Get Ready for SHS' Extraordinary Playlist!

 By Emma McNamara

June 4th and 5th are coming up fast, and SHS’ Extraordinary Playlist’s cast members are eager to share this amazing show with you. 

These students have been picking up choreography and learning their harmonies for the past few weeks, and they can already see just how awesome the show is going to be. 

Ms. Deluccia and Ms. Lucas have taken the most iconic songs from the last 20 years of spring musicals at SHS to create a night of high energy dances and impressive vocals.

This show has something for everyone. If you’re a theatre fan, you’ll love to recognize these classic musical moments. If you’re new to musicals, you will be entertained with back-to-back show stopping numbers.

The senior class is beyond thankful for their last performance together. They’ve not only become attached to the program, but they’ve made very close bonds with one another. June 4th and 5th will be very special nights, so mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it!

Learn About Ramadan!

 By: Sawsan Srour

April 13 marked the beginning of the holy and sacred month of Ramadan for about 1.6 billion Muslims across the globe. This month is believed to have been the time where God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) in Laylat al-Qadr which translates to “The Night of Power”.

Throughout the entire month, Muslims will engage in a fast from sunrise to sunset. This fast is deemed more than an abstinence of food and drink but rather a time of spiritual discipline, “deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran”.

Below are pictures of how Muslims around the world worship and celebrate during this joyous time of the year!

Sparta Spirit Week!

 By: Liv Canova

Get excited because on April 26th, both cohorts of students are finally going to be together again!

To celebrate this momentous occasion, student council has announced that that week will be a spirit week. 

The days themes go as follows:

Welcome back Monday (4/26) - Sparta gear

Twinning Tuesday (4/27) - twin with a friend!

Well Dressed Wednesday (4/28) - attire: fancy

Tropical Thursday (4/29) - throw on those Hawaiian shirts!

Take the Field Friday (4/30) - jerseys

We hope to see everyone in school soon!

Eco Club Material Drive

By: Liv Canova 

The Ecology Club will be holding a material drive in order to upcycle gently used linens, denim, canvas, blankets, and cloths into reusable tote bags. Donation bins have been placed right near the cafeteria doors, so drop something off anytime! All donations are greatly appreciated.

Sparta Students Spruce Up Town on "Bag it Day"!

 By Noelle Hanek and Kavya Kamath

Last weekend, Sparta High students (particularly members of the Ecology Club) participated in “Bag it Day,” where they picked up stray pieces of trash all around Sparta to be properly disposed of. Page Sumowski, president of Eco club, described the event as this: “Bag It Day is really cool in that the entire Sparta community can come together and collectively clean the town while staying socially distanced.”

Though Sparta is perceived as a fairly clean town, there was still dispersed litter waiting to be collected. Participants can attest to this as each member nearly filled their garbage bags to the brim in just a short amount of time! Mr. Crouse, middle school French teacher and leader of the SMS Green Team (Ecology Club’s middle school counterpart), commented, “Looks like there was no shortage of trash to be found in Sparta yesterday!” 

Despite not being aesthetically pleasing, litter also poses threats to both human health and the environment. For instance, when litter degrades, it releases chemicals and micro-plastics which end up in the water and the soil. Additionally, litter poses a threat to animals who commonly get trapped in these products, mistake litter as food and consume them, and get hurt on sharp items such as glass. Therefore, the efforts made to clean up the community are very helpful for keeping the town clean and safe. 

All Spartans can contribute to the overall wellbeing of their community by responsibly disposing of their garbage, educating others, and if possible, participate in events such as this one!

Even if you missed this cleanup or aren’t part of the club (classroom code: 74fbwzo to join), Ecology club will be holding a fabric drive in the near future that you can participate in!

Meet SHS's New Vice Principal: Mr. Benson

 Sparta High School has a new Vice Principal!

Here is what you need to know about Mr. Shannon Benson.

Q: Could you introduce yourself?

A: Absolutely! I’m originally born in South Carolina and I spent 6 years in the United States Army. After discharging from the Army I moved to New Jersey which was something that was new to me. Shortly after that I got into education. Of course I went to school for my degree and then I started my teaching career in Newark. From that point I went into a dean role: Dean of Students/ Culture. From there I went into a supervisor Dean role and I did that for 7 years in Newark. For the last 2 years I was assistant principal at Butler High School and of course now I’m here. 

I currently live in Butler with my wife (Kimberly) and my 2 kids: Julian who is 4 and my daughter Amina who is 18 months. My wife is originally from Sparta so she’s a Spartan alumna. I also have 2 dogs that are part of the family, Creed and Rosie. I am very excited to be here and just knowing that my wife came from Sparta, you know it has to be a great place.

Q: What made you want to start a career in education?

A: As I said, I spent time, 6 years in the army. Approximately 3 of those years I was a sergeant and so a lot of what I did as a sergeant was mentoring. A lot of leading, counseling, and teaching. When I got out of the army, I initially went into a job as a technician and I shortly realized that I just didn’t feel complete. And as I sit back and I reflect it all, what I realize I was missing was giving back. Just providing guidance and teaching. 

Q: What brought you to Sparta?

A:There were a few main reasons. 

I really have always had a great amount of respect for the town of Sparta as well as the school district and I think that the amount of pride that is demonstrated from the district and the town itself is something that I really wanted to be a part of. 

Additionally, my daughter has down's syndrome and so with that, we know that there are a lot of resources and support that she’s going to need. And we really feel that the Sparta school district is something that is going to be able to support her better than where we’re coming from. 

But I also think that there's a lot that the Sparta school district has that I can learn, as well as a lot of things that I feel I can support to help continue to push the great things that have happened here.

Q: How are you liking the environment at Sparta so far?

A: So far I haven’t gotten the benefit of the entire staff and student population, but from what I’ve seen and experienced, I’ve really enjoyed the idea of colleagues that support one another and the positive culture that is set here. I have had a lot of support and a lot of people that have reached out and been willing to help acclimate me with what's going on.

Q: What’s one thing that students should know about you?

A: There are 2 pieces. For me, the first piece is respect for all. The second piece, and there's a little more to it, is the idea of showing up. What I mean by showing up is showing up across the board: myself, staff members and students. It means showing up in your physical form ready to do your job and ready to give 100% effort. For me if you’re showing up and you’re showing that respect, then we’re on the right sheet of music. 

Thank you so much to Mr. Benson for participating in this interview and we look forward to getting to know you! 

Spring Break "Staycation" Ideas

 By Hayley Lane

Although COVID has blocked many people’s vacation plans for spring break, that doesn’t have to stop you from safely having fun. Here are some “Staycation” ideas that won’t require you to quarantine this spring break! 

Country Club Igloos

The Lake Mohawk Country Club is offering an interesting dining experience. Personal party igloos are set up on the boardwalk, promoting social distancing while eating outside. Go during sunset for a beautiful view on the water!

Scenic Overlook

If you’re looking for something a little further with a beautiful view, you won’t want to miss the Interstate 80 East Scenic Overlook in Allamuchy Township. Just about 25 minutes from Sparta, this spot is the perfect place to relax. 

Alpine Creamery

After your dinner at the boardwalk, ice cream at Alpine Creamery is a must. The ice cream shop just opened for the season on March 26th, and they are serving all the best homemade and soft serve ice creams. They even sell sundae kits to make at home! 

Just Dance Now

For those who do like to stay home, Just Dance Now is the perfect app. It’s a completely free version of Just Dance, and all you have to do is download the app on your phone to use as a controller. Then, connect the phone to another device, like a TV or laptop, and get to dancing. 

Stairway to Heaven

Stay in tune with nature on the Stairway to Heaven hike and trail located in Vernon. Walk along wooden planks and bridges, and experience views of beautiful purple flowers. Fun fact: this trail is a part of the Appalachian Trail! 

College Visits?

Do you have some in-state schools you’re considering? There’s no better time to visit! Montclair, Rutgers, Rider, and Ramapo are some located in North Jersey specifically. Visits can be scheduled on each college’s website.