Ready For Takeoff Preschool Maple Dale Elementary Grades K-4 Blue Ash Elementary Maple Dale Elementary Montgomery Elementary Symmes Elementary
Communities Served Blue Ash, Montgomery Sycamore Township Symmes Township
Grades 5-6 E.H. Greene Intermediate School Grades 7-8: Sycamore Junior High Grades 9-12 Sycamore High School
Our Mission: Sycamore Community Schools will provide challenging, inspiring, and engaging educational experiences to equip students with critical skills that promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth needed to be highly successful in college and careers and to be productive citizens.
Total Enrollment
5,300 Sycamore Community Schools is a progressive, studentcentered district, built on the foundations of respect, responsibility and opportunity. One of the most diverse districts in Ohio, Sycamore Community Schools welcomes students from more than 54 countries around the world. Students in grades 7-12 can get involved with 57 organizational activities and 46 athletic options.
Minority Enrollment
37.4% Qualify for Free & Reduced Meals
17.9% Year Founded
1949 Tuition
None You can find
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Follow Us!
Sycamore Community Schools
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sycamoreschools
in the app store.
Twitter: @SycamoreSchools Instagram: @sycamorecommunityschools
Soaring Above The Rest ACADEMICS
Top Rankings:
#3
2017 Best School Districts in Cincinnati
#8
in 2017 Best School Districts in Ohio
#137 #2 #572 #24 #146
*Niche Report
*Niche Report
in 2017 Best School District in America (out of 11,000) *Niche Report
Safest School Districts in Cincinnati
All four elementary schools named in the Top 16 of Greater Cincinnati’s Best Elementary Schools *Cincinnati Business Courier
*Niche Report
2017 Best High School In America (out of 22,000) *US News and World Report
2017 Best High School in Ohio *US News and World Report
2016 America’s Top High Schools *Newsweek
Sycamore’s Preschool Program awarded 5 Star Rating from Step Up To Quality
All four elementary schools received high achievement and high growth marks on the 2016-2017 MAP Testing
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Aiming For Excellence ACADEMICS
High Flyers:
30
National Merit Honorees
19
National Merit Commended Scholars (among top 3% of U.S. high school seniors)
11
National Merit Scholar Semifinalists (among top 1% of U.S. high school seniors)
Sycamore High School:
223
Course Offerings
26
AP Courses
5
Global Language Courses
90%
of AP students scored 3 or higher
111
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AP Scholars With Distinction
Three
Sycamore students achieved a perfect score of
36
on the ACT Exam. Class of 2017 average ACT:
27.0
the highest in school history
Class of
2017
85% Attending College College Applications 1,618 Submitted Letters of 408 Recommendation Sent Headed To 1% Military Class of 2017
Going Places
ACADEMICS
is headed to over 100 colleges & universities including Harvard & Cornell
99% Average 3.37 GPA graduated with 3.5 112 or above GPA graduated with 4.0 80 or above GPA Average 27 ACT Sum Cum Laude 104 graduates Received Diploma 173 with Honors Heading to Workforce, 14% Apprenticeship, Graduation Rate
or Gap Year
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Elevating Innovation ACADEMICS
COMING SOON:
Full STEAM Ahead:
STEAM Aviation Station: Sycamore Schools has begun retrofitting a decommissioned school bus to create a first-of-itskind classroom on wheels for after school help and STEAM-related activities.
130+ STEAM Offerings and Activities Grades 5-12 • Robotics • Blended Learning • Project-Based Learning • STEAM Summer Enrichment • Makerspace • Project Lead The Way • Virtual Reality/Prototyping Labs For more information: www.goav.es/SycamoreSTEAM
Freshman Jacob Smilg was invited to speak at TedXVienna about the communication device he created to help the disabled.
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair: Sycamore High School seniors Aaron and Ben Charnay: Fourth in the Energy Chemical category.
Greenpower Electric Car Challenge: Sycamore High School Engineering students were one of 33 groups worldwide to compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ohio MathCounts Competition: LEGO League: • The Omegabots represented the state of Ohio at the LEGOLAND North American Open. • Scientific Touch team finished in second place at the FIRST LEGO League World Tournament.
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• Sycamore Junior High: First Place • Eighth grader Rishi Verma won the individual competition, advancing to nationals.
Technology Student Association TEAMS Competition: Sycamore High School: First Place
Flight Training
ACADEMICS
Aviator Flight Plan Grades 5-12: Connecting the classroom to future careers: Students learn about potential career paths through curriculum embedded activities such as “Inspire” trips, speakers, and service learning.
Learning Communities Grades 9-12: Students have opportunity to take general blueprint of courses that explore 17 possible careers and/ or college majors prior to leaving high school.
Internship Program Grades 9-12: Student internship opportunities available at more than 40 local businesses and organizations
Sycamore’s Teaching Professionals Academy (TPA) students placed in the top five in their respective competitions at the Educators Rising State Competition
32 Sycamore High School Marketing students placed in the top 10 for their events at the Ohio DECA Competition. 16 advanced to the international DECA Competition.
Sycamore’s DECA Chapter was named “Most Outstanding DECA Chapter” at State.
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Piloting Our Future STAFF LEADERSHIP
749
Total Employees
461
Certified
288
Classified
78% 2016 Best Workplaces In Ohio *Ohio Business Magazine
New teachers Katie McGill and Kari Wyse both earned top 100 scores on the 2016-2017 Ohio Resident Educator Summative Assessment. 2016 President of Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation: Transportation Director Mike Miller
2016-2017 Sycamore Celebrate Excellence Educator of the Year: Joy Nichols *Hamilton County Education Foundation
8
of teachers have Masters Degrees
15
Average Years of Experience
83
Ohio Master Teachers
#12
Districts with the Best Teachers in Ohio *Niche Report
13
National Board Certified Teachers
#2
Best Places to Teach in Cincinnati
#6
Best Places to Teach in Ohio
CINCY Soldiers Award by the My GI Foundation: Director of Maintenance David Foster
Launching Creativity Sycamore High School’s Bella Voce earned Excellent rating at the OMEA State Competition.
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Music Offerings Grades 5-12
Sycamore Named Best Communities for Music Education for the 8th consecutive year.
Sycamore High School Marching Band named Mid State Band Associations 4A Ohio Champions
Soaring With Celebrities On Stage:
ARTS
Sycamore High School Choral members performed with country star Eric Church at U.S. Bank Arena. E.H. Greene Intermediate & Sycamore High School students played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. SEE1, Sycamore’s student Rock Orchestra, joined by renowned electric violinist Joe Deninzon in concert.
46 Sycamore students earned seats in the Ohio Music Education Association Honor Bands and Orchestras
Junior Kiri Wang was selected to the All-National Ensembles Symphony Orchestra.
Andy Yang won first place at the American Protege International Piano & Strings Competition.
Visit
www.sycamoreschools.org or download the Sycamore Community School Mobile App for this year’s calendar of music events.
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Achieving High Altitudes ARTS
Sycamore Junior High Power of the Pen:
First Place at District
Two Top 15 Winners At State Montgomery Women’s Club Creative Writing Contest:
11 5 Two 2017 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition:
81
Total Regional Awards
20
Gold Key Winner Silver Medal at Nationals
EXPOSURE Montgomery Photography Competition:
5 Awards 10
Top Awards First Place Awards State Champion Writers
Acting Aviators
Aves Theatre 2016-2017 Performances: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Irena’s Vow Big Fish
ARTS
Sycamore Junior High Theatre 2016-2017 Performances: Unplugged High School Musical Jr
Aves Theatre students invited to perform at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Festival.
Elementary Performances: Symmes Players celebrated 20 years with “Alice In Wonderland, Jr.” Montgomery Elementary “101 Dalmatians, Kids” Maple Dale Elementary “Turk and Runt!” Blue Ash Elementary Variety Show
2017-2018 Aves Theatre Productions:
High School Theatre League Awards: • Superior Rating (“Big Fish”) • Excellence in performance (Elsa Benson) • Excellence in set construction • Excellence in Musical performance (“Big Fish” Orchestra) • Excellence in performance (Mason Taylor)
Nov. 10-11 “Game of Tiaras” Feb. 1-3
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
April 13-14, “Into The Woods” & 20-22
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Worldwide Destinations ACADEMICS
#8
Most Diverse School Districts in Cincinnati *Niche Report
37.2%
40 Languages Spoken
Minority Enrollment
Sycamore High School celebrated Diversity Week Grades 7-12
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Cultural Clubs
5
Global Languages offered Students come from more than 54 birth countries
2017-2018 Cultural Celebrations: Jan. 19 Maple Dale Elementary Cultural Heritage Night Jan. 26 Symmes Cultural Celebration Mar. 16 Blue Ash Cultural Celebration Mar. 16 Montgomery Family Fun International Night
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Flying High
STUDENT LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES
State Champions: Sycamore Boys’ 4X200 team
Sycamore High School Football advanced to the Division I Regional Finals for the first time in school history.
57
organizational activities offered
46
athletic options
Division 1 Men’s Doubles State Runners-up
YOUKILIS
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16
student-athletes committed to playing at the collegiate level in 2016-2017
Sycamore Alum and former MLB player Kevin Youkilis had his #13 jersey retired. Aves Bowling sophomore Paige Weitz bowled a perfect 300 game in February
Aves Head Baseball Coach Pete Muehlenkamp earned his 300th career victory
Aves Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Greg Cole won the Sports, Ethics and Integrity Award from the Ohio High School Athletics Association.
Senior RJ Barnes drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 34th round of the MLB Draft
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With Service To...
STUDENT SERVICES Sycamore Community Schools’ Special Education Department offers a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. We promote inclusion by providing these services in the least restrictive environment.
Alternative Options: Aves Academy: • Progressive educational program helped 9% of the Class of 2017 complete their graduation requirements • 96.6% graduation rate since 2015 (57 out of 59 students) Great Oaks: • 36 career and vocational training programs offered to Sycamore High School students.
Adaptive PE: • Modified Physical Education program for special needs students ages 3-21 • Adaptive PE Field Day • Adaptive PE Baseball Day Sycamore Transition Services: Transition Internship Program (TIP) • Prepares special needs students ages 18-21 for life after high school • TIP students learn authentic independent living skills at the district-owned Aldine House • Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator (State Support Team #13): Transition Coordinator Esther Adams
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Work Study Program: UC Launch: Project SEARCH: Preparing students for • Special • Business-led one employment needs year school-to-work • Non-paid job training for students program for special high school students with ages 18-22 needs students ages disabilities (ages 14-21) learn life skills, 18-22 at Fifth Third during the school day and job training Bank, Children’s at local businesses at the University Hospital, Xavier • More than 50 students of Cincinnati University participated in 2016-2017 • RA Horn Outstanding Achievement Award (State Support Team #13): Kevin Snider
Aviation Technology
STUDENT SERVICES
Blended Learning
One2One
K-12 Integration of digital resources with teaching and learning
2,500 Chromebooks provided to every student Grades 5-12 to use at home and at school Sycamore provided each student Grades K-4 with a device to use in the classroom
IPTV
Live Stream Video to every classroom for innovative teaching practices
Parent Portal
Parents can view grades, schedules, courses, and pay fees online
Final Forms
Families can register and update all academic and athletic forms online
Shared Technology Services
City of Montgomery • Cost effective savings: $20,000 Learn 21 • Cost effective savings $50,000
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Passport To Success
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
“AAA”
Property Tax 6th lowest of 25 districts in Hamilton County and neighboring districts, Kings and Mason.
Rating by S&P
38.40 mills
*includes operating levy approved in November 2016
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HAMILTON COUNTY & NEIGHBORING SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2017 Residential Tax Rates
60 50 40 30 20
0
Finneytown St. Bernard Winton Woods Mariemont Madeira Cincinnati Deer Park Mount Healthy Kings Norwood Loveland Reading Milford Average Wyoming2 Mason North College Hill Forest Hills Princeton Lockland Sycamore Northwest Oak Hills Three Rivers Indian Hill Southwest1
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HAMILTON COUNTY & SYCAMORE NEIGHBORING SCHOOL DISTRICTS Comparison of Residential Tax Rates for School Districts (2017)
Rank District
Source: Hamilton & Warren County Auditors 1 Also has a 0.75% income tax 2 Also has a 1.25% income tax Reflects School District’s portion only. Does not include homestead exemption for those 65 and older
Sycamore Community Schools 2016-17 Capital Project Expenditures
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Technology - Infrastructure/Equipment Building Improvements Site Improvements/Athletic Facilities Architecture/Engineering Services Bus Replacements Classroom, Media and Office Furniture
Rate
1 Finneytown 64.48 2 St. Bernard 62.73 3 Winton Woods 62.50 4 Mariemont 57.44 5 Madeira 57.38 6 Cincinnati 55.34 7 Deer Park 52.38 8 Mount Healthy 50.65 9 Kings 50.04 10 Norwood 49.91 11 Loveland 48.36 12 Reading 47.45 13 Milford 46.44 Average 45.91 14 Wyoming2 44.30 15 Mason 43.15 16 North College Hill 41.89 17 Forest Hills 40.11 18 Princeton 39.11 19 Lockland 38.75 20 Sycamore 38.40 21 Northwest 36.88 22 Oak Hills 35.92 23 Three Rivers 34.23 24 Indian Hill 26.05 1 25 Southwest 23.77
Amount $790,305 843,486 242,603 51,444 146,930 13,228 $2,087,996
Financial Parameters: By utilizing these parameters since 2005, the district has kept operating spending increases at less than 1% per year.
Other Expenditures Debt Service 1.55% Equipment 0.65% 2.62% Materials & Supplies 3.33% Sycamore
Passport To Success
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Community Schools 2016-17 General Fund Expenditures
Purchased Services 9.00%
Retirement & Benefits 20.72%
2016-2017 OPERATING EXPENDITURES
Salaries & Wages 62.12%
Salaries & Wages Retirement & Benefits Purchased Services Materials & Supplies Equipment Other Expenditures Debt Service Total Operating Expenditures Capital/Non-Operating Expenditures Total General Fund Expenditures
Tech Support-Info Services 0.79% Debt Service 2.62% Building & Maint Operations 9.66% Fiscal Services 2.12%
2016-2017 General Fund Operating Expenses
District & Building Administration 7.97% Transportation 5.60% Extracurriculars 1.14%
Instruction & Support Services 70.09%
Other State TPP State Revenue 0.88% Reimbursement 7.94% State TPP Supplement 2.15% State Rollback Exemption 5.48% State Foundation 4.51% Other Local Revenue 5.01%
2016-2017 OPERATING REVENUE
Local Property Taxes 74.04%
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 25th consecutive year.
Amount % $45,292,740 62.12% 15,108,107 20.72% 6,561,077 9.00% 2,430,324 3.33% 477,284 0.65% 1,129,489 1.55% 1,912,482 2.62% $72,911,503 100.00% 2,757,508 $75,669,011
Ohio Auditor of the State Award with Distinction for the third consecutive year
Sycamore saved taxpayers nearly $2.4 Million through bond refinancing in 2016
Sycamore Community Schools 2016-17 General Fund Revenue Local Property Taxes Other Local Revenue State Foundation State Rollback Exemption State TPP Supplement State TPP Reimbusement Other State Revenue Total Operating Revenue Non-Operating Revenue Total General Fund Revenue
Amount % $59,163,537 74.04% 3,999,898 5.01% 3,601,308 4.51% 4,381,715 5.48% 1,718,389 2.15% 6,342,260 7.94% 700,794 0.88% $79,907,901 100.00% 82,062 $79,989,963
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Clear Skies
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Since 2011, Sycamore has saved over $7.5 Million through energy savings practices and negotiation of good rates.
Sycamore High School teacher Ron Hochstrasser was invited to the White House to receive the 2016 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Senior Lexi Meckes won the Caring For Our Watersheds contest by implementing a district-wide battery recycling program. Symmes Elementary School awarded $5,000 Ohio Environmental Education Fund grant for student field investigation technology on the Nature Trail at Symmes.
In Flight Meals CHILD NUTRITION
Meals served
Child Nutrition Services is a self-supporting district department, serving Sycamore, St. Cecilia, and Nativity Schools Sycamore High School & Junior High students represented the state of Ohio at the National Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Ambassador Summit
Breakfast
58,440 Lunch
534,016 18
Sycamore Child Nutrition Services was awarded a $10,000 Bengals Fuel Up To Play 60 Hometown Grant. Child Nutrition hosted first annual Color for the Cause Run/Walk, raising $4,000 for Disabled Veterans of America
Navigating Change
PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Sycamore Junior High students won the national Hey U.G.L.Y. Anti-Bullying video contest
Sycamore students created portraits of youth refugees and delivered them to the Ukraine as part of the Memory Project. Aviators Give Back: • Strike Up the Band for Hunger • Hoops for Hope • Volley for the Cure • Stuff the Truck OGB • Live For Liz
Sycamore Junior High Making A Difference Day awarded city of Montgomery Service to the Community Grant Fashion for the Cure: $22,000 raised for Dragonfly Foundation
• Color for the Cause: $4,000 raised for Disabled Veterans of America • Maple Dale Elementary packed up 400 Spring Break food bags for friends at Winton Hills Academy
Senior Service Day: 400 seniors volunteered at 25 various nonprofit organizations • Junior High T-Shirt Project: Record-setting donations made to the Boys and Girls Club of Cincinnati and the Alzheimer’s Assocation of Greater Cincinnati.
• Blue Ash Elementary raised $686 for Matthew 25 Ministries through Blue Ash Bistro
Get Involved
Join your school
PTO
Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters Aves Theatre Boosters Partnerships: • City of Montgomery shared services for school resource officer at high school/junior high • Partnered with Montgomery Food Share to provide donation location at Sycamore High School.
Sycamore Athletic Boosters
GEAR Sycamore Vocal Boosters
District Wellness Committee Sycamore Sycamore Sycamore Executive Advisory Alumni & Advisory Commission Friends Council (SAC) Association (SAFA)
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