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
County-Wide Training Presentation
Staff Member Spotlight:
Ms. Monaco
Student Accomplishments:
Students of the Month
Math - Jonathan Baldanza has quickly established himself as a leader and role model in Math Applications class. He displays impressive creative thought and collaborates very well with partners and in groups. Jon often discovers and offers problem-solving strategies. His interest, motivation, and positivity have set a tone that drives class each day.
Science - Nola Burkowitz has had a strong start in Science. She is an enthusiastic participant, helpful peer and poses interesting scientific questions. She shows great balance in all her activities both in and out of the classroom.
World Language - Abigail Pierson and Ella Ryan took their love and enthusiasm for the German language and culture to the next level by performing their favorite German song "Kling Glöckchen" for a room full of German 2 parents. Both are honor society students from German 4H class and shared their experience with learning German and with participating in the German Christmas Market. They sang and also made the parents sing with them - a very effective way of giving the parents an idea of what the German program is about.
History - Parker Lindsay has made great strides from his freshman year. He shows interest, works hard, and is proactive in his studies. He is a leader in class.
Music - Julianna Englese is passionate about music and has decided to pursue a career in it. She is captain in the marching band, plays tuba in wind ensemble, trombone in symphonic band as a teacher's assistant, trombone in Blues, Inc!, and is a consummate cheerleader for her peers.
Art - Noah Travaille is hard-working and collaborative, always helping his classmates and his teacher. He has worked hard to excel and improve his photography skills over the past month while standing out as a classroom leader and a kind person.
Physical Education - Tyler Conlee is a great student and a great person in general. He is always on task and helpful. He is also very respectful, conscientious and a pleasure to have in class.
Kindness Matters:
Student Activities Fair:
Counseling Department News:
From Mrs. Allison:
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am able to announce Sparta High School’s senior, Jayla Barbosa as a future Navy Sailor! She has been newly sworn in to support and defend the Constitution of the United States as a Personnel Specialist.
Why she joined the Navy…
“I joined the Navy to pursue a stable and fulfilling career while also seeking opportunities to explore the world, embrace new experiences, and proudly serve my country.”
Why she chose the job ‘personnel specialist’…
I chose to take the role of Personnel Specialist (PS) because I have a genuine passion for assisting and engaging with people. Being a PS not only allows me to connect with a diverse range of individuals but also empowers me to make a meaningful difference by providing assistance and support.”
It is evident that Jayla has prepared herself well academically during her time here at Sparta High. She has mastered key concepts and acquired the requisite skills one would expect of a high school senior. What stands out to me the most about Jayla is her lion heart and ability to connect with others. This is why it is clear that she has selected a perfectly fitting career path for herself that speaks to her best qualities while confidently supporting our nation. Jayla certainly has the aptitude and potential to continue to grow and serve us proudly. Jayla Barbosa will be a positive force and valuable asset to the United States Navy. Semper Fortis.
Student Rank Update
After the 2023-2024 school year, Sparta High School will no longer utilize the practice of ranking students. The district’s decision to change our policy on rank, district policy 5430, is based on the evolving practices of college admissions. Research, data and best practice currently indicate that rank is no longer a relevant metric and now more likely to negatively impact students in the college admission process. The abilities and achievements of our students cannot be represented by a single, arbitrary statistic such as rank but rather a combination of purposeful course selection, grade point average, and extracurricular experiences. Rank has also been linked to a more negative culture and climate that is not conducive to a high quality learning experience.
Even though ranking will be removed, we will continue to celebrate our top 10 students. Students who are in the top 10 are identified by using weighted grade point averages. This important tradition will remain one way to celebrate academic success. Student academic awards and ceremonies such as, honor rolls, presidential awards, senior academic awards, and subject based academic awards will also continue to be acknowledged and celebrated.
By removing rank we will continue to focus on providing students with every opportunity for success including college acceptance and institutional scholarship opportunities for all students, generate a stronger academic and college attending culture focused on learning and personal growth, while also improving the mental health and wellness of our students by fostering a sense of community and belonging to increase student achievement for all students.
Departmental News:
Art Department Highlights
Music Department Highlights
Science and English Department Highlights:
Athletic and Co-Curricular Highlights:
Our volleyball team secured their title as conference champs!
Align Wellness Highlights:
Sparta High School
Email: edward.lazzara@sparta.org
Website: sparta.org
Location: 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta, NJ, USA
Phone: 9737296191
Twitter: @sparta_hs