Student Clubs and Organizations

Two Student Council Representatives are elected from each homeroom during the beginning weeks of the school year.  The Council meets weekly during the lunch period under the supervision of school administration.   Members of The Student Council discuss issues affecting student life at ESMS and raise money for student initiatives and activities.  They also promote philanthropic efforts on behalf of neighborhood organizations and accompany school administration to meetings in which student representatives are invited to participate.

Model U.N. is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate students about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy, and the agenda of the real United Nations.  Students role play in a simulated session of the U.N.

A faculty member leads our ESMS chapter of this worldwide organization, open to 7th and 8th graders only.  Applicants are often screened, based on an essay and short interview.  Model U.N. meets twice weekly from 3:40-4:40pm, beginning in September and continuing until mid-spring.  Participating students must attend both days.  The Model U.N. program culminates in the Model U.N. International Conference, comprising thousands of students.

The ESMS Debate Team competes against other middle schools, perfecting their oratory and argumentative skills.  The team meets twice weekly after school to prepare their cases.  More information is available in our After-School catalog.

The ESMS Debate team typically advances to the final rounds of the New York City Urban Debate League Championship, in addition to bringing home numerous individual awards.
Go, Tigers!

The ESMS Chess Team is open to all chess enthusiasts, whether you're a beginner or a chess master.  Our team hone their skills weekly, after school, with matches to be announced with other middle school students around the city.  Our chess players have earned trophies at several recent NYC and New York State tournaments.  We're proud of our Tigers!

The Manhattan Student Leadership Council (MSLC), a body founded by former Principal David Getz and comprised of student representatives from middle schools across D2 , meets monthly to discuss and work with elected officials on issues of import to City students. Publicly presenting their findings and advocacy to elected bodies & officials (the city council, the borough president, community boards and so on) the MSLC gives council members a forum to shine as leaders and advocates for their peers. Our kids have been true leaders on the MSLC - first with the GSA legislation and most recently on mental health issues. They're an amazing bunch!

Read more about  MSLC accomplishments

Get in the Tiger spirit by cheering for our ESMS Boys and Girls Basketball teams! Tryouts are held in mid-November.  Check the school calendar for exact dates and information.

Cheerleaders practice weekly from 3:40-5:45, beginning in November and continuing through basketball season.  The full schedule will be posted on the website calendar as soon as it is available.

For more information, please contact our Parent Coordinator Beth Servetar (esms.bethservetar@gmail.com).

 A student-created newspaper designed to share news and happenings at East Side Middle School through the student lens.

Latest Edition (June 2023) 

 First Edition (Dec 2018)

ESMS students utilize engineering, computer, and teamwork skills to design and build LEGO robots that perform real tasks.  Our team competes against other middle schools in citywide LEGO competitions.  The Lego Robotics Team meets weekly after school. 

  
ESMS Lego Robotics Team Advances to The City Championship

Formerly known as the Gay-Straight Alliance, this student organization is now the Genders & Sexualities Alliance.  The club promotes tolerance, fairness and inclusion for all ESMS students.  Meetings are guided by a faculty advisor and provide a forum for open discussion among students to form a safe and supportive community.

The GSA meets weekly during lunch with Mr. Forigua in Room 323.  All are welcome.

The student Green Team, under the supervision of the ESMS Technology Consultant Sven Vilim, explores avenues for the school to support the environment locally and globally.  In addition to other initiatives, the Green Team sponsors a recycling program at ESMS and they plant and maintain the gardens at the front and back entrances to the school.  The Green Team meets weekly during lunch.  For more information, please email Sven (sven@esmsnyc.net).

 The next Keats, Frost or Dickinson may be perfecting their craft at ESMS!  Student poets lead and inspire each other as they create new works.  The club meets weekly at 8:00am.  

Here is a look at the 2016 ESMS Literary Magazine  published by this club.

Students with an interest in science and engineering are welcome to join our club!  We meet weekly in Mr. Getz's office.  Activities include the planning and supervision of The ESMS Egg Drop Competitions, in which ESMS students endeavor to design and build a contraption that will safely protect an egg when dropped from the roof of the school.