Ensure safety of self and students

Provide engaging, standards-based digitized curriculum both F2F and Virtually

Remain prepared to adapt

F2F Parents: Remember to scroll down to see F2F content

Mark your calendar

• December 21-January 1: Winter Break - No School

• January 29: End of First Semester

Future Testing Dates

• Winter MAP - Virtual Dates are TBD
• Spring MAP - Virtual Dates are TBD

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.

Remember: If you have questions, our team is here! Please reach out to our Administrator or Counselor for Virtual Classroom Students.

Assistant Principal Molly Bernosky bernoskym@sycamoreschools.org

Counselor Rachel Morris morrisra@sycamoreschools.org

In our November 13th newsletter, we shared that the junior high was exploring the option of a “Cameras On” expectation for virtual learning. This issue originated from parent feedback on the community survey, teacher feedback, and input from the virtual engagement committee which includes parents, staff and students.

Since then, the following has occurred:

• 4 teachers piloted a “Cameras On” expectation during Google Meet. Teachers and students reported increased active student engagement when the majority of students had their camera on. Connectivity did not appear to be affected in Google Meet, especially when students utilized “Spotlight View.”

• Student academic data was reviewed which indicated that in the first quarter of 2020, 15% of face-to-face students obtained a D or F grade; whereas, 23% of virtual students obtained a D or F grade. We believe that student disengagement when cameras are off may have contributed to the discrepancy between grades between the learning models.

After much consideration, stakeholder input, and review of our D’s and F’s, the administration believes that when the majority of students have their camera on, active student engagement increases. Student engagement promotes student achievement. Therefore, effective Monday, January 4th, all teachers will be using Google Meet for virtual instruction, and students in Google Meet virtual classrooms will be expected to turn their cameras on during class in order to promote student engagement and achievement.

For students who experience extreme anxiety or if there are significant concerns with boundaries and video conferencing, you may opt your student out of this expectation. Please complete this Cameras On Opt-Out Form by Monday, December 7th.

SJHS News Crew Video Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vrBl5kKJXhJL9nL5xl5Ag

SJHS TV Communications: http://display.sycamoreschools.org/display/18

Hello Sycamore JH Community!

We are so excited to share with you our Sycamore Jr. High production titled “Left to our Own Devices.” This performance is 100% virtual and the students have done an amazing job of bringing this script to life by collaborating with each other, exploring their own costumes and props, and telling the story! In this movie presentation, you will find 11 different scenes that could make you laugh, cry, and appreciate theatre!

Below is a step by step guide to helping you watch the video and support our theatre department!

Ben Schneider, JH Theater Director

Please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook (always linked in the "Quick Links" section) or below on pages 8-13 for information regarding documenting your child's excused absence.

First Quarter Report cards are available in eBackpack

Last year, we launched a new feature within Parent Portal called the “eBackpack”. The eBackpack provides you access to documents posted for your student(s), classes, or the school(s). As part of the launch, we are using it to post student report cards as an electronic .pdf file. Each student has their own eBackpack with documents that are specific to them.

Please click HERE to access step-by-step instructions. If you have questions, please follow the included instructions to email the helpdesk.

Order your 2021 Yearbook now.

2020-21 will be a year like no other, the SJHS Yearbook Club is committed to documenting it for YOU! Order your yearbook today for your best price! The cost is $35/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 for publication? Click HERE! We want to represent ALL students in this year's historic yearbook.

Questions? Contact Melissa Speelman

speelmanm@sycamoreschools.org

If you have any photos from athletic events or any other school-related event the Yearbook Club would love to include them in the 2021 yearbook. Please send photo submissions to Melissa Speelman at speelmanm@sycmoreschools.org .

Remember - If your child has tech issues in the virtual classroom, please call 686-1793 or email helpdesk@sycamoreschools.org. Please leave a message if you do not get an answer and they will respond ASAP!

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.

Do you have questions about the Sycamore gifted program at the junior high school? Planning for high school? Do you have a story or expertise to share? Are you interested in connecting with other junior high school parents? If so, go to www.sycamoreGEAR.org, and register for our zoom call on Wednesday, Dec 9th from 8:00pm to 9:00pm. Looking forward to seeing you!

Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters will not be hosting the 20th annual Arts and Crafts Show in 2020. However, we have created an online showcase to connect our vendors/shoppers. Please visit www.sbob.org/craftshow to view the list.

• General Supply List
  
• Teacher-Specific Supply List
• Bell Schedule
  
• 2-Hour Delay Bell Schedule
• Healthy Back to School Family FAQ
  
• Special Education, Gifted, ESOL FAQ
  
• Final Forms
• Parent Portal
• 2020-2021 SJH Student-Parent Handbook

This Week

• December 7 - Students return to F2F classroom

Mark your calendar

• December 21-January 1: Winter Break - No School

• January 29: End of First Semester

Future Testing Dates:

• Winter MAP for F2F - January 12 & 13
• Spring MAP for F2F - May 12 & 13

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.

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.

All PK-12 face-to-face students will be returning to school in-person beginning Monday, December 7 following a week of remote learning.

Please see district communications for more information.

SJHS News Crew Video Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vrBl5kKJXhJL9nL5xl5Ag

SJHS TV Communications: http://display.sycamoreschools.org/display/18

Hello Sycamore JH Community!

We are so excited to share with you our Sycamore Jr. High production titled “Left to our Own Devices.” This performance is 100% virtual and the students have done an amazing job of bringing this script to life by collaborating with each other, exploring their own costumes and props, and telling the story! In this movie presentation, you will find 11 different scenes that could make you laugh, cry, and appreciate theatre!

Below is a step by step guide to helping you watch the video and support our theatre department!

Ben Schneider, JH Theater Director

Please note the following schedule and procedure

• After School Detention (3:15 - 5 PM)
• Friday School (3:10 - 5:45 PM)

When detention is over, students will be escorted to the entrance of the main lobby to be released.

A parent picking up a student should arrive promptly at the front entrance and remain in their car until the student exits the building.

Please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook (always linked in the "Quick Links" section) or below on pages 8-13 for information regarding documenting your child's excused absence.

First Quarter Report cards are available in eBackpack

Last year, we launched a new feature within Parent Portal called the “eBackpack”. The eBackpack provides you access to documents posted for your student(s), classes, or the school(s). As part of the launch, we are using it to post student report cards as an electronic .pdf file. Each student has their own eBackpack with documents that are specific to them.

Please click HERE to access step-by-step instructions. If you have questions, please follow the included instructions to email the helpdesk.

Order your 2021 Yearbook now.

2020-21 will be a year like no other, the SJHS Yearbook Club is committed to documenting it for YOU! Order your yearbook today for your best price! The cost is $35/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 for publication? Click HERE! We want to represent ALL students in this year's historic yearbook.

Questions? Contact Melissa Speelman

speelmanm@sycamoreschools.org

If you have any photos from athletic events or any other school-related event the Yearbook Club would love to include them in the 2021 yearbook. Please send photo submissions to Melissa Speelman at speelmanm@sycmoreschools.org .

Please turn in your required immunization paperwork to nurse Amy Bonham ASAP at jhimmunization@sycamoreschools.org.

If you have questions, please email Amy at bonhama@sycamoreschools.org or call 686-1763.

Do you have questions about the Sycamore gifted program at the junior high school? Planning for high school? Do you have a story or expertise to share? Are you interested in connecting with other junior high school parents? If so, go to www.sycamoreGEAR.org, and register for our zoom call on Wednesday, Dec 9th from 8:00pm to 9:00pm. Looking forward to seeing you!

Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters will not be hosting the 20th annual Arts and Crafts Show in 2020. However, we have created an online showcase to connect our vendors/shoppers. Please visit www.sbob.org/craftshow to view the list.

• General Supply List
  
• Teacher-Specific Supply List
• Bell Schedule
  
• 2-Hour Delay Bell Schedule
• Healthy Back to School Family FAQ
  
• Special Education, Gifted, ESOL FAQ
  
• Final Forms
• Parent Portal
• 2020-2021 SJH Student-Parent Handbook

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