Sparta Students Recognized For 'Choosing To Include'

SPARTA, NJ — Sparta High School varsity football players and Sparta Special Olympics Unified Sports athletes recently took part in their “Choose to Include” week before the end of the school year; and were recognized by the Sparta Township Council at its last meeting.

Students spent time together at their special inclusion initiative event at the school on June 16.

Sparta’s Municipal Building was illuminated in blue in honor of the Sparta High School Unified and Sparta High School Football Inclusion Initiative at the June 22 meeting, with each student honored there and given challenge coins and customized wristbands from the high school’s Football Booster Club.

Others honored were Sparta High School’s Head Football Coach Frank Marchiano; and Dr. Adrienne Castorino, Dr. Jane Esposito and Courtney Hyland of SHS Unified Sports/Special Olympics Program.

Separate honors were given at the meeting to Coaches Hall and Rommee for the State Champions SHS Girls Volleyball and Coaching Staff; Brian Brennan for Team of the Year SHS Boys Basketball and Coach of the Year; and Cathy Willie for Team of the Year SHS Girls Basketball and Coach of the Year. Quinn said early in the week of June 21, she and Superintendent Matthew Beck also met with the SHS Girls Volleyball Team and presented them with “We Are Sparta” Challenge Coins, for having attained their State Championship Title.

Council members additionally received the bands, which read “United We Stand,” the program’s motto, as part of the inclusion initiative.

“Initiatives designed to unify our community, such as this, are just one of the many things that makes Sparta Township such an outstanding place to call home,” said Sparta Township Mayor Christine Quinn. It’s very exciting to see this particular initiative growing exponentially, through a strong, working partnership between the school, the Sparta Township Recreation Department and the Sparta Township Recreation Advisory Committee.”

“This is another great example of the tremendous results we can achieve when we all work together,” Quinn also said.

“The School has been doing a wonderful job with the inclusion programs they are running and expanding, said Sparta Township Parks and Recreation Director Jeanne Montemarano. “The Recreation Department is hoping to work with the Board of Education to reach more of the general population to both educate and provide inclusion programs for all ages.”

“We hope this is the first of many inclusions programs we can coordinate with the Board of Education,” Montemarano added.

Hyland, a life skills teacher, said Marchiano approached her several years ago to find a way to start inclusive activities between the Life Skills students and football team.

“From there, we started a tradition of bringing the students and the athletes together in the beginning of each school year, where Coach Marsh and his team come into our class and invite and encourage our kids to join the team, always with sincere enthusiasm and encouragement and, of course, an awesome Sparta Football shirt,” Hyland said. “This has been an amazing experience for many of our kids, offering them various opportunities to truly be part of the team, being right there on the field, playing their 'position,' interacting and being cheered on by the fans.”

“But, the most amazing results are the things that aren't always seen; the bonds that are formed and the relationships that are built, the self-esteem that is built from the sense of belonging, and the authentic opportunities to practice and develop so many of the skills that are essential for success in all areas of life,” she added. “Sparta’s foundation is built on inclusion; it is an innate characteristic of our amazing community and this collaboration is an excellent example of Sparta’s commitment to continually grow together in excellence.”

Castorina, Director of Sparta School District Special Services Dept. K-5, said as soon as Marchiano reached out to them about an inclusion event, they ordered bracelets and t-shirts; and began planning activities.

“Coach Marchiano and his program have demonstrated inclusive practices for many years now,” Castorina said. “Our students with special needs can be seen on the sidelines with our players during games, high-fiving and just simply bonding with each other. They have been put in charge of the water, assisted in our Snack Shack, and have been members of our cheer program.”

“Choose to Include is not just a week-long celebration in Sparta; our district is committed to inclusion and ensuring that all kids have the school experience that they deserve,” Castorina said.

Sparta High School Psychologist Dr. Jane Esposito said she’s worked at the high school for more than two decades and in that time, has found the school district as one that demonstrates the meaning of inclusion, by putting it into action. Inclusive activities students have participated in are cheerleading, roles as water boys and water girls, assisting with football program sales at games, helping in the Snack Shack, helping with apparel table sales, hanging banners and running out on the field with the football players, Esposito said.

“Head Football Coach Marchiano has always expressed that he wanted to see more and more of our life skills students be part of all the football season’s activities that draw so many families and friends together,” Esposito said. “The best part is that by partnering with Unified Sports it has just helped to foster more interactions and bonds with all of our kids.”

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at [email protected].