The Navigator Newsletter
Sycamore Junior High's Parent Communication
School Goals
Ensure safety of self and students
Provide engaging, standards-based digitized curriculum both F2F and Virtually
Remain prepared to adapt
INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
Coming Up
This Week:
- AIR Testing: April 29 - 8th Gr Science
Mark Your Calendar:
May 5 & 6: MAP Testing for VIRTUAL (2 hour Delay bell schedule - See below!)
May 12 & 13: MAP Testing F2F (2 hour Delay bell schedule - See below)
Summer School: June 14 - July 9
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.
AIR Testing: April 29
The state achievement test for 8th Grade SCIENCE will take place on April 29 for 8th grade only.
What is the schedule for these days?
We will follow the normal bell schedule. All F2F students should report to school as normal. 7th graders will be unaffected by testing. 8th Graders will be testing from about 8:30 am until about 11:00 am. and will join their classes when testing is over. Virtual student logistics are detailed below in the section of the newsletter for Virtual Classroom.
If you have any further questions, please contact Clay Lavercombe at lavercombec@sycamoreschools.org.
MAP Testing
On May 5th and 6th and on May 12th and 13th, we will be conducting Spring MAP testing.
May 5 & 6:
Virtual Students will test from their remote location from 8:02 until 10:02. Classes will start at 10:02.
Face to Face students will be on a two-hour "delay" schedule. Class will start at 10:02 am.
- BUS RIDERS: If your student rides the bus, he or she may do so as normal. Students will be monitored in the building from 8:02 until 10:02 when classes begin. If you prefer to drive your students that day, please drop them off at the black gate on the east side of the building between 9:40 and 9:55.
- CAR RIDERS: You may drop off your child as you normally do and your child will be monitored in the gym until classes start OR you may drop them off at the black gate between 9:40 am and 9:55 am.
May 12 & 13:
Virtual Students will be on a two-hour delay and will log into class at 10:02. Use this time to sleep in or get some extra reading or homework done!
Face to Face students will arrive at the normal time and will test between 8:02 and 10:02. Classes will begin at 10:02.
Please click HERE for the testing bell schedule for these days.
SHS Counselor Update for Rising 8th Graders
Parents of 8th graders:
There is time to review next year's course selections. The classes that students selected and reviewed with their counselor can now be found in Blackboard in the eBackpack. Please review this list and reach out to the high school counselor by May 15 if any changes need to be made.
Mrs. Rose Mitchell (A-K) mitchellr@sycamoreschools.org
Mr. Mark Millett (L-Z) millettm@sycamoreschools.org
OPTIONAL TESTING FOR IDENTIFICATION OF GIFTED STUDENTS
You may request that your child be tested on the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT).
If you wish to have your child participate in this round of testing, all requests must be made through the link below, by Friday, April 30th. This testing opportunity will take place on Friday, May 7th at 7:00 AM at Sycamore Junior High School. Participating students will miss a portion of first bell, due to testing. All safety protocols will be followed during testing, including temperature screening, mask wearing, physical distancing, and disinfecting.
Please note it is the parents' responsibility to provide transportation to school on the day of testing. Additionally, please ensure the correct parent email is entered as this is the email the district will use for communication. Thank you!
CogAT Sign-Up for SJH
Honor Roll
Congratulations to the students on our 3rd Quarter Honor Roll. Keep up the good work!
Construction and Its Impact
Important Message
The administration is working closely with Monarch Construction Company to minimize disruption to the stakeholders of SJH when possible. As you might imagine, undertaking such a large project on the grounds of an existing school building has significant challenges.
One of these challenges is managing the balance between minimizing inconvenience to our families and keeping a multi-million dollar project on schedule and on budget. Sometimes even a short pause in the construction schedule can have a large ripple effect on the project management and can cause significant cost overruns.
Please know that both the construction company and our administration are keenly aware of and sympathetic to the concerns of our families. Each is party is doing its best to mitigate the effect of this multi-year project on our community. However, we respectfully ask for your patience and partnership in this exciting chapter of SJH as certain activities may unavoidably disrupt traffic and procedures here on our campus and on Cooper Road. Thank you for your understanding.
Current Information
- Nothing new to report this week!
Support the Junior High PTO and Sycamore Athletic Boosters Fundraiser
You can do it all with this link!
https://www.32auctions.com/avesdayattheraces
Virtual Silent Auction
Only one more week to get your bids in on the over 100 spectacular baskets and items!
Place a bid, buy now, and follow items you like on the virtual auction platform.
Don’t Delay - Auction is open now and closes on May 1.
Derby Dash Registration Still Open
All registrants will be put in a raffle to win one of four $250 gift cards and odds are very good!
Get out for some Derby Day exercise with your family and friends and post your pictures on social media.
There is also a new Purchase T-Shirt Only option now.
Click here for instructions on how to register and receive at $15 Athleta gift card.
Derby Dash
"Ladies and Gentleman…..” Join your classmates, neighbors, and community members in the inaugural Aves Derby Dash. "And they’re off!”
May 1 is Derby Day (but since it’s virtual you can pick any day and time) and chance to get out, s t r e t c h your legs, and run for the roses. Get your bubble of family and friends together for some exercise and outdoor fun. Dress in equine or derby costume, decorate your printable bib number with your name, number, and “silks,.” Post your pictures on #avesderbydash #avesdayattheraces @avesderbydash.
Register by April 19 and pick up your race t-shirt at Fleet Feet in Blue Ash on April 29, 4:30-8:00.
Raffle winner for four $250 gift cards will be announced on Monday, May 3.
2020/2021 Immunization Requirements
Please turn in your required immunization paperwork to nurse Amy Bonham ASAP at jhimmunization@sycamoreschools.org.
In Ohio, the following vaccines are required by law:
7th-grade students must show proof that they have received (1) dose of Tdap, and (1) dose of MCV4 . This requirement must be met NO LATER THAN THE 14th day of attendance at school for the 2020-21 school year.
If you have questions, please email Amy at bonhama@sycamoreschools.org or call 686-1763.
AROUND SYCAMORE: DISTRICT-WIDE NEWS AND EVENTS
Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Contest
Calling all creators! Help us honor our past and celebrate our future as we get ready to break ground on a new E.H. Greene Intermediate and Sycamore Junior High School.
From April 6-April 28, Sycamore Community Schools will be accepting creative entries for our Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future contest. The randomly selected winners will have the opportunity to be a part of our groundbreaking ceremonies on May 5.
Who can enter?
All Sycamore Community Schools students in Grades K-12 can enter.
How do I enter?
Draw a picture, write a poem, record yourself performing a song, take a photo, create a model... the skies the limit! We just ask that whatever you decide to create pay tribute to the Sycamore spirit, E.H. Greene Intermediate, and/or Sycamore Junior High.
Take a photo or video of your entry and upload it by clicking here by April 28 at noon.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have submitted your entry.
What can I win?
The contest will have eight winners: four in Grades K-6 and four in Grades 7-12. The winners will have their work displayed at our groundbreaking ceremonies on April 13 as well as the opportunity to “turn dirt” during the ceremonies. Four winners will be a part of the E.H. Greene Intermediate ceremony on May 5 at 10:00 a.m. The other four winners will be a part of the Sycamore Junior High ceremony on May 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Winners will be randomly selected and announced during the week of April 28. Winners will be contacted via email.
All entries will be shared on Sycamore School’s website and social media after the contest ends on April 28.
FTC Robotics
Wish your child was truly passionate about
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)?
Sign-up now to join a Sycamore Robotics team. Download the flyer below for more information.
Quick Links for your convenience
THIS SECTION APPLIES TO VIRTUAL CLASSROOM STUDENTS ONLY
COMING UP
This Week:
- April 29: AIR Testing - Science (8th Grade only)
Mark your Calendars:
- May 5 and 6: MAP testing for Virtual Students (conducted remotely) 8:02 am - 10:02 am, remainder of day on Testing Bell schedule.
- May 12 & 13: MAP testing for F2F students. VIrtual students report to class at 10:02am and follow the Testing Bell Schedule.
Questions? Here are your Building Contacts
Tech Help
Remember - If your child has tech issues in the virtual classroom, please call 686-1793 or email
helpdesk@sycamoreschools.org. Please leave a message if you do not get an answer and they will respond ASAP!
AIR Testing for Virtual Students
April 29 is the last day of AIR testing - but for 8th-grade students ONLY.
If your student is coming to the building to test, please review the document below. Students will pick up with classes when they arrive back home. We will operate on the normal bell schedule.
THIS SECTION PERTAINS ONLY TO FACE 2 FACE CLASSROOM STUDENTS
Coming Up
This Week:
- April 29: AIR Testing - Science (8th grade only)
Mark your calendars:
Reunification
In the event of an emergency where an evacuation of the school building is necessary, students will be transported to safety at Sycamore Community Schools’ reunification site:
Blue Ash Recreation Center 4433 Cooper Rd. Blue Ash, OH 45242
Detailed information can be found on the district website under Reunification Plans.
For more information on safety & security at Sycamore Schools, visit the district Safety & Security web page.
Sycamore Junior High School
