexis Williams, James S. Rickards Middle School teachers and advisors. Membership is open to all female students at James S. Rickards Middle School with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. To activate your membership, you must submit a Laws of Life Essay, a statement expressing your desire to join, a written agreement to pay the monthly dues, complete an interview with the Executive Board and Advisor of S.O.D, and present a petition signed by an Administrator, parent or guardian, and assigned teachers. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of Sisters of Distinction.

Sponsor: Ms. Munice

Email: franceska.munice@browardschools.com

Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders is a peer-to-peer mentoring and drop-out prevention program facilitated throughout 21 schools here in Broward County.  Our goal is to shape scholars into future leaders by providing a support system with mentors and mentees working toward graduation. 

These young men and women learn the value of service to others and giving back to the community through community service projects. Young 6th through 12th-grade leaders are provided extended learning opportunities in study hall, character-building seminars, and college tours that encourage college and career readiness.

All students in grades 6-8 are welcome to join. Please see Ms. Munice in CR-2. 

Sponsor: Ms. Ellis

Email: yulanda.ellis@browardschools.com 

The purpose of this organization shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to encourage a concern for character development, and to advance the work of the Honor Society among the Rickards Middle School student body.    

Membership in the Rickards Middle School National Junior Honor Society shall be open to all 7^th and 8^th graders who meet the 3.7 grade point average requirement.   

Qualifications for Membership: 

1. The candidate must have a 3.7 cumulative grade point average. 

1. The candidate must not have received any unsatisfactory conduct grades for the prior year. 

1. Students must show leadership and service through an application process. 

1. Students must complete an essay on citizenship and character. 

1. The student should practice good citizenship, scholarship, and leadership.  

2023-2024 Projects 

Environmental – Conduct an environmental project of your choosing. Schools can partner to form a coalition to conduct a large project or act singly to undertake a project.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital All-Star Program – Participate in any event/activity that supports Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Cassie’s Cause – Collect supplies/food for homeless animals.

Mental Health – Conduct a mental health project of your choosing that gets the whole student body involved. Schools can partner to form a coalition to conduct a large project or act singly to undertake a project.

Drives – Member schools participate in Harvest Drive or any program collecting food or supplies.

Destination Dorm – collect and donate room items to this organization. The items go directly to Broward County Schools seniors graduating during the current school year.

Sponsor: Ms. Azouth

Email: sasha.azouth@browardschools.com 

This club is for 7^th grade students who are in Digital Discoveries classes. Students will learn about engineering, VEX Robotics, SECME Competitions that will help students develop the skills they need for the future.

Sponsor: Ms. Telesford and Mr. Rubinchik

Emails: betty.telesford@browardschools.com Scott.Rubinchik@browardschools.com 

Student Government Association is a student-led group representing the interest of all students in the decision-making process. SGA's elected student representatives and general assembly members work with teachers and administrators to positively impact the school. 

Sponsor: Ms. Joassaint

Email: joanna.joassaint@browardschools.com 

S.P.U.D. is an initiative formed between DOH-Broward and Broward County Public Schools. Students in these clubs gain leadership skills as they educate their peers on the importance of water safety. The clubs are provided with resources on drowning prevention from DOH-Broward, and the S.P.U.D. club students independently engage with their school on projects promoting water safety.

Sponsor: Ms. Joassaint

Email: joanna.joassaint@browardschools.com 

Students Working Against Tobacco is Florida’s statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco-free future.