HERKIMER — School clubs have returned to the Herkimer Elementary School this fall for the first time since COVID-19 first impacted schools more than two-and-a-half years ago.

Most of the clubs that were previously in place are now up and running again, and a new one has been added with a third grade Drama Club. Despite the gap in club availability, students jumped right back into joining clubs, Herkimer Elementary School Principal Renee Vogt said.

“Our numbers are high,” Vogt said. “Kids are interested. The teachers are excited to bring it back.” Herkimer Elementary School clubs had to stop meeting after COVID-19 caused schools to close for in-person learning in March 2020. This school year, the elementary school is back to an aligned schedule, and the district was able to work with Birnie Bus Service to have two late buses available for students staying for clubs, Vogt said.

It was important to bring clubs back because they are a valuable aspect of school and allow students to try out different interests, she explained.

“I think it’s a great thing for kids to have that opportunity to experience things that are above and beyond the academic day,” Vogt said.

Elementary school clubs are available for students in grades 3-5 and are split up by grade level. The clubs operating this school year are Art Club 3, Drama Club 3, Library Club 4, Newspaper/Social Media Club 4, STEM Club 3, STEM Club 4, STEM Club 5, Student Council 5 and Yearbook Club 5. 

The schedule for clubs was spaced out so students can join multiple clubs. Students have to keep up on their grades and work to stay involved.

Clubs meet right after school for about an hour. Most clubs meet twice per month, but Drama Club takes place three times per week. 

Herkimer Elementary School students put on grade-level plays in first grade and second and regularly enjoy the singing, dancing and acting aspects, so it was clear there would be interest in a third-grade Drama Club, Vogt said.

Establishing clubs that students would enjoy and benefit from is the attitude the district wants to take toward clubs in general, she noted.

“If that’s what the interest is, let’s do that,” she said. “That’s why the Drama Club was created.”

Herkimer fourth grade teacher Amberlyn Ellinger, who is the advisor for Newspaper/Social Media Club 4 and STEM Club 3, said she and the other elementary teachers are thrilled for students that the clubs are back. “I don’t know who’s more excited – the students or the teachers,” Ellinger said. “The longer we can have them here working on their social skills, the better it is for everybody.”