2/8/19
TGIF...Twin Groves it’s Friday!
What’s happening at TG?
6th Grade
Pre Algebra
Pre-Algebra will complete the current unit on equations. They will work through a challenging word problem unit with multiple variables. They will also learn to solve by first creating systems of equations and then graphing to find a solution. This will evolve into learning how to solve systems using substitution. The month will end with a study of inequalities and the unit benchmark. It is exciting to see the students at every level apply themselves to learning difficult targets. Last month we asked you to encourage modeling with mathematics at home. We have seen such impressive modeling in all three levels! This month, we’d like to focus on constructing arguments and being able to understand others. It is always very important in math to be able to explain why something makes sense, why a strategy is valid, how an answer was obtained, or why one choice is better than another. It is equally important to be able to understand others’ viewpoints in order to critique or expand upon them. The ability to have this type of mathematical discussion is a great indicator of true understanding. Feel free to ask your children how they solved a problem or why their answer makes sense. We ask the students these questions all of the time and it’s very impressive to hear their answers!
The students have access to these apps that they should be using regularly:
Math Facts Ninja - For students who need extra practice with their math facts.
Knowre - This app covers topics in line with the Common Core Curriculum which the students are covering this year. This program is designed to develop critical thinking skills. Each class has expectations for completing lessons in Knowre each week, and students are welcome to work ahead and extend their learning.
Pre Algebra Survey
Pre-Algebra Survey will complete their unit on expressions this month. We will be working extensively with the properties of mathematics to combine like terms and simplify expressions. It is exciting to see the students at every level apply themselves to learning difficult targets. Last month we asked you to encourage modeling with mathematics at home. We have seen such impressive modeling in all three levels! This month, we’d like to focus on constructing arguments and being able to understand others. It is always very important in math to be able to explain why something makes sense, why a strategy is valid, how an answer was obtained, or why one choice is better than another. It is equally important to be able to understand others’ viewpoints in order to critique or expand upon them. The ability to have this type of mathematical discussion is a great indicator of true understanding. Feel free to ask your children how they solved a problem or why their answer makes sense. We ask the students these questions all of the time and it’s very impressive to hear their answers!
The students have access to these apps that they should be using regularly:
Math Facts Ninja - For students who need extra practice with their math facts.
Knowre - This app covers topics in line with the Common Core Curriculum which the students are covering this year. This program is designed to develop critical thinking skills. Each class has expectations for completing lessons in Knowre each week, and students are welcome to work ahead and extend their learning.
Language Arts
In LA and LA Advanced, we've just finished working on comparative theme analysis, taking two stories or a poem and a story and finding a theme that both texts share. Next, we will take two informational texts on the same topic and contrast the strategies the two authors use to develop different purposes. This is the fourth cycle we have worked on different types of analytic writing during 6th grade, so the prompts are more complex and the expectations are higher. Some of the students are finding it very challenging to work with two texts at once, but as they continue to learn, their writing will improve. Other students took to the new skills right away, and we've seen some amazing work. Whether your student is struggling or not, your patience and support throughout the learning process is crucial. Let your student show you what he or she feels proud of, and celebrate that! This class is a very hard working group, and we are making progress with every student in one area or another. If you see a dip in grades on some of the writing and reading targets, that is fairly typical. There are so many parts to each task that it is often difficult for students as they learn to manage the organization of the essay so that their meaning is clear and they have met all of the requirements. Now that the novel study is over, students are expected to be reading from a free-choice novel for 20-30 minutes per night. Please make sure that your student is reading nightly in a distraction-free, well-lit place so that reading time is fruitful and enjoyable! Ask about what is being read -- or better yet, read the same book -- so that your student can gain the most from his or her reading experience and you can enjoy some great conversations together. Perhaps you’ll even be pleasantly surprised by some high quality literature written for young adults.
Science
Scientists have been busy learning about the different cycles of matter. From the water cycle to the carbon and nitrogen cycles, students became a part of the cycle! Students were excited to link their knowledge of matter and elements into this new target. There were also a few really cool labs too! Be sure to ask your child about their Nitrogen Cycle Passport and their Water Cycle Adventure!
Social Studies
In social studies this month, we are continuing our study of the Ancient Greek city-states by focusing in on the formation of democracy in Athens and the powerful military strength of Sparta. We will be looking at the different types of government throughout Ancient Greece that led up to democracy and examining how it impacts us today. Students will also explore the Greek philosophers and their teachings, along with learning about Alexander the Great and the decline of the civilization. Moving on from Greece, we will be learning about the Romans and what made them such a powerful and long lasting civilization.
7th Grade
Bridge to Algebra 1
We are finishing the second part to Unit 5: Congruence & Similarity and will then be focusing on Unit 6: Properties & Applications of Exponents. This unit is filled with rules that the students will have to remember in order to master the targets. Please encourage students if they are struggling to reach out and seek help if necessary.
Algebra 1
We just finished Unit 6: Laws of Exponents & Exponential Functions and are now beginning Unit 7: Quadratic Functions & Polynomial Expressions. This unit is imperative that the students master the learning targets because it is the foundation to future units in Algebra and even in their future math courses. Please encourage students if they are struggling to reach out and seek help if necessary.
Language Arts
The 7th-grade language arts classes have been hard at work analyzing different types of poems! Students have dug deep and examined how poets purposely form their works using elements like figurative language and structure to communicate their message. Moving forward we are beginning S.E. Hinton’s young adult classic, The Outsiders. Students will be investigating how authors develop specific types of characters to drive the plot. In addition, we will be inspecting informational text, breaking down text structures and exploring how an author’s word choice impacts tone.
Advanced Language Arts
In Advanced LA we are continuing to work on mastering analytic writing targets by comparing the various elements poets use when crafting their poems. Next, we will be delving into the mysterious works of Edgar Allan Poe beginning with a few of his well-known poems and culminating with one of his most famous works, The Tell-Tale Heart. This terrifying tale will help us in furthering our understanding of theme and character development. Students will also be examining various pieces of informational text in order to investigate how authors use different structures and word choice to suit their purposes.
Science
In science, students will be continuing Unit 3: Earth within the Universe by studying the properties of light and sound waves. Students will be using their knowledge to engineer a speaker to project the loudest sounds, as well as, complete a maze using a laser beam and a variety of surfaces. As waves are studied, students will examine how waves are reflected, absorbed and transmitted through various mediums.
Social Studies
We are winding down our study of the U.S. Constitution and government at the national, state, and local levels. We completed a scavenger hunt of researching who are our elected officials at the national, state, and local levels… even down to the county and village/township levels! We compared, contrasted, and questioned government and systems in the United States and in several other nations around the world. We are now critically examining what is means to be a citizen of the United States and the rights and responsibilities of being an American. Some of our recent inquiry questions included: What are the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? What are examples of different types of citizens and actions? To what extent do citizens have a responsibility to take part in their society? Soon, we will be investigating our new nation coming out of the Revolutionary War and Constitutional Convention along with key issues pertaining to our first Presidents: Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.
8th Grade
Algebra 1
In Algebra 1, we have just completed Unit 6: Exponential Functions and we are beginning Unit 7: Quadratic Functions & Polynomial Expressions. This unit, and all future units, are the heart of Algebra and it is crucial for students to master the learning targets. Please encourage students to ask for help when needed and come in for additional help if necessary!
Algebra 2
In Algebra 2, we are in the middle of Unit 7: Series and Sequences. We started the unit with an intro task called "Super Stairs" that helped students understand where this unit will take them! They seemed to really enjoy the task and I encourage you to ask them about it! Coming up next will be Unit 8: Statistics & Probability! This tends to be a challenging topic for some students so please encourage them to continue to get help when needed!
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we have been working hard to determine the role perspective and point of view has on different stories of both classic and modern times. Students have also been digging into the argument of whether or not the fine arts are important to student success. In the coming weeks we will begin reading Daniel Keyes's story, "Flowers for Algernon," and we will analyze the creative ways the author writes the story. We will also look at informational texts and analyze where the writers agree and disagree, and how authorial structures and tone impact how a reader understands a topic.
Advanced Language Arts
In Advanced Language Arts, we have been working hard to determine the role perspective and point of view has on different stories of both classic and modern times. Students have also been digging into the argument of whether or a rage room would be a good idea in a high school. In the coming weeks we will begin reading Charles Dickens’ famous novel, Great Expectations, and we will analyze the creative ways the author writes the story. We will also look at informational texts and analyze where the writers agree and disagree, and how authorial structures and tone impact how a reader understands a topic.
Science
In science, students are studying genetic engineering and technologies. Students will research gene therapies and genetically modified crops. They will end the unit on a bright note by participating in a bacterial transformation using the pGLO gene.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, we are in the middle of our Vietnam War unit. Students are investigating why the war began, the role President Truman through President Ford played in the war, and the impact the war had on American society. Students are closely investigating the differing beliefs of Hawks and Doves and the methods protestors used to make their voices heard. In preparation for our Civil Rights unit, students went to Buffalo Grove High School to check out their presentation of the Freedom Rides.
ILC
This crazy weather has thrown our routine off a bit, but we're finding our way back to it in the ILC. The kids enjoyed some leftover hot chocolate with whipped cream from the coffee cart today, which seemed to pep everyone up! We continue our hard work in all academic areas, really learning about our individual strengths and weaknesses as learners and finding ways to improve. Our staff has emphasized the importance of using strategies to help students become more accurate in their work, like looking back to the text to answer questions. In Social Studies, we are discovering how our government works as we dig into the U.S. Constitution. The many moving parts can be tricky to understand, but through visuals and real-life examples, students are making meaning. We continue to work on argument writing -- stating claims, backing up claims with relevant reasons and supporting those reasons with text evidence.
SLC
Did you now that Punxsutawney Phil, the ground hog did not see his shadow? So, are we really going to have an early spring? Let’s hope so!
The SLC is working hard everyday academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally to increase independence and daily life skills. We provide this through targeted direct instruction to students in reading, written expression, mathematics, language for learning and language for thinking as well as reading comprehension and fluency. Our SLC team collaborates weekly to provide the best individualized instruction for all our students. As a team, experiments are provided during our science unit on Fossils. The class has enjoyed learning all about the different types of fossils and being anthropologists. Digging through sand and rock to find fossils has given them the opportunity to learn how to be gentle and patient while digging to find an amazing artifact. They even had fun with experiments of making a fossil with gummy bears and bread to watching a volcano erupt using baking soda, vinegar and food coloring! Learning how to follow the sequence of written directions, and then make a hypothesis, has allowed them to work cooperatively in a group while being independent in their thought process. Such a learning experience for everyone!
Our first Community Based Instruction (CBI) trip to Mariano’s will be at the end of the month. Again, the SLC team works daily on teaching our students how to prepare a shopping list, navigate the grocery store and purchase items on their own. This is practiced in our self-made grocery store which is located in the occupational therapy/motor room. We have various grocery items, a cash register and even a shopping cart! The boys will all be well prepared for the CBI later this month and to take on grocery shopping for you!
As always, building independence, social skills and organizational skills are embedded throughout the school day. Please feel free to email or call with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.
RESCHEDULED: Simplifying Stevenson for Parents of Current 8th Graders – February 21, 7–8:30 p.m.
Parents of current 8th graders whose students will attend Stevenson High School are invited to this popular Q&A featuring panelists who are current Stevenson High School seniors and freshmen. This is an evening for parents to ask questions and hear from SHS students (District 96 alumni) how they made the transition to high school, manage their time, choose extracurriculars, balance their workload, and more. Principal Troy Gobble will also share info and answer questions.
Questions about this parent program?
Contact KCSD96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi, 847.459.4260, ext. 8136
Create a Sticker for Our Teachers!
On March 1st teachers from District 96, 102, 103 and 125 will meet at Stevenson High School to participate in a workshop. The workshop will focus on the diversity within our community and how educators can create an equitable learning environment for all students. Our aspirational goal is to create a community in which all students feel they belong as their authentic selves. We are reaching out to students to help design a sticker with a slogan that will unite all of us around a common theme of respect and inclusion of all.
If you are interested in submitting a design and slogan for consideration, please email a document as a .pdf with your design to [email protected] or turn in a paper copy to the main office in your school. With your submission, please include your full name, grade and school you attend. Your slogan and design may contain images, words or a combination of both and should not be bigger than 6 x 3 inches. Your submission must be an original creation.
Designs need to be turned in on or before Friday, February 8th. If your design is selected you will be contacted by email by February 15th.
We are Twin Groves...A Celebration of Culture
Please save the date…..May 7, 2019
Given the rich diversity of the cultures in our shared community, we are looking forward to engaging students and families in a night where we celebrate our own culture, learn/celebrate the cultures of others, and build on a shared community culture. The event will run from 7:00PM to 8:30PM.
This evening will be open to all Twin Groves families.
If your student and/or family is interested in performing or presenting during the event, please indicate by completing this Google Form. When we have a better understanding of how many presenters sign up, we will be communicating logistics of the event.
DUAL LANGUAGE INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS
Parents of incoming kindergartners interested in learning more about the Dual Language program beginning in the 2019–2020 school year are invited to an informational meeting at Willow Grove Early Learning Center, 777 Checker Dr., Buffalo Grove, on Tues., Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Questions? Please call 847.459.4260, ext. 8022, or contact the public info coordinator [email protected]
Calling all middle school girls! Are you interested in building an awesome tech project with social impact?
If so, then register to participate in the 2019 ProjectCSGIRLS Competition for Middle School Girls! We’re looking for powerful, innovative, and disruptive thinkers for the nation’s largest computer science competition for middle school girls. The deadline to register is March 1st, 2019. The deadline to submit projects is April 15th, 2019 and mentors will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis so if students would like to request a mentor, they should register early!
Your challenge is to build something using computer science and technology to help solve a social problem under one of four themes: global health, a safer world, bridging inequalities, and intelligent technology. We will recognize semifinalists, finalists, and national winners. All finalists will be invited to our national gala event in DC in June of 2019, where they will tour tech companies, participate in workshops, listen to guest speakers, showcase their projects, and be honored at a formal awards ceremony. This is your chance to win an invitation to the ultimate celebration for girls in computing!
See the ProjectCSGIRLS website for more details: www.projectcsgirls.com and see the flyer below. The competition is open to all girls in middle school (6th – 8th grade) during the 2018 – 2019 school year. Girls must reside in the United States to participate. Homeschooled girls are welcome to participate! Both individuals and teams of up to three girls may participate
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
Attention PTO Volunteers!
When you are volunteering for an event at Twin Groves, please don’t forget to sign in and out in the front office. Thank you!
Upcoming Events:
-Winter Bash is TODAY!!!!
-Dessert Day 2/20/19
-Special Lunch 2/27/19
-Dessert day 3/13/19
-Special Lunch 3/20/19
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.