10/18/19
TGIF…Twin Groves it’s Friday!
What’s Happening at TG?
Spanish
In 6th grade Spanish, students will be learning the days of the weeks and the months of the year.
In 7th grade Spanish, students are working on subject pronouns and AR verbs.
In 8th grade Spanish, students are working on their interpersonal speaking skills.
Orchestra
Congratulations to all of our students who tried out for ILMEA this year! I am very proud of all of the students and all of their hard work. Those students who made it will be attending and performing at the ILMEA District 7 Festival on Saturday, November 2nd at Maine West High School.
In 6th Grade Orchestra, we are currently working on learning new notes and scales and playing together as an ensemble.
In 7th Grade Orchestra, we are continuing our work on 3rd position as well as implementing new rhythms and music theory.
In 8th Grade Orchestra, we are continuing to work on 2 octave scales and music theory.
Counseling Corner
Ms. Baker and Ms. McDevitt, School Social Workers
Ms. Koulentes, School Counselor
Ms. Leverentz, School Psychologist
The weeks before Halloween are usually filled with lots of excitement. Between cooler weather, fall sports, and pumpkins being carved we often start to hear the rumblings of what all of our students will be dressing up for on October 31. Most of the time this day is full of laughter, candy, and fun, but every year it can also bring hurt feelings, confusion, and tears which can have lasting effects. When students decide who they will be trick-or-treating with, what they will be dressing up as, and where they will be trick-or-treating someone is inevitably left out, which can cause feelings of isolation and rejection. Being inclusive and respectful is what the counseling staff try to emphasize with students when we work with them during this time.
If your student is struggling with how to find their footing in the social dynamics of Halloween, here are some suggestions that can empower them as individuals and increase inclusivity within groups.
What to do...
...If no one has invited you to join their group?
Think of a friend you feel comfortable around and like to have fun with- you can be the one to start the conversation! Ask them if they’d like to join up together for trick-or-treating or hanging out for the evening. If your friends have already been invited along by others, consider asking your friend if you can tag along with their group.
...If you are invited to go with a group, but feel uncomfortable?
You can simply reply, “I had already made other plans, but thank you for asking!”
...If the group you are planning to go with is excluding others?
You can be an upstander! Stand by your friend and advocate for them to come along.
You can also consider breaking off from the group for awhile, and then inviting everyone to come together afterwards for dinner/ candy swapping/ a movie.
… if you’re out with a group, and people in your group start straying from the original plan?
If plans change, stick with a buddy. Have a plan to call a parent if you decide you’re too uncomfortable to stay out with the group.
… If you’re just not that into Halloween?
Not everyone celebrates this holiday, and not everyone loves this holiday... let’s be honest, you may actually hate all things scary and spooky! You can suggest alternative plans that still allow you to hang out with friends, while not having to participate in the parts of Halloween that make you uncomfortable.
For more teen-friendly ideas:
https://www.sweetyhigh.com/read/halloween-feeling-left-out-how-deal-103117
Additional reading for parents:
2019 Children’s Mental Health Report: Social Media, Gaming and Mental Health
https://childmind.org/our-impact/childrens-mental-health-report/2019report/
Daily Announcements
The Daily Announcements will be posted each weekday 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. Access the Daily Announcements.
PTO
Fall Bash is in need of more parent volunteers to make this event a success. If you can help out, please send an email to Kari Siegall [email protected] or send a message through our messaging button.
Fall Bash is on Friday, October 25th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. The event is held in the cafeteria; we'll also have the gyms open for volleyball.
Volunteers should plan on arriving at school by 2:15 pm and stay until 5:30 pm for clean up.
Upcoming Events:
10/23- Dessert Day
10/25- Fall Bash 3-5PM
10/30- Special Lunch
11/13- Dessert Day
11/20- Special Lunch
11/25- Book Fair
11/26- Book Fair
12/11- Dessert Day
12/18- Special Lunch
Access the Membership Toolkit. All items for sale from the PTO will be available on this website.