SHS Highlights
Monthly Community Update
#WeAreSparta
Administrative Team:
edward.lazzara@sparta.org
Mrs. Courtney Kopf - Vice Principal
Mrs. Jamie Barker - Vice Principal
jamie.barker@sparta.org
Mr. Benson - Director of Student Support Services
Mr. Steve Stoner - Athletic Director
Staff Member Spotlight:
Dr. Galipeau
Student Accomplishments:
Students of the Month: December and January
Sachi Paniker always loves to share her thoughts on what we're reading, and her contributions are insightful. In her memoir lit circle group, she's been taking the lead in each discussion, asking great questions and making some funny (and often very accurate) predictions. She also helps make sure that her group is organized, caught up on their reading, and that everyone is included in the conversation.
Frankie Lloyd goes above and beyond in all that he does in Film as Literature. His vast knowledge of film and his sophisticated understanding of film analysis make him a vital contributor to class activities and discussions. Frankie's interest in film also extends beyond the classroom; he has his own Youtube channel and Letterboxd account where he shares movie reviews with his followers.
Math
Nate Bialkin is an exceptional student when it comes to math—his problem-solving abilities are truly outstanding. His adeptness with regards to unraveling complex mathematical puzzles and his knack for approaching problems from diverse angles are truly commendable. Not only does he effortlessly grasp intricate concepts, but he also extends a helping hand to his peers, patiently guiding them through challenging math quandaries. Nate's willingness to assist others, coupled with his remarkable math skills, embodies a true team player and a standout mathematician in our classroom.
Dianny Serra Parra is a great student. She works hard, asks and answers questions, and always does what is asked of her. If she has a little setback in class, she doesn't complain, she just puts in the time and effort. Her teacher commends her dedication and participation in class.
Science
Lysander Flores is a hard working and conscientious student. Lysander is always respectful, studies hard, and is always willing to help his classmates. He sets a great example for the rest of the class with his work ethic, and he models exemplary student conduct at all times.
Sara Schwarz is a curious, bright, hardworking student in Honors Physical Science. She comes to every class eager to learn and asks and answers questions regularly. In the lab, her close attention to detail and careful measurements lead to impressive results.
World Language
Zoya Ahmed is a student in Spanish 2 who is always willing to work with a struggling student. She is kind, honest and hard working.
Emily Dalcamo always goes above and beyond in class. She always has her notes, clearly studies vocabulary terms, participates often, and has a clear passion for Spanish.
ESL
Valery Rodriguez is a motivated student who is eager to learn English. She is kind, respectful and a pleasure to have in class. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She makes others in the class eager to learn as well.
History
Megan Chiesa-Rupani takes great pride in her written work, always citing meaningful historical evidence to prove the concept that she is explaining. She participates in class discussion often and is always ready to analyze an idea that the class is discussing with meaningful and insightful answers. Her positive demeanor always helps to enhance the class.
Abigail Blochinger has been an absolute pleasure to have in AP Human Geography. She is inquisitive about learning the material and has consistently shown a conscientious, dedicated work ethic. Abigail is also regularly respectful to the teacher and other students in class.
TCC
Jane Bleakley is this year's School Store Manager and is doing a remarkable job in a position that requires the entire operation and management of the store. She has taken on all the responsibility that comes with the operation of a retail store, including managing, scheduling, maintaining inventory and finances and is thriving in her role. She is also currently working on a 25 page paper to re-certify the store as a DECA Gold member which she will present at the DECA National conference in Anaheim, CA.
Gavin Pryce excels in Materials Processing-3 and Home Technology. Gavin has a strong work ethic and has advanced mechanical aptitude skills. Gavin can always be counted on for putting maximum effort towards every task presented.
Music
Troy Maglin has been consistent help with sound tech this year, not only for being the lead sound engineer for the fall Drama, but also for assisting Mr. Viegas with the December holiday concerts. He is always looking to help with all of the events, and his kind and joyful attitude brings joy to those around him.
Natalie Bellush has just successfully auditioned for the North Jersey Region Symphonic Band. She is a member of the Honors Wind Ensemble and both jazz bands. She is always willing to help and continues to make her teachers proud.
Art
Lauren Ellrott is an extremely talented artist who challenges herself in every project. She raises the level of class through her work ethic and drive to exceed expectations. She grows through each assignment and continually questions her direction as she processes through her work. Her maturity in receiving feedback and embracing discussion is that of college level and understanding.
Jonathan Torres has grown so much and is always participating and working hard on all of his projects. His skill level has exceeded the requirements for Introduction to Photo and Graphics. He is talented and his teachers look forward to seeing his continued growth and advancement in the art program.
Physical Education
Jake Sabo is always ready for class and ready to complete the task at hand. He gives his full effort in fitness workouts and will step up to play any position asked of him during sport units. Jake is more than deserving of this recognition.
Mason Lindsay is a student of the month by example if anyone has the opportunity to see him leaving the annex gym on any given day after a period of floor hockey. He is full of enthusiasm discussing who scored and who played the best hockey that day. Mason is non-stop, leading the way with game play and always wanting to help his team do their best. Mason is respectful of his teacher and a pleasure to have in class each day. He has an overall love of sporting events and competition.
Kindness Matters
The following students participated in this month's Kindness Challenge and were the recipients of a bagel breakfast. We are grateful for their acts of kindness!
Alexa Hitchuk
Connor Jones
Devan Barber
Ann Elkanany
Rishma Seerattan
Special Services Department News:
Counseling Department News:
Congratulations to sophomore, Graham Mahoney! Graham is Sparta High School's 2024 Hugh O'Brian Leadership recipient. He will attend the HOBY Youth Leadership seminar in June.
Departmental News:
Art Department Highlights
Our students have been working hard on a variety of projects that showcase their talents.
Jonathan Torres
Smoke Project
Lauren Ellrot
Title of Piece : "Sisters", 2023, Mediums: Watercolor, colored pencils, gold leaf, size 20x24
Jonathan Torres
Ghost Project
Music Department Highlights
Athletic and Co-Curricular Highlights:
DECA
We had 110 students attend the Regional competition and approximately 70 students are moving on to the state competition. Students must take a test ahead of time and then complete a role play in front of a judge. Some students have also been working on 20 page business research papers that they will be presenting. The competition is in March and is held in Atlantic City.
Robotics Team
On Saturday January 13, 2024 the Sparta School District once again hosted the largest high school robotics competition in the state of New Jersey at Sparta High School.
- This was the 9th year and was the largest ever, with 70 teams registered representing 36 high schools from across the state.
- This year's competition is called "Over Under" https://youtu.be/dvDqEI7qO34?feature=shared
- Sparta High School Robotics had 6 sub-teams competing.
The teams had an outstanding day with 3 of the teams finishing in the top 10 in qualification matches:
5249 B ( I.A.N ) 2nd, 5249 S Scrap Metal 8th and 5249 Z Spare Parts 10th.
5249 A, (D.E.A.N) finished 13th and 5249 X Batmobile finished 33rd.
In Tournament play, 5249 Z partnered with 5249 S and powered their way undefeated through the round of 16, Quarters and Semi-finals. In the battle for tournament champions they were defeated and took a very respectable and hard earned 2nd place.
5249 A (D.E.A.N) made it to the "Round of 16"
5249 B (I.A.N) made it to "Quarter Finals
5249 Z was also the recipient of The Innovation Award and double qualified for the State Championship in March to be held at NJIT.
5249 S also qualified for the State Championship.
On Saturday January 27, 2024 Sparta Robotics competed in a regional tournament at Monroe High School in Monroe New Jersey.
Four Sparta Robotics sub teams competed.
5249 A "D.E.A.N" led the day by ranking 7th in qualifiers but triumphed all the way to second place in the tournament losing in the Finals. They also earned a driver and programming skills score that ranks them in 5th place in the state of New Jersey.
Other teams had exceptional days as well with teams 5249-Z "Spare Parts",5249- S "Scrap Metal" and 5249 B "I.A.N" all finishing in the top 10 of qualifiers and all making it to the semi-finals of tournament play.
Sparta Robotics will be competing on Saturday February 3 at South Brunswick High School before gearing up for the state championships on Saturday March 9th at NJIT. As of now 5249 Z and S have earned a spot. 5249 A, now ranking in the top 5 teams in the state, is on the fast track to earn their position at states as well.
"Sparta Robotics teams continue to improve their technical skills as well as their ability to operate as a finely tuned collaborative design team. They are all growing not only in their mechanical engineering and computer science skills but also in their ability to be highly competitive through analysis of and networking with other robotic design teams from across the state." Head Coach Mark Meola
Unified Basketball
Our Unified basketball team is having a great and successful season so far.
Upcoming games:
- 2/3 NJSIAA Unified basketball tournament Divisioning round @ West Morris Central -10am
- 2/5 Home vs High Point 5:30pm
- 2/6 Home vs Old Bridge 4pm
- 2/8 Home vs Hackettstown 4pm
Wrestling
Recent News Articles:
Align Wellness Program
Our students set New Years intentions and framed their goals for this year.
Sparta High School
Email: edward.lazzara@sparta.org
Website: sparta.org
Location: 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta, NJ, USA
Phone: 9737296191
Twitter: @sparta_hs