The Sparta Express

Spartans are reviewing for exams and midterms, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t having fun! IB Juniors are using hexagonal thinking to compare themes and key concepts embedded within literary works we’ve examined this year.

How can you be IN tip #1. We are a school with a LOT of choice programs and options for student. The messaging that is attached to who we are is very important. Open enrollment has started for all of the Choice Programs (both Middle and High). Will you take a moment to head to your social media and tell all of the wonderful things that have happened for your Spartant this year? Will you share the enrollment link with your friends who have incoming 9th graders? (https://johnstonncc.scriborder.com). We know that we are the best kept secret in Johnston County....but we want to get the word out that we are wonderful option for ALL students in JoCo.

End of semester Exams start January 18th. Click below to see the exam schedule. Be sure that you are utilizing Sparta Time this week to ensure that you have submitted all of your assignments and you are getting any help that you need as we close out this semester.

Mark your calendars for Smithfield-Selma High School’s 2024 Prom. Tickets will go on sale February 1, 2024.

Sophomore SGA is hosting a Winter Formal on February 10th! We really need donations! If you would like to donate, we would love for you to check our Amazon Wishlist

(https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28CBM48N6MWKT?ref_=wl_share) or donate some sodas and/or food! Feel free to contact Kelly Bradshaw at kellybradshaw@johnston.k12.nc.us!

If you have signed up for or are interested in the fire class and don't yet see it on your 2nd semester Powerschool schedule, please see Chief Twigg in Shop 4.

Buy your yearbooks now! Click here

Are you interested in singing?!?! We are super excited about our revamped choral program. If you are interested in learning more about Chorus, please see the email form Mrs. Long containing details on how to register for Chorus for second semester.

Any female athletes interested in taking a Girl’s Weight Training class next semester, see Coach Holland to sign up asap.

Any current freshman or sophomore student who would like to apply to join the AVID program at SSS can complete the AVID application online at https://johnstonncc.scriborder.com/. Interviews will be held in March.

If you have questions, please contact SSS student Maya Mercier. Books are due February 2nd.

Don’t miss your chance to purchase a brick and leave your mark on SSS! We are still accepting orders - if you have not gotten yours in yet, it is not too late!! Physical order forms can be picked up in the band room, or email leighanne879@gmail.com for a digital form or to ask any questions.

Congratulations to the following students who auditioned for and were selected to the 2024 Southeastern All-District Honors Band!

Lilly McDonald

Noemi Luna

Alison Vega

Paddy Farrell

Parker Allen

Teddy Rayworth

Sophia Klisiewecz

Haley Casper

Isaac Sevigny

Erick Jaramillo-Piedra

Aaron Dailey

Rory Martin

Davis Schmidt

Hector Jaramillo-Piedra

Emily Buffey

Eli Spottswood is the 1st alternate French Horn and Jilly Casey is the 1st alternate Trombone. These students will represent Smithfield-Selma High School at the All-District Honors Band on January 26th and 27th. Congratulations to these students and to everyone who took the time to prepare and audition!

Also, Congratulations to the following students who qualified to audition for the 2024 North Carolina All-State Honors Band:

Lilly McDonald

Parker Allen

Isaac Sevigny

Erick Jaramillo-Piedra

Rory Martin

Davis Schmidt

Hector Jaramillo-Piedra

These students were at the top of their sections at All-District Band and will move on to All-State Auditions on March 2nd.

The Freshman class will have a Pajama Lip Sync Celebration on February 2nd to celebrate students who turned in all their assignments this quarter. Freshman parents, if you would like to donate cases of water, individual snacks (chips, snack cakes, granola bars, etc.), please drop them off at the school for Ms Ennis-Smith by January 28th. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please visit our OPS website and donate to the Freshman Class

You’ve earned your Senior status — now it’s time to enjoy it! From stylish apparel to custom photo cards and thoughtful keepsakes, we have everything you need to celebrate your time in high school.

EXPLORE GRAD PRODUCTS

Our Graduation will be Friday, June 7th, at 10am in our Football Stadium.

Seniors, it is officially that time! For the yearbook, make sure to complete the senior quote and superlatives form! Your entries are due by February 16. Log into your Gmail and click here: https://forms.gle/rGPXnMQ8qmfrZoa66

The Senior class Officers are inviting you, the class of 2024, to a Day of Leadership at Kings Dominion.This is a day trip and the date of this event is March 15, 2024 The total cost of the event is $150.00. Included in your cost, you will be inspired by internationally acclaimed author Juan Bendana, lunch will be provided, unlimited beverages throughout the day, and the park will be open only to attendees of the leadership event. We are limited to taking the first 60 seniors with paid registration. Payment can be made through Online School Payment, and the last day to pay will be January 19, 2024. Please reach out to Mrs. Tarsha McNeil for questions and concerns. Permission forms can found outside of the 1300 office and must be signed and completed on January 19th as well.

Seniors, please order your cap/gown NOW! www.jostens.com

Order your Senior Ads for the yearbook before February 8th! www.jostens.com/ybk

If a student desires to have a Chromebook checked out, the parent or guardian must complete the Technology Agreement Form found on the second slide of the school's website or linked here. Students may also opt to bring in their own personal device for use in the classroom. Students are responsible for their own devices and for any devices that may be checked out to them upon parent/guardian request. Students may not have more than one device checked out to them and must resolve any fees associated with their account prior to a device being issued to them.

Please see announcements above about Stunt and Weightlifting.

The NCVPS EDVANTAGE Tutoring Program will be available to individual middle school and high school students nightly from 4 PM to 7:30 PM, Monday-Thursday.

To have your students begin tutoring sessions, please direct them to:

https://ncvps.org/edvantage-tutoring/ or they may use the QR Code on the JCPS + EDvantage Tutoring Program Flier

Once on the Edvantage Tutoring website, students should simply click their school district, Johnston County Public Schools and/or school name. Students will find an expandable section that guides them along as they create an account, and then enter the tutoring platform. "How To" videos are also available right below the "Schedule A Session" button.

Please encourage students to:

• Begin creating their accounts;
• Sign up for tutoring sessions in advance (or on the same day); and
• Write down their username and password (for use each time)

Please reach out to me if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns with the EDvantage Tutoring Program. I look forward to hearing how the tutoring sessions are going with your students.