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. Shannon Benson - Director of Student Support Services
Mr. Steve Stoner - Athletic Director
Staff Member Spotlight:
Ms. Elizabeth Shaffer
Student Accomplishments:
Students of the Month
Math - Daniel Miller has such a positive outlook, and he is always there to lend a hand in class. He never fails to make his teacher laugh and smile, and he does the same for his classmates by just being himself. He is a hard worker in math and always puts forth his best effort.
Science - Tegan Sherlock is always such a positive influence on her classmates and willing to participate and contribute to the learning of the group. Tegan is an all-around kind young lady. She’s very positive and enthusiastic, and her interest in science appears to grow each day.
World Language - Teague Stiansen consistently participates with strong use of the target language. He encourages his classmates to participate and use the target language. He is respectful and helpful to all.
History - Grace Miller frequently engages in thoughtful discussions in the classroom. In addition, Grace has requested additional work beyond the requirements of CP US 1 in order to improve her writing and analytical skills to ensure she succeeds throughout this year and beyond.
Music - Rowan Mendel is an exceptional cellist and musician. Over the summer, Rowan participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Cello Workshop, a rigorous and prestigious program. Additionally, Rowan performed as a soloist with a chamber orchestra at the Music Talks International Cello Festival. A leader in Orchestra class, he consistently maintains a positive attitude and excels academically.
Art - Emily Pappa is really pushing herself in AP art with all of the new mediums and art exercises. Her ability to explore and put herself in her work, in idea and representation is of collegiate level. She is a strong team member, supporting her colleagues and really bites into the assignments. She is a true artist with a strong work ethic.
Physical Education - Val Kopco has been great in driver's education class and is always willing to help her classmates whenever they are in need. She always has a positive attitude that radiates to the other students in class.
ELL- Camila Rodriguez Rodas is an organized and dedicated student who not only keeps on top of her own academics, but regularly assists other students with their studies as well. She is off to a great start this school year, and her teachers are very proud of her.
Kindness Award Winners
We are grateful for the positive contributions of students Giovanna Strumoli and Cooper Masi. They both displayed random acts of kindness towards their peers, and they have strong character and empathy that impacts the school environment.
Town Council Honoree
Isabella Frattura was honored last night at the Town Council Meeting with a Proclamation about her academic accomplishments and her Meet of Champions State Title last season for Javelin! Featured in the photo: Mrs Quinn, Mayor Clark and Isabella's parents.
Student Events
We hosted a co-curricular activity fair to expose students to our many club and extracurricular offerings. Students also participated in a fall pep rally to celebrate our sports teams and captains.
Counseling Department Updates:
October 1 marked the midpoint of Marking Period 1. This is a reminder to continue to work hard and check the parent portal regularly to monitor academic progress.
WEEK OF RESPECT
The Week of Respect, recognized by the NJ DOE, affords an opportunity for school districts to focus on instructional efforts and programs that are geared towards anti bullying efforts. It also allows school districts to focus on work that is geared towards creating environments that are welcoming, supportive, and inclusive.
2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students
Departmental News:
English Department Highlights
- Our new Sports in Literature class has been a great experience for students.
- We have expanded our numbers in the Foundation of Humanities track.
- Dr. Galipeau and Ms. Takacs have worked collaboratively to create growth charts for reading and writing skill development.
- Students have been working hard on The Laramie Project which opens in November.
- Two new teachers (Mrs. Warren and Ms. Argondizzo) are diving in head first to make connections with 9th and 10th grade students.
- Mrs. Larkin facilitated an engaging roundtable discussion about youth sports for students in her class.
Science Department Highlights
Our Science students explored the surrounding area, engaging in a hands-on learning experience that entailed collecting microorganisms to observe under the microscope.
Art/History Department Highlights
History Department
Mrs. Hobby-Pensky and Mr. Merrill planned a roundtable discussion with 9th grade students to honor the heroes of 9/11.
Athletics and Co-Curriculars:
Robotics
Sparta High School Robotics kicked off its competition season by attending what is referred to as a "Signature" event. It was called The Highlander Signature Event. There were 80 teams from multiple states.
This year's lead team is 5249 Z "Mirage." In both driver and programming skills they finished ranked 24th at the Highlander, 6th in the state of New Jersey and 104 on the global ranking list for this year's game "High Stakes."
In the News:
Align Wellness Highlights:
Suicide Awareness Activity Fair
Sparta High School
Email: edward.lazzara@sparta.org
Website: sparta.org
Location: 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta, NJ, USA
Phone: 9737296191
Twitter: @sparta_hs