Comets' Corner
Twain Update - Week of Sunday, October 18, 2020
Moving Forward - We Can Still Be Kind
In times like this, I ask that we all extend each other some grace and kindness. It's so easy to get pulled into Facebook debates or to blame others for decisions that we don't agree with. Instead, I ask that we try to presume that everyone has positive intentions. These decisions impact so many, and even when we disagree, I know in my heart that every school board member, administrator, teacher, support staff member, and district parent wants the same thing: to provide our students with the best possible educational experience while keeping our students, staff, and community as safe and healthy as possible. Because of this, I ask that we continue to treat each other with compassion as we are all doing the best we can under unbelievably difficult circumstances this year.
Finally, please remember that our attitudes set a tone for how our students respond to these unique circumstances. If we respond positively to all we're facing, our students will, too.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us to give our Comets the very best educational experience we can. With kindness, flexibility, & grace, we will continue to create a wonderful year of learning together!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Click Above
Please click on the Return to School image above to link to our Fraser District website information about the plan to return to face to face instruction on November 30, 2020.
Make SURE to complete the Enrollment Selection Form to choose Virtual or Face to Face for each child. EVERY FAMILY MUST SUBMIT THE ENROLLMENT FORM BY OCTOBER 30th to choose 100% virtual or 100% face to face for your child(ren) starting November 30th. (Families who do not submit the enrollment form will be automatically enrolled in our 100% face to face option.
If your child is at all unwell, you must keep them home.
This year, our Fall/ Halloween celebrations will look different. We will not be having a Halloween parade or formal class parties. Likewise, we will not be allowing families to send in goodie bags or treats of any kind this year. However, teachers will choose appropriate fall activities for their students like they normally would.
In addition, the week leading up to Halloween is Red Ribbon Week. So we will be having a Spooktacular extended Spirit Week to raise students' awareness about Red Ribbon Week and have some dress-up fun together.
The Monday AFTER Halloween, on Monday, November 2nd, students will be encouraged to wear costumes (if they have them) to all of their virtual meetings that day. Please see below for all of the Spirit Week details!
Red Ribbon Week - October 26th to October 30th
In H.E.A.R.T. class your child receives many lessons, one of which is safety with medicines and drugs. This year your child’s H.E.A.R.T. teacher will continue this very important topic during Red Ribbon Week. Learning how to get away from a dangerous situation, standing up to peer pressure, knowing the effects of drugs on the human body, and taking medicines properly/only when prescribed a trusted adult are just a few of the many topics taught in HEART class (all at the grade level of your child).
Also, this year grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to enter a poster contest. Your child’s HEART teacher will be giving students more details in the coming weeks.
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Mrs. Asoklis & Mr. Anderson
Solid Gold Shout Outs!
The following students are receiving Solid Gold Shout Outs from our teachers for their ROCKS behaviors last week:
Ian Davis - 1st Grade
"Ian has not missed a single GoToMeeting with me and is always ready to participate. He works extremely hard! Thank you for being a Rockstar, Ian!" - Mrs. Lipski
Owen Iwasko - 1st Grade
"Owen is so excited to learn and loves sharing and answering on our virtual meetings. He has turned in all of his work and is doing a great job in first grade! " - Ms. Widmer
Vanessa Swistock - 1st Grade
"Vanessa always does her best and has done an awesome job keeping up with all of her work, both virtually and in the classroom." - Ms. Widmer
Julia Lawandy - 2nd Grade
"Julia is organized and responsible. She has been using the Itslearning Schedule to complete all of her at home work. She participates in class and Go-to Meetings. Keep up the good work Julia, YOU ROCK!" - Mrs. Szeliga
Kermina Seif - 2nd Grade
"Kermina is organized and responsible. She has been using the Itslearning Schedule to complete all of her at home work. She participates in class and Go-to Meetings. Keep up the good work Kermina, YOU ROCK! - Mrs. Szeliga
Antoine Washington - 3rd Grade
"Antoine is such a great role model. He works hard, never gives up, and does it all with a smile and a great attitude. Way to go, Antoine!" - Mrs. Cracchiolo
Somya Curry - 4th Grade
"Somya is always so prepared for all of our 4th grade GTM's. I can always count on her to have a wonderful attitude and her work completed each week." - Mrs. Albrecht
Kole Deatherage - 4th Grade
"Kole has been a Math Rockstar this week. Way to go Kole!" - Ms. Offer
Mason Iwasko - 4th Grade
"Mason Iwasko is a 4th Grade Math Rockstar!" - Ms. Offer
Emma Kirby - 4th Grade
"Emma Kirby is a Math Rockstar!" - Ms. Offer
Nikolas Locke - 4th Grade
"Nick did a great job this week completing his math work with a positive attitude. Way to go, Nick!" - Mrs. Michael
James Shields - 4th Grade
"I can always count on Jimmy to bring a fun sense of humor to our ELA/Science GTM's. I really enjoy his creativity and how he always completes his assignments on time." - Mrs. Albrecht
Aubree Arnone - 5th Grade
"You are responsible, kind and always cooperative during F2F class and at our virtual learning meetings! Keep up the great effort!" - Mrs. Schop
Seth Garska - 5th Grade
"Thanks, Seth, for coming in to school with a smile and being ready to learn!" - Mrs. Schop
London Wright - 5th Grade
"You are such an active participant in class and you give everything your all! Keep up the great work!" - Mrs. Schop
Aubrey Caruso - 6th Grade
"Aubrey has been amazing this year! She is really doing a great with virtual learning. She is always on time for our meetings, prepared, and excited to participate. Keep up the good work, Aubrey!" - Mrs. Wirgau
Mario DelVecchio - 6th Grade
"Mario has done a great job of staying organized and turning in all of his work. I love how responsible he has been, and he has such a positive attitude." - Mrs. Wirgau
Peter Khalil - 6th Grade
"Peter has not missed a single GoToMeeting. He is always ready to participate, and share during our Think About It session at the start of class. Thank you Peter for being a Rockstar!!" - Mrs. Lipski
Shelby Trombley - 6th Grade
"Shelby is always ready to participate and share during PE class. Her attention to detail is outstanding! Thank you for being a Rockstar Shelby!!" - Mrs. Lipski
Congratulations to these ROCKSTARS! Keep up the great work!
Fraser Autism Awareness T-Shirt Fundraiser
Please print the following flier and send it in to us THIS WEEK by Friday, October 23rd if you'd like to order. Thank You!
Lunch Aides Needed at Twain!
Lunch aides are needed every M-F at Twain beginning November 30th. These are paid positions, and applicants must be able to be outside in temperatures above 10 degrees. Interested candidates should email Mrs. Woods and complete an application HERE. We look forward to hearing from you!
Candidates should be able to:
- Observe and supervise students during assigned work period.
- Maintain order and be aware of student safety and well-being, including supervising social distancing, handwashing, and sanitation procedures as needed.
- Wear a mask over nose and mouth when on duty.
- Supervise indoor activities in case of inclement weather.
- Report accidents or injuries or other problems to building principal.
- Assist students with clothing and lunches as needed.
- Maintain standards of conduct expected by the School District when students are eating their lunch or playing on the playground
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, October 23rd & Monday, October 26th - Virtual-Only Materials Pick-Up/ Drop-Off Days
- Friday, October 30th - Early Release - No 12:50 Specials
PBIS - Mark Twain ROCKS our GoToMeetings!
GoToMeeting Behavior Expectations
- Students must sign in with their own name/ grade level for each meeting.
- We expect that students will follow all of our ROCKS behavior expectations while they are in their virtual class meetings (please see above), just as we expect them to do in our classrooms.
- Students should not be playing video games, lying in their bed, wrestling with pets, or joking with siblings during our virtual lessons. While we know these aren't ideal circumstances, this is how students need to get a majority of their instruction right now. This is crucial learning time for our students.
- Parents & Learning Coaches - Please be mindful of your behavior, too. If you are yelling (or swearing) during these meetings, the other students are hearing that, too. Not only is it not productive for your own learner, it is definitely not helpful for our other learners to hear that.
- Please also be mindful of what background actions end up on your child's screen. We want to preserve your family's privacy and avoid exposing other children to inappropriate situations.
Please also remind your students that if they misuse our GoToMeetings to "bomb" (log into) other meetings than their own and cause disruption, there will be consequences as guided by our Student Code of Conduct and Board Policies. We must all work together to make sure our students are getting the most out of our virtual learning opportunities.
More Information to follow soon about a virtual MTPC meeting in October; we hope to see you there!
Fraser Public Safety Coat Drive
APPLY NOW: FREE AND REDUCED COST MEALS
Families must re-apply for Free or Reduced Cost Meals yearly. If you think you may be eligible for Free or Reduced Meals, APPLY HERE NOW.
Visit https://www.fraser.k12.mi.us/FreeReducedMeals for more information.
Technology Support
If you need direct assistance with your child's iPad or any of the websites or educational programs they use, please click here to submit a ticket into our district Tech Support.
Contact Our Twain Office With Questions
Important Contact Information:
Main Office Phone: 586-439-6900
Absentee Phone Line: 586-439-6990
(This is a 24-hour recorded line; please leave your child's reason for absence and length of time out. Absences reported to this line ensure most timely and accurate record.)
Fax: 586-439-6801
Twain Principal: Mrs. Laura Woods
Email: laura.woods@fraserk12.org
Due to Covid-19 health risks, we are not allowing parents or guests into the building except in very specific situations and ONLY with an appointment. Please call the office or send us an email if you’d like to discuss a concern.
School Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Beverly Dobosenski (Ms. D.)
Email: beverly.dobosenski@fraserk12.org
Twain Office Hours - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
School Hours: 8:35am – 3:30pm (Small-Group Cohorts meet from 8:35 am -12:00 pm)
First Bell: 8:30 am
Instructional Bell: 8:35 am
Students must be in class by 8:35 am, or they are marked tardy.
Email: laura.woods@fraserk12.org
Website: https://www.fraser.k12.mi.us/Domain/14
Location: 30601 Calahan Road, Roseville, MI, USA
Phone: 5864396900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamTwainFraser
Twitter: @LWoodsTwain