Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Colin Thiel

Nominated by: Mr. Stinson

Colin has been a pro at following his three key rules in science class: he has an awesome attitude, he communicates with his teacher and his classmates, and he is a boss at taking charge of his own learning.  His class participation is outstanding.  As a student athlete, Colin has done a phenomenal job at balancing his schoolwork and sports, and he strives to be the very best he can be in both areas.  He stays after school for extra help, e-mails his teacher in the evenings with questions, and shows an interest in understanding the material.  I am very proud of Colin and I could not ask for a better student.  I look forward to working with him the rest of the year and beyond.  

Congratulations, Colin! 

Marquell Fisher

Nominated by: Ms. Hosler

It’s a pleasure to nominate Marquell Fisher for the student of the week. Marquell is the type of student that each teacher hopes to have in every class. He is the student who participates on a daily basis, his positive attitude is infectious among his peers, and he shows maturity and respect towards his teachers. In class, Marquell puts in all of his effort with a smile on his face. He sets a tone for his peers to do the same. He doesn’t hesitate to ask questions or clarify what is expected of him so that he can perform to his best ability. Marquell has set goals for himself in order to better himself and continues to look for ways to challenge himself. Congratulations, Marquell, it is well-deserved!

Announcements October 26-30, 2015

• You must report to your Aviator bell first, listen to the announcement...before going anywhere else!!! No don't want to be reported "MISSING"!!!
• Boo Pops are back by popular demand!These are lollipops that you could buy yourself, a friend or even a teacher.They will be on sale for $1 Tues Oct.27- Thursday Oct 29 during lunch.So remember to ask your mummy for a dollar
• There will be a partner's club meeting next Wednesday, the 28th until4:00pm.  Please have your ride here by 4:00pm.  We will be having a Halloween celebration with food, games and crafts.
• Staring next Monday, November 2nd, our annual book fair begins in the media center.  It's a great way to get some great books, while raising money for SJHS.  You can stop in before and after school, during lunch, and you will come down with your language arts classes.  Earn some money at home and bring it with you! We will have some great books!
• Staff, preview day will be on this Friday, come in for delicious treats.
• Congratulations to the boys and girls cross country runners who ran at state yesterday.  The weather was near perfect, everyone ran a great race, and the girls brought home the Division I 3rd place team trophy!  Congratulations on a great season!
• Power of the Pen will meet today in the Media Center from 3:15 - 4:15.  Please make sure you have a ride at 4:15. 
• Just wanted to let you all know that all Mondays in October Homework club will be moved to Ms. Mott's room 219. Mrs. Allen will not have any Homework Clubs in October.
• This week our character word is Empathy.  It is defined as an understanding and awareness of another person's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.  Our challenge is for you to put yourself into someone's shoes!

Character Word of the Week

Empathy: 

The understanding and awareness of another person's thoughts, feelings and behavior.

Challenge:

Put yourself into someone's shoes! 
(Although maybe not literally)

Parent Teacher Conferences October 29 &30th

Parent Teacher Conferences are being held 

Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM and on 

Friday, October 30, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM.

Conferences are not required unless requested by a teacher.

Please schedule your conference using our online scheduler between 
October 12, 2015 and October 26, 2015 at https://pickatime.com/SJH/FallConferences2015

Click Here for directions on using the online scheduler. 

We Need Your Help for Make A Difference Day!

Make A Difference Day is 

TOMORROW 10/24 AND FRIDAY 10/30! 

We are in desperate need of help raking leaves for those in our community who are unable to take care of their yards themselves. This year we had an amazing response and have 13 houses that need our help. We need many more people to sign up so that we can accomplish these projects and make a difference in our community. 

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity please join us in the cafeteria parking lot tomorrow morning at 9:15 AM. Please email Mr. DeJoy at dejoyj@sycamoreschools.org if you are attending so that he can be expecting you. 

CLICK HERE for Permission Slip and more information

STAAND Red Ribbon Week October 23-31

S.T.A.A.N.D.

Students Taking Action Against Negative Decisions

Takes a stand with Red Ribbon Week - October 23 - 31

Tuesday 10/20/15	Monday 10/26/15	Tuesday 10/27/15	Wednesday 10/28/15	Thursday 10/29/15
Weekly video announcements:  What is/ Take a STAAND?	Weekly video announcements: STAAND Red Ribbon Kickoff Week Lunch: Sign the pledge poster Staff: Wear Red Ribbons all week	STAAND Red Ribbon Announcement Lunch: Sign the pledge poster Staff: Wear Red Ribbons all week	Everyone wear Red! STAAND Red Ribbon Announcement Lunch: Sign the pledge poster Staff: Wear Red Ribbons all week	STAAND Red Ribbon Announcement Lunch: Sign the pledge poster Staff: Wear Red Ribbons all week

New Student Activity- First Lego League!

Students wishing to cheer on younger grades should stop by Blue Ash Elementary between 3-8 pm to watch the first annual district-wide practice robot competition.

Announcements October 19-23

• For those of you interested in wrestling this year, there will be a brief informative meeting in the old gym on Friday October 23rd.
• Are you interested in French food and culture?  Come join Mademoiselle Hunt and other students at the 1st French club meeting Thursday, October 22nd in the cafeteria where you can enjoy a French “pique-nique with French food, games, and some conversation.  The club will last until 4:00 pm.  You do not need to be enrolled in French in order to join.  See Madame Toerpe for more information, and to pay the $ 5.00 yearly dues.  Please arrange for a ride home after the meeting.
• Attention all students who plan to participate in this Saturdays' Make a Difference Day leaf raking project:  Be sure to turn in your permission slip by this Thursday to Ms. Meyer or her mailbox in the office.  Don't miss out on your opportunity to make a difference!
• Boo Pops are back by popular demand!These are lollipops that you could buy yourself, a friend or even a teacher.They will be on sale for $1 Tues Oct.27- Thursday Oct 29 during lunch.So remember to ask your mummy for a dollar!
• All boys basketball players:
• Please remember to wear on old t-shirt with your last name PRINTED NEATLY on the front and back when you participate in open gym next week.
• There will be a partner's club meeting next Wednesday, the 28th until4:00pm.  Please have your ride here by 4:00pm.  We will be having a Halloween celebration with food, games and crafts.
• "Attention all SSC members:  remember that we have rehearsal tonight (Thursday, October 22) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.  Be in your seat in the Choir Room by 7:00 PM."
• All cross country runners not participating in the state meet need to return their uniforms to their attendance coach immediately. 

GEAR Game Day- 11/8/15

Do you like board games? Then this event is for you. Bring your favorite game, along with a friend or two, to the GEAR Game Day event held on Sunday, November 8. 

Everyone is welcome!

Student Athlete of the Week

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Jonah Mayhall

The athlete of the week for boy’s cross country is Jonah Mayhall. Jonah has all of the qualities you look for in a leader. If another runner is ever confused about what they are supposed to be doing, looking to see what Jonah is doing almost always solves the problem. He is an extremely dependable athlete. You always know what you are going to get with him, which is his best. He has great character and work ethic. Although Jonah is not very vocal, he consistently sets a great example of what we expect in all of the runners. People respond very well to him, and he is the kind of athlete this his peers will go to for advice. The coaching staff is very proud of everything Jonah has been able to accomplish this year.

Students of the Week

This week's Students of the Week are:

Isabel Kinsinger

Nominated by: Mrs. Darbyshire

Choosing student of the week can be a tough decision as I have so many students who shine. Isabel is one of those students. She has been a quiet shining star in so many ways throughout the first quarter. I have the privilege of having Isabel in Interdisciplinary language arts and social studies class; therefore I have her for two bells a day. She is a student who makes me excited about the year because I will have the opportunity to watch her grow as a student and as an individual. Isabel has made a tremendous first impression by being dependable, helpful, and a motivated learner. Dependability is a life­long skill that will serve Isabel well in many aspects of her life. In our class, there are a large group of students. We can depend on Isabel to model for her peers. I often tell students sitting near her that when they are in doubt of what to do to look at Isabel. She uses her time wisely, follows directions, and is consistently on task even though the class might move at a quicker pace than most. We are using interactive notebooks in class this year. During this first quarter, Isabel has caught onto the process to complete the interactive notebook. She realizes what a valuable tool of learning it can be for a student. Her notebook is always of high quality and completed. Therefore, I can use it to show students who have been absent or need a visual to work on their own. She does a great job and has been so helpful in this way. Although I check in with Isabel frequently in class, she has shown great maturity in catching on to our class. She came prepared to be a fantastic seventh grader. She not only wants to please her teachers but most importantly she is motivated to do well for herself. It is obvious that she has a love of learning. She sees the value in a good education and shows many of the skills necessary to be a successful student. I am honored to be her teacher!

Francine Keller

Nominated by: Mrs. DiOrio

Francine is a student within my eighth grade science class. I have had the pleasure of having Francine as a student in both seventh and eighth grade. She is an extremely hard working student. Francine is the epitome of a student that reflects upon her learning and understanding and then seeks out help if she does not feel comfortable with the material or helps others in their learning process. I am impressed with Francine’s sincerity, supportiveness, and all around positive mindset. Her kindness towards others is something to be admired and modeled. Watching her grow over the past year and a half has been a privilege and an honor. 

Blue Ash Elementary's Haunted Festival Volunteer Opportunity

This is the week of Blue Ash Elementary’s Haunted Festival we are still looking for many volunteers to help us make this year’s Haunted Festival the best yet! Blue Ash Elementary’s 30th Haunted Festival is  Friday, October 23rd, 5:00-9:00 pm we are still looking for volunteers to help run games and activities everyone is welcome to help celebrate this milestone year. For more information and to sign up http://tinyurl.com/HauntedFest2015  

Character Word of the Week

Courage: 

Taking action to deal with difficulties rather than avoiding them.

Challenge:

Stand up for what's right even if you are alone!

Basketball Cheerleading Meeting on Tuesday 10/20

Attention to all students who want to try out for winter cheerleading. There will be a  brief meeting during Aviator bell tomorrow, Tuesday October 20th. Information on tryouts and the season will be provided. Please check in with your teacher then meet in the cafeteria at the beginning of the bell. Also please pick up a flyer during your lunch bell today in the cafeteria.  If you have any questions please ask Miss.Buckner.

Volunteer Opportunity at The Nature Trail at Symmes

The Nature Trail at Symmes is having a work day on 

Oct 24, anytime between 9am-4pm. 

 The trail is located directly behind the school.  Signs will lead you to the entrance.

Volunteers are requested to come and help remove honeysuckle and other smaller jobs.  Volunteer hours can be given.   Sign up encouraged at http://tinyurl.com/workdayoct2015, 

but walk ups are welcome.  Lunch will be served. 

If you have questions, contact Angela Radakovich, angela@radakovichfamily.com

Sycamore STEAM Showcase- Oct. 27th

Great news! Students in Grades 6-12 should plan on attending this great event to learn more about the STEAM opportunities within Sycamore Schools. Let us know you'e coming to the event here: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1648863062043558/

First Quarter Report Cards Coming Home Friday, Oct. 23rd!

Report cards for the first quarter will be sent home with students on Friday, October 23, 2015. They will be given their report cards during the school day so be sure to look for them to bring them home that evening. We will not be sending home hard copies in the mail this year so the copy your child gets on the 23rd is the only hard copy that will be provided to you. If you would like to better monitor your child's grades, you can do so online through our Parent Portal which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.

Announcements October 12- 16, 2015

• For those of you interested in wrestling this year, there will be a brief informative meeting in the old gym on Friday October 23rd.
• Attention all students interested in making a difference in YOUR community! Do you ever wonder what you can do? There will be a brief informational meeting on Thursday, October 15th in the media center to recruit volunteers to rake leaves for YOUR neighbors who are in need! The event will take place on the National Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 24th from 9:30-2pm. 
• The first partner's club will take place today October 14 from 3:15-4:00 in room 102. Partner's club is a club that brings students of all abilities together through a variety of activities including games, parties, crafts, outings and, of course, FOOD! Come and find out more about Partner's club next Wednesday. Please have a ride ready to pick you up at the front of the school at 4pm.
• CROSS COUNTRY- if you were waiting an spirit wear, see Coach Hosler in room 228 during AVE bell TODAY.
• Cross Country runners will be turning in their WASHED jerseys and shorts to their attendance coaches during aviator bell on Thursday and Friday this week. Thanks!
• Attention all students interested in joining our ski / snow board club. There will be a MANDATORY meeting for all new members on Wednesday, October 21stfrom 3:15-4 in the choir room. Make sure you have a ride home by 4pm! If you were in the club last year, you will be able to pick up a packet from Ms. Meyer or Mr. Kinsinger during aviator bell on October 22. Beginners are welcome!
• Builders club meeting on today in room 133 during Aviator bell.

Student Athletes of the Week!

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Grace Deppert

The athlete of the week for girl's cross country is Grace Deppert. Grace is a tremendous leader on the cross country team. She has tremendous leadership qualities that she demonstrates daily such as: leading stretches, encouraging her teammates, handling the captain responsibilities at meets, listening to and conversing with everyone on the team, and many more. Grace's personality is infectious. She brings a great deal of energy to the team each day. Anytime someone is feeling tired or down, Grace's bubbly personality can immediately bring them back up. She also has a terrific work ethic. She is often seen doing extra stretches or even requesting to run a little more. She sets a great example for everyone around her, and the coaches are extremely happy she is a member of the cross country team.

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Andrew Shehata

Nominated by: Mr. Dejoy

This week our 8th grade Student of the Week is Andrew Shehata.  Andrew is a pleasure to have in class as he always has a smile and chooses to display a positive attitude.  He works hard and is kind to others. Andrew follows the “Golden Rule” treat others the way you want to be treated.
It is an honor to present a person of such high integrity this award.  Andrew represents the kind of student we enjoy having here at Sycamore Junior High School.  He is very deserving of this recognition! 

Nasir Bowman

Nominated by: Mr. Callahan

I have been fortunate enough to have Nasir in Bell 2 Concert Choir this year.  Nasir is a very hard working young man who always strives to do his best with a positive attitude. He is encouraging to his classmates, receptive to critical feedback, and always prepared for learning.  On top of that he has an awesome singing voice!!  I look forward to seeing how his voice and character develop over the next year.  Congratulations, Nasir!  Keep up the hard work!

This Week In Sports

Team/Date	Practice	Time/Site	Opponent	Departure Time
Monday 10/12
7th Football	330-530
8th Football	330-515
Cross Country	330-5
Cheerleaders	330-5
Tuesday 10/13
7th Football		4:30	HOME vs. Princeton
8th Football		6:00	HOME vs. Princeton
Cross Country	315-5 (no grass field)
Cheerleaders		4:30/6:00	HOME vs. Princeton
Varsity Football	3:15-5:00 on grass field
Wednesday 10/14	Winter Coaches Meeting 3:15
Cross Country		4:30	GMC Championships @ Lakota Plains	3:15 (3 buses)
Thursday 10/15
Cross Country	3:15-5
Friday 10/16
Cross Country	3:15-5

HB 178 Safety Drill Updates

Dear Sycamore Junior High School Families,

Last spring we shared with you changes that are being required from the state (HB 178) regarding school safety drills.  One major change was the requirement to conduct 3 school safety drills a year. This requires the school district to simulate at least 1 full scale evacuation drill.  We will be conducting this drill in the near future and will be evacuating the entire building with our local police present.  The other two drills can be simulated and discussed within the school building using the traditional lock down process that we have in place.  During these lock down drills, we may also collaborate with the local law enforcement canine units as we have done in the past as well.  In our building we are also required to conduct 6 fire drills throughout the year and the same number of tornado drills during the specific months in the spring, as in the past.

We wanted to bring this information to your attention as we begin to implement this new procedure and practice these drills more frequently.  It is always our intent to make sure we are as prepared as possible for a crisis to occur and keep our students safe.  Teachers will be talking with students about these drills, as well as reviewing our A.L.I.C.E. training that students received this fall. We appreciate your assistance in talking with your student(s) about the importance of these drills and to have follow up conversations at home.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Character Word of the Week

Generosity: 

 It's the act of spending time, money, or labor for others, without expecting to be rewarded in return.

Challenge:

  Perform a chore at home without being asked!

Congratulations to our Pride in Excellence Students!

September 30, 2015

Pride in Excellence

Back row: left to right: Griffin Miller, Shannon Domnovan, Timur Tulabaev,Victoria Schwegmann,Paige Bolyard, Jacob Clark, Sara Bolger

Front row: left to right:

Lindsey Stevens, Farzona Samieva, Elena Hilsbeck, Elizaabeth Cracas, Raneem Alshammari,

Elizabeth Staffiera

Student Athlete of the Week

This week's Student Athletes of the Week are:

Emma Brown

This week's Athlete of the Week Award goes to 8th grade girl golfer Emma Brown.  Emma anchored the highly competitive first spot on our girls golf team, and led the Lady Ave golfers through some tough battles with talented GMC opponents.  Along with teammate Dahlia Wang, Emma provided multiple top finishes in matches and was medalist (lowest score in a match) 3 times!  In addition to excellent scoring, Emma provided the team with consistent leadership and exemplified a good work ethic and sportsmanship throughout the season.  For all these reasons, Emma Brown is a superb candidate for this week's award!

Clayton Steinbrink

The athlete of the week for the Junior High Golf team is Clayton Steinbrink.  Clayton has shown great leadership during the entire season and has a distinct drive to improve.  Clayton's demeanor will prove to be a great asset to his success in the future.  Clayton is not only our captain for the team, he is our board sponsor as well.  Clayton was our low score at the GMC tournament and was crucial in helping us finish strong.  Great Job Clayton!