8/23/24
Reminder, KCSD96 parents and guardians! Tuesday, August 27th is an Early Release Day. Grades 6-8 dismiss at 1:30pm.
Upcoming Dates:
8/27- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
8/29- Picture Day
9/2- No School
9/17- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
10/1- Picture Re-takes
10/3- No School
10/10- No School and Conferences 5:00 PM-8:30 PM
10/11- No School and Conferences 10:00 AM- 1:30 PM
10/14- No School
10/22- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
11/5- No School
11/19- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
11/27-12/1- No School- Thanksgiving Break
Today we had our first TG Spirit Assembly! It was so much fun to see and hear the excitement from our staff and students! A huge thank you goes out to our Spirit Club Sponsors for organizing the assembly. We can't wait for the next one!
Counseling Corner
Ms. Baker and Mr. Maddox, School Social Workers
Mrs. Koulentes, School Counselor
Mrs. Leverentz, School Psychologist
We are so excited to welcome Twin Groves students to the 2024-2025 school year! It has been wonderful to see smiling faces fill our hallways to kick off what will no doubt be a great year. The transition from summer mode to school mode can be challenging for any student. Here are some helpful tips to make this transition a successful one:
1. Create a routine to reduce stress during the school year. Then, consider posting a visual calendar or schedule for your student to easily reference.
Structure and predictability for the year will help combat the stress of changes in family routines.
2. Communicate with your child. Get to know his or her fears or worries about the new school year. Ask them what they liked about the previous year, and see if you can incorporate some of those positives into the new year. Empathizing with your child is important as they navigate their stress.
3. Help your student focus on the positives. This will help your student build resilience. When they get home, as your student to name at least one thing that went well that day.
4. Develop relationships with your child’s teachers.
Teachers can be the best source of information about your child’s performance and needs. It’s entirely okay to reach out asking for insight about how they are adjusting here at school, or to email a heads up about a rough night/weekend or a personal celebration that can help you child’s teachers more personally connect with them in the classroom.
5. Emphasize the importance of organization. This will help your student start off on the right foot with their classes. Stress the use of an assignment notebook/homework tracking app, visual organizer, to-do lists, color-coded folders (digital/physical), etc.
6. Encourage learning at home. Promoting learning outside of the classroom helps children perform better in the classroom. (Ex: 10-15 minutes of reading a day, following a homework check-out routine)
7. Remember to encourage balance. Between the rigors of the school day and homework, the extra commitments of extracurricular activities, and the social stressors of the teenage years… our students are often exhausted by mid-afternoon! Encouraging them to take a mindful break (whether it is grabbing a snack to refuel, getting a little time outside, or zoning out with a show or book before transitioning to evening activities) can help them avoid burnout.
Trouble getting out the door in the morning? Child Mind Institute provides some great tips for less stressful school mornings: School Mornings Without the Stress
One last fast tip!
Back-to-school Backpack safety shared by our Twin Groves OT, Mrs. DeWilde:
“According to a Boston University study, approximately 85% of university students self-report discomfort and pain associated with backpack usage. Good habits need to be set during the earlier school years.”
Read on: https://chadd.org/pack-it-light-wear-it-right-backpack-awareness-2018/
NWEA MAP Assessment
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in the NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment on Wednesday, August 28th, and Thursday, August 29th. 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.
Middle School Health Letter
Please click HERE to access the 24-25 Health Education letter.
Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION
On August 26th, Twin Groves will be conducting the annual Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION. Students will be learning age appropriate safety procedures.
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill EDUCATION with their school peers.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill Education with the other peers, please contact Jessica Barnes at [email protected]. The administration will arrange for an alternative review of safety procedures with your child.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the education.
Erin’s Law
An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 researched and observed best practices and programs for delivering this instruction, selecting Be Seen & Heard ©. For more information about this presentation please go to www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-mind-2
This developmentally appropriate and interactive program focuses on teaching children skills to keep them safe from danger or abuse. Concepts discussed will include distinguishing safe from unsafe touches, safety rules at home and school, saying NO, safe/unsafe secrets, and telling a trusted adult, as well as reinforcing that an adult’s touching him or her is not the child’s fault.
Opt-Out Procedures
The presentation to Twin Groves students will be during the school day on September 9, 2024. If you prefer that your child does not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request or your questions to Jessica Barnes at [email protected].
Curriculum Night
6th Grade Curriculum Night: Monday, August 26th
Please meet Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Dolan in the Large Gym for a presentation at 7 PM.
HERE is the schedule for the evening.
Please bring a copy of your child’s schedule.
7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Night: Wednesday, August 28th
Please meet Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Dolan in the Large Gym for a presentation at 7 PM.
HERE is the schedule for the evening.
Please bring a copy of your child’s schedule.
ILC Curriculum Night, and SLC Curriculum Night: Monday, August 26th
Please meet Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Dolan in the Large Gym for a presentation at 7 PM.
The teachers will reach out to you for specific information.
D96 Music Boosters
Please click HERE to access their blog.
Cell Phones
Cell phones should be securely locked in the student’s lockers from 7:43 AM-2:30 PM.
We are asking that all students have their cell phones silenced and locked in their lockers from 7:43 AM to 2:30 PM.
If a staff member sees a cell phone out, we will ask the student to lock it in their locker. If they do not comply, the phone will be taken and sent to the office until the end of the day. Students can collect their cell phones from the office at 2:30 PM.
Please see language from the D96 Board Policy Manual:
Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, or violates the privacy right of others, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all electronic devices must be kept powered-off or silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period, or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
Dress Code
This is a friendly reminder of the District 96 Standards of Dress from the Parent/Student Handbook.
4.12-e Standards for Student Dress. Students who are appropriately and comfortably dressed are able to focus on schoolwork more effectively. The following guidelines will be enforced by building administrators. Cooperation by parents is appreciated.
1. Dress or appearance that provokes or distracts other students or otherwise causes a disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
2. Shoes must be worn at all times.
3. Clothing, jewelry, or accessories may not have writing or pictures that advertise or advocate alcohol, drugs, tobacco, obscenity, violence, or gang activity.
4. Pants must be worn at the waistline.
5. Hats are allowed on designated hat days only.
6. Half shirts, cropped tops, spaghetti straps, and underwear or sleepwear worn as outerwear are not acceptable.
7. Undergarments should not be visible.
8. With the exception of appropriate jewelry, no chains should be worn.
Students who are in violation of the policy and rules of student dress code will be asked to comply with the rules by either changing to other attire that is available at school, or by having parents bring different clothes from home. In the event there is noncompliance with the above regulations, a student may receive disciplinary action.
Please note…any student violating the dress code will be asked to change into other clothes or cover up.
Sports Physicals- Please Read
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade student interested in Cross Country, Girl's Basketball, or Soccer must have a current Sports Physical to try out or participate. There will be no exceptions. Now is a great time for families to check and get everything in order.
If you have any questions about your child’s current Sports Physical, please contact Rebecca Zwettler at [email protected].
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.
Twin Groves Athletics
Please click HERE to access the Twin Groves Athletics site.
This site will be updated frequently.