Clubs
- Asian Student Union
- Art Club
- Athletes Committed to Excellence (ACE)
- Bass Fishing
- Blue Crew
- Blueprint (newspaper)
- Book Club
- Caribbean Soul Dance Troupe
- Chess Team
- Class Board (Freshmen - Seniors)
- Clay Club
- Color Guard
- DECA
- Drama Club & Thespians
- eSports Club
- Exit with Pride
- Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- French Club
- Friendship Club and Peer Buddies
- German Club
- Go Green Environmental Club
- K-Pop
- Key Club
- Latino Student Union
- Mad Dash
- Marching Mustangs
- Masque & Gavel
- Math Team
- Mindful Mustangs
- Model UN
- Movie Club
- National Honor Society (NHS)
- Orchesis
- Peer Leaders
- Peer Tutors
- Photography Club
- Politics Club
- PRISM
- Research Club
- Resurgence Literary Magazine
- Mustang Makers Club (Robotics & Makers Club)
- Scholastic Bowl
- Skills USA
- Snowball/Snowflake
- Spanish Club
- Special Olympics Basketball
- Special Olympics Cheerleading
- Speech Team
- Stage Crew
- Steppers
- Student Council
- Table Top Club (formerly Collectible Card Club)
- Ultimate Frisbee Club
- Unified
- WDGC Radio Club - Blue Print Radio
- Yearbook (Caracole)
- Zen Zone Yoga
Asian Student Union
The Asian Student Union is a student centered organization that focuses on making an impact in the community and helping individuals succeed by learning about different cultures. This club ensures that students have a safe place where they can embrace their culture and unique backgrounds. We are dedicated to bringing awareness to Asian cultures and further making a positive change in our community.
Athletes Committed to Excellence (ACE)
Athletes Committed to Excellence video!!!!
ACE (Athletes Committed to Excellence) is a group of athletes who are committed to making the school and community a better place. They are guided by the following mission statement and committed to:
- honoring the athletic code by leading an alcohol and other drug free lifestyle.
- achieving academic excellence.
- supporting all the sporting teams at DGS.
- participating in school & community service projects.
- acting as a positive role model at school and in the community.
Main events:
Leadership Day – Work with ACE students to design activities that address issues common to DGS athletes. The day is packed with interactive activities, cooperative work and brainstorming.
Spirit Week – Help create and promote activities for the staff and students to get involved in spirit week and the pep assembly.
Mustang Stampede – ACE students create skits and interactive activities for the local elementary schools. The day is spent sending positive messages on the topics of self-esteem, respect, school spirit, good decision making, and reinforcing Character Counts characteristics.
For more information regarding ACE, please contact Ms. DeGiulio, Mr. Molinari, or Mr. Stapleton.
Art Club
Art Club is a combination of several different art media for students to explore. We try materials such as ink pen, spray paint, metals, painting, collage, digital art, and more. Students will learn the various skills and materials and be given the opportunity to create their own unique projects with them. Art Club meets every other Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 PM in room C196.
Bass Fishing
The Bass Fishing Club is a group of students that fish on the weekends during the spring and fall. Students have the opportunity to fish on land and boats. The club meets once a week during the spring and fall. Students are involved in various fishing activities, clinics and conservation projects. Anglers can fish in tournament invites and the top anglers will compete in IHSA tournaments. This is a great opportunity for students that might not be involved in typical sports to enjoy nature, camaraderie and the art form that is fishing. Students will learn from coaches and peers on ways to improve their techniques and catch more fish. Fishing is for everyone, so all are welcome!
For more information regarding the DGS Fishing Club, review the bass fishing PDF or contact Mr. Kud.
Blueprint (newspaper)
Newspaper Club
Newspaper club meets at 7:30 AM on Wednesdays in room A310. Students have the opportunity to learn the basics of journalistic writing, as well as write articles for the school newspaper, the Blueprint. Students also write for the Blueprint's webpage.
For more information regarding Newspaper Club, please Contact Ms. Alore, Mr. Indreika, or Ms. Long.
Blue Crew Leadership Team
Blue Crew Leadership Team
Blue Crew is a leadership program consisting of juniors and seniors who work with incoming freshmen during The Mustang Mad Dash and Blue Crew Informational Sessions forfreshmen resource periods in September. Leaders help ensure that freshmen have a smooth transition to high school by educating them about the culture of DGS, providing tours and logistical information about resources, and being a welcoming, friendly presence. Blue Crew leaders go through and application and interview process in April for the following school year.
For more information regarding Blue Crew, please contact Ms. Stamatoukos.
Book Club
The Mustang Book Club provides a great opportunity to meet other students who like to read and talk about books. The book club meets the first Tuesday of the month in the Library. Every year the Mustang Book Club also holds a fundraiser to raise money to purchase library books for an underfunded school in Chicago. We take a trip down to the city to read to the students and donate our new books. If service and great book discussions is for you, then Mustang Book Club is your club!
For more information regarding Book Club, please contact Ms. Alore or Ms. Beck.
Caribbean Soul Dance Troupe
Caribbean Soul Dance Troupe video!!!
Mission Statement: Our mission is to allow students the opportunity to learn and execute various Latin Dances, keep the love for Latin and Afro- Caribbean music and the art of dance alive, create cultural unity and understanding through the love of dance, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide an environment that develops courteous young men & women that become the leaders of tomorrow!
People that might be interested in the club: Young men and women who like to dance will love our dance group. The students get to learn to dance mambo, bachata, cha-cha-cha, and cumbia. The students learn how to dance with a partner as well as how to dance fancy footwork in each routine. All the moves that the students learn for their dance routines can be used on the dance floor at a party.
Caribbean Soul meets Tuesdays from 3:30-4:40 in the cafetorium.
Contact Ms. Deneufbourg to learn more about Caribbean Soul.
Chess Team
Chess Club and Chess Team Video!!!
The Chess Club is a group of students that like to play chess or want to learn how. The club is for everyone and we are willing to teach the rules of the game. Click here for some more information!
Once the season begins, we will meet on Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:30PM to 4:30 PM in Room B327
For the current Chess Team schedule, please consult the calendar on the main Activities website.
Contact Mr. Ding to learn more about Chess Club/Chess Team.
Class Board (Freshmen - Seniors)
Class Board is a great opportunity for students to get involved in the school. It provides an environment for idea sharing, leadership opportunities and growth as well as an opportunity to get to know other students in your class outside of a classroom environment.
The Class Boards are generally student-guided and directed in that the students typically determine group activities and outings including recreational activities and philanthropic undertakings.
All grade levels participate in the following:
- Fund raising (both for the class as well as school, i.e. Special Olympics, Lungevity, Erika's Lighthouse etc.)
- Homecoming activities (hall decorating, parade, etc.)
- Powder Puff football game (help with event, as well as play in the games)
- Volunteer service projects
Individually the classes are responsible or partially responsible for the following:
- Freshman - Philanthropy Project
- Sophomore - Philanthropy Project
- Junior - Winter Dance,start discussing and making decisions for Prom
- Senior - Prom, Senior Video, Graduation
For more information regarding Class Board, contact your respective Class Board Sponsor:
Clay Club
Clay Club is a group that creates sculptures and other works from clay. We will be producing some public works for DGS as well as individual pieces. Students will have an opportunity to try out some hand building techniques and the potter’s wheel.
Additionally, we will do a humanitarian project for Potters For Peace, and we will also take a group field trip. Clay Club meets on Wednesdays after school in room B-121, the Ceramics Studio.
For more information regarding clay club, please contact Ms. O'Brien-Prusa.
Color Guard
Color guard at DGS is an exciting activity that uses rhythm, musicality, and flexibility to perform dance movement and spin flags, rifles, and sabres. This award-winning group competes in both the fall with the marching band and in the winter as a solo group. It is comprised of all ages and expertise; auditions and training camps are held yearly in November and March.
For more information regarding Color Guard, please contact Mr. Aaron Kennedy or (TBD)
DECA
DECA is a business club open to all students at Downers Grove South. Through DECA, students prepare for futures in business by participating in a variety of leadership activities and academic competitions. These opportunities provide students with unique experiences to build not only their business knowledge, but also their communication and leadership skills.
DECA meets in Room C167 every other Thursday at 7:30 AM. For more information regarding DECA, please contact Mr. Krick.
Other resources you may be interested in are the Illinois DECA site, and the National DECA site.
Drama Club & Thespians
DGS Drama is a club committed to creating quality educational theatre. We produce eight productions each year - comedies, dramas, musicals, student-directed shows, and more - in an effort to provide students with a variety of opportunities to experience the many genres, playwrights, and plays that the world of theatre has to offer. We also work with Stage Crew to give students a chance to work behind the scenes.
For more information, go to our website or attend one of our monthly meetings after school in the Lab Classroom (B127) or Studio Theatre.
eSports Club
Anyone interested in participating in the club should contact Mr. Stephen Zownorega at szownorega@csd99.org
The eSports club plays competitive and casual video games against other high schools and teams in the area. The club takes the hobby of playing video games and turns it into a place where they can work on problem-solving, communication, and building relationships by attending meetings and playing as a team. Students are organized into the games that they play, set to make practice schedules, watch professional matches, learn strategies, and reflect on their own performances to “get good” during club meetings.
The club participates in Illinois High School Esports Association, which has partnered with IHSA, and participates in online, LAN events, and the state tournament at the end of the year. Depending on how we do during online events, there will be opportunities to attend LAN events for individuals and teams that excel and grow.
We are also looking for individuals who are interested in eSports but aren’t competitive gamers - we need your help! Shoutcasters, technology coordinators, graphic designers and tournament organizers are all needed to keep this running.
The club meets in room B327.
Exit with Pride
Exit With Pride is an alcohol and other drug-free celebration for all graduating Seniors. This tradition dates back more than twenty years! It is held right after graduation practice. Seniors are provided with food, entertainment and raffle prizes…and the prizes are big! Scholarships, laptops, flat screens TV’s and more! Winner needs to be present. The event is run and sponsored by parents of the Seniors.
For more information regarding Exit with Pride, or to make a donation, please contact Mrs. Martinez or Mr. Maloney.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is the Career and Technical Student Organization for Family and Consumer Science students and for former FCS students as well. FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become better leaders in their families, careers and communities.
If you are interested in or have taken classes in the Career and Technical Department(CTE) and enjoy business, culinary arts, interior design, child development, teaching, and/or fashion, this club is for you! We meet once or twice a month on Wednesdays at 3:25PM in room C156 (Culinary Room) . We compete in 2 different competitions throughout the year: Regional and State.
You can compete in events such as:
- Pastry Arts Cake and Cookie Decorating
- Knife Skills and Relish tray
- Food Production Salads
- Preschool Storytelling (Children’s Literature)
- Preschool Lesson Planning
- Fashion Apparel Display
- Garment Construction
- Technology Textiles and Apparel
- Professional Career Image
- Interior Design
Please visit the official Illinois FCCLA Website, or explore DGS' FCCLA Facebook Page.
Please contact the student activities office to learn more about FCCLA.
French Club
This club is open to all students-- even those who don't study French. What unites us is our love of French and all that is French! We meet 1-2 times per month in room A212. Our activities include playing games, making delicious French food, watching French movies, listening to French music and more! It’s a great place to make new friends with similar interests. Come to a meeting to find out more about French club!
Contact Ms. Menke or Ms. Reuillon to learn more about French Club.
Friendship Club and Peer Buddies
Friendship Club is a social club for students of all ages. The club itself aims to create friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities. To help our students enjoy their years while here at DGS to the fullest extent, we incorporate regular education students to be a part of the club by registering as Friendship Club Peer Buddies.
Friendship Club Peer Buddies are encouraged to help plan, coordinate, and participate in all events or as many events as they can. Good characteristics of a Peer Buddy are someone who enjoys working with students with disabilities. Patience, flexibility, friendliness, and an easy-going attitude also make for a good Peer Buddy. Some of our most well-attended events are themed parties, holiday events, scavenger hunts, bowling, cooking/baking our favorite recipes, and attending the school dances together.
We meet twice per month in Room D181. The first meeting is a plan meeting, where our Peer Buddies plan the event for the month. The second meeting is the event itself, where we all come together to enjoy our event of the month!
Contact Mr. Petersen or Ms. Niemann to learn more about Friendship Club.
German Club
German Club is open to all students who have an interest in the German culture. You do not need to be in a German class to join. We meet after school once or twice a month in A210 (see schedule in the fall for specific dates), and also have special events, such as a bowling outing, a field trip to the German Christmas market in Chicago, and a dinner at a German restaurant. Other activities include authentic German games, crafts, and cultural celebrations, including Oktoberfest and Karneval. Each meeting also features plenty of food and fun!!!
Contact Ms. Moreno or Ms. Peterson to learn more about German Club.
Go Green Environmental Club
Go Green Environmental Club video!!!
Go Green Club allows every DGS student the opportunity to help give back to the school and the environment. We do this by collecting all the recycling in the school every Wednesday with a diverse group of DGS students. All students are welcome to join GG at any time during the year when your schedule allows you stay after school on a Wednesday from 3:20-4:30.We meet in Room D170
Contact Mr. Ahrens or Mr. McGinnis to learn more about GO GREEN.
K-Pop
K-Pop is a club that celebrates Korean culture. From music to food to dramas, we embrace it all! We meet on alternating Thursdays after school in room C356. We share information, listen to music, plan trips, and plan on making our own music video this year!
For more information on K-Pop Club, contact Mrs. Skinner.
Key Club
Key Club is the world’s largest high school service organization. Our focus is on community service, and we often reach out to help children in need. Our major projects include The Giving Tree, where we donate Christmas gifts to a hundred needy children in DuPage County; Adopt-A-Highway, where we donate time and energy to keep a stretch of 63rdSt. clean; and the Mustang Trot 5k Run/Walk, where we raise money for a variety of charitable organizations. We meet in C264 every other Thursday at 3:30 starting in September. Meetings are anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Please see the FAQ document below for more information. If you are interested in helping others while making friends and having fun, Key Club is for you!
Please contact Ms. Klug to learn more about Key Club.
Latino Student Union
The Latino Student Union is a student-centered organization focusing on social issues, while building a community that will challenge and motivate all students to achieve academic and professional success. Students will focus on enhancing leadership skills, education and community service through various projects and activities. We are committed to promoting cultural awareness while creating a positive Latino voice on campus that will transfer into the community.
Please contact Ms. Sonia Gutierrez at sgutierrez@csd99.org and Ms. Lizbeth Lopez at llopez@csd99.org to learn more.
Mad Dash
The Mustang Mad Dash is a great way to learn about DGS! Freshmen are placed in small groups of approximately 10 students with up to four leaders who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Throughout the evening, freshmen will listen to inspirational key-note speakers, attend workshops on Student Activities, Athletics, and DGS traditions, view student-created skits about high school and take a general tour of the building. A pizza dinner is served and the night ends with a DJ dance, open gym, and inflatable games.
Please contact Ms. Stamatoukos, Mr. Gerald, or Ms. Klug to learn more about Mad Dash.
Marching Mustangs
Having formed an outstanding and competitive reputation over the last forty-five years, the Marching Mustangs continue to provide current wind and percussion students at South High with an exciting, rewarding, and musical team experience. Features for the volunteer students of this organization include six to seven competitive performances that culminate in an overnight trip to a marching festival in the Midwest. Two three-hour rehearsals each week during the two-month season of September and October, two four-hour summer rehearsals each week beginning in June (excluding a three week break in July), and an intensive but fun week-long band camp experience in late August comprise the bulk of the rehearsal schedule for this ensemble. The Marching Mustangs also perform at all home football games and play host to our own Marching Mustang Music Bowl competition here on campus.
Students may register for membership in the Marching Mustangs in February for the following fall season, including payment for band camp and the overnight trip. Students will then be assigned to a 5th period resource where they will rehearse daily during the first fall quarter, and enjoy study hall time the rest of the year.
For more information regarding the Marching Mustangs, contact Mr. Aaron Kennedy
Masque & Gavel
Downers Grove South Drama Club
Masque and Gavel is the leadership organization that includes students in theater, speech and stage crew. Meetings are held once a month to discuss performance opportunities, drama club activities, and fundraising events. The organization is led by student elected officers who coordinate with theater, speech and stage crew sponsors.
For more information contact Ms. Rubin or Mr. Matkovich.
Math Team
The math team is a competitive organization for students that enjoy solving challenging math problems and learning about topics in mathematics that are not part of the traditional high school curriculum. Our practices are low key and involve students working together in a cooperative environment. Anyone that likes math and wants to meet others that feel the same way is encouraged to attend. Click here to check out our DGS Math Team Website!
Math team meets every Tuesday after school from 3:30 to 4:15pm (Juniors and Seniors in D373, Freshmen and Sophomores in C361)
For more information regarding Math Team, please contact Mr. Klaeren.
Mindful Mustangs
Mindful Mustangs (23-24) meets before school on Wednesdays 7:40-8:10 am in Room A103 Counseling and Student Services (formal practice starts at 7:50)
Mindful Mustangs is a drop in club and open to 9-12 grade. Whether you are new to mindfulness or have been practicing for a while, new members are welcome weekly. Each week there will be a short practice and an opportunity to learn simple mindfulness activities you can add to your daily or weekly routine. **You do not need any prior experience or supplies to attend, just an open mind!
For more information regarding Mindful Mustangs, please contact Mrs. Franz, view the presentation HERE or fill out the Google Doc to receive Club Updates
**May count for one PE Makeup - Ask your PE teacher if you are eligible
PE Makeup MUST SIGN UP HERE by Tuesday night to attend on Wednesday
(updated Sept 2023)
Model UN
Model UN affords students the opportunity to participate in authentic simulations of the United Nations. Students learn to debate current issues; learn about the international community and develop research, writing, public speaking and conflict resolution skills. If you are interested in international politics, this club is a perfect fit for you!
Model United Nations meets Tuesday mornings from 7:30-7:55 in room C267.
For more information regarding Model UN, please contact Mr. Caldwell or Mr. Maloney.
Movie Club
Movie Club welcomes students that are movie lovers, supporters of the arts or are just looking for a place to hang out with friends after school while watching a movie. Movie Club meets once a month in C261. Members suggest titles to watch and vote on the choices. Members bring snacks and a fun attitude to the meeting. Here are some films that have been watched in past meetings: Nightmare Before Christmas, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Imitation Game, Star Wars Episode VII.
For more information on Movie Club, please contact Ms. Culcasi
National Honor Society (NHS)
Membership in National Honor Society is based upon 4 criteria: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible for application. Upon review of a faculty character survey, the candidate’s application, and the Dean’s Office report, the faculty selection committee will confer membership. The new members are inducted in a special ceremony during the first week of January. Once a member of NHS, all members are expected to actively engage in service. Members are required to document and submit evidence of two service projects per semester as well as attend monthly membership meetings. NHS members volunteer for various activities within the school and surrounding community.
For more information regarding NHS, please contact Mr. Kaim or Mr. King.
Orchesis
Orchesis Dance Company celebrates all dancers and all styles of dance. This co-ed group performs a culminating show where student choreography is showcased. Dance genres include jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, tap and ballet as well as many cultural dance forms. Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents not only in the Orchesis show, but in other school events as well.
Orchesis meets on Tuesdays after school in the Dance Studio.
For more information regarding Orchesis Dance Company, contact Mrs. Henrikson at shenrikson@csd99.org or Ms. Mary Kate Griffin
Peer Tutors
The Literacy Center Peer Tutors provide academic support to students of all grade levels in the areas of reading, writing and speaking. Tutors commit to time slots when they will be available to work with their peers. These time slots are spread out among lunch hours, before school, after school, and eighth hour. In addition, the club will meet on the last Thursday of each month after school. Tutors are recruited in the spring for the following year based on an application and teacher recommendation.
For more information regarding Peer Tutoring, please contact Mr. Indreika or Mr. Kuhn
Photography Club
Photography Club is for the enjoyment of anyone who loves and appreciates photography. No skill or camera is necessary to join the club. We meet every other Tuesday after school in room C160.
Activities are based on students’ interests and may include:
- Studio Portraits
- Photoshop Manipulations
- Lighting Techniques
- Photo tricks and tips like the illusion of levitating
- Nature walks on and off campus
- Various Community Events
- Turn your photos and logos into buttons
Participate in school related photo shoots
- Halloween Celebration
- Freshman Open House
- Student Handbook Photos
- School Calendar
For more information regarding Photography Club, please contact Ms. Wascher.
Politics Club
Politics Club is a club that encourages students to develop the skills necessary to be active and informed citizens. At weekly meetings, politics club members discuss and debate policy, government, and current affairs, learning from each other’s thoughts and viewpoints. Members of this club may participate in a wide range of political awareness activities, engaging in mock congresses, and activism projects.
Politics Club meets the first two Wednesdays of each month in Room C261 before school at 7:30AM.
For more information regarding Politics Club please contact Ms. Culcasi or Mr. Lazzaretto.
PRISM
The PRISM club provides a safe place for students to share their concerns about LGBT issues and encourages social connections within the school community. The members try to promote open-mindedness, acceptance, and awareness of diversity among the student body. PRISM meets biweekly on Fridays at 7:45am in the new C-wing science loft.
For more information regarding PRISM, please contact Mr. Kaim.
Research Club
Research Club is a club where students can research any topics of interest with the ultimate goals of increasing personal knowledge, advancing their chosen field of research and potentially presenting their findings at the appropriate type of student research forum. Research must be safe and approved by club sponsors. Students can work individually or participate in small groups or teams. If you have a burning desire to know more about a topic, if you are an inventor or builder, want to improve some design or are passionate about a specific area of research, this is the club for you!
For more information regarding Research Club and Research Club meeting times, please contact Ms. Sachtleben or Ms. Senser.
Resurgence Literary Magazine
DGS Resurgence is South's student-created literary magazine. We publish poetry, short stories, essays, and other writings by students of all levels and grades. Students learn and implement the processes of selection, layout, editing, and promotion and distribution of a magazine.
We meet the second Wednesday of the month starting on 10/6/2021 in Room C362 from 3:30 to 4:15.
For more information, please contact Mr. Kuhn
Mustang Makers Club (Robotics & 3D Printing)
The Mustang Maker Club is for the student with an interest in learning how to construct, program, and make small electronics. No prior experience in coding or use of knowledge of microcontrollers, servo control and motors is needed. Past projects include robotic eyes, RC car, ant weight battle bot, custom holiday PCBs, skittles sorter, 3D printing, laser cutting and PCB valentine badges. Club members are encouraged to find other projects on the internet for the club to build. Our club gives a great introduction for students interested in engineering and computer programming and computer science. If you enjoy science, math, or technology, this club will interest you and is a great place to learn!
Check out the calendar on the DGS Activities page for meeting information.
We meet twice a month after school in room C292. Check the DGS activity calendar for details!
For more information regarding Robotics Club, please contact Mr. Parker.
Scholastic Bowl
DGS Scholastic Bowl competes with other schools in a team quiz game. Five players with buzzers (as in Jeopardy) hear questions on Math, Science, Literature, Social Studies, Art, and Miscellaneous. Correct answers grant the right to control bonus questions that a team answers together. This activity is great for people who read for pleasure and those for whom math is easy, those who watch the History Channel and those who travel with their family. Many participants also compete on the Math team, and a few play a spring sport as well.
We practice after school on Wednesdays from October to March in Room D370.
For more information regarding Scholastic Bowl, please contact Mr. King or Ms. Larson
Skills USA
South’s Skills USA Club is a competitive organization that participates in several regional, state, and national competitions. Students from South compete against other Skills USA high school chapters in the areas of Architecture, 3D Design & Visualization, Job Interview, Prepared Speech, as well as many other skilled and leadership contests. Anyone interested in participating in the club should contact Mr. Molinari in C165.
Snowball
This is a leadership program that offers retreats which occur twice a year. The first Snowball is a Downers Grove South event and occurs in late November, usually the weekend before Thanksgiving Break. The second event is a joint Downers Grove South and North retreat that occurs in late February. Both events offer students an opportunity to learn about adolescent topics related to leadership skills, healthy relationships, self-esteem and ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. The retreats are located at Camp Duncan in Ingleside, Illinois.
To learn more about Snowball, please contact Ms. Stamatoukos.
Additionally, check out the Snowball Google Site for information and applications.
Spanish Club
Spanish Club is open to all students who would like to learn more about the culture and traditions of various Spanish-speaking countries through various activities and events. Students do not need to be enrolled in a Spanish class to participate in Spanish Club. We meet once or twice a month in D284. Check the DGS activity calendar for details!
Contact Sra. Montero or Sra. Boukal to learn more about Spanish Club.
Special Olympics Basketball
D99 Special Olympics is a district-wide program for DGN, DGS, and Transition students with cognitive impairments. All players must register and qualify under the Special Olympics Illinois requirements. We currently offer basketball during the winter season and track and field during the spring season. There are opportunities for students without disabilities to volunteer in many capacities. Our goal is to increase school spirit and participation for students with special needs as well as to increase their athletic skills, teamwork, and socialization opportunities. All interested Special Olympics players and student volunteers should contact Mr. Ahrens (DGS).
Special Olympics Cheerleading
D99 Special Olympics Cheerleading is a district-wide program for DGN, DGS, and Transition students with cognitive impairments. We currently cheer at all home Special Olympic basketball games during the winter season. There are opportunities for students without disabilities to volunteer in many capacities. Our goal is to increase school spirit and participation for students with special needs as well as to increase their athletic skills, teamwork, and socialization opportunities. All interested Special Olympics Cheerleaders and student volunteers should contact Ms. Alice McLoughlin-Doro at DGS.
Speech Team
Speech (also known as forensics) is a team that competes in multiple events such as debate, limited preparation speeches, public addresses, acting, and interpretation events. The season runs from late October through February, and we hold practices Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5 throughout the season. However, you may adapt your schedule based on your involvement in other activities. Saturdays, the team travels to other schools to compete. No experience is necessary, and anyone who is interested may get involved.
If you would like more information about the Speech team, please contact Mr. Matkovich and visit our team WEBSITE.
Stage Crew
Stage crew is a group of committed student volunteers who thrive on the challenges of putting up 8 theatrical productions, 24 concerts, and hundreds of other events in our three performance spaces. Stage crew meets every day from 3:30 until 6pm, either to build for an upcoming show, to set up for a concert, or to maintain the scene shop in preparation for future productions. While no previous experience is required, students acquire--through hands-on experience--a broad range of skills in set construction, scenic painting, lighting, rigging, props design, sound design, stage make-up and costumes. Senior members of crew provide key leadership, foremen and crew chiefs are selected from upperclassmen to plan work calls, direct running crews and stage managers lead each production by “calling” sound, light and special effects cues for all productions.
If you would like more information about Stage Crew, please contact Mr. Evans.
Steppers
DGS Steppers is an organization for young men and women who are looking to learn more about the art of Greek stepping, which is showcased by many college fraternities and sororities. We are a competitive group that competes against other schools as well as participates in clinics, to grow as dancers and enhance our skills. We welcome those with no experience as well as everyone else to our practices held after school in the cafetorium, Tuesdays through Thursdays starting in September.
Contact Ms. Freelon to learn more about Steppers.
Student Council
Student Council, a prominent student government organization, gives students a voice in determining school activities and shaping the school environment. It helps to promote activities for the entire student body at Downers Grove South High School and fosters a positive climate throughout the school.
Members plan and organize the winter dance activities, help with homecoming events including the back to school tailgate, run an underclass leadership workshop and participate in a variety of school-based projects including the Downers Grove South Halloween trunk-or-treat and the staff and faculty appreciation breakfast. No doubt, student council needs hard-working, creative, fun-loving students who can handle responsibility. We meet every Thursday morning in C264 at 7:45 am. All are welcome to attend!
Please contact Ms. Wolf or Dr. Esposito to learn more about Student Council. The Google Classroom Code is elq24ei.
Table Top Club
Table Top Card Club is an opportunity for students to meet new friends and play their favorite collectible card games such as: Magic: The Gathering, Yu -Gi - Oh, Pokemon, and many more. We meet in room A303 every Monday from 3:30 - 4:30.
For more information regarding Collectible Card Club, please contact Mr. Ryan Reyes
Ultimate Frisbee Club
The Ultimate Frisbee team is a sports team for students interested in ultimate. We practice as a team and compete in games and tournaments against other schools. Everybody is welcome to play on the team and no experience is necessary to join. We will teach you everything you need to know.
- Fall Season: Two open practices a week. Come out, play, and have fun. No commitment required.
- Spring Season: This is our official season and we compete against other schools. We practice after school until 5:00 pm Monday – Thursday with games mixed in. There are no cuts, but you must be at most of the practices and games. Practices start around March.
For more information about Ultimate Frisbee at DGS, please contact Mr. Sobczak.
Umoja (Unity)
Umoja is a student centered organization focused on cultivating a platform for students to enhance their knowledge of black history and cultural awareness; promote post-secondary preparedness; enrich students’ lives through community outreach and involvement; and gain greater self-awareness. Students are provided a safe space to have their voices heard while also learning how to productively promote unity and inclusion within DGS and the Downers Grove community. Through this club students will be encouraged to pursue their future beyond high school in a way that overturns negative stereotypes in society and leaves a legacy for future students to follow.
Umoja meets every other Thursday from 3:30-4:30 in room D279
For more information regarding Umoja please visit us at DGS - Umoja or contact Mr. Gerald.
Unified
Unified is a leadership group that pairs student leaders with special Olympic athletes to help unify our school through sports and other activities to foster mutual respect. Unified works in collaboration with Friendship Club and Go Green to build whole school involvement through attendance at the Youth Activation Summit and organizing Respect Week at DGS. Unified meets in the mornings in Room A300. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about meeting times, please contact Ms. Brawley.
Meeting minutes and Unified classroom updates can be found at the following link https://sites.google.com/
WDGC Radio Club - Blue Print Radio
Radio club is an exciting opportunity for those who are into music, sports broadcasting, or DJing school events! As a club member, you have the unique opportunity of hosting your own weekly show on Downers Grove Superstation WDGC, 88.3 FM. We meet after school to discuss club events, radio shows, and other radio-related opportunities. Whether your interest in radio and music is casual, or you wish to seek a broadcasting related career, there's something for everyone in Radio Club.
The club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in room D179 from 3:30-4:15.
Please contact Mr. Kuhn to learn more about WDGC Radio Club.
Yearbook (Caracole)
Yearbook Club creates the DGS Yearbook by writing articles, taking pictures, and designing layouts. We also work with the Yearbook Class to come up with our yearbook theme and coverage ideas. Yearbook Club meets in C194 every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30, but meetings sometimes last longer when we are approaching deadlines. We are always looking for creative and committed students who are willing to join our fun team in our mission to represent - and preserve for years to come - the year's unique Mustang culture and each and every student that is part of it. Yearbook sponsors are Ms. Moreno, Ms. O'Truk and Ms. Podmokly.
For more information regarding the Yearbook, please contact Ms. O'Truk.
Zen Zone Yoga
Zen Zone after-school yoga group meets Monday after schools from 3:30 to 4:30 in the A309. It is a beginning yoga class that is available to all students at any time throughout the year. We provide the yoga mats and equipment. Wear some comfortable clothes and bring a friend! It also counts as two PE make-ups. See your PE teacher for more details.
For more information regarding Zen Zone, please contact Ms. Koch-Murphy.