2/4/22
TGIF…Twin Groves it’s Friday!
Counseling Corner
Ms. Baker and Mr. Maddox, School Social Workers
Ms. Koulentes, School Counselor
Ms. Leverentz, School Psychologist
Staying Connected & Friendships
In middle school, students are typically faced with new challenges and responsibilities. This makes middle school a crucial time of development and personal growth, and often serves as an important moment in the lives of most of our students at Twin Groves. Within the past few years however, there has been an added layer of change and difficulty to an already vulnerable time of many student’s lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our children in various ways. For example, living through this pandemic as a whole has truly reshaped the way our student’s connect with one another. Now that we're working through this pandemic, the general outlook is much more hopeful and kids are more able to safely socialize with one another.
In middle school, students are often creating their own identity, and a big part of what is important to them is their connections to their peers. During their middle school years, it is not uncommon for students to branch out a bit and meet new people as elementary schools merge together. With that being said, it is also not uncommon for students to feel a sense of loss/confusion as they are maneuvering through these changes with their friendships. For a lot of our students, the COVID-19 pandemic has only emphasized the challenge of developing connections with their peers and continuing to feel that connection.
As a counseling staff, we have helped our students navigate these changes and continue to encourage them to stay connected.
Ways to stay connected through the continued pandemic obstacles:
-Social distancing activities
-Zoom/Facetime so students can see one another face to face, even if virtual
-Join a club @ school to meet students that share similar interests
-Socializing at lunch or during free times throughout their day
-Connect with students at their table in class during unstructured times
Help us in teaching your child about the signs of a healthy friendship. A healthy friend:
-Spends time with you
-Likes you for you
-Shows interest when you talk or share experiences
-Is trustworthy and dependable
-Treats you with respect
Graduation Information- 8th Grade Parents (This is a repeat from last week)
8th Grade Graduation will be Tuesday, May 31st. More information to come!
In preparation for Graduation, we will need a few pieces of information.
Please make sure everything you submit in this form is accurate before submitting.
Please complete THIS FORM by Friday, February 4th.
If you have already submitted the form, please disregard it.
Arrival Procedures for Parent Drop Off
Students will be dropped off near Door 4 located in the back of the cafeteria. Please see the map below.
Please pull up as far as possible (RED STAR ON MAP) and have your child exit the car as quickly as possible.
-Do not allow students to walk across the turn around and across the lot.
- Slowly process through the pick up line. Drive safely as you process through the line and exit.
-When the traffic officer's are in the intersection, do not proceed through until they have stopped and waved you through.
-Please be patient while in the parking lot and drive very slowly.
-The busiest times are 7:30am to 7:40am. Give yourself enough time and arrive early.
-The SAFEST and QUICKEST way out of the parking lot would be to make a right turn, southbound Buffalo Grove Rd, out of the parking lot.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF IN THE MAIN PARKING LOT. THIS IS FOR STAFF PARKING AND BUSES ONLY.
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.