See more of the story

Students at Shakopee High School and East and West junior highs will soon be able to participate in six more afterschool activities.

At a board meeting earlier this month, six new groups were introduced: a faith club and Somali student club at the junior high level and a robotics club, barbell club and bowling club at the high school. A chess club will include students in grades 7-12.

Assistant superintendent John Bezek said the groups are a part of a districtwide effort to get more kids involved in extracurriculars.

Many of the organizations, like the faith club and the Somali student club, will be largely student-led and are being created at students' request, though they have teachers as supervisors.

Others, like the bowling and robotics clubs, reflect growing interest across the state. Bowling, for instance, has become so popular that it is on the verge of being a Minnesota State High School League sport, said John Janke, high school activities director.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that the groups must be open to students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

The clubs reflect a wider goal of the school board and administration -- expanding opportunities for all students. "This adds to their vision on that," said Crystal McNally, communications director.

Formal approval of the new activities will likely happen at the next board meeting.