Read in the Rebuilt Room

Written by: Sara Collver 

Notice anything different about Sparta High School’s Media Resource Center? Educational Media Specialist Ms. Deluccia is focused on creating an engaging and truly resourceful environment, which is allowing the room to expand much further than your basic check-out-and-return-books library. The Oracle spoke to Ms.Deluccia recently about some of the things that have been going on in the MRC and found out some pretty amazing stuff.

Last month, there were a ridiculous amount of books that were being given away - free books! But why the huge haul? Here’s how it works: if a book isn’t being consistently taken out over a certain period of time, in this case, ten years, it is taken out of circulation. When these books are donated, the library has space for new books that the Sparta community really wants to read. Let's just say, prepare yourself, because there’s some pretty great reading material coming to a shelf near you! Ms.Deluccia says she’s trying to get the entire Harry Potter illustrated series, as well as many other books that were recommended by teachers and students. The most amount of books are checked out before a long break, but other than that, there is a steady circulation of students checking out leisurely reading material as students have independent reading in their English classes. But, what happens when these books don’t come back? Ms. Deluccia explains the process: there is a hold on Parent Portal, and eventually a notice will be sent via the students email and/or letter in homeroom. No one can just get away with it! If the book is lost, the student is responsible for replacing the book with a new one or paying for it.

Let’s discuss the big changes coming to the MRC in regards to its appearance. If you haven’t been in the MRC lately, you probably missed the new screens, new furniture, and the desks with plugs. Over the past year, the bookshelves have been reallocated to rim the perimeter instead of taking up space in horizontal rows across the back of the MRC - allowing for so much more room for educational greatness! Despite all the huge changes that have already taken place, there’s more to come that we should expect in the future. Ms.Deluccia has said that she is currently speaking with an interior designer to figure out the best way to place and purchase furniture -  that is comfortable and inviting in the midst of studying - modeling it like a college library.

The reallocation of bookshelves in the MRC.

Remember that the MRC is open from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm everyday. The MRC isn’t just to grab books you have to read. If you have a free period, it’s a really great place to study. If you have any questions about a book or finding the right source, just talk to Ms.Deluccia!

Beloved Sparta High School Nurse Retires

Written by: Sarah Dioneda 

Mrs. Schuman, the soft-spoken and kind nurse of Sparta High School, talks about the craziest moment she’d experienced in the nursing field. “[It] didn’t happen in Sparta [High School],” she explains, “but it was in elementary school when a Kindergarten student was walking in the playard and a stray dog came and bit off his ear. And the ear was on the ground, the boy was bleeding profusely, and I just…” She hesitates, then begins again. “That’s one thing about the medical field, you have to have a clear head in an emergency and keep calm. I just done everything I’d been taught to do to help.” (She then tells me later that his ear had been attached when he went to the hospital, thankfully).

But this is just one story of the many instances Mrs. Schuman has helped people in her many years as a nurse, albeit not as intense.  After 18 years working in Sparta High School, she is now retiring at the end of this month (January 2018), leaving Ms. Reigstad to follow in her footsteps.

“She got married recently. Her name is Mrs. Griffin, now,” Mrs. Schuman corrects, politely.

But before she became the beloved high school nurse we all know, Mrs. Schumann was just a student like all of us, studying at the University of Pittsburgh to get her Bachelors of Science and Nursing. For graduate work, she went to Seton Hall University and The College of Saint Elizabeth where she got her Masters in Education and her Masters in Health Sciences--a double masters. But she recognizes the new developments in the medical field and the necessity to learn more. “For this position, and in any medical field, it is very important to keep on the cutting edge. You’re always a lifelong learner, and you need to keep on learning,” she states with confidence.  

She carried this wisdom to the many jobs she had before her job in Sparta High School, working in psychiatric nursing, intensive care units for Neonates, public health nursing, and school nursing in several schools around the country, such as California and Colorado. “A lot of experience,” she says.

Had it been fun? I asked. Did she enjoy it?  It took a lot of work and dedication for many, many years, and it required great stamina. She smiles and nods. “Everyday is a new day. It’s always a challenge, but it’s new, and different things are always going on. I think that’s what kept it interesting and what made me passionate about it. In your work, you need to find something that you really want to do, and then when you’re doing it, it’s more fun and enjoyable, and it feels less like a job.”

When asked about the advice she’d give to students who would like to pursue a career in nursing, she simply replied, “You need to have perseverance, you need to have motivation, you have to be dedicated, and you have to be focused. If this is what you feel your calling is, it’s going to be worth it all.” But don’t worry; you’ll have many choices to choose from.

“It’s so diverse,” she continues. “For nursing, let’s say for example, you can choose from so many areas until you decide what is good for you. I love it. There are so many opportunities to work with people and help them make choices that are healthy” You can hear her passion and love for the medical field in her voice and emotions. It’s infectious, and makes you passionate about it, too.

Particularly for her, she likes working with younger kids. In her experiences at  Seton Hall and Drew University, she realized it was easier for people to adapt and learn to make healthier at a younger age than when they are students in college.

She cites an example of an unhealthy lifestyle choice: “What’s really changed in this field is the drug situation, substance abuse. I think that it’s more prevalent, more available, cheaper and so much more potent and dangerous [than it was before]. We need to get this message out. It’s an area I’m particularly interested in.”

I ask if this was something she wishes to pursue in after January. “It is. I would like to put energies into giving back more into the community.” She also plans on doing nothing too impulsive. “I lived in Sparta since 1977. This is my dream job, and I’m so happy to be here. My kids went through the school system here, and it’s a really special place for me… Now I would like to get involved more [in the community] because maybe I just didn’t have enough time while I was working.”

And her advice to Mrs. Griffin?

“I think that this developmental age level of teenagers is unique, and it’s refreshing because the students respond to genuineness. It’s important to be real; it’s not always just about what they have. If you’re just a good listener, you’ll see that there’s more underlying [factors than what they have]. Make yourself available to the student. It’s a big and busy school, but there’s only one nurse. Sometimes you’ll feel like you get caught up, but if you can take the time (even if not in that moment--just call them back) and listen, you can be a great influence in their life.”

And Mrs. Schuman set a great example. She is the archetype of generosity and understanding, providing comfort to those who were sick and in pain. It has been a marvelous 18 years with her, and with that said, Mrs. Schuman, you will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement, and come back to visit!

Essential Tips To End The Marking Period With A Bam

Written by: Taylor Muse 

   It doesn't come as a shock that you aren't the only one struggling with the anxiety of having to maintain your grades (or in some cases, bring them up) as the marking period winds down. This marking period has truly flown by, it almost feels like we haven't been in school between winter break, snow days, early dismissals and delayed openings. For most of us, the negatives of having this time off outweighs the benefits.
   Mind over matter. It may sound cliche, but it is so true. However, this is the key to tackling end of marking period anxiety. When you're faced with loads of tests, homework, and projects in the same week, it can cause insane amount of stress. Every student deals with the end of marking period wind down, and guess what? Every student gets through it. Don't think about all the work due for each class in a single week; rather, think about one class at a time. Don't focus on the amount of work that has to get done, but focus on getting one assignment done at a time. This way, you can pass each class without the stress.
   Not to sound like your mother, but when it comes to the end of the marking period, you need to stay organized. Not just neat folders and lockers, but organize your classes as well. Which class has the most work? Which has an essay? What is due first? What do you study for first? When you organize the amount of work, you won't stress as much. If all goes well, you may even have some spare time at the end.
   Remember, once everything is done, you get to start fresh in a new marking period! Good luck on all of your tests, assignments, and continue hard work in the third marking period.

VEX Second Robotics Competition Held at Sparta High School

Written by: Muhammed Awan

   Our home school hosted a major Robotics competition a few weekends ago, and it sure wasn't a dissapointment. Sparta themselves had seven teams competing against a total of thirty-five teams competiting to win coming from all around Sussex County.

The 2017 - 2018 Spartan Robotics.

   Amazingly, two of Sparta's very own teams took first and second place. Team Billboard came in first place, comprised of: Ian Thompson, Chad Hannigan, and Robert Song. Team Endeavor, made up of: Emmet Sedar, Julia Muth, Karthik Selvaraj, Patrick McGurrin, and Jack Williamson took second place.

   Overall, this continues to be a great year for advisor Mr Meola and the Robotics team. For the rest of the competition, there is no doubt that Spartan teams will continue to be strong competitors, especially given the newfound space and equipment available following renovations added to the Robotics room.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Greatest Showman

Written by: Brandon Drapeau

   Recently, I saw the movie The Greatest Showman. Going into this movie, I didn't seem into it. I wasn't excited. I mean, how good could a movie about a circus be?
   Well, I was right. After about forty minutes in the theater, my dad and I got up and left. It was worse than I had thought. I thought it would at least incorporate some serious elements about a circus which I could tolerate. But when it turned into a musical, I personally couldn't stay there much longer. I feel like there is a fine line between movies and musicals and they should never mix.
   If there were fewer songs, I may have stayed. It was shocking to see Hugh Jackman stripped of his masculinity, especially being used to seeing him in his older X-Men movies where he was a vicious superhero with claws. However, if you like musicals, then this may be it for you. The concept was cool, that a man takes all these people with irregular features and brought them together to make money money and bring entertainment, but I couldn't quite stick it out.

Broadway Musicals You HAVE To Go See

Written by: Kanita Tariq 

We're lucky enough to live in an area that is just a train, bus, or car ride away from the Big Apple. Everyone loves a Broadway musical, and with such easy access, there's no excuse not to get your hands on tickets to go see one. Here are five of the top shows you can see during your next trip to New York City.

Aladdin

Source: Ticketmaster

Transport yourself into a whole new world with this classic Disney tale. Join a charming thief, a strong-willed princess, and a quick-witted genie on their journey to defeat the power-hungry villain, with romance, adventure, and a magic carpet. An enchanting fairytale with a love story and knee-slapping humor? Good thing we don't need three wishes from a genie to see this musical!

The Lion King 

Source: Broadway Shows.

Another beloved Disney adaptation with the perfect mix of humor, sadness, and adventure. You'd think that performing talking lions would be difficult, but there's a reason why this is the longest running shows in Broadway history. Sing your heart out to your favorite songs, laugh along with Timon and Pumbaa, and cry your eyes out as you follow Simba along this coming-of-age tale. Don't have tickets yet? Hakuna Matata, this film isn't going anywhere for a long time.

The Phantom of the Opera

Credit: Broadway Shows

Ghosting much? Audiences seem to love this haunting romance that is Broadway's longest-lasting show this far! Better prep your vocal cords - the grand Paris Opera House is waiting!

Hamilton

Source: Broadway Shows.

History buff or not, this hip-hop biography of one of the Founding Fathers has become a staple in American culture. Not only does the soundtrack serve as an informal study guide for U.S. history students, but the adventurous story lines and rhythmic beats will have you leaving the theatre a little more well-versed in America's founding.

Anastasia

Source: Broadway Shows.

Historically accurate? Not quite. Enchanting and enjoyable? Yes! Journey to the Past as you venture off with Anya, an orphaned girl on a quest to find her family. With a beloved soundtrack, a quirky romance, and hilarious characters, you'll find out why the Broadway show is loved by many. Besides, who doesn't love the Romanovs?

Buy tickets for these shows and more, here:

https://www.broadway.com/shows/tickets/?category=musical

It's Not Too Late For Resolutions!

Written by: Lauren Groff

The clock may have already struck twelve a number of days ago, but that doesn't mean that it's too late to make a resolution for 2018. A common misconception is that you have to decide wholeheartedly on the first day of the year to make a change in your life, or it doesn't count. Don't let the calendar prevent you from trying something new! It's never too late to make physical, mental, or emotional improvements. Set goals and keep your eye on the prize... any day can be a fresh start.

HAVE A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Though this may not seem as difficult as a change, it could have a great impact on your every day life. Keeping your thoughts positive and looking on the bright side makes any situation a little bit better.

DO WHAT YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT OFTEN

Set aside a little time every week or each day where you can continue to pursue your passions. Not only will you find yourself in a better mood, but doing what you love may prove to be a great stress reliever from your worries.

MAKE OR SAVE MORE MONEY

Whether you already have a job or plan on getting one, earning and learning how to save money is very rewarding! Once you become a master of managing your cash, you'll be amazed at how much more you can do now that you have your own money to spend.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new! Maybe it's a new sport, a new hobby, or even a new cuisine - it's always good to expand your horizons.

If you have any goals for 2018, let us know! Don't forget, it doesn't have to be New Years for a fresh start.

Students of Sparta: Hannah Fagersten

One of the biggest advocates in the senior class, Hannah Fagersten, is involved in a multitude of activities and wants to accentuate that with the student body. With a pleasant mix of personalities: happy-go-lucky and a strong work ethic, Hannah is someone that her peers go to for positive reinforcement and often, direction on how to tackle all of the stresses of high school. Here's what Hannah has to say about having strong involvement while in high school.

   Well, participating in extracurriculars is almost as important as staying up-to-date on academic schoolwork. They teach you real-world skills and how to navigate relationships, whether its making new friends you wouldn't otherwise have met or being able to cooperate with others. Besides the fact that you truly are learning, you're doing something that you genuinely enjoy and sometimes, it can even feel like an escape from all the stresses of school while the benefits are paying off.
   We live in a small town - honestly. Certain extracurriculars can help you meet people with varying perspectives, but even explore a different perspective in yourself that you never knew was there. During your four years that you are here, you may learn what career path you want to go down. I always dreamed of being a teacher. That  evolved when I joined DECA freshman year - and I've gone through my phases, even wanting to go into law! I decided that I really do want to go into marketing. Above the fact that I have some more direction in my career goals, I've learned how to network myself. I found myself in a place that sparked self-understanding for me. And you know, I couldn't speak [in front of a crowd] before being in DECA, so that helps.

Senior Hannah Fagersten