Symmes Elementary School
Symmesational News!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Important Dates for your Calendar
Nov. 15 America Recycles Day
Nov. 16 Picture Re-Take Day
Nov. 16 Board of Education meeting at EH Greene School
Nov. 23 - 25 No School - Thanksgiving Break
BID N' BUY
America Recycles Day contest
To remind all of us how important recycling is to our environment we will have
"Recyclable Accessory Day"
What do you need to do? Create an accessory out of recyclables, or something that you've used before and wear it to school on Tuesday, November 15th. This could be a hat, necklace, pin, purse, or even a bow-tie. Be creative! Every participant will be entered into a raffle and there will be a prize for each grade level. Have fun! We can't wait to see what you come up with!
The cookies are coming!
That’s right… just a few more days and those yummy cookies will be here!
Please remember to pick up your orders - products must remain frozen!
Where: Symmes Cafeteria (the doors nearest to the cafeteria will be unlocked that afternoon to make it easier for you to load your car)
When: Wednesday, Nov. 16th between 2pm-6:30pm.
Would you like to help? Go to the following link to sign-up:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0B44AAAD2BAA8-otis
Your support is much appreciated!
Questions? Contact Jackie Ogden @ (513) 288-3636
Picture Re-Take Day
GIRLS ON THE RUN - 4TH GRADERS
SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL VARIETY SHOW
Sycamore High School Hosts Variety Show November 19th @ 7p in the Auditorium. Tickets $10 available pre-sale at www.aveschoir.org and at the door. Acts feature members of the student body including vocal and instrumental groups, juggling, the Flyerettes, SEE1 and a performance by all choral ensembles. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Vocal Boosters.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CogAT TESTING
All 2nd graders will take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) the week of December 5, 2016, during the school day. For those students in the other grades, you may request that your child participate in this round of testing. This is in accordance with HB 282, which requires that school districts provide two opportunities for testing to identify students as gifted. PLEASE NOTE THAT SCORES ON KINDERGARTEN and FIRST GRADE TESTS WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR PULL-OUT GIFTED SERVICES.
Parents of 2nd graders do NOT need to request testing since it is an automatic process. However, if your child is not in 2nd grade and you would like to have your child participate in the December administration of the CogAT, use the below link to request testing. The deadline to submit your request is November 30. In order to decrease disruption to your child's instruction, this testing opportunity will take place on Saturday, December 10, at Maple Dale Elementary from 9:00 until 12:00. Please note that it is the parents' responsibility to provide transportation to and from Maple Dale.
All testing requests must be submitted using the below link. Email requests cannot be accepted. If you have any questions, please email Mindy Zellner, District Gifted Coordinator, at zellnerm@sycamoreschools.org.
Click here to request CogAT Testing for December 2016

CULTURAL NIGHT
Dear Symmes Elementary Families,
This year’s Cultural night will be held on January 27th, and we’re so excited to make this a night to remember.
We at Symmes are so fortunate to have such cultural diversity at our school; with students from our wonderful country and 27 other countries around the world. This annual event is our opportunity to bring the Symmes Elementary family and community together to share a fun-filled evening of learning, entertainment, and foods from around the world. It really is a wonderful chance for all of us to experience and embrace our diversity; and fits perfectly with this year’s Peacebuilders theme.
Please find the attached flier which provides additional detail on the event as well as an opportunity to participate in making this event as comprehensive and educational as possible. Please consider pitching in and helping to make this year’s Cultural Night one to remember. If you’re not able to participate this year, the event committee would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this along to anyone who may interested.
Also, the committee is also looking for additional volunteers to help in making this a special night.
Please contact Laura Bell at (513) 305-9779 or laus08@hotmail.com for more information or to confirm participation.
Thanks so much for your consideration.
Cultural Booths and Basket Donations:
Cristina Haggarty mejiashaggartyfamily@gmail.com
Food Booths Laura Bell laus08@hotmail.com
Cultural Fashion Show Sara Petticrew petticrews@sycamoreschools.org
Cultural Group Performances Volunteers Needed! laus08@hotmail.com
We are also seeking committee volunteers to help make this night special. Please contact Laura Bell (laus08@hotmail.com) if you are able to pitch in.
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Symmes Elementary Cultural Night Sign-up Sheet Please complete and return to school by Tuesday, November 22, 2016. It is very important that you submit on this date to allow for planning.
Name of Student: _______________________________ Homeroom: ____________
Country or US Region Representing:________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________________________
E-Mail: ______________________________________ Phone: _________________
❒ I would like to set up a group cultural booth for (choose one):
❒ Our country (Country Name) ____________________________ (India, China, Russia, Mexico, etc.)
❒ US Region (Region or All US) _____________________________ (All US, Northeast…)
❒ Black History Month These booths are in the gym and could display such items as flags, clothing, dolls, games, books, artwork, etc. The booths could also include the making of a small craft or an explanation of a custom or holiday unique to your country, US region or Black History Month.
❒ I would like to bring samples of a cultural food to share. These booths are in the cafeteria and require you to bring already prepared and ready to serve foods. In addition, you are required to provide a written menu and a complete list of ingredients for our friends with allergies. *The committee will provide small sampling cups, spoons, and napkins.
❒ I would like to donate a basket of traditional items unique to our country or US region to be included in a basket raffle. Items may include gift cards, foods, books, traditional clothing, decorations, etc. The baskets should be valued $20.
❒ My child would like to participate in the Cultural Fashion Show. Participation includes wearing a country’s or US region’s traditional clothing the night of the event.
❒ My child would like to participate in the group performance portion of the evening. Children perform a five-minute maximum traditional dance, folk song, instrumental piece, poem or any other type of performance unique to your country or US. Due to the high interest and limited time, auditions and rehearsals will be held in January. More information will be shared closer to the event.