3/13/20
TGIF… Twin Groves it’s Friday!
I know this is a very unique time in all of our lives! As parents, these next few weeks could be very difficult for our kids.
As a mother of two middle school students, I know how easy it is for kids to gravitate towards You Tube, video games, social media, and other forms of technology. Please see my suggestions below of other fun alternatives!
-Rubik Cubes
-Brainteasers and crossword puzzles
-Puzzles
-Card Tricks and Magic
-Digital Break Outboxes
-Playing Outdoors and taking walks
-Cooking and Baking...with parent permission :)
-Art and Crafts
-Read
-Research topics of interest
-Exercise
Please see the message from Superintendent Schmidt. This was the same message sent out to families on March 12th.
District 96 Community,
To safeguard the health and wellness of all students and staff, and after consultation with Area 125 superintendents and considering the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding limiting the gathering of large groups, we have decided to close District 96 schools to students beginning Monday, March 16th, in an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness in our community.
IMPORTANT: Any students who believe they need materials they must have in order to complete academic tasks (i.e., graphing calculators) may retrieve these items on Mon., Mar. 16, between 1 and 3 p.m.
Last fall, District 96 did have a remote learning plan approved. Last school year, we implemented the plan for an extreme weather day. We have been working diligently to update that plan to account for a potentially more extended closing. Early next week you will be receiving remote learning plans. These will be sent to your parent email addresses on file.
The dates identified below outline how days will be categorized. Spring Break days do not require a plan, as they were already built into our calendar as non-attendance days. In addition, Tuesday, March 17th, was already identified as a Teacher Institute day (non-attendance). We also have five Emergency Days built in to our calendar and those will be used first. These days are now built into our calendar and mean that the last day of student attendance will now likely be Friday, June 5.
Emergency Days that are already built into our calendar, extending the school year until Friday, June 5th:
-Monday, March 16
-Wednesday, March 18
-Thursday, March 19
-Friday, March 20
-Monday, March 30
Identified non-attendance day (Institute / Election Day), no make-up:
-Tuesday, March 17
Spring Break non-attendance days, no make-up:
-Monday, March 23
-Tuesday, March 24
-Wednesday, March 25
-Thursday, March 26
-Friday, March 27
Remote Learning Days:
-Tuesday, March 31
-Wednesday, April 1
-Thursday, April 2
-Friday, April 3
Anticipated re-open if conditions allow:
-Monday, April 6
The identified start date for remote learning is Tuesday, March 31. As you will be receiving remote plans early next week, students can certainly begin their remote learning plan. You or your student (depending on grade level) will receive a communication from the teacher(s) once per day on the four identified remote learning days. Work from remote learning will be due 5 days after school resumes in order for students to get additional teacher support if needed.
While we know this is an unprecedented decision, these are unprecedented times. We are committed to following CDC recommendations and to do our part in taking preventative measures to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. While we have not been notified of any staff or students being diagnosed with COVID-19 at this time, we believe the evidence that makes it increasingly clear that it is better for schools to close sooner rather than later to slow the spread of the disease. Although it seems that the coronavirus has primarily impacted people 60 and older, the reality is that even if our students are less likely to be adversely affected, they still could be carriers of the disease. Closing the school reduces the incubation effect that occurs when hundreds of students and adults gather in the school on a daily basis.
The decision to close school is not one we are making lightly. We are fully aware of the complications that this will cause in the lives of our students and their families — and for our faculty and staff, as well. Whatever the downsides of closing school may be, we believe that as a public school we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, and the larger District 96 community.
If conditions change as we approach April 6, official communication emails will be sent from the District level through our normal communication avenues.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Schmidt, Superintendent of District 96 Schools
Building Open on Monday, March 16th from 1-3PM For Students/Parents to Retrieve Materials/Medications- PLEASE READ!
Any students or parents who believe they need materials they must have in order to complete academic tasks (i.e., graphing calculators) may retrieve these items on Monday, March 16th, between 1 and 3 PM. Parents can also retrieve medication from the Nurse’s Office during this time.
Students and parents must report to the Main Office at Twin Groves. Designated staff members will retrieve materials for the students or parents.
Staff Communication
Staff will be communicating with students electronically during the Remote Learning days (March 31st, April 1st, April 2nd, and April 3rd).
In addition, the staff will be responding to student and parent concerns and questions as they arise.
Remote Learning Plans
Please be on the lookout for Remote Learning Plans from staff. Clear communication and directions will be sent out via email.
Building Communication
Building Principals will communicate with information via School Messenger in a timely manner.
During the week of Spring Break (March 23rd to March 27th), Principals will not be sending communication via School Messenger.
8th Grade Graduation
As of right now, there are no additional days in the calendar for 8th grade students.
As conditions continue to evolve, we will communicate with you regarding 8th Grade Graduation.
Lost and Found
Since the buildings are close, we will NOT be donating any of the lost and found items that have been left at Twin Groves. Lost and Found items will not be donated until school is out in June.
What’s Happening at Twin?
Spanish
In 6th grade Spanish, students are learning about breakfast foods and drinks.
In 7th grade Spanish, students are working on their interpersonal speaking skills.
In 8th grade Spanish, students are working on shopping and accessories vocabulary.
Band
Thank you all for a wonderful Music in Our Schools concert on March 5th!
Orchestra
Thank you all for a wonderful Music in Our Schools concert on March 5th!
Coronavirus Information and Guidance
SEE Coronavirus information and guidance linked from the homepage of our District website.
Summer School 2020
Opportunities for Summer School 2020 include Academic Literacy for KCSD96 returning students currently in Kdg-Grade 7 and Jump Start Kindergarten for incoming kindergartners enrolled for the 2020-21 school year. Register by May 1st, to be assured of your student's space in Summer School 2020.
Questions? Call 847.459.4260, ext. 8123.
6th Grade Dental-Proof of Dental Exams
Attention parents of 6th Graders. Proof of dental exams for all 6th graders are due by May 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Borzych at 847-821-8946.
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. Please click HERE to read and access the Daily Announcements.
PTO
BOOK FAIR
New online Book Fair for Twin Groves Families. Purchase books online between March 9th and March 23rd and the Twin Groves PTO will receive a percentage of all sales. Just click the link below to be taken to the Twin Groves Online Book Fair.
Please click HERE to access the Book Fair link.
OPEN BOARD POSITIONS ON THE TWIN GROVES PTO
Attention all parents! The Twin Groves PTO is looking for parents to volunteer their time on the PTO Executive Board.
For a list of open positions, please go to twingrovesmspto.membershiptoolkit.com .
If you have any specific questions about any of the positions, please email Jessica Barnes at [email protected].
We can’t wait to work with you!
Upcoming Events:
4/22- Dessert Day
4/29- Special Lunch
5/6- Dessert Day
5/13- Special Lunch
Please click HERE to access Membership Toolkit. All items for sale from the PTO will be available on this website.