The Navigator Newsletter
Sycamore Junior High's Parent Communication
February 26, 2021
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
Mark Your Calendar:
- March 15-19: Spring Break
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.
REVISED Honor Roll
Information for Rising 9th Graders
HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING UPDATE
RIGHT NOW: Online scheduling begins next week! This is the week-long window of time when students will enter their elective course requests online. A hard copy of these instructions were mailed home earlier this month. An electronic copy is included on the SHS scheduling website www.sycamoreschools.org/SHSscheduling. Scheduling-specific usernames and passwords will be emailed to students today.
UP NEXT: After courses are entered online, counselors will meet with students one-on-one to review those requests and answer all questions. We will meet with current 8th graders through their history classes during the week of March 1. This will be done both in-person and virtually so that every students can meet with their counselor to discuss and review their selections.
Counselors for the Class of 2025
Mrs. Rose Mitchell (A-K)
Phone: 686-1770 ext. 3054
Mr. Mark Millett (L-Z)
Phone: 686-1770 ext. 3014
PE WAIVER INFORMATION
Information about the new high school PE waiver option was mailed home in February and can be found on our scheduling website www.sycamoreschools.org/SHSscheduling. This includes the letter, frequently asked questions, and intent form.
The video below provides more information.
Rising 8th Grade Scheduling News!
The Junior High 8th Grade Course Planner is now available online! You can find it on the website by going to: Junior High → Counseling → Course Planner & Scheduling or by clicking here.
DEADLINE FOR SCHEDULING IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28!!
February 22nd - Feb 28: Online Scheduling.
Students should have received instructions on how to enter courses they would like to take next year into the online scheduling portal. Core courses (Language Arts, History, Math, Science) and Global Languages, if applicable, will be pre-loaded. Students will then select their music and any electives, schedule permitting.
During online scheduling week, students can contact their counselor with any questions or if they need assistance with the online scheduling portal.
Mr. Brenner A-G brennerb@sycamoreschools.org
Mrs. Suter L-Z suterk@sycamoreschools.org
Mrs. Morris Virtual Students morrisra@sycamoreschools.org
PTO NEWS
PTO Supports PBIS Incentives
This school year has looked very different for all of us! Nonetheless, the PTO is still actively supporting the students and staff at the junior high. The JH PBIS program is one of the ways that we continue to be involved. PBIS is the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program that encourages our students to Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be a Problem Solver, and to Be Respectful. This is a program that is active in all Sycamore schools. During a typical school year, our students are able to earn rewards for demonstrating these positive behaviors. Due to Covid restrictions, our teachers have had to modify the typical reward system. In order to support these changes, the PTO has provided our virtual LA, Math, Science and History teachers each with 3 - $5 Amazon Gift Cards to be mailed to virtual students who have demonstrated exceptional engagement and positive behaviors throughout the remainder of the school year. In addition, the PTO will also help provide PBIS incentives for our face-to-face students in the near future. Stay tuned for more details!
Aves Day at the Races
Student Announcements
News Crew Links
SJHS News Crew Video Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vrBl5kKJXhJL9nL5xl5Ag
SJHS TV Communications: http://display.sycamoreschools.org/display/18
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Time is running out! Get your 2021 SJHS Yearbook TODAY
Time is running out! Get your 2021 SJHS Yearbook TODAY
2020-21 will be a year like no other, the SJHS Yearbook Club is committed to documenting it for YOU! Order your yearbook today before it is too late. The cost is $35 per copy.
Click HERE to order your 2021 Yearbook
Are you a F2F or virtual student who has photos of JH students you would like to submit? Click HERE or email to Mrs. Speelman. We want to represent ALL students in this year's historic yearbook.
Questions? Contact Melissa Speelman
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
IN OUR COMMUNITY
HANDY LINKS
THIS SECTION APPLIES TO VIRTUAL CLASSROOM STUDENTS ONLY
COMING UP
Mark Your Calendar:
- March 15-19: Spring Break
Future Testing Dates
- Spring MAP - Virtual Dates are TBD
Questions? Here are your Building Contacts
Assistant Principal Molly Bernosky bernoskym@sycamoreschools.org
Counselor Rachel Morris morrisra@sycamoreschools.org
Tech Help
IMPORTANT: AIR Testing for Virtual Students
PLEASE READ and RESPOND
On April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 29, Sycamore Junior High will be administering the AIR tests to all students. Because the State of Ohio has not made concessions for remote administration of the AIR test for virtual classroom learners, we must conduct these tests in person for ALL students. We are in the preliminary stages of preparing for this in-person testing for virtual learners. On these testing days, we will need to carefully follow all COVID safety protocols and be able to streamline the testing process for your child.
Traditionally, your student’s data from the AIR test is used in our data-driven placement and targeted approach to your child’s unique educational needs. It is also used by the State of Ohio in its compilation of data for the Sycamore Junior High’s State Report Card. However, this year due to COVID, the State will not be issuing report cards to schools. Additionally, your student’s AIR data, or lack thereof, will not negatively affect his or her recommendations, classes or summer school requirements.
Please help us by completing the AIR TESTING FOR VIRTUAL STUDENTS SURVEY by Friday, March 5th. We will be sending additional information about testing as we solidify our testing plan.
Thank you for your assistance and prompt survey responses.
Clayton Lavercombe
Assistant Principal
THIS SECTION PERTAINS ONLY TO FACE 2 FACE CLASSROOM STUDENTS
Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar:
- March 15-19: Spring Break
Future Testing Dates:
- AIR: April 14, 15, 21, 22, 29
- Spring MAP for F2F - May 12 & 13
AIR Testing at the JH
When will students take the AIR assessments?
Sycamore Junior High will administer the AIR assessments on April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 29.
How can you help?
Please mark these dates on your calendars and make every effort not to schedule your child for appointments or vacation days. Thank you for your cooperation!!
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
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