DECLASSIFIEDSCHOOL SURVIVAL

THE LEAFLETsurvival guide

volume I issue 2 aug. 26, 2014

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

survival guide issue When I walked into school on my very first day of high school, I was extremely overwhelmed. I had no idea how to get to my first bell and ended up being late. Today, I walk into school knowing exactly where I am going, but this is just one example of how we are thrown into new situations every day. I am a senior, but that does not mean that I know everything there is to know. I still have questions. This guide will be able to assist anyone through the basic scenarios that we are so often thrown into. This issue is divided by grade to give advice and facts for getting through each year as smoothly as possible. Just because you are a freshman or sophomore doesn’t mean that you can’t look through the junior and senior sections. Read through it all to see what is on the horizon.

High school is not easy but there are some tips and tricks that can help each of us along the way. Problems will occur and catastrophic days will happen, but high school is such an amazing experience and offers opportunities that each of us need to take advantage of.Here’s to a great year!

Lauren GLynnLeafLet editor-in-chief

The Leaflet, the official web news-magazine of Sycamore high School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists. We provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national and world issues. We also provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population. these viewpoints are purely from the staff of The Leaflet, and not the administration.

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The LeafletSycamore High School7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242Leaflet Editor-in-Chief: Lauren Glynn Print Editors-in-Chief: atiya dosani, Lauren SaxonWeb Editor-in-Chief: Kathryn tenbargeAssociate Editors: Joseph ahn, Madeline Marsh, anna ZhouManaging Editors: abbey Baker, isaac GoldsteinCreative Projects: Joseph ahn, taylor evans, hannah frey, elizabeth rickert, orion SchlosserBusiness Manager: caroline GaoWeb Master: eli Seidman-deutschAssignment Editors: Lila englander, Brenda ShenBroadcast Editor-in-Chief: Victoria Swart

alex Wittenbaumeli ZawatskyBen ruskinBrooke Landrumrujula KapoorJordan BakerBenjamin cohenWilliam colemanamy dengMax fritzhandZach fritzhandSarah horne

Lauren KurtzerBeverly LiuJack Loon ellen Martinsonhannah May Joshua PattersonZoe SchlosserLauren Shassereemily tylerdavid WertheimBen young

P5: dance tips and what to expect

P2: School survival stats

P7: calculating gradesP9: tips to stay organizedP11: taking the act vs. Sat

P13: advice for getting jobs and internshipsP15: credits needed to graduateP16: Learn how to use common appP17: find out when sports tryouts are

P19: List of all clubs

THIS MONTH:

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75% 85%of students set goals for themselves

of teenagers pay attention to the news

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s t u d e n t s v o l u n t e e r e d t h i s

s u m m e r

s t u d e n t s u s e t h e i r m o b i l e d e v i c e t o k e e p

t r a c k

4 out of 25

[ THE LEAFLET ]

With backpack on and schedule in hand, what else is needed to survive high school? Well first,

it is not that melodramatic. There is no doubt that anyone

can survive SHS, but the real question is if they can make the most of it. Reading through this guide is the first step to maximizing your potential in the upcoming school year. There are pages for

freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors because

The Leaflet is here every step of the way. So take a look at

everything you need to survive, and more importantly, thrive.

SHSsurvivALGUIDE

INFORMATION cOuRTeSy OF STAge OF lIFe

INFOgRApHIc By ORION ANd zOe ScHlOSSeR

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

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t r y y o u r b e s t a c a d e m i c a l l y

d e v e l o p g o o d r e l a t i o n s h i p s

h a v e s c h o o l s p i r i t

A

4AVES

soc-cerAVES

TIPS TO GET THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

InfOGRAPHIC BY ORIOn And zOE SCHLOSSER

[ THE LEAFLET ]

[FRESHMEN]Dear

Welcome to the high school, guys. Don’t worry; it’s much better than the junior high. I know it’s going to be a difficult task to leave your recesses behind, but you’ll just have to be strong. I’m sure you’ve had at least one person say something to you that’s made the high school seem like a big and scary place, but I’m here to tell you that you have nothing to fear. The key to being a high school graduate/survivor is to do your homework and not provoke anyone or set anything (or anyone) on fire. Basically, don’t burn down the school, and have a little bit of common sense every once in a while. Something that I’ve found to be a huge help in classes for high school is doing homework. The little things can really add up. When it gets to the end of the quarter, all of your 5-point homework assignments put together can equal the same amount of points as a test grade, but it’s easier to do well on several homework assignments over time than it is to do well on a big test you take in one day. Homework will also prepare you for the upcoming tests in that class, but only if you put the right amount of effort into the assignments. It is really important to work hard freshman year. Doing this will save you later on because colleges do look at those grades. I know it can be a chore, but in the end, homework can actually help you. (Shocking, I know.) You’ve got nothing to be afraid of, kids! Don’t do drugs and stay in school.

-Elsa Benson,10

4 PHOTO COURTESY MCDANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY

[ THE LEAFLET ]

The Game

OfHOMECOM I NGAs the first and only dance in 2014 that freshmen can attend solo, homecoming serves as more than just a dance. It lasts an entire week and is filled with rallies, celebrations and of course the eponymous hoedown. Instead of getting stressed, play the game of homecoming and see your plans through to the finish.

The week leading up to the homecoming game is affectionately titled Spirit Week. Each day has a theme for dressing up, and on Friday class colors are worn.

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A parade on Oct. 9 will start after school and travel a predetermined route through town to SJHS, where a special homecoming celebration will take place.

On Oct. 10 the homecoming football game will take place at SJHS. Groups like the Flyerettes, cheerleaders and marching band will perform and the homecoming royalty will be announced.

Guys typically wear ties but not jackets and boutonnières if they have a date. Try Macy’s for clothes and Adrian Durban Florist for boutonnières. Your date will buy your boutonnière.

Girls typically wear short dresses and corsages if they have a date. Try Dillard’s for dresses (beware of online stores) and Adrian Durban Florist for corsages. Your date will buy your corsage.

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The pep rally will be during school on Oct. 10 and serves to get the student body excited about the upcoming footbal game. The Flyerettes and cheerleaders preform special routines.

Groups of friends usually go out for dinner before the dance. Places like deSha’s and Iron Chef are popular choices. Be sure to time your reservation so that you can eat and get to the dance on time.

ALL IMAGES BY KATHRYN TENBARGE AND BROOKE LANDRUM

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

When going from junior high to high school there are changes in the freedoms and responsibilities that

students earn. Freshman year is the year to learn all about them.Cell phones When it comes to cell phones it is important to know when and when not to use them. In high school cell phone rules are less restrictive than in the junior high. Cell phones are allowed in the hallways and in the commons. Most students carry their phone with them to classes but when the bell rings they put it in their backpack or pocket. When something needs to be looked up some teachers will allow cell phones to be used. If a student uses their cell phone during class, when the teacher has not given them permission, they can expect consequences. Backpacks In the junior high backpacks had to be kept inside the student's locker, but at the high school students use them to carry their things to each class. With this students might notice that locker breaks become more rare, since the locker bay is in a different section of the school than most classes. Even then it is possible to fit in times to go to your locker. The bells are five minutes long to give students time to take locker breaks if their class is not far from their locker. If a student cannot find time to get to their locker in five minutes, going during lunch is another option. Students must make sure to go to their locker before they eat lunch if they choose to go during that time, since students are not allowed to leave

the commons during lunch. Grades and Exams When in junior high, grades mattered, but did not follow the student after they left the junior high. In high school all grades go on the student’s transcript which will follow them to college and impact their future. In high school there are not only quarter grades but also a semester exam and final exam every year. The overall grades are split into two semesters. To get the overall semester grade the two quarter grades are

averaged with the exam grade. The quarter grades are 40 percent and the exam is 20 percent of the overall grade. This means that the semester exams impact the final grade much more than an average test or quiz and needs to be taken seriously. Doing well on exams and quarter grades

is not only important for success that year but also so future success can be achieved.

Moving up:

6 tipsto survivE frEshman yEar

2 friends come and go High school is generally where people change and mature the most, and friendships are certainly challenged. It can be sad, but balance embracing your new friends with mourning the ones who go.

1 don’t be afraid of upperclassmen

Upperclassmen can be very helpful in giving tips on teachers and courses. They are big, but they are friendly.

3 befriend your teachers When junior and senior year roll around, you will be scrambling for college recommendation letters. A teacher whom you have befriended will be happy to write a glowing letter that will get you into a good college.

4 keep your gpa up No matter what you have heard, in terms of your GPA, freshman year matters. It will allow you to get a solid GPA before you start taking AP or harder courses.

5 be an actiVe member in school The four years you spend in high school can be some of the most monumental in your life, so don’t be lazy and decide you don’t want to join clubs. Clubs will show colleges that you have passions and interests unique from the other applicants.

6 be outgoing It’s a huge new school with huge people and seemingly ruthless teachers, but remember to be yourself, as cliché it is. Sit with new students at lunch, or people you would like to get to know. Being confident and outgoing is the best way to make friends in the journey of high school.

infographic by lauren glynn, emily tyler and kathryn tenbarge

The time btween bells are five minutes long

sarah hornEstaff writer

technology at schoolThe staff at SHS has been trying to implement changes in technology for years that incoporate more personal devices into the classroom. Don’t be afraid to bring in your cell phone, laptop or other device, Just remember to be courteous to the teachers at all times and follow these tips.

1 only use your personal deVice When your teacher giVes permission

2 bring a charger

3 try using google driVe

how rules change from junior high to high school

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

Explain your gradeSecrets of enigma once shrouded in mystery revealedLauren Kurtzerfeature chief CaLCuLate

Classes at Sycamore High School are either one year or one semester in duration. Each semester grade consists of 2 quarter grades and 1 exam grade. Points awarded for each grade are as follows: A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 F=0.

FIGURING THE GRADE FOR A SEMESTER

CLASS

To determine the GPA for a semester course multiply each quarter grade by 2. Then add the two products to the exam grade. Divide the sum by 5 to find the

average.

FIGURING THE GRADE FOR A YEAR-LONG

CLASS

To determine the GPA for a year-long course multiply each quarter grade by 2

(there will be four of them). Then add the four products to the 2 exam grades. Divide

the sum by 10. In a class grade the final average is rounded up, so a 2.5 average would be a grade of ‘B’. A 2.4 average

would be a grade of ‘C’.

FIGURING THE GRADE POINT AVERAGE (CUMULATIVE)

1. Look at the final grades for each class. Use 4 points for an ‘A’, 3 points for a ‘B’, 2 points for a

‘C’, 1 point for a ‘D’ and 0 points for a ‘F’.2. Add .5 for accelerated classes. Weighted class

course titles are followed by *.3. Multiply the number for the grade by the

credit earned for the class (.5 or .25 for a semester class. 1.0 for a year-long class.) to calculate the quality points for each class.

Examples:•‘B’ in a 1 credit class earns 3 quality points

•‘B’ in a .5 credit class earns 1.5 quality points•‘B’ in a .25 credit class earns .75 quality points

•‘B’ in an accelerated 1 credit class earns 3.5 quality points

•‘B’ in an AP 1 credit class earns 4.0 quality points

•“B’ in an accelerated .5 credit class earns 1.75 quality points

•‘B’ in an AP .5 credit class earns 2uality points4. Add all of the quality points together.

5. Add all of the credit together.6. Divide the total quality points by the total

credit earned. This will provide the cumulative Grade Point Average.

ALL IMAGES BY jOSEPH AHNINFORMATION COURTESY SHS COURSE PLANNER

Grade Point Average (GPA) is the system that converts your letter grade to a number and averages that number. It is put on your report card and college transcripts.

GPA is one of the multiple factors to be accepted into college. An ‘A’ is worth four; ‘B’ is three, ‘C’ is two, ‘D’ is one and ‘F’ is zero. For accelerated classes it is worth 4.5 and Advance Placement (AP) is 5. Freshman at SHS may look at GPA and say it does not concern them. Think again. To bring your GPA up after a hard freshman year is a difficult task and puts more pressure on you in the coming years. Colleges will also see that you had a low GPA freshman year. What will potential schools think when the first year of high school is not taken seriously? The myth that freshman year does not count is not true. It does and it will be noticed. A 3.0 GPA of all ‘B’s’ during freshman year is a goal for which to aim. If freshman year is an off year to you, then what will happen when sophomore year arrives. Bad habits die hard, it can and will be trying to change the casual approach to school and grades. Teachers will recommend less challenging classes for sophomore year that will not look as good as honors or accelerated classes. Bottom line: freshman year does matter and is the foundation for the next several years of your life. Make it count. Take it from a now sophomore who built her GPA to where it needs to be.

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

[SOPHOMORES]Dear

Congratulations, you have made it through your Freshman year! Now that you are the Sophomores of Sycamore High School, there is no turning back. This year, I advise you to focus on not only schoolwork and academics but also keeping close ties with your friends. Sophomore year is another year full of opportunities that are at your disposal. These opportunities include getting involved in a sport or club or striving for better grades that you did not attain last year. This year is the year of redemption, where you have the opportunity to bring a new attitude toward every day. During my sophomore year, I found that it truly helped to have a positive attitude toward everything; whether it be studying for a math test or presenting a project, I am glad that I worked hard and had confidence in myself. A positive attitude will also help you if you fall. If you do not get the grade you want or just have one of those bad days, I stress the importance of picking your head back up and keep going, keep pushing, because it will be worth it. This positive attitude will reflect on your friends and atmosphere, and I assure you that you will have a great sophomore year! Just work hard, do not procrastinate, and try to be positive.

-Katie Vorpe, 11

PHOTO COURTESY MCDANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY

[ THE LEAFLET ]

Starting a new school year can be nerve racking to say the least. The thought of figuring out

where your classes are, who to sit with at lunch and the overall idea of high school can be jarring. However, there are ways to lessen the stress, such as getting involved in clubs, activities, or sports. Becoming a part of an organization specialized for Sycamore students has many advantages. “It’s good to be involved in clubs at the high school so that you can interact with your peers who have the same interests as you. I joined ASL [American Sign Language] club and I met people who I would have never met if I didn’t join,” said

Elizabeth Carl, 10. Clubs offered at SHS range from Buffet club to Environmental club and foreign language clubs. Being a part of an organization that can change and make the community and even the world around you better is very rewarding. “Unified for UNIFAT is a great thing to be involved in because you get to connect with kids from other schools through helping and making a difference in the kids’ lives in Uganda,” said Claire Hallock, 10. If you do not want to join a club, electives are also a great way to branch out and meet new people as well as expand your interests. Woodshop, Guitar and Intro to Acting are just three of the unique classes

offered at SHS. You can also join an athletic team. Many of the sports at SHS have both a Junior Varsity and a Varsity team which gives people who are new to the sport a chance to play and learn the game before entering the Varsity level. Though it is important to become involved in a lot of things during your high school career, it is also important to remember not to spread yourself too thin. Be sure that you are able to keep your grades up while you are involved in these activities. Time management is a skill that will be essential to your high school career. Learning how to balance all of your activities along with studying

and homework is going to be difficult. “Between three hour practices and work, it is a struggle to fit in homework. I just make sure that I take advantage of every opportunity in class to work on my assignments and make sure at home I’m doing my homework at a good pace while still producing quality work,” said Courtney Reardon, 11. Whatever way you choose to become an active member in the SHS community, remember to balance yourself out and learn what you need to do to manage your schedule wisely. Becoming a part of something is a great way to meet people and expand your horizons.

Staying organized throughout the school year is one of the most important things to keep in mind. Yes, grades are important, but if you are not organized it is going to show in the grades you receive on certain assignments. Making sure that your locker is clean is crucial. By organizing it in a way that is beneficial to you, it will help keep things together. One way to keep your locker organized is to put things together depending on their subject. Having a homework schedule will also help keep everything together. Doing the work right when you get

home or before after-school activities will assure that everything will get done on time. Another way to stay organized is to write down what you have to do in a planner. By doing this it will help get homework and projects done on time. When everything has been completed, cross it off in the planner. Starting off the school year with being organized will help make sure it continues throughout the whole year. It will make sure that work is completed on time and still keep things neat and organized.

abbey bakerstaff writer

Keep it cleanways to stay organized[

Clubs provide students with opportunities to try something newHaNNaH Maystaff writer

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

[JUNIORS]Dear

If you’re reading this, a few thoughts are probably running through your head: “Advice? Why would we need advice? Is this year really going to be as scary as everyone says it will be?” Not to worry – you will be fine. While your year might be pretty stressful at times, it’s important to remember that you still have an entire year before you need to start worrying about college applications. Even so, junior year is very important, so there are a few things you’ll want to remember. The first and (most important) thing you’ll want to do is keep up with your homework. Every assignment is important: and the minute you start to procrastinate, it’ll be harder to keep up with your classes. The second piece of advice I would give is to take your SAT and ACT early – it’ll give you time to take it again if you want to. There will be less pressure to do well if you know you have time to take it again. Lastly, remember that you don’t have to worry about college yet. Junior year is important: study hard and try to get good grades. But remember that you don’t have to make it any more stressful than it is – good luck!!

-Grace Hertlein,12

10 PHOTO COURTESY MCDANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

HannaH Freyfeature chief

ACT vs SAT: WHAT TO KNOW

aCT

SaT

vs

The ACT covers material that is more straight-forward; take it if you are more logical and do well with learning facts in school.

The SAT requires much more critical thinking; take it if you have strong reasoning skills and can think through word problems.

2 hr, 55 min

3 hr, 20 min

EnglishMathReadingScience

45 min60 min35 min35 min

ReadingMathWriting

70 min70 min60 min

Which should I take? How long are the tests? How are they scored?

out of 36The ACT gives you a score out of 36 on each of the four sections. Those four numbers are averaged out to get your composite score

out of 2400On each section of the SAT, you receive a score out of 800. These three numbers are added together for your total score

infographic BY aTiYa DoSani

Standardized tests are never easy. Students work hard every day to beef up their profiles to

get into college. One of the main components that influences the future is deciding whether to take the ACT or the SAT. But what are their differences? aCT The ACT is an achievement test that attempts to measure what students have learned in school. It covers up to five sections: English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing test. The ACT questions are generally easier to understand than the SAT questions. On the ACT, people would be able to just read the questions but on the SAT students have to take time to figure out what the questions are asking. The ACT is scored on the number of correct answers;

people taking the test are not penalized if they leave a question blank. Math concepts are more in depth on the ACT than the SAT. For example on the ACT, Algebra and basic arithmetic will be covered, but so will concepts like trigonometry. The ACT is scored so that colleges only see one overall score. If someone does bad in one section, but especially well in another it will even out, helping students. SaT The SAT is an aptitude test, reasoning and verbal ability. The SAT has three parts: critical reading, mathematics, and a writing test The SAT has a very strong vocabulary and English component. The SAT has no science section while the ACT does. If a student struggles with science

then the SAT would be a good fit for them. The scoring of the SAT is very different from the scoring of the ACT. On the SAT if someone misses a question they are penalized for it. Also the SAT is scored in individual sections. retaking the aCT Frequently people struggle with knowing when and if they should take the ACT again. Students take the test their junior and senior year of high school. There are some instances in which students should seriously consider taking the test again. For example, if a student ran out of time, did not understand what the test was saying, or did not feel like the test represented them well.retaking the SaT When it comes to the SAT, students should only retake the

test if they are positive that they will raise their score. Colleges are looking for people who improve, taking it multiple times and doing worse will hurt you. Re-takes should be limited to three times, because more than that usually will send a red flag to colleges.Make the decision When deciding what test to take, know that most colleges except both. Students may also take both and compare scores; they do not have to pick one or the other. It is important that people know what test best fits their skills. The ACT and SAT are different tests but the admission officers consider either test equally during the admissions process.

[ THE LEAFLET ]

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College bound:visit the right way

-visit during the school year-create a checklist with YOUR interests-keep in mind what colleges’ specific requirements are

TAYLOR EVANScreative projects editor

O ne of the most exciting parts about planning your future is being about to experience it, and that is the intention of

college visits. Walking around campuses gives students the best sense of what it would be like to live there one day. A common misconception is to visit schools during the summer since the weather is nicer and high school students have more free time. However, at that time of the year, classes are not in session and the campus looks like a ghost town. Not only does the school look empty, but it is almost impossible to get a feel for the true atmosphere of the school without it being populated. Beyond the environment of the school, there are very specific things to look for when visiting a school. Many checklists exists for visiting colleges, so definitely try to utilize one while on a campus tour.

Some important things to take into consideration are the setting of the school, academic facilities, faculty teaching reputation, cost/financial aid, housing, quality of potential minors/majors, student to faculty ratio, and food. Food is truly important because in theory it is what you will be eating for four years. A good way to help determine which schools you like the best is to use a numerical system and rank the above categories for each school. That way it will be easier to rate how much you like the aspects that make up a school, rather than relying on a fleeting memory. Once visits are taken care of and you have a better idea of what school you want to attend the following year, you must start collecting the necessary items for your application. One of the most important parts of that application is the recommendation

letters. These are letters written by your previous teachers meant to give colleges a better idea of who you are as a student. Every student applying to colleges will need at least two recommendations. If you do the math, that is a lot of letters that need to be written, so definitely ask teachers as soon as possible. The more time you give them, the better the letter will be. Remember that colleges look closely at these letters of recommendation, so make sure to pick a teacher that knows you well as a student and as person so that they can write an accurate, detailed letter for you. Most importantly, do not forget to take a deep breath before diving into the chaos that is the college application process. It is not easy and it will take a while to tread through, but at the end of it, all the work you put in will only aid in building a bright future.

infOgRaphic BY BREnDa ShEn

points to take away:

[ THE LEAFLET ]

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Gear upBiggest high school regret: wasting away

countless hours of the summer watching Netflix curled up in my bed. While, I still strongly believe Netflix time is a staple

throughout the year, it can have particularly detrimental effects on my productivity in the summer. The only way to avoid this kind of summer was to force myself to take initiative. Internships and jobs are lethargy’s greatest vanquishers. During my time “playing adult” working a 9-to-5 job, I gained new knowledge in a diversity of academic and social aspects. Through this 6 week internship I learned about particle physics analysis as well as programming in C++ (with no prior programming experience) and ROOT, a data analysis framework. What made it even better was that I was getting paid. Learning through action and extrinsic motivation is incomparable to the half-awake trudging through my textbooks I had grown used to during the school year. It was literal “science in the making.” That made it all the more worthwhile. Finally, all the information I was pouring into my brain at school was being used for reasons that would affect others and the science community. Room 304 of the Geo/Physics building at University of Cincinnati holds an endearing, geeky place in my heart. Room 304 was a human refrigerator lined with rows of beautiful, new iMacs, and the best spinning chairs I will probably ever sit in.

brenda shenassignment editor

for next summer

all images BY BReNDa sHeN

jobs andinternships

tips for applying:-application are usually due months in advance so start checking around spring Break

-after applying make sure to follow through by calling or emailing the employer seeking the requirements

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

[SENIORS]Dear

Senior year can be one of your best years of high school if you let it. Most students say that senioritis will happen to them, but with college applications and enjoying the last year; it’s not the best idea. I know staying on top of your work isn’t on the top of anyone’s list, but procrastinating and having the mentality that it’s your senior year and you shouldn’t care then a stressful year awaits. Teachers and parents will nag, homework will pile up and who wants to deal with that? Get it all done and go out. With school work completed college applications, visits, and hanging with friends is easier to do. Lastly, enjoy being a senior. The great thing about Sycamore is that there are perks to being a senior: Senior Halloween, free lunches, dismissals, etcetera. Don’t over study and stay secluded in the book on your desk. Just finish the work that needs to get done so that there’s nothing to hold you back from enjoying senior year.

-Ryan Stoneberger,14’

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

12TH GRADE CHECKLISTA minimum of 21.5 credits are required for graduation from Sycamore High School. It is the student’s

responsibility to see that requirements for graduation are met. The high school will make every effort to keep up-to-date records and to inform the student and parents about the student’s progress toward the

completion of graduation requirements.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS>>English 4.0

Mathematics 4.0

Science 3.0>>Life Science 1.0 (Biology, Biological Systems Accelerated)>>Physical Science 1.0 (Scientific 1.0 Investigations, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy and Geology)>>Science Elective 1.0

Social Studies 3.0>>World History American 1.0>>History 1.0

>>Government .5 >>Social Studies Elective .5

Economics and Financial Literacy .5>>Economics, MacroEconomics Accelerated

Technology .5>>To be selected from: Computer Literacy II or III, Computer Animation, Computer Science Principles Accelerated, Communication Technology Graphics, Drafting I, Engineering Design, Web and

Graphic Design, Engineering Foundations

Fine Arts 1.0>>Art, Drama and/or Music

Health/Physical Education 1.0>>Heath .5>>Foundations of Fitness .5

Electives 4.5>>At least one elective credit or two elective half credits must come from business, technology, fine arts or global languages.

GTO All students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test in writing, reading, citizenship, mathematics, and science. The Ohio Graduation Test will be first administered in the spring of the 10th grade. A student must retake only the graduation test in the area that has not been passed. The tests will be readministered each year in the fall and the spring.Every student needs to fill all five of the requirements:• Pass four of the five tests and have missed passing the fifth test by no more than 10 points• Have had a 97 percent attendance rate

through all four years of high school and must not have had an expulsion in high school• Have a grade point average of 2.5 out of 4.0 in the subject area missed and have completed the curriculum requirement in the subject area missed• Have participated in any intervention programs offered by the school and must have had a 97 percent attendance rate in any program offered outside the normal school day• Obtain letters of recommendation from each teacher in the subject area not yet passed, as well as the high school principal

As of December 2004, according to the Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.615

(A), students may graduate and receive a diploma without passing all five

tests of the OGT if they meet all of the requirements.

INFORMATION COURTESY SHS COURSE PLANNER

INFOGRAPHIC BY LAUREN GLYNN

Simplifying Search for Secondary School[ THE LEAFLET ]

W hen applying to college, students are faced with a daunting process.

More than 4,000 colleges and universities exist across the nation, and they are all unique. So how does a student know what school is right for him or her? “When I started the whole college process, I was really overwhelmed. I knew what I wanted to study, but I had no idea what type of school I would like,” said Emily Callaway, ’14. The list of schools can easily be narrowed down based on what interests and preferences the student has. In general, schools are separated into two categories: colleges and universities. Colleges are schools with solely an undergraduate

program and usually have around 2,000 students, while universities contain graduate studies and can range anywhere from around 4,000 – 75,000 students. Smaller schools treasure their small student-to-faculty ratio and intimate student-faculty relationships, while large schools boast their extensive and various resources. It is all about what a student prefers. “I personally am looking for a school around the size of 20,000. It is not too big, but it has more resources than a smaller school,” said Samantha Circillo, 12. In addition to size, there is a wide variety in the type of schools. Most colleges and some universities are liberal arts schools. The term “liberal arts” simply describes an education

in a wide range of areas of study, rather than a specific skill. These schools either offer or require classes across multiple disciplines, including global language, the arts, the sciences and the humanities. “I don’t know exactly what I want to study, and so for me, I am looking for a place that will allow me to experiment with all my interests without being penalized,” said Jennifer Ademec, 12. Another type of school is a technological school, in which the focus is on the mathematics and sciences. Students here tend to have a general idea of what they want to study and can delve deep into their specific areas. A wide variety of schools fall into the category “general university.” These often-bigger

schools offer many different paths. They tend to play to their size and have colleges within the university that focus on specific areas. For example, many big universities have their own College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering in which students are further categorized. “I want to major in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, so I am looking into technological and general universities with strong programs in those areas,” said Circillo. No matter the student’s preferences, a school exists that will be the right fit. A big step in the process is formulating what he or she wants out of a school and finding the correct match.

My Top THrEE ArE oHio STATE, CoLLEgE

oF WiLLiAM And MAry or UnivErSiTy

oF vErMonT. MAGGIE PUSTINGER,

11

“

What universities are you looking into for

after senior year?

i AM inTErESEd in BrigHAM yoUng

UnivErSiTy, oHio STATE UnivErSiTy

And UnivErSiTy oF CHiCAgo.

JONATHAN ROLLINS, 12

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0Dollars to submit the application

1Most commonly used application

2Important components, GPA and reccomendations

4 th verison of the application, almost exculsively online

5Personal essays to choose from

ISSAC GOLDSTEINstaff writer

THE COMMON APPLICATION

[ THE LEAFLET ]

[SHS]Dear

-Principal Doug Mader

I am thrilled to be back as part of the Sycamore family. I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself to the entire student body in The LEAF. We will have more of an opportunity to get to know each other in our class meetings this week, and then as we meet each other on an individual basis throughout the year. Here’s a little about myself: I have been a part of five different school systems in the past 27 years. Prior to education, I served our country in the United States Air Force. After my military service I attended The Ohio State University and majored in hotel management. I then attended Thomas More College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and education. Following this, I obtained my Master’s degree in education administration from the University of Dayton. Currently, I am in the final phases of completing my dissertation to earn a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in educational leadership. I have taught at Villa Madonna Academy, Celina High School, and Lakota East High School before teaching at Sycamore High School from 2000-2003. I was also an assistant principal here at Sycamore for three years before serving as principal at Kings High School for the past eight years. I feel sincerely fortunate to be your new principal here at Sycamore for this school year.Our goal this year is to be student-centered and relationship-driven. EVERY student will have the opportunity to be connected, to truly have an enriching experience and enjoy high school. You will notice many cosmetic changes occurring within our school this year. This will continue into the next few years as well and will serve to revitalize our school appearance.As we embark on this journey together, please know that everyone here at S.H.S. will be treated with respect and be held accountable for respecting others as well. Sycamore High School is a special place and the students who have walked through these halls have accomplished amazing things. Together we will be a class act, both inside and outside of this school. The community and surrounding communities will notice the respectful nature of all our actions. The adults in this building will challenge and empower all our students to find their passion in life. When we meet and exceed the expectations others have set for us, good things will come our way. The upperclassman will have some privileges that come with leadership and with setting a good example. All students will have the opportunity to access special perks as we all meet our high expectations together. More detail of these types of perks will come as we get to know each other during the year.I hope you are as excited as I am on what we can accomplish together to make Sycamore the best High School in the country! Please stop me in the halls and introduce yourself so we can start building those positive, productive and professional relationships that Sycamore will become known for throughout this community.TOGETHER we will do great things!

17PHOTO COURTESY MCDANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

Whether playing or spectating, sports are a major factor in keeping SHS students busy throughout the year. Offering

a surprising number of athletic options, there is always something going on after school for sports. Almost every other Friday, the student section is packed to watch football. People think of varsity football as the only sport watched by students, however, there is a strong fan base present at basketball, tennis, volleyball and other events. Other than rooting on our peers at home games, nearly 45 percent of students participate in sports throughout the year

and work hard to earn a spot on the team. Tryouts take place several weeks, or even months, before a season starts. Tryouts aren’t everything though. “Conditioning is really important because it keeps you in shape, keeps you working on fundamentals, and makes you feel good,” said Josh Glynn, 10. Once you are on a team, your coaches expect you to attend every game and practice, and arrive on time. They also check your grades to make sure you are not failing. If your coach discovers a player with a low GPA or missing practices, punishments can include being kicked off the team.

Athletes dedicate time, effortIt takes more than just skill

WINTER 2014Tryouts: October 30,31,

November 1girls cheerleading

boys basketballgirls basketballboys wrestling

boys swimming and divinggirls swimming and diving

SPRING 2014Tryouts: March 9, 10, 11

boys baseballboys lacrossegirls lacrossegirls softballboys tennisboys trackgirls track

FALL 2015Tryouts: August 3, 4, 5

girls cheerleadingboys cross countrygirls cross country

footballboys golfgirls golf

boys soccergirls soccergirls tennis

girls volleyballwater polo

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WILL COLEMANstaff writer

The work ethic of Varsity Football players pays off. These players have stood side by side for year after years countless hours at the gym and on the field determined to win it all. Photo by McDaniels Photography.

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

Find your nicheAMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLUBADVISORS: Mrs. PriceThe American Sign Language Club is open to both members of the class and those who are simply interested in learning how to sign. Activites incldue playing games with sign language and eating snacks. The club meets once a month, typically in the Sign Language classroom at 2:30 p.m.

ART CLUBADVISORS: Mr. GrigaThe Art Club is open to any Sycamore student who enjoys making art. Its purpose is to provide members with a variety of artistic experiences that would not ordinarily be taught in art classes. Art Club members are also involved in artistic service projects including artwork for concerts, plays, and community and district functions. The club meets once a month in the art room at 2:30 p.m.

AVES THEATREADVISOR: Mr. WhaphamAves Theatre produces and promotes theatre arts at the high school. Aves Theatre offers a full season of extracurricular and co-curricular theatrical productions. Rehearsals for productions are held Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. To join the productions, students audition in fall, winter or spring. For fall play auditions, students prepare a 30-second comedic monologue. Technicians must apply in writing.

BLACK STUDENT UNIONADVISORS: Ms. DavisBSU is an organization, which meets biweekly and is open to all students at SHS. The purpose of the club is to foster pride and positive self-esteem, provide support for the everyday concerns of African-American students, help all students learn more about African-American history, encourage academic excellence plan and investigate opportunities and options for post-high school possibilities and to participate in community service.

CHINESE CLUBADVISOR: Mrs. ZhangThe Chinese Club is open to all Chinese language students who are currently taking or have taken the language class

in the past. Chinese native speakers are also welcome to join. The club meets twice monthly and members participate in cultural activities and in Chinese language learning activities.

COMPUTER CLUBADVISOR: Mr. ClarkThis club is for students who have an interest in computer science. All students are welcome, including those new to

the world of computers and those with vast knowledge and experience. Meetings are conducted on a regular basis and consist of student presentations and guided exploration through leading-edge computer science topics.

COMPUTER SCIENCE TEAMADVISOR: Mr. HoffertStudents with programming experience are invited to participate in the Computer Science Programming Team. Activities include team scrimmages and interscholastic competitions. Contests are group-based and utilize the latest and most popular programming languages.

COUNCIL ON WORLD AFFAIRS (COWA)ADVISOR: JCOWA is an organization that meets on a regular basis to discuss national and world affairs. The members also compete in a model U.N. in November at the University of Dayton.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBADVISOR: Mr. HochstrasserThe Environmental Club is a student group focused on spreading the concepts of environmental literacy and active environmental preservation among the Sycamore student body, local residents and worldwide communities. Members have actively raised money for rainforest protection, planted trees and developed awareness of environmental issues.

FASHION CLUBADVISOR: Ms. Klemt

Everyone deserves to find something in which they can excel. Here is a comprehensive list of the clubs and activ-ities the SHS offers. There is no limit to how many clbs/activities wherein a person may participate. Use this list to guide choices that you make within the high school. Clubs are a great way to meet amazing people who share your interests and also they are crucial elements on college applications and resumes for future interviews and jobs.

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

Students with an interest in fashion and clothing design meet once to twice a month to explore the latest trends, design clothing, and discuss common interests.

FENCING TEAMADVISOR: Mr. HochstrasserThe goal of the Fencing Team is to train students to participate in the sport of fencing at both recreational and competitive levels. Fencing is a sport in which honor and sportsmanship play a vital role in competition. The number of competitions will be dependent on the number of schools with competitive fencing teams. Students will also be trained and encouraged to participate in amateur competition through the United States Fencing Association.

FRENCH CLUBADVISOR: Ms. ChapmanFrench Club is an organization open to all students who are French, have studied French, or who just like the French language! There will be a variety of programs and activities, many of which are food-related (annual crepe-making party), designed to broaden the understanding of the French language and culture.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (NHS)ADVISORS:NHS is a national service organization for SHS scholars. To become a member of NHS, juniors and seniors must have a 3.6 GPA, 30 hours of volunteer service activities and membership in at least three school activities.

Candidates are selected by a panel of faculty members who also evaluate the students’ leadership. Throughout the school year, NHS members perform many school and community volunteer activities including serving as tutors, participating in food drives for shelters and fundraising for charities.

INTRAMURALSADVISORS: Mr. Wittman, Mr. ReardonSHS offers intramural programs in a variety of sports. Basketball, ping pong, and soccer are just a few. Let the advisors know if you have another intramural idea.

INTERACT CLUBADVISOR: Mrs. KorchokInterACT Club is a service and volunteer student organization at Sycamore High School that is associated with Rotary International and is sponsored by the Blue Ash/Montgomery Rotary Club. Members volunteer their time and talents to many school and community projects. Meetings are held twice a month and the club is open to all students who are interested in providing service to the community. Members are required to participate in 15 hours of community volunteer work per academic year.

JAPANESE CLUBADVISOR: Mr. TootleThe Japanese Club is open to all Japanese language students who are currently taking or have taken the language in the past. Japanese native speakers are also welcome to join. The club meets twice monthly and members participate in cultural activities such as the tea ceremony, making udon and Japanese language learning activities.LATIN CLUBADVISOR: Mr. TorloneThe Sycamore Latin Club meets monthly and is open to all current, former, and future Latin students. Club members enjoy a variety of artistic, academic, and social activities with Latin students from high schools throughout Cincinnati. Sycamore Latin Club also competes in the annual Ohio Junior League Classical Convention in Columbus, a three-day extravaganza with Latin Club students from across the state.

MATH CLUBADVISORS: Mrs. Smith Math Club meetings include outside speakers, student presentations and preparing for upcoming math contests. The first meeting each year is for officer elections. Meetings are held throughout the school year beginning in October. Membership in Math Club is open to all SHS students.

MOCK TRIAL

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[ THE LEAFLET ]

ADVISOR: Mr. OstendorfMock Trial is a competitive program that provides students with hands-on experience in the legal system. Each year a mock case involving high school students is argued among area schools. The team begins meeting in November when case materials are reviewed. With the help of a legal advisor, prosecution and defense cases are prepared. Students who enjoy the law and performance are encouraged to become team members. The team works toward regional competition in February when cases are argued in real Hamilton County courtrooms.

OPERATION SMILEADVISOR: Ms. BrewerOperation Smile Club raises money to support the international Operation Smile organization in its efforts to bring medical care to underprivileged children around the world. Members work on at least one major fundraiser per year and donate toys and money to children undergoing surgery for a variety of facial deformities. Operation Smile also teams with Operation Give Back to collect donations used to support needy families in our own community.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUBADVISOR: Ms. FiestThe Creative Writing Club provides an outlet for student writers to expand upon their talents and share their written words with others. “Leaves of Thought”, the literary magazine of Sycamore High School, is published once a year by the Creative Writing Club. Students are encouraged to contribute their original poems, short stories, artworks, or photographs to the magazine.

CONVERGENCE JOURNALISMADVISOR: Mrs. JardineStudents who choose to put Convergence Journalism on their class list are able to strive within the journalism world. There are four platforms within the class: The Leaf, the print publication, The Leaflet, the online only publication, shsleaf.com, the website and WAVES the broadcast platform. Students are required to participate in all platforms of the class and encouraged to move up the ladder of heirarchy. For more information, contact Mrs. Jardine in room 115.

SKI CLUBADVISOR: Mr. Griga, Mrs. Quinones, Mrs. CooperThe Ski Club travels to Perfect North Slopes after school during January and February, with December trips if weather permits. Beginners and advanced skiers attending SHS are welcome. Attendance at the organizational (held near the end of October)meeting is

mandatory in order to be a part of the Ski Club.

SPANISH CLUBADVISOR: Ms. KorchokSpanish Club is open to all SHS students interested in Spanish culture. There will be a variety of programs and activities designed to broaden the understanding of the Spanish language and culture.

SPEECH AND DEBATE CLUBADVISOR: This collaborative club and team has three focuses: (1) explore different speech and debate formats and techniques, (2) compete in local, state competitions plus (3) learn and have fun while meeting the first two focuses.

Step ClubADVISOR: Ms. DavisThis dance group uses a variety of claps and stomps to make a rhythmic performance. The team of students meets twice a month to practice routines for performances at various events both in and out of school. Attendance is mandatory.

STUDENT ATHLETE LEADERSHIP TEAM (SALT)ADVISOR: Ms. KlemtThe Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT) was established to provide leadership training, to promote athletic events, and to offer SHS students a variety of leadership options. Two to four representatives per SHS sport will be selected through an application process. Any senior or junior student athlete is invited to apply for membership. Sophomores and freshmen can be members only by coach’s request. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers followed by a project focusing on the speaker’s topic. Meetings are the second Monday of each month 7:00-8:30 pm.

STUDENT COUNCILADVISORS: Ms. Millard, Mrs. HauffmanStudent Council is a leadership organization that represents the high school student body and functions as a liaison between the SHS administration, staff, and students. Student Council organizes numerous school-wide events and social activities such as Homecoming, Spirit Week(s), the Hoxworth Blood Drive. The group also promotes and encourages school pride by planning pep rallies and spirit activities and by recognizing the successes and efforts of teams, clubs and individuals. Although membership is determined by class-wide democratic elections held in the spring of each previous year, additional student involvement is welcome and

positively encouraged. Student Council meets daily during seventh period in room 233. Friday meetings are open to all students.UNIFIED FOR UNIFATADVISOR: Ms. VanagsThe purpose of this club is to spread awareness and fundraise for UNIFAT School, an elementary school in Gulu, Northern Uganda with 1,500 students. UNIFAT has barely any windows, no doors, and 1 textbook for every 4 children. With fundraising and awareness campaigns, this club benefits the school and 100% of monies raised go to the school for children’s tuitions, school construction, or supplies. Meetings are held in room 248.

YEARBOOKADVISOR: Ms. Jardine“The Log” is prepared through the yearbook publication class. The memory, history book records every week of the school year, all sports, extracurriculars. The class is promotes student publication and looks spectacular on future resumes. Students gain experience in writing, photography,design, business management and communication skills. Interested students should talk to Mrs. Jardine and then see their counselor to schedule the class.

Stepping Out ClubADVISOR: Ms. SchroederStepping Out integrates the speicial needs students.

Yoga ClubADVISOR: Ms. BlackmoreLearn to relax the mind and body in a safe environment. Yoga is a great way to wind down after a long day of hard work and also to learn breathing techniques. The group meets every Monday after school.

Sycamore 360ADVISOR: Ms. BlackmoreStrives to complete the mission to make the school feel safe for every student, and to allow students to open their hearts and minds to all kinds of different people.

Red Cross ClubADVISOR: Ms. BlackmoreStudents come together to learn basic skils such as CPR. They also do many servioce projects like making sandwiches for the less fortunate.

Chem ClubADVISOR: Mr. GeyerStudents come together to explore sides of chemistry that are left out of the actual curriculum.

the leaflet