SHS Clubs: Part 1

 Part One of Clubs and Activities: More to Come Next Week! 

By. Catherine Gaines 

Looking for something to do? Sparta High School has tons of in-school and after school activities for you to join. If you’re nervous about joining a new club, or not quite sure how to get started, this is the place for you. The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to start trying new things, meeting new people, and learn about new activities that you might enjoy. What are you waiting for? Here is a compiled list and explanation about all that Sparta High School has to offer! For more information visit the sparta.org home page and look under Sparta High School, from there click the Activities drop down menu and search for whatever interests you!

Academic Clubs: If you’re looking for some extra academic fun in areas such as but not limited to science, robotics, and debating then this might be the place for you. 

Oracle- Are you looking to share your voice? Oracle might be the place for you! As the writers of Sparta High Schools Newspaper, anyone and everyone has the opportunity to write to their heart's content. For more information contact Ms. Deluccia or visit the MRC. Meetings are held on Mondays lunch A and B. 

Academic Bowl-  Academic Bowl is an intellectually challenging club that competes in the Sussex County Interscholastic League's academic competition. They answer and study questions on History, Literature, Math, General Knowledge, Science, and the Arts. Competitions are usually held in February and March. Reach out to Mr. Fetherman or stop by room 214 for more information. 

Chem Olympiad- Chemistry Olympiad is a competition based team that focuses on the acquisition and knowledge of Chemistry. The American Chemical Society sponsors the progam and members partake in a spring competition, which includes taking a local section exam. Please reach out to Mr. Bickerton and Mrs. Tryzinski for more information in room 276 and 214 respectively. 

Debate Club-  Debate Club as I’m sure you can imagine, involves debating. Members are asked to become knowledgeable in current events locally, nationally, and internationally, as well as attend weekly debate practices. Debates are held throughout the year with other schools, as well as at Leauge Tournaments. For more information contact Mr. Reinstein or visit room 212. 

Mock Trial- For those of you interested in law, Mock Trial might be the place for you. Students are shown the ins and outs of trials and practice disputing cases. Students learn their way around the courtroom, and hone the skills necessary for such a task. For those of you who are interested in public speaking, and thinking on your feet, Mock Trial certainly would be a good route to explore. For more information contact Mr. De Crecenzi or visit room 208. 

Model UN- Model UN, is a trial of the United Nations meeting, where students take on the role of delegates from differen countries and debate international affairs. Students learn the value of compromising and finding the best common ground to satisfy all countries. For more information, reach out to Mrs. Psensky. 

Robotics- Interested in technology? Then Robotics Club might be the place for you. Returning fresh this year after world qualifying, Sparta High School’s robotics club is the team to beat. For more information please reach out to Mr. Meola or stop by room 240. 

Science League- Are you a science lover? Science league allows all of those passionate in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental science to test their skills by practicing and gaining more knowledge. Students take frequent assessments to test their skills against other students nationwide. Think you have what it takes? Contact Mr. Scognamiglio for more information or stop by room 272. 

Science Olympiad- Looking to show off your science skills in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics and Technology? Science Olympiad competes at state level competitions, and practice to be tested both individually and in groups. Practices meet consistently. For more information reach out to Mr. Brown or Mr. Meola in rooms 126 and 240 respectively. 

Other Clubs and Activities

Chess Club- For those of you looking to learn chess, the chess club is open to members of all levels of experience. Meetings are Wednesdays from 2:45-4:00 in the MRC. Contact Mr. Murray for more information. Contact information included on the sparta.org website. 

Culinary Club- Looking to get more culinary experience outside of class? The culinary club provides students with the opportunity to explore different cuisine styles that might not get covered in a typical class. With many possible fun activities, reach out to Mrs. D’amico for more information, or stop by room 229. 

Film Study Club- Interested in film? Film club allows students to learn about different genres of film and submit students' own work to competitions and festivals. For more information contact Mr.Krauland or visit room 234. 

Find the Courage- SENIORS- looking to be a part of an Anti- Bully organization? This club is available to students with positive attitudes, and leadership capabilities. Students will be trained by Center for Prevention and Counseling, to help teach and run Anti-bullying events at Sparta High School. For more information contact Ms. D’amelio or stop by the gym with any questions. 

GSA- Gay/ Straight Alliance is an all inclusive club, geared towards spreading awareness, and embracing diversity. Please reach out to Ms. Monaco with any questions or stop by the school counseling office. 

Girls who Code- A positive girl environment, looking to help encourage girls passionate in STEM to pursue their dreams, and learn how to code. In the efforts of decreasing the gender gap in technology related fields. Students can participate in many fun events including but not limited to the Sparta Hackathon. For more information please reach out to Mrs. Incantalupo or visit room 206.  

High School Diversity Council - High School Diversity Council is composed of a group of students interested in social justice and reform. Students who are interested would be asked to possibly attend workshops and various conferences in the efforts of making Sparta High School a more inclusive environment. Elections and other leadership positions will be decided under the guidelines of Sigma Tau Delta/ The National English Honor Society standards. For more information, reach out to Mrs. Gomez, or stop by room 417. 

Sparta Rowing Club- A fairly new club to Sparta, rowing club allows students interested in rowing to learn and excel at the sport. Students are provided the opportunity to practice on both Lake Mohawk and on the eurgs. Open to any new members. Please reach out to Mr. Holovacs  for more details. 

Polis Club-  Interested in politics and want to help spark interest and involvement in politics regardless of one's own personal affiliations. Polis club allows students to help educate, and become more involved in the political world around them. For more information reach out to Mr. DeCrecenzi or stop by room 208. 

Service Clubs

Key Club  - Key Club is a service community based club, where members are given the opportunity to help out and volunteer for local corporations to increase their involvement within their community. This club is run by Mrs. Kopp in room 414. Please reach out to her for more information. 

I hope you’ve found something that interests you! But if not, don’t worry, the next addition of the Oracle will be coming out next Friday! Stay tuned for information on more of Sparta High Schools Clubs and Activities. Part 2 is coming soon!