The Academic Challenge is a competitive event that occurs annually in Bayonne.  Each school, public or private, designates a team comprised of 5 members.  The object of the challenge is to take a written test of 120 questions and finish in 60 minutes.  Questions cover academic subjects stuch as literature, science, history, math, religion, etc.  The team that scores the highest grade is declaredthe winner.  The test is just what the name implies - a definite challenge.  In the past, MJD won first place in 1994 and in 1996 took third place.

BOYS BASKETBALL:: 

The Boys Varsity Basketball team members are 7th and 8th grade students.  The Junior Varsity team consists of 5th and 6th grade students.   Our Varsity and Junior Varsity squads practice many hours to prepare for their season.  The season runs from November to February and their uniform shirts are red and white.

CHEERLEADERS:

Students in grades 5 through 8 audition for the Cheerleading Squad.    The squad cheers at all boys and girls basketball games and will participate in upcoming cheerleading competitions.

Many Donohoe students are members of the Chess Club and meet after school to learn the intricacies of the game.  Our school participates in the Board of Education  Citywide Chess Tournament  for grades 7 and 8 which is held at  Mary J. Donohoe School.

COLOR GUARD:

The Color Guard is comprised of 6th through 8th grade students who proudly display the flags and school banners in all parades.  At school assemblies they bring the audience to order and lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

COMPUTER CLUB:

The Computer Club is a service club which helps to prepare calendars, signs, banners, and other printed  materials for the faculty and students.  They have learned many new programs and help all of the Mary J. Donohoe School family with all their printing needs.

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

Try-outs for the Varsity, for students in grades 7 & 8,  and Junior Varsity, for students in grades 4, 5, and 6, takes place in the fall.  Our Varsity and Junior Varsity squads practice many hours to prepare for their season. Their uniform shirt colors are white and red.

ORCHESTRA:

The Mary J. Donohoe School Orchestra performs at Winter and Spring Concerts and at Graduation.  The Orchestra members take classes for their particular instrument.  They also rehearse as a whole, and learn to read music and follow a conductor . The Orchestra members are from grades 5 through 8.  There is also a Beginning Band comprised of  mostly 4th grade students, though older students are also invited to begin an instrument.

The members of 8th Grade Peer will participate in a 2 day residential workshop this year.  They are responsible for the school's drug awareness program, Red Ribbon Day in November and conduct a Holiday Drive in December.  The 7th Grade Peer meets 2 to 3 times per month and also participates in a 2 day workshop.

The Quiz Bowl Team meets weekly to practice for the New Jersey Quiz Bowl Test.  This is a computerized, academic competition held in February throughout the state.
 

SCHOOL CHOIRS:

Our school is fortunate to have many musically talented students who comprise the Upper and Lower Grade Choirs.  Students in grades 5 through 8 participate and they perform at our annual Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as other events during the school year.

A Spelling Bee is held at Mary J. Donohoe School for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.  Donohoe School sends the winning representative from each grade to participate in the Bayonne School District's Spelling Bee.

Student Council acts as the heart and hands of Mary J. Donohoe School.  Composed of representatives from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students develop a calendar of events for the school to increase school spirit.  Through the Council, students are encouraged to develop responsibility, show creativity, and work co-operatively with teachers and students as their projects and activities unfold throughout the year.

TALENTED ART:

Students who are included in the Talented Art Program at Mary J. Donohoe School are given the opportunity to explore the art world in a more in-depth way.  These students show a special talent and interest in art.  Special projects in art history, stage design, window creations, and personal preferences in art are pursued.

VIDEO TEAM:

The Video Team is responsible for recording many of the activities held at school.  The members have learned to use a variety of equipment including video and digital cameras.  We have chronicled many of the activities at school and the team is responsible for editing and producing many projects.  Look for many of Donohoe School's events on our district's BEN-TV.

The yearbook is a special project of our eighth grade students.  It is not just a memory book for our graduating class, but a reflective look at major events of our school throughout the year.

The Volleyball team is opened to all 8th Grade students and is the only co-ed activity.  Practice is held afterschool and the season runs from October to November.