WEEKLY AVIATOR UPDATE

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.

As you may know, House Bill 123 requires students to receive evidence-based instruction in social isolation, violence prevention, and suicide prevention. We began our social inclusion instruction with social inclusion in November. This month, we will continue instruction to include the topics of violence and suicide prevention utilizing the Say Something curriculum.

This instruction includes lessons and activities for approximately 45 minutes and is presented during Aviator Bell. Say Something is one of the resources approved by the state of Ohio to satisfy this legislative requirement.

The Say Something program empowers students in grades K-12 to recognize warning signs and threats of someone who may be at-risk of hurting themselves or others, to say something to a trusted adult to get help, and to grow a community of Upstanders who look out for one another.

We understand that every family has unique preferences when it comes to their child's educational experience. If you wish to opt your student out of the Say Something program, please know that we respect your decision. To do so, kindly send an email to your child's counselor expressing your choice.

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.

ACT Torchprep: On Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, Juniors who have signed up for ACT Torchprep will be in training sessions at school all day on either one of those two days. Registration for those sessions is now closed. Look for an email from Mr. Corattiyil to see which session and which room your student should plan to attend, along with materials to bring. If you have not received an email, please contact Mr. Corattiyil.

On Thursday, 1/16, SHS will be hosting two events aimed at informing the students and families of the current 8th grade class...the graduating class of 2029! First, the entire 8th grade will be at the HS for several hours during the day to get to know the building, students, and culture of Sycamore High School. More information is being sent directly to those families. Second, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, we will be inviting all current 8th graders and families to our annual "Academic Fair" which will feature each academic department showcasing course offerings and learning experiences for incoming freshmen. It will also include information on certain clubs and extracurricular activities. If you have any questions about these events, please contact Mr. Corattiyil.

Detective Mary Braun of the Cincinnati Police Department’s Regional Electronics Computer Investigations Unit & Greater Cincinnati Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is coming to share essential tips on internet safety, cyberbullying, and navigating apps.

Thursday, January 16

Sycamore Junior High Theater

K-4 Parents: 5:30–6:30 PM

5-12 Parents: 7:00–8:00 PM

Hear real-life case stories, get expert advice, and bring your questions!

Scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year is just around the corner, and we're excited to support your family through the process! Over the next five weeks, we encourage you to talk with your student about course options, interests, and elective choices. We've planned several activities in January and February to guide students and families as they prepare for next year. Below is a quick overview of what’s coming up to help your student make thoughtful decisions for the year ahead!

• Attend the HS Academic Fair (optional) - Join us to learn about courses and programs for rising 9th graders. You will be able to meet with teachers and ask questions.

• January 16 @ 5:30 PM | Sycamore High School Commons
  
  

• Review the Course Guide (recommended) - Learn about classes available at the high school. Read class descriptions and learn about graduation requirements to thoughtfully select courses.

• Attend the College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Session (optional) - Learn about opportunities to earn college credits while in high school.

• January 22 @ 6:30 PM | Sycamore High School Auditorium
  
  

• Talk with Teachers About Recommendations - In early February, teachers will share recommendations to guide students in selecting their academic classes for next year.
  
  

• Review Course Selection Instructions - In early February, students will watch a video from high school counselors explaining how to request courses in SchooLinks. Additional written and video instructions will be emailed home.
  
  

• Create a Course Plan - Students will have one week to request their courses in SchooLinks. High school counselors will be available at the junior high during lunch on two separate days to answer questions.

• February 15 - 23

• Meet With Your HS Counselor - High school counselors will meet individually with rising 9th grade students to answer questions, review selections, and verify that selections meet graduation requirements. This will happen through Social Studies classes.

• Week of February 24

Please continue to SUBMIT PHOTOS for SENIOR SLIDE SHOW - especially all those fun group HALLOWEEN and FALL SENIOR NIGHT pictures!

Please submit pictures all year long for the senior slide show which is presented at the end of the year. 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.

FOLLOW ALONG FOR SENIOR EVENT UPDATES:

Join the Facebook Group: “Sycamore High School Class of 2025” for the most up-to-date info and volunteer opportunities! Also more information can be found on the PTO Website.

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

Save the Date!!! 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!

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