10/18/24
Upcoming Dates:
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
1/14- Early Release- Students dismissed at 1:30 PM
1/20- No School
Counseling Corner
Ms. Baker and Mr. Maddox, School Social Workers
Mrs. Koulentes, School Counselor
Mrs. Leverentz, School Psychologist
Mental Health and Screen Time: Helping Your Middle Schooler Find Balance
As our middle schoolers become more engaged with digital devices for both academic and recreational purposes, it's important to recognize the impact screen time has on their mental health. While technology provides valuable tools for learning and social connection, excessive screen use can contribute to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a decline in overall well-being.
By helping our children establish a balanced relationship with screens, we not only support their mental health but also encourage the development of essential time-management and self-regulation skills. Below are strategies to help your middle schooler achieve a healthier balance with screen time.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines around screen use, particularly for non-school-related activities. This might include limiting screen time before bed, designating tech-free zones (like during family meals), and ensuring breaks during long study sessions.
Encourage Offline Activities: Help your child find a balance between digital and offline activities. Encourage hobbies such as reading, sports, or creative projects that promote relaxation and foster personal growth away from screens.
Model Healthy Habits: Show your child how to balance technology in your own life. By setting a positive example with your own screen habits—whether it’s turning off devices during family time or setting limits on social media use—you help reinforce the importance of moderation.
Prioritize Sleep: Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns. Encourage your middle schooler to power down devices at least an hour before bedtime to promote restful sleep, which is essential for both mental and physical health.
Promote Social Connection Outside of Screens: While digital communication is part of modern friendships, encourage in-person interactions when possible. Spending time with friends outside of the virtual world can help foster deeper, more meaningful connections.
Check-In About Screen-Related Stress: Talk openly with your child about how they feel after using screens. If they report feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed after certain activities (like social media or gaming), help them reflect on these feelings and adjust their habits accordingly.
Encourage Mindful Use of Screens: Help your middle schooler become aware of how they’re using their screen time. Are they engaging in productive activities like learning or connecting with friends, or are they zoning out and scrolling endlessly? Mindful screen use can improve their emotional and mental well-being.
By working together to set boundaries and develop healthy screen habits, we can support our middle schoolers’ mental health and help them navigate the digital world in a balanced way.
Parent Network: October 24th- FINAL REMINDER
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!
Thank a Bus Driver for School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on 10/22!
October 22nd is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Illinois! We would like to thank all of our bus drivers for all they do each day to make sure our students get to and from school safely. Please join us in thanking our drivers. The District couldn't run without you!
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.