A Message to Parents/Guardians

Monday, December 17, 2012

Parents/Guardians of Sparta High School,

It is with a heavy heart and sorrowful mind that I write to you this morning.  As our nation and community struggle to deal with the Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy, I want to reassure you of our commitment to the safety of our students at Sparta High School.   Safety has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority.  We have worked diligently to prepare our staff to deal  with any potential issue that could present itself at Sparta High School.  Throughout each school year, we practice various emergency protocols so that we are prepared in the event that such an emergency should occur.

As a staff, we met this morning to discuss our approach in supporting our students as they process this unthinkable event.  As always, our concern is the safety and well-being of our students.   Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns (616-887-8213, matt.spencer@staff.spartaschools.org).

Sincerely,

Matt Spencer

Principal

Sparta High School

Important Upcoming Dates at SHS

Important dates at Sparta High School (through January 2013):

November 27    Seniors—Jostens at lunch
November 30    End of 2nd Marking Period
December 1     “Reelin’ in the Years” SEF Fundraiser 6:30 pm
December 21    Last day for students
December 24-Jan. 4    Christmas Break
January 2 & 3   Winter Shool 8:00 - 11:00 am in the LMC
January 7          School resumes
January 18        Principal Coffee 7:45 am
January 23        3rd/4th Block Exams full day for students
January 24        1st/2nd Block Exams. ½ day for students
January 25    No School / Saturday School 8:00 - 11:00 am in the LMC

Girls Cross Country Competes for State Title

On Satruday, November 3, 2012 Coach Pfeffer and the girls cross country team will compete for a State Championship at the Michigan International Speedway.  Best of luck Spartans!  Click on the following link to watch the Spartan News production about their journey:

Cross Country Promo

Sparta High School Fall All Conference Athletes

Congratulations to the following  OK Blue All-Conference student-athletes for the Fall 2012 season:

Boys CC - John DeLodder, Carter VerSluys 

Girls CC - Alexis Heimbaugh, Carley Andrews, Alesha Reed

Boys Soccer - Chad Klinge, Dylan Willetts, Nolan Bronkema, Tyler Hull

Boys Football - Thomas Cheslek

Volleyball - Brandi Plite, Kaylee Mulder

Tennis - Jared Bradford

Honorable Mention

Tennis - Connor Curtis, Brendon Lenger

Football - Riley Kutzli, Jeremy Lecuru

Volleyball - Samantha Willetts

Soccer - Sebastion Walkons, Luke Compton

CC - Andrew Thome, Jessica Hoover

Attendance Policy Review

     The staff of Sparta High School believes that the maximum educational achievement occurs for students through regular attendance in classes. The student and their parents/guardians are responsible for regular class attendance. Excessive absences from any class may result in poor achievement and/or failure to earn a grade/credit required for graduation

      Daily attendance is critical for student success in the classroom where student participation in classroom discussions, activities,and peer-to-peer interactions all enhance the learning process.  Students shall be present for 90% of scheduled classes in each course to earn credit, if all other course objectives are met.  For the 2012-13 school year, 90% attendance equates into eight absences allowed.

        Per the Student Handbook (pages 9-10)  any student that miss more than eight days per semester must make up time to recover the credit, unless content mastery is demonstrated.

 

Spartan News Production of Homecoming 2012

Please take a moment to watch the Spartan News production,  "Homecoming Highlights".  A special thanks goes out to Mr. Owens and his news crew!

Homecoming 2012 Recap

Queen Rachel Thome and King Luke Snyder





The Seniors won The Red Apple during our 2012 Homecoming competition.  Rachel Thome was crowned Queen, and Luke Snyder was crowned King.  Congratulations!  A special thanks to our Student Council and Mrs. Stacey Rumsey (advisor) for their leadership.

Sparta Homecoming 2012

No one does Homecoming like Sparta High School.  Please enjoy our Spartan News creation; a commercial,  "Sparta Homecoming".

Chase Rau Continued!! (Class of 2012)

Here is a link to another article on Chase Rau (Class of 2012), currently a student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin:

Small Town Goalie Doing Big Things

University of Wisconsin Goalie, Chase Rau.  Class of 2012.

2012 Academic Assembly

Sparta High School will host our annual Academic Assembly on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 10:30 am. One hundred thirty seven students will be recognized for earning their academic letter.  Criteria for earning an academic letter are:

Sophomores:  At the end of two semesters, 8 credits and at least a 3.9 grade point average (gpa).
Juniors:  At the end of four semesters, 15 credits and at least a 3.75 gpa.
Seniors:  At the end of six semesters,  22 credits and at least a 3.60 gpa.

Chase Rau (Class of '12): Big Ten Player of the Week

Chase Rau (Class of '12) was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the week in Mens Soccer.  Read more at:  http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/091712aaa.html

Sparta High School Remembers 9/11

Sparta High School remembers 9/11, those who lost their lives, and those fighting to ensure our safety.

SHS Important Fall Dates 2012

Please add the following dates to your calendar:

Important Fall 2012 Calendar Dates at SHS:

September 7:  Home football game and band performance 

September 14:  Home football game and band performance

September 14:  5^th Quarter 9-11 pm at SHS

September 20:  Academic  Assembly  10:25 am in the Gymasium

September 21:  Principal’s Coffee  7:45 am

October 5:  Homecoming vs. Allendale

October 6:  Homecoming Dance 8-11 pm at SHS

October 15:  Parent/Teacher Conferences  5 – 7:30 pm at SHS

October 19:  Home football game and band performance

October 19:  5^th Quarter  9-11 pm at SHS

October 26:  Principal’s Coffee 7:45 am

November 16:  Principal's Coffee 7:45 am

November 21-23:  Thanksgiving Break

Welcome to the 2012-13 academic year!

      Students and families, it is with great anticipation that I invite you back to Sparta High School for the start of the 2012-13 school year.  Although school officially begins on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, the building has been busy for weeks.  Summer school students,  co-curricular groups, and teachers have all been working diligently for weeks in preparation for the 2012-13 school year.

       We are excited to offer the following new courses to our curriculum:   year-long Geometry, year-long English 10, and Advanced Placement Psychology. Last year Sparta High School was recognized  by the College Board for student participation and performance on Advanced Placement exams.

Sincerely,

Mr. Matt Spencer

Principal
Sparta High School
      

Have a Safe and Relaxing Summer

I would like to thank the members of the Sparta High School school community for all their efforts during the 2011-12 school year.  I hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing summer.  I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

Sincerely,

Mr. Matt Spencer
Principal
Sparta High School

Spring All-Conference Athletes

Congratulations to the following All-Conference athletes:

Lindsey Anible  (soccer)

Savanah McKellar (soccer, honorable mention)

Marri May  (softball)

Lindsay Tasma (softball)

Jill Steenwyk  (softball, honorable mention)

Amber Morton  (softball, honorable mention)

Rachel Thome (tennis)

Kory Brown (baseball)

Drew Dykema (baseball, honorable mention)

Jared Bradford  (golf)

Alex Walters  (golf)

Tyler McPherson (golf, honorable mention)

Dan Antor (track)

Terry Bullock (track)

Adrian Garza (track)

Austin Jacobson (track)

Roger Krum (track)

Nate VanPatten (track)

Clay Weidenhamer  (track)

Tom Willet (track)

Boys' Track Team Wins Regional, Competes for State Title

The Sparta Boys' Track Team won the Division 2 Regional Track Championship in convincing fashion at Zeeland on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  The Spartans turned in a dominant performance by placing in all events.  They will compete for the Division 2 State Championship on Saturday, May 26, 2012 @ Jenison.  Good luck to Coach Smith, Coach Thomas, and the boys!

Sparta High School Announces Top Ten for the Class of 2012

The following students, through consistent hard work and outstanding performance, have earned a place in our Academic Top Ten for the Class of 2012:

Marrielle May (Valedictorian)
Kelsey Thome (Salutatorian)
Steven Bradford (Salutatorian)
Rachel Groters
Caitlin Rykse
Adam Ronning
Jeffery Brown
Decker Richmond
Anna Grace Kitson
Matthew Roede
Megan Schnotala
Andrew Sietsema

Well done.

Parent Survey 2012

Sparta High School is in the process of gathering input from our parents through the use of a survery.  Our building School Improvement Team uses the input to help drive discussion and improvement.  Parents can access the survey on our website:  http://www.spartaschools.org/highschool/ .  Please click on the "Parent Survery 2012" link located near the top of the page.  Thank you.

Wind Ensemble Earns Top Rating at State Band Festival

Congratulations to the members of our Wind Ensemble, and Director Kayla Mroczek, on their outstanding performance at the State Band Festival in Big Rapids, on Friday, May 4, 2012.  They earned the highest possible rating of a "1".  Awesome job! 

SHS Spring Drama: The West Side Story

Congratulations to all of the students, staff members, and parents involved in the Spring Drama production:   West Side Story.  The production was extremely well done, and will stand as a point of pride for Sparta High School for years to come.  A special thanks to Ms. Jane Marolf for her leadership.

Mrs. Wyckoff-Kingshott's 2nd block on CNN!

Mrs. W-K's second block class was featured in the introduction to CNN's Student News report on Wednesday, April 26, 2012.  Please follow the link to watch the clip:  http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/studentnews/sn-transcript-thu/index.html

Winter All-Conference: Jacob Vachon

Jacob Vachon maintained a 204 average, and received All-Conference recognition in Boys' Bowling.  Congrats Jacob!

Jacob Vachon

Senior Class Trip to Chicago

Guest Blogger:  Senior, Emily Hurst

On Thursday, April 12^th the senior class traveled all the way to Chicago Illinois for one of the first ever senior class trips.  Besides a much needed day off of school, Spartan seniors got to experience Chicago’s Field Museum and the infamous Shedd Aquarium.  Blake Schanski and Principal Matt Spencer collaborated with the Senior Bash parents to really make this trip happen.  As they prepare to end their high school career and enter into the real world, this trip was one of the last times the seniors will be together before graduation as a whole group.  “It was fantastic!” said Alissa Monterusso. Together they had the opportunity to see everything from elephant taxidermy and dinosaur fossils to beluga whales and pregnant dolphins.  Besides deep dish pizza and a McDonalds that didn’t serve McChicken sandwiches Chicago was about creating memories.  The drive to and from Chicago included a rest stop where some seniors decided to play on the playground equipment.  Bus number three was able to keep track of everyone all thanks to Anna Grace Kitson’s label maker, which provided her group with purple name tags.  The bus rides were filled with energy drink induced laughter, movies, and plenty of snacks.  One particular bus got to listen to the musical stylings of Kyle Hutchens about half way home.  All in all these seniors have paved the way for more class trips in the future and made memories that will last a life time.

Controlled Burn Completed on Saturday, April 7, 2012

If you visit Sparta High School, you will notice that the fields surrounding the building have been reduced to black ashes.  After years of planning and patience, forty acres surrounding Sparta High School were carefully burned on Saturday to make way for a prairie project that will bring native wild flowers, insects, and birds to the property.  Sparta Area Schools (essentially Sue Blackall) worked cooperativley with the Sparta Fire Department, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservacy to help the project come to fruition.   A special thanks to Sue Blackall and the Sparta Fire Department for their efforts on Saturday.  For more information, please follow this link:

http://sparta.wzzm13.com/news/news/40-acre-prairie-be-installed-sparta-high/59366

Winter All-Conference

Congratulations to the following Student Athletes, that earned All Conference recognition for their performances in their respective sports:

Girls' Basketball:  Jill Steenwyk
Girls' Bowling:  Amber Force, Serena Simons
Competitive Cheer:  Shelby Fitzpatrick, Sarah Gorkowski, Alena Impellizzeri
Boys' Basketball:  Kory Brown, Luke Marble
Ice Hockey:  Brandon Scherzer
Wrestling:  James rogers, Brad Ronning, and Nick Trimble

Way to go Spartans!

Brianna Stechebar Meijer/WZZM Student Athlete of the week.

Sophomore Brianna Stechebar has been recognized as the Meijer/WZZM Student-Athlete of the week.  Brianna has consistently demonstrated tremendous efforts in the classroom and on the mat.  Way to go!  Please follow this link for more information.

 http://saxo.highschoolsports.net/article/20120314/HSSPORTS/303140001/Scholar-Athlete-Week-Brianna-Stechebar?GrandRapids&Avis=OC

History Making Basketball Seasons!

Congratulations to both our girls and boys basketball teams on their historic seasons.  The girls, coached by Matt McCallum, won the first district championship in school history and finished with a 14-9 record.  The boys, coached by Mike Cnossen won the first district championship in 32 years and finished with a 18-7 record.  

http://thedailynews.cc/2012/03/05/sparta-holds-off-tc-for-first-district-title/


http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-7832429120234565383/spartas-boys-basketball-teams-historic-season-continues-with-victory-over-big-rapids/

Senior Trip To Chicago

Sparta High School is excited to announce our inaugural Senior Class Trip to Chicago.   On April 12, 2012, Sparta High School seniors will be taking charter busses to Chicago to visit the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.  For more information on the venues, please visit their respective websites: 

                Shedd Aquarium:  http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

                The Field Museum:  http://fieldmuseum.org/

Students will be placed in groups of ten and assigned an adult chaperone.  Students and chaperones will not separate throughout the entire trip.  Students will leave Sparta High School promptly at 6:30 a.m., and return at approximately 6:30 p.m.  Each student will be required to pay $20.00 and be responsible for his/her own lunch.

April 12, 2012 itinerary:

o   6:15 a.m.:  Meet at SHS,  check in with chaperones, load busses

o   6:30 a.m.:  Depart for Chicago

o   9:00 a.m.:  Arrive at the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.

o   Group 1:  Shedd Aquarium

o   Group 2:  Field  Museum

o   11:00 a.m.:  Lunch w/Chaperones at one of the numerous restaurants within walking distance (See insert)

o   12:00 p.m.: 

o   Group 1:   Field Museum

o   Group 2:   Shedd Museum

o   1:45 p.m.:  Groups organize and load busses.

o   2:00 p.m.:  Depart for Sparta

o   6:30 p.m.:  Arrive at SHS.

THIS TRIP IS A SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT AND WILL BE TOBACCO, DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE.  ANY POSSESSION OR USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

CONSENT FORM TO PARTICIPATE, FIELD TRIP EMERGENCY FORM AND MONEY ARE DUE TO MRS. BITELY BY MARCH 28, 2012.

Students:

·         Remember to be prepared for all weather. 

·         We will NOT be stopping for breakfast. You may bring food on the bus.

·         Bring snacks for the trip.  We will NOT be stopping for supper.

Spartan Pride!

1. On Friday night, the Girls Basketball Team won the first District Championship in school history.

2. Both the Wind Ensemble and the Concert Band earned 1 ratings at their district competition, and thus, qualified for State.

3. Senior Wrestlers Luke Klein and Nick Trimble earned All State honors at the Individual Wrestling State Championships.

Calendar Reminders

Please make note of the following calendar items:

Tuesday, March 6            Day one of the Michigan Merit Exam.  ONLY JUNIORS ATTEND.
Monday, March 19          Parent/Teacher Conferences  5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Friday, March 23             Parent Coffee   7:45 am
Wednesday, March 28    Last day of student attendance before Spring Break
Thursday, March 29        Teacher Inservice Day
Monday, April 9              School resumes

Coach Tom Bennett named Regional Coach of the Year

Coach Tom Bennett

Congratulations to Coach Bennett for being named the Regional Coach of the Year by the Michigan Wrestling Association!  

Wrestlers Shine at Individual Regionals.

Luke Klein 125 lbs.

Six senior wrestlers that competed in the MHSAA individual regional tournament this weekend qualified for the State finals.   The finals will be held March 1-3 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.   Congratulations to the following Spartans:

Luke Klein at 125 lbs.
Dan Graham at 130 lbs.
Nick Trimble at 140 lbs.
Jesse Stamann at 145 lbs.
Kyle Rauser at 160 lbs.
James Rogers at 171 lbs.

For additional information, please follow this link:  http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/6614280953444986246/st-johns-qualifies-13-wrestlers-for-division-2-state-finals/

Parent/Teacher Conferences Changed to Monday, March 19.

Sparta High School's Parent/Teacher Conferences have been changed from March 12 to March 19 (5:00pm - 7:30 pm).  We are hosting the MHSAA Boys Basketball Regional tournament on March 12.  Please note the change in your calendar.

Spartan Wrestlers Perform Well at Individual Districts!

The OK Blue Conference Champions, Spartan Wrestling Team sends 9 wrestlers to Individual Regionals:
Junior Ken Hanson was crowned District Champion at 215# and Senior Nick Trimble was crowned District Champion at 140# this past Saturday at in the MHSAA Division 2 Individual District Tournament held at Gaylord HS.

Senior Luke Klein turned in his best performance of his career by upsetting the #8 Ranked wrestler in the quarterfinals and the #5 Ranked wrestler in the State and the #1 Seed in the Semi-finals 6-0 in placing as District Runner-up at 125#.

Freshman Brad Ronning (103#), Senior Dan Graham (130#), and Senior James Rogers (171#) placed 2nd as well.

Freshman Billy Peck (112#), Senior Jesse Stamann (145#) and Senior Kyle Rauser (160#) all won their consolation final matches placing 3rd and earning the distinction of Regional Qualifier.

Senior Tom Willet double entered the tournament with fellow teammate and State Champion Nick Trimble at 140#, winning 2 matches before falling 2 points short of qualifying for Regionals.  Freshman Alex Vivoda (119#), Sophomore Kevin Krum (152#) and Sophomore Heavyweight Carl Wier also competed well on the day and will return to help lead the team next season!

Individual Regional is Saturday, Feb. 18th at Mt. Pleasant HS.

Guest Blogger,  Coach Tom Bennett

Sparta High School Recognized by CollegeBoard

Sparta High School was named to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll for expanding opportunities for students, and improving student performance on Advanced Placement tests.  A special thanks to Mrs. Converse, Mrs. Franks, Mrs. Hahn, Mr. Pfeffer, and our AP teachers for their tireless efforts in expanding our Advanced Placement programs. 

SHS Adopting the Latin Honors System for Academic Recognition

In order to recognize the distinguished academic achievements and high standards of academic integrity of more students, Sparta High School will be moving away from the Top Ten honors system and transitioning to the Latin honors system.  A recommendation was also presented to the School Board to indefinitely retain valedictorian and salutatorian honors. The level of honor will be dependent upon the student’s grade point average at the time of graduation:

summa cum laude = with highest honor (4.00 or higher)

magna cum laude = with great honor (3.70 to 3.99)

cum laude = with honor (3.50 to 3.69)

The Latin honors system will be implemented with the Class of 2015.  However, Sparta High School will begin recognizing graduates using the Latin honors system in the graduation program this year and will keep the top ten recognition until 2015.  Students who have violated the high school’s Student Code of Conduct of Conduct involving plagiarism and cheating may not be eligible for graduation honors.

Guest Blogger:  Mrs. Converse

National Honors Society's Blood Drive Saves Lives!

NHS blood drive in the Auxillary Gym.

Our National Honors Society hosted a blood drive on Jaunary 16, 2012.  Every three pints of blood saves a life.  Over 174 lives will be saved as a result of Monday.  Well done NHS and Michigan Blood!  To learn more about giving blood, please visit http://www.miblood.org/ .

Spartan Wrestlers Show Strong!

Our Varsity wrestlers had a strong showing on Saturday, taking second place in the prestigious Dave Dunneback Memorial Invitational.  The following wrestlers placed on Saturday: 

 

Nick Trimble - 1st  (fourth year in a row)

Ken Hanson - 1st

Jesse Stamann - 2nd

James Rogers - 2nd

Brad Ronning - 3rd

Kyle Rauser - 3rd

Luke Klein - 3rd

Kyle May - 4th

Tom Willet - 5th

Kevin Krum - 6th

Please follow this link for the article:  http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/6057224821980641321/sparta-wrestler-wins-fourth-title-at-dave-dunnebeck-memorial-invite/



Senior Nick Trimble,  Champion



Boys Varsity Basketball Team Improves to 6-2

The Boys Basketball Team defeated West Catholic 61-50 on Friday night, improving its record to 6-2.  Our spirited student section, A.K.A the Blue Crew,  cheered the Spartans on to victory.  Way to go Spartan Cagers!  Please follow this link for an article on the game:  http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/6057225822086641647/sparta-uses-big-fourth-quarter-push-to-turn-back-west-catholic-61-50/ 

Blue Crew: Toga style!

Community Feedback on Sparta Area Schools

The Board of Education is eliciting community feedback specific the vision and direction of Sparta Area Schools.  Please take a moment to fill out the survey linked to the district homepage (http://www.spartaschools.org/ ).  In the red portion of the website, click "Tell Us What You Think...".

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2012.! It is exciting to get back to school.  The end of the first semester is just around the corner.  Please make note of the following dates:

January 20  Parent Coffee 7:45 am.
January 25 - 26  Final Exams
January 27  No School for Students (staff professional development)
February 17  Parent Coffee 7:45 am
March 6   Michigan Merit Exam (only Juniors attend, no school for 9th, 10th, and 12th graders)

Boys Basketball Team Wins Holiday Tournament

On December 27 and 29 , our Varsity Boys Basketball Team defended its holiday tournament title.  The Spartans defeated Muskegon Orchard View and Muskegon Catholic Central en route to the championship.  The boys have started their season with a 3-2 record.  Congrats to Coach Cnossen and the Spartan cagers.