Poole Middle School

After School Activities

General Information about the John Poole After-School Activities Program 

After-school activities are held Tuesday through Thursday, after school every week throughout the school year, except where indicated on the school Website calendar. No activities are held on early release days or holidays. The Montgomery County Department of Recreation RecExtra program supports and supplements our after-school club offerings.  Most activities, except for interscholastic games and academic related clubs, will start at 2:45 and end at 4:15 pm.  Activity buses are available for students to ride home, but the routes are somewhat different than the regular bus routes; please check the activity bus schedule. Our consortium students will be required to have a car ride home.  Please contact Mr. Mattingly at John Poole MS if you have any questions about after-school activities program at 240-740-4200 or Edward_J_Mattingly@mcpsmd.org.     

Rec Extra Website: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/thingstodo/youthdevelopment/recxtra.html

Rec Extra Sign-up Forms are found on the RecXtra Bulletin Board or in room 310.

Philosophy of the John Poole After-School Activities Program

We believe that after-school activities are an integral part of the total education process for middle school students. After-school activities provide students with the opportunity to extend academic opportunities, support new areas of interest, cultivate and enhance existing skills, and grow both socially and cognitively in a safe and supportive environment. We offer a broad range of activities over the course of the school year in an effort to reach out to the varied interests of our student population. Although these activities take place after the school day is over, all of John Poole P.R.I.D.E. goals and expectations remain the same. We believe the After-school Activity Program is a unique program that supports the need of all of our students. 

Activity Coordinator

• Mr. Mattingly

Activity Bus

Click here for the list of activity bus route stops.

Activities and Sponsors

List of RecXtra After-School Activities Programs 

RecXtra is a partnership between the Montgomery County Recreation Department and MCPS to provide after school programing to middle school students.  All students enrolled at John Poole are eligible and encouraged to join a RecXtra Club.  Clubs run after school Tuesdays-Thursdays between 2:45 - 4:15. Activity buses are available for students at the conclusion of clubs or students can be picked up in the carpool lane. 

There is no cost for any RecXtra Club.  Students just need to complete and return a sign-up sheet.  Space in clubs is limited and given on a first come first serve basis.

Club Highlight

RecXtra MCTEF Spring Tennis Club

• Start Date: September 22nd, 2026
• Program Description: Ready to hit the courts? Join instructors from the Montgomery County Tennis & Education Foundation (MCTEF) for a recreational program designed to introduce you to the game of tennis. Each session uses game-based, fun instructions to help you learn the core components of the sport in an engaging environment. Beyond the physical skills, every lesson emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and proper tennis etiquette. We provide the racquets, so all you need to bring is your energy—just be sure to wear sneakers or athletic shoes, as Crocs are not permitted for play.
• Sign Up Sheet:  Coming Soon
  
  

RecXtra is proud to announce the following clubs starting this Fall:

TUESDAYS

RecXtra Focus Zone

• Start Date: September 29th

• Program Description: Kick off the new year with a fresh academic start in Focus Zone. This is a dedicated, distraction-free environment designed to help you tackle your to-do list. Whether you are looking to start strong for the first half of the year or just need a quiet spot to finish a project, we are here to help. Come get organized, clear your backlog of assignments, and set yourself up for success this fall.

• Sign Up Sheet:       English       Spanish

RecXtra Gaming Club

• Start Date: September 29th

• Program Description: Power up for the start of school with Mrs. Gibbs! We are loading up the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch for another season of friendly competition and cooperative play. Whether you want to climb the leaderboards in modern hits or master the mechanics of retro classics on the Super Nintendo, there is a controller waiting for you. It’s the perfect way to decompress after school and connect with fellow gamers.

• Sign Up Sheet:       English       Spanish

RecXtra Jazz Band

• Start Date: January 12th
• Program Description: Turn up the volume and explore the groove with the Jazz Band! Guided by Mrs. Morris, students will dive into swing, blues, and improvisation while learning how to lock in with a full rhythm and horn section. Perfect for musicians eager to try new genres, build ensemble performance skills, and make music with friends.
• Sign Up Sheet: Coming soon in December
  •  

WEDNESDAYS

RecXtra Chill Zone

• Start Date: September 30th

• Program Description: Join Mrs. Vogel in the Chill Zone. This isn't just a place to hang out; it's a chance to build valuable life skills. We'll explore simple, effective techniques like mindful breathing, quick meditation exercises, and creative outlets to help you manage daily stress. The Chill Zone is your perfect escape to relax, recharge, and learn how to maintain your calm, no matter what's going on.

• Sign Up Sheet:      English       Spanish

RecXtra Digital Dojo

• Start Date: October 7th

• Program Description: The dojo is open for training! Join Mrs. Gibbs to sharpen your reflexes and strategy in Digital Dojo. We provide the arena—featuring PS5s, Switches, and classic consoles—and you bring the skills. From team-based multiplayer battles to solo adventures, this club offers a space for gamers of all experience levels to improve their play and share strategies with friends. Level up your afternoon with us!

• Sign Up Sheet:      English       Spanish

RecXtra The Study Corner

• Start Date: September 30th

• Program Description: Midweek mountain of assignments got you down? Crush your classwork at The Study Corner! Beat the end-of-week rush by tackling your assignments, getting help on tricky topics, and staying on top of upcoming projects. Mrs. Brizhik offers a focused, supportive environment where you can ask questions, work through missing tasks, and lighten your study load before Friday even arrives. Clear your to-do list early and cruise through the rest of the week!

• Sign Up Sheet:       English       Spanish

RecXtra The Crochet Club

• Start Date: September 30th
• Program Description: Loop, stitch, and create! Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the very first time or you are already a seasoned crafter working on your own masterpieces, the Crochet Club is the place to be on Wednesdays. Join Mrs. Hobbs to learn the fundamentals of crocheting, share pattern ideas, work on fun individual projects, and hang out with fellow makers in a relaxed, creative environment. All skill levels and yarn enthusiasts are welcome—come see what you can create!
• Sign Up Sheet:      English       Spanish

RecXtra Music Practice Lab

• Start Date: September 30th 

• Program Description: Ready to take your playing to the next level? Join Mrs. Morris for extra practice sessions designed to boost your confidence and fine-tune your instrument skills. Whether you're prepping for an upcoming concert, mastering challenging sheet music, or looking for targeted feedback, this space gives you the dedicated time and support to level up your sound.

• Sign Up Sheet:      English       Spanish

THURSDAYS

RecXtra Sustainable Crafting

• Start Date: October 1st

• Program Description: Unlock your creativity while helping the planet! In Sustainable Crafting, students will learn how to reuse, recycle, and repurpose everyday materials into amazing art and useful items. From "upcycling" waste to creating eco-friendly decorations for school events, this club encourages creative problem-solving and environmental responsibility. Join us to collaborate on group projects, learn about sustainability, and discover how to turn "trash" into treasure.

• Sign Up Sheet:    English       Spanish

RecXtra Leo’s Service Squad

• Start Date: October 1st

• Program Description: Jump into action with Mrs. Crutchfield and the Leo’s Service Squad. This club is for students ready to take leadership beyond the classroom and into the community. We will collaborate to design and execute service projects that leave a lasting impact on our school and neighborhood. If you want to earn service hours while seeing the tangible difference your hard work can make, this is the team for you.

• Sign Up Sheet:    English       Spanish

RecXtra The Homework Hub

• Start Date: October 1st

• Program Description: Finish the week strong at The Homework Hub. Instead of taking work home for the weekend, use this time to knock out your assignments in a low-stress setting. Mrs. Brizhik provides a structured, friendly space where you can ask questions, catch up on missing tasks, or simply get ahead on upcoming projects. Clear your schedule and your mind before the weekend begins!

• Sign Up Sheet:  English          Spanish

RecXtra Next Level Gaming

• Start Date: October 1st

• Program Description: Take your skills to the next level on Thursdays! Join Mrs. Hobbs for an afternoon of gaming action that features everything from the PS5 and Nintendo Switch to a wide variety of board games and card games. Whether you are looking for virtual showdowns, cooperative video game adventures, or classic tabletop strategy, there is something for everyone. It is a great chance to hang out with friends, try new games, and enjoy some friendly competition in a relaxed setting.

• Sign Up Sheet:  English          Spanish

Interested in sponsoring a RecXtra Club? Have questions or concerns about RecXtra Clubs?

Contact Mr. Edward Mattingly, John Poole MS’s After School Activities Coordinator, at 240-740-4200 or via email at Edward_J_Mattingly@mcpsmd.org. 

List of Intramurals After School Activities

The middle school intramural program is open to all JPMS students and is an extension of the physical education instructional program, including the development of movement skills, health-related fitness, and personal and social responsibility, conducted before and/or after school among students in the same school. The primary reason for participation is enjoyment of the activities rather than pressure to compete and win, as in athletic competition. Such an environment will enable students to extend learning of the benefits of movement, develop positive attitudes, increase self-esteem, enjoy positive social interactions, and broaden their fitness and leisure horizons.

The intramural activities are held after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays until 4:20.  An activity bus will be provided to take you home.

The students must complete the following in order to attend the intramural activity:

1. Be academically eligible (Minimum GPA 2.0)
2. Submit the Parent/Guardian Permission Slip (paper copies in the locker rooms)
3. Students who are enrolled in physical education must actively participate in class to be eligible to participate in intramural activities on that day.

Intramural Coordinator: Mrs. Kim Gerrie   Kimberly_S_Gerrie@mcpsmd.org

List of Extra Curricular Activities