The Sparta Express

Our Fire Science Academy students work in our building getting skills. We appreciate them running our fire drills each month.

These classrooms are full of engaged learners!

I am super excited to share this week's newsletter as there are so many events happening in and around campus for us to be a connected community. Last week, we officially began our rollout of our SpartaTime . Please encourage your student to sign up for SpartaTime Activities each Friday for the week ahead. This week, as we were out of school on Friday, they will have the opportunity to sign up for the week on Monday. If they fail to make choices each day by 9am, they will be assigned to Rebound. Please help us avoid students in rebound as their are hundreds of activities that they can be apart of each day that are a much better use of their time.

We are still as a state navigating some issues with Infinite Campus. These issues are not only affecting our school but our entire state. We are working through these issues and continue to make progress. I want to remind you that they way that we communicate in our school is via the contact information that we have on file. If at anytime, you feel that your contact information is outdated or you fail to receive the messaging, please reach out to our data manager, Mr. Decarius "Pete" Bryant. His email is : decariusbryant@johnston.k12.nc.us .

You are cordially invited to be apart of our inaugural PTSA Meeting. The 1st meeting will be Sunday, October 6th, 2024 at 4 PM. It will be held at 259 Venture Drive in Smithfield. A Light dinner will be served to those who register.

This will be a great opportunity for parents, students, and community members to connect, especially with Homecoming week approaching. I’ve included a registration link here: [**Register for the Meeting**](https://forms.gle/4fFKVNXQCo9dAKfJA).

If you did not purchase a package on or prior to underclass picture day, you can log in at http://cady.com/orderphotos to view and order your 2024-2025 school pictures today!

Make up picture day is Wednesday Oct 23 from 9:55 - 10:55 (During Sparta Time) in the Main SSS Gym. All Students and Teachers will need to have photos made for their student ID if they missed the original picture day or want a retake of the photo that was taken.

Interested in having a booth at our SSS Craft and Vendor Fair? All proceeds directly benefit SSS students! Use this link to find out all the details and apply: bit.ly/SSSCRAFT24

District Benchmark Assessments will occur during the benchmark window, October 1-4, for Math 1, Math 3, English 1 and English 2. These assessments will help teachers tailor instruction to a variety of student needs and provide information to students and families about the student’s progress towards mastery of content standards.

The Pre-ACT will be given to all 10th grade students on October 16th. The make up date will be October 17th. The test will be administered online. This assessment is useful in preparing students for the ACT, which they will take in 11th grade. Students should try their best! While studying for the assessment is not required, you can find free, helpful resources at this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

The ASVAB Test is scheduled on Oct. 3; Thursday. Anyone interested email Ms. Judy Yow or see her in 1600 Office. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test that helps determine a person's suitability for military service and jobs. It's administered to students in grades 10–12, and is also taken by those who want to join the military. The ASVAB is not required for enlistment, but a minimum score is needed to join the military.

The ASVAB covers a range of subjects, including:

• General Science: Life science, earth and space science, and physical science
• Arithmetic Reasoning: Basic arithmetic word problems
• Word Knowledge: Understanding the meaning of words through synonyms
• Paragraph Comprehension: Obtaining information from written material
• Mathematics Knowledge: Mathematical concepts and applications
• Electronics Information: Electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems
• Auto and Shop Information: Automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices
• Mechanical Comprehension: Mechanical skills

The ASVAB is 3–4 hours long, including administrative tasks and instructions. After the test, answer sheets are sent to be scanned and scored, which usually takes a few days. A recruiter will notify the test taker when their scores are available.

A higher score on the ASVAB opens up more career fields, and a score above 60 may qualify for enlistment bonuses and security clearance.

Our homecoming theme, SSS Fest is coming to town October 14-18! We will celebrate our 55th homecoming with music festival flare! Festivities will include:

• Our homecoming parade on October 14

• Homecoming court elections

• And last but not least, the big game on October 18!

If you are interested in running for homecoming court, here are some important dates:

• 9/16: Nomination form will be released

• 9/30: Nomination form will close

• 10/1: Voting form will be released

• 10/10: Voting form will close

The positions include:

Homecoming prince and princes (freshman, sophomores, and juniors are eligible)

Homecoming queen and king (only seniors are eligible)

Till then, let’s keep the rhythm going!!

Unified Spartans are preparing to play in their big flag football game! Come out before the JV football game on October 24 (exact time TBD) and support your Spartans!!

Unified Spartans Club Dues must be paid by September 26! This year students will purchase their shirt for $20 through the link, and that will cover the cost of dues. Dues are required to be considered to attend unified events. Please purchase your shirt here: https://sssunified2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Seniors! If you have not taken your Senior photo...you need to sign up! 📣 Bookings are now OPEN for senior photo sessions for the class of 2025. You must be photographed by CADY to be in the yearbook. Get photos for grad announcements, senior yearbook ads, and flawless Insta posts. Book now at cady.com/schedule. #CADYsenior

2023-2024 Yearbooks - if you purchased a yearbook last year and did not pick that up yet, please see Ms Holland in the gym before or after school.

2024-2025 Yearbooks - on sale NOW at the lowest price.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1051219/Smithfield-Selma-Senior-High-School/

Have you heard about high school students taking college classes at JCC? The program is called CCP. You can learn more about the program here: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/career-and-college-promise/

CCP is now accepting applications for CCP Spring 2025 through November 4, 2024. Students are eligible in grades 9-12.

click below to see the food menu options for our school

Girl’s Flag Football Tryouts

There are multiple opportunities to catch our Spartans in action this week! Come out and support our fall sports teams.

Mark your calendar for October 8th from 6-8 pm for Parent Senior Night. Seniors come with your parents to learn about what to expect this year!

📣 Bookings are now OPEN for senior photo sessions for the class of 2025. You must be photographed by CADY to be in the yearbook. Get photos for grad announcements, senior yearbook ads, and flawless Insta posts. Book now at cady.com/schedule. #CADYsenior

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, during its regular scheduled meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education received the proposed JCPS Assignment plan and reviewed six (6) draft maps - two for each grade level.

The Board believes in providing thorough and timely information to the citizens of Johnston County. Therefore, the Board is providing pertinent information and soliciting community input.

Community members can find more information on the plan, including the six (6) draft maps, frequently asked questions, additional resources, and an opportunity to complete the 2024 Student Assignment Community Input Form by visiting the JCPS assignment page online at https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/page/jcpsassignmentmaps.

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) is excited to announce the NCICU DIRECT ADMISSION PROGRAM for North Carolina High School seniors with a 2.8 or higher weighted GPA! Students can visit www.ncicu.org to complete a streamlined application in as little as 5 minutes with no application fee. By answering a few questions, students will hear from each of the participating colleges and universities that they have selected, with information about individual campus requirements, their conditional acceptance, and the availability of financial aid.

Johnston County Electric Line Worker Pre-Apprenticeship Program is accepting any seniors interested in applying. The goal of the program is to provide young adults with job skills and experience to pursue a successful lineworker career after high school. Application is due on September 20th. If interested, please see Ms. Judy Yow in the 1600 Office