Don't Miss the HS Forum!

2nd Chance Breakfast is back!

Thanks to your overwhelming support and reviews from our Survey released earlier this year, we are bringing back 2nd chance breakfast!

However, there is a new location and some rules. It will now be located in the Main Hall by the Pig, across from the Media Center. The line will form against the wall.

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Jaquelynn McGraw

Nominated by: Mrs. Morrow

I am pleased to nominate Jaquelynn McGraw for Student of the Week.  Jaquelynn is a student in my Accelerated American History class who has proven not only her academic excellence but also that she is a wonderful person. In class, Jaquelynn is always asking questions and participating in discussions.  She works well in groups and I have never heard her speak ill of anyone.  She is well-liked and respected by her peers and also the staff in this building proven by the following comments from her other teachers:

“Perfect choice!  So kind, hard-working.  Doesn't ask for the limelight but truly shines.”

“YESSSSSSSSS!  So artsy, so sweet, so responsible, such initiative!  Love her!!!”

"She is a wonderful asset to our class. Her critical and creative thinking skills are excellent and she is quite the little artist as well.”

Every single one of your teachers had nothing but positive things to say about you, Jaquelynn.  You should be proud, as I know I am. It has been a joy having you in class, Jaquelynn, but also to get to know you as a person. Thank you and keep up the great work.

Liam Skinner

Nominated by: Mr. Kinsinger

I would like to nominate Liam Skinner for student of the week. I had Liam in my Automation and Robotics class last semester.  Liam would always be one of the first into the classroom and last to leave. Liam always had a kind greeting and happy “goodbye” or “Thank you” on his exit. Liam’s joy for learning Robotics was evident with each assignment. He would head up the project with great spirit and enthusiasm. His projects were always well thought out and had great detail to them.  Liam was well liked and respected in class. He had no problem working in groups, and  kids wanted Liam to be on their team, because they knew their project would get done correctly.  Liam was always helpful to Mrs. Jarvis and I.  If we needed something made, taken apart or programmed, Liam was the man for the job

Athlete of the Week!

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Maddie Humphrey

Maddie Humphrey is our Girls' Athlete of the Week.  Maddie had an outstanding swim season, capped off by her 1st place finish in the 50 yd. backstroke and 6th place finish in the 100 yd. backstroke at our Jr. High League Championships.  Maddie always has a positive attitude, is a team leader, and always works hard in practice, setting a great example for her teammates.  She will be a great asset to the high school team next year!

Congratulations, Maddie!

Character Word of the Week!

Sportsmanship:

The strength to demonstrate the correct principles and character during athletic competition.

Challenge:

Show respect toward your opponents and officials!

This Week in Sports!

Thanks for attending the Cyberbullying Presentation!

The PTO would like to thank everyone who came to the presentation we hosted the evening of January 14th.  Stephen Smith from Cincinnati Bell gave a very informative talk on cyber bullying and the age of Social Media as pertains to our junior high students. It was attended by 20-25 parents.

Aviator Flight Fest Final Numbers Are In!

We are thrilled to announce that the final numbers are in, and Flight Fest this year netted $32,900!  Thank you once again to all that participated by either running, walking, donating or volunteering your time at the race or festival.  It was a huge success and these funds are being put to good use toward sponsering the many extracurricular activities offered at SJH. The PTO will also be using the excess earnings to fulfill teacher/principal funding requests.

Also, a BIG thank you to Ted Powers for chairing the hugely successful Flight Fest this year!  He has graciously agreed to chair next year but would need a co-chair to learn the ropes for the future.  If you or any incoming 7th grade parent that you know would be interested, please contact Missy Reardon, our Ways and Means Chair at reardonmelissa@yahoo.com. 

All Extracurricular Activities are Cancelled Today

Due to the predicted inclement weather, all extracurricular activities including athletic games and practices, clubs, and variety show auditions, have been cancelled for today. At this time all events scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 23rd) are still scheduled. 

Have a safe and happy evening! 

Mattress Sale Fundraiser Jan 23!

Sycamore Junior High  

   5th Annual Mattress Sale Fundraiser!

Saturday, January 23

Our Sycamore Jr. High PTO will be sponsoring their Fifth Annual mattress sale on Saturday, January 23. This has been a very successful fundraiser for our PTO the past few years and has been successful in local school districts for the past 7 years. We are very excited to be able to sponsor this event here at Sycamore Jr. High once again this year.  Brand new, name brand mattress sets up to 50% off retail. Top quality mattress sets with full manufacturer warranties. Much higher quality for price than a retail store! All sizes, price ranges, delivery and free layaway will be available. Floor models will be on display at Sycamore Jr. High from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Saturday, January 23. Snow date only would be Sunday, January 24. If you, or anyone you know is in the market for a new mattress…check out this fundraiser!!  If you need a new mattress before this sale or have any questions, please contact Ultimate Fundraising Solutions at dharbin65@yahoo.com.  

    EVERY sale will benefit the Sycamore Junior High PTO!!

Orchestra Cancellation Tonight

Tonight's String Orchestra practice has been cancelled due to the weather. A rescheduled time will be communicated later on. 

Enjoy the winter weather! 

Rookie Rugby Cincinnati starting this year!

This year will be Rookie Rugby Cincinnati’s inaugural season, and with your help, we will be able to teach the fundamentals of rugby to interested students (both boys and girls). Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and was recently made the newest Olympic sport. Already in Ohio, other Rookie Rugby programs have players from 3rd grade to 8th grade, several local High Schools such as St. Xavier, Moeller, Lakota, and Walnut Hills have rugby programs, and on the Collegiate level, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, and Miami University all have nationally ranked teams. Rugby is a great outlet for your students to help develop their athletic skill sets, cultivate a sense of pride in themselves as well as their community, and teach the importance of teamwork.

Congratulations to Our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll Students!

Band Concert Rescheduled

Due to inclement weather the 7th and 8th grade Band concert this evening has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, January 21, 2016. The concert will still be held at 7:00 pm in the Junior High Auditorium.

 We hope to see you there!  

Parent Technology Survey

Hello Parents & Guardians of Sycamore Junior High School Students,

Sycamore Community Schools Technology Department is partnering with BrightBytes, an educational software company, in order to learn more about our students’ school and home technology use for learning. For that reason, we are reaching out to ask you to take part in the Clarity questionnaire. Your participation is essential in helping us form a more complete picture of technology use for learning in your students’ lives. Please know that all of your responses will remain anonymous to protect your privacy.

Click here to link to the Sycamore Junior High School Parent/Guardian survey: http://www.BByt.es/X694P

Sincerely,

William D. Fritz

Director of Technology

Athletes of the Week!

This week's Student Athletes of the Week are:

George Vlady

George Vlady is our Boys' Athlete of the Week.  George was instrumental this season and selfless in swimming the "unpopular events" instead of his specialties, in order to help our team score points.  George placed 4th at our Jr. High League Championships in both the 200 yd. and 500 yd. freestyle events, improving both throughout the season.  George's dedication to swimming has been evident the entire season.  He has a strong work ethic and I predict he will have much success in the future.

Congratulations, George!

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Kate Henry

Nominated by: Mrs. Kinasewitz

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Kate Henry for this week’s 8th grade Student of the Week. Kate is an awesome young lady! She enters class with a smile, greets those around her, and she works hard in every class and on every task she is given. Kate is a great role model for her peers. Words that have been used by other teachers to describe Kate are: polite, kind hearted, helpful, respectful, friendly, conscientious, detail oriented, and hardworking! Kate’s teachers all agree that she has learned to make the best of every situation. Teachers applaud Kate’s consistent effort and hard work. They also admire the positive example that she sets for others and notice that she works hard by setting her own goals and striving each day to not just meet but exceed her goals. Kate has already experienced many successes, and I look forward to hearing about all of her amazing accomplishments in high school!

Keegan Veraldo

Nominated by: Mr. James

I would like to nominate Keegan Veraldo for 7th grade student of the week. Keegan is an extremely reliable student. He comes to class every day prepared to learn and do his best. Keegan is very dedicated to his education and always turns in high-quality work. He works great individually as well as part of a group. Keegan sets a great example for the students around him, and he is an absolute pleasure to have in class. Keegan is also involved in many extracurricular activities. This shows he is not just a great student, but has many talents outside of the classroom as well. I have a great deal of confidence in Keegan, and I know he has a bright future ahead.

Character Word of the Week!

Perseverance:

It's the act of overcoming obstacles while pursuing a goal.

Challenge:

Don't give up even when things get difficult!

This Week in Sports!

8th Grade Tour of the High School!

Our 8th Graders had a wonderful tour of the High School today! They learned a lot, asked amazing questions, and got a first glimpse of what next year will be like for them.

Thanks so much to all who helped to make today a reality!

Report Cards Coming Home Today!

Report cards for the first semester will be sent home with students today (January 15, 2016). 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 today 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.

Character Word of the Week!

Acceptance:

Being respectful and happy toward yourself and others.

Challenge:

Use positive words to describe people!

Mark your Calendars for a HS Forum!

Athletic Cancellations for Tonight!

Attention Winter Athletes.  We have a few of announcements regarding today's athletic events.

1. The Wrestling Meet @ Harrison has been CANCELLED.  Both A and B Wrestlers should report to practice after school.  Please let parents know to pick you up from practice at 5:30.
2. Girls Basketball Players- Your games @ Princeton and at Home vs. Wilson are ON today.  Please report on time and ready to play!
3. Boys Basketball- you will still practice at Greene school as scheduled.  Please represent SJH with character while at Greene.

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Grace Mirande

Nominated by: Mr. Jones

Grace Mirande is my choice for student of the week.   Grace has been an exceptional student this school year in science class.  She is punctual, respectful and attentive in class. Her attitude is always positive and her effort is exceptional.  This is evident in her lab work and class work in the depth and understanding she shows in her written responses to questions.  It is also evident in her very high marks on tests and quizzes. Grace is definitely the type of student to be proud of and I know she will find success because of her hard work and abilities.  Well done Grace!

Jacob Isakson

Nominated by: Mr. Lamb

It is my pleasure to nominate Jacob Isakson as the 7th Grade Student of the Week.  Jacob approaches class with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard.  Jacob is a straight A student who is always polite, well mannered, and respectful of students and faculty alike.  Jacob is also willing to take the extra step for success.  He takes additional private music lessons and was one of 9 Sycamore Junior High students selected to the OMEA District 14- 7th Grade Honor Band.  These attributes make Jacob a natural leader in the classroom and I look forward to watching his continued success in school.

Athlete of the Week!

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Jenna Male

Athlete of the week for 8th grade Cheerleading is, Jenna Male. A big part of being a SJHS Cheerleader is not only being an excellent athlete, but an excellent student. Jenna has been able to keep her GPA up to a 3.7 during the season. About half way through the season, Jenna started working on her front handspring and almost has it down. She has worked so hard and has come such a long way.

Other activities that Jenna loves are drawing, gymnastics and photography.

Coach Chelsea and Buckner are so proud of you!

Way to go Jenna!

This Week in Sports

A Day in the Life- 8th Grade Tours the HS

January 15th - 8th Grade - “A Day in the Life”

• Students loading buses from junior high school around 8:45am.
• Students arriving and unloading buses around 9:00am.
• 8th grade students will be broken up by class and will remain with their classroom teacher
• All students report to the main auditorium to begin by ~9:10  
• Doug Mader will speak to the junior high students from 9:10 - 9:30
• Will discuss expectations and rules
• @ 9:30 8th grade class will be broken in half. [These groups will be determined before the 8th graders come to the high school and will be done by teacher].
• Half of the 8th grade students will remain in the auditorium
• Students will have a 30 minute presentation on scheduling. Students will hear about classes, the scheduling process, Naviance, and will be able to pose questions to our counselors. Students will also be introduced to the extracurricular activities offered at the high school.
• Half of the 8th grade students will go on tours
• Students will have a tour by student ambassadors and will visit non-classroom areas like The Commons, The Hub, The Hangar, etc. Tours will take 30 minutes and students are able to ask any questions to the ambassadors during this time.
• After 30 minutes, students will switch so that those on tours will go to the main auditorium and vice versa.
• @10:40 students will report back to the main auditorium for closing remarks and will be dismissed at 10:45am to load onto buses.

Audition for the SJH Variety Show!

8th Grade Tour Day is Jan 15!

Parents,
As we shared in the Navigator Blog in December, Next Friday, January 15, our 8th grade students will experience a "day in the life" at Sycamore High School.  Buses will leave the building after attendance is taken (approximately 8:30) and will return to Sycamore Junior High around 11:30.  While we recognize some conflicts are unavoidable, please make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments during these times. We want your child to experience this great time at SHS.  7th grade students will follow their typical class schedule on this day.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mrs. Zelvy at zelvyl@sycamoreschools.org or via phone at 686-1760.

Honor a Teacher or Staff Member with the PTO Golden Apple Award!

This special award recognizes a teacher or school employee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help a Sycamore Junior High student or family. You may acknowledge this person’s actions by completing the information on the form below and returning it to the main office.   Your honoree will receive your completed form and a special commemorative apple pin.  

Thank you for recognizing those who go the extra mile for our students!

Click Here for the Golden Apple Form!

Cyber Bullying Presentation Jan 14th

In November the PTO hosted Steven Smith from Cincinnati Bell as he presented information on cyber bullying and social media in today's world. We had a great turnout, but also heard from other parents who were interested in an evening presentation on this topic. A survey was sent out in the SJH blog to gauge this interest, and according to the results, we feel it would be beneficial to have Mr. Smith return for an evening presentation.

So, please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 14 at 7pm in the Junior High Media Center to attend this very important presentation.

Announcements!

• Club/Activity Picture Day is Wednesday, January 6th in the New Gym. Check with your sponsor for your group time.. Group pictures can be purchased for $12. Only students who make a payment will receive pictures. Check out the Navigator Blog for all the details. Order forms will be distributed to you in your Aviator bell today.
• Congratulations to the Jr. High Swimming and Diving team for three wins over break.
• We beat Kings Jr. High 217-184,  Princeton 254-145, and Miamisburg 205 - 59. 
• For the Kings meet, 1st place finishers were:  Camryn Mather in diving, Ben Berke in 25 butterfly, Declan Skinner in 25 and 50 freestyles, Maddie Humphrey in the 25 backstroke, Marissa Thorp in 50 backstroke, George Vlady in the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, and Michelle Mosko in 100 freestyle. 
• Against Princeton, 1st place finishers were:  Arthur Barros in diving, 200 Medley Relay of Maddie Humphrey, Keegan Veraldo, Michelle Mosko, and Declan Skinner; George Vlady in the 200 free, Declan Skinner in 25 free, JJ Bello-Thomas in 25 back, Sophie Campbell in 25 breast, Michelle Mosko in 50 butterfly, Grace Deppert in 50 backstroke, Keegan Veraldo in 50 breaststroke and 500 freestyle, Maddie Humphrey in 100 freestyle, Megan Moreno in 100 breaststroke and the 200 freestyle relay team of Mosko, Veraldo, Vlady & Alex Hewitt.
•  We won all of our events, except two, against Miamisburg.  First place finishers were Camryn Mather in diving, George Vlady in 200 and 100 free, Declan Skinner in 25 fly , JJ Bello-Thomas in the 25 free, Ben Berke in the 25 back and 50 butterfly.  Grace Deppert won the 25 breaststroke, Brittany Charles won the 100 IM, Jake Jervis in the 50 free, Michelle Mosko in the 50 and 100 backstroke, Keegan Veraldo in the 50 and 100 breaststroke, the 200 medley relay of Megan Moreno, Kyle Goodpaster, Foster Dawson, and Ben Berke and the 200 free relay team of Berke, Vlady, Skinner and Veraldo.
•  Any students interested in the Winter Running club should attend meeting in Mr. Shomo's room on Tuesday (tomorrow) after announcements.  
• We the People:  Activity picture day is Wednesday, so all those students that participated last year and those students this year who know they would like to join this Club, please meet us in Mrs. Morrow's Aviator bell briefly tomorrow, Tuesday, for a quick meeting…
• Attention all actors!!!  Sycamore Junior High will present a spring production-A night of One Act Comedies! You will not want to miss being part of this hilarious night at SJH.  "Check Please" and "Check Please 2" will have audiences roaring with its funny, but true tale or should I say "tales" of blind dating.  Come to a meeting this Wednesday right after school in Room 105 from 3:15-4:00 to get all the details about the play.  This meeting is for performers only!  (Announce Monday-Wednesday)
• Attention all wanting to audition for the Variety Show- auditons forms are dueon FRIDAY!!!!  We are excited to have a fantastic show, but can not do it without YOU!!!  Get your forms to Mr. Callahan or Mrs. Stein before Friday!  You don't want to miss out on this "once in a JH opportunity!!" (ANNOUNCE all week)
• Attention all Schoolhouse Rock performers-  Your DVD's are here!  See Mrs. Stein in Room 105 to get your copy! (announce twice)
• Attention Athletic Board Members
• We will meet on Tuesday during Aviator Bell in the gym to pass out jerseys for our Group Picture on Wednesday.  If you are a Winter Sports representative, you do not have to attend, but please bring your jersey to school on Wednesday.  Our picture will be on Wednesday at 1:40 during 6th bell.  
• Attention all boys and girls tennis players:
• There is an important meeting this Wednesday during Aviator Bell in the cafeteria with Coach Teets.  Please bring your Chromebooks with you.
• This is for all 7th and 8th grade boys and girls tennis players.  Don't forget your Chromebooks!
• This week our character word is kindness.  It is defined as showing respect and treating others well.  Our challenge is for you to choose your words thoughtfully and carefully!

Athletes of the Week!

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Jacob Fleck

The athlete of the week for the 7th Grade Gold Boys Basketball Team is Jacob Fleck. Jacob brings a tremendous attitude and work-ethic to practice each day. He plays very physical and never shies away from contact. His effort often inspires the guys around him to raise their level of intensity. Jacob is extremely selfless and willing to do whatever is best for the team. He is the first person to tell someone good job, and is always reliable to pick a teammate up when they need it. Most importantly, Jacob excels as a student. I'm very thankful to have Jacob on the Gold Team, and there is no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses in the future.

Allie Fehr

Allie is a member of the 7th grade Lady Aves Gold basketball team.  This season, Allie has made tremendous improvements in her shooting fundamentals, ball handling skills, passing accuracy, court awareness, and  overall understanding of the game. In the Gold team’s last two games, Allie  tossed in 10 points versus Hamilton Garfield and a season high twelve  points against Lakota Hopewell.  She will regularly dribble between several  defenders taking the ball hard to the hoop getting the basket or a foul. On  defense, Allie has learned to be in the right place at the right time, playing  outstanding “on-the-ball” and “gap” defense. She is often asked to shut  down the best player on the opposing team. Allie not only plays each game  at 100% percent, she also approaches every practice with the same  intensity and tenacity.  Her tremendous work ethic and tireless hustle serve  as motivation and inspiration to her teammates and her coaches.  Allie has  an extremely positive attitude, an infectious smile and is an absolute delight to coach.

- Submitted by Coach Frank

Second Semester Updates for 2016!

Dear SJH Families,

As we start the New Year and head into a new semester here at SJH, we want to inform you of a few new things we will be implementing.

As you know, all of our students’ assignments are posted by teachers to our Blackboard Calendar system. In an effort to streamline assignments and create a consistent way of posting assignments, a survey was given to both students and teachers. The detailed results of this survey can be seen at these links: Student Survey Results Teacher Survey Results. These results lead us to the decision that beginning on Monday, January 11, 2016 long term assignments teachers will now post the assignment on both the day it is assigned and the day it is due with a solid bar stretching throughout the time allotted for the student to work on that assignment. For nightly assignments, the teachers will post the assignment only on the day it is assigned so that when a student looks at today’s date they will see the assignments that are to be completed that night. We hope that this will make reading the Blackboard calendar easier for students and parents and decrease confusion about when assignments are to be completed.

In addition, we will be implementing a new building wide water bottle policy beginning on Monday, January 11, 2016. Water bottles may now be carried by students at SJH during the school day. Students that elect to carry a water bottle during the school day must follow the guidelines listed below:

• The water bottle must be reusable. Be sure to label reusable water bottles with student’s name.
• The water bottle must have a secure lid and must be closed except when drinking, to prevent spills. Water bottles should be placed on the floor while in classes.
• Water is to be used for drinking and no other purposes.
• The only beverage to be allowed in the bottle is water, no other beverages, including water enhancers.
• Water bottle stations will be located throughout the building. The best time to fill water bottles is during your lunch. Plan according to your schedule to fill water bottles without being late to class. Filling water bottles is not an excused tardy to classes.
• Students will be responsible for cleaning up any spills that occur.

We thank you for all you do for our students and we hope that these new policies will help us to continue moving our students toward success in 2016!

Sincerely,

Principal Traci Rea and the Staff at SJH

MAP Testing January 26 and 27

On January 26 and 27, Sycamore Junior High students will participate in the winter administration of the MAP assessment in both reading and math.  This is an important assessment, as it allows us to better understand how our students are learning and growing throughout their academic year.  The MAP results are important indicators for making class placement decisions for the 2016-2017 school year. Testing will begin at 8:00 am each day and makeups will be conducted on January 28, beginning at 8:00 am.  We ask that your child be on-time to school each of these days for this important assessment.

After School Supervision and Athletic Attendance

Parents,

Our winter after school athletics and programs are in full swing.  We are thrilled to have such an involved and supportive student body.  When planning for after school with your child please consider the following guidelines:

• Students are only permitted to stay after school if they have an immediate practice, game, or activity scheduled to begin prior to 3:30.
• Students wishing to attend athletic events beginning after 3:30 will need to leave the property and return at the start of the event.
• Students are not permitted to arrive/be in the building more than 15 minutes prior to a scheduled practice or activity
• Students participating on an athletic team with a practice or game start time after 3:30 may stay in the building as long as it is supervised by the coach.
• Our athletic events typically start at 4:30 and 5:30.  To confirm times and events check the student activities tab or the athletics tab on The Navigator Blog.
• Events beginning at 4:30 are typically over around 5:30, and events starting at 5:30 are typically finished at 6:30.
• Spectators will be asked to leave the property at the conclusion of the event.  
• Student athletes are not permitted to remain at school for practices that begin at 4:30 (unless a supervised activity is planned with their coach).
• Students may not stay in the building after an event for more than 15 minutes for a practice or activity that begins later that evening.
• Only student athletes will be permitted in the locker rooms after 3:30 daily.

With the cold winter months upon us, it is imperative that students have arrangements made for transportation to and from events.  Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us, and having children unsupervised in the building compromises our ability to maintain a safe school environment.  We thank you for your help in keeping our school safe.