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!

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.

Sparta High School Announces the Top Ten for the Class of 2013

Congratulations to the following Spartans for earning a spot in the academic Top Ten for the Class of 2013:

Blake Salisbury,  Valedictorian
Alexis Dani,  Salutatorian
Rachel Thome
Elizabeth Barber
Kelsey Adkins
Clarissa Rademacher
Rachel Humphreys
Sebastian Harkema
Casey Wright
Sarah Gorkowski
Victoria Hubert

Sparta High School Career Academy

     Sparta High School is excited to announce the creation of the Sparta High School Career Academy.  The Academy will offer students an opportunity to earn a Sparta High School diploma, by following a curriculum that has an intense focus on the individual needs of the student, as well as college and career readiness.  An experienced and energetic staff will help students identify their skills, abilities, and passions.  Whenever possible, course work will be designed to implement a student’s career pathway (i.e. Instead of writing a paper on Of Mice and Men, students would write a paper on a relevant topic within in the Agri/Science industry).

     Please join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 (6:00 -7:00 pm in the library at SHS).   The meeting will cover the following topics:

1.      Overview of the Academy

a.       All of the Michigan Merit Curriculum expectations remain

b.      Employability courses and experience will be graduation requirements

c.       Juniors and Seniors will have experiences at KCTC or in our Career Intern Program

d.      The role of blended instruction, project based learning,  and credit recovery

2.      Application Process

a.       Enrollment into the Academy will be treated like the application process for colleges an jobs.

b.      Application requirements and time lines

c.       Not all applicants are guaranteed in a place in the Academy

3.      Graduation Requirements  (Draft, pending action by the School Board)

a.       The 19 Michigan Merit Curriculum Credits

                                                              i.      4 Math  (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, senior year math)

                                                            ii.      4 English (English 9,  English 10, English 11, English 12)

                                                          iii.      3 Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics,  3^rd science)

                                                          iv.      3 Social Studies  (World History, US History,  Civics/Econ)

                                                            v.      1 PE/Health

                                                          vi.      1 Visual Performing or Applied Arts

                                                        vii.      1 On-line

                                                      viii.      2 Foreign Language

b.      7 additional Career Based electives

                                                              i.      3 Career Readiness  (KCTC, Career Intern, or  other approved experience)

                                                            ii.      1  Employability

                                                          iii.      1 Leadership

                                                          iv.      1 On-Line

                                                            v.      1  Seminar (Academic Success)

Winter All-Conference and Team Awards

Congratulations to the following student-athletes for earning first team all-conference recognition during the the Winter Athletic season:

Madi Myers,  Gymnastics
Karley Cnossen,  Girls Basketball
Sammy Kolenda,  Girls Basketball
Amber Force,  Girls Bowling
Jacob Vachon,  Boys Bowling
Matt Caniff,  Boys Bowling
Chris Wildfong,  Boys Bowling
Jared Tuinstra, Boys Bowling
Amber Carlisle,  Cheer
Amber Chapman,  Cheer
Ashley Evink,  Cheer
Sarah Gorkowski,  Cheer
Kendra Hawley, Cheer
Jared Bradford, Boys Basketball
Ben Sheckler, Boys Basketball

Congratulations to the following student-athletes for earning honorable mention all-conference recognition:

Frankie Buchanan,  Girls Basketball
Destiny Jewell,  Girls Bowling
Anna Wheeler,  Cheer
Alycia Wright, Cheer
Derek Austin,  Boys Bowling

Notable Team Accomplishments:

Cheer:  Regional qualifiers
Girls Basketball:  District Champions
Boys Basketball:  District Champions
Boys Bowling:  Regional Champions

GO SPARTANS

Important Winter Dates

T-Th February 26-28: Sophomore/Parent Scheduling Nights  6:00 in the Media Center
Thursday, Febraury 28:  Junior Class Meeting  at 10:30 am in the Auditorium
Tuesday,  March 5:  MME/ACT (Juniors Only)
Thursday, March 14:  8th Grade Visit and Tour at SHS
Monday, March 18:  Parent/Teacher Conferences  5:00 -7:30 pm at SHS
Wednesday, March 20:  Freshmen Vision Screening at SHS
Tuesday, March 26: Freshman and Sophomore class meetings at 10:30 am in the Auditorium
Thursday, March 28:  No school for students, half day for staff professional development

SPRING BREAK:    MARCH 29 - APRIL 5

Tuesday, April 9:  Class Day
                                        Senior Trip to Chicago
                                        Juniors to Davenport University
                                        Sophomores PLAN Test
                                        Freshmen   EXPLORE  Test

Spartan Pride: Winter Athletics

Sparta High School athletics have experienced a very successful Winter Sports season.  Our successes thus far include:

Competitive Cheer:  Placed 3rd in Districts and competed for a Regional Title.
Boys Bowling:  Won the OK Blue Championship and Regional Title on February 23 and will compete for a State title! Senior Jake Vachon and Junior Chris Wildfong will compete in the individual State competition.
Girls Bowling:  Senior Amber Force will compete in the indviduatl State competition.
Wrestling:  Freshmen Joel Rees, Senior Dom Chong, Senior Ken Hanson, and Junior Thomas Cheslek will all compete in the individual State competiiton.
Girls Basketball:  Finished the season on a three game winning streak, and host the District competition this week.

Way to go Spartans!