A Spartan in Amsterdam

Written by: Marguerite Bysshe 

Amsterdam feels exactly like you would expect Europe to feel. The old, low rising houses line the complex maze of waterways, connected sometimes by single lane bridges that can barely fit two people side-by-side. The entire city has a damp smell that does start to grow on you in a charming sort of way. While I spent less than four full days in this quaint little city, I certainly got the most out of it. 

Some highlights: 
The Anne Frank Museum is so hard to get tickets for for a reason. Visiting the actual attic the late family stayed in was an eye-opening experience and made a lot of the events of WWII much more real to me. 
Eating fish! While I am by no means a pescatarian, the seafood in Amsterdam was phenomenal. Plus, you can find fresh fish almost anywhere, and for relatively cheap prices! A side with the fish that you have to try is frites with “fritessaus”, which is basically mayo. It may not be something I ever try again, but it is an Amsterdam classic. 
There are lots of little flea markets and food stands throughout the city, especially in the warmer months. They are super fun to explore and filled with unique clothing pieces and some real hidden gems. 
My favorite part of my trip by far was the bike trip I took just outside the central part of the city. We ventured less than a half hour by bike into the Netherlands countryside where we were introduced to original windmills and some of the cutest little villages I have ever seen. The fields and animals were beautiful, and when paired with a nice sunny day with the wind blowing through my hair, there really was nothing better. There are plenty of places to rent bikes, as biking is by far the most popular way to get around. Even if you just want to stay inside the city, biking is fun and efficient. 

Overall, Amsterdam was the host of some incredible food, amazing kind, understanding people, and experiences for anyone. Obviously, there are a million other things to do in Amsterdam. In fact, if you start packing now, you could probably make it for tulip season and view all the tulips in bloom throughout the countryside, with a backdrop of windmills and blowing wheat. 


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How To Combat Procrastination

Written by: Emily Fitzgerald 

School can be a struggle and sometimes work just seems to pile up. If you're anything like me work doesn’t pile up because your teachers give you so much work, you procrastinate. Everyone’s been there! Here are some helpful tips to combat procrastination. 

Tip #1: Try To Tackle Tasks in Short Period of Time
Rather than trying to finish homework in one fatal swoop, take fifteen minutes at a time to work on it. After those fifteen minutes, take short three-minute breaks. This will allow you to only have to focus for a short period of time instead of thinking about the long task at hand. 

Tip #2: Give Yourself Motivation
To get things done you need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tell yourself that you can do whatever you need to do and that it’s going to be awesome! 

Tip #3: Don’t be a Perfectionist
Often times assignments won’t get done because people want them to be 100% perfect, however, sometimes you need to step back and just get it done. Once it is completely done, you can go back to revise. Having something on the page is better than having nothing. 

Tip #4: Remove Distractions 

Phones are a main cause of procrastination. They can easily be distracting and hard to put down. Avoid having to deal with phones at all while you are trying to work. Put your phone in a different room until you are done with what you are working on. 

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Elsa and Anna Take On SMS!

Written by: Emma Sears 

Every year Sparta Middle School prepares for months to perform a winter musical, and this year is no exception! The show will be held this weekend at Sparta High School, starting Friday with additional performances on Saturday and Sunday. 
The cast is extremely excited to present their play to the Sparta community and to display what their hard work has amounted to. When asked about her experience, eighth-grader Megan Armstrong (playing Elsa) recounts: “This was my last middle school show and it is really something that I’ll remember for a long time. I always have so much fun on stage with all of my friends!”

Source: Microsoft


 Be sure to support the younger Spartans and go see Frozen on January 17, 18, and 19! 

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