Proud Band Students Perform in Porch Concerts

Written by: Liv Canova

Have you recently opened your window to the sound of beautiful music being played from one of your neighbor’s porches? Well then you might have experienced a porch concert firsthand!

Porch concerts are the new way to “bring music to the community even if we couldn't meet in-person” says Dr. Gianuzzi, one of the High School’s band directors, and orchestrators of the event. Music students of all ages have had their spring concerts cancelled due to the pandemic, so the music teachers came up with a solution. Each student would take their instrument outside on the date and time of their concert and host a “porch concert” for their families and neighbors. “We wanted to fill the community with music,” says Gianuzzi. Many kids played the instruments that they usually play in class, filling the air with flute, euphonium, or viola music. Others opted to play instruments used for other ensembles, or played for fun. Drum kits, pianos, and even some ukuleles were utilized in this musical masterpiece. 

The high-school concert didn’t end there though. After all the instruments were packed, and all traces of clarinet notes were clear from the air, music students and their families attended a google meet hosted by Dr. Gianuzzi and Mr. Lopez. There, all the seniors and their instruments were recognized, and awards and scholarships were handed out. Quotes Gianuzzi, “The goal was to showcase our students, share music with the community, and hopefully lift some spirits.”

Those who listened to, or even partook in one of these porch concerts, truly experienced music at it’s finest.

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Creative Students Connect to Make a Minecraft SHS

Written by: Emily Opresnick 

With the abrupt closing of New Jersey schools back in March, many students were not able to say a proper goodbye to their teachers and friends at Sparta High School. Drawing inspiration from some universities, seniors Kae DeGiovanni and Emily Opresnick had the idea to replicate the high school on a one-to-one scale in Minecraft. 

They shared their idea with other Sparta High School students through Discord, an online communication service, and so the project began. With little information about the dimensions of the school, they knew that the building would be difficult to virtually create on a one-to-one scale. Using the standard conversion–one Minecraft block is exactly one meter– an easy start was the football field, because of its uniform dimensions. They completed the field by making the bleachers, concession stand, and ticket booths using images of the field and Google Street View.

Completed football field.

After the field was complete, the students began designing the parking lots. Google Street View helped get the dimensions of the parking spots in relation to the football field. In addition, satellite images were used to get the exact amount of parking spaces in each of the parking lots around the school. Other details such as the tennis courts and track were added, completing SHS's surrounding landscape.

Completed parking spots

The next step was the school itself. They started with the main office and music rooms, working their way back outlining each of the rooms. Once again the students used Google Maps and the parking spaces to measure out each of the hallways and rooms. The major features of the school were the auditorium, gym, and cafeteria. The auditorium was laid out by Kaden Kambak, who used his knowledge from working the lights for the school play to recreate its ambiance. Grace Ward and Alex Ramos worked on building the gym and cafeteria based on their first hand SHS student experience. After the layout was done, ceilings, floors, and lights were added. Senior Cameron Ekeman recreated the roof of the school using drone footage found on YouTube. 

Completed auditorium

Liam Rust, a junior at Sparta High School, created a texture pack for the server. This included new colored bricks to match the school's exterior, new colored blocks to match the interior colors, and retextured doors to match the lockers. Another student, Max Scalera, created map art. This consisted of 16,384 blocks being placed per map to create artwork that appears on a map and item frame in Minecraft. DeGiovanni and Opresnick also worked on map art such as subject-specific whiteboards for different classrooms. Akshat Iyer used a Minecraft plugin called Litematica to convert an image into Minecraft blocks to be used as map art. This allowed them to add small yet crucial details to some classrooms such as the Physics room, which contains posters of Mr. Bickerton made by Michael Caruso. Senior Ava Lopez used the in-game coding system to create moving parts, such as the shudders separating the study halls, the stage curtain, and more. Similarly, Kyle Neuwirth used Redstone to generate fireworks in the game. Ula Bitinaitis created busses to be placed around the parking lot simulating drop off and pickups. Ellie Sheeran and Lorenzo Rendina added details to the music rooms such as music stands and a piano by creatively using different resources available in the game.

Completed hallway lockers

After four days of strategic block-placing, the project was complete, minus a few minor details. The students are planning to use the server to possibly host a Minecraft Graduation or as a way for students to see the school at home. 

Credits to: Ula Bitinaitis, Kae DeGiovanni, Cameron Ekeman, Akshat Iyer, Kaden Kambak, Ava Lopez, Kyle Neuwirth, Emily Opresnick, Alex Ramos, Lorenzo Rendina, Liam Rust, Max Scalera, Ellie Sheeran, and Grace Ward.

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Virtual Award Ceremonies held in Honor of Student Accomplishments

Written by: Noelle Hanek 
Springtime, particularly May and June, is the prime time for award ceremonies and concerts  held to recognize each student’s hard work throughout the year. Due to the unfortunate coronavirus situation, all of these events at first came to a halt. Luckily, Spartans have found a solution by hosting many of these highly anticipated ceremonies online. Therefore, the students, coaches, and teachers can still be formally congratulated for everything they have done.

Despite the restrictions and cancellations of all spring school events, the music programs were still able to hold virtual ceremonies. In place of the traditional music concerts that are held annually, this year’s concerts were instead hosted online through Google Meet on the day of the planned concert. Music students, teachers, and their families attended the virtual meetings from the comfort of their own homes. 

Band students held their ceremony on May 5. That evening, Mr. Lopez and Dr. Gianuzzi delivered wonderful speeches about their seniors and discussed their amazing music and achievements throughout the years. Multiple talented seniors received awards and scholarships for their hard work. The ceremony wrapped up on a cheerful note after the teachers thanked everyone for a great year.

 A similar event was held on the evening of May 13 to recognize the Orchestra students. The musicians were dressed in black with instruments in hand like they would at a normal concert, and together played a final song in honor of the seniors. The Orchestra teacher, Ms. Bach gave a speech to commemorate accomplishments throughout the year. She recognized every senior and did so by naming each one, their favorite song performed, and their favorite orchestra moment during their time at Sparta High School.

These events were filled with bittersweet moments. Goodbyes are always sad, but the virtual concerts were a time to be proud. While it was unfortunate that the students could not play their music in the concert auditorium, they were still recognized for their work and their dedication performance was evident. 

In addition to the music world, many winter athletes are expecting a banquet of their own to make up for the cancellation of a planned event meant to follow their hardworking season. During these banquets, it is likely the distribution of awards is likely, as are the heartfelt speeches to be delivered. Certain sports, like the ice hockey team, are hoping to host an event over the summer if possible, however this cannot be currently confirmed. Even if they do not get a banquet of their own, congratulations to all teams (including the spring teams) for their incredible contributions to the Sparta athletics.

These virtual events are all a part of a time period that will make history. While these events cannot replace the loss of the ones that were to be held in person, they were still a light in the community that commemorated the Spartans' hard work throughout the year.  Banquet or no banquet, the dedication shown this year will not be forgotten.

Source: freepik

Source: iimages

Follow us-

Instagram: @shs_oracle 

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Tackling Online AP Test Taking

Written by: Emma Sears 

Every May, thousands of students across the US pour hours of their time into studying for numerous Advanced Placement exams, hoping to earn themselves a high score on the difficult three-hour test. However, the formats of the AP exams were much different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic preventing students from taking the tests at school. The College Board's solution? Online exams.

The College Board modified the test due to the conditions that forced students to test from home. Instead of a three-hour timeframe, the exam was condensed to only 45 minutes, giving students a limited opportunity to flaunt their knowledge. While most AP exams usually include a multiple choice portion, the College Board removed the section this year to deter any cheating. Another unprecedented change seen this year was that the tests were made to be open note, meaning students could reference their resources freely during the time of the exam.

When asked about her personal experience with AP exams this year, Sparta High School junior Fiona Sipple said, “I thought that the hard work us AP students put into the year was not showcased in any of the AP tests. The 45 minute limit was not adequate especially when [on] the original test we would have had more time. With that being said, I think I speak for most when I say that we did the best we could under the circumstances and we hope for the best now that AP tests are behind us.” Sipple took both the AP US History and the AP Language and Composition exams.

While these were not the ideal conditions envisioned by high schoolers hoping to earn their deserved college credit on AP tests, we are lucky to still have had the opportunity to have taken the exams through distance learning. Best wishes to all who took AP exams!

Source: Twitter 

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

Here We Are

On March 13, 2020, teaching and learning, as I knew it, changed forever.  Students were given the day “off” on this, Friday, the thirteenth, and teachers feverishly prepared for two weeks of work– although, I believe they all knew it would be much longer… and here we are.

I am not superstitious– but there were certainly strange things afoot at Sparta High School that day. Meetings, packets, and Google Classroom assignments were all top priority. There is something quite eerie about a school when the students are not present. We did not know then what we know now- that March 12 was the last day of “school” for a long time to come. 

Some educators are ed-tech savvy, while others are not. As the librarian, I helped as many teachers as I could to solve for the unknown. COVID-19 invaded our state, and we had one school day to gather our resources. Most left the building on that Friday hoping that we would be back on Monday to finish preparations; or it was not as bad as we thought; or we would only be “out” for two weeks. 

In hindsight, I reflect on how lucky we were: the mens’ and womens’ basketball teams finished their seasons, wrestlers dominated their championship, and the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast sold out 1000+ seats for three performances, all within days of the lockdown. But the choir and culinary trips were canceled, and teachers and students were left feeling incomplete and disappointed. Two weeks quickly become months, and here we are– almost June. 

Sparta High School teachers were given a directive to meet with their students once a week and provide one recorded class session via Google Classroom. We all know that this does not even come close to the time teachers spend with their students under “normal circumstances.” However, the hours of preparation and screen time answering parent emails, student emails, and other correspondence has increased ten-fold.  There is a distinct lack of human connection. Body language is hard to decipher if students’ cameras are turned off.  Some teachers have struggled to provide what they believe their students need. Some teachers are really just struggling– because, after all, teachers are human.

In true Spartan fashion, though, the teachers of Sparta have found a way to succeed. In my 18 years in that building, I have witnessed many obstacles, but “WE” always persevere. Teachers have reached out to one another to ask for help, to discuss virtual “best practices”, and to simply make sure that our friends and colleagues are alright.

While we have worked to teach and learn during these unprecedented times, there has been some genuine growth and positivity that has resulted. Courtney Hyland, Special Education and Life Skills teacher, said about her students, “[...] it has been [amazing] to watch the kids independently and naturally apply the life/ social emotional skills that they have worked on in order to not only be successful, but to grow during this time.” 

Physical Education teacher, Lynn D’Amelio has focused her lessons beyond curricular requirements. Not only is she making sure that her students remain physically active, she encourages each junior and senior that she teaches to reflect upon the social and emotional ramifications of distance learning. She takes the time to respond to each student individually and uses their feedback to guide further discussion. 

Understanding that these are not “normal” times, Amber Koppman has redesigned her sophomore English lesson to encourage her students to be authentic and reflective in their research. In a ladder-sequence research project, students are able to tap into personal preferences of poetry, literature, music, and film to make real-life connections. Her classroom sessions are lively and full of energy- the students are engaged. 

While these are only a few examples, SHS teachers have always gone above and beyond what is required of them. They understand the difference between quality vs. quantity. While the teachers are certainly experts in their respective fields, the hurdles of virtual teaching have been high. But, make no mistake, we are learning, collaborating, and succeeding.  We miss our students. We miss our classrooms. We even miss the photocopiers that constantly jam. None of us knows what is going to come next; but for right now, here we are.

-Angela Deluccia 

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

On This Day in History- May 26

Written by: Sarah Riley

On this day in history, May 26,1969, the astronauts from the Apollo 10 mission landed back onto Earth. This flight was one of the multiple test runs for the infamous Apollo 11, America’s first visit to the moon. What made the Apollo 10 Snoopy unique from the other missions is that it was flown within nine miles of the moon’s surface unlike the previous five missions, which all made contact with the moon. Snoopy was later launched into an orbit around the sun, also unlike the other missions. This successful mission helped paved the way for humans to set foot on the moon for the first time, and was a breakthrough for mankind. 

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

Source: NASA

Follow us- 

Instagram: @shs_oracle

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

Social Distancing's Impact on Climate Change

Written by: Chloe Maher 

Despite social distancing's negative effect on our daily lives, it has proven to be surprisingly beneficial for the Earth. Because people aren’t leaving their houses or gathering in large groups, less energy is in uses and thus there is less pollution in the atmosphere,

Two of the largest contributors of human pollution in fact have been largely eliminated. As  people have abstained from leaving their homes, there’s less pollution being emitted from planes and cars. Meaning, Americans currently living in suburbia are largely decreasing their carbon footprint, as nonessential commutes are eliminated. However, Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit and a former New York Times reporter suggests environmental improvements are guaranteed to reverse after the pandemic is over, meaning current decreases in pollution and emissions are likely unsustainable, unfortunately.

However, on the bright side, social distancing has proven the impact of environmental preservation, at least for a short while. For example, in Italy, nitrogen dioxide rates have dropped by around 40 percent, according to the Independent, and fish are swimming in the normally polluted canals of Venice. Oil production has also slowed in the Middle East, due to decreased demand for oil. Perhaps, we should keep the effects of social distancing in mind after the pandemic comes to a close, as social distancing is definitely good for the planet.

Source: The Independent

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

10 REALISTIC Ways to Stay Motivated and Productive

Written by: Fiona Sipple

We are all working from home and expected to maintain our grades and continue to learn new material from a distance– something we have never had to do before. It can seem like a daunting task. The fact that we have to remain productive with our T.V. and Xbox controllers sitting not that far away makes the task all the more challenging. However, success is attainable even in these circumstances. If you apply these habits to your new daily routine, you will find success as a student, even under these new obstacles we all face. Here are ten ways to stay motivated and productive:

Source: Success Magazine

1. Create a routine. 

Right now, many of us are unproductive and unsuccessful because they have not figured out how they would like to manage their time. But if you were to write out a schedule and stick to it, you could go throughout your day being productive. 

2. Include breaks in your routine. 

In school we never had to work straight through the day, so make sure you include time for yourself in between your work. Make time to grab a bite to eat, watch an episode of your current favorite show, or call a friend.  

3. Get dressed in the morning.

Getting dressed and putting something on besides pajamas or sweats can help you feel ready for the day and more awake. This in turn can help you be more productive and when completing your school work throughout the day.  

4. Get some exercise.

Even if you go on a short walk, getting out can help clear your head and make you feel more relaxed. Exercise is a great way to get moving and compensate for staying indoors all day. 

5. Eat healthy. 

Eating the right foods can make a world of a difference. Adding some fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet can help you stay alert. Eating healthy also helps with cognitive skills that will ensure your overall success. 

6. Learn something new!

Now is a great time to learn a new skill or finally get to what you have been putting off because of a lack of time. Some students have been using Duolingo to learn a new language. Others have incorporated reading for pleasure into their daily routines. Whatever it is you have not had time for in the past, now is a great time to start. 

7. Get to bed at a reasonable time. 

While we might not have to be up by 5:45 every morning, it is still important to go to bed at a reasonable time so you can be sure to get your seven hours of sleep in. Sleep is a big part of waking up feeling good and ready to take on the day, so make sure you get enough of it. 

8. Put away the distractions while you work.

Leave your phone or tablet in another room while you work. Make sure that when you are working, that is your time to focus and complete the day's assignments. If you are constantly looking down at your phone or finding other ways to procrastinate, your work will drag on and you will not be fully immersed in your assignment. 

9. Create a workspace. 

While it may be nice to sit in bed and do school work, it is going to be difficult to be productive, not to mention a little uncomfortable after looking down for extended periods of time. Make sure you have a proper place to work that is quiet and functional as well as separate from where you relax and take your breaks.  

10. Bad days are okay! 

Just like if we were back in school, not everyday would be a great day. We all have bad days so it’s okay to be a little extra lazy and not be as motivated as you'd want to be. Just make sure after you allow yourself to have a bad day you go to bed prepared to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new start to a good day.  

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle    

The Search for a Vaccine

Written by: Emma Sears 

Almost the entire world is now in quarantine and we are all experiencing an unprecedented shutdown. Our favorite stores and restaurants are indefinitely closed, our sports and activities are canceled, and we must resort to digital learning for the remainder of the school year. And yet, hope remains: all around the globe, there is increased gratitude and kindness for the healthcare workers who are bravely saving lives and tending to the sick, but most importantly, searching for a cure. 

According to NBC News, NYU has been developing a new vaccine for the coronavirus. The method they are using is unique because it “attempts to reprogram the deadly pathogen rather than manipulate the live virus.” The best part? The researchers working on this specific cure say it could be ready by the end of the summer, an earlier timeline than some originally predicted. 

Even though it is not known how long this pandemic will continue, it is important to maintain the practice of social distancing, follow health guidelines, and of course, wash your hands! We will come out of this stronger. Stay healthy, hopeful, positive, and always be #SpartanStrong. 

Source: NYU Langone Health

Follow us-

Instagram: @shs_oracle 

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

Spartans Keep the Music Alive in Quarantine

Written by: Emma McNamara 

Online learning is not how students and teachers pictured the end of  the school year. While everyone was seemingly comfortable with technology in the classroom, there was little time to prep for technology becoming the classroom. Music classes are certainly no exception. Some of Sparta High’s music teachers were able to share their experiences teaching during the pandemic thus far. 

Current events have brought forth new challenges for everyone involved. Music teacher Dr. Gianuzzi said, "We didn't have much time to adjust...it was more like the starting gun at a track meet. I started with what I knew, Google Classroom. In the time between I became a student via YouTube videos, chat groups, online professional communities, etc. I've taken advantage of several free programs such as SmartMusic to figure out ways to make it easier for students to keep learning while we're in this craziness.” 


Students and teachers alike have had to learn more about technology and use their newfound knowledge to adjust, trying to continue the normal school lessons. Mrs. Lopez, who runs both in-school and after-school choirs relays, "When it comes time to provide feedback and help, there is only so much I can convey with a 'comment' or email. I miss being able to sing with my students and hear their immediate improvement. As amazing as this technology is, seeing and singing with someone else at the same time is not possible.” 

Mr. Lopez has had a similar experience, describing his hardest class: “Band has been the biggest challenge because we can’t play together. There’s no online forum that allows groups of people to play together at the same time without delays.” There is no doubt that a music class thrives on the unity of a group, something seemingly unachievable over the internet at this time. 

The closest people can get to togetherness during this time is digitally. “We’re trying to do the virtual band thing where people submit individual recordings of themselves and I’m going to then mix it all together using software. Although that’s not nearly the same thing as being in rehearsal and having concerts, it’s been a fun challenge. The kids get to learn what it’s like to do a recording, which is very difficult and challenging in many ways. For me I get to learn new software. I’m learning how to use professional grade software and mixing and editing equipment- Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro X,” Mr. Lopez explains. SHS choirs are also in the works of creating a similar project. Various music classes have also had students perform on their front porch to make their music heard through the community.

While prevalent challenges arise for the three teachers, all have kept their heads high and are finding the positive in a hard situation. “On one hand, I am able to assign more individual work and I have time to listen to every one of my students each week. I am getting to know each and every one of my students in a very detailed way. I am noticing improvement in confidence as they are getting more used to recording themselves. These are some good things!” says Mrs. Lopez. 

Since online schooling began, Lopez’s choir students have been joining on Google Meets and warming up with their teacher, continuing to learn about singing and asking questions about assignments. This format has even worked to create a virtual “coffee house'' where students could perform for other students, and faculty was able to join in for a listen as well. Google Meet brightened the day for many Spartans and Mrs. Lopez has spoken of hosting another one soon.


Classes such as Music Theory have an easier time with the more typical academic classroom environment. "I found a way to use a writing tablet, scan assignments, share the video screen, and teach the lesson live. It's a lot of work but I'm finding more and more cool websites, videos, and resources I can share," reflects Mrs. Lopez. 

Mr. Lopez agrees that the adjustment for this type of class has been simpler. “Kids are getting assignments a couple of times a week depending on the class. My non-performance classes like Music Theory and Music Appreciation, it’s a little easier because I can assign reading or videos for them to watch and there’s responses...We lose the class discussion part but I’m still able to share the information,” he relates. In these cases, there isn’t an issue over lack of equipment, which has been a troublesome problem in other classes.

Mr. Lopez’s piano classes encountered issues that cannot simply be solved. “The performance-based classes I teach have been the most challenging. One of the classes I teach is Basic Electric Piano and I’ve got students in both classes that don’t own a piano...these kids were doing so well and now their progress has been halted because they can’t practice.” 

Although the situation is frustrating and upsetting, this new way of life makes people reflect on how in-school education is truly valuable. Many kids miss the opportunities they had every day at SHS, including the use of materials that not every student has available at home. Mr Lopez continues, “For the students who do have pianos, we’ve been able to continue and do good work. They submit videos to me during the week and I critique and comment on them. At the end of the week we have a class recital, where we all log onto a Google Meet, and that’s been awesome because we can still perform for each other.”

The wonderful thing about music is the way it connects people. While everyone is physically apart, music has helped many keep the feeling of connection through playing for and listening to others. “There is something so special and frankly...scientifically miraculous when a group of students make music,” Dr. Giannuzzi shares. “When we breathe together and sing, our heartbeats align. When we're in the middle of a large ensemble and able to hear and feel the vibrations of sound, our bodies react with hormones and make us feel happier and more content. We miss the community of music makers– our friends who understand us in a way that others don't. Online, I can teach lessons but I can't play along with the students, I can say play along with a track but that is a lonely way to make music. The community creates music together.”


It’s no secret that the physical school closure has been a loss for everyone. What Dr. G misses is “... sitting with students one-on-one and showing them how to make things 'work.' Again, that's the relationship piece of teaching. We not only deliver curriculum materials...we build relationships with students. I can't see if a student is having a hard day. I miss the daily "Good Morning, Doc G", "Thank you", "Have a Great day" conversations we have from class to class. I try to encourage students and these relationships encourage me as well. That's what I miss most.” 

Mr. Lopez agrees, “I definitely miss my students. I miss my colleagues. I miss playing. Sometimes rehearsals were a challenge, but I would give anything to be back there and have that challenge and just make music together, because in my opinion there is nothing more special.” 

All anyone can do is to keep learning, keep trying, and do the best they can at staying connected. Mrs. Lopez reminds us that “While it is frustrating not being able to simulate Choir, this is an opportunity to more completely understand what it means to walk into a music room for rehearsal.  Creating music together is a special human experience that is difficult to explain, but I think this experience is teaching that to my students for me.“ These teachers and classes are truly special, and until we can connect in the school building again, let’s keep working, and keep the music playing.

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

College Prep for Juniors in Lockdown

Written by: Sarah Riley 

As a junior in high school, it is natural to be thinking about college and the application process a lot lately. Despite the fact that you can’t take standardized tests or college tours at the moment, there is still a lot you can do to prepare for the future. Here are some tips for college readiness while in quarantine:

Source: Getting Smart

1. Make a list of colleges you want to apply to. First, make a list of the qualities that define your perfect college experience– whether that be academics, activities, or location. Then, research schools that have these characteristics and narrow down the ones that you are interested in attending.

2. Study for the SATs/ACTs. Considering how much time we have in quarantine, it’s a great time to study strategies and review the material covered on the standardized tests that you will eventually take. 

3. Attend online college info sessions. There are tons of companies that are partnering with colleges to provide free information sessions about their schools, which serve as a good outlet to learn more about specific schools straight from the source.

4. Start your college essay. The majority of colleges use the Common and/or Coalition Application, which have the essay prompts for the upcoming school year for current juniors. You can get a head start by coming up with an essay topic, or perhaps even beginning a rough draft. 

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

"The Last Dance" Review: Insight into Michael Jordan's Rise to Stardom

Written by: Eric Dau 

Michael Jordan was a well-renowned basketball player for the Chicago Bulls (with a brief stint on the Washington Wizards) in the 1980s and 1990s. For many basketball fans, Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, with numerous NBA championships under his belt and a variety of other distinctions, awards, and honors, a TV series was just added to the list. 

The Last Dance is Michael Jordan's new show on ESPN. It became a huge hit, most popular amongst sports fans. The show features Jordan and all of the behind-the-scenes views in his career. Both on the court to off, Jordan was never overlooked and The Last Dance takes a deeper dive at that. 

The show is still young, as it is not even close to completing its first season. If you have not gotten a chance to watch The Last Dance yet, here's a little sneak peak of Episode One:  an up-close-and-personal look at Jordan's ups and downs in the memorable 1997-98 Chicago Bulls basketball season and what made that season unforgettable. 

Source: Sports Illustrated 

Since we are all stuck at home for the rest of the year, catch The Last Dance on ESPN on Sunday nights. And remember– stay safe and stay home! 

Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle 

Sparta Photography's "Pictures for a Purpose"

Written by: Noelle Hanek 

"Pictures for a Purpose," a cause run by @spartaphotos on Instagram, is a fun way to connect with the community and express school spirit all the while making a positive impact during these difficult times. To participate, Spartan students and staff get their photo taken by the student photographers of themselves and their family members at their homes, (from a safe distance of course) wearing their Spartan gear to show their school spirit!  With this, the participants donate about three to five dollars to the program to raise money for local COVID-19 relief efforts. So far, the program has been very successful, raising over $200 in just one day! This program would not be possible without the school photographers, juniors Tessa Gori and Kyle Neuwirth, who have done a great job operating it so far. 

Check out the official Sparta photography instagram: @spartaphotos, which is run by Neuwirth and Gori, to learn more about the program, and to view the photos of previous participants! In addition, Sparta Photography captures many fantastic Sparta High events!

*At this time, @spartaphotos is adhering to "stay at home" order and will continue the endeavor once restrictions have been lifted.

Source: Instagram

This is just one of the numerous ways to help out the community. Creating, sharing, and supporting these special causes helps others who are in need of it. The work and efforts put into these programs and their impact on the community are truly appreciated. 
Follow us- 
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Money Heist Review: A Gripping & Addictive Thriller

Written by: Marguerite Bysshe 

*Disclaimer: No major spoilers, but minor references to the show. Read with caution.*

Source: Auto Freak

As someone who loves intense thrillers but finds it hard to sit through three hours of cop-car chases and runaway fugitives, I was absolutely thrilled when I found Money Heist. The show introduces the Professor, the mastermind behind “The Plan," recruiting eight talented criminals who go by city names to preserve their identity in efforts to pull off the greatest heist in history– breaking into the Royal Mint of Spain and printing millions of euros. 

Throughout the first two seasons, this group of outcasts becomes a symbol for ordinary people all around the world. Their red jumpsuits and Dali masks become more than just a disguise. What started as just a money-making plot turned into a global movement of taking power back from the government. Outside of the Mint, the Spanish police work frantically to deescalate the situation, constantly debating the best way to get inside and take down the intruders without putting any of the hostages in danger. Uniform disguises makes it virtually impossible to tell them apart. To spice things up even more, the Professor, who watches the entire operation from his own hideout outside of the Mint, communicates regularly with Inspector Raquel Murillo, negotiating for his team to succeed. 

There's never a dull moment in Money Heist. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next orders given by the Professor or rescue attempts by the National Police Corps. There’s always frustrating drama within the group of robbers as well as between the robbers and the hostages. You get to know the thieves so personally, despite their unknown identities and it’s hard not to root for their escape rather than the police’s success. The subtitled Spanish is rarely a distraction as the intensity of the script engulfs viewers, allowing them to embrace the story while simultaneously picking up some Spanish words and phrases. 

Especially since we’re all social distancing and spending a lot of time at home, Money Heist is a great show to try out during quarantine. Before you know it, you’ll be wishing you were a part of the gang, dressed in your own red jumpsuit and mask. 

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Pandemic Protocol's Impact on Small-Town Business

Written by: Liv Canova 

It’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Sparta residents in innumerable ways. Schools are now online for the remainder of the year, meaning kids from pre-K to college are home for the foreseeable future. Many parents are home now too, so that means more family time every day. However, some businesses remain open and are tackling obstacles they never faced before. Thanks to WaggMore and Alpine Creamery, we have insight into how some local Sparta establishments have been adjusting to this unforeseen time. 

To combat the very up-close-and-personal nature of ice cream service, Alpine Creamery has introduced a Sundae Starter kit. If you haven’t tried one already, you’re missing out. The kit comes with three pints of any flavors, one sundae topping, one sprinkle topping, and three of both sugar and wafer cones. “It has been a real success and based on feedback, [customers] love having something fun and delicious to do with the whole family while staying safe,” reflects a Creamery spokesperson. 

Additionally, Alpine Creamery is requiring all employees to be masked and gloved at all times during their shifts and is allowing them to stay home if they do not feel comfortable. They have opened up the option to call and place an order for pickup which the spokesperson says “has allowed our employees to serve customers much quicker.” 

Finally, in an effort to keep customers at a safe distance, Creamery staff has placed blue tape markings on the ground six feet apart, which they will definitely be keeping in the future to “control the line better and ensure the line safely wraps around the sidewalk instead of going into the street.”

Source: Yelp

Similarly, WaggMore has also implemented some changes in order to continue to provide the pets of Sparta with their food, treats, and supplies. While they haven’t added any new products to their inventory, WaggMore now provides free local delivery and curbside pickup according to owner Christopher Murch. The store has remained open for all of its usual hours, so don’t hesitate to grab your four-legged friend any supplies they need regularly! 

“We will continue to provide excellent customer service and interpersonal relationship status with all our customers,” pledges Murch. “We care for your dog as if they were our own and that will never change.”

Source: TripAdvisor

Make sure to support Alpine Creamery and Waggmore, in addition to Sparta’s other many local businesses! Special thanks to Alpine Creamery and Christopher Murch of WaggMore for sharing their experiences! Stay safe Spartans!

Follow us-
Instagram: @shs_oracle 
Twitter: @SHS_Oracle

Quarantine Through Our Eyes

Written by: Kanita Tariq 

As a global community, we are all experiencing an unprecedented time. Our lives are put on hold. All of us have relocated onto the digital sphere and it seems as if everyone is a germ expert. While we patiently wait for a return to normalcy, many of us have manifested our anxieties and uncertainty into art. At SHS, student photographers of all three levels put their creative minds to work on a photojournalism project titled "Quarantine Through My Eyes," meant to document this once-in-a-lifetime era in history. 

When asked about the project, Mrs. Graham reflects: "I assigned this project in hopes [students] may document these challenging times (like a time capsule) to one day show their children and grandchildren what it was like to go through a pandemic, and wow– what powerful images we received."  

Featured below are some student photos for an insight into our lives in isolation:

"Masked Around the House" By Samantha Macierowski
Caption: In this photo, I captured my mom watching the latest news about people protesting to re-open the state of Illinois.

"Precaution" By Shelley Ramirez
Caption: A brother affected by the COVID-19 pandemic following grocery procedures.

"Mask-Making" By Glen McNamara
Caption: My mom sewing a mask. 

"Stuck Indoors" By Sila Paniker
Caption: Dog sitting inside and looking out at the rain through the window.

"Devoid of Cars" By Paige Mongon
Caption: Glen Road, a normally busy street, remains empty as all non-essential travel has been banned. 

"Distance" By Shelley Ramirez
Caption: A man following COVID-19 pandemic regulations.

"Time For Relaxation" By Sila Paniker
Caption: Mom working on a puzzle in the sunlight.

"College Readiness" By Kanita Tariq
Caption: An acceptance letter from New York University, paired with a precautionary face mask for a seemingly distant 
semester.

"Coronavirus Coverage" By Kanita Tariq
Caption: Gloved subject reads COVID-19 updates in the latest New Yorker issue.

"A Masked Reality" By Luke Simmons
Caption: My sister with a mask on in order to protect herself from coronavirus when she leaves the house.

"No Pedestrian Crossing" By William Kristiansen
Caption: Caption: No pedestrians will be crossing because of quarantine.

"Stay at Home Prom" By Jordan Bucenec
Caption: Model looks into mirror, wondering if prom will ever happen. 

"Distance Learning Day 21" By Robert Frisch
Caption: The silence of the outdoors is contrasting the warm inside.

"Do Not Cross" By Paige Mongon
Caption: The park at Helen Morgan School has been encircled in police tape to prevent anyone from accessing the playground and to ward off the general public.

"I miss all my students dearly and I want them to know that even though we are home their voices are heard through these breathtaking images," says Mrs. Graham. 

Sparta is home to many artists-in-the-making. Thank you for your work, and for staying #SpartanStrong in the midst of such uncertain times.

Follow us: 

Instagram- @shs_oracle 

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle