Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club: Sam Buttitta

Objectives and Goals:

The goal of a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is to create a safe and welcoming space where all students feel accepted and valued. The club provides a place where students can be themselves, build friendships, and find support from peers who respect their identities. In addition, the GSA offers opportunities to learn about and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, helping to promote understanding, inclusivity, and kindness throughout the school.

Advisor Responsibilities:

As the advisor for our GSA, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where students feel accepted and free to be themselves. I will guide and encourage them as they learn about the LGBTQ+ community, build connections, and promote inclusivity within our school.

Meeting Dates and Times: 

Every Wednesday starting 10/8/25 and ending 6/17/26 (any cancellations for a week will be announced over the morning announcements)

2:20-3:30 

Room 324 (meets in room, but sometimes goes down to the gym)

Number of Students: 

10-15

Middle School Model United Nations (Model UN)

Advisors: Glenfield Social Studies Department (Scott Berman, Justin Bruso (LTS Joon Lee), Beth Cario, James Chaiken, Marissa Mangano, & Scott Lederman)

1. Objectives and Goals of the Club

The primary goal of the Glenfield Middle School Model UN club is to cultivate political awareness and instill a sense of responsible global citizenship in students. The program provides a dynamic, hands-on platform for students to immerse themselves in the world of international relations and diplomacy.

Through participation, students will:

• Develop core academic and interpersonal skills in research, writing, public speaking, debate, and collaboration.

• Gain a deep understanding of the structure and function of the United Nations and its role in global affairs.

• Explore complex global issues from the perspectives of different countries, fostering empathy and a nuanced worldview.

• Learn to draft, present, and debate mock resolutions, mirroring the real-world workings of UN delegates.

• Engage in an intellectual and respectful setting that promotes critical thinking and diplomatic problem-solving.

The culminating activity is the Middle School Model UN Conference (MidMUNC), where students compete and collaborate with peers from other schools.

2. Typical Advisor Responsibilities

The six Social Studies teacher-advisors share responsibilities, typically working with students from their respective houses. The stipend covers work that occurs during the preparation period and conference day. The timeline is dependent on the conference date set by Montclair High School, with preparation typically beginning 4-6 weeks prior.

• Weeks 1-2 (Recruitment & Introduction):

• Announce the club and recruit interested students.

• Hold introductory meetings to explain Model UN, assign countries, and introduce the conference topics.

• Provide students with initial research materials and guidelines.

• Weeks 3-4 (Research & Position Paper Writing):

• Facilitate after-school work sessions for students to research their country's position on committee topics.

• Guide students through the process of writing a formal position paper.

• Review and provide feedback on student papers.

• Weeks 5-6 (Debate Prep & Mock Simulation):

• Teach the rules of parliamentary procedure.

• Coach students on public speaking, debate strategies, and resolution writing.

• Run mock simulations in smaller groups to help students practice their skills and build confidence.

• Conference Week & Day:

• Finalize all preparations for the MidMUNC conference.

• Organize logistics and communicate final details to students and families.

• Chaperone and coach students during the all-day Saturday conference.

3. Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations

• Club Season: The Model UN season typically takes place in the fall or early winter. The specific start and end dates are determined by the MidMUNC conference schedule set by Montclair High School. The club program typically runs for the 4-6 weeks leading up to the conference.

• Meeting Schedule: Sessions are primarily held during the teachers' duty-free lunch periods. In the weeks leading up to the conference, there is an average of one after-school meeting per week from 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM.

• Location: To accommodate the large number of participants, students meet in their respective house Social Studies classroom.

4. Number of Students Served

The Model UN club is one of the largest at Glenfield, typically serving approximately 120 students across all houses and grade levels.