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Clubs & Activities

Lower School Clubs

At Saint Agnes School, students have access to a wide range of enriching clubs and activities that foster creativity, leadership, and lifelong skills. From performing arts and skiing to academic honors and music, there’s something for every interest—and every student is encouraged to get involved, grow, and have fun along the way.

The Drama Club produces two shows each year: a Christmas musical for students in Grades 3-6 and a spring musical open to students in Grades 4-8. Participants learn music, choreography, and blocking. Additionally, students have opportunities to perform and explore other areas of theatre, such as set design, lighting, and stage management. There is a nominal fee to join this club.
Parents organize this six-week after-school program for children ages 7 through middle school. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Nashoba. Students hit the slopes at 3:15, leaving school a bit early. The program includes lessons, lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding, and additional activities in the afternoon and evening. In the fall, ski rental fittings are conducted at school. Please note that this club requires fees.
Saint Agnes partners with Paul Effman Music Program to offer beginner, experienced, and honors bands in an environment that leads to making new friends and gaining confidence through practice and performances at school concerts; it’s an excellent way to explore music and build valuable life skills. Paul Effman Music offers students in Grades 3-8 the chance to join the school band, with a few options available for K-2. Students watch a live demonstration of each instrument performed at school. The musician explains the basics of each instrument and then performs a medley of songs so the children can hear an authentic instrumental ensemble. Lessons are 30-minute, small-group lessons that occur after school. First-year students can play in a full-band ensemble group at the end of the school year. Students who are continuing from the previous year perform a Christmas concert in December and a performance at the end of the year. At the first lesson, each student receives lesson materials and, if requested during registration, their rental or new instrument purchase. This is a tuition-based program.

Saint Agnes School, in collaboration with the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) in Arlington, runs an after-school math enrichment program for eligible students. The two-hour classes occur on Wednesday afternoons at 2:15 pm at St. Agnes School. This inaugural partnership between Saint Agnes School and the Russian School of Mathematics is exclusively available to first-time RSM students from Saint Agnes. RSM is an award-winning after-school math enrichment program. Recognized as one of the best schools globally by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a strong math foundation while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Saint Agnes School runs an after-school program to help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually from 2:15 to 5:30, Monday through Friday, for grades K0 through grade 5. Our extended day program strives to provide a safe and active environment for our students, supervised by teachers from the school and assisted by Arlington Catholic High School students. The program includes homework help and activities like arts and crafts and sports.

Fidelity House, a community center sponsored by Saint Agnes Parish, is next door to Saint Agnes School. It offers after-school programming and child care for school-age children in the community, prioritizing Saint Agnes students.

Middle School Clubs

Middle school students at Saint Agnes have countless opportunities to discover new interests, build confidence, and connect with peers through engaging clubs and enrichment programs. Whether it’s performing arts, math competitions, financial literacy, or global diplomacy, there’s something for every student to explore and enjoy.
The Drama Club produces two shows each year: a Christmas musical for students in Grades 3-6 and a spring musical open to students in Grades 4-8. Participants learn music, choreography, and blocking. Additionally, students have opportunities to perform and explore other areas of theatre, such as set design, lighting, and stage management. There is a nominal fee to join this club.
Parents organize this six-week after-school program for children ages 7 through middle school. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Nashoba. Students hit the slopes at 3:15, leaving school a bit early. The program includes lessons, lift tickets for skiing and snowboarding, and additional activities in the afternoon and evening. In the fall, ski rental fittings are conducted at school. Please note that this club requires fees.
Saint Agnes partners with Paul Effman Music Program to offer beginner, experienced, and honors bands in an environment that leads to making new friends and gaining confidence through practice and performances at school concerts; it’s an excellent way to explore music and build valuable life skills. Paul Effman Music offers students in Grades 3-8 the chance to join the school band, with a few options available for K-2. Students watch a live demonstration of each instrument performed at school. The musician explains the basics of each instrument and then performs a medley of songs so the children can hear an authentic instrumental ensemble. Lessons are 30-minute, small-group lessons that occur either during or after school. First-year students can play in a full-band ensemble group at the end of the school year. Students who are continuing from the previous year perform a Christmas concert in December and a performance at the end of the year. At the first lesson, each student receives lesson materials and, if requested during registration, their rental or new instrument purchase. This is a tuition-based program.
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Saint Agnes School recognizes and promotes academic excellence, leadership, character, service, and citizenship, aligning with Christ’s Gospel values. Seventh-grade students are invited to apply for membership based on their academic performance, specifically a cumulative average of 90% or above from sixth grade through the first semester of seventh grade. Students must also meet additional eligibility criteria, including being enrolled at Saint Agnes for at least one full semester.

Saint Agnes School runs an after-school program to help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually from 2:15 to 5:30, Monday through Friday, for grades K0 through grade 5. Our extended day program strives to provide a safe and active environment for our students, supervised by teachers from the school and assisted by Arlington Catholic High School students. The program includes homework help and activities like arts and crafts and sports.

Fidelity House, a community center sponsored by Saint Agnes Parish, is next door to Saint Agnes School. It offers after-school programming and child care for school-age children in the community, prioritizing Saint Agnes students.

Students can participate in various clubs organized by the Middle School staff on Fridays during the school day. These clubs may include Team Building, Arts and Crafts, Games, Creative Writing, Choir, Debate, Technology, Book Club, Italian Club, Student Council, School Success, and Trivia. Students are grouped with a mix of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. At the beginning of the year, students rotate through each club with the same cohort for the first term before selecting their top three choices for terms two, three, and four.

Mock Trial:
This club meets weekly during the school day on Fridays for two terms. A mock trial in middle school is a simulated courtroom experience where students take on roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and a judge to present a hypothetical legal case. This allows them to practice critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork while learning about the legal system and trial procedures, all in a safe environment where they can argue a case without real legal consequences. It’s a pretend trial in which students act out a legal scenario to understand how a courtroom works.

Financial Literacy Club:
 Sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank, this club meets on Wednesdays during school for Middle School students in grades 6-8 each term. Each term welcomes a new cohort of students. This club teaches essential skills for managing money and making financial decisions, understanding how to build wealth and avoid debt, grasping the basics of inflation and interest rates, learning how and why to save, and investing wisely. It engages students in financial responsibility, money management, and sound decision-making to promote economic well-being. Students explore their values relating to money, learn the fundamentals of banking, saving, and budgeting, and consider their future in high school.

High School Clubs

Middle school students at Saint Agnes have countless opportunities to discover new interests, build confidence, and connect with peers through engaging clubs and enrichment programs. Whether it’s performing arts, math competitions, financial literacy, or global diplomacy, there’s something for every student to explore and enjoy.
This club will be running trips in fall and spring to Central Rock Gym in Watertown, where students can learn to belay for each other or free climb on the bouldering walls, as well as other fun adventures. No experience is necessary. Open to all grades.

Theatre stretches the imagination and calls us to question, create, and discover! The stage is a place where students forge important friendships, where they find their voice, make connections among themselves, others, and their world, and simply have fun. ACDC offers students the chance to act, sing, dance and make music as well as work as technicians and artists in other facets of production such as artistic design, lighting, sound, crew, make-up, props and costumes. They even take on the roles of playwright, stage manager, student director and choreographer. ACDC is a team in which all the players value individual talents.

The program usually produces three performances: a variety show in the fall, a one act play in the winter, and a musical in the spring. ACDC also sponsors workshops, trips to local performances, excursions to NYC, and visiting artists.

Drama club is open to students from all grade levels.

The mission of the Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition (AYHSC) is to engage, inform, and empower the Arlington community to prevent and reduce substance abuse and other risk behaviors that adversely affect Arlington youth. AYHSC always welcomes new members.
An important component of nurturing the faith life of students is found in the form of worship we share in common. The Liturgical Choir at various times during the year learns music that enhances the school liturgies and prayer experiences as well as other celebrations. Their performance leads the assembly to fuller participation through the gift of music.
Participates in Massachusetts Math League regional math competitions with other school both public and private. Students from all levels are welcome to join and “think outside the box”.

Students will be assigned certain roles to play at the conference which includes over one thousand students from across the country. Our students represent certain nations in various UN committees. They are assigned a problem or crisis that they, working in conjunction with other students in their committee, must resolve.

The History Day Contest encourages students to conduct primary and secondary

research on a specified historic theme then to make presentations which may include a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary or a website. Intra- and inter- school competitions are held and the better work moves onto state and even national levels of competition. The opportunities to develop study skills and interpersonal relationships are outstanding.

Anyone interested in learning more about cameras and photography is welcome to join the Photography Club. The club offers students the chance to gather together and to share their photos and techniques. Students post their favorite photos on the club’s Google Classroom site as well as on the club’s bulletin boards. Members go on various trips. Past events include local nature walks, trips to Zoolights, the New England Aquarium, Schwamb Mill, and the Boston Public Garden. Some students volunteer to photograph various school events. Students should bring their cameras or iPhones to each meeting.

To build awareness of events affecting high school students, specifically related to drinking and drug use. The club runs Grim Reaper Day and other activities.

The purpose of the Student Council is to represent the interests and needs of the student body, facilitate school spirit, and create opportunities for student leadership within the school, parish, and town community while providing an open forum for communication with the administration.
The Chess Team competes against other schools with a meet held almost every Thursday from December through February. We will complete remotely this year, so students who are full remote can still play. We have a 45 minute remote practice twice a month in the WIN period. You are not obligated to attend every pratice or match. Beginners welcome!
Ready to stand up for your future and our planet? Want to help make a difference at Arlington Catholic? Then come join AC’s very first climate awareness club! This club is aiming to make AC an eco-friendly and environmentally aware atmosphere. We hope to bring together like-minded students who will help make positive changes here at our school and in our community.
This is for students who love reading. We explore a variety of books—from classic literature to modern fiction—and engage in thoughtful conversations. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just getting started, the club is a great place to connect with others, share your thoughts, and have fun through the power of books. Club Advisor: Ms. Downey jdowney@achs.net

Campus Ministry at Arlington Catholic High School is an integral part of school life. The Campus Ministry program focuses on the spiritual development of each student. Campus Ministry offers challenging and unique opportunities through which students, faculty, and staff can deepen their understanding and experience of themselves as human persons and their faith as Christians. We hope to enable each student to develop a deep and lasting commitment to their faith and serving others.

Campus Ministry activities are designed to promote prayer, both personal and communal, and individual reflection.

Educators in our school are called to live as Christian witnesses who bring this living faith into their classrooms. The religious formation of our students goes beyond the classroom.

Service Hour Requirements

At Arlington Catholic, community service is a vital part of our mission and a graduation requirement. Students complete service hours each year as part of their Theology course, reflecting on their work through a Christian lens. Required hours range from 10 to 20 annually, depending on grade level, with half allowed through school-based service. All service must be pre-approved, logged in the RenWeb Family Portal, and completed by March 1 (or end of Q1 for seniors). Failure to meet the requirement may impact re-enrollment.

Activities

Masses

  • First Friday Masses
  • Freshmen Welcome Mass
  • Opening of School
  • All Saints Day
  • Immaculate Conception
  • Christmas
  • Catholic Schools Week
  • Saint Joseph’s Day
  • Ascension Thursday
  • Baccalaureate

Prayer

  • Morning Prayer and Pledge
  • Advent and Lent Services and Reflections, for students and parents
  • Ash Wednesday Prayer Service

Examples of past and present programs:

  • Outdoor Balloon Rosary
  • Greif Group
  • Denim Day
  • Sophomore
  • Grandparent’s Day
  • Christmas Gifts Drive for the Mass. Coalition for the Homeless
  • Catholic Schools Week
  • Living Stations of the Cross
  • Lenten Food Drive
  • World Mission Rosary
  • Junior Ring Blessing
  • Pilgrimage for Life
  • Red Cross Blood Drive

This student-led organization is dedicated to exploring healthcare careers and promoting wellness in our school and community. Members gain valuable insight into medical fields through guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, and health-related events while developing leadership, teamwork, and service skills. Whether aspiring to be a doctor, nurse, therapist, or researcher, this club is a great place to start your journey in health and medicine!

Club Advisor Ms. Schukis

We meet on Wednesday during WIN period.

This is an informal gathering of anyone who wants to play an instrument or plays an instrument – Let’s Jam!

Club Advisor: Ms. Lally
blally@achs.net

Open to both beginners and experienced knitters.

A creative writing community for students who love to express themselves through words. Whether you enjoy writing poetry, short stories, journaling, or just want a fun place to spark your imagination, this club is for you! No experience needed—just bring your passion and a pen!
Students propose, plan, and sponsor discussions, workshops, events, and activities that will advance understanding and equity for students at Arlington Catholic High School.

The Yearbook Club is where creativity meets memory-making! From snapping photos at school events to designing vibrant pages that capture the spirit of the year, our team works hard behind the scenes to tell the story of our school. Whether you’re into writing, design, or just love teamwork, there’s a place for you here. Together, we turn moments into memories that last a lifetime.

Club Advisor: Ms. Maffeo
mmaffeo@achs.net

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Naughton, Nate

Nathaniel Naughton
AC ’90
Associate Principal for Academics, 6-12, Social Studies Teacher

Nate is a 1990 graduate of Arlington Catholic and has worked at our school since 1995. He has served as a Social Studies teacher, Department Chair, Associate Principal, and now Associate Head of School. He is happy to support our students, faculty, and staff each day and feels truly privileged to have spent his entire career on Medford St.
Barrett, Steve

Steve Barrett
Associate Principal: Operations & Management, 6-12

Steve serves as the Associate Principal of Operations at Arlington Catholic High School, where he is dedicated to supporting students’ growth in faith, academics, and community. He also serves as the Coordinator of International Students.

Upon graduating from Boston College with a BS in Political Science in 1986, Steve began teaching History at Matignon High School, and has been a Catholic educator and administrator in several schools for the past 39 years. He also holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from American International College. Steve joined Arlington Catholic in 2008 as the Dean of Students and served as Director of Admissions for a decade before his appointment to his current role.

Steve and his wife Erin are proud parents of two AC alums- Stephen Class of 2010, and William Class of 2014.

Sullivan, Laurie

Dr. Laurie Sullivan
Associate Principal, K0-8

Dr. Laurie A. Sullivan is a dedicated Catholic school leader with extensive experience as a principal, associate principal, and instructional consultant across PreK–12 settings. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College and has led initiatives in school improvement, faculty mentorship, and faith-based formation. Dr. Sullivan is passionate about advancing academic excellence and nurturing the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit through inclusive, mission-driven leadership.

John Graeffa
Principal/Head of School

John Graceffa has devoted the past fourteen years of his professional life to Saint Agnes School/Arlington Catholic High School, serving in key leadership roles including Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Principal, and most recently, Acting Head of School. A proud graduate of Springfield College, he holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Education.

Before joining the SAS/AC community, Mr. Graceffa spent the early part of his career in public education as a high school history teacher at Waltham High School, where he also coached soccer, basketball, and tennis. He went on to serve as Principal of Waltham High School for 23 years, earning widespread respect for his dedication to student success and academic excellence. In addition, he served for eight years as an elected member of the Waltham School Committee and participated actively in several educational organizations throughout his career.

Reflecting on his transition into Catholic education, Mr. Graceffa shared:

“As my decision to retire from public education came to fruition, I aggressively sought to work in Catholic education for the opportunity to encourage the awareness of God in daily life, embrace the culture of service and giving back to those in need, instill values of caring for each other and empathy for others, develop young leaders, and place an emphasis on moral and character development. I was fortunate to have this opportunity at Saint Agnes School / Arlington Catholic High School. I have embraced the opportunity to have Catholic values interwoven and embedded in the spiritual, academic, social, and physical life of our students and faculty.”

Mr. Graceffa’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the SAS/AC community, where his passion for faith-based education and holistic student development continues to shape the school’s mission and future.

Fr. Marc Bishop

Very Reverend Marc J. Bishop, V.F.
Pastor
St. Camillus Parish and St. Agnes Parish, Arlington, MA

Fr. Marc, a native of Billerica, MA, was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 26, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, MA. Father graduated from Austin Preparatory School in the Spring of 1991 and graduated from Seton Hall University in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

He entered St. John’s Seminary in the Fall of 1995. After graduating from seminary with a Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Divinity degrees, he was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on May 26, 2001. His first assignment was St. Mary Parish (Chelmsford). Fr. Marc happily served there for four and a half years before being called to service in the active-duty military. Fr. Marc, then a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, was on active duty with First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines from January 2006 to December 2006. He served the religious needs of the Marines and Sailors in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, from March 2006 to October 2006. In February of 2007, Fr. Marc received the Vincent Capadano Reserve Officer Association’s Chaplain of the Year Award. Fr. Marc was also honored by the Massachusetts District, Bishop Healy Province, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus with the Father Joseph T. O’Callahan 2007 Memorial Award, “… for outstanding and significant contributions to the principles of patriotism, brotherly love and love of country…”

Fr. Marc was a member of Team Ministry at Holy Family Parish (Amesbury), from February 15, 2007 to June 30, 2008; he served as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish (Methuen/Lawrence) from July 2008 to June 2010. July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014, Fr. Marc was Pastor of both St. Rita Parish (Lowell) and Ste. Marguerite Parish (Dracut). He served as the Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish (Marlborough) from July 2014 through May 2018. He also served as the Vicar Forane of Vicariate One of the West Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, ending May 31, 2018.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic School Foundation. Father Marc enjoys athletics and served as an assistant coach for the Lowell Catholic Varsity Boys Ice Hockey Team for eight seasons, most notably assisting the team to a 2017 Division II State Championship. Fr. Marc is Pastor of St. Camillus Parish (Arlington/Belmont) and St. Agnes Parish (Arlington), appointed by His Eminence Sean P. Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, on June 1, 2018. Fr. Marc is currently the Vicar Forane for Vicariate IV of the North Region.