Exciting Road Trips For A Long Weekend

Written by: Kanita Tariq

The holiday season has officially begun, and everyone’s buzzing about their thrilling vacations and flashy planned adventures. Sound familiar if you can’t even remember the last time you stepped foot out of New Jersey? Not to worry! Take your own mini-vacation and flaunt those ‘gram-worthy pics to your friends with no shame!

Here are four of the biggest cities on the East Coast only a few hours away by road. So hop in a car with your family and enjoy your time off like a pro!

1. New York, New York

It’s not so easy to forget that you live so close to the cultural capital of the world. NYC has something for everyone! Artist? Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, parading the world’s greatest masterpieces for your own enjoyment. Nature enthusiast? Take a stroll through Central Park, and if you’re just there for the sights, the Big Apple is nothing short of tourism. Foodie? The possibilities are endless! Take the Staten Island Ferry for a view of the Statue of Liberty, or pose with the many famous buildings scattered in the metropolis. We promise, you won’t be bored!

Credit: National Geographic Kids

2. Boston

We learn about the significance of Boston in U.S. History, but could you ever have imagined the home of the Sons of Liberty to be one of the most happening cities in New England? Besides the many historical landmarks sprinkled through Boston, check out all the more-modern attractions (via the duck tour!). Whether it’s Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, or the Skywalk Observatory in Prudential Tower, there’s loads to do in this millennial city.

Credit: Social Venue Partners

3. Philadelphia

Another historic capital of America and the hometown of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia is a haven for history geeks everywhere. With museums, meeting houses, and more, every corner of the street has something new to learn. Not a fan? Don’t worry! Philly’s downtown has much to offer, including those world-famous cheesesteaks.

Credit: Lonely Planet

4. Washington D.C.

The symbol of democracy and freedom, Washington D.C. is the place to go to feel some pride for your country. Museums, monuments, and memorials galore, D.C. is representative of every era in American history, from independence to modern day. Not only is it a groundbreaking historical city, but also a place to discover the inner workings of our government. Take a tour of the Capitol Building or visit the White House for a sneak peak into our country’s legislative and judicial branch. Even just a day in Washington could turn you into a patriotic pro like no other.

Credit: National Geographic Kids

December Concerts That Are Bound To Take Your Breath Away

Written by: Kanita Tariq

The holiday season is in full swing, and while family time is always a must, a show here and there can do no harm! Here are only some concerts for you to look forward to with family or friends in these cold months:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas

Credit: Ticketmaster

• The Wellmont Theater

Montclair, NJ

December 21, 2017

• The Garth Brooks World Tour Sponsored By Amazon Music Unlimited

Credit: Ticketmaster

• Prudential Center

Newark, NJ
December 2, 2017

December 3, 2017

• A Pentatonix Christmas Tour

Credit: Ticketmaster

• Beacon Theatre

New York, NY

December 19, 2017

December 20, 2017

• Rick Ross

Credit: Ticketmaster

• The Wellmont Theater

Montclair, NJ

December 29, 2017

With Field Hockey Coming To An End, Coach Lindsley Looks Ahead

Written by: Lauren Groff

This past weekend at the Lafayette House restaurant and banquet hall, the Sparta Field Hockey team officially closed out their 2017-2018 fall season. Recognizing the hard work the girls put in beginning in early August, the team and their family members enjoyed a plentiful brunch and dessert buffet while awards were presented, memories were happily recounted, and a slideshow, courtesy of senior defender Lauren Zanetakos, was projected for all to see. Maria Strongilos, Alexis Gudenkauf, Lauren Zanetakos, goalie Angela Elzind, and captains Hope Nafis and Jillian VanFleet, all graduating Varsity seniors, were awarded with blankets embroidered with their jersey number as well as numerous accolades including the Coach’s Award presented to Alexis Gudenkauf and scholarship awards from the field hockey booster club.

Varsity Junior Caroline Kepler (left) with
Varsity sophomore Ashley Nyhan

With a large number of graduating seniors with starting positions on the field, the team’s success for next year's season now lies with the returning Varsity underclassmen: Sophomores Kenzie Merwin, Lauren Groff, Taylor Canfield, Allie McGuire, Audrey Krajicek, Stephanie Villar, and Ashley Nyhan. There are only three returning Varsity Junior players on the team, all of whom were named Senior captains for the 2018-2019 season: Caroline Kepler, Isabella Tracy, and Lucie Wolfson.

Though it may be a difficult building year ahead, Lindsley and her girls know better than anyone else in the Patriot League how to keep their heads up and keep working hard.

JV Sophomores Haley Capeci, Raina Dhand,
Ashley Nyhan (Varsity) and Yasmeen Caswell

JV sophomore Jessica Fenners (left) and Varsity
sophomore Lauren Groff

Thor Ragnarok MOVIE REVIEW!

Written by: Brandon Drapeau 

Last week, my father and I took the thirty minute drive to AMC Rockaway to see the new Thor Ragnarok in the newly renovated Dolby theatre. The seats were incredibly comfortable and the sound quality was pretty good as well, adding to the intensity of the movie. The movie? I would say it was the best Marvel film to date.

If you haven’t been caught up with the Avengers timeline, Ultron, the villain from the previous Avengers movie, crashed a city into the ground; Hulk hopped into a jet and flew off and no one has seen him since; the world is starting to dislike super heroes for all the destruction they cause outweighs the good; and Thor has been off fighting battles on his own planet. This movie provides insight into what happened while Hulk and Thor were gone.

SPOILERS:

The basic idea of the movie is that when Odin’s impending death finally occurs, we find out that the banishment he has placed on his daughter Hela (Thor’s sister) has been released and she is free to claim her rightful heir to the throne. Odin has been using his power to seal Hela away from the Nine Realms because her power had grown too great and too dangerous. Hela happens to be the Goddess of Death, and she is so powerful she crushed Thor’s Hammer simply using her fist. After a fight, she sends Thor and Loki floating through the galaxy until Thor lands on a planet, which is used for Gladiator fights. Thor is sold to the Grand Master where he is told he will be fighting the best warrior the planet has ever seen. As Thor waits for the contender to come into the pit, Hulk comes smashing through. As an immortal,Thor doesn’t die, and Thor and Hulk wake up the next day in a huge room made for Hulk that he has been staying in.

Here is when we learn that Hulk has been in “Hulk-mode” for the last two cinematic years he has been gone. Since Thor has other issues to worry about, he teams up with Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie. They escape the planet and prepare for a battle with Hela and her army.

Well, my lips are sealed from here on out! It was one of the coolest action movies I've seen in awhile and I suggest everyone goes to their local theatre immediately. With the mixture of cool music, intense battle scenes, and my love for superhero movies, I would say it was my favorite movie I’ve seen so far this year.

If you see me in the hallway and you saw the movie, say hi and tell me what you thought!

Spartans Tackle Bullying With The New York Jets

Written by: Elise Kerim 

Whether you’re a fan or not, let’s all clap it out for the New York Jets.

The NFL football team has teamed up with STOMP Out Bullying, a nonprofit that, simply, is dedicated to do exactly that. Together, the organization and football team strives to promote a healthy community for students in their school communities. With assistance, the NY Jets have made a prevention toolkit for educators at no cost to them to change the school climate.

Additionally, Sparta High participates in the Jets’ Upstander of the Week campaign. Every week of the season, a different student who exemplifies what it means to be an upstander is honored and notified of their status by Student Assistance Coordinator Danielle Colte and Vice Principal Rory Fitzgerald. Along with recognition, the New York Jets supply three tickets to a home game, a parking pass for MetLife Stadium, and a “Tackle Bullying” t-shirt. Students who are leaders, heroes, and role models in the Spartan community are nominated by different staff members. The winning upstanders are as follows:

Week 1: Erin Scott, Senior

Week 2: Elise Kerim, Senior

Week 3: Steven Sullivan, Senior

Week 4: Will Nichols, Senior

Week 5: Sofia Cook, Senior

Week 6: Robbie Gennat, Senior

Week 7: Michael Candeloro, Senior

Week 8: Katie Campion, Senior

Week 9: Jamie Rennie, Senior

Week 10: Bailey Plotts, Junior

Week 11: Thomas Ferrara, Senior

Week 12: Bayleigh Takacs, Senior

The only thing that would really seal the deal? Cheaper stadium food.

Senior Jamie Rennie 

Senior Robbie Gennat 

HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS

Written by: Lauren Groff

Hey Spartans! For this week's article, I wanted to write about the struggle that students face everyday: Food choices. Although we don't over-analyze every single thing we put in our mouths, even the smallest changes can make a difference. With the “substitution method”, enjoying your favorite foods becomes healthy, too! Eating consciously will make you feel better both inside and out. Here are some examples of easy substitutions you can make every day!

Latte = Coffee with low-fat milk

Your favorite latte is most likely filled with more sugar than you think… If you still want to enjoy a creamy drink with a coffee taste, try regular coffee with skim or lowfat milk instead. The more milk you add, you will still get the same creamy flavor you love so much, just with less sugar!

Potato Chips = Dried Fruit Chips

When I first read this substitution suggestion on one of my favorite blogs, I was skeptical to say the least… But oh, how wrong I was! Dried fruit - apples in particular- are my new go-to snack. They're way healthier and sweeter than a bag of chips! You can buy dehydrated fruit at your local grocery or health food store, or save some money and make them yourself at home.

Sandwich Rolls = Wraps

Making the simple swap of using wraps instead of traditional bread and potato rolls for your lunch can make such a big difference. If you are looking for a delicious wrap, I would highly recommend Tumaro's. Each wrap only contains 60 calories and is low in carbs, and it still tastes good! As an avid bread-lover myself, I doubted that I would find a wrap that I could actually enjoy… Tumaro's has proved me wrong!

Milkshake = Fruit Smoothie

Milkshakes may be creamy, cold, and delicious, but so are fruit smoothies! With endless combinations to blend together, you can get creative and find your favorite mix of yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and more. To thicken up your drink even more, try adding bananas or protein powder. If you do not have a blender or the proper ingredients at home, The Nutrition Store in Sparta makes great smoothies with extra protein powder to thicken them up if you prefer.

Ice cream = Thick Greek Yogurt

Late-night ice cream while watching Netflix is something we are all guilty of, and may be hard to resist. However, there is an alternative… and it's better than eating an entire pint of Halotop. Once you find a thick greek yogurt that you enjoy, drain the whey off of the surface to make it creamier. Stick it in the freezer (yes, freezer, not refrigerator) for 15 minutes before you plan to eat it. This will make it as cold as ice cream with freezing it. Pull it out after the time is up and enjoy- you can even mix in dark chocolate chips, coconut shreds, or whatever else you like to put on your ice cream.

Buttered Popcorn = Air-Popped Popcorn

Some of your favorite popcorn snacks may be coated in sugary flavorings or lots of oil and butter. Instead of reaching for the sweeter option, grab Skinny Pop. Skinny pop is a healthier form of popcorn that's easy to snack on and anything but bland. In addition to traditional popcorn, it comes in many other flavors including white cheddar, pepper jack, and more.

Candy Bars = Flavored Granola Bars

I know, Kit Kat and Hershey bars may be impossible to resist sometimes, but many brands, especially Special K, offer many variations of creatively-flavored granola bars. Chocolatey pretzel, Chocolate Peanut Pecan, and Caramel Pretzel Cashew are some varieties-to name a few.

Hopefully this list will help you to make some healthier swaps into your everyday diet. If you have any creative swaps of your own, feel free to comment them down below!

THANKSGIVING POLL

Written by: Taylor Muse

Happy Thanksgiving, Sparta! This week we conducted a quick survey of students to see what they're grateful for and what they had planned for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your long break and take this time to remember those people and things that have made a positive impact in your life.

"I'm thankful for life as it is, for friends, family...everyone and everything. Life is so precious and on a daily basis, we don't stop to notice that. It's nice that we have a holiday that reminds us to be appreciative of all that we have" - Hope Zwigard, Junior

"I'm thankful for the support of my family, without them I don't know where and who I'd be. My whole family rents out a huge house every Thanksgiving, this year we're doing it in Pennsylvania - we just hang out and do Thanksgiving there." - Luke Kurian, Junior

Luke Kurian, 4th from right.

"For Thanksgiving I will be having some friends and family over for dinner. After, we will all watch our first Christmas movie and hopefully fall asleep stuffed." - Shane Whalen, Junior

"I'm thankful for my brother because he can always take my mind off of the stresses of school. This Thanksgiving, I'll be staying home and probably trying out rock climbing. I'm thankful for a solid reason to avoid doing applications! - Alex Roy, Senior

"I'm grateful for my family, friends, and everyone around me. I'm going to my cousins house on Thanksgiving Day, then having another Thanksgiving feast on Saturday at my house." -Evin Muse, Freshman

Movie/Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express

Written by: Sarim Awan 

Murder on the Orient Express is murder-mystery book by Agatha Christie. The story and subsequent movie follows Hercule Poirot, a fictional world-renowned Belgian detective who seeks to solve a murder on the famous European train in the 1930s.

In the winter of 1934, Hercule Poirot looks forward to taking a break from his work after solving a theft in Jerusalem. While traveling, Poirot meets his friend, Bouc, the director of the Orient Express. Receiving a telegram from London about an impending case, Poirot must return home, with Bouc offering him a place onboard the unusually booked Express.

On the train, Samuel Ratchett, an unpleasant American businessman, asks Poirot to serve as his bodyguard for the three days that they are on the train. Ratchett has received threatening letters from an unknown person. Poirot refuses and that night, Poirot hears strange noises coming from Ratchet's compartment, and witnesses a woman in a red kimono running down. This leads to Porit hunting down his killer.

I think the book was better than the movie! The book constantly kept me engaged. If you are a murder mystery fan I fully recommend the movie, you would probably enjoy it more than me.  If you're indifferent on the genre, it's a good movie overall.

Credit: 20th Century Fox 

Chromebook Cases Are Here!

Written by: Lauren Groff

After two months of anticipation, protective covers for the student Chromebooks provided by the Sparta School District have finally arrived. This year’s distribution of the laptops to all Sparta Middle and High School students has lead to an increase in the daily usage of technology in classrooms. From their own personal laptop, students are able to access all of the homework, classwork, and supplementary materials assigned by their teachers through Google Classroom.   

The covers have tough rubber bumps for protection.

The covers provided by the district are clear with tough rubber bumpers and snap on easily to both the front and back of the computer. The protective shell allows for personalization such as stickers and pictures, and gives students a way for them to express themselves in a fun and unique way. The majority of high school students carry their backpacks with them to and from each class period, with their laptop resting inside. Setting the backpack on the floor multiple times throughout the course of the day could potentially lead to unintentionally cracking the laptop, so sturdy cases prove essential. Students will be keeping the same Chromebook that has been issued to them until they graduate unless it requires replacing, so preserving the new and expensive laptops distributed throughout the district is of high importance.

The new clear Chromebook cases allow for
personalization with stickers and more

The Process of Picking A Senior Quote

Written by: Elise Kerim 

Seniors! Before we know it, it will be June 22nd. Let’s make the most of the time we have left in high school, just remember that your senior quotes are due on November 21st. Check your school email to complete the form. That’s just five days away, but how many of us have submitted them yet? I know I haven’t because I want it to be just right - honestly, I don’t know if college applications or picking my senior quote has been more stressful! Here’s my (very relatable) thought process the past two weeks:

1. My Personal Impact

I definitely stand out against all 276 other peers, right? Of course - I’m pretty great! I have some insightful thoughts and I must make sure no one forgets that. I’ve changed so much in the past four years! I must say I’m kinda neat, into my studies, like to have a good time...how am I supposed to sum up the past four and my qualities in 125 characters? I got nothing.

Cringe. 

2. Pinterest.

Okay, forget that - it’s going to be too complicated to sum myself up, that’s what the photos and signatures are for. Let me just do a quick search of senior quotes. I’m sure there’s something that will fit me perfectly. Senior quotes have been a tradition for so long! There’s bound to be someone out there that was exactly like me as a high school senior, just more creative in their thought process. It’s not stealing. It’s borrowing.

3. Remember when…?

How about something everyone can relate to? Bringing us back to things we have experienced as a class will sure hit us right in our feels and make everyone smirk when they get the yearbook. How about an inside joke only our grade will understand from that one assembly? Or a eulogy to Friday Special? What about an ode to silly bandz? Or that time our whole grade came out to the pep rally and had the most attendance, loudest screams, and dominated the basketball shoot-out? A pat on the back to us for surviving those great years of NJ ASK? Ugh, no, I’m definitely trying too hard. It needs to be natural. I need to rant about this. I JUST NEED A QUOTE.

4. Mom Knows Best?

No, mom, I don’t want my senior quote to be “be yourself”. I just want something that screams me and everything I am at this moment...no, I don’t want it to be “dont worry, be happy” either. Thanks though. I’ll think of something else, something that’s not, “nothing is impossible”. Too generic.

Credit: The Artist Market's Online Blog

5. Just Do It.

Okay, my quote is due in five days and I still haven’t submitted anything. I’m looking everywhere for inspiration - what about that Chevy commercial? I mean, I have my licence, maybe I can write about how I failed the first time? Or how about my favorite clothing brand? Just do it...I just did high school! Golden. At this point, I’m trying to twist everything to be my own personal brand. IT IS SO HARD.

6. Shoutout

Okay, it’s not about me. Let’s think of someone who has helped me throughout high school and give them some props. Without them, who knows if I would even be graduating! “Hi Mom”? Or thanks to that one teacher for reviewing my essays, Ms. Deluccia for aiding with my constant technical issues. Who are we kidding, they’re great, but Google is the real MVP.

7. Take A Stand

Well, what better way to remember my senior year then to take a stand on an issue I’m passionate about? It’ll remind me of what was important to me and a great way to be remembered and to see if that same passion followed me.

Credit: Haefrl 

   

8. I’ll just quote my favorite movie/book/show.

I’ve definitely read something that sticks out to me and is the epitome of exactly how I feel about my own ambition. Or hey, what about my go-to movie every time I’m up late writing my English essays? Perfect.

Remember to order your yearbook online! Make your senior quote something that’s true to you, something great for us to look back on. Now holds the anticipation of reading everyone’s quotes! Teachers and staff - what were your senior quotes? Let us know in the comments section!