It’s almost time for the 2016 After School Enrichment Program!  ASE program packets will be sent home in your children’s bags on Monday January 4, 2016. 

There some exciting changes to the 2016 program, including online registration and online payment!  Please be on the lookout for the packet on January 4^th and review your packet carefully and take note of important dates and times.   

We are looking forward to a great program in 2016!

Check out our Superintendent, Mr. Frank Forsthoefel reading the book,

SNOW DAY to our students!

Get Ready to R...E...A...D!!!

    One Book, One School is back, and book lovers at Maple Dale have selected:

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal! 

If you care about animals and have experienced the power of friendship, you’re sure to connect with this novel!

    Although The One and Only Ivan is fictional, Ivan did, in fact, live caged in a mall in Washington for 27 years and served as the inspiration for Katherine Applegate’s novel.  You’ll have the pleasure of meeting many animal characters including Ivan, Stella (an elephant), Ruby (a baby elephant), and Bob (a stray dog).  Living in captivity at the Big Top Mall offers many interesting experiences and challenges for these intriguing creatures. Get ready to befriend them all!  

   Reading The One and Only Ivan may elicit deep thinking; connections with our world, or opinions you may have about the treatment of animals living in captivity.  Perhaps your family will have engaging conversations surrounding your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.  

    Thanks to support from our PTO, each family will be receiving a copy of this book to keep forever.  Please see the pacing guide so that you know what pages to read at home as a family throughout the months of January and February.  Each week at school. students will have the opportunity to earn prizes by answering trivia questions based on the previous week’s reading.  

    You probably can’t wait to get started!  Maple Dale’s One Book, One School Kick off assembly will be held on Tuesday, January 12th.  Your family’s book will be sent home with your oldest Maple Dale child that day.  Be ready...your child/children will be eager to share this reading experience with friends and family!  Carve out some time in your evening each night to join us in promoting the love of reading!

Great Gifts for your favorite Aviator(s)

Still shopping for the holidays?  Stop by the AVES Hangar to pick up some spiritwear and novelties.  These make great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts and/or a special treat for yourself.  The AVES Hangar is located in the Commons of the high school.  For more information about the AVES Hangar like us on Facebook - (www.facebook.com/SycamoreHighSchoolBookstore) and follow us on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/shsbookstore).  Questions?  Email us at sycamorebookstore@gmail.com.

 

The store is open the following times through Friday 12/18:

 

SCHOOL HOURS:

Thursday 12/10 – Tuesday 12/15

6:50am-7:20am

11:30am-12:40pm

 

Wednesday 12/16 – Friday 12/18

6:50am-7:20am ONLY

 

SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS:

Tuesday 12/15:  6pm-8pm

Thursday 12/17: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Save the Date for Maple Dale Family Fun Night



Make sure to mark your calendars for the Maple Dale Family Fun Night, Sunday, January 31, 2016, 4:30-6:30 pm at Castle Skateland in Loveland. Enjoy skating, food, and fun with lots of Maple Dale families!

 

Be on the lookout for a flyer giving you the opportunity to preorder your tickets at a discounted price. This year, you can save the most by ordering your tickets ONLINE! More information will be going out in your child’s responsibility folder.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Towbin at 376-7925 or Karen Griffin at 376-6259.

 

Hope to see you all there!

Thank You letter from Winton Hills Academy

Greetings,

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and dedication to Winton Hills Academy.

Without you and your supporting cast; we would not be able to carry out our mission: "Building a Brighter Tomorrow" for our students; their families and community.

As we reflect on our blessings; please know that you are counted as one of them. :)

You are much appreciated!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Kathy
Kathy Painter
Resource Coordinator
Winton Hills Academy

Operation Give Back Collection

Don't forget to send in your donations for Operation Give Back.   They will be having their annual Holiday Store this weekend, where the needy in our area will be given the opportunity to shop for items they need, as well as for gifts for the kids.  They would love to have baby items, toiletries, and new (unwrapped) toys and books.  Please send in your items by this Thursday, December 10th.

Interact for Health Partners with Xavier Athletics

Interact for Health Partners with Xavier Athletics to
Launch Healthy X Factor Contest

Local students entered to win VIP experiences by sharing healthy choices

 
CINCINNATI. Nov. 18, 2015─ Good nutrition and plenty of exercise are the building blocks for strong growth, healthy development and lifelong wellbeing for children. Interact for Health, a regional foundation that invests in creating healthier communities, is partnering with Xavier Athletics to launch the “Healthy X Factor” contest.  In an effort spur local kids to make healthier choices each and every day, kids who share their Healthy X Factor story will be entered to win either tickets to a Xavier basketball game, or the chance to attend a VIP Xavier basketball camp this spring.

                     Led by Xavier University head basketball coach Chris Mack, the contest is asking area kids under the age of 13 to share what they do to be healthy each day.

                     “Interact for Health knows developing healthy behaviors at an early age can be a key driver in leading to better health over the course of a lifetime,” said Jim Schwab, President and CEO, Interact for Health. “Partnering with Xavier University and Coach Mack was a great way to demonstrate easy ways that kids can make healthy choices every day, and inspire them to choose healthier options moving forward.”

                     “We are excited to launch our partnership with Interact for Health”, said Xavier Athletic Director Greg Christopher.  “This partnership is a great way to leverage the reach of Xavier Basketball and the expertise of Interact for Health to help create healthier kids and healthier communities. Both organizations are committed to improving the surrounding communities and I think this initiative reflects that commitment.” 

About the Healthy X Factor Contest

As part of the contest, Coach Mack hosts a series of short videos featuring area kids, and easy ways they can be healthy. Whether it’s jumping rope, choosing fruit, playing ball or just dancing with friends, the Healthy X Factor contest is asking kids under the age of 13 to share their story. Kids, with their parent or guardian, can visit www.GoXavier.com/HealthyXFactor between now and January 6 to submit a story, photo or video describing how they have made healthy choices.

Just by sharing his or her healthy activity, kids will be entered to win:

      ·         Two tickets to the Xavier vs Seton Hall game on January 23, 2016 OR

·         The opportunity to attend a VIP Xavier Basketball mini-camp in spring of 2016

As an added incentive, the top three schools with the most students participating will receive Interact for Health jump ropes for every student in the school.

About Interact for Health

Interact for Health invests in healthier communities for all people. We serve as a catalyst for health and wellness by promoting healthy living through grants, education, policy, and engagement. Interact for Health is an independent nonprofit that serves 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. More information is available on our website, www.interactforhealth.org.
 
About Xavier University
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. Founded in 1831, the university is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks it No.6 among master’s-level universities in the Midwest and The Princeton Review names it as one of the “Best 377 Colleges in America.”

Dear Maple Dale Family,

You are AWESOME!  Thank you for the overwhelming participation in “Support the Troops” project for the soldiers of the 101st Airborne, 1st Battalion, 32nd Cavalry Regiment.

The collection was a huge success! The students' letters, paper hugs, and  paper soldiers were so incredibly cute and heart-warming. They arrived in time for Veterans Day along with a $6 Subway gift card for each of the soldiers. Recently, while in the field training on a wet rainy day, the soldiers ordered Subway sandwiches and had lunch on us!  

The soldiers loved the letters and were touched that we had done so much for them. Thank you, teachers, for your time and efforts in making that happen.

The Maple Dale families came through with so many wonderful treats,  that I had a hard time loading everything into my SUV! I took 20 boxes of treats down to Ft. Campbell. The soldiers had been for gone for 10 days of training and when they showed up for debriefing meetings they were shocked to see all the boxes of treats. The Halloween candy was a big hit! THANK YOU So Much Maple Dale!!! You made them feel so appreciated!

They have promised to send us a picture.

--Chris Pappas, Special Education Teacher and "Support the Troops" Coordinator

Collection for Operation Give Back Holiday Store

Please consider helping the Operation Give Back Holiday Store with a donation of baby items. Maple Dale Staff and Families are asked to donate:

• Baby Care Items
• Diapers
• New or Gently Used Baby Clothes

A collection bin is located near the main door of our school, under the “Stars of the Week” display board.

The Holiday Store is a tremendous help to needy families in our community. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

Conflict Resolution: A Critical Life Skill

Growing up in rural Coshocton County,  I was so fortunate to have my grandparents nearby; to learn and grow from their wisdom. My Grandfather Hoy, a United Methodist minister, was a tremendous influence on my life. His practical wisdom still has a profound impact on the things I say and do. One of his favorite sayings was, “Human beings need to learn to disagree agreeably.” How true that is today in a world that is filled with conflict and stress.

I believe we need to teach our children the skill of “disagreeing agreeably” even when they are facing “elementary-sized” conflicts. Now is the time to help young learners develop a sense of control over their reactions and provide strategies that will help them feel empowered.

I asked the Maple Dale teachers to provide some practical “tips” for helping children learn to resolve conflicts in a mutually agreeable way. Here is Maple Dale’s list of “Top Ten Strategies” to help kids resolve conflicts agreeably.

10. An adult picks a number written on a popsicle stick from a can. Have the two children in conflict pick a number between one and ten. The adult rolls a dice and reveals who was closest to the “magic number”. The child closest to the roll on the dice gets to choose the game or activity.

9. Two children have a meeting in “thinking chairs” to talk through a conflict issue. When resolved, the students report back to the adult what the decision was. If they still need help resolving the conflict, the adult can offer some guiding questions to prompt them as they return to the thinking chairs.

8. Actively teach the STALL method--Stop, Take turns, Accept, Listen and (show) Love.

7. Put letters in a basket. Each student picks a letter. The student with the letter closest to the beginning letter in their first name goes first and gets to tell their side of the story first. After both sides have been heard, the students pick a solution together and report it to the adult.

6. Have two students write about the conflict and their feelings in a Writer’s Journal entry. Take the time to read these to each other and practice active listening. When done, each child again writes about how talking it out solved the problem.

5. Teach children that we are responsible for what we say and do. Use Morning Meeting time each day to affirm one another with positive messages. Building a bank of positive messages helps kids feel important and valued.

4. Adults actively model the power of compromise. Children notice how we treat adults.  Model what a good compromise looks like and talk with your child about how it feels to compromise.

3. Play board games! They are a great way to model taking turns, being honest, being a good sport and being a gracious winner.

2. Help children use “I messages” when talking. “I felt happy when you chose me for the game.”

“I felt sad when you did not want to play with me.” Often children act on feelings and are not able to articulate them. Using words helps other children understand what may be causing the conflict.

1. Actively practice listening and responding by taking turns in conversations. Help children understand why it is important to see the other person’s point-of-view.

Thank you to the Maple Dale staff for their thoughtful approaches to teaching conflict resolution!

Thank You!

 

Winton Hills Academy staff and students THANK YOU for your generous donations of Halloween candy and gently used gloves, coats, and hats.  We had a ton of donations, and everyone was very appreciative when the items were delivered!

 

Operation Give Back

 

Again this year, we are collecting items this month for Operation Give Back.  This worthy program helps the needy children in our school district.  They provide after school tutoring and mentoring, as well as helping develop life skills and enable self-sufficiency for older kids.  Please send in toiletry items, new toys (unwrapped), and new books to help stock their Community Holiday Store.  Items will need to be sent into school by next Thursday, December 10th.

Playground and Gym Equipment Update!

Thanks to the generosity of our parents during this year's Walkathon fundraiser, the PTO has bought a bunch of new playground equipment, which will be arriving this week!  Ask your kids if they've checked out the new items! 

 

**8 new scooters
**New Tetherballs

**24 hula hoops

**10 stilts

**10 Chinese jump ropes
**8 Skip It
**36 Swing ball sets
**15 Balance boards
**1 storage bin for outdoors with a lock, to house the new equipment

 

For our gym, Mr. Chaney is replacing the very much run down safety mats for the climbing wall. 
 

Thanks so much for your generosity!!

No PTO meeting this week!

There is NO PTO meeting this week!  The district calendar has a meeting incorrectly listed for this Thursday.  Our next PTO meeting will be January 14th.

GEAR Coffee Presentation

Here is a link to the GEAR Coffee presentation last week for those interested who couldn't make it.

Please click and proceed through the slides.  You will find a wealth of information about current standards, resources you can use at home, good research practices, tips to pick books for your child, a few words about Lexile, and more!!  

http://prezi.com/j---2myvvepg/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

 

The First- Annual Magical Moon Jamboree

On Friday, November 20th, Science Subject Leaders from the four elementary schools will present the first-annual “Magical Moon Jamboree” at the Nature Trail at Symmes. This free family event is open to all Kindergarten students in the district. Activities will include viewing the moon through telescopes, taking a night hike on the trail and listening to a moon story under the stars in the Reading Garden.

The party will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the playground of Symmes Elementary and will last approximately one hour.  Participants are asked to bring flashlights for the night hike, wear comfortable shoes and all children must be supervised by a family member at all times.

A big “Thank you” to the Sycamore High School Astronomy students and their teacher, Mr. Chad Husting, for helping with the telescopes. And thank you to Symmes Elementary for hosting this fun event!

Sycamore GEAR Coffee & conversation

Maple Dale Girls on the Run Club

The Maple Dale Chapter of Girls on the Run recently made blankets for Children's Hospital. 

Here is what the girls said about the project: 

"We put all of our love into these blankets." -Elizabeth

"I hope you feel warm, loved, and cared for." -Kaitlin

"We love you and your family." -Lilly

"I love helping people feel better." -Evja

"I hope you know you are not alone." -Maya

"Be strong and powerful." -Maddy

"Miracles happen." - Carly

"I think you're wonderful!" -Kacy

"You are loved, and I want you to know that." -Libby

"I hope these blankets keep you warm." -Anya

"I think you are brave." -Evelyn

"When I made this blanket, I felt so so happy! - Sophia

"I made these because I love you." -Rachel

Principal’s Report

Maple Dale PTO Meeting

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Thank you PTO for the wonderful Walk-a-Thon!

Thanks to you, we will enjoy many new things for our playground, our classrooms and our students!

COSI is tomorrow! The traveling exhibit from the Center of Science and Industry will be here tomorrow thanks to the full contribution from the Maple Dale PTO that funds this interactive science experience for our students! The program this year is: Weather!

Collections for Veteran’s Day and Winton Hills Academy---Thanks to the Maple Dale Families for your generosity in supporting these donations for our troops and sister school!

We salute...Staff members Brian Osborn, Psychologist, and Mike Lawson, Custodian, for their military service! Brian served 10 years in the Army and Mike served 12 years in the Army.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, November 20: “Magical Moon Jamboree” for all Kindergarten students in the district and their families, 6:30-7:30 p.m. They Nature Trail at Symmes. See the moon through telescopes, take a night hike on the trail and listen to a moon story under the stars in the reading garden. Fun for the entire family!

Nov. 23rd and 24th: The 3rd grade students will be rehearsing on the stage for the first time to get ready for the winter performance. They are working so hard and really trying to get the flow of the show!

December 1 and 2: Third Grade Reading OAA Testing

Week of December 7-11: CoGAT Testing for all Second Grade Students

Saturday, December 5th: CoGAT testing for students in the district in grades K-1, 3 and 4: By parent nomination, Contact Mrs. Reinke or Mrs. Zellner.

December 8th: The Sycamore Junior High Show Choir under the direction of Jesse Callahan, will be here to perform a holiday showcase for our students beginning at 9:30 a.m. All afternoon Kindergarten students are invited to attend with their parents.

December 9th: 10:00, 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. Parents are invited to each performance!

3rd Grade Musical Performance, “The Abominable Snow Teacher”by Lisa Tassen

Special Appearance of the Third Grade Singers: The Sycamore Board of Education Meeting, Wednesday night, December 16th, Edwin H. Greene Intermediate School

The children, Mr. Brooks, and the Fine Arts Staff will present a musical tribute, “Thankful” to Mr. Kenneth Richter, retiring member of the Board of Education.

Check out the “State of the District Address” by clicking on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J3yRD3RvrA&feature=youtu.be