Twain’s After School Program
To all Parents/Guardians,
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, late buses will not be available at Twain’s After School Program. We will still have the program, but students will need to be picked up by parents//guardians between 2:30 – 4:40 pm. We apologize for any issues this may cause.
Thank you!
Twain’s After School Staff
Transition Corner
Rising 7th & 8th Grades:
Please join us in-person on Monday, January 9, 2023, for our Middle School Transition Night! Our Rising 7th grade presentation will be held in the cafeteria from 6-7pm. Our Rising 8th grade presentation will be held in the Lecture Hall from 6-7pm. Immediately following will be our AVID Information Session in the Lecture Hall and our Rising 7th Grade AAP Level IV Information session in the cafeteria, both from 7-8pm. This is an event for parents only.
Rising 9th Grade:
***Please consider subscribing to your base high school’s News You Choose messages for the most up-to-date information about the transition to high school – you can do that here. Unsure what school your child will attend in 9th grade? Click here to access the FCPS boundary locator.***
Lewis High School
Lewis High School counselors will be at Twain on Monday, January 9, to present 9th grade course options to current 8th grade students. During this presentation, students will learn about required courses and elective options, as well as other information about freshman year at Lewis. At the end, students will be given a course selection sheet to bring home for completion. For questions about this event please contact Twain counselor Leslie Pilotti at lmpilotti@fcps.edu.
Edison High School
All Edison-bound rising 9th graders will participate in a virtual course offering overview through Learning Seminar (4th period) on Friday, January 20, 2023. Edison counselors will come to Twain to help students make course selections the following Monday and Tuesday, January 23rd and 24th, through Health & PE classes.
Edison Global STEM Challenges Program
The Edison Global STEM program is hosting an in-person information session for eligible students and families. In this session, students and families will learn about the program and how to request to enroll for the 2023-24 school year. To be eligible for Global STEM in 9th grade, students must have successfully completed Algebra 1 or higher by the end of 8th grade. This session will occur Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. in the auditorium of Thomas A. Edison High School. The address is 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. Please enter through Door 17 located in the front of the building. For a program overview, please visit this link: https://edisonhs.fcps.edu/academics/stem/programoverview.
Hayfield Secondary School
Hayfield’s Rising 9 Curriculum Night for both students and parents is January 11, 2023 - In-Person at HSS (Snow Date January 18). Welcome Presentations start at 6:00 pm in the auditorium. Immediately after is a Curriculum Fair - 6:30-7:30 pm in the Cafeterias. You will meet with teachers and staff to get your questions answered about electives and courses to take! For more information contact Hayfield Student Services 703.924. 7522. Hayfield counselors will visit Twain on Wednesday, January 18, through Learning Seminar (4th period) to present 9th grade course options and help 8th graders make course selections for the 23-24 school year.
PTA Updates
Your membership dues fund a variety of programs throughout the year.
Next General Membership Meeting – Tuesday, January 10, 7:00 pm. Will send a Zoom link next week!
Rising 7th Graders
The PTA will be selling Spirit Wear merch during the Rising 7th Grade Transition Night (6-9PM) on Monday, January 9, 2023.
We need your help!! Please email Linda Pinkney at mtmsvolunteers@gmail.com if you’re interested in supporting this event!
Twain 8th Graders
Get your Edison Sports Pass for next year!! Buy your Edison Eagle Sports Pass and become an Edison Athletic Booster Member Today! Your Eagle Sports Pass gets you free admission to all regular season Edison High School home games. In addition, your Booster Membership helps support the 800+ student athletes at Edison High School and helps to defray the costs of running these programs. Your membership is a major source of revenue. Make sure to include all of your family's email addresses to receive our weekly Eagle Blast. Enjoy the games!
New Year’s Resolutions
In December, many people will head to their local Target or Michaels to find a new planner. The crisp, fresh feeling of new paper to write new and improved goals gets some of us excited. When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress. What goals would you like to share with your child, to show them examples of healthy adult introspection? Introspection, looking within, is necessary to learn how to manage stress in a healthy manner. What regular coping skills can be implemented into your daily/ weekly routine? Some goals may be physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional. Would it be easier to have serious conversations over a family dinner? Or maybe regular family dinners, spark joy and connection that’s often missing.
Research has shown that family therapy is the best treatment option for young people who misuse drugs and alcohol (SAMHSA). Many people use drugs to manage life’s hardships when they feel disconnected from themselves or others. The opposite of addiction is connection, and young people benefit from connection with their families. Families who have a common mission based on autonomy and openness instead of secrecy and silence thrive. Families teach young people how to manage stress when they communicate honestly and openly with one another. Learning how to manage stress early in life could be a major factor in whether or not a young person decides to use drugs.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Sources & Resources
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference
SMART Goals Quick Overview
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
For further Information & support: Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
sbelliott@fcps.edu
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