The West Prairie Press

By Grace Hinchee

Science teacher Regan Chatterton is organizing a Tabletop Gaming Club and a Science Club. Both clubs are available for any interested students, grades 7 through 12.

Students meet in Chatterton’s room (110) after school until 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Chatterton is still working on the dates for the Tabletop Gaming Club, but those meetings will go until 5 p.m. The next meeting will be on Sept. 3. Some Science Club meetings might run longer depending on the activity.

Students can socialize with others who share similar interests.

There is no cost to join either club.

In the Tabletop Gaming Club, students can play games that Chatterton provides, or they can bring their own from home. The club plays games such as Pokémon, Dungeons and Dragons, and other tabletop games. Chatterton first started this club when he taught in Macomb.

This year is Chatterton’s third year organizing a Tabletop Gaming Club. He organizes the club so that he can teach others how to play older board games.

“I personally have played many different collectible card games—like Magic: The Gathering—and role-playing games—such as Dungeons and Dragons—since I was 12,” says Chatterton. “I love playing games and want others to enjoy playing games as well.”

Freshman student Reegan Heimer joined the group because she thought it sounded new and fun.

“Tabletop Gaming Club is a great way to get students together and learn more about each other. Getting games together and playing can help a lot with learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses around other people,” says Heimer. “I’m excited to be able to play the several games we have planned and learn more about them.”

In the Science Club, students will conduct scientific investigations in the community. The Science Club also plans to organize a Science Fair, open to junior high and high school students. They will also work on putting together a science show for the end of the year at the district’s two grade schools, as well as developing a recycling plan for the district.

As a science teacher, Chatterton is excited to organize a Science Club so he can share science with others, too.

“I was the sponsor for the WP Science Club when I worked for the district previously. I enjoy learning about and doing science, and I want to bring that interest to others. I feel that the more educated people are about science, the less intimidating it can be to understand,” Chatterton says. “I would also like to see students who are interested in science be able to explore their own scientific investigations and interests. This is why we will be hosting a science fair later in the year. It is my mission to share that interest with others.”