Friday, April 25, 2014

SHS Changing from ABC Schedule to the 6 Period Day


One goal of our staff involves making Sparta High School the best educational option in Northern Kent County.  Sparta High School already demonstrates numerous examples of excellence in education.  In the spirit of continual improvement, we are moving from the ABC schedule and to the traditional 6 period day (information on 6 period day).

 

The administration and our School Improvement Team closely examined our experience within the ABC schedule.  We had numerous meetings and conversations with students, parents, and staff members.  In addition, we surveyed students, parents, and staff members regarding their experiences within the ABC schedule. Our Staff thoroughly examined all viable options, including remaining on the ABC schedule, making slight adjustments to the ABC schedule, and the 6 period day.   As result of our examination, the 6 period day became the clear choice as the best option for Sparta High School because of its ability to provide daily contact between our students and teachers, maintain a Seminar option, and provide year -long instruction in the Core Content areas. At Sparta High School, respectful relationships are a critical foundation of our school culture.  The ABC schedule’s inconsistency in meeting with students, and teaching them every day, has proven to be an unnecessary challenge to that relational foundation.

 

Sparta High School will take the following steps to ensure that students have sufficient opportunities to take elective courses and individualize their experiences at Sparta High School:

o   Adjust graduation requirements to promote additional electives

o   Allow students to utilize Seminar to take additional courses.

o   Allow students to enroll in Summer School course (with tuition)

o   Explore opportunities before and after school for students to take additional courses

§  Zero and Seventh Hours

 

Sparta High School will be hosting a Parent Night to discuss the 6 period day on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:15 pm in the Library Media Center.  Please join us! 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

April 17 is Class Day at SHS

Thursday, April 17, 2014 is Class Day at Sparta High School.  During the morning, each graduating class participates in a unique experience:
            Freshmen:  Remain at SHS and take the ACT Explore assessment. ACT Explore website
Sophomores:  Remain at SHS and take the ACT Plan assessment.  ACT Plan website
Juniors:  Travel to Davenport University for a college visit.  Busses leave SHS at 7:45 am and return at 11:00 am.
Seniors:  “Finish Strong Breakfast” and trip to Celebration Cinema (Knapp’s Corners across from KCTC) to watch Captain America 2 (rated PG 13;  Captain America 2 Information)  Breakfast and class meetings run from 7:30 am – 8:25 am.  Busses leave for Celebration Cinema at 8:30 am, and return at noon.  Each senior needs $5.00 for a ticket and additional money for snacks.

Class Day attendance is expected, and all of Sparta High School’s Attendance policies apply.
KCTC 1st Session Students can attend KCTC all day with a completed pre-arranged absence form.

KCTC 3rd Session Students will be dropped off at the normal time.
  
Mrs. Foust and Ms. Wyman’s student will have alternatively scheduled activities at SHS.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Save the Date! Sparta High School Hosts Grassroots Meeting

On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, Sparta High School is hosting a Grassroots Meeting for the Kent Intermediate School District.  This is a meeting for parents, school employees, Board of Education members, and any advocate for public schools.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in the High School Auditorium.  Our goal is 200 Spartans, dressed in blue, to showcase our Spartan Pride and commitment to our students.  Please share this with your friends and relatives!

For more information, click here: Invitation

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

2013 Fall Athletic Season

REGIONAL CHAMPS!
On Saturday, November 2, 2013, our Fall Athletic season came to an end.  A heartfelt thanks to the student athletes, parents, and coaches for their commitments.  SHS celebrated league championships in Boys and Girls Cross Country,  on a Regional Championship in Girls Cross Country, and qualified for the Division 3 State Playoffs in football.  In addition, the following student-athletes earned OK Blue All-Conference/Honorable Mention recognition:


Carley Andrews, Sophomore, Cross Country
Frankie Buchanan, Junior, Volleyball
Mikayla Cnossen, Senior, Volleyball (Honorable Mention)
Alexis Heimbaugh, Sophomore, Cross Country
Alyssa Hill, Junior, Volleyball
Jessica Hoover, Junior, Cross Country
Erica Humphreys, Junior, Volleyball
Meghan McMurphy, Sophomore, Golf (Honorable Mention)
Sarah Monterusso, Sophomore, Cross Country
Alycia Wright, Senior, Cross Country

Justin Bradford, Freshman, Tennis  (Honorable Mention)
Arthur Brown,  Junior, Cross Country  (Honorable Mention)
Thomas Cheslek, Senior, Football
Connor Curtis, Senior, Tennis
Jared Dornbush, Senior, Football
Beau Dunneback, Senior, Footbal (Honorable Mention)
Liam Han, Senior, Soccer (Honorable Mention)
Braden LaTour, Senior, Football
Brendon Lenger, Senior, Tennis
Nate Ring, Junior, Cross Country
Jesus Rios, Senior, Soccer
Ryan Rogers, Senior, Football (Honorable Mention)
Nolan Schlotter, Junior, Cross Country
Carter Shupe, Junior, Cross Country
Trent Smith, Freshman, Cross Country (Honorable Mention)
Nate Soules, Senior, Cross Country (Honorable Mention)
Carter VerSulys, Junior, Cross Country
Josh Westers, Senior, Football (Honorable Mention)
Dylan Willets, Senior, Soccer



Monday, September 30, 2013

Homecoming 2013!

Homecoming week is always a tremendous week at Sparta High School:  pride, community, and service are highlighted in all of our activities.  Here is a quick breakdown of Homecoming 2013:

Theme:  DECADES!
                   Seniors:  The 80's
                   Juniors:  The 20's
                   Sophomores:  The 70's
                   Freshmen:   The 90's

Class Colors:
                   Seniors:  Black
                   Juniors:  Green
                   Sophomores:  Blue
                   Freshmen:  Purple

Class Advisors:
                    Seniors:  Mrs. Cnossen and Mrs. Foust
                    Juniors:  Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Ronning
                    Sophomores:  Ms. Hickey, Mrs. Hahn, and Mrs. Kavanagh
                    Freshmen:  Ms. McKinley,  Mrs. Wyckoff-Kingshott,  Mr. Groh, and Mr. Landry

Homecoming Court:

Freshmen:  Kelly McHugh and Trent Smith
Sophomores:  Olivia Kane and Joel Rees
Juniors:  Jazmyn Veltkamp and Kolton Shaw

     Senior Queen Candidates:

     Rebecca Bloom,  Zoe Dieleman, Raelynn Portenga, Hannah Soules,
     Taylor Szost, Morgan Tidey, and Alicia Wright.

     Senior King Candidates: 

     Thomas Cheslek, Trevor Florida, Zachary Pfeffer, Logan Piegols, 
     Nick Priest,Nate Soules, and Dylan Willetts.

Best of luck to all Classes in their pursuit of the Red Apple!
    

A good start!

The 2013-14 school year is in full swing!  In addition to normal intensity that a new school year brings (new senior leadership, a new freshmen class, band, drama, and athletics);  Sparta High School has changed from the 4 Block to the ABC Schedule and we have launched the Career Academy.  The Career Academy offers students an additional track to a high school diploma, with a focus on Career Readiness.  A huge thank to our staff members, as they have provided tremendous effort in implementing and managing the start of the year.

Go Spartans!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

New Superintendent: Mr. Gordon (Gordie) Nickels

Sparta High School sends an enthusiastic welcome to our new Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Gordon (Gordie) Nickels.  Please follow the link for more information:
 

Sparta Area Schools New Superintendent

"Educational excellence, every kid, every day!" -Gordie Nickels June 2013.