March 25th, 2026
Hero of the Quarter
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Blue Ribbon Award
CONGRATULATIONS TO SYCAMORE CREEK ELEMENTARY!
Sycamore Creek Elementary Named 2025 Blue Ribbon School by Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Sycamore Creek Elementary School has been named a 2025 Blue Ribbon School by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), one of just 14 schools across the state to receive this prestigious recognition. This honor celebrates schools that demonstrate high academic performance or have made significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups—a reflection of sustained commitment to student success.
Words from our Superintendent ,Dr. Charles Smialek:
“We are so proud of Sycamore Creek Elementary for earning this recognition. It reflects the dedication of every teacher, staff member, student, and family who helps to create create an environment where excellence thrives.“ It’s inspiring to see how the Sycamore Creek community supports each other and ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Words from our Principal, Mrs. Megan Davis:
“Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor for Sycamore Creek Elementary." “This recognition highlights the hard work, creativity, and heart of our students and staff every day. I am grateful to our families and community partners who make it possible for our students to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential in a supportive, caring environment.”
Sycamore Creek Elementary’s recognition reflects the collective efforts of students, staff, families, and the broader school community, each playing a vital role in creating a learning environment where all students can thrive.
Attention: Kindergarten Parents/Guardians
KINDERGARTEN ONLY - Mark Your Calendars – Last Day of Classes: May 20, 2026
GET READY FOR SUMMER!
Students’ last day of classes will be Wednesday, May 20.
*Tussing Elementary School’s kindergarten program is not impacted by these moves and will adhere to the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar with the last day of classes being May 22.
Teachers and staff will use May 21–22 to pack classrooms for moves to the new Diley Middle School and Kindergarten Center.
We can’t wait to see everyone at the new buildings in August!
FINAL CALL for Yearbook Orders
FRIDAY MARCH 27th, is the deadline for ordering a yearbook. There will not be an extension for yearbook sales. Thank you to everyone who placed an order.
POPPS (Parents on Positivity Patrol)
BECOME a PoPPs!
Parents on Positivity Patrol
Become a PoPP!
Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP) is a volunteer program that brings more caring adults into our schools to support students and staff. Parent volunteers play a vital role in education—not only as valuable resources for teachers but also as role models who show students that school is important and worth their time and effort.
Through PoPP, parents have the opportunity to actively engage in the schools their children attend, fostering a strong sense of community. By spreading encouragement and building positive relationships, PoPP volunteers help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Join PoPP today and be a catalyst for change. Together, we’ll shape a brighter future—one uplifting interaction at a time.
Ready to make a difference? Sign up today by following the link or scanning the QR code!
Language Assistance Program
Notice of Language Assistance Plan:
In English:
Pickerington Schools will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in all services, activities, and programs available throughout the district. It is the policy of PLSD to ensure meaningful communication with LEP students and families and to communicate information related to the education of all students. All services needed to comply with this policy will be provided for students and their families in need of such assistance free of charge. For assistance, please call 614-835-2083.
(In Nepali)
भाषा सहायतासम्बन्धी सूचना:
Pickerington Schools ले सीमित अङ्ग्रेजी प्रवीणता (LEP) भएका व्यक्तिहरूसँग डिस्ट्रिक्टभर उपलब्ध सबै सेवा, क्रियाकलाप र कार्यक्रमहरूमा अर्थपूर्ण पहुँच र सहभागी हुन पाउने समान अवसर छ भनी सुनिश्चित गर्नका लागि उचित कदमहरू चाल्ने छ। LEP भएका विद्यार्थी र परिवारहरूसँग अर्थपूर्ण सञ्चार सुनिश्चित गर्ने र सबै विद्यार्थीहरूको शिक्षासँग सम्बन्धित जानकारी सञ्चार गर्ने PLSD को नीति हो। यो नीतिको अनुपालन गर्न आवश्यक पर्ने सबै सेवाहरू यस प्रकारको सहायता आवश्यक भएका विद्यार्थी र उहाँहरूका परिवारहरूलाई निःशुल्क रूपमा उपलब्ध गराइने छ। सहायताको लागि, कृपया 614-835-2083 मा कल गर्नुहोस्
En Español:
Las escuelas de Pickerington tomarán medidas razonables para garantizar que las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP) tengan un acceso fácil y la misma oportunidad de participar en todos los servicios, actividades y programas disponibles en todo el distrito. La política de PLSD es asegurar una comunicación significativa con los estudiantes LEP, sus familias y comunicar información relacionada con la educación de todos los estudiantes. Todos los servicios necesarios para cumplir con esta política se proporcionarán a los estudiantes y sus familias que necesiten dicha asistencia de forma gratuita. Para obtener ayuda, llame al 614-835-2083.
En Francais:
Le district scolaire de Pickerington prendra des mesures raisonnables pour s'assurer que les personnes ayant une compétence limitée en anglais (LEP) ont un accès adapté et une chance égale de participer à tous les services, activités et programmes disponibles dans le district. La politique du PLSD est d'assurer une communication efficace avec les étudiants et les familles LEP et de communiquer les informations relatives à l'éducation de tous les élèves. Tous les services nécessaires pour se conformer à cette politique seront fournis gratuitement aux élèves et à leurs familles qui en nécessitent. Pour toute assistance, veuillez composer le 614-835-2083.
Please contact amy_mckinney@plsd.us with any questions. Thank you!
Sycamore Creek Third Grade Spring Concert and Love our Languages Event
OST Preparation
Testing season is just around the corner, and we are so proud of the hard work our students have put in this year! With the Ohio State Tests kicking off the first week of April, we want to partner with you to ensure every student feels confident, prepared, and ready to shine.
While these assessments are just one way to measure growth, we know that a little extra support at home goes a long way in reducing "testing jitters." Here are a few proactive tips to help your family navigate the upcoming weeks with ease:
Tips for a Successful Testing Season
The Power of Rest: A consistent bedtime is a game-changer. Aim for a full 8–10 hours of sleep so your student wakes up refreshed and focused.
Fuel for the Brain: A protein-rich breakfast provides the sustained energy needed for concentration. Whether at home or at school, a healthy start makes a huge difference!
Attendance Matters: Try to avoid scheduling appointments during testing mornings. Being in the classroom with their peers helps students stay in their routine and feel more comfortable.
Additional Tips By Grade Band
Team Tressel Fitness Challenge
The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge will run through May 2nd. Please continue to work through the workbook with your child as they work toward their goals. This is totally optional, but we are hoping to recognize as many students as possible for completing the challenge.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jack Haas.
If your child has completed the Team Tressel Challenge, please complete and sign the certification form in the back of the workbook so they can receive a certificate. This form can be turned into your child's homeroom teacher.
Sycamore Creek Media Center
SAVE THE DATE!
BOGO Book Fair coming May 11 - 15th and the library will be in need of volunteers! Plan ahead to help set up the fair, work during or tear down. All help is much appreciated! Please fill out and submit the Level 1 volunteer form below if you haven't already! And watch in the coming weeks for the sign up sheet!
PTO News!
Our Flower Sale has been extended to Monday, March 30th! There’s still a few more days to get your orders in and help support our school. And don’t forget about the amazing prizes we have lined up for this year!
Counselor's Corner
For 4th quarter, Ms. Rizek will be going into the classroom to teach an SEL lesson on perseverance!
Instructional Coach
Greetings Families,
We have finished the first week of the fourth quarter. Next week is spring break. Take some time to enjoy this time off. Whether you are traveling or staying locally, the link below on environmental print lists some ways to practice reading through environmental print with our primary students.
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/activities/articles/environmental-print
Clinic News
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, please be on the lookout for end-of-year reminders regarding the pickup of medications and/or medical supplies from the clinic. All items must be picked up on or before the last day of school, as any remaining medications or supplies will be disposed of. Additional information will be shared in May.
Flying Horse Farms is a nonprofit medical specialty camp in Mount Gilead, Ohio, that provides free camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families. With on-site medical support, children can safely enjoy traditional camp activities while building confidence, friendships, and lasting memories. It’s a truly special place serving families across Ohio and beyond.
If you are interested, please check out this link: Camper Toolkit - Flying Horse Farms.
2025/26 SCHOOL CALENDAR
PLSD 2025-2026 District Calendar - click here
Districtwide Activities Calendar
Upcoming events and important dates are listed in the Districtwide Google Events Calendar, which is synced with individual building, program and athletic team calendars. Once inside the district wide calendar, to display the events of a particular building, team, program or activity, you will need to check the specific corresponding color-coded box(es) from the list on the left-hand side.
Pickerington Schools partners with the City of Pickerington and Yodel to bring you the Pickerington Community Calendar!
Visit this link to view all Pickerington Schools activities included on the calendar and don’t forget to “favorite” our Pickerington Schools schedule! Once favorited, Pickerington Schools' events will be front and center on your calendar, enabling you to see what’s coming up.
Upcoming Dates/Special Reminders
Please call the Sycamore Creek Elementary Attendance line at 614-834-6201 to leave a voice-mail message to report an absence for your child. Our secretaries check messages throughout the day.
If you have a doctor's note that you need to share with the school to document an absence, please email it to:
March 30th-April 3rd
*No School (Spring Break)
May 4th-8th (I Ready Reading Testing)
*Please reach out to your child's teacher regarding specific days/times if you have upcoming appointments
May 11th-15th (I Ready Math Testing)
*Please reach out to your child's teacher regarding specific days/times if you have upcoming appointments
May 19th
*Fun Day!
May 22nd
*Last Day of School!