Symmes Elementary Newsletter

• April 18: No school, Professional Learning Day

• May 2, 3, & 4: Symmes Players Performances, additional information coming soon!

• May 9: Kindergarten Orientation for incoming kindergarten families

• May 16: Field Day

• May 19: Raindate for Field Day

• May 21: 4th Grade Celebration, 6:30 pm

• May 23: Last Day of School!

We understand that life presents unexpected challenges, and sometimes, students face circumstances that necessitate extended absences from school. We want to clarify our attendance policies and how they apply in these situations.

Legal Requirements and Excessive Absence Letters:

By state law, schools are required to send an "excessive absence" letter when a student accumulates 65 hours of absences, even if those absences are excused and documented. This is a legal requirement designed to ensure we communicate with families about attendance patterns and offer support when needed.

Special Circumstances and Exceeding 65 Hours of Excused Absence:

We recognize that there are special circumstances where a student may exceed the standard 65 hours of excused absence. These situations might include:

• Extended medical needs: Serious illnesses or injuries requiring prolonged treatment.

• Bereavement: Extended periods of grief and related arrangements.

• Court ordered appearances: Legal proceedings requiring student presence.

• College, Career, and Military Obligations

• Other significant, documented life events: Circumstances that significantly impact a student's ability to attend school.

When special circumstances arise, we work closely with families to ensure our students receive the necessary academic support and resources. Please communicate with our administrators, if you find your child in this situation.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Registration for Sycamore Summer School 2025 will begin on April 1. We will be offering enrichment and credit recovery for students. Click on the grade level to view the associated Summer School Course Catalog:

• Grades K-4: June 2 - 27 at Maple Dale Elementary

• Grades 5-6: June 2-27 at Sycamore Junior High

• Grades 7-8: June 2-27 at Sycamore Junior High

• Grades 9-12: June 2 - July 11 at Sycamore Junior High

Registration can be completed via Google Forms specific to each grade level beginning April 1. Registration for transportation must be completed by May 16.

• K-4 Summer School Registration

• Greene 101

• 5-8 Summer School Registration

• 9-12 Summer School Registration

• Transportation Form

This year, E.H. Greene will host a Rising 5th Grade Parent Orientation Night on Thursday, April 24th from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm.

From 6:00 pm -6:25 pm, our leadership team will conduct an orientation presentation. This will include information about our teaming model, what a typical day will look like for your child, our elective classes, and the clubs and activities we offer.

From 6:30 pm - 6:55 pm, our student leadership group (Flight Crew) will conduct tours of our building. This will give you a chance to receive an in-depth look at our new facility.

Finally, from 7:00 pm -7:30 pm, we will have a question/answer session and answer common questions you may have.

This program is designed for adults only as your students will have a number of other opportunities to visit and become familiar and comfortable in their new home. We hope to see you there!

SYMMES STEPPERS is our walking/running program held every good weather Wednesday at lunch recess in the Fall and Spring. Students enjoy walking or running supervised laps around the walking track and get a chance to earn STEPPER FEET as they rack up the miles. We are looking for volunteers to help with the students out on the track each week!

Symmes Steppers will started back up on Wednesday, March 26th for

Grades K-4.

Spring Symmes Steppers SignUp

Symmes Spotlight is a program organized by our PTO which brings special recognition to a group of students each week. Volunteers help on Monday mornings for about an hour and conduct brief interviews with selected students in the cafeteria. Symmes Spotlight is a great way to get to know students and other parents. Click on one of the buttons below to sign up. If you are interested in volunteering with Symmes Spotlight but unable to sign up or have questions about the program, please email margaret.mathur@gmail.com. Thank you!

This week we are beginning a new theme in our classroom, “Amazing Critters”. Children will learn about insects that crawl. They will learn interesting facts about these crawling creatures, including that some are pests and some are very hard workers. They will also learn how to determine if a creature is indeed an insect.

This week’s Family Connections activities can be found at: https://lilypad2.frogstreet.com/public/resouce-detail/7b2e5782-18b7-4217-a6f4-a6c94d315ceb

This week’s storybook, “Ants: Natures Busy Bodies” can be found at: https://lilypad2.frogstreet.com/public/resouce-detail/0130331e-4a2a-4c8f-9681-876ba367f608

Looking forward to an exciting week!

Sincerely,

The Preschool Team

Principal: Jessica Ralston, ralstonj@sycamoreschools.org

Assistant Principal: India Chambers-Richardson, richardsoni@sycamoreschools.org

Administrative Assistant to the Principal: Alyssa Schmeling, schmelinga@sycamoreschools.org

Administrative Assistant to the Ass't Principal: Heather Shults, shultsh@sycamoreschools.org

School Nurse: Julie Ferron, ferronj@sycamoreschools.org

School Counselor: Beth Hill, hille@sycamoreschools.org

Children's Hospital School-based Therapist: Erica Koe-Krompecher, koe-krompechere@sycamoreschools.org

Attendance Emails: syattendance@sycamoreschools.org

Need help? Besoin d'aide? ¿Necesita ayuda?

Нужна помощь? Yordam kerakmi?

お手伝いします. 你需要帮助吗？ 도움이 필요하세요？

Connect with the Symmes Ambassadors