9/21/18
TGIF...Twin Groves it’s Friday!
We have an early release on Tuesday, September 25th. The students will be dismissed at 1:30PM.
Counseling Corner
Mrs. DiMare and Ms. McDevitt, School Social Workers
Mrs. Koulentes, School Counselor
Ms. Leverentz, School Psychologist
The beginning of the school year is a great time to establish effective homework and study habits for students. These are just suggestions; each child has different needs and habits. Adaptations of the following strategies may be necessary for your student to be successful.
Homework Tips:
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Set up a specific place for homework. Be sure that all materials and supplies that may be needed are available. The area should be free of distractions and noises (e.g., TV, video games, cell phones).
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Set up a designated “homework time.” Homework should be completed earlier in the evening. Be sure your student is alert and that they are not working on an empty stomach.
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Build in short breaks (e.g., restroom, getting a snack or drink, walking around house). Breaks allow the brain to refocus before beginning new tasks. If your child is feeling overwhelmed while working on a task, it may be time for a break.
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Prioritize assignments each night. Tasks that will require more time or effort should be started first. Students need to manage their time when doing their homework; help your students set goals about the amount of time to spend on each assignment.
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Be sure your student reads rubrics and directions carefully and understands the expectations of any given assignment.
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Help your students pace themselves with long-term projects/research papers; they should work on long-term assignments each night, breaking the projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
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If students are not highly motivated to complete homework, build in simple rewards for the completion of each task.
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Be sure to praise your child for their efforts as much as their successes.
Study Tips:
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Spread out studying rather than cramming at the last minute. Some skills, such as math facts, Spanish vocabulary, etc. need constant review. Help your child estimate how much time studying for a particular quiz or test will take.
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Have students make a list of the things they need to know for a test. If a study guide is not provided, have your student create one while they are studying.
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Students should make sure all their notes are in order and that important information is highlighted.
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Students should study more challenging or complex topics when they feel most prepared and awake.
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Students may want to study with a partner if possible. To review information, they can take turns quizzing each other on the material.
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Help students relate new information to their daily lives. Support them in creating mnemonics, flow charts/graphic organizers, or flash cards. Flash cards are a nice way to study on the go.
Information Parents Need To Be Aware Of
Recently, there have been middle school aged students participating in a game called the Choking Game. This game is highly dangerous and life threatening.
Please click HERE for information and articles on the game.
Information from Catalyst and Stand Strong
What the heck is vaping?!
Vaping is a term used to describe the use of an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) or "vape." While these devices come in many shapes and sizes, the most commonly used in our area resemble a USB drive and are sold under the brand name JUUL. While traditional cigarette use by teens has been at a ten year low, we have recently seen a rise in the use of e-cigarettes by youth nationally. The devices are marketed to be attractive to youth and come in intriguing flavors, such as cotton candy, mango, strawberry, etc. These devices are not FDA approved and are linked to several health related issues involving the respiratory system. For more information about vaping, view this VIDEO.
For more detailed information, Dr. Susan Sirota, local pediatrician and Stand Strong member, will give a presentation on the topic on Thursday, September 27th at 7:00 pm at West Oak Middle School and Thursday, November 6th at Lincolnshire Village Hall at 7:00 PM.
STEM Conference for Middle School Girls in Lake County (please see below)
Thought Exchange Partnership
Now seeking parents to fill two spots on our district Thought Exchange Partnership, formerly known as the Parent Review Committee! If you are looking for a way to get involved, be a voice for your school, and learn a lot, please consider joining. If you are interested in this opportunity, go to this link to express interest by September 28th! Please know there will be a lottery for the openings. You will contacted if you are selected.
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 11th in the evening.
Purpose:
-To share with parents information regarding district goals and initiatives, curricular and instructional innovations, programs and other informational topics. (i.e. District Goals, MAP and PARCC Results)
-To review school board or school code required topics (i.e. Handbook, Discipline Policy, Grants, Calendar)
-To understand parent perceptions and solicit feedback on school district topics to assist the district in communication and planning.
A Parent Learning Opportunity presented by the D96 Parent Network
Coping with Anxiety–A Program for Parents
Wednesday, September, 26, 7–8:30 p.m.
Twin Groves Middle School Learning Center, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., BG
These are anxiety-provoking times. Learn from popular returning speaker Dr. Michael Maniacci about how you can help your kids cope with today's challenges and stressors. Ask questions and leave with understanding and practical strategies you can use.
No fee/no preregistration. All interested adults are welcome. Arrive late or leave early as your schedule requires.
Questions? Contact D96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi at lkhan-andrabi@
Daily Announcements
The Daily Announcements will be posted each morning. Please see Twin Groves website for up to date school announcements. The announcements let you know what exciting activities and clubs are going on at Twin Groves. Please click HERE to access the Daily Announcements.
PTO Happenings
-Special Lunch is on September 26th
-Dessert Day is on October 24th
-Special Lunch is on October 31st
-Dessert Day is on November 14th
-Special Lunch is on November 28th
Please click HERE to access the Membership Toolkit. All items for sale from the PTO will be available on this website.
Band & Orchestra Boosters
Please click the BLOG to access the latest news from the Band & Orchestra Boosters.