Sycamore Sidelines

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Sycamore Families:

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is March 1st! Please make sure that your children are wearing appropriate outerwear for the playground. It’s hard to tell what Indiana weather will bring from one day to another. As a reminder, if playground conditions are adequate and the temperature and the wind-chill effect is above 15 degrees, recess will be inside.

Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District’s Recycle Heart and Sole program was earlier this month. We were able to donate almost 50 pairs of shoes to those in need.

Standardized testing for 3rd and 4th grade begins the week of March 18th and will continue through the month of May. Because of the number of students we need to test and the specific windows we have to abide by, please make sure you schedule all appointments outside school hours. It’s imperative that we have excellent attendance during testing. Your child’s teacher will be sending a more specific schedule that will be subject to change. If you have to schedule an appointment, please check with your child’s teacher to make sure that it doesn’t interfere with testing.

Kindergarten Registration

Please spread the word that Kindergarten registration for Avon Schools will begin on March 4, 2019. Students who are eligible for Kindergarten must turn 5 on or before August 1, 2019. Registration is a two part process this year. Parents need to complete the online portion and once that is complete, parents should go to their home school and pick up a paper packet as well as provide proof of residency. More information can be found later in this newsletter.

Sincerely,

Nicole Harris

Principal

MRS. WILLIAMS, INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

Students gain knowledge through learning every day at Sycamore. Learning happens whether it is in an academic classroom, creating art in the art room, playing instruments during music or being active during PE. Learning also happens in the library, in the computer lab, in Mrs. Altman’s office, in the lunchroom, hallway, restroom, playground, cafeteria, clinic and office. Just about anywhere you go learning is happening and that is exciting! How do we know learning is happening? As an instructional coach I see learning happening as I spend time in classrooms watching students write, create, discuss and read. I hear learning happening as I observe Sycamore students talking enthusiastically with staff members and each other about new learning that happened throughout the day. I feel learning as I walk throughout the building and get the overwhelming feeling of the hard work that is being put forth by each adult and student. Learning may not look, sound or feel the same for everyone, but the end result is the same. Sycamore values learning and learning is happening at Sycamore!

NURSE NOTES

COLD VERSUS FLU

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more intense. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have very serious associated complications. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu.

Flu Prevention Tips: Advice from the CDC

· Frequently wash your hands

· Cough into your elbow

· Disinfect common surfaces

· Drink water/hydrate

· Avoid largely populated areas

· Annual flu vaccinations

· Avoid close contact with others who are sick

Latino Family Literacy Program

Thank you to all of the families who have participated in our Latino Family Literacy Program on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30 in the Sycamore Library. We are developing reading skills in English and Spanish and would love for more families to join. We will continue to meet each Wednesday through March 20, 2019. Come and join the fun!

Miss Janis & Ms. Smith