Athletics & Clubs

2025-2026 VIKING CROSS COUNTRY

The Viking Cross Country program is split up into girls and boys.  It is then split up into 6/7th and 8th grade levels.  The distance that an athlete will run in a meet is 2.0 miles.  The runners are not pressured into running more than they can handle.  Self-motivation, team unity and improving weekly are some of the goals that the program pursues.  The runners will compete in eight regular season conference meets.  Runners also have the opportunity to run in the conference tournament meet.  In addition, runners are selected based on times to compete at the IESA Sectional meet.  The top runners from the sectional meet go on to the IESA State Cross Country Tournament Meet in Bloomington in October.

Students are required to have a CURRENT physical on file with the school nurse by the first practice. Cross Country practice begins the first full week of school, and is held every day after school when there is not a meet.  Team members are expected to attend all practices and meets. The Athletic Fee for Cross Country is $100.  Each team member will be provided a uniform to be worn for meets and returned to the coach at the end of the season.  Team members have the option to purchase team spirit wear at the beginning of the season.

**McHenry Middle School is designated as Parkland's home course for meets. 

25-26 Cross Country Schedule

2025-2026 Viking Cheer and Dance

The Cheer and Dance squads help to promote school spirit during the boys' basketball season, as well as demonstrate their athletic and dance talents.  The cheerleaders attend and cheer at all FVC games. The Dance team performs at all home games. The Cheer team is divided into 7th and 8th grade squads. The Dance team is made up of both 7th and 8th grade girls.  We have three coaches working with the squads to help the girls become confident working in front of a crowd and develop team skills. 

Cheer and Dance is open to 7th and 8th grade girls. Cheer and Dance practice will begin in October and meet daily. Each team member is expected to attend all practices and games. Practices will be held every day after school. Both Cheer and Dance will participate in a Fox Valley Conference Exhibition event. 

Each squad member will receive a uniform (skirt and shell) which will be turned in at the end of the season. In addition, each member will be responsible for purchasing socks, bows and spankies. There will be a meeting prior to the first practice to review color requirements and purchasing options. It is important that all girls wear the same uniform and accessories. Accessories generally run up to $70, in addition to the $100 athletic fee.

25-26 Cheer & Dance Schedule

City League Dance

The City League Dance Team is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who did not participate in the conference cheer and dance teams. There will be no fee to participate. The students will be asked to purchase a t-shirt to wear at their performances. Sign-ups for City League Dance will be sent to students via email in early January. Additional information will be provided in the daily announcements on when they will be sent out.  Attendance at all practices and performances is strongly recommended. An activity bus is available after practices.  Students must have transportation home on performance days.

Uniform

Girls will need:

*Girls participating in City League Dance will also be able to participate in City League Basketball. A schedule for City League Basketball can be found under the Athletics tab, in Girls Basketball. Girls participating in City League Dance will not be able to participate in Wrestling. 

25-26 City League Dance Schedule

• Black yoga pants
• Gym shoes
• Girls will need to purchase a dance team shirt for performances. (After winter break)

2025-2026 VIKING WRESTLING

The wrestling program is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.  They compete as one team.  The Viking wrestling program stresses safety while offering the opportunity to achieve the goal of improving as a wrestler.  The wrestlers work on general conditioning and basic moves while constantly striving to improve.  The wrestlers will compete against all the schools in the FVC and in the FVC Tournament.  Each conference meet has a “Varsity” team line-up and the opportunity for “Exhibition” matches.  Exhibition matches are for improvement of skills and an opportunity to participate. 

In addition, the wrestlers compete in several invitational tournaments, non-conference meets and the IESA regional, sectional, and state tournaments. 

Students are required to have a CURRENT physical on file with the school nurse by the first practice. Wrestling conditioning begins in December. Practices are held every day after school when there is not a meet.  Team members are expected to attend all practices and meets. The Athletic Fee for Wrestling is $100.  Each team member will be provided a uniform to be worn for meets and returned to the coach at the end of the season.  Team members have the option to purchase team spirit wear at the beginning of the season.

25-26 Wrestling Schedule

Girls participating in Wrestling will not be able to participate in Conference Basketball or City League Dance. They can participate in City League Basketball. A schedule for Girls City League Basketball can be found under the Athletics tab in Girls Basketball.

2025-2026 VIKING GIRLS BASKETBALL

7th and 8th Grade Girls Conference Basketball

Girls must try out for the 7th and 8th grade teams which will consist of approximately 15 girls each. Girls interested in trying out are expected to attend both tryout dates. 

Members of the team are expected to attend practice every day after school. **Students who make the conference team may not participate in practice/games until they have a CURRENT physical on file with the school nurse. The athletic fee for those who make the team is $100.   

The coaches strive to allow all participants to have the opportunity to improve their skills and participate in games.  During the season, the teams compete against all the schools in the Fox Valley Conference.  On game days, there will be two games played at each grade level against the opposing school.  Both the 7th and 8th grade teams participate in Fox Valley Conference tournaments at the end of the season. 

25-26 Conference Girls Basketball Schedule

City League Girls Basketball

City League Girls' Basketball is open to any 6th grade girls and 7th and 8th grade girl that is not on our Fox Valley Conference team (tryout team).  City League is a short season that consists of ten practices and two games versus McHenry Middle School. Times for these games are not set because they depend on the number of students participating. 

There will be no fee to participate. The students will be asked to purchase a t-shirt to wear at their games. Please listen to announcements in January to find out how to sign up for City League Girls' Basketball. 

*Girls participating in City League Basketball will also be able to participate in City League Dance. A schedule for City League Dance can be found under the Athletics tab, in Cheer and Dance. Girls participating in City League Basketball could also participate in Wrestling. A schedule for Wrestling can be found under the Athletics tab, in Wrestling. 

25-26 City League Girls Basketball Schedule​​​​​​​

2025-2026 VIKING TRACK AND FIELD

Viking Track is open to all Parkland students.  Participants may compete as 6th grade girls, 6th grade boys, 7th grade girls, 7th grade boys, 8th grade girls, or 8th grade boys.  The main goal of the program is to work hard to improve weekly and have a great time.  In the last few years, our track teams have consisted of around 150-185 Parkland students.

Team members have the opportunity to select events they wish to compete in.  We compete against the other 11 schools in the FVC.  The 7th and 8th grade teams also compete at IESA Sectional and State meets.  Based on time or previous scores, it is possible for 6th grade team members to compete at IESA competitions. 

Students are required to have a CURRENT physical on file with the school nurse by the first practice. Track practice is held every day after school when there is not a meet.  Team members are expected to attend all practices and meets.  The Athletic Fee for Track is $100.  Each team member will be provided a uniform to be worn for meets and returned to the coach at the end of the season.  Team members have the option to purchase team spirit wear at the beginning of the season.

**McHenry Middle School is designated as Parkland's home location for meets. 

25-26 Track Schedule

Previous Games:

LIVE STREAM....Parkland Boys Basketball vs Cary (12/5/17) can be found here:
http://thecube.com/e/762156

Parkland vs. Northwood 7th and 8th Grade boys Basketball
TheCube Link can be found here! 

Parkland vs. Cary 8th Grade girls Volleyball
https://thecube.com/event/parkland-vikings-vs-cary-dragons-girls-volleyball-748545  

Art club is an after-school club that is open to all students. Students have the chance to explore their creativity with a variety of art supplies. Some meetings will have a group activity/project to work on and others will allow students to use Parkland's art supplies to explore their own interests. Art club is a place for students to relax and spend time with their friends in a positive and creative environment.

There is no need to sign up. Students will simply arrive on the scheduled date and sign in for attendance. It is an open club.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Grabow (cgrabow@d15.org or (815) 344-7140, voice mailbox 6121)

Art Club Schedule 25/26

Parkland Builders Club Site

Chess Club is an exciting group of people that meets twice a month and play great games of Chess.  At the end of the school year there will be a tournament, where trophies are awarded.

Drama Club Site

https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.d15.org//cms/lib/IL01904836/Centricity/Domain/1265/Flag+Football.pdf

Fishing club is offered here at Parkland. We introduce students to the skills necessary to go fishing. We stick to the basics such as casting, baiting a hook, tying knots, and so on... WE also have plenty of learning opportunities about how to untangle lines, getting a snag out, not hooking the people around you and other common situations that arrive while fishing.  Students are welcome to bring a small tackle box of lures if they would like t to try casting for Pike, Bass, and even a rare Walleye!

Students will need a signed permission slip to join fishing club. I will attempt to attach it on this website, otherwise, students may stop in to grab one from Mr. Grabow or Mr. Anderson.

Equipment suggestions:

-Spin-cast (push button) reels work best for beginners.

-Around a 6 foot pole

-Light mono-filament line 6-8 lbs test (Heavier line is an absolute disaster for beginners unless we put a 10lbs weight at the end)

A typical day at fishing club involves meeting after school in the art room, gathering fishing supplies, taking attendance, taking a 15-20 minute walk to McCullom Lake West Beach, setting up hooks and bait, catch-and-release fishing for about 45 minutes, walking back to school, gathering personal belongings, and then head home. Activity busses are available.

Homework Help is an after school program to help students who have difficulty doing their homework at home.  It is not a tutoring program, but a place provided for students to get their work done at school.  There are two staff members present on any given day who are there to provide assistance with any questions your child might have on their homework.  Students should have an hour to an hour and a half worth of homework to work on if they are attending homework help.  The program runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 until 4:00 and there are activity buses to take students home.  Students must have a signed homework contract from a teacher to attend.

International Club is open to all students. It provides a great opportunity for students to learn about their own culture and other cultures from different countries through games, crafts, and different foods. It also provides students the chance to meet new friends and socialize with each other.

The purpose of P.A.L.S. is for current students to help new students adjust to their new surroundings.  Current students will help new students locate classrooms, read schedules, explain classroom rules, and introduce them to new Parkland friends.  PALS is sponsored by Ms. Haerle.

Parkland Science Club Site

What is the Snowball Club?
It is a program focused on youth leadership, drug/alcohol prevention, and creating a positive, drug-free environment through peer support. Activities include team-building exercises that are aimed at developing leadership, self-awareness, and healthy decision-making skills among students. The goal is for students to become agents of community change, while having an amazingly fun experience along the way!

How it Works (The "Snowball" Effect)
The "snowball" in the name symbolizes how a positive influence on one person can spread and grow within a group and the wider community, much like a rolling snowball gathers more snow. Students are seen as part of the solution, not the cause of the problem, and are given the tools to spread positivity!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mrs. Elizabeth Wepprecht
ewepprecht@d15.org 

The purpose of this club is to gather soccer players of all levels from Parkland School to play, learn about, and love soccer!  We will work on developing skills at all levels by doing drills, discussing strategies, and scrimmaging in a supportive environment.  There will be two competitive games against MMS--one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

Expectations:

• Be on time to practices--They start at 2:30
• Wear appropriate clothing to practice
  • Gym uniform or athletic shorts and shirt
  • Cleats (recommended)
  • Shin guards (recommended)
  • Soccer Socks (recommended)
• Bring a soccer ball
• Be respectful of all players
• Have a ride home from practice at 4:00 or take the Activity Bus

My name is Mrs. Conklin and I am the Spirit Club sponsor here at Parkland. Spirit club focuses on fostering school unity and pride by organizing and promoting school events such as pep assemblies, spirit weeks, and encouraging student participation and enthusiasm for the school. Members often create posters, banners, and announcements to advertise events, decorate school areas, and ultimately build a strong sense of community and a positive school environment. 

2025-2026 Schedule

Parkland Student Council Site

McHenry Youth Running Club (Summer Running) & Winter Running Club are crucial for your success in Cross Country and Track seasons. 

Click on the links below to view the schedules of both clubs.

(Summer Running)

There are no quick fixes or shortcuts to success in running.  Improvement comes from a long term commitment to daily runs and slowly increasing mileage and speed over time. Mchenry Youth Running Club (Summer Running) was formed to provide kids with a positive team environment to encourage the good habit of daily running in preparation for a successful Fall Cross Country season.

Contact Miss Ostberg, kostberg@d15.org, for details.

Meeting Dates: Check the MCHS Website for our official schedule starting in July!

https://mchenryhs.rschoolteams.com/ 

Are you a runner who wants running buddies to run with over the cold winter months? Winter Running Club will provide you with weekly distance runs and workouts as a team! This club is no cost to you.  All you need to bring is proper (warm) running clothes and a desire to run! This is a great club to help you prepare for a successful Spring Track season. 

Meeting Dates: (2:30-4:00 Activity busses will be available)

TBA

If you are not prepared for the weather, you will be sent home.

Safety first :) 

This club is no cost to you!  All you need to bring is *proper runnings clothes* and a desire to run!

If you are involved in a winter sport (basketball, cheer, poms, etc.), you may join or attend WRC when your previous sport commitments and seasons are not in session.

Looking forward to some winter running together!

Please contact Mrs. Karnick, kkarnick@d15.org, with any questions.  

Yearbook Club is busy making your 2025 - 2026 Yearbook.  

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF MEETING DATES

If you have any questions please email Miss Bever at tbever@d15.org

WPKL: Parkland’s Student-Run Video Journalism Club

WPKL is Parkland’s very own student-run video journalism team! Our club brings Viking news and stories to life through creative and professional video broadcasts. Students in grades 6–8 work together to pitch ideas, write scripts, film, edit, and produce episodes that are shared with the entire school throughout the year.

WPKL gives students the chance to build real-world skills in teamwork, communication, and media production while having fun and showing off their Viking pride.

About the Sponsor
WPKL is sponsored by Ms. Prais, who teaches 8th-grade Language Arts at Parkland. She has been part of the Parkland community since 2020 and is passionate about helping students find their voice through storytelling and media.