University Middle School Student Clubs & Programs

STEM Ambassador Programming

As part of the University of Memphis’ STEM Ambassador program, Steffen Matthews joins our students in Afterschool Enrichment on Wednesdays to present them with STEM projects such as robot design and K’NEX bridge building. This is an opportunity open to all students.

Wolf River Conservancy

A representative from Wolf River Conservancy comes to Afterschool Enrichment one Thursday a month to present to the students about the environment and conservation. There are also various projects for participating students to do with WRC. This is an opportunity open to all students.

Chess

On Mondays from 3:45-4:45, there is a cost-associated opportunity for students that wish to learn to play chess. The instructor teaches them how to play competitively and facilitates friendly competition between the participating students.

Youth in Government

Mrs. Warden, 6th grade Social Studies and Debate teacher, leads students in the Youth in Government club on Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45. In this club, students participate in political and economic debate akin to that of Model UN. In December of 2019, our UMS students participated in the Model UN debates here in Memphis and won a number of their debates. This opportunity is open to all students.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is a North American non-profit program that works to encourage pre-teen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games, culminating in a celebratory 5k run. University Middle is proud to house one of their programs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This is a cost-associated opportunity for interested students.

Wings Gymnastics

Wings Gymnastics offers paid gymnastics lessons to University Middle students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-4:45. Students learn skills on Bars, Balance Beam, Floor, Vault, Mini-Tramp, cardio & stretching. They develop flexibility, strength, coordination & confidence, which promotes physical, mental and personal growth, as well as, healthy habits for the future. The lessons are on site and available to interested students.

Dance

University Middle offers free dance lessons to interested students on Fridays from 3:45-4:45. These lessons take place on the University of Memphis campus with a faculty instructor. The lessons cover many types of dance including modern, classic, and freestyle.

Music

Our students have the opportunity to learn the basics of music and more in-depth instrument playing from a student of the Rudi Scheidt School of Music every Friday from 3:45-4:45. This is a free program, however, it is encouraged that students bring their own instruments for the sessions.

Leadership 101

Zach Carr, University of Memphis' Associate Director of the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism, offers Leadership 101. This is a program in which students learn about leadership, teamwork, and build the skills needed to excel in both. This course is a pre-requisite to holding public office at University Middle and is open to interested students.

Debate

University Middle Speech and Debate Team is a member of two organizations: the Metro Memphis Urban Debate League, and the National Speech and Debate Association, which also functions as our honor society.

Click the following link to read about the 2019-2020 successes: 2019-2020 Speech & Debate Successes

Click the following links to see photos of our champions!: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3