A Look Back On The First Marking Period

Written by: Cole Anderson

The first day of school is never easy for most, which makes the first day of
high school a little more intimidating. So for all the new freshmen this year,
embarking on the adventure that is adjusting to high school lifestyle can be
pretty tough. There is just an immense amount of things that we are just not at
all used to.

When you have finally learned how to get to all of your classes (and what
classes you even have), what your teachers' names are, potentially what your
classmates' names are, and a lot more, you then must get comfortable with
the work. While many upperclassmen will be used to the amount and difficulty
of work you receive in high school, the transition from middle school can seem
pretty drastic. Although we all felt like we were going to flunk out of this school the
first couple weeks of classes, all it took was some learning - not only adapting to all
kinds of new lessons that teachers taught, but also learning their individual
styles of instruction.

Source: OneClass

Now that all the stress of getting acceptable grades during this hectic adjustment period had passed, there is the stress of keeping your grades up in general, attending any extracurricular activities, getting enough sleep, doing chores, and basically just trying to survive all at the same time.

Source: U.S. News

When you get used to all of these things and somehow fit it all in your schedule while trying
stay a kind person, you’ve basically reached the key to success in high school. When you find
doing this attainable - it will take a while but you can do it - you will have reached the close of
the first marking period. Now you can relax during the spirit of the holidays - don’t forget about
homework, though!

Some tips to make the transition easier:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher! It will help your grade and potentially

create a beneficial student-teacher relationship.
2. Do not over-pack your bag or buy too many separate supplies because it can be difficult to go to

your locker and more stuff=more stress.
3.DO NOT PROCRASTINATE - I myself am a huge procrastinator and it is not good to do
in high school.
4.Join some clubs or extracurriculars so you have a place free of stress. Also, it can be
good for college applications, which you will thank yourself later for.
5.Have fun and don’t let people or schoolwork get to you - it can be very hard but just try to
worry less.

See, high school’s not that bad!

Follow us-

Instagram- @shs_oracle

Twitter- @SHS_Oracle

Sparta Cross Country Take on The Track in Phillipsburg and Garret Mountain

Written by: Noelle Hanek

The students of the Sparta cross country team competed in a 5k in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on Thursday, October 11th. Despite the bad weather conditions, Sparta defeated seven teams during the run, which was equivalent to 3.1 miles.

Thursday’s top runners reported from the Sparta boy’s varsity team include Chris Pierson, completing the run in 19.37 minutes. This was followed by Adam Wood, achieving 20.34 minutes, and Ryan Mcquillan with the time of 22.30 minutes. On the girl’s varsity team, Nuala Hynes completed the run in 23:50 minutes, followed by Marina O’Hare who achieved 26:16 minutes, and Carlie Wilson close behind with 26:36 minutes. The team placed 7th out of 20th in this run.

Both varsity teams competed in sectionals at Garret Mountain on Saturday November 3rd.  The top three runner times for the boy’s varsity team are recorded as follows:

Dennis Speech-19:00

Chris Pierson- 19:03

Nick Matkiwsky- 19:04

The top three runner times for the girl’s varsity team are recorded as follows:

Genesis Sanchez- 22:02

Nuala Hynes- 22:24

Madison O’Hare-22:58

The Sparta Cross Country Teams are recognized for their hard work at their banquet, Nov. 13.

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

How To Prevent and Handle Stress

Written by: Olivia Giralt

Source: aestheticpittsburgh

Now that the first marking period has come to an end, it is likely that all students have experienced the stress that comes with it. To help make your start of the second marking period happy and healthy, here are some ways to prevent and deal with stress.  

Stress can be avoided by organizing a schedule that does not put too much on your plate than what you can handle. Always put free time in your schedule to relax and have fun. Take control of your life and know your limits so you can plan ahead and avoid being overwhelmed as best as possible. Unfortunately, there will always be parts of life that you cannot control. Rather than attempting to control what is uncontrollable, accept things as they are and learn to control how you respond to stressful situations.

Source: Amazon

When dealing with emotions, it is unhealthy to bottle them up. If you do not express your feelings, you will only build up and increase your stress. Discuss how you feel with trustworthy friends or family. You can also express your emotions by creating a journal. Using a journal, you can write about the sources of your stress, how you feel, how you respond to stressful situations, and what you do to help yourself.  

Source: Amazon

A healthy lifestyle can make a difference. Eat a healthy balanced diet that is suitable for you and avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. By getting a good amount of sleep, you will be able to think more clearly and fuel your body with energy. To relieve stress, physical activity releases endorphins that will make you feel better. You could play your favorite music and dance to it, go on a walk, or go to the gym.

Source: mensjournal 

Have a minute? Take our student stress poll! 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L85IOSYuoocbbc-cfeku6VC5OUIiuiEGTw6alx3UrRw/edit

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

Easy Ways To Help Out This Thanksgiving

Written by: Emily Fitzgerald 

November is well underway and Thanksgiving is nearing! There are many ways to prepare for the holiday, even by simply helping out family.

One simple way to help out is by making a small dish. Cooking can be stressful no matter what- but the stress intensifies when there is a deadline. This Thanksgiving ask the chef in your family if you can help them by making something small. In my family, I am responsible for the mashed potatoes. It may seem like an insignificant contribution, but I know my mom appreciates it. There are countless recipes online if you're worried about making mistakes. There is no shame in needing one, and having a recipe minimizes any risk of mistake.

Source: The Daily Meal

If cooking isn’t a possibility, decorating is another viable option. Cooking isn't the only stress-inducing bit! The entirety of the holiday can be quite overwhelming. Decorating stress can easily be overlooked- that’s where you should step in! Decorating is so simple and there are so many options- placemats, garlands, or even the classic hand turkeys! With all these options, there is no excuse to remain duty-free this Thanksgiving. Plus, in the age of the internet, Pinterest can be a life-saver. In one quick search, you can find at least twenty simple decor ideas.

Source: Big Lots

Finally, if neither of those sound good, simple favors are a great way to help out. Did you just see your little brother drop a piece of food on the ground? Go over and pick it up so no one else has to. Notice the table is a little cluttered? Try your best to declutter- a massive help for later. Does the dog need to be let out and everyone else is busy? Take it upon yourself to let the dog out. Simply put, small acts of kindness are just as significant as larger ones. These gestures you make may be overlooked but they are not unappreciated. On behalf of The Oracle, have an amazing Thanksgiving!


Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

SHS Honors Veterans Through Living History Program

Written by: Lauren Groff

In observance of Veteran's Day, veterans Jack Tripp, Tony Gallopo, Stephen Boonstra, and Susan and Scott Foy sat before Sparta High School students on Wednesday, November 14th. The panel spoke about their varied experiences in service and how those experiences still affect them off the line of duty. They were also open to questions asked by students and staff members.The opportunity for Spartans to hear from the panel was part of the 2018 Living History Program, hosted in the Sparta High School Media Resource Center.

Aside from the panel of guest speakers, there are veterans among us everyday here at SHS, including:

Mr. Eric Hood

Mr. Gerald Carter

Mr. Tony Lombardo

Mr. Chris Dugan

Mr. Bill Brennan

Mr. Dan Zill

And substitute teachers

Mr. Windt

Mr. Henry Scully

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Though Veteran's Day was brought to attention recently, it is always nice to thank your teachers for risking their lives to keep our country safe.

Follow us-

Instagram: @shs_oracle

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

SHS Preps For Upcoming Fall Drama

Written by: Emily Fitzgerald 

School is in session, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by schoolwork. However, students should be on the lookout for the upcoming fall drama- You Can't Take It With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, which is the story of a slightly batty New York City family living together in a large house. 

Source: IMDb

When asked why this play was chosen, Mr. Rivers, the show's director, explains, "It seemed to fit our students because it is a comedy. Even though this is the first show I have been lucky enough to direct at SHS, I've worked with enough drama club students to know that we have a great number of comedic actors. The show features big characters, so the actors are having a lot of fun as they explore the family dynamics of the show's wacky families. The show also has some thematic resonance for our world today. The two young lovers, who are from very different families, must find a way to help their parents recognize what really matters in life."

Source: Houston Chronicle 

The proposed date for the performance is November 29-December 1, 2018, from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. While the play may seem like a lifetime away, I encourage everyone to attend- I know I will!

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

SHS Open Mic Night Is A Stunning Success!

Written by: Kanita Tariq 

On Monday, Nov. 5, Sparta's literary/arts magazine, Beginnings, hosted the school year's first of many Open Mic Nights in the MRC. Students were invited to sing, dance, and perform monologues, skits, or poetry- topped off with a complimentary ice cream bar. 

Shacapella opened the night with a stunning performance of "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. 

       Shacapella is the highlight of the night with a stunning performance of "This Is Me."

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

Next was a performance of "Titanium" by Sparta's Women's Choir and a traditional Russian song by Sparta Russian students, directly translated into "Moscow Nights."

Women's Choir shine with a performance of "Titanium." 

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

                                                 Lively Russian students sing "Moscow Nights." 
                                                                     Source: Sparta Beginnings 

Following a series of musical performances (groups, duets, and solos), students performed skits and poetry they wrote either in their English/Creative Writing classes or on their own time. 

                                                         Kacey Senatore, Senior.  
                                                        Source: Sparta Beginnings 

                                                                      Grace Sander, Senior.  
                                                                   Source: Sparta Beginnings 

                                                           Source: Sparta Beginnings 

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

Alan Yeung, Junior.

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

                                                               Sarah Dioneda, Senior. 
                                                                   Source: Sparta Beginnings 

                                                                 Claire Riley, Senior. 
                                                                  Source: Sparta Beginnings 

Kanita Tariq, Junior

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

The audience enjoys the performances and readings over some ice cream. 

Source: Sparta Beginnings 

It was immensely inspiring to see classmates share their work in front of their peers. Beginnings plans to host more Open Mic nights over the course of the year, creating an excellent personal forum for student artists. 

7 Reasons Why Everyone Loves Fall

Written by: Lauren Groff

We may be well into the Christmas buzz, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the fall season- despite how quickly it may be breezing through. Before the first snowfall, here's a list of seven reasons why autumn is unquestionably the best season of the year! 

 

1. Fresh school supplies- The first marking period has come to a close, and by now, our folders are still light and uncluttered, our backpacks are free of any stray gum wrappers. Ah! Feels nice!

Source: Amazon

2. Sweatshirt Weather- An excuse to wear something easy, cozy, and comfortable to school, without the freezing winter ice and snow. Thank you, Fall!

Source: LookHUMAN

3. Walking over leaves- It’s inescapable… Crunchy leaves everywhere! Even if you hate fall (who does?), you have to admit the satisfaction of stepping on a fallen leaf. It’s almost like walking on bubble wrap…

4. Football Games- Home or away, the SHS student section is undoubtedly one of the most enthusiastic-if not the MOST enthusiastic-student section of them all! A new theme every weekend keeps things fun and exciting.

Source: TAPinto Sparta

5. Halloween Oreos- Alright, you’ve got to admit that there’s something indescribably fulfilling about the orange-dyed frosting in between the limited edition Halloween Oreos. They come back every year, but I’m eagerly awaiting their return each time.

Source: Amazon

6.Fall Candles- Between White Barn, Yankee Candle, and Bath and Body Works, there is always an overabundance of autumnal fragrances. Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon… you name it! Fall is definitely peak season for candles- don’t fight me on this!

7.Candy Overload!- Aside from being all over the grocery store, candy is readily accessible at this time of the year- especially if your family has to answer the door for trick-or-treaters! Plus, leftover sweets on November 1st serve as great snacks throughout the school week… Totally healthy…

                                                            Source: Oriental Trading 
Why do you love fall? 
Follow us: 
Instagram- @shs_oracle 
Twitter- @SHS_Oracle 

Freshman Sports Teams Wrap Up the Fall Season

Written by: Cole Anderson

As the fall sports season is coming to a close, freshmen sports teams are too often overlooked. While most people at Sparta High School focus on the junior varsity and varsity athletic, our hardworking freshmen deserve some recognition.

Boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, football, and volleyball are all fall sports that offer freshman levels. Although typically at the beginner level, freshman teams are very competitive and typically very successful. As the athletes that play on these freshman teams are fellow classmates, I have heard many good things about their experiences as part of the team.

Not only do athletes on freshman sports teams ultimately enjoy the competition and the game, camaraderie between the athletes is not only very present, but very influential on the player’s experience while playing the sport. When Shaelin Murphy, a freshman on the girls’ freshman soccer team, was asked about her teammates, she responds: “We’ve all become good friends throughout this season.”

Relationships between teammates are not the only prevalent thing in playing on a team; the coaches are also very influential on performance. Murphy expresses that, “The coaches are all amazing,” which seems to reflect in their soccer playing, since the girls’ team is undefeated for the fall season and their last game was Wednesday, October 24th.

Even though sports may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is always good to recognize the hard work that our athletes put into the sports they play, including our freshmen!

Follow us- 

Instagram: @shs_oracle 

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle