9/22/23
Upcoming Dates:
9/25- NO SCHOOL
10/3- Picture Retake Day
10/5- No School- Conferences
10/6- No School- Conferences
10/9- No School
10/24- Early Release
11/22-11/24- No School
11/28- Early Release
Counseling Corner
Ms. Baker and Mr. Maddox, School Social Workers
Ms. Koulentes, School Counselor
Ms. Leverentz, School Psychologist
The beginning of the school year is here, and we thought it would be a good time to reinforce effective homework and study habits for students. These are just suggestions; each child has different needs and habits. Adaptations of the following strategies may be necessary for your student to be successful.
Discuss with your student a plan for keeping track of homework assignments. Do they prefer a digital planner? A paper planner? Is using Schoology sufficient to keep track of their numerous assignments? This one task is an important piece of being a responsible student.
Homework Tips:
-Set up a specific place for homework. Be sure that all materials and supplies that may be needed are available. The area should be free of distractions and noises (e.g., TV, video games, cell phones).
-Set up a designated “homework time.” Homework should be completed earlier in the evening. Be sure your student is alert and that they are not working on an empty stomach.
-Build in short breaks (e.g., restroom, getting a snack or drink, walking around the house). Breaks allow the brain to refocus before beginning new tasks. If your child is feeling overwhelmed while working on a task, it may be time for a break.
-Prioritize assignments each night. Tasks that will require more time or effort should be started first. Students need to manage their time when doing their homework; help your students set goals about the amount of time to spend on each assignment.
-Be sure your student reads rubrics and directions carefully and understands the expectations of any given assignment.
-Be sure your students pace themselves with long-term projects/research papers; they should work on long-term assignments each night, breaking the projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
-If students are not highly motivated to complete homework, build in simple rewards for the completion of each task.
-Be sure to praise your child for their efforts as much as their successes.
-Part of the language arts classes is reading independent novels. Make sure your student always has an independent novel that they are reading throughout the trimester.
-Organization is also important throughout the year. Even though most of the work is completed on the iPad, students are still expected to keep their assignments organized on this device. Set aside once a week to organize the device.
-Your student should make sure to charge their iPad and Logitech crayon every evening and have it fully charged each school day.
Fall Family/Educator Conferences
The opening of fall conference sign-ups will be delayed until Tuesday evening (9/26) at 6 PM due to a technical issue with Meet the Teacher (the platform for scheduling all conferences and hosting virtual conferences).
Fall Family/Educator Conferences are right around the corner. The conference dates are Thursday, October 5th from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM and Friday, October 6th from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
Conferences will be held virtually using Meet the Teacher’s video conferencing platform unless parents request an in-person conference using the instructions bolded at the end of this message. After you have scheduled your conferences, you will receive an email from Meet the Teacher with a link you will use to access the video conferences.
Middle school parents will have the option to sign up with one core content teacher (see below) and pertinent exploratory/PE teachers. Please note: Students on the A-Day schedule will have their Spanish teachers available during this round of conferences. Students on the B-Day schedule will have this opportunity in the spring.
Available Middle School Core Teachers
6th Grade: 2nd Period Teacher
7th Grade: 1st Period Teacher
8th Grade: 1st Period Teacher
If you are unable to schedule a conference with a specific teacher, please remember that conferences are not the only time to communicate with teachers. Please feel free to reach out at any time.
REQUESTING AN IN-PERSON CONFERENCE
If you want to have an in-person conference with the teachers, you must notify the teachers via email by the end of the day on Tuesday, October 3rd.
Bathrooms at Twin Groves
We would like to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding the improper use of the school's restroom facilities by some of our students. Ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all students is a top priority at Twin Groves, and we need your support to address this issue.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of inappropriate behavior and misuse of the school bathrooms.
The misuse of our facilities not only compromises the cleanliness and functionality of our restrooms but also creates an uncomfortable environment for our students. We are taking steps to address this issue promptly including administering appropriate consequences, and we request your cooperation in helping us reinforce proper bathroom etiquette with your children.
Here's how you can assist us in addressing this concern:
-Open Communication: Please talk to your child about the importance of respecting school property and treating others with kindness and consideration, even within the restroom facilities.
-Reinforce Respectful Behavior: Emphasize the need for your child to use the restroom facilities appropriately, including cleaning up after themselves
-Report Concerns: Encourage your child to report any misuse or inappropriate behavior they observe in the restrooms to a trusted teacher, staff member, or school administrator.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students at Twin Groves, and we believe that with your support and cooperation, we can address this issue effectively.
Thank you for your partnership in promoting a positive school environment.
Middle School Health (Repeat)
Please click HERE to access the ‘23-’24 Health Education letter.
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Daily Announcements
Please see the 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.
Twin Groves Athletics
Please click HERE to access the Twin Groves Athletics site.
This site will be updated frequently.