Board of Trustees | Sparta Education Foundation

NEWS ALERT

2023 Dragon Boat Festival is postponed until 2024. Registration for the 17th Annual Turkey Trot will open on September 1st.

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Leading a foundation like the Sparta Education Foundation requires skill from many of our community leaders. Our volunteer Board of Trustees shapes the future of the Foundation and makes sure that we are planning for the best public education for our community members. Get to know them here, or contact us for more information!

President

Heather Egli

Trustee

Heidi Byrne

Co-Treasurer

Donna West

Vice President

Jillian Palleschi

Trustee

Meghan Jent

Trustee

John Paul Tacona

Secretary

Kimberly Noel

Trustee

Matt McQueeny

Trustee

Peter C. Hoglund

Treasurer

Dan Sarnowski

Trustee

Kiera Wespestad

Trustee

Pamela Miller

Interested in becoming a board member, please click here for more information!

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✨GRANT HIGHLIGHT✨
In January, the SEF awarded Mohawk Avenue School with five Promethean ActivPanels, following the grant proposal brought forward by MAS instructional intervention teacher Shannon Sullivan, third grade teacher Lauren Burdick, and special education teacher Jacqulyn Pador. The five new panels added to the 10 that had been purchased by the district that were already being utilized in the school. The total grant awarded came to $17,802 to cover the cost of the five new screens.

Sullivan, who had moved from being a classroom teacher to an instructional intervention teacher, missed having the screen in her new classroom after having become accustomed to it. "I really missed it when I started out the school year," she stated. "It is such a great tool to have in the classroom. It's brighter (than projectors), more user-friendly, and the kids can engage with it. I am so happy to be able to have one again!"

In Burdick's third grade classroom, students got right to work on their writing assignments, using instructions bulleted for them on the white board feature of the ActivPanel. Meanwhile, a digital clock counted down the 45 minute time-allotment the students were budgeted in the corner of the screen.

In Burdick's room, which faces the sun all day, the brightness of the new panels are really appreciated. In addition, both Burdick and regular substitute teacher Danielle Panas agree that it is a great tool for subs to use when they're filling in.

"I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my computer with a sub, but I can leave everything on the Promethean for them," said Burdick. "Everything they need is right there, and even if they need help, it is so intuitive, the kids step right up and show them what to do."

Grants like this are made possible through the participation of our community in our many events throughout the year, including our Thanksgiving morning Krogh's Turkey Trot, our Wine & Food Pairing, our Cornament, and Dragonboat Festival, as well as through the generosity of our sponsors. For more information on the SEF and the many grants we've awarded to Sparta's five public schools, visit our website at www.spartaeducationfoundation.org

✨GRANT HIGHLIGHT✨

In October, Sparta High School science teacher Ken Scognamiglio petitioned the SEF for a grant to purchase VO2 Master Analyzers for his new Exercise Physiology class. After learning about this new course offering, which is currently the only Exercise Physiology class offered at a high school level in the nation, the board approved $10,924 to cover two machines for Mr. Scognamiglio's class, and recently, our board members got to see these new analyzers in action.

An instant hit with Sparta's high schoolers, the Exercise Physiology class fills up each semester, with more than 100 students enrolled this year, and another 100 expected to take the course in the 2023-24 school year. With the amount of oversight the class needs, Scognamiglio co-teaches alongside Physical Education teacher Dan Trappe.

During class, each student will have the opportunity to measure their VO2 max, which indicates the body's ability to process oxygen during exercise. While we visited the class, Seniors Desmond Purchla and Brad Maines got their chance to try them out for a one-mile run around the track.

"It's a great way for the kids to measure their fitness, and to track it over time," said Scognamiglio. "The students not wearing the machine can use the indirect method of calculating their fitness by their height, weight, age, and pulse, but the machines give a much more accurate portrayal of fitness."

Grants like this are made possible through the participation of our community in our many events throughout the year, including our Thanksgiving morning Krogh's Turkey Trot, our Wine & Food Pairing, our Cornament, and Dragonboat Festival, as well as through the generosity of our sponsors. For more information on the SEF and the many grants we've awarded to Sparta's five public schools, visit our website at www.spartaeducationfoundation.org

Wishing the HMS Archery team good luck at Nationals in Kentucky! We are so proud of you!

Our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park was such a success, and we have more local businesses to thank! Our auction was fun and a big hit with our attendees, and without the generous donations of the following businesses, it would not have been possible. A huge shout out of appreciation goes to: @eatlafriedameats , @jthomasjewelers2 , @shoprite, @wild_ones_flower_farm , @lakemohawkgolfclub , @skyviewgolfclub , @thegreen_973 , @andreslakeside , @trufflesnthyme , @nicolelinross , @njmmaacademy , @garlicandoil , @cranky_noodles , @opicifamilydistributingnj and @liquorfactory ! We thank you for your continued support of the SEF and our mission of funding innovative grants for Sparta's public schools!

After careful consideration, we have decided not to host the SEF Dragon Boat Festival in 2023. With respect for our partnership with the Lake Mohawk Country Club, we want to allow adequate time for decisions to be made regarding the many facets of the club that are needed to pull off a great, and safe, event. We know this is an event many members of our Sparta community look forward to, and we appreciate everyone's support and understanding.

We want to take the opportunity to thank the Lake Mohawk Country Club for its many years of partnership for this great event. The Dragon Boat Festival is a huge undertaking, and without the enthusiasm and help of LMCC and its staff, it would not have been possible.

Last weekend we celebrated our Sparta community with our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing event at the Barn at Hillside Park, and we'd like to thank each and every one of our fabulous guests for joining us for a wonderful evening.

With food provided by the fabulous Chef Dorant (@trufflesnthymenj ) and wine and spirits provided by @opicifamilydistributing & @liquorfactory, our guests enjoyed themselves while the Jazz-style trio of @trebleandbassproductions provided the soundtrack for the evening.

Thanks go out as well to @refineanddesign & @cedarandsagerentals for helping create an elegant space for our guests to enjoy themselves.

Lastly, to all of our sponsors, events like this would not be possible without your generosity. Thank you to Duphiney Financial, the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, @spartasocietynj , @julapaper, Sparta Discount Tire, @purebarresparta , @meaningfulmelodiesllc, @skylandslegalllc, @blackbearfitness, @amyandheidi1, and the Lessard Family for supporting the Sparta Education Foundation and our mission to enhance the public education system in Sparta with innovative grants for our schools!

A huge thank you goes out to @cedarandsagerentals for your support of the SEF and our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing this past Saturday! Our wonderful decor was supplied by this fantastic, local event rental company based right in Lafayette. Our guests enjoyed great wine & food while also enjoying the party-stylings of this great team. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to bring funding to innovative grants for Sparta's public schools!

Just two days until the corks start popping, and we come together as a community to enjoy an evening of great food, drink, music and companionship in the honor of Sparta's public schools!

Thank you to our Sommelier Sponsors for your support of this fun event: @spartasocietynj, @purebarresparta, @refine_and_design.krissyhering, Sparta Tire, and @julapaper.

We are just days away from our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park in Andover, and we have some very important Spartans to thank! This year's Cocktail Table Sponsors are @meaningfulmelodiesnj , @blackbearfitnessclub, @skylandslegal , @amyandheidi1 and the Lessard family. We appreciate your support in pursuit of our mission to raise funds for innovative classroom tools for our Sparta students. We look forward to enjoying a great evening with everyone at this event this Saturday!

Just ten days until our 9th annual Wine Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park! A huge thanks goes out to @goranmatil

Thank you to @gduph2 & the Duphiney Financial Network for once again supporting the SEF as the Food Pairing Sponsor of our upcoming 9th Annual Wine & Food Pairing on March 4th! With cuisine prepared by Chef Dorant Wolfe, our guests are in for a treat at this great event, all in support of Sparta's public schools!

Limited tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available at https://spartaeducationfoundation.org/wine-tasting/. Join us for this annual event, as we champion the amazing education Sparta's children receive in our public schools!

Our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing event at the Barn at Hillside Park returns March 4th, with limited tickets and sponsorship opportunities still available at https://spartaeducationfoundation.org/wine-tasting/

Thank you to the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home for serving as this year's MUSIC SPONSOR! Attendees of this year's event will enjoy the musical stylings of the talented Treble & Bass Trio!

We look forward to this being another successful SEF event, all in the name of Sparta's public schools!

Last chance to purchase tickets to the 9th annual SEF Wine & Food Pairing, held March 4th at the Barn at Hillside Park in Andover! Join us as we enjoy Wines, Beer & Spirits, as well as delicious food, all in the name of raising funds for for Sparta schools. Purchase your ticket today at https://e.givesmart.com/events/v3S/! Sponsorships are also still available, starting at $125.

Our grants are funded from the proceeds of our amazing community events, so don't miss out on your chance to contribute to our mission of providing innovative educational opportunities for all five of Sparta's public schools. Join us for this lovely evening -- you won't be disappointed!

Due to an overwhelming response, more tickets have been added to our March 4th event, the 9th annual Wine Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park in Andover. Tickets, donations, and sponsorships can be purchased at the link in bio. Thank you for supporting the Sparta Education Foundation, and Sparta’s amazing public schools!

Tickets are now available for the Sparta Education Foundation’s 9th annual Wine Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park. Catering will be provided by Sussex County’s Chopped Challenge Winner, Chef Dorant Wolfe (Truffles n’Thyme). Spirits will once again be supplied by the Liquor Factory, and music by the Treble & Bass Trio! Join us for the return of this fun event, all in support of Sparta’s public schools!
Link for tickets in bio.

The SEF was recently invited to witness practice time for Helen Morgan School's 5th grade archery team, lead by Physical Education Teacher AJ Agnor. The recipient of a $6,440 grant from the SEF in 2021 for archery equipment, Agnor has witnessed great enthusiasm from his students for this new sport.

Introductions to the sport started in the fall of 2021, and this year, Agnor saw enough interest to put together a team of 24 fifth graders, who will compete against other NJ teams. Agnor, along with Physical Education Teacher Kyle Markovich, meets with the students before school, during their prep periods, and during lunch to help each archer perfect their skills.

In February, the team will travel to Warren Hills High School for a live competition, and will compete in a virtual State competition in March.

In addition, Helen Morgan's school nurse, Lillian Farrell, earned certification in the sport, and leads kids after school in the sport as part of its Explorations program. Farrell touted the program for its ability to "improve focus, listening, and social skills; to pay close attention to detail and safety; to develop discipline, consistency and accuracy; to build confidence; and that it fosters enjoyment of a sporting activity".

The SEF is proud to see what an opportunity this is for Helen Morgan's students, and to see how well the program has been received. We thank our community, too, for supporting our events and making grants like this possible! Stay tuned for ticket sales for our upcoming 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing at the Barn at Hillside Park on March 4th. All proceeds go directly back to Sparta's public schools to support innovative grants like this for our students!

Mark your calendars and reserve the date! Our 9th annual Wine & Food Pairing returns March 4th to the Barn at Hillside Park in Andover. Stay tuned for details and tickets to this Sparta-favorite event!

At its monthly board meeting Tuesday, the SEF proudly accepted a $5,000 check from the Chaudhary family as part of its Giving Pump fundraiser at the Shell Station at the corners of Rts. 181 and 517. Thank you to all who utilized this pump during our fundraising term! Funds raised will go directly back into Sparta's public school classrooms, helping to fund unique and innovative educational tools to help our teachers and students in each and every one of Sparta's five public schools!

Thank you, thank you, thank you - to all our participants, our volunteers, our friends and family who cheered, to our sponsors and to the community as a whole. We are grateful for you! On behalf of the Sparta Education Foundation, we wish everyone the happiest Thanksgiving!
#kroghsturkeytrot2022 #spartaeducationfoundation #spartanj #lakemohawknj

It’s 6 am and race day prep has started! Who’s ready to rock the trot today? #kroghsturkeytrot2022 #spartaeducationfoundation #spartanj #lakemohawknj #turkeytrot #wobblebeforewegobble

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors of the SEF's 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot: Morris Sussex Oral Surgery Associates, LLC, @purebarresparta , Pine Cone Chiropractic, LLC, @dawncorbo.realtor!

Sign up to join in on the fun Thanksgiving morning for Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition"! Register today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Today is the last day to place your order for a sweet post-race treat! Don't delay! Contact @pattycakesnj to place your order!

Only five days to go till race day!

We are so grateful for our Bronze Sponsors: Askin & Hooker, LLC Attorneys at Law, Augie's Brooklyn Bagels & Deli , Sparta Elks #2356 , Harte Orthodontics, and @liqLiquor Factory!

Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition". Register to race today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

You know when you smell those fresh buns baking on race day morning, you're going to regret it if you haven't preordered your sweet post-race treat! Don't delay! Supplies are limited. Contact @Pattycakesnj to place your order!

Thank you Villa Capri II for once again supporting the SEF as a Krogh's Turkey Trot Silver Sponsor (and for providing some delicious eats for our Wednesday night pasta party). We are so grateful for all you do to help us out with this awesome event every year!

Sign up to join us for Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition" before it's too late! Register today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Thank you @schoolcraft_studios for serving as a Silver Sponsor for the SEF's 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot! This great community event would not be possible without sponsors like you!

Don't miss out on your chance to join in on the fun...register today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Don't miss out on your chance for a sweet post-race treat from @pattycakesnj!

Thank you @lakemohawkcountryclub for supporting the SEF as a Silver Sponsor for our 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! Join us for Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition" and register today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Thank you to our Silver Sponsor ShopRite of Sparta for your support of the SEF and its 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot! Sign up today to be a part of Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition" at Kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Hey Wellness Pediatrics , thank you for again supporting the SEF and our 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot! Bringing the community together for events like this would not be possible without you!
If you haven't registered yet, what are you waiting for?! Get signed up today at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Thank you to another one of our Silver Sponsors, Culligan NJ for once again supporting the SEF and our 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot!
Sign up to join in on the fun today! Registration can be found at kroghsturkeytrot.com!

Don't miss out on your chance for some delicious post-race treats by Pattycakesnj!

Thank you to our Silver Sponsor Alex Aguado - State Farm Agent for your support of the SEF's 16th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot! Bringing the community together for Sparta's favorite "tradition before the tradition" would not be possible without our local sponsors!

Make sure you don't miss out on the fun! Sign up to join us Thanksgiving morning at kroghsturkeytrot.com!