Other Activities

MIS 017 Catholic Confirmation Class

This two-semester class is primarily for Catholic students who would like to be confirmed into the Catholic Church while attending NMH. It is, however, open to any student who is seriously interested in learning what the Catholic Church teaches. The text is the universal Catechism and covers the creed, sacraments, the moral law in successive terms, and the life of prayer in each semester. The class format is mainly instruction and discussion, with occasional written pieces in class. Ninth graders interested in taking this course should first consult the instructor. It is not necessary for a student to take both semesters in the same year, but two semesters and a diocesan-approved retreat are necessary for confirmation.

MIS 092 The Debate Society

The NMH Debate Society trains debaters to participate in interscholastic debates at sister schools. Society members compete in Oregon, Lincoln-Douglas, and Parliamentary-style debates against schools in the Debate Association of New England Independent Schools two or three times a term. They also enter the league’s public-speaking competitions. Debaters meet once a week, minimally, to practice and prepare for competition. They make occasional trips to observe debates at Pioneer Valley colleges (Amherst, Mount Holyoke, and Smith, for example). Debaters learn to research current events, to think on their feet, to argue logically, and to speak confidently and persuasively. Though the tournaments in DANEIS are vigorous affairs, they are also friendly, conducted as much to educate debaters and improve their skills as to provide them with competition. No debate or public-speaking experience necessary. Ninth graders and sophomores are particularly encouraged to apply. Membership limited to 25.

STU 010 Model UN

The NMH Model United Nations offers participants a taste of diplomacy. The Model UN is a well-known activity that draws participants from high schools and colleges from the US, as well as from all over the world. At NMH the Model United Nations will discuss present-day global issues while focusing on the development of negotiation skills. Students will learn to execute United Nations procedures and will participate in interscholastic Model UN simulations.