Blue Ash Elementary News
April 23, 2021
Upcoming Events....
April 26-30 - BAE Wellness Week Bingo Competition - See below
May 1 - Last Day to Pre-Order School Supplies. See below.
May 3 - BAE Book Fair (held virtually), and Read-A-Thon begins! See Below.
Wellness Week BINGO
Attention parents! Blue Ash Elementary is celebrating student wellness next week, April 26th-30th, with a fun bingo competition for Kindergarten through 4th grade students!
To enter: Have your child fill out the Bingo card. Five in a row = 1 bingo point. Complete the whole chart = 10 bingo points!
In-school K-4 students: Turn in your bingo card to your homeroom teacher by Monday, May 3rd. The classroom in each grade with the most points will receive the Healthiest Owls trophy!
Virtual K-4 students: Print your bingo card at home. Once completed, take a picture or scan it and email it to Evelyn Wagner at BAEWellness@gmail.com by Monday, May 3rd. All participants receive a BAE stress ball at their May Pilot Pickup (on May 4th and 5th).
Need more information? Please see the BAE PTO Wellness Page or email Evelyn Wagner at BAEWellness@gmail.com
Great Wellness Resource For Spring
Spring has sprung and the changes are plentiful; the trees are awakening, flowers are blooming, the sun is shining longer and warmer. You may notice changes in your children as well this time of year. They may have increased energy, impulsiveness and restlessness. Teachers may catch them daydreaming more in school and fidgeting during class. While doctors do not consider this an official medical or psychological condition, this real phenomenon has a name—it’s called SPRING FEVER.
There is an abundance of research on how seasonal changes impact children’s moods and behaviors. The problem with spring fever is, when restlessness and impulsiveness rise, trouble tends to follow. It is common for young people to experience attitude changes and display acting-out behaviors, and unfortunately, teachers seem to get the brunt of it. Additionally, schools see a drop in attendance this time of year, as well as their students’ ability to focus and stay on task.
So how can we help children finish out the school year strong, while keeping the attitudes and behaviors in check?
Fresh air and sunshine: Whether with friends or family, encourage them to get outside and get active; walks around the block, picnics at the park and pumping up the footballs and bike tires are some easy ways to combat spring fever. The more sunshine they can soak up and energy they can burn outside, the bigger the boost in positive attitudes and happy moods.
Mix up the routine: Just as it feels good to freshen up the house with spring cleaning, a routine refresh may be just what our children need. Have them ride bikes or walk to school if possible. Instead of doing homework right when they come home from school, have them get some outdoor exercise first, then get homework done following dinner or before school the next morning. Little changes like these can help make a big difference in them being able to buckle down and maintain focus on their schoolwork.
Get plenty of sleep: Increased activity and more time spent outdoors is likely to wipe them out, which is a good thing when it comes to sleep. It is important to make sure the right amount of quality sleep remains a priority.
Set goals and incentives: Talk to your kids about what they still need to accomplish in school and help them set goals. At the same time, figure out what incentives they could earn for achieving their goals. Maybe it’s their favorite home-cooked meal or dinner at their restaurant of choice. It is up to you and your child to get creative to keep them focused on their goals.
Declutter work/study spaces: Clearing out the clutter can go a long way toward your child feeling organized, renewed and ready to tackle the next homework assignment.
Summer is now on the horizon, which kicks spring fever into full gear. Keep in mind, this phenomenon does not discriminate and is known to affect even the most well-behaved youth (and adults). The key is to come up with positive ways to channel that extra energy while keeping the snarky attitudes at bay. You are encouraged to be present with your children, as much as possible, as they get out and get active and you too can reap the benefits the warmer weather and sunshine has to offer.
Sources
Learning Liftoff: How to Help Your Child Focus on School and Avoid Spring Fever. May 2018.
Christie Nicholson, Scientific American: Fact or Fiction?: “Spring Fever” Is a Real Phenomenon. Mar 2007.
Melissa Taylor, Sylvan Learning: How to Help Your Child Avoid Spring Fever. May 2014.
Parent Tips
Everyone has a role in prevention. By reading and sharing this Know! Parent Tip today, you’re doing your part to prevent substance misuse and create a healthier world for all.
We created these free parent tips to empower parents like you. Know! helps you promote health and wellness and protect the young person in your life from unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. However, we rely on donations from people like you to provide these tips. If you found this tip interesting or helpful, please consider donating at preventionactionalliance.org/donate.
Know! Parent Tips are provided by Prevention Action Alliance with support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Education, and Start Talking!.
Know! Parent Tips are also available in Spanish at the Know! archives.
Staff Appreciation Week!
Dear Blue Ash Elementary Families,
We have tried not to burden you with lots of requests this school year, but we truly need your support for Staff Appreciation Week, May 3-7. Please consider donating! Thank you for helping us to honor our amazing Blue Ash teachers.
4th GRADE GROUP PHOTO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!
4th Grade Group Photos are now available for purchase! Please click on the link to view the photo and see the purchasing options.
https://www.mcdphoto.net/events/blue_ash_4th_grade_composite/
BOOK FAIR! May 3rd - May 16th
Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun! We are hosting an ONLINE book fair. Due to Covid restrictions, we are unable to have our traditional book fair this year, but we aren’t going to let that stop us! We are partnering with Junior Library Guild to hold our book fair entirely online!
Closer to the fair our book fair LINK will be posted in the S'more and sent home by your teacher. Today however, I simply want to share the Book Fair dates and some highlights with you:
Thank you in advance for supporting Blue Ash Elementary and helping us put quality books in the hands of your young readers! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Koldej@sycamoreschools.org
SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS - DEADLINE TO ORDER MAY 1ST!
Order now! Your child's school supply kit will include the teacher's exact requirements and will be shipped directly to the school to be ready for their first day of school. Deadline to order is May 1st. Questions? betsyzajac@gmail.com https://70931.bluschoolsupplies.com/
Spring Optional MAP testing
An optional administration of MAP testing for gifted services will be offered for our virtual second through fourth graders on May 12 and May 13, 2021. The MAP test takes approximately 45-60 minutes per subject - reading and math; we will offer the reading test on May 12 and the math test on May 13 at the Virtual Learning Commons. You may sign your child up for one or both test(s). You can indicate which test your child will take during registration.
We will adhere to the district's safety protocols and also require that any student who signs up for testing wear a mask. Once we receive all the registrations, groups will be created and staggered times will be assigned to avoid crowds congregating. You will receive an email on May 7th with the time and further instructions for testing. Please note that the parents are responsible for transportation to and from testing.
The email address you use to sign your child up will be the email address used for any communication regarding this optional gifted testing opportunity. Additionally, we are asking you to include a phone number we can reach you at to notify you on the day of testing when your child is done and ready to be picked up.
CLICK HERE
If you have questions, please contact Mindy Zellner at zellnerm@sycamoreschools.org.
Thank you!
4th Grade Celebration Planning
4th Grade Celebration planning is underway, and we need YOUR help to make it fun and memorable! Please fill out this quick survey to see how you may contribute and celebrate this exceptional group of children! Please keep in mind all PTO donations are tax-deductible! Thank you for your generosity.
4th-grade T-shirt orders are now open! Every year, a unique shirt is designed specially for the graduating 4th graders, with all of their names listed on the back. Shirts cost $7 each, and if assistance is needed with the purchase of a shirt, you may also indicate that on the order form. Everyone will receive a shirt, so please fill out the form, so we order the correct size for your student: https://rb.gy/d7gxwc
Learn Sign Language with us!
Once you log on to Flipgrid, the code for Blue Ash Sign Language is: baesign
PTO NEWS.......
The Power of PTO
At Blue Ash Elementary we are blessed with great staff, great students, and great families. But behind every truly successful school is a strong Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
So many of the activities, supports, events, and celebrations that we enjoy at BAE are because we have an involved and supportive PTO. This organization is led by a group of parent volunteers that get together with Mrs. Combs to plan and implement ways to enrich the school experience for everyone. Whether it is our Haunted Festival, Active Aves, Cultural Celebrations, or other school community gatherings, our PTO makes it possible....and we have a lot of fun in the process!
Please review the information below and consider being a part of our PTO leadership team.
Questions? Please reach out to:
Victoria Margroum (President) at bapto@sycamoreschools.org
Jill Hagen (Communication Secretary) at baptocomsec@sycamoreschools.org
Leslie Combs (Building Principal) at combsl@sycamoreschools.org
Open PTO Chair Positions
BAE PTO has open Chair Positions and we need your help!
These always anticipated and beloved events can only happen with the planning and support of our volunteers. Please volunteer to help organize an exciting occasion for our students. We are looking for a Chair Person for each of the following events:
- Cultural Celebration
- BAE Fun Night
- SAC Representative
If you are interested in Chairing one of these events or would like more details, please email Victoria Margroum at bapto@sycamoreschools.org.
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Looking to get involved in BAE PTO? Put your talents to use for a noble cause: helping our students and teachers!
We have TWO open positions on the BAE PTO Executive Board for the 2021-2022 school year: President and Communications Secretary. Each open position could be filled by one person or a team working together. Our current President and Communication Secretary want anyone considering filling these positions to know that they are available to answer questions and give support next school year. Current and past members of the BAE PTO Executive Board really work together as a team to support new board members!
Please consider volunteering for one of these positions!
Contact Victoria Margroum at bapto@sycamoreschools.org or Jill Hagen at baptocomsec@sycamoreschools.org with interest or questions.
District Information
Sycamore Robotics Team
Wish your child was truly passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)?
Sign-up now to join a Sycamore Robotics team:
FIRST LEGO League (Explore) (for rising 2nd through 3rd graders) FIRST LEGO League (Challenge) (for rising 4th through 8th graders) FIRST Tech Challenge (for rising 7th through 12th graders). Apply by May 31st to avoid a late fee
2nd-3rd Graders FLL (Explore) Info Session - Tue April 20, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm meet.google.com/ngc-cudv-bzc
4th-8th Graders FLL (Challenge) Info Session - Weds April 21, from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm meet.google.com/qig-actk-bfk
7th-12th Graders FTC Info Session - Thu April 22, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm meet.google.com/gfg-pczj-cro
GEAR
KG-2nd Grade GEAR Bookworms invites you & your family to
Fossil Field Day!
Saturday, May 1, 2021 2-3PM
Does your youngster love dinosaurs? Do you have a potential paleontologist on your hands?
Bring them to our book reading & fossil hunting event!
Curious George’s Dinosaur Discovery by Margret & H. A. Rey
We will meet at Trammel Fossil Park, located at 11935 Tramway Drive, Sharonville, OH 45241. Bring your closed-toe shoes, tools & buckets as well! After the outdoor book-reading event, families are encouraged to hit the hillside & explore to find their own, easily-accessible fossils.
To register, please go to our webpage at: www.SycamoreGEAR.org
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.
Aves Day at the Races
Support the Sycamore Athletic Boosters & JH PTO Joint 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 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 the odds are great! Get out for some Derby Day exercise with your family and friends and post your pictures. 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.
Sycamore Art and Craft Show
Join the Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters at our free outdoor Arts and Crafts Show on May 15, 11-4, in the Sycamore High School parking lot. 70+ artists and crafters will display and sell their wares while musical performances, raffles and concessions take place. Masks and other COVID-19 measures will be enforced.
Find more information at www.sbob.org/craftshow and follow our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SycamoreCraftsShow.