Laptops at Sparta High School?

By: Dylan Amundson

The students and faculty have the capability at Sparta High School to have laptops with a wireless internet connection. Robin Reid, library secretary said, “I believe laptops would be good idea if you could somehow monitor which sites that were visited.”

The sites would need to be able to be monitored to ensure that the students and faculty only visit school appropriate sites' for educational use. For laptops to be more of a convenience than a hassle we would need a wireless internet connection in the school. "The school has the capability to be wireless but monitoring the sites visited could be a challenge for the school."said Robin. Wireless internet connection is practically untraceable except from the computer in which is using the internet. Wireless internet has a range on it that is how it is wireless this can cause problems for the school having residents so close. The school could avoid some of these problems by having a secured internet connection that would eliminate outside access from residents near the school. However, a secured internet connection would also limit access to students and faculty at Sparta High School. It would be a good idea to have a wireless internet especially in the library because the people with personal laptops could bring them in and use them and leave the other computers for students who don’t have personal laptops.

Having only twelve computers in the school library makes it difficult for them to accommodate for all the students. Having the wireless internet connection and having laptops available from the school to be borrowed by students and faculty would be good especially for the students who don’t have internet access at their home. The school library would be able to lend laptops to students and faculty by the hour but would not be able to leave the school grounds and would also need to be monitored. Students could also be allowed to bring in their personal laptops for use on school related materials. Between the school owned laptops and desktops and the personally owned laptops there would be more computers available to them in the school for research or writing.

The computers in the school especially in the library need to be updated for speed and ease of use by students and faculty. They could then have video capability which would be useful in some classes for projects. The school would also need updated computer software for the wireless internet connection to be faster and more effective for all school students and personnel. The students and faculty could benefit from the wireless internet connection and availability of laptops for use. With the increased accessibility the students’ grades could improve resulting in a better high school education giving them a better chance at success. Increased student grade point averages would also result in additional grants to the school which could be used for keeping the software up to date.

The Big Transition

September 1, 2009 might have been just an ordinary day to most students, but to some it was an exciting day. It was the first day of school for freshman at the high school and only them. The reason it was a freshman only day was so that they could get a feel for how the high school works compared to the middle school.

When Carson Wiedemann, freshman, was asked about how the high school compares to the middle school, he answered by saying," The high school is different than the middle school." The first day for the freshman seems to have made a difference because they looked like they knew what to do and looked excited. The freshmen were able to navigate the halls like an upper classman and made the adjustment from the middle school to the high school smoothly.

Alex Mason, freshman, was questioned regarding what he thought of the freshman only first day of school, he replied," I thought it was a good idea because I became more familiar with the school."

Responding to the same question Wiedemann he replied," Overall, I thought it was a good idea and I liked it because it was less crowded and I got a feel for how the school works a little better. "

Then it came that students usually have their favorites and least favorite parts of high school. So what happened was two freshmen were asked of their five favorite and five least favorite parts of school.

When Mason was asked about his five favorite parts of high school he replied," You have more freedom in the high school, the teachers are better, the lunch is better, the high school has better classes, and all the grades are mixed together." Later when he was asked what his least favorite part of high school was Mason answered," The things that I don't like about the high school is that the school is bigger, the bus schedule, freshmen can not go off campus, you have more responsibility, and being one of the youngest in the high school."

It would be interesting to come back in three years, when the freshmen are entering their senior year and see how their thoughts have changed. Would the new freshmen coming in at that time feel the same way as those today?

Too Many Fees...

For the first time ever, this year SHS students have to pay six dollars for their assignment notebook. There have been rumors going around the school about a low budget. Which is causing families to pay for more and the school cut things that we don't need. Sam Russ, Principal at Sparta High, says, "We need to pay for the assignment notebooks because of the low budget this year."

Many of the students do not like the change. They think the assignment notebooks should be provided free of charge. Dylan Amudson, senior, said "I don't think we should have to pay for the same old, boring thing we have for years. Its not worth my six dollars."

Several of the parents also have the same feeling on the issue. They don't understand why they have to pay six dollars this year when it has been free for years. "Having to pay for an assignment notebook for the first time ever is ridiculous" said Theresa Becker, mother of a current student. In response to that Russ says, "We are doing what the middle school is doing now; charging for the assignment notebooks."

Some students only come for a few class period of the day and don't want an assignment notebook. Kristen Piotrowski, part time student, says, "I don't need an assignment notebook because I go to college in the morning and I'm at high school in the afternoon." Russ says that we need an assignment notebook because we need the student handbook that is inside it.

Graduation 2010

Graduation is INDSIDE this year at SHS...why?

This year, the Sparta Board of Education has decided to have graduation inside the school, versus outside at the football field.

During an interview with Sam Russ, principal of Sparta High School, said reasons are unclear as to why graduation was inside, but he did say it could be lack of funds. It costs the board more money to set up for graduation in two places than it does in just one.

In years past, the school board has decided to set up graduation both outside and inside, the latter being an option if the weather permitted a need for graduation to move inside.

Many issues have been brought up by both parents and students alike. One of the concerns is that there will be a limit as to how many people can attend. " In years past, the number of people allowed per family was 4-6," Russ said.

Another problem with graduation being inside is the fact that it's in the Alton Ask Gymnasium. It is suitable for the amount of people, but the heat builds up quickly, making viewing the ceremony very uncomfortable.

Many parents have strongly voiced their opinions. Most of them have been angry that they are outside, mainly over the concern that the people who want to attend graduation outnumber the amount of people who are allowed to attend.

Students have also been disappointed because they feel that they are missing out on the experience of having an outdoors graduation.

If students and parents wanted to voice their opinions about graduation, they could attend a school board meeting to talk about it. What is important to remember is that they must be respectful toward the board members.

New School Year Brings Staffing Changes

This year, Sparta High School has a new assistant principle, Gregg Eldred. Eldred replaced Jake Dodge, who took an assistant principle position in Kasson-Mantorville, Minnesota.
Eldred was picked out of 15 applicants for his "past experiences and ability to build relationships with students and parents, " according to Sam Russ, principal of Sparta High School.
Dale Stafslien, Sparta High's other assistant principle, also had good words to say about Mr. Eldred. He described him as an, "Easy to talk to great guy, who is very understanding and patient."
Eldred has a very diverse employment background. Along with being an assistant principle at Mora High School in Minnesota, he worked with level 4 EBD students for 7 years, was a physical education and health teacher, and also a football and wrestling coach.
When asked why he came to Sparta, Eldred said, "I worked as an assistant principle at Hayword High School for 2 years, and enjoyed working in Wisconsin."
Aside from his job, Eldred is married and has 3 kids, ages 23, 22, and 21. He lives in Sparta and enjoys waterskiing, fishing, and golfing.
As for his impressions of Sparta High so far, he said "The students seem responsible and I like that there are a lot of activities. Everything is going smooth."