Dear Sycamore High School Parents,

We are aware of an article in a recent Sycamore High School counselor’s newsletter promoting an outside organization, Turning Point USA. We want to make it clear that Sycamore Community Schools does not support, endorse, or promote any political organizations.

This oversight does not align with our commitment to maintaining a politically neutral and inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Our focus is always on providing equitable educational resources and opportunities while fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding for all perspectives.

The administration did not approve the information before it was shared. We have addressed this internally and are actively reviewing our processes to ensure all content in future newsletters and publications is appropriately reviewed. We are committed to improving our communication protocols.

Thank you for your understanding as we take the necessary steps to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Sincerely,

Taylor Porter

Principal

Dear Aviator Families,

Our Spring Conference night will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2024. All conferences will be held virtually. They will take place from 3:45 to 8:00pm, in 10 minute, virtual increments. There will be gaps of 5 minutes between each conference slot to allow you to “transition” digitally from one meeting to the next. Please look for the sign-up link to be delivered through this message in the first full week of February. If you have any questions please contact Ashwin Corattiyil at corattiyila@sycamoreschools.org.

On Thursday, February 13, the PTO will provide a meal for our SHS staff to enjoy during the long Parent/Teacher Conference Day. Please consider donating a dessert. Click here to sign up!

Thank you!

What is the Synnovation Lab?

The Synnovation Lab at Sycamore High School is a dynamic learning environment that brings together teachers, support staff, students, and parents. It is built on the core pillars of Community, Personalization, and Meaningful Learning Opportunities. Fostering empathy and trust, the Lab emphasizes strong relationships as students develop a wide range of skills through innovative educational practices. The Synnovation Lab provides opportunities for students to practice the skills necessary for post-secondary success through creative programming. This includes running a college-like schedule with courses meeting face-to-face two or three days per week. On non-meeting days students have access to their teachers, choose what coursework to complete, exercise self-direction, communication skills, and time management.

Upcoming Synnovation Lab Dates:

January 30, 2025 7-8pm - Virtual Information Session

Sunday, February 16th - Applications Due

February 26th - Students Notified of Acceptance

Questions? Please reach out to Synnovation Lab Department Leader, Tim Arnold.

Click here to order your tickets!

What is Between the Lines

Based on the book by New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult!

Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting new musical for any of us seeking to find our place in the world. An outsider in a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood. But as the lines between the two worlds of reality and fantasy begin to blur in extraordinary and astonishing ways, Delilah has to confront whether she alone has the power to rewrite her own story.

To All Band and Orchestra Parents!

Check out the schedule of your students' performances during the upcoming PANCAKE DAY on Saturday, MARCH 1st, 2025. Enjoy the beautiful music and delicious pancakes! You can purchase tickets ahead of time to skip the line.

Please consider signing up to volunteer either Friday(2/28) or Saturday(3/1).

Visit 2025 SBOB PANCAKE DAY for ticket purchase, performance schedule, and volunteer sign-up for parents and students.

Juniors and Junior Families,

All juniors will be taking the ACT at the end of February offered by SHS as a complimentary opportunity. Your student’s testing date and time will be shared next month. Please note that attendance is mandatory for the remainder of the school day following the conclusion of the testing period (which for most students will run from 7:20am-11:20am approximately).

If you have any questions please contact Ashwin Corattiyil at corattiyila@sycamoreschools.org.

High School Scheduling Update

• The Academic Fair provided valuable insights into available courses and programs.
• An overview video was shared during Aviator Bell to guide students through the scheduling process.
• The Course Guide has been available online, offering detailed descriptions of all courses.
• College Credit Plus Information Sessions helped students and families learn about earning college credits in high school.
• Teachers have reviewed options with students and shared their recommendations for next year.

What’s Next?
Over the next week, recommended academic classes will be added to SchooLinks, where students will begin building their Course Plans starting February 8. These plans will need to be completed by February 23.

We encourage families to take time now to discuss course ideas and plans for the next school year. This is an excellent opportunity to explore your student’s interests, goals, and post-secondary aspirations.

Helpful Resources

• Updated Documents and Handouts: Materials from the January 22 CCP Information Session are now available on our website. You can find them [here].
• Course Guide: Comprehensive information on all courses and pathways is available on the course guide website [here].

We look forward to supporting your student as they plan for a successful year ahead!

Student Council is delighted to host our annual donation drive benefiting the SPCA Cincinnati.

We are accepting:

New/used blankets: clean out those linen closets! Blankets all of types and conditions can be used to comfort the animals in need

New/used towels: get rid of those old towels! The hospital/clinic needs your towels to line the crates of the animals receiving emergency care.

Pet food: Any type! Any animal! Even food that has been opened can be donated!

Pet treats: Show a little love to the homeless animals at the SPCA!

Collection bins are located in the Main Office area.

SHS Student Council will collect items throughout the month of February!

Last Semester for our Seniors! After a busy fall, we have a few senior lunch events brewing before the big end of the year Senior events. In the meantime, please continue to SUBMIT PHOTOS for SENIOR SLIDE SHOW - especially all those fun group pictures!

Picture guidelines: high quality, only pictures from senior year, pictures of Sycamore Seniors only, groups of 2-10 people optimal.

Please use one of these 2 links to upload your pictures:

• https://forms.gle/Bei4i9Qfw1zcxUydA
• Class of 2025 slide show submission link

You can also email photos to hsptoseniorparent@sycamoreschools.org but the preference is for you to use form so we can capture event info and student names in an effort to include everyone in the slide show.

QUESTIONS? Please contact the Senior Class Parents
Carolyn Carmody, carolyn.carmody@gmail.com, 513-910-4742

Betsy Rinehart, betsyrinehart@cinci.rr.com, 513-236-1639

Angie Miller, angiebryant@yahoo.com, 513-227-7562

Join us at Five Seasons Sports Club on Saturday, March 1st, for a kickoff to Mardi Gras while also supporting our student athletes! Dinner and desserts by the bite, music, dancing, cash bar, reverse raffle, games, online auction, and FUN!! Get your tickets HERE!

Want to find out more information about community events and activities? Click here to visit our district-approved community flyers!