Fun and Safe Activities for a Spooky Halloween

 By Noelle Hanek

Halloween season is here again! Even though the coronavirus may limit some traditional Halloween activities, there are still numerous ways to have fun. Below are a few safe activities to do for the spooky season! 

• Watch scary movies 

There is no better time of the year than now to watch a classic scary movie.  The unusual change of circumstances makes it an even more perfect time to get comfortable, grab some snacks, and enjoy a thrilling film.  Even if separated from others, you can still watch movies with your friends through extensions such as Netflix party. 

• Carve Pumpkins and do crafts

  Crafts are always fun, and luckily there is a multitude of fall and Halloween crafts to choose from. A classic favorite is carving pumpkins, or designing unique faces and turning them into jack o lanterns. Try challenging your family in a carving contest, or maybe even on who can make the best Halloween costume. The creativity is endless!

In addition to making creations, another great idea is to decorate your house! Some decorations include lights, skeletons, and pumpkins. Placing decorations on your porch is another option that is sure to bring Halloween spirit to the neighborhood! 

• Listen to Halloween Themed Music

Another great way to get into the Halloween spirit is to play some spooky songs whether it be in your house or while you work. There are many playlists available that may include songs from your favorite Halloween movie, or even general Halloween songs you have likely heard at Halloween events. 

• Make your own Halloween Treats!

Nothing is better than eating Halloween candy. Even if you are receiving getting candy door to door, we can still all enjoy our own sweets for Halloween. There are a variety of fall related recipes available on the internet to choose from, ranging from Halloween shaped cookies to pumpkin cake! The options are limitless. 

This Halloween is quite unusual, however it has not stopped us from making the most out of it. If you have not done so yet, find fun ways to celebrate,  since Halloween only comes once a year! 

from: clipart-library.com

Learn More About the Align Wellness Center!

 By: Liv Canova

This year has been tough for everyone, and high school students are no exception. We now have to deal with online classes, Covid-19 stress, and for seniors, applying to college. And that's on top of dealing with possible mental health issues and regular stress from school. But did you know that Sparta High School has its own counseling and therapy center? 

The Align Wellness Center was created to help students deal with mental health issues through the school with a variety of different programs. Dr. Esposito, the center’s coordinator told us “We wanted to be able to create resources right here in our own building”, and last year when they got the opportunity to open a center in the high school, they did just that!

In the beginning, Align was mainly focused on dealing with more severe cases, but lately the center has been able to extend to any student who needs help or just wants to get educated in how to be healthy! They are able to offer services in individual and group therapy, pet therapy (with Hank the rabbit!), wellness activities (yoga, community outreach projects), and education on substance use and effects. Additionally, the center offers the “Alternative to Suspension Program” which allows students to participate in therapy and counseling instead of getting suspended from school.

Covid-19 has been proven to lead to more stress with high schoolers, whether it be directly, or indirectly with online school. For many students, in-person school was their main form of social interaction. Additionally, online classes have made it harder for students to focus and maintain good grades. Align can help.

Even with online limitations, Align has still managed to find ways to help students and the community!  Recently, they were able to schedule a yoga session with TrueYoga and according to Dr.Esposito, “because it’s virtual, it’s so great because we can offer it to anyone”

The entire staff are licensed clinical social workers or therapists and each session is individualized to maximize the help provided. Even if you’re just interested in learning how to gain healthy mental wellness techniques, Align can provide you with the information you need.

For more information, email jane.espoito@sparta.org, email align@sparta.org , reach out to your guidance counselor, come to see Dr. Esposito directly when in-person school resumes.  “Our goal is to end the stigma with mental health. It could be anyone!”

from: Align Wellness Center/googlesites

from: Align Wellness Center/googlesites

Looking For a Job? Check out Mathnasium!

 By Kavya Kamath

Summer of 2020, I got a job at the Sparta Mathnasium. To be completely honest, I wasn’t looking anywhere specifically, I just felt the need to do something with my summer; quarantine had left me restless and not wanting to stay stuck inside my house for another couple months. So, I sent out emails to bookstores, theatres, certain wellness institutions, and, through recommendation of a friend, the Sparta Mathnasium. My boss, Mrs. Mary Muller, was one of maybe three people to respond—I was, after all, an unqualified high schooler with no previous work experience—but I can’t tell you how thankful I am that she took that chance on me.

Don’t get me wrong, interviewing wasn’t easy, training for four hours a day wasn’t easy, working with coworkers triple my age wasn’t easy, learning how to connect with kids from kindergarten to 12th grade wasn’t easy, but working at Mathnasium has by far been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done with my life. Yes, I work on evenings and yes that sometimes means I have to stay up until midnight to finish my homework. Yes, I work on Saturdays and yes that always means waking up bright and early on a day I’m ‘supposed’ to be sleeping in. However, working has given me a purpose, something to do outside of and unrelated to Sparta High School. It’s popped a bubble of self-involvement, complacency, and routine that tends to surround us when we make school the center of our lives.

More personally, working at Mathnasium has strengthened both my love of math and kindled in me a love of teaching. Earning real wages, paying the bills of certain ‘extras’ that I want, being responsible to a boss and customers for quality work for the sake of the work (not for a grade)—it’s all changed my perspective on what I want to do once I get out of high school.

Since high school will be over in a mere four years, learning about yourself now, so you know what you want to do in college, is one of the best personal investments you can make.

And that’s part of the beauty of the job; I see it as a personal investment, something where there’s as much meaning and involvement as I want there to be.

I really really like my job. But to another highschooler, this might be so they can afford car insurance, maybe to another it’s to support their family, maybe to another it’s something their parents made them do, maybe to another it’s something to do with their free time, maybe to another it’s for work experience, and maybe to yet one more it’s for their college résumé. As teenagers, we have the freedom to choose how much our work experiences affect us, and we can choose how much they mean to us. Working at Mathnasium, and even working in general, is exactly what you choose to make of it.

So, I implore you, if you’re any one of the above students I just described, work at Sparta’s Mathnasium. At the most it’ll change your perspective on life (which admittedly doesn’t take much at 14-18 years old), and at the least it’s a source of income on the side. You can contact me, Kavya Kamath, at kamathk@students.sparta.org if you want more information, or go to the Mathnasium website: https://www.mathnasium.com/sparta. And please feel free to reach out.

Like Thomas Edison said, “Most people miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” I’m looking forward to us being coworkers, and I’m looking forward to you experiencing what it’s like to see a 4th grader’s eyes light up with mathematical understanding. It’s profound, I promise.

Service Corps Starts Up

By: Sarah Riley 

As more and more activities are starting up again at Sparta High School, out of school activities are being permitted as well. One of Pass It Along’s leadership groups, Service Corps, had their first meeting of the year on Monday, October 19. Everyone gathered on Zoom and caught up with one another again, bringing a sense of normalcy back to many of the members. The group also began to brainstorm their service projects for (hopefully) later in the year. Overall, the meeting was a success and presents the exciting possibility for future Pass It Along events later in the year!

from the Pass It Along Facebook page

Marching Band Comes Back!

 By: Emma McNamara

It seems impossible to create a show from just a few rehearsals, but the SHS Marching Band was able to pull off just that! During sports cancellations, the Marching Band met on Google meets to rehearse music with their sections. They then spent a couple rehearsals together before performing at the first football game on October 10th. 

While the Marching Spartans are still adding on to their show, “Beetlejuice”, they are happy with their opportunity to march on the field, regardless of how much practice they’ve had. Keep an eye out for this impressive pre-game performance!

You can keep up with the band’s endeavors by following @sparta.marchingband on Instagram!

The drumline plays in the stands (photo by Lohit Ranasinghe)

Wind Ensemble warms up for the show with director Scott Tomlin (photo by Lohit Ranasinghe)

Color Guard members practice their tosses (photo by Charlotte Rogoff)

The wind ensemble warms up for practice (photo by Charlotte Rogoff) 

Art Club Encourages Students to Create at Home!

 By: Paige Mongon

The 24th of September marked the beginning of Art Club, an after-school activity which meets weekly on Thursdays. From 2:30 to 3:30, the club’s members create art and chat freely whilst music plays softly in the background. Any and all are welcome to join, and only a few basic materials are required. Currently, each member is working on creating painted rocks, as such a project requires materials which are easily accessible to many (rocks, toothpicks, paints, paintbrushes, paper towels, water) . While students have only begun one piece thus far, the club’s advisor, Mrs. KucherCsatlos, has plans for many more art projects to come- projects which will incorporate basic materials found in one’s home, as well as a potential clay project (the clay would be provided). If you are interested in creating art and wish to join Art Club, please contact Mrs. KucherCsatlos (jennifer.kuchercsatlos@sparta.org). 

from: ModPodgeRocksBlog.com

Sparta Sports Host Successful Car Washes

 By. Noelle Hanek

Throughout the months of September and October, Sparta fall sports teams have hosted many fundraisers to raise money. Due to the unpredictable Covid-19, many of these fundraisers have been postponed numerous times, a great frustration for many student athletes. However, once the two week shut down of school activities came to an end, and fall sports resumed, a multitude of fundraisers were underway. 

For instance, last weekend was a huge success for fundraising. On Saturday, the girl’s tennis team ran a car wash from 10am- 2pm in front of the Mohawk Ave School. At first, business started off slow, but by the time noon came around, long lines of cars had formed! In the end, the hard work of both the players and parent volunteers paid off; the team managed to raise $769 dollars, which is intended to be put towards scholarship money for the seniors. The girls soccer team hosted another successful car wash the following day. 

Regardless of the unexpected setbacks, many teams have managed to successfully raise revenue. The car washes were originally intended for the summer, yet teams took advantage of the nice weather to get outside, wash plenty of cars, and benefit their team all at once! Keep an eye out for upcoming Sparta School fundraisers to support teams, programs, and more!

Sparta Choir Extracurriculars

By: Hayley Lane

Sparta High School Choirs are very excited to announce the virtual co-curricular choirs held this year! Blue Nights, Nightingales, Freshman Select, and Shacapella are after school and those who are interested in singing are encouraged to join! Blue Nights, the men’s choir, meets every Tuesday after school at 2:30 pm with nightingales, the women’s choir, right after at 3:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to join and sing! Freshman Select, the 7th-9th grade choir, meets every Wednesday at 5:30, so if you know any freshman or middle schoolers who would be interested, let them know! Shacappella auditions were October 14th, and the results will be posted soon! The classroom codes and meet links can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C-oH_tw5OkMxx0xklHgYHjjxHl9DWqYdngOdY-_xdR8/edit  For any additional information, reach out to Mrs. Lopez or any member of the choir council! There are many music videos and fun ideas planned for the future! 

source: Twitter

We Are the Dream: Embracing Diversity in Sparta

By: Kavya Kamath

Thursday of last week, We Are the Dream had its first meeting of the school year. The club, created by now sophomore Maia Albuquerque, is a safe space for all students to feel welcome and accepted, no matter their race, sexual orientation, religion, or anything else about them that society has labeled as ‘other.’ This past meeting, the club and its leaders reaffirmed the club’s mission of inclusion, diversity, and awareness through a few prepared speeches and by listening to the reasons its members decided to join the club. The next meeting, October 22nd, will be devoted to Black History Month and how we can genuinely celebrate it here in Sparta.

The club, deriving its name from Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous saying “I Have a Dream,” started only a year ago, already has 117 members, and is actively looking for more. The sheer size of the club and amount of people who joined in such a short time are evidence that the club is addressing a real issue in the Sparta community and that there is a sizable population of people that want to make Sparta a more aware, inclusive, and welcoming place. To join the club and make a difference, the class code is cm346wf and the club holds meetings every other Thursday during lunch, with the next meeting being Thursday the 22nd. And, lastly, please remember that no matter how ostracized you may feel, you are loved and accepted and wanted—especially by We Are the Dream.

thesource.com

Join the Yearbook Club!

  By: Sarah Riley

 Hello Spartans! Hopefully everyone has had a good first few weeks back to school and adjusting to the transition of online school. Now that we’re well into the school year, it’s the perfect time to get involved in school activities. If anyone is interested in art, graphic design, photography, or promoting school spirit, consider joining Sparta High’s Yearbook Team! Despite the difficulty of capturing school memories this year, we are looking for more members to add the team to make the book happen! You can reach out to Mr. Lowery (the advisor) if you have any questions! 

Join GSA!

By: Sawson Srour

 Now, more than ever, is time to connect and come together. It doesn’t matter that school is virtual, these conversations still must happen! Luckily enough, the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) will continue to run this school year. The club comprises members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who are committed to building a sense of community and organizing around issues affecting them in their schools and communities. It provides students with a safe place to freely express themselves as they stay anonymous and talk to one another with confidentiality. If you are interested and want to join please reach out to the club advisor, Mrs. Gomez via email : ( lauren.gomez@sparta.org ). 

Alpine Goes Back In Person

 By Hayley Lane 

On the morning of Monday, October 5th, Kindergarten-2nd grade students attending Alpine Elementary School went back to school following the Hybrid method. Students were required to wear face masks, and during lunch, students sat three kids per table and had to provide their own meals. Helen Morgan School is scheduled to start the in-school hybrid method on October 19th. As of right now,  Sparta Middle School and High School students will return on November 2. Fall sports have returned to practice and competition this week as well. Students and citizens of Sparta have been reminded to practice social distancing and follow Covid-19 safety precautions, as new cases in the area are reported weekly. Hopefully these reunions will bring Spartans back together to navigate our “New Normal.”

Sparta High School Happenings: September Edition

 Welcome the 2020-2021 school year! While our situation may not be ideal right now, as Spartans, we can make the best of it! Subscribe to the Oracle to be in the know for more SHS happenings by clicking the link: https://shsoracle.blogspot.com/ (it's free!)

Learning is a little more structured than it was in the spring; we are able to see our classmates virtually every day; so for that, we are moving in the right direction toward “normal”. 

Now a month into the routine, some aspects of Spartan Life are very much the same, and still others are noticeably different. 

While most students are virtual, most teachers are in the building-and like every other year, we have new educators. Some of our new staff are: Mrs. Scholl- Chemistry, Mrs. Baier- Math, Mrs. Brickner- Social Studies.

Some other Sparta High School happenings include:

Marching Band Car Washes

On September 19, The Sparta High School Marching Band hosted a very successful car wash! It started with social distancing and wearing masks and ended in an enjoyable and profitable fundraiser.

 Although social distancing has limited the band coming close together physically, it hasn’t stopped the Marching Spartan spirit.  

By: Charlotte Rogoff

Positive Tests :(

Some students in the Sparta School district have unfortunately tested positive for coronavirus meaning sports have been moved online until it is safe enough for athletes to head back in person. But when they’re back there will be some exciting games to look forward to! 

Also there has been news that younger Sparta students will be going back in person. K-5 students starting October 5 and staggering through October 12. Hopefully high school students can return in the upcoming months!

By: Kelly Groome

Online Sports

All sports are at home for the next two weeks but that hasn’t  stopped the teams from training on their own or doing virtual meet ups with coaches and doing the workout together online. When the two weeks are over, sports will be back to in person practices! Hopefully games and matches for all fall sports will still be played (and won)!  

By: Erin Takach

Coffeehouse Club

Sparta High School is constantly providing new activities and clubs to satisfy the interests of the student body, online school proves no exception! On Friday, September 25th, the first meeting of the ‘Coffeehouse Club’ will take place virtually. This club will allow students to share their artistic abilities in a relaxed and open mic format, including but not limited to: singing, drawing, photography, and musical instruments! Rest assured, not all students are required to perform.  All are invited to attend and to enjoy the talents presented! The club is intended to be held monthly throughout the year, and welcomes all students. Additionally, once students return to in-person schooling, they plan to serve coffee! The Coffee House Club is one of the many clubs Sparta High School has to offer for its students. Extracurricular activities and after school clubs are amazing ways for students to explore their interests, meet new people, and broaden their horizons! 

If you’re interested in being a part of the Coffeehouse Club, join the classroom! The code is: bxmfv6f

By: Noelle Hanek

Online Fall Drama

Back in May, the 2020 Student Production was cancelled. As one of the key events hosted by the Drama Club, its cancellation was a devastating blow to many seniors, who ended up not getting their last opportunity on Sparta High School’s stage, and certain juniors, who lost out on valuable leadership roles. Theatre is, of course, a tricky passion to pursue while still following social distancing guidelines, but SHS can rest assured, the 2020 Fall Drama will happen! In the words of Mr. Rivers, the advisor of Drama Club, “This year's fall drama will be a student-written one-act festival!” The introductory meeting is this Thursday at 2:30, and the classroom code is “dluvxdx” for anyone interested in joining!

By: Kavya Kamath

Online Art Club

With the start of school comes, too, the beginning of many clubs, both old and new. Despite virtual challenges, Mrs. Csatlos is tentatively planning on continuing Art Club, and although she has not yet set aside a set time to meet, it is likely that the club will begin sometime in the next few weeks (so look out for the classroom code!). In past years, Art Club served as an extra opportunity for students to either finish projects from their art classes or work on their own creative pieces and visions. Additionally, Art Club provided an important social aspect as well - whilst working on all manners of creative pursuits, students would gather in small groups just to talk and hang out. While the social aspect of Art Club likely won’t be the same, Mrs. Csatlos still hopes to create a space where students can just hang out, make art, and “have fun!”

By: Paige Mongon