FACULTY INTERVIEWS: New Positions with New Perspectives

Sitting down with Sparta High School's new principal, Mrs. Ferraro answers a few questions:

Q. What is your vision for SHS?

A. To continue working on programs that give us success as a district and to continue working on student-teacher and student-community relationships. I believe that as a public school academics are a priority, but we are not people unless the social part is complete. We should be working together and coming together as a community.

Q. What do you think is running well and what do you think needs improvement?

A. I am happy with giving seniors open campus and looking forward to it being succesful. I also like that we don't have students sitting on the floor during lunch. I like our courses and the direction they are taking. One of my goals is to visit students more in the classroom. Mrs. Wilson and Ms. Cayan are providing a great start to the STEM program. We have a great student body and great teachers--hiccups don't mean things are wrong, it just means we have to work harder.

Q. Lately, the behavior of a few has been affecting the whole. In certain situations, there are many students who are being punished that did not do anything. How do you plan on dealing with situations like this in the future?

A. As fairly as possible. With open campus it was made clear in the beginning that if the administration doesn't have full confidence, we would delay it/take it away. Regarding daily actions, the person who breaks the rules will be the only one punished. But, historically, if large groups haven't lived up to expectations, it ruins it for the whole. We have to be able to trust the students when it comes to big things. But overall, I want it to work and I hope it goes great.

Q. Since Mr. Fitzgerald took over your previous position as Vice Principal, do you have any advice for him?

A. I would say to keep in mind that you are working in a high school with high school students. You have to deal with disclipine, but you also have to embrace the moments where you do more.

With Mrs. Ferraro's advice in mind, Mr. Fitzgerald, the new Vice Principal, also responds to an interview:

Q. What is the most memorable event you have experienced so far this year? A. Freshman orientation was a good day. Meeting the ninth graders for the first time. I had a good feeling leaving that day...and ice cream is always nice!

Q. What are you looking forward to most this year?

A. I'm looking forward to interacting with students more and trying to create a culture consistent with our school vision.

Q. Since Mrs. Konwiser Dalton took over your previous position as Director of Guidance, do you have any advice for her?

A. Don't make any vacation plans! I would suggest for her to try and be as fair as she can. I think she has the dedication and the drive to do well...she just needs patience and to understand that everyday is a different day.

Mathew Dempsey asks Mrs. Konwiser Dalton a few questions:

Q. How long have you been at Sparta?

A. I have been at Sparta for 12 years, 7 years as a guidance counselor, and 4 years as the Student Assistance Coordinator. I have been working in various schools and school systems since 1988.

Q. What are some of your responsibilities as Director of Guidance?

A. I am a scheduling District Testing Coordinator (SAT, PARCC, etc.) for all Sparta schools, responsible for all guidance staff, colleges and scholarships, events such as the senior awards dinner, and calculating various data (class ranks, GPA, etc.).

Q. I believe that Ms. Colte is now in your old position of Student Assistance Coordinator?

A. Yes she is. Her office has been moved to guidance. If a student is having problems, his or her counselor should be aware that her room is available. It is a place to go if you are having a bad day and just need to chill.

Q. What advice do you have to give Ms. Colte?

A. To listen and try to understand things from the student’s perspective. As an adult, a situation may seem different or simple. But a student may not see it that way and it is necessary to try and see things from his or her's perspective.

Jack McDonough interviews Ms. Colte to get her perspective on her new position:

Q. How long have you been at Sparta and what was your former position?

A. I came to Sparta in 2011 and I was a guidance counselor, but I am now the Student Assistance Coordinator.

Q. What are your duties as the Student Assistance Coordinator?

A. I am in charge of event planning, such as bringing speakers for assemblies like Keith Hawkins and Mikey Fallon. I love to hear student feedback on these events. I am also responsible for the school climate committee, which makes sure that the school is friendly for everyone, as well as inititating health plans for students who need extra support due to an injury or illness. My goal is to promote positive influences wihin Sparta High School and to get more inspirational figures into the building.

Q. Do you have any advice for students?

A. Use your counselor as a resource and be aware that the wellness room is now in the guidance office-first left near the reception desk. Also, participate in the Week of Respect and donate to the 1,000 paper cranes project outside of guidance.

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