The Sparta Express

Mr. Zinser works closely with students using Autocad in his drafting class.

Spring break is just around the corner! However--- we aren't quite there yet! Please remember the importance of being in school AND on time each day. There is so much goodness happening in each of our classrooms. It is VITAL that in order to reach our academic goals, every student is in class from bell to bell.

Speaking of daily calendars, the district adopted the 2024-2025 calendar last week. You can find the next years calendar below.

Art students make incredible art out of recycled art supplies!

Join JCPS Career & Technical Education for the 2024 Summer Career Accelerator Program. Experiences include career exploration, skill development, and networking opportunities for students in rising grades 6-12.

Free for JCPS students!

Lunch & transportation is provided for JCPS students.

APRIL 15 - Priority Registration Deadline

MAY 12 - Final Registration Deadline.

Details about each program can be found by visiting the CTE Summer Programs website.

The SSS Band is hosting our annual Spring Showcase on Monday, March 25th at 6:30 pm in the SSS gym. Admission is $5. The showcase will feature performances from our Jazz Band, Winter Guard, and Spartan Thunder. This is your last chance to see this year’s winter guard show, and is our [public] debut of jazz band for this year. Help us spread the word and join us on Monday, March 25th to support all of these amazing students!

Induction ceremonies for the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Social Studies Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, Math Honor Society will be held on Thursday March 21st at 6:30 in the SSS Auditorium.

Our band program will be presenting their first concert of the semester this Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 pm in McLean Auditorium. Admission is free and the concert will include performances from both our concert band and our symphonic band. Please come out and support these amazing students!

There will be football workouts starting Monday, March 11th. Time: 2:30pm - 4pm. Football workouts will happen Monday thru Thursday. If you have any questions contact Coach Stanley Williams

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Culture Club will be collecting items for Harbor House--an organization that helps women in domestic violence situations. We will begin collecting items on March 8th and will collect through March 22nd. Items needed are: hygiene items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bottled water, deodorant, hairbrushes, kids toys, etc.

If your student wants to take courses at Johnston Community College or the BIOWORKS course on campus, please have them contact their counselor right away. An application is required and the deadline is March 27. See link here for more details: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/career-and-college-promise/applyCCP.aspx#:~:text=Summer%2FFall%202024%20applications%20will,%2FSenior%20and%20Freshman%2FSophomore.

If you are interested in applying for the Fire Academy, please see Chief Twigg. Existing students need to go into Scribbles and claim your seats for next school year. If you need assistance, contact Chief Twigg.

Pie day was an incredible success! Students and their teachers participated in Math related activities on 3/14 during Sparta. Special thanks to everyone who made this Sparta Time so much fun...and educational.

Mrs. Hardin and Mrs. Pike displayed their work in an exhibit called, "Art Teachers are Artist Too" at the Chamber. We are so proud of their incredible work both in and out of the classroom.

Our very own Spartan Thunder represented our school at Showcase of Stars last Saturday and did a phenomenal job. The crowd loved this year’s production entitled “Thunderstruck.” Don’t miss your chance to see this show live at our Spring Showcase on Monday, March 25th!!

Three of our wonderful students were invited to attend Governor's school this summer.

Jillian Casey

Rory Martin

Issac Sevigny

Please congratulate these students. It is an honor to get invited to attend.

Congratulations to Eli Spottswood and Noemi Luna for being selected to the 2024 UNCP Honors Band. They will represent our school at the clinic and concert this Saturday at UNCP.

Congratulations to Hector Jaramillo-Piedra for being selected to the 2024 North Carolina All-State Band. Hector will represent our school at the All-State Band Clinic at UNCG April 26th - 28th. In addition, Parker Allen and Rory Martin are both 1st alternates. Congratulations to these students and to all 7 of our students who qualified to audition!

The ACT WorkKeys has concluded! We have 99% completion rate! We are exceptionally proud of every student that took the exam. The assessments measure foundational skills required for success in the workplace, and help measure the workplace skills that can affect job performance.

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

Cap & Gown delivery for seniors will be on March 19th during lunch. Jostens representatives will be on site and will pass out Caps and Gown orders in front of student services.

One of the ways that we have tried to make this year special for our students is to bring back traditional aspects of high school. A Varsity Letterman's Jacket is one of those special things that make high school special. Whether you are a Varsity football player, a member of the marching band, Varsity Basketball player, or Varsity Cheer or Stunt member--- a letterman's jacket is something that you can have forever. Visit the Josten's website to design and purchase a coat that tells your high school story. You can even make payments!

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.

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.