Principal's Message - December 2, 2021

12/3/21
TGIF…Twin Groves it’s Friday! 


What’s Happening At Twin?

6th Grade

Pre Algebra Survey: The 6th Grade Pre-Algebra Survey class is continuing their unit on rational numbers. Rational numbers include all positive and negative integers, fractions, and decimals. This month we will be focusing on multiplication and division of rational numbers. Then we will apply all four operations while solving problems following the order of operations. Last month we talked about encouraging the students to look for structure. This has definitely shown up in class as the students worked. This month, we’d like for you to encourage the students to be precise in their work. This includes knowing definitions (like absolute value is the distance of a number from 0!), including units in answers, and converting to different units as necessary. Thank you for all the help at home! 

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. 
IXL - 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. 

Pre Algebra: 6th Grade Pre-Algebra is continuing the unit on rational numbers. Rational numbers include all positive and negative integers, fractions, and decimals. This month we will be focusing on applying all four operations while solving problems following the order of operations. Last month we talked about encouraging the students to look for structure. This has definitely shown up in class as the students worked. This month, we’d like for you to encourage the students to be precise in their work. This includes knowing definitions (like absolute value is the distance of a number from 0!), including units in answers, and converting to different units as necessary. Thank you for all the help at home! 

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. 
IXL - 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. 

Language Arts: This month we will be working on writing a theme analysis while revisiting the literary elements of mood and tone. We will also begin to examine the author’s craft by answering questions like: why did the author put this scene in the story?  and investigating how the use of a certain sentence impacts the meaning of the story.


Science: 6th grade scientists are truly feeling like chemists now!  We are working our way through chemistry by learning about elements, compounds, and mixtures!  We’ll also learn about how molecules change state through various physical and chemical changes.  In fact, one of our favorite lab activities will take place “White Before Your Eyes!” 

SS: After finishing our inquiry into the death of Otzi the iceman, students are going to begin to look at the start of civilization and government in the fertile crescent.  The students might not have previously heard of the civilizations of Mesopotamia, but they definitely have been impacted by them.  These civilizations showcase groundbreaking achievements in law, agriculture, and writing that have come to shape our world for thousands of years!


7th Grade

Bridge to Algebra 1
With the second trimester starting, we are towards the end of a very important unit where we learn about linear functions. We are learning how to write and graph linear equations and how to calculate slope! Understanding linear equations is crucial because they are prevalent in many levels of math. We will start our next unit, Simultaneous Linear Functions, before winter break and finish when we return.

Algebra 1
Our first unit in trimester two has us learning how to use our calculators to find lines of best fit (trend lines) for data. The students have done wonderfully learning how to do this since the use of the graphing calculator is new to them. There are many steps that must be done to get to the calculation. A lot of data needs to be entered and the need for precision is very high. The students also learned how to calculate residuals by hand, as well as by calculator. We use residuals to determine if a linear model is the best fit for the data. We will be doing a mini unit on transformations of functions before winter break and then start our unit on quadratic functions and polynomials.

Language Arts: In both Language Arts classes, we have begun reading poetry.  Our usual Article of the Week is being replaced with a Poem of the Week each week, at least, until break.  We are using poems to further develop our understanding of perspective, mood, tone and theme.

This week in Language Arts, we will begin our book clubs.  Students will be expected to read a quarter of their book each week.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will work with other students who are reading the same book to complete assignments and discuss the events of the book.  Please encourage your child to read nightly so that they can participate in the book club.

Next week in Advanced Language Arts, we will begin a unit on satire.  The students will look at what satire is and the purpose it serves.  We will use several shorter texts along with some extended short stories to evaluate how authors use satire to express their perspectives.

Science: As trimester two begins, students are learning how animal behaviors and plant adaptations help them survive. We will be investigating how seeds are dispersed. Students are developing their writing skills as we work on developing a claim that is supported by evidence from data and scientific reasoning. For our engineering targets, students recently built and tested a wind powered car. 

SS: We have been comparing and contrasting the views and historical perspectives of Patriots and Loyalists during the Revolutionary Years and how that will lead to the Constitution replacing the terribly problematic Articles of Confederation.  Our new nation had to start somewhere with a first government and that start was operated under the Articles of Confederation.  The problems with the Articles would lead to the development of political factions and parties during this time of intense debate of what a “better government” should look like in America.  These conflicting views for the future would manifest during the Constitutional Convention.  Disagreements and various forms of protest, debate, and disagreement about what the future should be like would encourage many to take action.  Connections will be made on how we can step up to take civic action to make a difference, just as many did years ago to help shape the new Constitution.  From there, we will continue to analyze our government with seven key principles and essential components of our great Constitution that emerged from the Constitutional Convention. 

8th Grade
Algebra 1: In Algebra 1, we are completing Unit 4 on Statistical Models. This unit contained brand new material for students and they learned how to use their TI-84 Graphing calculator to create scatter plots and calculate linear regression models. Next unit begins our very rigorous Algebra 1 content! We will be starting Unit 6 on Quadratic Equations and Polynomial Functions. This is a very critical unit for students to demonstrate mastery in and is essential for building a solid Algebra foundation for the future. 

Algebra 2: The Radical functions benchmark is this week. Students have learned how to graph radical functions using transformations, solve radical equations and inequalities, write inverse equations of radical functions, and identify key features. Next unit we will be studying exponential functions. This proves to be a rigorous unit year after year for students so please encourage your students to be practicing and asking for help when needed. 

Language Arts: Both AT level and Advance are working on our poetry unit.  Through this unit, we are not only exploring what poetry is and how to read poetry, but we also look at how the lives of the poets influence their poems and writings.  We explore how poetry can be a tool for expressing ourselves, relating to others, as well as a healing tool in some cases.  In addition, we explore and practice using figurative language techniques. These techniques are not only used in poetry but also short stories and IT articles as well!  Next month we will move into our first Novel Unit:  Great Expectations (ADV) and Flowers for Algernon(AT). These are great stories that I am sure students will enjoy!

Science: 8th grade Science is completing our second unit studying relationships between ancient and modern organisms.  In December, we will begin to investigate the effect of genetic variation on an individual organism’s probability of surviving.  We will look at classic examples of natural selection including peppered moths during the Industrial Revolution. Students will also study current events such as the increase of antibiotic-resistant nightmare bacteria.

SS: In 8th grade social studies, students have been learning about World War II and the Holocaust.  We started by researching the rise of dictators, including Adolf Hitler and his German “War Machine.”  Students have used the Ladder of Prejudice to investigate the horrors of the Holocaust and the role that both bystanders and upstanders played in reaction to the Nazis.  Since returning after Thanksgiving break, our focus has been on the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Students are focusing on U.S. involvement on the front and at home.  They will investigate the growth of rights for some and the restriction of rights on others. Students will continue to practice their ability to create and defend an argument with historical evidence.

 

 

NWEA- MAP
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment. The MAP assessment is a normed referenced, computerized adaptive test that helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth.  Like in previous years, all students will be taking the MAP test in reading and math during the school day. Testing will take place on Monday, December 6th and Tuesday, December 7th. 


Students who are quarantined during those testing days will take the MAP assessment after they return to school.


Due to the proximity of the MAP testing window to Winter Break, families will receive NWEA MAP scores on Monday, January 10th. This allows building administration enough time to complete make-up testing and for each family to receive scores at the same time. No scores will be given out before January 10th.

 

 


Current Patriot Consortium Mathematics Placement Process- Repeat from 11/22/21 District Communication

The consortium has created criteria that defines the four strands of mathematical proficiency to highlight the attributes of a proficient mathematical thinker. The criteria are grouped into three categories (See description below):

-Procedural Skills & Fluency (How well you can correctly use mathematics.)
-Conceptual Understanding (How well you utilize mathematical ideas, transfer your knowledge into new situations, and apply it to new contexts.)
-Problem Solving with Adaptive Reasoning and Strategic Competence (How well you can apply strategies and sound reasoning.)

Over the course of the year, the mathematics teachers will be discussing these criteria with the students in class to create a portrait of each student. This portrait will be used to recommend the students into the mathematics course at Stevenson High School that matches their content knowledge as well as level of mathematics proficiency at this time.

As a district and consortium, it is our vision that each student moves on to the next course in the sequence providing that there are no significant gaps in content knowledge. If there are significant gaps in content knowledge and a change in recommendation occurs, we will contact you. We feel that this process allows a mathematical picture of the student to develop over time, which will provide a more informed recommendation.

Resequence of courses for the 2022-23 school year

In working with other area school districts and with Stevenson, it has been decided to align the sequence of all mathematics curriculum pathways to follow the learning progression of Algebra 1, then Geometry, then Algebra 2. Below are mathematics course pathways for our students beginning the 2022-23 school year. For more information on the resequencing of courses, please see the notification you received via School Messenger on November 22.


PORTRAIT OF A MATHEMATICALLY PROFICIENT STUDENT
Procedural Skills & Fluency
How well you can correctly use mathematics.
(skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately)

-I can identify and use the most efficient method for the problem. (MP7)
-I can use mathematical computations, terms, symbols, formulas, and language appropriately. (MP5, 6)
-I can recognize the algebraic structure in problems and use rules or procedures to solve or simplify. (MP7)
-I can solve problems with accuracy. (MP6)

Conceptual Understanding
How well you utilize mathematical ideas, transfer your knowledge into new situations, and apply it to new contexts.
(comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations)

-I can use diagrams, pictures, and symbols to justify my work. (MP4)
-I can understand and justify the “why” of the procedure. (MP3)
-I can justify solutions algebraically, graphically, and numerically. (MP3)
-I can explain my solution with sound mathematical reasoning using precise mathematics vocabulary and terminology. (MP3, 8)
-I can determine the reasonableness of my answer.  (MP2)

Problem Solving with  Adaptive Reasoning and Strategic Competence
How well you can apply strategies and sound reasoning.
(capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification and ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems)
-I can select and use all the pertinent information to solve the problem. (MP2)
-I can determine a solving strategy by forming logical relationships among concepts and situations. (MP7, 8)
-I can represent a situation mathematically using modeling. (MP4)
-I can retain and apply information and skills from previous units to solve problems alongside new concepts. (MP7,8)
-I can make connections between multiple mathematical concepts to solve problems in unfamiliar situations. (MP7,8)
-I can persevere when encountering new and difficult concepts.(MP1)

 

 

Spanish Placement Tests- 8th Graders

Dear Families - 

In the month of December, 8th grade students will participate in the AAPPL (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) assessment to assess their communicative competency with the Spanish language.  The purpose of this assessment is three-fold: 
 
1- D96 will collect valuable data that will inform our instruction to continue to enhance our Spanish curriculum and instruction. 
2- Stevenson High School will use this proficiency data to make initial recommendations for Spanish coursework when your student is in high school. 
3- Students will have the opportunity to have experience with an assessment that can lead them to earning the Seal of Biliteracy on their High School diploma when they are in high school.  
 
Tell me more about the assessment.  
Your child’s Spanish Teacher will share the specific assessment schedule.  The tasks included in this assessment are similar to tasks we use during our regular instruction and assessment cycle in Spanish classes.  The students are asked to engage in interpretive listening and reading tasks.  This includes listening or reading authentic Spanish pieces and answering questions, in English, about those pieces based on language the students already know or context given.  Additionally, the students will respond to a writing prompt in Spanish utilizing learned language skills.  The final piece of the assessment is an interpersonal speaking opportunity in which your child will perform for the classroom teacher and will be scored based on a rubric co-constructed with all Spanish teachers across the consortium (D96, D102, D103, and D125) for consistency of expectations.  
 
When will  the test be administered?
Listening and Reading- December 9th from 1:06-2:30
Writing- December 10th from 1:06-2:30
 
What do students need?
Please make sure your student has headphones.
 
How will this information be used to make course recommendations?   
Your student’s level of proficiency (interpretive listening and reading as well as writing) as indicated by this assessment combined with an analysis of their interpersonal speaking skills and teacher input will be used to make an initial course recommendation that is optimal for your student.  You will receive this information in the mail late January/early February prior to needing to select courses at Stevenson.  You can find the specific course sequence in this course book.  In general, recommendations will be made for the following courses based on this assessment:  
Spanish 2
Spanish 2-3 Accelerated
Spanish 3-4 Accelerated
As this is a recommendation, your family will have the opportunity to provide input as you make the final selection for a course should your child choose to continue studying the Spanish language.  
 
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy is intended to recognize students for multilingual skills and is indicated on a student’s high school diploma.  Additionally, Illinois universities are obligated to offer college credit to students that have earned the Seal of Biliteracy through meeting the requirements.
 
For more information about this opportunity, use this link and click on the Seal of Biliteracy Tab.  
 
What if my child would like to participate in a benchmark or placement assessment for a language other than Spanish?  
Students who have prior coursework or experience in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew or Latin, and are interested in potential placement in one of these language programs beyond the introductory level, may also sign up for the corresponding language benchmark exam.
 
The date this will be held is:  
Saturday, January 8th.  

You can register for testing through the World Languages Division by contacting Sylvia Lima at [email protected] or 847-415-4700.
 

 

PageBreak Literacy Festival from SHS
Please see below for information about the PageBreak Literacy Festival. 
PageBreak is a literary festival and contest for middle school
writers. Come to participate in creative writing workshops, receive feedback
on your writing, listen to a guest speaker, and win awesome prizes!
LINK

 

 

NEW *Covid Metrics*
To stay up-to-date this school year on local metrics, please visit the COVID DASHBOARD for District 96. Our priority remains to keep our students safe and follow guidance from the CDC. If your student is identified as a "close contact", you will be notified individually through the contact tracing process. 

 

 

Daily Announcements
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.