Boys Basketball Tonight

Tonight's contest with Belding will only be for 7th and 8th grade A teams.  Belding does not have any B teams this year.  The 8th Grade A team will play at 4:15 and the 7th grade will play immediately following, generally around 5:15.

School Messenger

Sparta Area Schools is implementing a new system to help communicate with our parents.  The system, School Messenger, will be used to communicate school closings and delays as well as informing you of upcoming events.  Below is a link to the letter that is being communicated to all families through the website, building blogs and email blasts.  As is the key to any communication plan, having the most up to date and accurate information is vital.  Your assistance with this will be very important to us.  If you have any questions, you can contact the building.

School Messenger Letter

Thank you.

Google Apps for Kids

As we are transitioning into using more web based instructional tools, we have found numerous limitations with our current operational procedures.  One that we are attempting to address is the fact that students do not have email addresses.  Many websites require an email address to allow access to the tools and functions within the site.  By using Google Apps we can provide a controlled email address that students can use to access educational sites.  The main restriction on the email address is that we own the domain so they will not be allowed to email outside addresses.  This will limit them to contacts with staff and other students.

Below is a letter that also explains this. Just open the link:

Google Apps Letter

Let us know if you have any questions.

Middle School Band Performance

We had an awesome performance from our middle school band last night.  It never ceases to amaze me the quality they are able to produce.  They are a fine representation of Sparta Middle School.  My appreciation is also extended to the staff for their work with them, Ms. Mroczek, Mrs. Ruffer and Mr. Walsh.  My appreciation goes out to the families that have supported these young talents as they practice and grow in their craft.  Thanks to all.

I also want to apologize if you had to wait and be inconvenienced by our tremendously large audience last night.  We will revisit the structure of our holiday performance for next year.  Considerations to be made will include a greater staggering of the start times for the performances or holding the performances on separate days altogether.  I welcome your ideas and suggestions as well.  I appreciate your understanding and support.

Middle School Magazine Sale Fundraiser

This year, our magazine sale will run throughout the month of January.  The schedule of events for the students to participate in goes like this:

January 10- Postcards go home
January 11- Postcards returned
January 18- Internet Order day
January 25- Pay Now orders due

Please click the parent letter link to see more information about the sale.

Parent Letter

More information regarding the fundraiser will come home with your student.  For those who do not wish to participate in  fundraising, we are willing to accept donations in lieu of participation.  We set a goal of every child selling at least 2 paid orders.  This generates $20 on average for the fundraiser.  If a donation is something you would rather participate in, we would appreciate a $20 donation. Thank you for your consideration.