SHS Guidance Hosts 9th Grade Parent Night

Written by: Elise Kerim

It’s back to school time for all - even freshman parents have returned to the halls of high school. On October 4th, 2017, Sparta High School Guidance hosted a 9th Grade Parent Night. The night was designed to help the  parents of our newest community members get acquainted with all Sparta High School has to offer and crucial information parents should be aware of. As we all know, the transition from 8th grade to high school is a big one in every single aspect. The night put parents at ease by learning important names and faces and all the resources Sparta has to offer its students. After the opening welcome session in the auditorium, parents were split into four groups and rotated to different stations that tackled all aspects of Sparta High School. The groups were escorted by volunteers from National Honor Society.

The MRC hosted a Student Panel, providing parents the opportunity to ask upperclassmen any question they had, with responses providing a student perspective on academics, extra-curriculars, and the social atmosphere of SHS. The student panel was comprised of juniors Ashley Minetti and Valeria Molina and the following seniors: Emily Kosker, Michael Trela, Mia Pulido, Sergei O’Sullivan, Mason Minetti, and Sam Mathusek. A hot topic amongst parents was time management - with so many more responsibilities in high school, how do you fit everything within a limited time frame? Mia Pulido executed a realistic and stellar response, stating that, “It’s important that your child remembers that they don’t always have to be busy because truthfully, leisure is extremely important. Don’t be afraid to drop or add things as you progress through high school - I’ve focused on classes, I got a job, then quit that job junior year as it is such a heavy academic year, and of course with clubs thrown in the mix… definitely prioritize your mindset.” All the students on the panel agreed, noting that time management is one of the most important things you learn in high school. Ashley Minetti added that it is important to learn time management as early on as possible, “because as you grow, you add so many more responsibilities. It gets hard, and as you progress through life you have personal responsibilities and then those that your job asks of you. So if you can begin now, it makes things easier in the long run.” A consensus between the group for time management skills was to figure out the best method for you - whether it’s using an agenda, having a calendar on your wall, or keeping your Google drive organized, it will pay off! The student panel did a wonderful job at tackling all questions with so many different perspectives that each parent could feel their child would relate to.

Over in the student resources group ran by Ms. Castornia (Supervisor of Special Services) and Ms. Colte, (Student Assistance Coordinator)  a detailed overview of all the resources the school has to offer was explained. From NHS peer tutoring to special programs tailored-fit to each student, parents were assured that no matter their level of academic need, their freshman student would be able to prosper with Sparta’s emphasis on academics and extensive resources. On the other side of the lecture hall, Mr.Fitzgerald assisted by Mr.Tobin, Ms. Scott and Mrs. Barker explained the broad category of student expectations. With the chromebooks being the newest addition at Sparta, the majority of the discussion was focused around acceptable use. Applicable to all students! While Big Brother is always watching students through GoGuardian (giving teachers ability to monitor what tabs students have open and closing ones that are off-task), no need to rush to put tape over your cameras. The administration cannot view you through your chromebook cameras, nor do they want to, putting an end to those rumors. Student expectation topics also included attendance policies, the ins and outs of Google Classroom and the culture of Sparta High School. Before addressing parent concerns, Mr.Fitzgerald closed out with, “Students grow from their mistakes. It’s important that we (administrator, student, and parent) collaborate because whatever the instance may be, it’s going to be a learning experience.”

Freshman Transition Counselor Mr. Librizzi was in the auditorium informing parents about the guidance process and notable freshman events. Mr. Librizzi emphasized that not only is counselor-parent relationship important, but an open relationship between the counselor and the student is key. Students can easily feel comfortable around their counselor and speak to them about any issue they may have in their classes, or if they just need direction on what path to take up to their senior year, self-advocacy is necessary. With the upcoming underclassman dance in November, Mr. Librizzi (also a student council co-advisor) explained the event to parents and addressed appropriate behavior. “Our juniors and seniors just had their formal dance, in about a month, our underclassmen will have their turn,” Librizzi began, “We’re working towards growing good seniors. Your child may see or hear of dancing, or they may say they’re going to hang out with some seniors at the football game - but that may or may not be a good thing.”

At the end of the night, parents responded to a survey on the back of their agendas. They were welcome for social time in the cafeteria with baked goods and the ability to ask any school officials additional questions that may not have gotten addressed. In all, the goal of 9th Grade Parent Night was achieved: to answer parents questions about the high school transition and ensure parents feel comfortable with the Spartan community.