Symmes Elementary School
Symmesational News!
Important Dates for your Calendar
Sept. 16 Interim Reports
Sept. 22 Cookie Sale Kick-Off
Sept. 22 Family Fun Night 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Sept. 23 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Sept. 27 Picture Day
News from our School Counselor, Mrs. Beth Hill
Establishing a Homework Routine
Is homework a nightly battle? Do you and your child dread homework time? Consider these suggestions for making homework a less stressful part of your day.
Establish homework time: when he/she gets off the bus, after a quick snack, after dinner etc. When homework time is established, stick to it, DAILY!
Prepare a homework spot: find a place in the home where you child feel comfortable doing homework, but not too comfortable. Be sure the spot has sufficient lighting, a hard surface for writing and a place to sit with back support. Also, be sure you are close by and distractions are minimized or limited.
Preview the assignments prior to homework time: take a few minutes with your son/daughter to review their nightly assignments. Use this time to read directions together, do a practice problem together or get necessary materials (ruler, colored pencils, etc.)
Engage in quiet time: homework time is not ideal for returning phone calls, catching up on the local news or listening to your favorite playlist. Try to use this time to return emails, make a grocery list or read your favorite book. Children learn through modeling!
Be available for questions, but you’re not the teacher: be sure you are in close proximity to your son/daughter during homework time. Homework is intended to be independent practice (with occasional support/clarification). If you find yourself teaching or reteaching on a regular basis consult with the teacher.
Review the assignments upon completion: when your child has completed their assignments, quickly review them for accuracy. Be sure he/she puts the completed assignments in the correct place (binder or folder) to return to school tomorrow.
On average teachers assign the following amount of nightly homework:
Kindergarten and First grade: 10-15 minutes
Second and Third grade: 30 minutes
Fourth Grade: 40-60 minutes
Read with your child each night!
Symmes Nature Trail
We are so lucky to have a fabulous Nature Trail at Symmes Elementary! If you are new to Symmes and haven't had a chance to walk on the trail, please take time to come to the school one evening or week end and enjoy some family time on the trail! We have a committee that includes staff (headed by Mr. Reinke) and parents that meet monthly to discuss improvements or ways to enhance our trail. If you are interested in being involved on our Nature Trail committee, please contact Mr. Reinke at reinkes@sycamoreschools.org. We received a grant last year and have been purchasing some new items for children to use on the trail. We will be sharing more about this soon.
Click here to read an article about how important learning in nature is to our children.PICTURE DAY AT SYMMES
GOT STRESS??? YOGA and MINDFULNESS for KIDS
Join us for an introduction to breath, mindfulness and movement; using Yoga to manage stress, strengthen the body, clear the mind and increase focus. Please bring your own yoga mat if you have one, but we will have plenty available for participants to use.
The class is intended for children, but parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Sponsored by Sycamore GEAR: Gifted Education, Advocacy and Resources
Friday, Sep 23, 2016, 09:30 AM
Maple Dale Elementary Gym (use Zig Zag Rd. entrance)
Coffee and Conversation with Mr. Henry
Come meet Mr. Henry and learn about the special role he plays in our elementary school classrooms. This program is ideal for all parents of kindergarten through second grade students.
Sponsored by Sycamore GEAR: Gifted Education Advocacy and Resources
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2016, 09:45 AM
Symmes Elementary School, MPR, 11820 Enyart Road, Loveland, OH, 45140
Some reminders:
CONFERENCE SIGN UPS
This year all conferences will be scheduled through Sign-Up Genius. This will be sent out to all parents today. Please watch your email for that information.
Please remember to complete or update your Final Forms. If you have not done so, click here.
SCHOOL FEES
Please remember to pay your school fees. ($40.00 per child) This site also applies to paying lunch fees and full day kindergarten fees. You can do this through Parent Portal.
PICTURE DAY
All children will have their picture taken on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Information went home this week. It's easy to order on-line at mylifetouch.com using the code: JC506260Q0.
2016-2017 SYMMES STUDENT DIRECTORY
The Symmes PTO is putting together the annual Symmes Student Directory. Because of some changes in district policy, we are unable to pull information from official school databases. Therefore, we are asking all families that would like to be included in the Symmes Student Directory to complete an informational form on line.
The Directory is a valuable tool for arranging playdates, contacting other parents, call for missing homework assignments, sending birthday party invitations, etc.
The link can be found at:
http://bit.do/symmesdirectory2016
By completing this form you agree to have the information you have entered included in the Symmes Student Directory. Deadline to be including in the Directory is September 16th.
Thanks!