5/15/20
TGIF...Twin Groves it’s Friday!
Attention 8th Grade Parents- End of the Year Activities
8th Grade Goodbye Zooms
The 8th grade teams will be offering four zoom options on Tuesday, May 26th to say goodbye to the students. The students can choose one of the times and say goodbye to all of their teachers at once. The students will be receiving zoom codes in their Flex class in Schoology. Please have them look out for these codes!
8th Grade Graduation Video
District 96 and the Twin Groves Administration have prepared a graduation ceremony that will be released to families of 8th graders on May 26th. Please be on the lookout for the video link.
Since we ended the year in early March, Twin Groves did not collect any graduation fees for the 8th Grade Bowling Party, Great America, or graduation gowns. Since we did not collect money, the students will not be receiving gowns.
8th Grade Video
The Twin Groves Staff created a farewell and good luck video for the 8th graders. This video will be sent out to the students in their Schoology lunch course on Tuesday, May 26th. Please have the students look out for the video link!
In my Principal’s Message on May 29th, I will link a copy of the video for parents to see.
8th Grade Goodbye
On Friday, May 29th from 1:00-2:30 PM, Twin Groves will be hosting a send off for 8th graders. Many Twin Groves Staff Members will be lined up in their cars, around the back lot of Twin Groves (Bus Lot) to wave goodbye to the 8th graders. Parents and students can drive through the lot and wave goodbye to the staff.
Please note that everyone must remain in their cars and practice social distancing.
Please look for a MAP and more information in the Principal’s Message on 5/22/20.
Future Staff Planning Days
Looking ahead to next week, no new instruction or learning plans sent to students on Friday, May 22nd. The purpose of this day is for students to catch up on any work that they have not been able to complete to the best of their ability and submit it to their teachers. Instruction for 6th and 7th graders will begin again on Tuesday, May 26th, and the nature of this instruction may include more closure activities and less content specific activities. Remember that Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day.
What’s Happening At Twin Groves?
Spanish
In 6th and 7th grade Spanish, students are continuing to review many topics.
In 8th grade Spanish, students have started the preterite tense of AR,ER, and IR verbs.
Band
Band students have been busy practicing during the remote learning season. Parents, thank you for helping students to submit their practice samples. I have been overrun with listening examples and I’m excited to give encouragement to students.
We are now at the end of another year and it has been my privilege to teach your students. We will miss all of our graduating 8th grade students as they have been good leaders for our program. I wish them the best in their high school careers. I also want to thank each family that is leaving the program for your encouragement. You have made my job easier and your students have made each day at school and now in the remote learning session the reason why I love my job. They have worked hard and shown great character. Registration for next year has gone out and I hope you will register your student for Band next year. Please turn in your registration by Friday, May 22nd.
Finally, we will be having one more porch concert. It is the Memorial Day Patriotic Porch Concert. Students can play anytime on Memorial day and if that day doesn’t work, any time that weekend. I have asked students to prepare one or more patriotic pieces for performance. Please take a video of their performance and have them submit it to the patriotic slides folder by Tuesday, May 26th, and I will send out a link so parents and friends can view the community patriotic concert performed by our students. Students are in charge of their performance completely, deciding the repertoire they would like to perform, their readiness for performance, and when and where they will perform. Have fun with this project and please join me in encouraging your student to participate in the concert.
Orchestra
I am very proud of the Orchestra students and all of their efforts and flexibility with our Remote Learning! Just a reminder to please register your child for Orchestra next year if you have not done so already. Registration is due Friday, May 22nd. Please complete the registration form sent to you via email. I look forward to seeing the students next year in Orchestra!
Virtual Yearbook Signing
The staff and students had an opportunity to add a message, quote, or saying to a Virtual Yearbook Signing Document. There were over 200 entries! The students will receive a link to the Virtual Yearbook Signing Document on Friday, May 22nd th in their Schoology Lunch Course. If the students are interested, they can print the document and add it to their yearbook as a keepsake.
Books and Materials from the Learning Center
The students will be receiving an email that shows outstanding Learning Center items. Please check that they have received this email so they can gather these items and return them on their assigned day. After all items are collected and inventoried, students will be notified of any items that are still outstanding.
Medication Pick Up
In keeping with our School Board Policy, any unused medication remaining at the end of the school year must be picked up by parents. This ensures the safety and well being of all children.
The medications from each building have been picked up and brought to the ELC located at the following address:
990 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
You may pick the medication(s) up on any of the following days between 8:00 AM-3:00 PM:
Tuesday, May 19th
Wednesday, May 20th
Thursday, May 21st
If you have any questions about medication pick up or cannot make any of the designated times, please contact:
Beth Finato, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN, District Nurse
[email protected]
(224) 513-6468
Material Pick Up for 8th Grade- THIS IS A REPEAT MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNICATION THAT WENT OUT ON MAY 11th
Dear Parent/Guardian:
On May 28th, you will have the opportunity to come to school to pick up your 8th grade student’s materials from their lockers. Over the past few weeks, we have been working to clean out lockers and organize materials for this event. You will also drop off iPads and other district technology. Here’s what you need to know:
-May 28th between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
-You will sign up for a pick-up window using Sign Up Genius LINK.
-This will operate like a drive through -- think Portillo’s or Target pick-up
-The Drop Off Station will be at the back entrance
Items you’ll need to drop off:
-Student iPad (in its case), charger (brick and charging cord) & Logitech Crayon
-Social Studies Book (if it is at home)
-Library books or any other school-owned materials
(Upon arrival, you’ll receive a bag in which to place these items)
-Pick up at the back entrance
-Student materials have been placed in bags that will be delivered to your car
-In addition to materials collected from student lockers, 8th graders will also receive:
-Diploma
-Yearbook (if previously ordered)
-Track and Field Spirit Wear (if previously ordered)
(School-owned technology & other materials must be dropped off in order for students to pick up all of these items.)
To expedite this process and to make it as safe as possible, we will be as efficient as possible while also maintaining social distancing and wearing masks and gloves. Here’s what we need you to do:
-CREATE a name tag to place on your dashboard with your students full name boldly & legibly printed; we’ll need to be able to see name tags as you drive up to pick up materials -- Place the name tag on the passenger side dashboard
-WEAR a mask to safely give/receive materials
-PREPARE your vehicle for delivery -- pop or open your trunk or roll down windows so items can be placed safely in your car
If you do not wish to pick up your student’s materials, PLEASE let us know by completing this short form. Please complete this form ONLY if you do not wish to pick up your materials.
If you are unable to make the pick up times listed above, please email Jessica Barnes at [email protected] for an alternative time.
All items that are not picked up by June 1st at 1:00 PM, will be appropriately disposed of or donated. Please make every effort to pick up materials during this designated pick up day. Parents/guardians will only be allowed to pick up materials for their own students.
Thank you,
Jessica
Material Pick Up for 6th & 7th Grade- THIS IS A REPEAT MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNICATION THAT WENT OUT ON MAY 11th
Dear Parent/Guardian:
On May 26th and 27th, you will have the opportunity to come to school to pick up your student’s materials from their locker. Over the past few weeks, we have been working to clean out lockers and organize materials for this event. Here’s what you need to know:
May 26th from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM OR May 27th from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Here are the options for the material pick up by the first initial of your LAST NAME
5/26:
A-D 10:30-11:00
E-H 11:00-11:30
I-M 11:30-12:00
N-R 12:00-12:30
S-V 1:30-2:00
W-Z 2:00-2:30
5/27:
A-D 4:00-4:30
E-H 4:30-5:00
I-M 5:00-5:30
N-R 6:00-6:30
S-V 6:30-7:00
W-Z 7:00-7:30
-You can elect to come on either of the dates listed, but please adhere to the correct time based on your last name.
-This will operate like a drive through -- think Portillo’s or Target pick-up
-6th Grade will pick up at the front entrance near the office
-7th Grade will pick up at the back entrance (bus entrance)
-Families with students in both 6th & 7th grade will use the FRONT for both students
-Student materials have been placed in bags that will be delivered to your car
-In addition to materials collected from student lockers students will also receive:
-Yearbook (if previously ordered)
-Track and Field Spirit Wear (if previously ordered)
To expedite this process and to make it as safe as possible, we will be as efficient as possible while also maintaining social distancing and wearing masks and gloves. Here’s what we need you to do:
-CREATE a name tag to place on your dashboard with your students full name boldly & legibly printed; we’ll need to be able to see name tags as you drive up to pick up materials -- Place the name tag on the passenger side dashboard
-WEAR a mask to take delivery of materials
-PREPARE your vehicle for delivery -- pop or open your trunk or roll down windows so items can be placed safely in your car
If you do not wish to pick up your student’s materials, PLEASE let us know by completing this short form. Please complete this form ONLY if you do not wish to pick up your materials.
If you are unable to make the pick up times listed above, please email Jessica Barnes at [email protected] for an alternative time.
All items that are not picked up by June 1st at 1:00 PM, will be appropriately disposed of or donated. Please make every effort to pick up materials during these designated pick up days. Parents/guardians will only be allowed to pick up materials for their own students.
Thank you,
Jessica
Information Regarding Canceled PTO Events and Programs
Refunds for canceled PTO events and programs, due to the government mandated school closures, will be processed in the form of an account credit on your Twin Groves Membership Toolkit (MTK) parent account.
Account credits can be used for any future Twin Groves PTO purchase on Twin Groves MTK (dessert day, special lunch, spirit wear, gym clothes, etc) and can be used for any of your continuing or incoming students at Twin Groves but cannot be transferred between schools.
Account credits will be applied on May 15th. To check your account credit balance, please log in to your Twin Groves Membership Toolkit account here. Once logged in, your credit balance will be shown on your Forms home page.
You can use your Twin Groves account credit in one of three ways:
1. Keep your credit for a future Twin Groves PTO purchase on MTK
2. Request a check refund of your credit balance
3. Donate your credit balance to a special PTO Staff Appreciation Fund
Please click here to make your selection.
All selections must be submitted by June 1st.
If you have any questions, please contact the MTK Manager at Twin Groves: Carrie DeZutter
School Supply Kits
School supply kits for the 2020-2021 school year will be available starting May 1st. Supply kits will now be delivered directly to your address the week of August 9th. Orders can be placed from May 1st - July 10th. If you have any questions please contact Keri Lynch at [email protected].
Click on the following link to order your supply kits. Use the school code 22104. www.shopttkits.com
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 specific questions about any of the positions, please email Jessica Barnes at [email protected].
We can’t wait to work with you!
Don't Wait! Register for the 2020–2021 School Year
If you haven't already registered your new or returning District 96 student for the 2020–2021 school year, please do so right away. Having an accurate enrollment count is important for anticipating staffing needs appropriately. Please tell new neighbors and friends to contact the public info coordinator [email protected] with registration questions and for info on options to delay/waive registration fees.
Please see the Superintendent’s Message from 5/13/20
Reflections as a Superintendent and a Parent
Much of what we do in District 96 is done collaboratively with Stevenson and the area feeder elementary districts. In early March, we knew that we would have some decisions to make if the pandemic continued to escalate quickly. Trying to stay “ahead of the curve” and diligent when it came to health and safety, we announced our initial closing days before the governor's mandate. Little did we know that our new reality would stretch way beyond those first few weeks. And as time went on, it became clearer that we could be closed for more than a couple of weeks.
Now we find ourselves considering multiple scenarios continuing into the summer and fall. Compounding the stress of the pandemic and forecasts of it extending well into next year is the prospect that the economic fallout might be even longer and more far reaching. We are in a period of extraordinary uncertainty and we are all coping with this in different ways. Some of us need to maintain as much normalcy as possible, and others need to pull back.
As you would expect, I have received many emails from parents since District schools closed. Their messages range from “You need to drastically increase the work you are giving students!” to “It’s overwhelming! My kids are stressed and I’m stressed! It’s too much work!” and from “Why can’t teachers be on Zoom for 4 hours a day with kids?” to “Thank you for developing an engaged, well-balanced plan emphasizing connection and not relying solely on Zoom!” I began to feel like the only common thread in parents’ reactions was an exclamation point at the end!
When asked how we developed our learning plans, my answer is that we designed them to work as best as they can for all of our families experiencing different life circumstances and for our students experiencing the same. We want to provide enough engaging activities and content that our students who are able to go deeper and experience new learning during the closure can do so, but not create insurmountable learning divides for large segments of our population. We adjusted the plan as the length of the closure became apparent.
We have lost control over so many aspects of our lives, and one of the major constants for all of us (students, parents, teachers) with school age children is... school. We are desperately trying to reclaim some sense of control. The focus and routine can be helpful–at least some of the time, anyway.
No question, not being able to be present physically with people is a challenge for humans. I believe we’d all agree that email, chats, and Zoom meetings don’t replace in-person human interaction. They also won’t replace what is fundamental to schooling–the connection between teachers and students centered on nurturing and inspiring relationships.
As a parent, I know we must take care of ourselves, so we can take care of our children. Caring for them means that we watch them closely and understand their limits as well, during this unprecedented time. Remote learning works well for many kids–and not well at all for others. Likewise, kids are emotional like we are... what works one time may not the next. Only you know the right balance for your family, so do what is right for your own situation.
Finally, I deeply believe that our staff are among the most talented and dedicated educators, so let’s be gracious about recognizing their needs, as well. It takes a lot of time and ongoing development to become good at teaching. Our faculty have been thrust into an entirely new teaching environment that was unfathomable six months ago. They continue to be champions for kids….not only their own, but also yours.
Be assured, our students will weather this. We will develop plans to reinforce the most important aspects of the spring content in the fall. We continue to collaborate with our area colleagues to generate ideas for improvements and solutions. We are all in the same boat. We will move forward together.
Please review the important information below!
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will be 5 years old by September 1st, PLEASE register him or her promptly for kindergarten. While some families may be unsure of their plans and what school opening may look like in August due to the pandemic, we still ask that you register. Including your student’s registration in our numbers is the only way for us to finalize our staffing plan and ensure that we have the teaching staff we need! This also helps to manage class sizes in the fall. If you know other families who have kindergarten-age students not yet registered, please share this information with them, as well. In addition, we encourage you to express any interest you may have in your child being a part of the dual language program in kindergarten by submitting an Interest Form by May 15, found on this webpage. Please direct any questions to either Willow Grove Principal Jenny Smith at [email protected] or Public Info Coordinator Betsy Fresen at [email protected].
Expanded Virtual Summer Opportunities
We are excited to offer some expanded virtual summer learning options! These options include the types of sessions that were offered in the past and sessions focused on target review in literacy and math, extension, and STEAM! At their meeting last evening, the Board approved offering these opportunities free of charge for our students. Please watch for a detailed message coming later today (May 13th) on how to sign up for these June virtual learning options!
Student iPads
Due to both our expanded virtual options for June and our intention to share suggestions and resources for continued learning with families over the summer, ALL RETURNING DISTRICT 96 STUDENTS WILL KEEP THEIR IPADS DURING THE SUMMER. We are pleased to be able to offer families and our students ongoing access to this resource. Please remind kids to continue to take care of these iPads. They will need them in the fall!
Food Donations
We thank you sincerely for your continued support of our food distribution efforts! Families impacted financially by the pandemic are receiving supplies and food they need, due to your generosity!
We are in need of additional items at this time and now have coolers for safe storage.
Please place items in collection boxes for this purpose located at the FRONT of the ELC at 990 Corporate Woods Pkwy, Vernon Hills. Please observe social distancing when delivering your donated items.
We are currently requesting:
Macaroni & cheese meals (cups or boxes)
Soups
Canned vegetables
Canned beans
Canned fruit/Fruit cups
Hamburger Helper-type boxed meals
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
Granola bars
Shredded cheese
Sliced cheese
Eggs
Tortillas
Hot dogs
Ground beef (prefer frozen)
Chicken (prefer frozen) can be bags or wrapped
Deli meats
Uncrustables
Student Materials Pick-Up
Specific dates, times, and safe processes for student materials pick-up have been identified. Please find this information in your school Principal’s Message and read ALL details carefully. The dates of each pick-up follow.
• Elementary Student Materials Pick-Up (Willow Grove–Grade 5) will take place:
Wednesday May 20
Thursday, May 21
Friday, May 22
• Grades 6 and 7 Middle School Student Materials Pick-Up will take place:
Tuesday, May 26
Wednesday, May 27
• 8th-Grade Student Materials Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Diploma Distribution will take place:
Thursday, May 28
• 8th-Grade Send-Off will take place:
Friday, May 29
At this time last year, I could not have imagined our current circumstances, of course, and the challenges we’d be facing. May is the traditional time for celebrating our students’ growth and for eagerly anticipating what their future holds. I’m so grateful to the families, faculty, and staff who are pouring their skills and creativity into ensuring that, despite this pandemic, May 2020 will continue to be a time we will honor hard work and give fond farewells. Later this month we will celebrate our Twin Groves and Woodlawn Class of 2020 and we will recognize our staff and our retiring faculty virtually. And because I’m an optimist, I’m looking on the bright side when considering that–for these celebrations–there will be no uncomfortable shoes, no hectic rush to arrive on time, no crowded parking lot hassles, and every seat will be a great seat from which to enjoy the celebration!
Best wishes,
Julie Schmidt, District 96 Superintendent of Schools