The Navigator Newsletter
Sycamore Junior High's Parent Communication
AUGUST 12, 2022
News from the Administrative Staff
Students and Families,
It has been a fun week as we inch closer to the start of the school year. I wanted to take the time to introduce our full Principal team this year.
As you know, I am Mrs. Schunk, the new Principal. I am coming to Sycamore this year from Oak Hills High School where I have served as an Assistant Principal for the last 3 years. Previously, I taught Photography and AP Capstone (academic research classes) at Milford High School for 9 years. Before working in public schools, I was a school-based educator for the Toledo Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum. One of my favorite things to do outside of school is play and watch Soccer, and hang out with my family. I have two daughters and my husband works for Grippos potato chips!
We are also excited to introduce Mr. Meyer, our new Assistant Principal that will oversee 8th grade and special education. This is his 11th year in education and comes to us from Mt. Healthy City Schools where he taught 6th, 7th, & 8th grade special education and was a high school Assistant Principal. He is a huge soccer fan and Bengals football fan.
Just approved this week, we can now introduce you to Mr. Cole, our new Assistant Principal. He will be working specifically with our 7th grade students this year. He is a Sycamore alumni and former Sycamore Junior High social studies teacher. Mr. Cole has spent the last 16 years teaching at the High School, leading the Synnovation Lab for the last four years. He will now return home to SJHS to start his Administrative career.
Thank you all for the warm welcome! We are excited to see you at Schedule pick-up on 8/18 and hope you join us for a virtual listening session on 8/17. All the information is below.
Have a fantastic week!
Mrs. Schunk
Twitter: @SchunkEDU
Events Coming Up
- August 17: Junior High Families and Students Listening Session - 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
- August 18: Schedule Pickup/School Pictures - 8:00 am-12:00 p.m.,1:00 pm-5:00 pm
- August 19: Student Schedules available on Blackboard
- August 29: First Day/Transition Day - 7th Grade ONLY
- August 30: First Day /Transition Day - 8th Grade ONLY
- August 31: All Students in school
September 13: Open House (conducted virtually)
SJHS Listening Session: Families & Students
During this informal listening session, the Principals will be briefly introduced. We’d also love to hear all the reasons you love Sycamore Schools and what you are most excited for (or hoping for) during this school year.
Wednesday, August 17⋅5:30 – 6:15pm
Join with Google Meet
Join by phone
(US) +1 727-308-4094
PIN: 608071356
Schedule Pickup
WHEN: August 18th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
WHERE: Sycamore Junior High, Use the entrance on the West side of the building
WHAT to Expect:
Parents and students are asked to enter the building on the west side near Pipkins @ DOOR 31. The handicapped entrance is Door 30.
Once inside, parents and students will move through a series of stations.
Stations you will encounter at schedule pick up will include:
Fees- Pay required academic and other fees you need to at this station. We can take cash or a check made out to Sycamore Junior High. Credit Cards are only accepted online through your Parent Portal account. Computers for online payments will be available, however, we ask that you come prepared with your username and password for Parent Portal. For tech questions, please email helpdesk@sycamoreschools.org.
PTO - Please stop here to join the PTO and support our school. Membership payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card at this booth.
Final Forms- Prior to arrival, parents are asked to complete all forms at www.sycamore.finalforms.com. If all forms are not completed, parents will be asked to step aside to our completion area and complete the required forms.
Technology - Staff will be on hand to assist with tech questions.
Athletic Department - Turn in student annual physical forms.
PBIS - Order class t-shirt. Orders may be placed online.
Child Nutrition - Add money to lunch accounts and/or receive help filling out the Free & Reduced Lunch forms if needed.
Nurse- Turn in immunization records and any medication to the school nurse. Please make sure records include the name and contact information of the doctor. If you have significant medications or would like to speak with the school nurse about your child’s medical condition, please set up an appointment for another day by emailing bonhama@sycamoreschools.org. There will also be a free vision screening available for students.
School Pictures- You can order these pictures online. Please check the post below.
Student Schedule Distribution- Student schedules will be sorted by grade level and last name. Signs will be posted on each table to guide you to the correct line. Questions or concerns about schedules need to be directed via phone to our counseling staff at (513) 686-1760 x2510
AVES HANGAR (Sycamore Spirit Wear Store) - A pop-up store will be selling Aves gear.
General student supply lists and teacher-specific lists will be available but are also linked below
Kona Ice will be here from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm! Students and families may purchase a sweet treat and support our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) programming.
Due to construction, building access outside of the contained schedule pickup area is NOT available. Students will have an opportunity to become acclimated to the building during the transition days on August 29th (7th grade only) and August 30 (8th Grade only). We are also always in the hallways during the first week of school to help students reach their final destination.
Printed schedules will be available at schedule pickup. If you cannot attend, schedules will be posted online on Blackboard and in Parent Portal in the "MyeBackpack" tab on August 19th.
If you are unfamiliar with how to use "My eBackpack" to access the schedule on August 19th, please follow these instructions.
SCHEDULE PICK-UP MAP
BACK TO SCHOOL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SJH COUNSELORS CHANGES:
Please note the changes in the counseling assignments going forward:Mr. Ben Brenner - Students' last names A-G
Ms. Kristen Suter - Students' last names H-N
Ms. Rachel Morris - Students' last names O-Z, and ESOL students
2022-2023 Supply Lists/Backpacks
As you start shopping for supplies for next year, please refer to our GENERAL SUPPLY LIST and TEACHER-SPECIFIC SUPPLY LIST.
Chromebook and Computer Issues
Final Forms Need To Be Completed As Soon As Possible
It is necessary to have this done by the beginning of the new school year!
Immunizations
The Ohio Department of Health requires all students prior to entering the 7th grade to have (1) dose of MCV4 (meningococcal) and a Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) booster.
Proof of immunization from the doctor’s office must be given to the school before the start of 7th grade.Immunization documents can be brought to schedule pickup, dropped off, or mailed to the JH, emailed to the JH Nurse Amy Bonham at jhimmunization@sycamoreschools.org or faxed to (513) 792-6192. If immunization records were previously given to EH Greene another copy will not need to be sent.
Questions regarding immunizations may be directed to the school nurse, Amy Bonham at jhimmunization@sycamoreschools.org.
TRANSPORTATION for 2022-2023
Due to a very limited space, we are encouraging all who CAN ride the bus to please do so to help traffic on Cooper Rd.
It's Coming! Picture Day Is August 18th at Schedule Pick-up!
Picture Day ID: EVT3WG3WS
Make-ups/retakes will be on Monday, September 26th
CLASS SHIRTS for SALE
https://rpdiamond.com/products/ols/categories/sycamore-class-shirts
Fall Sports Information
If your child would like to play a sport in the fall, please refer to the Fall Sports Information Document.
Practices and tryouts are underway. For questions, please contact Jim DeJoy, Athletic Director at dejoyj@sycamoreschools.org.
WEEK in SPORTS for August 15-19
Monday: Aug 15
Cross Country: Practice 8-9:30 Pioneer Park
Boys Soccer Practice 3-5 Grooms
Girls Soccer Practice 3:30-5 Grooms
Tennis Practice 9-11 Weller Park
Girls Golf Practice 9 am Eagle’s Nest
Boys Golf No Practice
Football Practice 8:30-11 Stadium
8th Volleyball Practice 8-10
7th Volleyball Practice 10-12
Tuesday: Aug 16
Cross Country Practice 7-10 Winton Woods(Bus)
Boys Soccer Practice 3-5 Grooms
Girls Soccer Practice 3:30-5 Grooms
Tennis Practice 9-11 Weller Park
Girls Golf Practice 6:30-8 Glenview GC
Boys Golf No Practice
Football Practice 8:30-11 Stadium
8th Volleyball Practice 8-10
7th Volleyball Practice 10-12
Cheer Practice 12-2
Wednesday: Aug 17
Cross Country Practice 8-9:30 Pioneer Park
Boys Soccer Practice 3-5 Grooms
Girls Soccer Practice 3:30-5 Grooms
Tennis Practice 9-11 Weller Park
Girls Golf Practice 6:30-8 TBA
Boys Golf Practice 11:30-3:30 Little Miami GC
Football Practice 8:30-11 Stadium
8th Volleyball Practice 8-10
7th Volleyball Practice 10-12
Cheer Practice 12-2
Thursday: Aug 18
Cross Country Practice 8-9:30 Pioneer Park
Boys Soccer Practice 3-5 Grooms
Girls Soccer Practice 3:30-5 Grooms
Tennis Practice 9-11 Weller Park
Girls Golf Practice 6:30-8 TBA
Boys Golf Practice 4-6 Acres
Football Scrimmage 4:30, 5:45 Hopewell Jr High(Bus)
Gold Volleyball Scrimmage 4:30, 5:45 Plains Jr High(Bus)
Green Volleyball Practice 9-11
Cheer Practice 12-2
Friday: Aug 19
Cross Country Practice 8-9:30 Pioneer Park
Boys Soccer Practice 3-5 Grooms
Girls Soccer Practice 3:30-5 Grooms
Tennis Practice 9-11 Weller
Girls Golf No Practice
Boys Golf Practice 8-10:30 Reeves
Football Practice 8-11:30 Stadium
8th Volleyball Practice 8-10
7th Volleyball Practice 10-12Sycamore Athletic Booster Memberships and All Sports Passes on Sale Now
Support the mission of the Sycamore Athletic Boosters by purchasing a membership at the Green, Aviator, or Gold level. Follow the below link for more information about how the Boosters support Sycamore Athletics and how to join. https://aviatorathletics.org/athletic-boosters-home/
Adult and Student All Sports Passes are available for $103 and $28 respectively. Family Passes offer a discount and are available to Booster Members. These athletic passes allow entry into all Sycamore high school and junior high home athletic contests during the regular season, but not tournament games or post-season play.
SJH Sycamore Select Singers to Travel to Carnegie Hall!!!
Sycamore Junior High Choir students have a very unique and exciting opportunity this school year. We have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, March 22-26, 2023!! The “Sycamore Elite Singers'' will be a select choir of approximately 44-48 students. Students who audition must be in one of our choral ensembles. (Concert Choir, Chorale, Treble Tones, Boy Choir or SSC) A parent meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. The parent meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to learn about the trip, trip costs, rehearsal obligations and audition information. Students interested in auditioning must attend one of two meetings- Tuesday, September 13th and/or Friday, September 14th at 7:15 a.m. in the choir room. Students will receive all audition materials at this time. Students considered for this trip must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. All other pertinent information about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be presented at the parent and student meetings. Interested students should join the Google Classroom with code drhy7pj for all meeting and audition details. Questions concerning the Carnegie Hall trip should be directed to either JH choir director, Deborah Stein, steind@sycamoreschools.org or Jesse Callahan, callahanj@sycamoreschools.org.
PTO NEWS
It's a Fundraiser, it's a celebration, it's a party!
This might sound familiar as the PTO trialed a Fun-a-Thon in May of last school year to see if this would be a successful option to replace our main fundraiser of Flightfest. The decision was made to switch from the Flightfest Fundraiser to having an annual A-Thon fundraiser in the fall. So here we are! Our hope is to increase the funds raised while decreasing the amount of work for our volunteers, and still have a fun event for the students to attend.
**Be on the lookout at schedule pick-up on August 18 for the sign-up to begin collecting donations. Those who sign up at schedule pick up will receive a PRIZE.**
SJH PTO
Want to help volunteer on the planning committee or at the actual event? Please email Kim.Perkins@msj.edu
Join the group on Facebook!
CHILD NUTRITION DEPARTMENT UPDATES for the 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
During the last school year, children and families benefited from no-cost school meals for all students, made possible by special permission from the United States Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, these permissions have expired. Sycamore Community Schools and the Ohio Department of Education cannot extend the permissions for no-cost meals for all students.
School meals will still be available to all students; however, they will not be free to all students. Eligibility for free and reduced-price lunch is based on federal income guidelines or participation in other programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Ohio Works First.
To complete a Free and Reduced Price Meal Application online go to https://www.payschoolscentral.com/. You will need to create a username and password if this is your first time filling out an application. Please keep this information for your records as you will reuse this annually. You will receive immediate approval/denial if you complete and sign the electronic application.
Translated forms and other information on filling out a free and reduced meal application can be found here.
Breakfast is served daily in each school at the cafeteria 15 minutes before school starts
Menus
Menus can be found HERE or through the Sycamore Community Schools App
Menus should be live by the week of August 22rd
Food Allergy Notification Form
The school’s Food Allergy Notification form and additional information can be found HERE
A form does not need to be filled out yearly, only as information changes BUT does need to be on file for a notification to be placed on the student’s school meal account
Contact warrenk@sycamoreschools.org with any specific questions on food allergies
Online Payments
Money can be placed on students' accounts if they wish to buy meals, a la carte entrees, snacks or drinks. LOAD MONEY ON ACCOUNT HERE or send cash or check in with your student to school. Checks can be made out to the Sycamore Child Nutrition Department.
Setting up Meal Restrictions on Student Meal Account
CLICK HERE to learn more about how to set up meal restrictions on your student’s meal account.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with our department, daily menus and more! @SycamoreCNS
Sycamore Junior High Summer Reading
.Assignments and instructions are located in Google Classrooms that students access using their Sycamore student accounts*. See below for the Google Classroom codes. All summer reading assignments are due on the first day of school.
*New to Sycamore and do not have an account? Look for the asterisk at the bottom of each course's assignment description.
Honors Language Arts 7
Students enrolling in Honors Language Arts 7 for the 2022-2023 school year need to use the Google Classroom code fjnujob to access the summer reading assignment and instructions. Students must use their Sycamore-provided student account* to join the Google Classroom.
*New to Sycamore and do not have an account? Use the links below to download a PDF of the summer reading assignment instructions and materials.
~ Chapter 1 Excerpt
~ Chapter 5 Excerpt
~ Chapter 10 Excerpt
~ Chapter 11 Excerpt
~ Chapter 14 Excerpt
Honors Language Arts 8
Students enrolling in Honors Language Arts 8 for the 2022-2023 school year need to use the Google Classroom code i637diw to access the summer reading assignments and instructions. Students must use their Sycamore-provided student account* to join the Google Classroom.
*New to Sycamore and do not have an account? Use the links below to download a PDF of the summer reading assignment instructions and materials.
~ Task Three: Assignment Sheet
~ Task Three: Example Product Ideas Sheet
Language Arts 7 and 8
Students enrolling in Language Arts 7/8 for the 2022-2023 school year need to use the Google Classroom code h7zzngf to access the recommended summer reading. Students must use their Sycamore-provided student account* to join the Google Classroom.
*New to Sycamore and do not have an account? The junior high language arts department recommends that you read at least one book this summer. You can choose any book that appeals to your individual interests. We encourage you to choose a book that interests and challenges you. There is no written assignment. Your language arts teacher will ask you about your book at the beginning of the year to learn more about your preferences as a reader.
Speak Up/Save Lives
By calling or testing the statewide hotline
- 844-SAFEROH -
- 844-723-3764 -
you can report anything that is suspicious or endangering you, your friends or school.
AROUND SYCAMORE: DISTRICT-WIDE NEWS AND EVENTS
Sycamore Junior High School
Email: jhadmin@sycamoreschools.org
Website: www.sycamoreschools.org/sycamorejh
Location: 5757 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Phone: 5136861760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SycamoreJuniorHighPTO/
Twitter: @sycamorejrhigh