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    SPARTAN UPDATE

    October 12, 2025

    Thanks to everyone who helped make Homecoming a great experience! 

    And there are only 3 days left in our Spartan Strong Annual Campaign!  

    We're $10,000 short of our goal to fund vital student & staff programs. 

    We also accept Venmo: @ SandersonPTO 

     
    X: @SpartanTweets    Facebook: @SandersonHS   Instagram: @shsspartans

     Sanderson PTO      Sanderson Foundation   SHS Alumni

    PTO Spartan Voice Newsletter

    WCPSS Headlines & Updates

     

    SAVE THE DATE 

     

    OCTOBER 

    13: No school – Teacher Workday

    14: AOF Pinning Ceremony

    17: FFA Tailgate Fundraiser – grab a hoagie before the game! 

    16: PSAT/NMSQT 

    20: No school – Teacher Workday 

    22: SHS College Fair 

    29: Make up picture day (9th-11th) 

    30: NHS Induction 6pm 

    31: End of Quarter 1 

    SCHOOL WIDE UPDATES

     

    LIGHTSPEED PILOT 

    Our school will be participating in the district pilot of a new internet filter beginning October 21. This tool is designed to help keep students safe online while also supporting access to instructional resources. 

    During the pilot, you may notice some changes in which websites are available. If your student has difficulty accessing educational materials, please reach out to the school so we can help. Thank you for your support as we work to provide a safer, more effective online experience for students! 

     

    NCSSM INTEREST MEETING 

    An interest meeting for students will be held for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) on October 14th at 9:30 am in room 201. If students are interested in learning about opportunities to engage in challenging STEM courses, attend this meeting! A representative from NCSSM will give a short presentation about the school and answer any questions. Students must sign up for the event to be excused from second period. 

     

    SPARTAN JAM! 

    Project Management 2 will be hosting Spartan Jam for the 4th year! It will take place on Wednesday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Sanderson High School, in the main gym. We will recognize winter sports, support STUCO in the food drive, as well as continue our annual teacher vs. student basketball game. Entry is any non-perishable item/food that will help the Food Bank of Central North Carolina. 

     

    YEARBOOK SALES ARE OPEN! 

    Fall (10/1-11/30): Yearbook Price: $93.00 

    Winter/Last Chance to Personalize (12/1-1/30): Price: $96.00 

    Last Chance (No personalization) (1/31-until sold out): Price $100.00 

      

    SPARTAN CHALLENGE: PARENT EDITION!

    Save the date for Nov. 6 

    Join us virtually for brief information sessions with SHS Intervention Coordinator, Amanda Alvarez. Sessions will be held in both English and Spanish. The next session is November 6: Academic warning signs / ARPs and Credit Recovery. 

    The English session starts at 11:30am, the Spanish session begins at 12pm. Use the URL to access the google meet: bit.ly/SpartanChallenge25_26. See you there! 

     

    BIMAS-2 SCREENER 

    We will again be screening students using the Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System, Second Edition (BIMAS-2). We will screen all students in 9th through 12th grade in the coming weeks.  

    What is the SEL Behavior Universal Screener? 

    We’ll be using the Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System-2 or BIMAS-2. This is a research-based screening tool. It will help identify students who may be at risk of future academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties. 

    Teachers will be filling out screening forms for students through November 14th. If you would like to opt out for the screening this school year, please fill out this form. Another option is to print and fill out this paper copy to return it to your child’s second period teacher or our school psychologist - Jasmin Traughber (jtraughber@wcpss.net). To opt-out, complete either the google form or return the paper copy by October 17  2025. 

     

    OCTOBER IS COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE MONTH! 

    This is for students of any grade level.  Check out CFNC.org for events, webinars, and just all-around great info that includes career exploration, college research access, application portal, scholarships, financial aid info, and more.   

    SHS is also hosting a College Fair on 10/22 during both lunches in the media center for any SHS student in grades 9-12.  Info here 

    Get to know the UNC System! High school students, families, and counselors are invited to learn more about North Carolina's public universities during the "UNC System Virtual Open House" on October 6-7 and 13-14. Admissions counselors and current college students will be answering your questions live during four virtual sessions you can choose from. Learn more and register at https://www.northcarolina.edu/unc-system-virtual-open-house 

     

    SPARTAN FOOD PANTRY 

    If you or your family are experiencing food insecurity, we are here to support you. Food packs are available at no cost to members of the Sanderson community.  

    To request a pack, please complete the form at: bit.ly/SHS_Pantry 

    Form link can also be found: 

    • On bulletin boards throughout the school
    • On the Sanderson High School website
    • In Student Services 

    Pick-Up Locations - Select your preferred pick-up location when submitting your request. Orders placed by 12:00 pm on Thursdays will be ready for pick-up on Fridays. You will not be contacted when your order is ready. 

    • Main Office – for family orders (parent pick-up by 1:00PM)
    • Student Services – for student-only orders by 2:30 

    Important Notes 

    • Forms must be completed weekly.
    • We respect your privacy. All form submissions are confidential. 

    Questions? Please contact Ms. Melvin jmelvin@wcpss.net or Ms. Jennings rjennings@wcpss.net 

      

    SUPPORT SANDERSON BY ORDERING YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS AND INVITATIONS THROUGH MINTED

    Save 20% off your order and earn 10% for Sanderson PTO when using the code FUNDRAISESANDERSONPTO. 

     

    TRAVEL TO FRANCE & ITALY WITH MS. TUCKER GRAVATT 

    Sign up for the educational trip to France & Italy summer break of 2026! 

    You can visit www.explorica.com/TuckerGravatt-4523 to review the itinerary and enroll! DON'T WAIT! Secure your spot with the lowest pricing now by clicking “Sign Up Now” and completing the easy 5-step registration process (a deposit of at least $50 is required to enroll + the cost of travel protection if you elect to purchase one of the two plans offered ) – Take advantage of the EXCLUSIVE $300 HALLOWEEN DISCOUNT valid until Thursday, October 16th 

    Voucher Code: HAPPYHALLOWEEN 

    Please let friends and family know they can join as well! 

     

    CLASS OF 2026 INFO 

     

    LAST CHANCE TO ORDER SENIOR T-SHIRTS 

    Don’t miss out on your 2025 Senior T-shirt! A $50 donation includes a free t-shirt or click “Custom Amount” – $10 and be sure to add your size to the notes. 

    Order Deadline: October 25th / Pickup: Early November 

    $50 donations help pay for the Senior Picnic and Baccalaureate in the Spring. 

     

    MIDYEAR (JANUARY 2026) GRADUATES 

    Dean Ward and AP Pendergraft met with almost all the January graduates on October 8. 

    You can view the slide deck here. 

    Also, visit the Senior Information Website: Mid-Year Graduation link for information and updates on midyear graduation.  

     

    OCT. 20-26 IS COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK 

    In addition to the opportunities mentioned above.... 

    SHS student services will offer help sessions for seniors during lunches that week focusing on application help as well as financial aid info.  

    Many universities and all community colleges are FREE to apply Oct 20-26 when using CFNC.org to apply! Details here. 

     

    SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS 

    Senior Photos are due by Dec 1, 2025 - must book with CADY studios.  There is NOT a school-based photo session for seniors. 

     

    SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS 

    Full Page Color $350.00  

    1/2 Page Color $200.00  

    1/4 Page Color $125.00  

    1/8 Page Color $75.00 

     

    NC COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE (C2C) KICKS OFF IN OCTOBER 

    Many North Carolina colleges and universities participate in C2C by waiving application fees during College Application Week, October 20-26, 2025. 

     

    ATHLETIC UPDATES

     

     

    WCPSS BAG POLICY IN EFFECT AT ALL EVENTS 

    Permitted one clear bag no larger than 12" x 15" x 3". 

    In addition to one clear bag, event attendees may carry:  

    • A small, clear clutch bag/wristlet no larger than 4" x 6" x 1"; 
    • Bags containing medically necessary items for that attendee's assistance (e.g., an oxygen tank); and 
    • Diaper bags. 

     

      

    ANNUAL SPORTS PASSES

    The Annual Sports Pass sold by Sanderson Athletic Club permits entry into all regular season home athletic events for Fall, Winter, & Spring Sports Seasons. 

    All Annual Sports Passes are electronic & will be issued by GoFan.   Purchase your passes today by clicking here.