The Hour of Code

The Hour of Code

We live in a world surrounded by technology and we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. In fact, the number of jobs requiring a knowledge of basic coding is expected to grow exponentially (26.5%*) compared to other occupations in our region, by the time our current 6th graders graduate from high school. Research shows children’s ideas/attitudes about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) are generally determined by 6th grade. In Sycamore Community Schools we are committed to increasing opportunities for all of our students to engage in activities that provide awareness and exploration in each of the STEAM areas throughout their twelve grades of development.

This week our students in grades 2-4 are among over two million worldwide spending one hour learning the basics of coding during one of the largest education events in history: The Hour of Code.  Our hope is that by participating in the Hour of Code, our Sycamore students will begin to develop foundational coding skills and heightened interest in participating in Sycamore High School’s nationally recognized computer science program and other related courses in their future.

For additional resources go to Beyond the Hour of Code or Symbaloo Coding Websites and encourage your child to explore additional coding opportunities.

*second only to health care providers according to UC Economic Center

Resources for your Young Readers at Home!

Looking for some resources to help your young readers at home?  Use this link to go to INFOhio with resources for parents on reading, homework, and helping your child use INFOhio resources.  This site can also help your child transition successfully through different stages of education, or prepare for assessments.

Parent Reading Tips

Notes From our Nurse

December Holiday notes for our School Nurse:

December 6th  - December 12th is National Influenza Week: It’s not too late to get your Flu vaccination for this Flu season!  The CDC recommends  Flu Vaccine for all individuals 6 months and older.  Check out http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/nivw-key-points.htm for more information regarding the Flu vaccine and keeping your family healthy this holiday season.

Allergy and Asthma during the Holidays:  Sometimes allergies and asthma are triggered during the winter months.  Here is some helpful information for your family to stay safe and healthy this season http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/lifestyle/holiday/8-tips-for-allergy-free-holidays http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/asthma-library/allergies,-asthma-and-winter-holidays.aspx

When to keep a child home from school: It can be difficult to decide when and how long to keep an ill child home from school. The timing of the absences is often important in order to decrease the spread of disease to others and to prevent your child from acquiring any other illness while his or her resistance is lowered.

If your child has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea they must stay home until they no longer have the symptom for 24 hours without the use of medication to control the symptoms.

Check our school illness guidelines  at http://www.sycamoreschools.org/documents/contentdocuments/doc_23_5_1300.pdf . The school district health handbook has more information and found on the district website at http://www.sycamoreschools.org/documents/contentdocuments/doc_23_5_5453.pdf

Attention third grade parents: Your children will starting Basic Aid  Training (BAT) with our school nurse, Diana Wyrick, RN this week December 8 - 11.  This program is adapted from the The American Red  Cross. The students will learn:

1. Steps for an Emergency Action Plan
2. How to treat for shock
3. Where to call in an emergency
4. How to do Citizen CPR
5. What to do if someone chokes
6. How to treat wounds
7. How to treat animal bites
8. What to do if someone falls
9. What to do if electric shock is suspected
10. How to prevent poisoning and what to do

The students will be asked to share their knowledge with you at home.  Please encouraged them to teach you what they know.

Lice 101 review: Lice cannot jump or fly.  They are transmitted by direct head to head contact with another person with lice or sharing items placed in the hair.  Children should be instructed against sharing hats, clothing or hair items with others.  Children should use their own pillows and sleeping bags when spending the night with a friend. household pets do not transmit lice. Consult the Sycamore Student Health Handbook for more great  information about lice. Here is a link from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding best practices with lice management https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Updates-Treatments-for-Head-Lice.aspx

Please contact our School Nurse, Mrs. Wyrick at 68601713, if you have any questions.

Operation Give Back Drive

The Blue Ash Elementary food and goods drive to benefit Operation Give Back is December 3-9. Our goal is to collect 1,000 items by Wednesday, December 9th.

Operation Give Back provides after- school homework support for designated Sycamore students as well as a Holiday Store for district families who are in need of assistance. 

Thursday December 3rd: Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions)

Friday December 4th: Canned & Boxed Foods (non-perishable)

Monday December 7th: NEW Children's clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, socks) 

Tuesday December 8th: NEW Children's Books and Toys (art supplies, puzzles, games)

Wednesday December 9th: Paper Goods (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues) 

Students can take donations directly to their classrooms. All items will be gathered on our stage where our students can watch them grow daily as we work our way to 1,000 items!