Distance Learning Survival Guide: Tips for Online School and Boredom

Written by: Noelle Hanek 

Right now is a troubling and uncertain time for everyone around the world, and this certainly does not exclude Sparta students. A major and sudden change has occurred due to the spread of the coronavirus, in which the school has closed through spring break and students are required to take their courses in the safety of their own homes. In addition, everyone is advised to stay in their homes at all times unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. This drastic change may take some time getting used to, for it is nothing we have ever seen before. Therefore, here is a quick guide to help students succeed on an average home instruction day. 

Step 1: Wake up at a good time. One of the best things about home instruction is that we get to sleep in, so use this to your advantage and get more sleep. However, make sure to wake up at a suitable time to get a good head start on your day! This can vary for different people, for not everyone is a morning person, but choose the time that works best for you! 

Source: Illustoon

Step 2: Get a good start on your schoolwork, of course after you are fully awake and have had your nice strong breakfast. Getting started early will lead to finishing the school day at an appropriate time. Try to avoid any distractions such as your phone before starting your work, otherwise, this may hold you up and keep you from getting an early start! 

Source: TeachHub

Step 3: Devise a schedule that works best for you. For instance, working on your classes in the same order that you would on a regular school day can be very helpful for keeping you on track. Jumping around all of your classes may result in you never going back to them, or pushing work off until midnight instead of tackling it right away. Others may find it better for them to get started with lighter work before moving on to the more difficult work. Either way, pick a schedule that you feel the most comfortable with and stick with it. 

Source: Call Centre Helper

Step 4: Take appropriate breaks. Do not exhaust yourself. Take adequate breaks when you begin to feel like you need one. After this first week, you may have realized when you begin to lose focus. Between classes, it is a good idea to take a small break from about 5 to 10 minutes to breathe, stretch, walk around, etc. Don’t forget to go back to work! 

Source: Information Week

Step 5: Don’t forget to have snacks if you are hungry throughout the day, and do not forget about eating lunch between your work! A good idea is to set time aside halfway through your courses to sit down and have a good lunch to fuel you for the rest of your distance learning day. 

Source: Clip Dealer

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the day! Around 2-5 pm is about the appropriate time you should be completed with your classes, and with no homework to do as well. Of course, this will vary each day based on how much work there is and all of the other factors listed above. It is a good idea to finish early so you can have time reserved for yourself for the rest of the day. Also, if you have any questions for your teachers, they can answer you sooner instead of hoping they will respond at 11:59 pm when the assignment is due at 12. 

Now that your school day is complete, one of the hardest things you may realize is finding what to do during your leisure time during this lockdown.  Here are some ideas you can take on during this time!

1. Read a book!

2. Take up a new hobby, and or learn a new skill!

3. Spend time with family!

4. Facetime friends!

5. Spend time with your pet!

6. Go bike riding in your neighborhood!

7. Watch movies and relax!

And remember Spartans, this may take some time getting used to, and this may be upsetting for many. During this time we must all support each other and help each other. We are Spartan strong and will make it through this! 

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The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight: A Perfect Read for Fans of Teen Fiction

Written by: Chloe Maher 

Bored at home while in self-isolation? Longing for breaks in between distance learning? Starved for entertainment mid-quarantine? What better way to pass the time than to pick up a book? The Oracle has a great pick for lovers of teen fiction: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. 

Hadley Sullivan is in the midst of one of the worst days of her entire life. Her father’s gone off to England, all the way across the ocean, and up and left her and her mother back in Connecticut. Now, Hadley’s off to London to meet her father’s fiance for the first time! 
While in the airport lamenting what sure to be utter horror awaits her in England with “that woman,” Hadley meets a boy. The perfect boy, complete with floppy hair and the cutest British accent. As fate would have it, Hadley misses her flight. What flight does the British boy, a.k.a Oliver, happen to be on? Hers! As luck would have it, he’s just one seat over!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a swoon worthy story of love at first sight. Short and sweet, it’s the perfect novel to occupy your time while in quarantine. I’d recommend it to fans of Sarah Dessen novels, dreaming of that perfect summer romance. Though cliches alone, Smith provides a familial twist, making it a delightful read!

Source: Good Reads

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"Beauty and the Beast" Makes SHS History!

Written by: Lauren Groff 

Making Sparta High School history, SHS’s Beauty and the Beast comes to a close after three sold-out performances. The show was of such popularity, in fact, that many audience members hoping to get seats were turned away as the auditorium sold out nearly two hours before the curtain opened. “The show appealed to all ages- and I am glad that we could share our magic with 1,000 people each night,” commented director Angela Deluccia. This year’s cast and crew consisted of marching band members, football players, and choir kids alike. “This program offers a diverse camaraderie that can be found nowhere else,” Deluccia continued, “Everyone can find their niche in the Spring Musical. It is a family!”

This year, four seniors were awarded with the Jeff Syberg Memorial Scholarship: Alexander Papandrikos (Beast), Lauren Groff (Belle), Austin Castorina (Gaston), and Esha Iyer (Babette). “I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing show with such amazing people,” said Castorina.

“From the staff of the program, to guests ranging from teachers to producers of Broadway productions, I have learned so much from these people and will forever be indebted to all of them,” said Papandrikos. “It is certainly sad to leave all of this behind, but I know that the program will continue to do great things.”

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Sparta's Blues Inc! Competes in State Prelims

Written by: Liv Canova 

Thurs. Mar. 5, Sparta High School’s Blues Inc! competed in the NJAJE State Jazz Prelims. Blues Inc! is one of Sparta’s two jazz bands run by Mr. Lopez. “I love working with both jazz bands here at Sparta High School, it is America’s true art form and to be able to share that with my students … is just a great joy,” reflects Lopez. 

Both groups are auditioned but Blues Inc! is the only one that competes, and many of the students plan to pursue music in their future careers. Senior and trumpet section leader Lorenzo Rendina is one of those students and reflects upon his experience with the jazz band: “Jazz band has been without a doubt the most influential thing I’ve ever done musically. I plan to major in jazz performance at University, and after college I plan to be a performer/educator… I would not have discovered this dream if it weren’t for the wonderful jazz band at Sparta High.” 

The prelims took place at Steiner High School, and while the band didn’t stay long, they got to witness some of the other talented bands competing in the event. Sparta’s setlist is composed of three pieces: "Big Swing Face" by Buddy Rich, "Rocks in My Bed" by Duke Ellington, and "Us" by Thad Jones. All the songs include numerous improvised and written instrumental solos and even a vocal solo in "Rocks in My Bed." Inc took home a rating of silver and also the ranking of 3rd place in Division 3 which means they’re set to go to state finals on Apr. 25! 


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On This Day In History: March 10

Written by: Sarah Riley

On this day in history, the world became a (slightly) healthier place. As many of you may already be aware of, Coke and Pepsi products used to contain suspect, harmful ingredients. Today, Mar. 10, in 2012, Coke and Pepsi altered the recipe for their notoriously tasty sodas, in order to avoid being required to put a cancer warning label on their product. A questionable substance in the beverages, 4-MEI, was reduced in the making of the coloring of the drinks. On Mar. 10, the formula for the sodas was first changed in California, then continued throughout the rest of the United States.   

Source: Shutterstock

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What You Need To Know About The Baby Project

Written: Emily Fitzgerald

One well-known junior-year tradition is the Health class baby project. While it is not a required project, many students prefer to practice their parenting over the alternate written assignment.

I personally enjoyed having the baby for 24 hours. While the baby's crying was annoying, it was not as bad as I expected it to be. Carrying around my baby in public was a lot of fun. I went to the mall with my friend the day I had the baby 

Some parents joked about wishing they had a doll instead of a real baby. However, the doll's crying is equally as awkward as a baby's! One thing I was worried about was spending the night with the baby. I am a pretty deep sleeper but the baby woke me up. One of the many joys of parenting!

Overall, the baby experience was not as bad as I expected it to be-- in fact, I actually enjoyed it. The Baby Project is a good experience for students to get a small taste of parenthood. 

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Join The Sparta High School Drama Club!

Written by: Emma MacNamara 

If you’ve ever been a part of the Sparta High School Drama Club, you already know what a fun, benevolent, lively environment it is. 

For years, the Drama Club has worked tirelessly to grow its program, spreading the love for theater to more students every school year. In a short time, the club has gained support and engagement from more and more kids. Jamie Lowenstein, SHS graduate and one of the Drama Club's founding members, commented on a recent Drama Club Instagram post: "The first meeting we ever held for the first-ever student production had four people at it." The growth in attendance over the past few years has been very successful, likely because of the club's new social media presence and the heightened popularity of theater in recent years.

Devoted members are the reason the club thrives on student involvement and is primarily student-run. Every late spring, students will take leadership positions and conduct that year’s student production. Other than Mr. Rivers' supervision, the play is completely kid-run! Recent student productions include You Have the Right to Remain Dead directed by Steven Sullivan (2018), The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon directed by Claire Riley and Juleanna Green (2019), and the upcoming Clue (on stage) directed by Tessa Gori and Laurel Ferguson (2020). 

Clue (on stage) auditions will take place on Tues. Mar. 10 and Wed. Mar. 11 after school. If you are interested in auditioning or want more information, stop by room 419 (Mr. Rivers' room) to sign up for an audition slot, or talk to the student directors Tessa Gori and Laurel Ferguson. 

If you’re not someone who feels comfortable on stage, there’s always something other than acting that the Drama Club needs your help with! Tech is always a great way to get involved in Drama Club endeavors. The behind-the-scenes crew of a stage production is so important for a successful show and is also a very exciting task. From lighting, running crew, set design, stage management, costume and props design, managing sound, to makeup artistry, there are so many aspects behind creating each play that the tech crew always loves welcoming new members. If you want to join tech for Clue, talk to Mr. Rivers in room 419, or see the student tech director and stage manager, Kyle Neuwirth and Kavya Kamath. 

The club is open to ideas from anyone interested in the performing arts, whether it’s your first day with the club or your fifty-first! To share your thoughts or join in on the fun, follow Sparta High Drama Club on Instagram @shsdramaclub2020, or join the google classroom with the code “dluvxdx.”

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