Bulletin Board (Smyser Elementary School) http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/index.jsp Bulletin Board en-us SchoolSitePro <![CDATA[Smyser 8th Grade Parent and Student Information 2011-2012]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=54725 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=54725
Class of 2012 Banquet
See PDF Permission Slip Attachment
 
May 11, 2012
 
Dear 8th Grade Parents:
 
With the school year quickly coming to an end, I am proud to announce that the Smyser School 8th Grade Parent Committee is sponsoring our annual 8th Grade Graduation Dance at Biagio Banquets on Friday, May 25th. All Smyser School 8th grade students are invited to attend. Information is as follows:
  • Location: Biagio Banquets- 4256 North Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
  • Time: 6:30 PM-10:30 PM.
  • Cost: FREE. Compliments of the Smyser 8th Grade Committee, Smyser School, and Smyser PTO- includes food, beverage, music, and more.
  • Due: Permission Slip by Friday, May 18th.
  • Dress: Proper dress attire is mandatory. Boys are encouraged to wear a shirt and tie or suit. Girls are to dress appropriately. Strapless tops or bare midriffs are not permitted.
  • At the conclusion of the evening, students must be picked-up by a parent or guardian- NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Transportation to be arranged by parents/guardians.
  • Please, complete the slip below and return to your child’s homeroom teacher or Main Office.
A special thanks to the Smyser 8th Grade Committee and Smyser PTO for their hard work, dedication, and support. I greatly appreciate their fundraising efforts in paying for this event along with other special activities for our students. You’re the best!
CPS High School Investigations Day (HSI)
 
During the month of May, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is sponsoring High School Investigation Day (HSI). All CPS 8th grade students are encouraged to visit their projected high schools for September and spend the day visiting and learning about upcoming programs. Information for area high schools is in the attached HSI PDF document.
 
On May 24th, all Smyser 8th grade students projected to attend Taft High School are to report to Taft by 10:00 AM. Smyser teachers will be on hand to meet/assist students and take attendance. Taft High School has arranged for students to tour the school and participate in special activities. The event ends at 12:30 PM. Parents are required to stay with their children. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Taft High School.
 
Students projected to a school other than Taft are to be accompanied by their parents to the school of acceptance. Questions should be directed to the high school. Students not participating in HSI Day are to report to Smyser.
CLASS of 2012 TRIP INFORMATION
 
February 13, 2012
 
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Students:
 
A local trip visiting and celebrating Chicago has been planned. The trip is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th. Highlights are as follows:
  • 9:00 AM Deluxe Motorcoach Departs from School- Deluxe Motorcoach equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, lavatory, and TVs with DVD player. Group will have exclusive use of the Motorcoach for the duration of the tour.
  • Chicago River Architectural Cruise- Shoreline’s acclaimed Architecture Cruise on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings, including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Marina City and the Willis (Sears) Tower. Our docents will entertain you with the stories behind these and dozens of other Chicago landmarks.
  • Free Time and Lunch at Navy Pier- $10 of Meal Money Included in price.
  • Blue Man Group- Performed at the Briar Street Theater. Now with more WOW! Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience.
  • Dinner at Ed Debevic's - A throwback to the diners of yesteryear, Ed Debevic's offers delicious food with a side order of nostalgia - all served up by a cast of characters who sing and dance on the diner counter! The All American Meal choices are as follows: hamburger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, grilled cheese sandwich, or hot dog, all served with fries; or a HUGE house salad with or without chicken. All meals include soda, coffee or tea and a chocolate brownie for desert.
  • John Hancock Observatory Admission- Visit John Hancock Observatory and its sweeping views spanning up to four states. The 94th Floor observatory includes the Expressions by Lavazza cafe and Skywalk Chicago's only open-air viewing area. Admission includes the View 360 souvenir & Skytour narrated by David Schwimmer.
  • 8:00 PM Motorcoach Departs for School
  • 8:30 PM Approximate Arrival at School
The cost of the tour is approximately $160 per participant (based on 80-100 paid participants). I suggest you reserve your child’s seat right away! Please, return your application with a $55 deposit to Smyser School by February 24th deadline- cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Sorry no personal checks. The trip has been prepared for us by Hemisphere Education Travel, an insured agency specializing in student group tours, with over 40 years of experience.
  • Payment 1- Deposit of $55 due by February 24th
  • Payment 2- $55 due by March 23rd
  • Payment 3- $50 (or balance due) due by April 12th
Please, enclose the attached forms with your child’s deposit in a sealed envelope. Be sure to print your child’s name and room number on the front and submit to the Smyser Main Office or to your child’s teacher. Feel free to call the school with any questions. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jerry Travlos
Principal
 
CLASS of 2012 PARENT AND STUDENT UPDATES
 
February 8, 2012
 
Dear Eighth Grade Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
 
The school year is well underway and our eighth grade students are working hard preparing for ISAT, graduation, and high school. Eighth grade graduation is tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 11th at 9:45 AM in the Smyser School auditorium. General information regarding graduation costs and upcoming special events are as follows:
 
Mandatory Fees:
• Cap, Gown & Tassel w/ Mini-tassel Key Ring $30
• Graduation Ribbons, Diploma Cover and Autograph Book $15
• Mandatory Graduation Fee of $45 is due by Friday, March 30, 2012.
 
Optional Fees:
• Graduation Photograph 2/17/2012- proof purchase option.
• 8th Grade Class of 2012 Sweatshirt- approximate cost is $20 (advance orders required).
• 8th Grade Banquet 5/25/12 at Biagio Banquets- approximate cost is $30 per person.
• 8th Grade Class Trip 5/30/12- approximate cost is $160 per person: payment 1 $55 due 2/24; payment 2 $55 due 3/23; and payment 3 $50 or balance due 4/12 (more information is forthcoming).
• 8th Grade Picnic 6/1/2012- compliments of the Smyser PTO.
• 8th Grade Yearbook- price to be announced.
 
Upcoming Events:
• Taft High School registration day for eligible Smyser 8th grade students is Thursday, March 15th from 2-5:30 PM.
• This year, an 8th Grade Student Committee has been formed to plan activities and fundraisers for the Class of 2012. Tentative scheduled events are as follows: Spring 8th Grade Dance; Casual Day $1 Fundraiser; Carwash; Raffle; and Community Service Day. Money raised will be used to pay for the 8th grade banquet.
 
Please refer to the Smyser website for updates and information. Payments are to be submitted in cash, cashier’s check, or money order made out to Smyser School. Kindly, place money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and room number written on the front. Money will only be collected on their designated days. In the event your child does not meet 8th grade promotion criteria, purchased items will still be provided. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mr. Travlos
Principal
CLASS OF 2012 SWEATSHIRTS
 
February 1, 2012
 
Dear Smyser 8th Grade Students and Parents:
 
This year the Smyser Class of 2012 has designed a personalized hooded sweatshirt to showcase their school pride and enthusiasm. The layout is as follows:
  • Color: Red
  • Front: “Smyser Class of 2012”
  • Back: “Where Leaders are Born” & Listing of Student Names.
  • Cost: $20
Only 8th grade students are allowed to order and wear their sweatshirts in school. If interested in purchasing, please complete and return this sheet. Payment will be due upon receipt of sweatshirt. Hurry and order your sweatshirt today.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jerry Travlos
Principal
 
RETURN TO YOUR HOMEROOM TEACHER BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6th
 
Name:
 
Room Number:
 
Size (Circle One): Small Medium Large XLarge XXLarge XXX Large
 
ALL SALES FINAL
SORRY NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES
EIGHTH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION
 
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Students:

Attached is Ms. Berry's and Ms. Parikh's presentations from the 8th grade students and parent night.

Enjoy! JT
]]> <![CDATA[Summer 2012 Programming and Jobs]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=57857 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=57857 April 9, 2012
Dear CPS Parent:

Summer is quickly approaching, and I encourage you to take steps now to help your child have a fun, productive and safe summer.
 
“One Summer Chicago” is a joint effort by the City of Chicago and Cook County government to provide more than 185,000 exciting and diverse opportunities this summer for Chicago’s youth, ages 6-24. These opportunities include more than 17,000 summer jobs and over 168,000 recreational and educational slots.
 
Joining forces to offer these summer opportunities are the City’s department of Family & Support Services, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Housing Authority, After School Matters, Chicago Public Libraries, City Colleges of Chicago, Cook County Works, and the Cook County Forest Preserve.
 
Having steady employment during the summer months, or simply having a safe place to go, to learn and be productive is one of the best ways to keep your child out of harm’s way and on the path to opportunity.
 
Parents and students can learn about these opportunities—which include work and internship experiences, summer camp, organized sports and arts programs and field trips—by visiting www.onesummerchicago.org. High school students can apply for summer job programs through a common application found at the site.
 
By working together, the City of Chicago and Cook County are able to provide more opportunities this summer for our young people to earn money, stay safe, and have fun while they build skills for success in college, career and life.
 
Please help keep your kids safe and productive this summer, and take the time to enroll them in a program or help them apply for a job.
]]> <![CDATA[Selective Prep Information]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=8169 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=8169 Prepare Your Child For A Chicago Selective Enrollment (Magnet) High School
Our goal is simple...to help your child master the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam. SelectivePrep trains 8th graders to excel on the Selective Enrollment Entrance Exam. We also help 7th graders score their highest on the 7th Grade Standardized Test. Both of these exams are used to help determine admissions to the eight Chicago Public Selective Enrollment High Schools:

Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy
Jones College Preparatory School
Lane Tech College Preparatory High School
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. College Preparatory High School
Northside College Preparatory High School
Robert Lindblom Math and Science Academy
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
SelectivePrep gives your child the best advantage in preparing for this opportunity.

Selective Enrollment High School Admissions
Competition for admission is fierce and intensifying -- last year about 15,000 students applied for 2,700 available openings. Both public and private school students throughout Chicago apply for these slots. Increasingly, parents see Selective Enrollment High Schools as an attractive alternative to either a disruptive move to the suburbs or an expensive private high school education.

Invest in Your Child's Future
While mediocre grades will exclude your child, superior grades on their own will not be enough to get in. As competition for Selective Enrollment spots grows increasingly fierce, nearly all applicants will have perfect or near perfect GPA's, making exam performance more and more important.

SelectivePrep will focus your child on the math, reading, vocabulary and writing skills he/she needs to excel on the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam and 7th Grade Standardized Test. With SelectivePrep, your child can approach the admissions process from a position of confidence and strength.


]]> <![CDATA[CPS Family Benefits Unit]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=52574 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=52574 Your family may be eligible for benefits. Apply with the Children and Family Benefits Unit.
  • SNAP- Formerly known as food stamps (on the LINK card)
  • SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
  • ALL KIDS MEDICAL CARD

All uninsured children in Illinois are eligible for health insurance through All Kids regardless of their income or immigration status For more information or to apply by phone call: 773-553-KIDS TTY: 866-887-1241

]]> <![CDATA[CPS Academic Calendar & Smyser Welcome Letters 2011-2012]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=36730 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=36730 <![CDATA[Parent Resources: Checking my child's grades and attendance]]> http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=22417 http://www.smyser.org/apps/bbmessages/show_bbm.jsp?REC_ID=22417
You will need your child’s CPS ID number as well as your unique school-issued personal identification number (PIN) prior to creating an account. Please contact Mrs. Luczak or Mr. Beiza to learn how to obtain your PIN. To ensure the security of your child’s records, PINs will not be issued over the phone or via email under any circumstance.

A direct link to the Parent Connection login page has been added. Please go to the "weblinks" section on the lower right portion of our homepage to find this.]]>