Great Oaks Career Camps!

Great Oaks is offering summer Career Camps for many of their programs for rising 9th (current 8th) and 10th grade students. Camps will run from June 6-10 from 9-3pm and only cost $25!  Have fun and learn about careers like cooking, cosmetolgy, sports rehab, digital art, horse training, construction, aviation, welding and more!  For more information check out the flyer or go to www.greatoaks.com/careercamps2016

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Lindsey Stevens

Nominated by: Mr. Reis

This week’s student of the week is Lindsey Stevens. Lindsey comes to class everyday with smile, and in a positive mood. Lindsey works hard on her school work, and strives to do her best. She gets along well with her peers, and treats them with respect. She also is very respectful to her teachers, always saying hi, and asking how their day is going. Lindsey is an active member of several clubs and organizations here at the Jr. High, including being a member of Partner’s Club. Lindsey is a great representative of Sycamore Jr. High School, and very deserving of this award.

Paul Queenan

Nominated by: Mr. Shomo

Paul strives for the highest possible achievement each day. Paul also plays a huge role in cooperative learning. He is always willing and very successful at peer coaching and teaching. He is always able to help others comprehend the content. His ability and determination to succeed in class is apparent in the following quotes from teachers: Great choice! He works hard and is always willing to help a classmate when needed. He works hard and is a great problem solver. Great kid and very bright - excellent class participation...asks good questions I can honestly say that he everything a coach can ask for in an athlete. He has great sportsmanship, an awesome attitude, and is very coach-able... At one of our wrestling meets, he cleaned up our entire section without being asked. Just one example of him doing the right thing even if nobody is looking... true character.

Announcements 3/2

• Baseball tryouts for position players will start today from 5-6:30.  You must go home and come back for tryouts or report to study tables in room 213 if you cannot come back for tryouts. You must You must have all paperwork filled out on Final Forms in order to participate.  If you have questions please see Coach Harris in room 213.
• "SSC members: the sectional rehearsal for Row 2 is today during Aviator Bell in the Auditorium.  Show your pass to your teacher and report directly to the auditorium."
• "There is a parent meeting on Monday, March 7th at 7:00pm for any boys interested in playing soccer at the HS next year.  The meeting will be held in the team room which is located near the swimming pool at the HS.  Coach contact information is Ben Williams, b_mwilliams@hotmail.com."
• the pop tab contest is with first bell classes
• Athletic Board
• There will be no Athletic Board Meeting this Friday.  Our next meeting will be Friday, April 1st at 7:30.
• DON’T MISS OUT!!   Get your tickets for A Night of One Acts today at lunchtime in the cafeteria.  Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00pm.  Come support your fellow students in this funny show!
• Food Focus Group meeting on Wednesday during Aviator bell (right after the message).
• Today, Coach Shomo will be holding another track meeting in the cafeteria after the announcements. if you plan on participating in track, please attend. Important information on paperwork and other items. 
• All students interested in helping out with our final Spirit Week and Pep Rally of the year, please plan on attending the next Spirit Club Meeting on Friday, March 4th in Ms. Mott's Room 219.  See you there!
• Attention all softball players:  Try outs start TODAY in the front gym.  Be ready at 3:15 and have a ride at 5pm sharp.  Be sure to have a final forms account and have all paperwork especially the sports physical up to date.  If you just got a physical, you will need to have that IN HAND at try outs.  Any questions, see Coach Meyer or Coach Brown.
• There will be a student council meeting today from 3:15-4:00. 
•  Ever wonder how to play water polo? There is a free camp starting March 14th at 6pm at the High school. Email Coach Hellwig at Aviatorpolo@gmail.com to sign up.

Character Word of the Week!

Ambition:

A strong determination to accomplish challenging goals.

Challenge:

Each day take one step toward a life goal.

This Week in Sports

Here is what the Week in Sports looks like for the week of 2/29 (all practices/tryouts):

Monday 2/29
Baseball	3:15-5:00 front
Softball	3:15-5:00 back
Boys Lacrosse	6:00-8:00 turf
Girls Lacrosse	3:15-5:00 turf
Tuesday 3/1
Baseball	3:15-5:00 both
Softball	OFF
Boys Lacrosse	OFF
Girls Lacrosse	3:15-5:00 turf
Wednesday 3/2
Baseball	5:00-6:30 front
Softball	3:15-5:00 front
Boys Lacrosse	6:00-8:00 turf
Girls Lacrosse	3:15-5:00 turf
Thursday 3/3
Baseball	OFF
Softball	OFF
Boys Lacrosse	6:00-8:00 turf
Girls Lacrosse	OFF
Friday 3/4
Baseball	OFF
Softball	3:15-5:00 front
Boys Lacrosse	6:00-8:00 turf
Girls Lacrosse	3:15-5:00 turf

GEAR Pi Day

Spring Sports starting this Week!

Softball (Pitcher and Catcher) Tryouts 3:15-5:00 both gyms

Boys Lax Conditioning 5:00-7:00 turf and both gyms 

Access the PTO on our new school website!

Dear Parents,

Please note that all PTO information will now be available under the " For Parents" section on the new Sycamore School website.
Click on "For Parents" and then select "PTO" from the drop down list. All PTO relevant information will be available under this tab. The calendar will also reflect the PTO related events and meeting information.

www.sycamoreschools.org/sycamorejh

Announcements

• Friday is the LAST day to sign up for the Mindfulness class!! Don't miss this great opportunity! See Mrs. Laudeman in the counseling office with any questions. 
• Last call for Box Tops, we will be picking up next Friday the 4th and sending in our last installment for this year. 
• Baseball tryouts for pitchers and catchers will begin on Monday Feb. 29th from 3:15-4:30.  You must have all paperwork filled out on Final Forms in order to participate.  If you have questions please see Coach Harris in room 213.
• Change: We the people Friday's Aviator Bell meeting has been moved to Monday. Monday's 7:15 AM meeting has now been moved to Wednesday. (repeat).  
• Aviator Bell Monday in Room 200.  
• Wednesday 7:15 AM in Room 200.   
• As always, students should check their emails and Remind app for the latest updates to schedules and assignments.
• Yearbook Ordering EXTENSION until Monday, February 29th
• You still have time to order your yearbook!  Place your order THIS WEEKEND!!
• In order to guarantee you receive a copy of the 2016 yearbook you must place your order through Jostens.  You should have received an order form through the mail at home to purchase your 2016  Sycamore Jr. High yearbook.  If you did not receive this form you can order a yearbook online or by phone.  The web address and phone number can be found on the Navigator blog and in the hallways.  Please do not send money to school!
• Not sure if you ordered a yearbook?  Check the list outside Mrs. Speelman's art room (246) to double check.
•    See Mrs. Speelman is you have any questions. Order today!
• ALL girls trying out for lacrosse--tryouts begin MONDAY 2/29.  In order to tryout, you must be signed up through Final Forms with all necessary paperwork and turn in your completed Physical to Coach Mott in room 219 if you have not yet played a sport this year.  Be sure to have all equipment ready to go, also: appropriate shoes, lacrosse stick, goggles, and mouth guard.
• Don’t forget about Tuesday morning HW club in room 207 at 7:15.
• Lunch Challenge
• Lunch A is in the lead...
• Lunch A - 27
• Lunch B - 26
• Lunch C - 23
• Students participating in the Junior High Drumline please report to the band room for aviator bell, today.
• ON Tuesday, Coach Shomo will be holding another track meeting in the cafeteria. if you plan on participating in track, please attend. Important information on paperwork and other items. 
• All students interested in helping out with our final Spirit Week and Pep Rally of the year, please plan on attending the next Spirit Club Meeting on Thursday March 4th in Ms. Mott's Room 219.  See you there!

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Eva Armbruster

Nominated by: Ms. Meyer

It is my pleasure to select Eva Armbruster for the 8th grade Student of the Week award. I had the pleasure of getting to know her in physical education and health class last semester and am fortunate to see her daily in aviator bell. When I reached out to her other teachers for comments, I received a flood of immediate responses, basically of how awesome she is! Here are just a few things of why she is so deserving of this award. Eva is vibrant, hard working, conscientious, and always willing to help her peers and adults. Eva is mature, smiles….. alot….. and has a great sense of humor. I still love our class suggestion box! Eva is an easy choice because she stands out as a leader, is pleasant, and has such a kind spirit. She continues to make a difference at SJHS and will in whatever path she chooses. Congratulations!

Ziyi (Amy) Wang

Nominated by: Mrs. Williams

Amy is a fun and interesting person who works hard in all of her classes. Amy has only lived in the U.S. for a few months and is doing all of her school work in her second language. Despite the challenges this may present, she is a successful, responsible, and determined young lady. Additionally, Amy is a positive support for her other classmates and sets a strong example for what any Sycamore Junior High student needs to do to succeed. Amy’s attitude is what stands out the most. She attacks academic and social challenges with a smile and looks forward to the risks that come with trying new things. She proves that a positive, calm attitude goes a lot further than a frustrated or discouraged one. Her work is detailed and insightful. She has a passion for trying new things and meeting new people. Amy has impressed all of her teachers this year. Congratulations Amy!

Character Word of the Week!

Dependability:

It's the value of being reliable toward yourself and others.

Challenge:

Turn in your class assignments on time!

2016 Yearbook Order Deadline EXTENDED TO MONDAY!

This is your very last chance to buy a 2016  SJHS yearbook.  The final deadline has been EXTENDED TO MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH!
In order to guarantee you receive a copy of the 2016 yearbook you must place your order through Jostens.  You should have received an order form through the mail at home to purchase your 2016  Sycamore Jr. High yearbook.  If you did not receive this form you can order a yearbook online or by phone . . . online  jostensyearbooks.com

or by calling 1-866-282-1516

 Please do not send money to school!  Contact Mrs. Melissa Speelman with any questions speelmanm@sycamoreschools.org.  Order today!

Order online!  jostensyearbooks.com

Order by phone!  1-866-282-1516

Added Date for JH CCP Placement Test!

College Credit Plus UC Placement Test

March 31, 2016

3:15 PM 

in Mrs. Tallman's Room (202) 

at the Junior High

For more information on the CCP Program: Click Here

College Credit Plus Information

Ohio’s College Credit Plus can help your child earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students.  Students in grades 7-12 can participate.

If you are interested in learning more, attend the College Credit Plus Information Night at SHS on Feb. 25th @ 6:30pm in the Auditorium.  CCP has many dates and deadlines that must be followed. If interested, be sure to attend the meeting at SHS!

Click Here for more information on CCP

Congrats to our Variety Show!

Last night's Variety show was AMAZING! We are so proud of the talent housed in this school! 

If you missed the show, check out some of the talent our staff showed in this lip sync battle!

Click Here to watch the lip sync battle

Winter Sports Awards Tonight!

Winter Sports Awards

February 18, 2016

7:00 PM

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Sophie Campbell

Nominated by: Mr. Rodriguez

When thinking about who to select for this week's Student of the Week, will be honest and say it was extremely difficult. I have a great group of students in all my classes, and for me to pick out just one...was a challenge! Sycamore is full of capable and well deserving students; however, after weeks of debate, I have selected Sophie Campbell as my student of the week. Sophie has done the little things to stand out amongst the best. She will email me with questions about assignments when she is confused, she works diligently during Aviator bell, she has worked tremendously well with her classmates in our group projects, she excels in the details of her work-takes the time to do them well...she cares about her education! And because she does, she takes the initiative and responsibility to stay on top of her school work, Sophie understands in order to do well, one must work at it. Thank you for your hard work and for being a great example...

Yuzuka Maekawa

Nominated by: Mrs. Reedy

Yuzuka has been chosen for this week's student of the week for many reasons. All her teachers agree that she is a sweet young lady who puts forth her best effort in everything she does. She listens intently during class everyday, is always prepared, works well with others, and never complains when things are difficult. Yuzuka also embodies many of the character words that are focused on at Sycamore Junior High. She rises above challenges, takes pride in receiving good grades, and is respectful and polite to all students and teachers alike. She also participates in school activities by being a great artist and dressing up on school spirit days. The final two qualities that make Yuzuka the most special, however, are her awesome smile and never ending enthusiasm! Students like Yuzuka do not come along every day and she should definitely be recognized for making my job an absolute pleasure

Change of Date for Freshman Camp

Our 8th grade students will have the opportunity to spend two days at Sycamore High School in May for "Freshman Camp".  During these two full days at the high school, the students will be grouped into "families" and spend time team building and exploring the great things Sycamore High School has to offer.  Our dates were previously reported as May 19 and 20 for Freshman Camp.  Those dates have been changed to May 16 and 17.  This change of date allows students the opportunity to remain in their instructional classrooms in the days leading up to end of year exams.  More information regarding Freshman Camp will be shared in March and April.

Announcements

• Tickets are now on sale for the SEE 1 (Sycamore Electric Ensemble) concert on February 19th at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium. Returning for a 2nd year is Joe Deninzon, lead singer and electric violinist of the New York based progressive rock group, Stratospheerius. Joe was a hit at last year's concert and he is excited about returning this year! Come hear current hits by The Weeknd, One Republic, classic rock tunes by Rush, Led Zeppelin, Muse and others along with original works by Joe Deninzon. All tickets are reserved seating and cost $10 and may be purchased at www.SBOB through the online store or you may pick up a ticket form in the office. Come rock out with SEE 1 complete with a professional light show! You won't want to miss it!
• Attention any 8th grade boy interested in playing high school soccer next year:  we will have a mandatory meeting with the Varsity Coach (coach Williams) on Tuesday, February 23rd, during Aviator bell in Mr. Tanaka's class (room 240).  Please talk to Mr. Tanaka if you can't make it.  Thanks!
• Attention all 7th graders!
• We want YOU to be in choir next year!!  Any 7th grader who would like to try choir next year is encouraged to see Mrs. Stein or Mr. Callahan in Room 105 during Aviator bell this week.  It's never too late to start singing.  If you want to join a winning team- join choir!  
• Permission slips and t-shirt money for we the people  are due today.  Please turn these into either Mrs Morrow or Mr Hammer.   Our first meeting will begin next week in room 200.  Our first meeting will be on Monday, 2/22 at 7:15 in Room 200. 
• If you missed the meeting for HS football players please see Coach Harris in room 213 and pick up the schedule for the summer.
• "Feeling stressed and scattered? Looking to create meaning and increase happiness? Join our 10 session course on learning how to be mindful and increase a sense of balance in your life. Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday during Aviator bell in the lower media center. Please come to the counseling office to register for this course. There are limited spaces available. Sessions will begin on March 1st. Please see Mrs. Laudeman with any questions."
• This is your very last chance to buy a 2016  SJHS yearbook.  The final deadline is Friday, February 26th .
• In order to guarantee you receive a copy of the 2016 yearbook you must place your order through Jostens.  You should have received an order form through the mail at home to purchase your 2016  Sycamore Jr. High yearbook.  If you did not receive this form you can order a yearbook online or by phone.  The web address and phone number can be found on the Navigator blog and in the hallways.  
•  Please do not send money to school!  See Mrs. Speelman is you have any questions. Order today!
• Come join Mademoiselle Hunt and other students celebrate ¨Crepe¨ month in French Club after school this Tuesday, February 23rd. Learn about the tradition of eating crepes, try your hand at flipping a crepe, and of course enjoy stuffing and eating one! Sign-up in Madame Toerpe’s room is required as there will only be enough crepes for those who sign-up. You will need to arrange for a ride home. Bon appétit!
• Lunch Challenge
• At the end of this week Lunch "B" is in the lead...
• Lunch A = 15
• Lunch B = 16
• Lunch C = 14
•  Remind students to remain in seats, throw away everything, and keep improving!

Character Word of the Week!

Compassion:

A deep awareness and sympathy for another's suffering.

Challenge:

Be a person of kindness and generosity.

Update on CogAT Testing

In the spirit of proactive communication, we want to let you know that the CogAT parent reports arrived late yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, upon examination of these reports, we realized that the final, composite scores were inadvertently left off the reports. We are working with the testing company to find a quick resolution to this problem. As soon as we receive the corrected reports, they will be mailed home right away. Once again, we appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. 

SJH Valentine's Day Dance

Awaiting CogAT Results

If your child took the CogAT in December, please know that we encountered some technical difficulties and are now waiting for the parent reports to arrive from the company. As soon as the parent reports arrive, your child's results will be mailed home. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.

New Lunchtime Procedures

To help ensure a clean and orderly eating environment in our cafeteria, we have implemented a few new procedures in our lunch bells.

First, the students have been offered a chance to earn music during their Friday lunch time each week by showing good behavior throughout the week. We have also created a competition between the three lunch bells with the most well behaved bell earning a prize to be determined before spring break.

Students have been instructed to keep the following rules in order to earn a good behavior rating:

1. Keep the noise level to that of a classroom (ie. no yelling or shouting)

2. No pounding on the tables or chairs

3. Leave a clean cafeteria for the next lunch group

4. Stay in your seat until dismissed from lunch

5. Be respectful to the lunch supervisors and other students

Second, we have added a few new procedures to ensure cleanliness and order in the cafeteria. We will now be dismissing students by table to throw their trash away and leave the cafeteria. This will allow a supervisor to check for cleanliness at each table and will add order to the way students leave. We have also started to give lunch detentions to any student who is not following the lunch time rules. These lunch detentions will be served immediately, unless it is the end of the bell, in which case they will be served the next day.

Please help us to improve our lunch time environment by discussing and enforcing these procedures with your children.

Thank you!

SHS Extracurricular Forum

Track & Field

Any girl or boy may participate in Track & Field, which is a non-cut sport. The team practices Monday - Friday from 3:20 - 5:00 PM. Athletes will compete in a minimum of 6 meets over the season. Regular season begins on March 7th and will end in Late April with District Meet in Early May. Please visit JH Track and Field Website for more information. Parents will also need to complete all paperwork on the Finals Forms Website. For questions, please email Rick Shomo: shomor@sycamoreschools.org. 

New Edition of our Student Newspaper!

Please enjoy the latest edition of THE FLYER by clicking here!

Happy Weekend!

From the staff of:

THE FLYER

SYCAMORE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Student Written Newsletter

"We're the team that always makes the news!"

theflyer@sycamoreschools.org

Follow us on Instagram.  "thesycamoreflyer" 

No Athletic Events Today!

Due to Inclement Weather:

The GMC Tournament Games at SJH scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed and rescheduled for Wednesday.  

No practice today for 7th Grade Girls.

Therefore, there are No Athletic Events today. 

Athlete of the Week!

This week's Student Athlete of the Week is:

Lindsey Marnocha

Being part of a team takes more than skill and ability. A team player goes above and beyond to improve. Listens to all the "little things" their coaches try to teach. Makes eye contact when corrected and acknowledged direction. Lindsey fits it all. Her improvement from day one is recognized and appreciated. She is always the first on the floor working on basic skills to improve. We are proud of Lindsey’s accomplishments on and off the court. Congrats #15. 

Students of the Week!

This week's Students of the Week are:

Brian Vogt

Nominated by:Mrs. Adams

 It is an honor to nominate Brian Vogt as Student of the Week. Brian is a caring, intuitive, and talented young man who is dedicated to his academic pursuits. He possesses the combination of a positive attitude and the belief that he can always improve-- qualities that are so essential to the learning process. Throughout the year Brian has been an active participant in class discussions and activities, and has always supported his peers. His caring nature and personality allow him to work well with others in a team setting--he respects others' opinions even when they differ from his own. Brian has an intuitive ability that allows him to be articulate about difficult concepts and texts. He is able to think critically and creatively on challenging topics. With his exceptional natural ability and a willingness and eagerness to learn, Brian finds new and interesting ways to challenge himself. Something extremely impressive about Brian is his talent as a writer. He puts his own unique twist on each assignment and uses his imagination to produce creative pieces of writing. I can say with confidence that Brian is one of the most caring and driven students I've ever taught. I look forward to being Brian's teacher as he finishes his academic career at the junior high. I have no doubt that he will continue to experience great success in all his future endeavors.

Cynthia Kudatsi

Nominated by: Mrs. Nagel

There are many reasons why Cynthia is nominated as Student of the Week. Not only is she an excellent student, she is an exceptional person. Anyone who has contact with Cynthia agrees that she is remarkable by the way she interacts with her peers as well as any adult around her. Cynthia is polite. Cynthia is smart. Cynthia is kindhearted. Cynthia is helpful to others. Cynthia is a friend. All of these reasons are impressive for sure but what sets Cynthia apart is she is truly genuine. Each day as Cynthia enters class she smiles and says hello. She interacts with her peers in a positive manner making everyone want to be around her. It is obvious that she will be an incredible leader in whatever she wants to accomplish. Cynthia is a true asset to Sycamore Junior HIgh. We are fortunate to have her as part of our student body.

This Week In Sports!

Week in Sports for 2/8

Monday

3:15-5:00 Girls 7th Gold BB Practice

Tuesday

5:45 Girls 7th Gold BB vs. Mason Green @ Hamilton Wilson

4:30/5:45 in Both Gyms- GMC Quarterfinal games

Wed

3:15-5:00 Girls 7th Gold BB Practice (if necessary)

3:15 Spring Coaches Meeting in Health Room

Thurs

5:45 Girls 7th Gold BB Semi Final @ Garfield (if neccesary)

4:30/5:45 Main Gym- GMC Semi Final Games

Friday

3:15-5:00 Girls 7th Gold BB Practice (if neccesary)

Saturday

9:00 am Girls 7th Gold BB Championship Game @ Garfield (if neccesary)

** All of the "if necessary" events will come off the books if the team loses at any point.