Sparta Middle School

The SMS Green Club is co-sponsoring the Sparta Earth Day Fair on Saturday, May 3rd at Sparta Middle School from 10-2. There will be local environmental exhibitors, kid activities, and a food truck.

REMINDER: To ensure students are prepared for the NJSLA assessment, we are asking that all students bring their wired headphones in by TOMORROW, Thursday, May 1st. Please send in wired headphones in a plastic ziplock bag labeled with your student’s FIRST AND LAST NAME and GRADE clearly written on it.

SPARTA GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP IS BACK FOR THE SUMMER OF 2025! The dates are Monday, June 23rd- Friday, June 27th. The camp will be for any girl going into 2nd - 9th grade this coming Fall. The dates are June 23rd - June 27th (Monday - Friday) and the times are from 9:00 am - 3:00 Monday-Thursday and 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Friday. Fees: $175.00 - per camper $150.00 - additional sibling Make checks payable to: Patrick McCarney Address if mailing checks: 65 Village Drive, Hamburg, NJ 07419 Venmo: @PatrickMcCarney24 (If using Venmo, please give the name of the camper in the text box.) Send payment in full or pay upon arrival at 8:30. Walk-ups are welcomed.

Congratulations to March’s Staff Member of the Month, Mrs. Gleason! Mrs. Gleason has been teaching in the district for close to 20 years, but she still innovates and creates lessons as if she's fresh into the career. She is always looking for new ways to reach her students and to support them when they struggle with a concept. She has high standards, but she is kind and encouraging and makes it clear that she cares about her students and wants them to succeed. Mrs. Gleason is always willing to lend a helping hand, ensuring that her team has the support they need to succeed. What truly sets Mrs. Gleason apart is her dedication to providing each of her students with the specific accommodations and modifications they need to thrive in their least restrictive environment. She tirelessly advocates for her students' individual needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel. Mrs. Gleason’s kindness, professionalism and passion for making a difference are a constant inspiration to all who work with her. Congratulations again, Mrs. Gleason!

MEALTIME ACCOUNTS: As we progress towards the end of the school year, please be sure to regularly check your child’s MealTime account and replenish funds as necessary. If you feel that you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, please fill out the free and reduced lunch application which can be found on our district website under “district forms” and return it to the school nurse.

Please make a note of the following upcoming dates: 4/17 SCHOOL CLOSED 4/18-4/25 SCHOOL CLOSED (Spring Break) 5/5-5/9 NJSLA Testing

NJSLA TESTING: To ensure students are prepared for the NJSLA assessment, we are asking that all students bring their wired headphones in by Thursday, May 1st. Please send in wired headphones in a plastic ziplock bag labeled with your student’s FIRST AND LAST NAME and GRADE clearly written on it.

The votes are in! With 78% of the vote, CITY LIGHTS, is the winning theme for this year's 8th Grade Dance. The dance will be held at SMS on Friday, May 2nd, 7:30-9:30PM. Tickets will go on sale during 8th Grade Lunch, April 10-11 and 14-16. Ticket cost is $25 (students can pay for their ticket with cash or check made payable to SMS PTO).

Spring spirit wear orders are in and have been delivered to students in their homerooms. Any questions, email sparta.smspto@gmail.com. Follow along on social; Instagram & Facebook @SpartaMiddleSchoolPTO

Attention SMS: the food drive has been extended through next Friday, April 11th. Thank you to everyone who has donated food so far! This is a very worthy cause, and by our donations going to the Sparta Food Pantry, we are helping to feed families throughout Sparta. Please bring in your food donations of cans, boxes or bags, next week and deliver them downstairs, outside of the Modern Living classroom.

April 2nd is National Paraprofessional Day. Paraprofessionals play a vital role in education, assisting teachers with various tasks, working with students on supplemental activities, and supporting students with special needs. Sparta is very lucky to have so many paras who not only love what they do, but care so deeply for their students and school community! Thank you to our paras- we hope you have a great day!

Sparta Middle School has recognized the Students of the Second Marking Period. These students have been chosen by their team teachers exemplifying good character and positive work habits. Read the full article from TapInto Sparta here: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/sparta/sections/education/articles/sparta-middle-school-announces-2024-2025-students-of-the-marking-period

Two Robotics Teams Representing Sparta Middle School at 2025 World Championships in Dallas! Read the full article on TapInto Sparta! https://www.tapinto.net/towns/sparta/sections/education/articles/two-robotics-teams-representing-sparta-middle-school-at-2025-world-championships-in-dallas-1495851

Join us tonight for the EVENT OF THE YEAR- our annual SMS Student-Faculty Basketball Game! TONIGHT @ 7pm in the SMS gymnasium. Doors open at 6:40 for fans, $5 at the door. Will Mr. Ciaburri, with an elite team of faculty players, be able to tie up his win record as Principal? Or will the 8th Grade Students be crowned victorious? Find out tonight!

On Monday, March 17th, the SMS Student Council is inviting everyone to wear green for St. Patrick's Day.

Make sure you check your email every Friday for the SMS Weekly Announcements & Reminders email! Last week's email included information about: 1. Peer Leaders “Top 13 Food Drive” 2. SMS Talent Show 3. SHS Marching Band Open House 4. Sussex County Miners Essay Contest 5. Summer Arts Workshop 6. Life in the Middle- NEW Winter Issue 7. PTO Announcements & Reminders 8. LOST & FOUND Have you read the Winter Issue of Life in the Middle yet? Check your email from last Friday for the link!

Congratulations to February’s Staff Member of the Month, Mr. Kopp! Mr. Kopp is passionate not just about teaching math but about connecting with kids and motivating them to be successful. He has high standards for himself and his students which contributes to the success the students find in his class. During TEAM, Mr. Kopp works nonstop to give extra help and practice to his students. He is also the dedicated coach of the Academic Team, encouraging and guiding them to great success. Mr. Kopp is an extraordinary teacher, colleague, and friend. He always goes above and beyond for others because he has the biggest heart. He earnestly cares for his students and colleagues, going out of his way to support them in any way they need. His creativity and ability to make people laugh brings warmth and light to our school. Congratulations, Mr. Kopp!

The Sparta Summer Arts Workshop is officially restarting this year! The workshop will run from June 30th-July 17th at SMS. All information and registration forms can be found on our website: http://www.spartasummerarts.org/ Feel free to contact Mrs. Fortunato or Mr. Lombardo with any questions!

Peer Leaders is sponsoring a food drive for the month of March. All foods collected will be donated to the "Sparta Food Pantry" and all pasta collected will be donated to the "Weekend Bag Program". In addition, at the upcoming Student / Faculty Basketball game on Thursday, March 20th, the pasta collection will be extended to this event as well, hopefully maximizing the collection opportunities. We are focusing on the most requested foods for this drive, such as canned fruits and vegetables, soup, pasta, peanut butter, etc. Please help out and donate some food over the next few weeks. All collections should be brought down and placed in the boxes outside of the Modern Living classroom. Thanks in advance for participating in this very important activity to help others in our community!