The Sparta Express
August 20th, 2023
A Note from Mrs. Gregory
We are definitely in the short rows. Exams have already started for many of our students and EOCs are right around the corner. I want to encourage every student to do their best and work hard every single day. We have incredible academic goals and encourage every student to buckle down to help us reach those goals. Please take every opportunity to review and finish learning all the content that you can prior to exams. Be sure that you have reviewed the exam schedule and know exactly where you should be to take your exams. If you have questions, NOW is the time to ask your teachers.
Our SSS graduation team will host an "after-party" for our graduates and their families after graduation. Please come out and bring a little change to spend at the food trucks. A portion of their sales that day will be donated back to our school. Vendors will not be permitted to sale until after graduation ends.
The Women’s Soccer Team qualified to State Playoffs for the third consecutive year. Congratulations ladies on such a great soccer season this year!
The SSS Dance Department will present their Spring Concert on Friday, May 24th, at 6pm. There is no admission fee. Come see what the spring semester Dance students have been learning.
Final Exams are Coming!
Final Exams are scheduled for May 31st-June 6th. Please be sure that you know when your exams are scheduled for EACH of your classes. Exam schedule can be found here!
Please review the schedule to see where you will be testing. Exams begin for Year-long classes on May 29th and Semester long classes will begin on May 31st. On the week of testing, each SSS student will receive their own individual testing schedule in homeroom on May 28th. In the next newsletter, there will be a google form for parents to complete that will allow for a one-stop shop for sign out procedures for students who have either completed or don’t have an exam. Stay tuned!
Our Staff/Student Talent Show Friday May 31st @6pm. "SSS Got Talent" Auditions will be held May 22nd and 23rd during Sparta time. Finalists will be posted by the auditorium on May 24th. Dress rehearsal will be May 30th 2:30pm to 4:30pm Talent Show is May 31st 6pm to 8pm. Tickets for entry will be $5.
Join JCPS Career & Technical Education for the 2024 Summer Career Accelerator Program. Experiences include career exploration, skill development, and networking opportunities for students in rising grades 6-12.
Free for JCPS students!
Lunch & transportation is provided for JCPS students.
APRIL 15 - Priority Registration Deadline
MAY 12 - Final Registration Deadline.
Hyundai Motors Corporation and local Dealers will host an Internship Recruitment Meeting on
5/21/2024 in the Media Center with all automotive students from 9 AM - 11 AM.
Students may begin returning Chromebooks, Chromebook chargers, and any other technology that they borrowed to the school’s Media Center. These items are due by Friday, May 24th. For May 24, label all devices and chargers with the student’s name (neatly printed). Place everything in a clean, dry plastic grocery bag and tie it off. Collections on the 24th will primarily occur in the morning by the Gym lobby entrance. Students are encouraged to complete any online work by May 24th. Also, graduating seniors must resolve any fees on their school accounts.
Excellence...all day, every day.
On May 8th - 10th, 20 students in the JoCo Teach Program traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to attend a professional development workshop at Ron Clark Academy. Ron Clark, a native of North Carolina, won the Disney Teacher of the Year in 2000. He opened his own school in Atlanta, Georgia where he hosts teachers from around the country to observe classes and learn teaching techniques. The JoCo Teach students learned the importance of having high expectations, how to teach vocabulary, and ways to make learning more engaging.
Class Specific Information
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CAP, GOWN, ANNOUNCEMENTS & MORE
On Thursday May 23 during Sparta Time - Seniors can sign up to decorate graduation caps in the cafeteria. (decorations will be provided) Sign up by Tuesday May 21 to ensure we have enough decorations.
You’ve earned your Senior status — now it’s time to enjoy it! From stylish apparel to custom photo cards and thoughtful keepsakes, we have everything you need to celebrate your time in high school.
Our Graduation will be Friday, June 7th, at 10am in our Football Stadium.
Seniors! It's not too late to start or finish your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Don’t miss out on the largest source of student aid to pay for college or career school! Submit your 2024-2025 FAFSA® form today! http://fafsa.gov
Planning to attend Johnston Community College after graduation? You'll need to complete the FAFSA to take advantage of the JoCo Commissioners Promise Program and attend tuition free next year. More info at https://johnstoncc.edu/.../financ.../jocopromiseprogram.aspx
Please read Ms. Garcia’s emails for important announcements and scholarships. There are many local scholarships, so please take the time to apply! Email Ms. Garcia with any questions or concerns.
Rising seniors must have their meningitis vaccinations/exemptions within the first 30 days of the school year, or they will be excluded from school. Remember to get your meningitis vaccinations before starting your senior year. You can call for an appointment at Johnston County Health Dept at 919-989-5200 before the rush begins.
There will be a Meningitis clinic - June 20, 9-1pm. Please see Mrs. Stem for more details.
May 24th- Junior Meeting during Sparta Time. All Juniors / rising seniors will need to attend. This is an opportunity to:
Introduce CADY to upcoming seniors
Provide a preview and highlight options for their senior portrait experience
Gather data to ensure students and their families receive important booking information
Ensure NO ONE is left out of their senior yearbook
Buy your Varsity Letterman's Jacket!
One of the ways that we have tried to make this year special for our students is to bring back traditional aspects of high school. A Varsity Letterman's Jacket is one of those special things that make high school special. Whether you are a Varsity football player, a member of the marching band, Varsity Basketball player, or Varsity Cheer or Stunt member--- a letterman's jacket is something that you can have forever. Visit the Josten's website to design and purchase a coat that tells your high school story. You can even make payments!
Paid opportunity for teens ages 15 and older to support a local event! Check it out and apply ➡️ https://forms.gle/Cm5hpPNHbWjH4hvJ7
Free training opportunity for rising Seniors and Juniors! ✈️
Rising seniors and juniors interested in becoming a pilot, air traffic controller, or unmanned aircraft systems (drone) operator can take up to 6 credits of college coursework paid for by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Find out more and apply ➡️ https://shorturl.at/1X3ml
If you are looking for a job, Chick-Fil-A is HIRING! Use the information below to apply.
Summer Enrichment Oppurtunities!
Be sure that you check out this link for LOTS of Enrichment Opportunities: http://bit.ly/jcpsenrichment
Many of these opportunities are shared by JCPS Student Services. If you are not following them on Facebook--- YOU SHOULD BE! They often post incredible opportunities for students and information about scholarships. Even if you are not a senior--- many scholarship opportunities are available each year. Start familiarizing yourself with opportunities and requirements so that when it is your time--- you are ready to apply! https://www.facebook.com/jcpsstudentservices
JoCo High Schools have seats available for exchange students
We are currently looking for host families for the 2024-25 school year. The students will arrive before school starts and will depart in June. We are reaching out to invite you and your family to host an exchange student. We would also be appreciative of any referrals for great families in your community who would make the perfect host family, which is any kind of family! https://secure.smore.com/n/gpaxws-join-us-on-an-amazing-adventure?ref=email
JCC Summer Camp registration is now open! Learn more and apply for camps at https://www.johnstoncc.edu/summercamp/index.aspx
Summer opportunity for rising 9th-12th graders!
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a Mini-Medical School for rising 9th-12th graders. This one-day camp will be held on Thursday, June 27 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Cost is $50 per participant which includes a T-shirt. Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Location is Levine Hall - 4350 HWY 421 South, Lillington, NC 27546
Summer volunteer opportunity alert for students ages 15 and up!
This one is super popular with JCPS students interested in health care. The application is now open for UNC Health Johnston’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program. The application closes April 15, 2024. More information and eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.johnstonhealth.org/volunteer/junior/
Summer opportunity for rising Latinx/Hispanic 11th & 12th graders!
UNCG CHANCE is a 4-day residential summer program for Latinx/Hispanic rising high school juniors and seniors. During their time on campus, students will participate in college preparation and leadership skills development. CHANCE 2024 is July 17th- July 20th on the campus of UNC-Greensboro.
Learn more and apply at https://www.uncg.edu/.../summer-camps-and.../summer-camps/
JCPS is providing FREE tutoring services! See below for details.
The NCVPS EDVANTAGE Tutoring Program will be available to individual middle school and high school students nightly from 4 PM to 7:30 PM, Monday-Thursday.
To have your students begin tutoring sessions, please direct them to:
Once on the Edvantage Tutoring website, students should simply click their school district, Johnston County Public Schools and/or school name. Students will find an expandable section that guides them along as they create an account, and then enter the tutoring platform. "How To" videos are also available right below the "Schedule A Session" button.
Please encourage students to:
- Begin creating their accounts;
- Sign up for tutoring sessions in advance (or on the same day); and
- Write down their username and password (for use each time)
Please reach out to me if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns with the EDvantage Tutoring Program. I look forward to hearing how the tutoring sessions are going with your students.