Sycamore Leaf
January 23, 2021
Principal's Message
This week, we will have three afternoons for pick-up and exchange of learning materials. This will be a very important pick-up for some. Here's why:
The oldest versions of our district iPads are being replaced. We often refer to these as K2 iPads because the number on the back of the iPad begins with K2 (instead of CT). During the materials pick-up, students with K2 iPads will return their iPad and receive a new one. We will send an email to the families of students who have an iPad that needs to be replaced. Most of our kindergarten and first grade students have a K2 iPad, but all of you should also check the back of your iPad because it's possible to have a K2 in any grade. Prior to returning the iPad, please make sure any personal projects you want to save are transferred to another device. If you need help or have questions, please contact us in the office.
Materials pick-up and the iPad exchange (that aspect is ONLY for those with a K2 iPad) will take place on Tuesday, January 26 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday, January 27 from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM and Thursday, January 28 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. We will ask one adult to come from each family. Children will need to stay with their adult. All will need to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Please park and enter campus at the school office. Move west down the hallway toward the MPR. There, you will exchange any K2 iPads and move around to the north side of the MPR to pick up materials. Everyone will exit out the Yale gate in order to preserve a one-way flow of traffic. If you need to arrange to pick-up at a different time, please contact the school office.
Thank you!
Amy Stanger
Calendar
Materials Pick-Up and K2 iPad Exchange:
- Tuesday, January 26 from 12:30-4:00 PM
- Wednesday, January 27 from 12:30-5:00 PM
- Thursday, January 28 from 12:30-4:00 PM
Amplifying Voices Zoom Panel, Monday, February 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM
CUSD Community Forum: Racial Equity in CUSD, Wednesday, February 3 from 6:00-8:00 PM
*No School February 8, Lincoln's Birthday
*No School February 15, Presidents' Day
Equity and Inclusion Committee
Please join us next Monday, February 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM as our Equity & Inclusion Committee hosts a Zoom panel on Black Student Experiences as part of an “Amplifying Voices” series. Our panel will include Black students who currently attend and alumni who have attended Sycamore Elementary and other CUSD schools. The evening serves as an opportunity for community members to listen to and learn from their experiences. See the
flyer for details.
RSVP by January 28. Activities beyond the classroom
The following activities will be available to students this week.
All links are available on the Sycamore Student Canvas page.
12:00-12:30 Monday: K-6 Noontime Yoga
12:30-1:00 Monday: Grades 2-3 Book Club
12:00-1:00 Tuesday: Upper Grade Math Club
12:30-1:00 Tuesday: Grades 2-3 Math Club
12:30-1:00 Tuesday: Grades K-1 Club
1:00-1:30 Tuesday: K-6 Picture Book Reading in Spanish
12:30-1:00 Wednesday: Grades 4-6 Equity and Inclusion Club
12:00-12:30 Thursday: K-6 Sign Language Club
12:30-1:00 Thursday: Grade 4-6 Book Club
12:00-12:30 Friday: Grades 1-6 Student Leadership
12:30-1:00 Friday: Grades K-6 Lunch Bunch (select the Elementary Chill Out button)
Publishing House Authors and Volunteers
Students who have signed up as this year's Publishing House authors will have PH author support time Tuesdays/Thursdays from 12:30-2:30pm on Zoom, during WIN (What I Need time). The zoom link for WIN time is on the Sycamore Students Canvas page.
Save the date for our next PH Special Guest: Liz Climo!
Liz Climo is a cartoonist, children’s book author, illustrator, and animator. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Los Angeles after college to work as a character artist on The Simpsons. She is the author of the Rory the Dinosaur series, The Little World of Liz Climo , Lobster Is the Best Medicine, and Best Bear Ever! Her books have been translated into ten languages and have sold more than 2.25 million copies worldwide. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
Speaking will be followed by a Q&A session where students can ask questions. Since it is around lunch time, please feel free to nibble and zoom. The Zoom link is available on the “Sycamore Students” Canvas page under the Publishing House button. Join us February 3, 2021 at 11:30 AM.
Claremont's "Making Change" Contest
For the past thirty years, the City of Claremont and CUSD have sponsored an annual “Making Change” contest to recognize champions of human rights and social justice. This activity encourages students to study and celebrate individuals who have taken action to improve the world around them. A
flyer has been posted on Peachjar. It provides detail for participants at each grade level. In this 31st year, entries will be submitted digitally. The due date is February 5.
Community Forum: Racial Equity in CUSD
The district will be hosting a community forum on the topic of racial equity. This event is designed to include community voice as the district works to understand equity and address the challenges and impact of institutional racism within CUSD. The meeting will be held virtually on February 3 from 6:00-8:00 PM. See the
flyer for details on the event and how to register.
Kindergarten Class of 2021
If you or someone you know has an upcoming kindergartener, a child who will be five by September 1 of this year, it's time to start planning. Directions and FAQs for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten registration are available on the Student Services page on the CUSD website. Timing is everything! Sycamore families should register on March 1, 2 and 3. See the website for details on the registration dates for other schools. See our school's website for a video of our recent informational Kindergarten Open House.
Preparing Outdoor Learning Spaces
As we heard in recent letters from in Dr. Olesniewicz, we do not expect to meet the community health requirements for Phase 2 learning by February. Still, we continue to plan for a safe return to in-school learning. You may have noticed we are in the process of installing a trellis near the library. This structure, paid for by emergency COVID funds, will provide shade for outdoor learning upon our return. We have also purchased additional tables for outdoor work spaces. If you have questions about Dr. Olesniewicz's letter or our site plans, please contact Mrs. Stanger.
