SHS Highlights

Mrs. Courtney Kopf - Vice Principal

courtney.kopf@sparta.org

Mr.Michael Malakuskie - Vice Principal

michael.malakuskie@sparta.org
Doug Layman- Director of Student Support Services

Mr. Steve Stoner - Director Of Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities

steven.stoner@sparta.org
Dr. Marisa Wilson - Director of Secondary Instruction and Programming
marisa.wilson@sparta.org

Dr. Adrienne Castorina - Director of Special Services
adrienne.castorina@sparta.org

October was busy and productive at SHS. Our classrooms are buzzing with energy, and our school events continue to thrive thanks to the initiative, enthusiasm, and involvement of our students and staff.

We kicked off the month with a pep rally, where students showcased their school spirit and we celebrated their involvement in clubs and athletics. We also enjoyed recognizing our student-athletes during numerous Senior Nights and recently welcomed our PK–5 students to the high school for a Halloween event. This was a particularly meaningful opportunity for our younger students to spend time with our high school peer leaders, who have also been visiting their schools and building those connections throughout the year.

Thank you to our students and staff who consistently show up, take initiative, and advocate for new activities and initiatives while making a strong commitment to their academics each day.

-Mrs. Barker

This communications log includes upcoming event dates as well as any letters sent out with information from SHS.

If you would like to honor an educator who has had an impact, please consider nominating them for Governor’s Educator of the Year.

GEOY Information

An important component of maintaining a safe and positive school climate is for all stakeholders to be aware of the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) policy and procedures. You can find information about HIB, including our policy, the law, related contacts and how to report an incident of HIB via our website. The quickest way to access this page is to use the search feature in the upper-right of the website, and search "HIB".

In addition, at the bottom of all schools' websites is a link to the STOPit app. STOPit is an online, anonymous reporting tool designed to deter and mitigate bullying, cyber abuse, and other inappropriate behaviors, consisting of an app and a back-end incident management system for school administrators.

During a recent visit to sculpture classes, students in Mrs. Csatlos and Mrs. Lindsley's classrooms were diving deep into the chemical reactions that occur during high-fire and low-fire glazing. Observing them analyze how heat transforms chemical compounds into unique colors and textures was a powerful example of cross-curricular learning in action. This seamless integration of chemistry and visual arts deepens student understanding in both subjects.

Please remember to

• Handle the Chromebook with care. Avoid dropping it, placing heavy objects on it, or handling it carelessly.

• Keep it safe and secure. Store it properly when not in use and never leave it unattended in public spaces.

• Protect it from damage. Keep food and liquids away from the device, and always transport it in a protective case when one is provided.

• Charge it regularly. Arrive at school each day with a charged Chromebook, ready for learning.

• Use it responsibly. Follow school technology policies and use the device for its intended educational purposes.

Congratulations to our selected students of the month for such a positive start to the school year!

We are grateful for the positive contributions of the following students: Cassandra Ailara, Olivia Alexander, and Abigail Juan. They displayed strong character and/or random acts of kindness and were nominated by staff members to receive this month's kindness award. They are positive assets to our school community and to the climate and culture of our school building.

The Sparta Education Foundation has launched it's first student internship program. From a pool of excellent applicants, Stuart Askin, Aislinn Riley and Srishanth Jakka have been selected to complete an internship with Sparta Education Foundation. Stuart, Aislinn and Srishanth attended a kickoff meeting in August and assisted with the 6th Annual Cornament on August 29th. Stuart even put together a fantastic video highlighting the event.

The interns will be working with the SEF assisting with events. office duties, social media and photography throughout the year.

Looking ahead, the interns will be helping to organize and track grant information, giving them an opportunity to see another important side of how SEF operates and supports our schools.

• Srishanth is interested in the financial side of running an organization.

• Stuart would like to gain experience in digital marketing.

• Aislinn is particularly interested in event planning and coordination.

Rylan Papgeneres is the recipient of Sparta High School's Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.

This award is presented to a student who embodies the attributes of Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism.

Rylan will be honored, along with other local award winners by the Chinkchewunska Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution later this year.

Congratulations to Rylan!

This is a reminder to our students to maintain their academic momentum by finishing the marking period strong and check the parent portal regularly to monitor progress.
End MP: November 4, 2026
Report Cards Post: November 13, 2026 @ 3 pm

Click the link for the SHS Student Timeline

Seniors:

Here are the links featured at our Senior College Planning Night presentation.

HESAA Presentation

SHS College Application Process/Resources

FAFSA Workshops (Individual Support), November 12th, 6-10pm, more information to follow

AP Students & Families: AP Exam registration is underway!

Students enrolled in AP courses should complete the following:

• Join AP Classroom at myap.collegeboard.org using the code provided by your AP teacher.

• Register and pay through Total Registration by November 5, 2026.

• Students not taking an AP exam must still complete Total Registration and indicate that they are declining the exam. Please also notify your AP teacher and Mrs. Allison.

• Late registrations after November 5 will incur a $40 late fee.

Fee Reduction: Students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch may be eligible for a $36 fee reduction per AP exam. Free/Reduced Lunch applications must be renewed annually. Submit applications by October 15, 2026.

AP Testing Accommodations: Students who require testing accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan should contact their Case Manager or Mrs. Szabo by January 15, 2027.

October 15, 2026 — Free/Reduced Lunch Application Deadline

October 20, 2026 — Sophomore/Junior Parent Night and College Fair
November 5, 2026 — AP Exam Registration & Payment Deadline
January 15, 2027 — AP Accommodation Request Deadline

Reminder: Students who choose not to take the AP exam will take a final exam for the AP course instead.

Loud music, roaring chants, and unforgettable school pride—the pep rally was the ultimate break from the routine. It’s where class rivalries turn into unity, teachers join the fun, and school spirit takes center stage.

Isabella Payano, along with the Latin American Cultural club, created an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos to honor loved ones.

On October 28th our PEER leaders organized a Halloween party for our PreK through 5th grade students. They created a Haunted Hallway for trick or treating and hosted stations with face painting, arts and crafts, a DJ dance party, and fun gym games! This event was entirely organized and run by our PEER Development Program. It was a fun night building connections with our elementary schools. Special thank you to our advisors, Caitlin Jozefczyk and Vikki Szabo for facilitating this great night!

Madelyn Fasulo and Mark Fagersten placed 1st in our HWS tournament race. They both set new 3K records.

Celia Rossettini placed 5th in the Varsity 5K. Congratulations!

Our Unified Soccer team had a great game to honor the 12th grade students who have been dedicated to the continued growth and success of the Unified program.

This year the girls volleyball team held its annual "Dig Pink" game, honoring members in the Sparta community who are currently fighting, have survived, or passed away from cancer. Through the generosity of our community, along with the SHS girls volleyball booster club, we were able to raise $1,000 and donated it to Tracy's Boob Tribe team in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Tracy is the mother of freshman volleyball player Kylie Snyder and is a survivor of breast cancer. It was a wonderful evening.

Congratulations to the following students:

Sara Schwarz - HWS Champion in 2nd Singles

Juliet Shim and Brinnley Moriarty - HWS Champions in 1st doubles

Congratulations to Coach Frank Marchiano who surpassed former Coach Dick Cassels for the most coaching wins in Sparta football history with 126 career wins!

Congratulations to Cole Mazzarella who earned the Young Man of the Year award from the Super Football Conference.

Girls varsity soccer beat Pope John 4-1 to end the regular season and Coach Dan Trappe got his 100th career win!!

The Marching Spartans finished the regular season undefeated, placing first at all local competitions this year. Awards include:

• Jefferson Twp HS
• 1st Place Group 3A - 77.2
• Best Overall Effect
• Best Music
• Highest score out of all divisions
• Sparta HS Spartan Showcase
• 1st Place Group 3A - 79.8
• Best Overall Effect
• Best Music
• Best Visual
• Best Color Guard
• Highest score out of all divisions
• Lenape Valley
• 1st Place Group 3A - 84.8
• Best Overall Effect
• Best Music
• Best Color Guard
• Best Percussion
• Highest score out of all divisions
• Vernon Twp HS
• 1st Place Group 3A - 89.3
• Best Overall Effect
• Best Music
• Best Visual
• Best Percussion
• Highest Score out of all divisions

This weekend, we will compete at Robbinsville HS against 17 other bands in Group 3A for the USBands NJ State Championship. Next Saturday, Nov. 17th, we will travel to Allentown, PA, to compete in the USBands Group 3A Regional Championship against bands from NJ, NY, PA, DE, MD, and MA.

Thanksgiving morning wouldn't be the same without the Turkey Trot! Join us as we celebrate the 20th Annual Sparta Education Foundation Turkey Trot, presented by Krogh's!

Whether you're running, walking, or bringing the whole family, we hope you'll be part of this special Sparta tradition!

THANKSGIVING MORNING

1 Mile Fun Run — 8:15 AM

5K Run/Walk — 8:45 AM

Special 20th Anniversary long-sleeve Adult shirts — register soon, as sizes are limited!

REGISTER NOW: https://sefturkeytrot.com

The Center for Prevention and Counseling's Coalition for Healthy & Safe Communities is holding their 26th annual “What’s Your Anti-Drug?” Contest for students grade 4-12, as well as their annual “What Makes You Happy” Contest for grades K-3! This annual contest highlights that youth understand the “anti-drug” message.

Contest entries are due by November 9th by 5pm.

Students can submit artwork, stories, poems, photos, or videos.

• All winning entries will be recognized on the Center for Prevention and Counseling’s website and social media account throughout the year!

• 40 selected entries will be featured in our annual youth magazine, RISE, with at least one winning entry from every participating school.

• 3 written essays/poems will be recorded and featured on iHeartMedia.
• 1 video will be featured on True Productions Digital Ads.

Sparta High School Football Celebrates their Seniors

Sparta High School Volleyball Celebrates Class of 2027 Seniors

Sparta Girls Volleyball Dominates Senior Night, Earns Victory Over Blair

Sparta Cross-County Teams Strides to Success in Recent Races

Sparta Girls Volleyball Advances in H/W/S, Drops ‘Dig Pink’ to Mt. Olive

Another Win on Senior Day for Sparta High School Unified Soccer

Sparta High School's Marching Band Takes First Place at Group IIIA Competition

Sparta Girls Soccer Battles Through OT and PKs to Beat Voorhees in H/W/S Quarterfinal Round

Sparta Field Hockey Moves Past Belvidere in First Round of H/W/S

Sparta Girls Soccer Edges Out High Point

Spartan Field Hockey Honors 2027 Seniors

Sparta Girls Volleyball Takes Down Pope John

Sparta High School Girls Volleyball Upsets Jefferson

Sparta Girls Tennis Finishes the 2026 Season with a Winning Record

Sparta Field Hockey Takes Down Pope John, Salmon Scores OT Winner

Sparta High School Marching Spartans Honor 2026 Seniors

Sparta Girls Tennis Takes First Round of NJSIAA North Group 2 Tourney from Leonia

Sparta Boys Soccer Blanks Hopatcong in H/W/S First Round

Sparta High School Boys Soccer Celebrates 2026 Seniors

Sparta to Compete in Westfield High School’s 17th PINK OUT Volleyball Tournament Oct. 12

13 Bands to Compete at Sparta High School Marching Band's District Competition

Sparta Girls Soccer Falls to West Morris in Double OT

Email: jamie.barker@sparta.org
Website: sparta.org
Location: 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta, NJ, USA
Phone: 9737296191
Twitter: @sparta_hs