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

THIS WEEK:

• November 13: Report Cards Posted in eBackpack (see instructions below)
• November 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences 8am-3pm; No School for Students
  

Mark your calendar

• November 23: Parent-Teacher Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30
  

• November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School

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

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

First Quarter Report cards will be available on November 13th 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.

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.

There has been much discussion around students' having their cameras on or off during virtual learning. We have solicited feedback from our families, students, and teachers via the district survey, teacher feedback, the virtual engagement committee, and from a thorough review of virtual student academic data. We have heard from some stakeholders that the requirement for cameras to be on is preferred. Other stakeholders prefer that students continue to have the option to have cameras off.

The heart of the concern is active student engagement during remote learning and whether a camera's being "on" promotes engagement. From our analysis, we believe that when students have their cameras on, they are more engaged, and are exhibiting higher levels of performance. We are committed to exploring this issue thoroughly and thoughtfully. Moreover, we have been diligent about providing equitable learning experiences between face-to-face and virtual settings. In the face-to-face classroom, teachers are able to visibly witness student engagement as everyone is present in the same classroom. In the virtual classroom, when a camera is off, this level of engagement cannot be determined as readily or efficiently.

We need your support. In the coming weeks, we would like for you to begin having conversations with your child about their camera preference. As your child considers their video preference, have them note their level of engagement. Moreover, if your child is in classes through Google Meet, encourage them to use the "Spotlight" view and see if that affects connectivity to the class.

We will begin piloting students' having their cameras on in the coming weeks to troubleshoot connectivity issues and proactively problem-solve around any issues that arise. Expect additional communication around cameras and their use in virtual learning.

Midwest Academic Talent Search

Sycamore Junior High participates in the Midwest Academic Talent Search sponsored by the Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University. CTD uses the ACT and SAT tests to give families information on students' abilities beyond information generated by regular standardized tests. Sycamore students who qualify for accelerated/gifted courses may consider MATS. For more information please see this letter from Mr. Brenner.

Unfortunately, this year there will not be an ACT exclusive testing date at Sycamore Junior High. Students can still register for the ACT or SAT tests, but families will need to select a local high school for the test date of their choice. This means students will be testing with other high school students. When registering, available locations will be listed. Please note that if you choose to sign up, please keep a watch on any updates you may get sent from ACT/SAT or the location chosen with possible cancellations or changes to testing dates.

Sycamore Junior High PTO is having a fundraiser at City Barbeque Blue Ash on Tuesday, 11/17/2020! Order online or head on over to show your support and enjoy some BBQ—we’ll get 20% of sales from everyone who uses our fundraiser code (FUND A)when they order at (https://order.citybbq.com/menu/blue-ash) or in the City BBQ app!

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

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

Sycamore HS invites you to learn more about the Aviator HS experience! See below for more information, including an event on November 19th!!

Your "ticket" to this ONLINE play will be a link and will be priced at $5. More information will be coming next week!!

The Sycamore Junior High Boy choir will hold open membership rehearsals Thursday, November 12 and Thursday, November 19 for the 2020-2021 school year. After November 19, membership for the year will be closed.

• All rehearsals begin PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m. and end at 7:45 a.m. The group meets in Room 105 at the JH.

• Boys attending Boy Choir are to be dropped off at the rear entrance to the building (by the black gate) – NOT the front entrance!

• Boys attending virtually should log onto Google Meet and use the code sjhbc (all lower case)

• Information regarding Boy Choir attire, concert season, member data base etc. will be distributed after membership is established.

• Masks are required for Face 2 Face students!

• DONUTS are the unofficial mascot for our group!

If you like to perform, if you like to sing, if you like to be a part of something that is a “winning team” think about joining us on Thursday November 12 and/or 19 at 7:15 a.m. in Room 105. Any SJH young man is eligible to join – no audition necessary! Gentlemen must come to one of these open membership rehearsals to solidify membership in the group.

Any questions, see Mr. Callahan or Mrs. Stein in Room 105 or feel free to email:

callahanj@sycamoreschools.org or steind@sycamoreschools.org

Order your 2021 Yearbook now . . . price goes UP on Nov. 25th!

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 $30/copy. This price will increase to $35 on November 25th.

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.

Hello from Sycamore High School!

SHS Student Council has embarked on its most ambitious and biggest donation drive. We are hosting THREE DONATION DRIVES, all to benefit the families that rely on Operation Give Back for support and help.

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:

• November 13: Report Cards Posted in eBackpack (see instructions below)
• November 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences 8am-3pm; No School for Students
  

Mark your calendar

• November 23: Parent-Teacher Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30
  

• November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School

• December 21-January 3: Winter Break - No School

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.

First Quarter Report cards will be available on November 13th 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.

Midwest Academic Talent Search

Sycamore Junior High participates in the Midwest Academic Talent Search sponsored by the Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University. CTD uses the ACT and SAT tests to give families information on students' abilities beyond information generated by regular standardized tests. Sycamore students who qualify for accelerated/gifted courses may consider MATS. For more information please see this letter from Mr. Brenner.

Unfortunately, this year there will not be an ACT exclusive testing date at Sycamore Junior High. Students can still register for the ACT or SAT tests, but families will need to select a local high school for the test date of their choice. This means students will be testing with other high school students. When registering, available locations will be listed. Please note that if you choose to sign up, please keep a watch on any updates you may get sent from ACT/SAT or the location chosen with possible cancellations or changes to testing dates.

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.

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

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

Sycamore HS invites you to learn more about the Aviator HS experience! See below for more information, including an event on November 19th!!

Your "ticket" to this ONLINE play will be a link and will be priced at $5. More information will be coming next week!!

Sycamore Junior High PTO is having a fundraiser at City Barbeque Blue Ash on Tuesday, 11/17/2020! Order online or head on over to show your support and enjoy some BBQ—we’ll get 20% of sales from everyone who uses our fundraiser code (FUND A) when they order at (https://order.citybbq.com/menu/blue-ash) or in the City BBQ app!

The Sycamore Junior High Boy choir will hold open membership rehearsals Thursday, November 12 and Thursday, November 19 for the 2020-2021 school year. After November 19, membership for the year will be closed.

• All rehearsals begin PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m. and end at 7:45 a.m. The group meets in Room 105 at the JH.

• Boys attending Boy Choir are to be dropped off at the rear entrance to the building (by the black gate) – NOT the front entrance!

• Boys attending virtually should log onto Google Meet and use the code sjhbc (all lower case)

• Information regarding Boy Choir attire, concert season, member data base etc. will be distributed after membership is established.

• Masks are required for Face 2 Face students!

• DONUTS are the unofficial mascot for our group!

If you like to perform, if you like to sing, if you like to be a part of something that is a “winning team” think about joining us on Thursday November 12 and/or 19 at 7:15 a.m. in Room 105. Any SJH young man is eligible to join – no audition necessary! Gentlemen must come to one of these open membership rehearsals to solidify membership in the group.

Any questions, see Mr. Callahan or Mrs. Stein in Room 105 or feel free to email:

callahanj@sycamoreschools.org or steind@sycamoreschools.org

In an effort to better maintain social distancing and the safety of the students waiting for parents at dismissal, we are asking for a slight change in procedure.

Please WAIT to text your child ONLY when you turn into the driveway of the school. It is this text that cues your student to leave class and proceed to the pickup area. Texting too early creates a logjam of children on the sidewalk which compromises our social distancing protocols. It also has created a safety hazard when too many students seek out parents and cross multiple traffic lanes in an attempt to get into cars.

Please HELP US KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE! Text them only when you have actually arrived at the property. Thank you for your cooperation!

Order your 2021 Yearbook now . . . price goes UP on Nov. 25th!

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 $30/copy. This price will increase to $35 on November 25th.

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.

Hello from Sycamore High School!

SHS Student Council has embarked on its most ambitious and biggest donation drive. We are hosting THREE DONATION DRIVES, all to benefit the families that rely on Operation Give Back for support and help. See below for more information.

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