10/11/24
Upcoming Dates:
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
12/10- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
12/21- 1/5- No School- Winter Break
1/6- Classes Resume
What’s Happening at Twin Groves?
Art: 6th grade just finished figure drawing. They learned about Keith Haring and practiced interpreting his artwork. We are using hand-building techniques now to mold clay turtles. 7th grade just spent time learning and reviewing the 7 elements of art and 6 principles of design. They wrote an art analysis of an artwork of their choice. They’ve also learned about Andy Warhol and his Pop art style. Now they are making abstract sculptures from wire and socks! 8th grade just finished creating surreal collages using pre-existing artwork and magazines. They are currently working on creating a clay slab face. They have also spent time comparing/contrasting and interpreting the portraiture of Frida Kahlo and Chuck Close.
Music: In Music class, we have been discussing the difference between the functions of both melody and harmony. All grades have been exploring these concepts through the use of an instrument. In 6th grade, students have been playing pianos and learning how to independently practice their music. In 7th grade, students have been playing the guitar and learning how to accompany someone while strumming simple chords. 8th graders got to pick an instrument of their choice (either guitar or piano) and have been further developing their musicianship skills from previous years in music. Each grade is working towards a performance project where they will present the piece they are working on for the class.
TASOL: This month in TASOL has been busy. The 7th and 8th grade students are working on multiple recipes in the kitchens. They are learning new cooking techniques and familiarizing themselves with different utensils and cooking tools. We will look at how to be safe in the kitchen along with keeping our food safe. Students will be continuing to work in the kitchens for the remainder of the trimester. Sixth graders completed their own resumes in the career unit. They have started on their sewing project which consists of a pillow with detail using three different stitches. Later this month, the 6th-grade students will start working in the kitchens with introductory recipes.
Band: Honor band students have been busily preparing for the Veteran’s Day concerts on November 11. The students will be playing in a student assembly during the day and then the concert at night. Students in 6th grade are in the concert band and they have been working on playing together as an ensemble, learning how to balance themselves, and playing in time. It is exciting to see their growth. During lessons on “B” days we are working on scales, rhythm work, technique work, and learning to play in small ensembles. On September 27, the 8th-grade students had an outstanding night with the Stevenson Marching Band. Students were very excited about their opportunities for next year. The Jazz band and Training Jazz band are having great practices and students are progressing in their understanding of jazz and improvisation.
Orchestra: The 6-8 Orchestra students are working hard and playing well! 6th Graders are working on new rhythms, 7th Graders are learning about shifting, and 8th Graders are working on their 2-octave scales as well as practicing with SmartMusic for their upcoming benchmark.
All grades are preparing for our first concert on Wednesday, Nov. 13th at 7 pm in the TG Large Gym. More details via email coming soon!
Please make sure to review our concert/events calendar below:
2024-2025 Twin Groves/Prairie/Ivy Hall Orchestra Concert/Event Calendar
Science Olympiad 24-25
Informational Parent Meeting
Twin Groves will be holding an informational parent meeting on Thursday, October 17th from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
The meeting will be held over Zoom.
In order to attend the informational meeting, it is required that parents complete an RSVP to THIS survey.
The survey will promptly close on Wednesday, October 16th at 3 PM. If parents miss the deadline to RSVP through the survey link, please contact Jessica Barnes at [email protected] to be added to the list.
An email will be sent out to only the parents who have RSVP’d at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 16th with the secure Zoom Link and Password. This email will come from Jessica Barnes.
This information will be also advertised in the Twin Groves’ Daily Announcements on Tuesday, October 15th, and Wednesday, October 16th.
Science Olympiad Student Selection Process- Save the Date!
Twin Groves will hold tryouts for students interested in being on the Science Olympiad team on Monday, October 21st, OR Thursday, October 24th from 2:30-3:15 PM in the Twin Groves Collaboratory.
Please note that students will only need to attend ONE of the dates. We are offering two dates in case students have scheduling conflicts. Students should NOT attend both dates.
This information will be also advertised in the Twin Groves’ Daily Announcements until Thursday, October 24th.
Parent Network: October 24th
PARENTS, please join us! On October 24th, Educator/Author/Speaker Michael Brandwein will be speaking at 7 pm at Twin Groves Middle School. In partnership with D102 & D103, Brandwein will present, "Talking it Out: How to Have Great Communication with Your Kids to Build Positive Relationships, Model How to Express Feelings, and Facilitate Problem-Solving". Please join us for a nationally acclaimed, highly entertaining, practical presentation that is packed with specific things to do and say to improve family communication and teach your children (of all ages) essential skills for life. We look forward to seeing you there!
Student Family Director Now LIVE
The KCSD96 Student-Family Directory is now LIVE. To access it, please visit https://kcsd96.membershiptoolkit.com/home; as you may remember, parents opted in to be a part of the directory during the student registration process. Please note that the Directory is provided solely for the convenience of families to contact one another for the purpose of promoting individual connections among families. It is not to be used for solicitation nor for commercial use of any kind. Additionally, contact information should never be used or distributed with ill intent or to harm.
Health Forms Due Tuesday, October 15th
IMPORTANT: All physicals and immunization forms are due this upcoming Tuesday to the front office/school nurse. More information can be found at https://www.kcsd96.org/student-services/student-health. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school nurse.
Fire Drill
On Wednesday, October 16th, Twin Groves will be conducting a Fire Drill. Students will be evacuating the building during the drill. If the weather does not cooperate, we will reschedule the drill and communicate the rescheduled drill date.
Law Enforcement Safety Drill
On Monday, October 21st, Twin Groves will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill. Students will be evacuating the building during the drill. If the weather does not cooperate, we will reschedule the drill and communicate the rescheduled drill date.
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, 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 drill.
Middle School Health Letter
Please click HERE to access the 24-25 Health Education letter.
Virtual Backpacks
District Virtual Backpack: https://www.kcsd96.org/about/virtual-backpack
Twin Groves Virtual Backpack: https://www.kcsd96.org/tg/virtual-backpack
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.