Friday, October 31, 2014

Middle School Wrestling

MS Wrestling Sign Up
When: Tuesday, November 4th 2:30-3:00
Where:  Twin Oaks Middle School Room 402
For more information visit www.priorlakewrestlingclub.org and click on the MS tab

Registration is NOW open!

Parent Advisory Meeting

Are you interested in hearing firsthand about some of the happenings at Twin Oaks?  Please join Twin Oaks principal Dr. Dan Edwards for a Parent Advisory meeting on Monday, Nov. 3rd at 8:30 AM in the Main Office Conference Room at Twin Oaks.  This month’s meeting will include technology updates, completion of construction projects & fall conference feedback. The dates for additional meetings throughout the school year are December 8th, January 26th, February 23rd, March 30th, and April 27th.  All parents/guardians are invited to attend these meetings.


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Chemical Health Week "Sock It To Drugs"


Mrs. Corcoran's Colorful Classroom Full Of Amazing Sock's! 

Early Release Day

November 7th (2 hour Early Release)
The ultimate worth of professional development for teachers is the essential role it plays in the improvement of student learning.  Research states that the best way to improve student achievement is to increase our teachers' effectiveness.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

TOMS LAKERS of the Week!

Congratulations LAKER Pride Ticket Winners for the week of October 27th!
6th Grade:
Avantaya Zemaitis
Shelby Krausert
Alvin Wang
7th Grade:
Brennan Higby
Sophie Edwards
Jackson Vanderheyden
8th Grade:
Sam Bingenheimer
Megan Munger
Ben Bremer



Extended Day Program

Extended Day is a homework support program for Twin Oaks Middle School students. Our program runs on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 2:20-3:20 in a small group format and is free to our students.
If you are interested in having your student join our Extended Day program, please click on the following Link. The Extended Day program will focus on homework completion and study skills. The program will start on Tuesday, November 11th.
Complete Calendar click here.

TARGET Take Charge of Education


Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015. Use the Credit or Debit REDcard, and Target will donate 1% of purchases to your designated school.
Please select Twin Oaks Middle School through Take Charge of Education and you save 5 % every time you shop.
Enroll or update your designated school at Target.com/TCOE or call 1-800-316-6142.
Thank you for your contribution to this program!

Middle School Choir


MN Middle Honor Choir Info.
CONGRATULATIONS to HOMS students Olivia Wagner, Madison Dorival, Rachel Kapsch, Raj Punyamurthula and to TOMS Emily Lein and Tori Gens as they were selected to participate in the 2014 7th and 8th Grade Girls and Boys MN Middle School Honors Choir!  This is an ALL-STATE Honors Choir made up of students from all over Minnesota.  They were selected to be part of a choir of approximately 150 girls and 130 boys  and were 6 of over 880 students who auditioned!  I know they'll represent our school and our program well!  Congratulations!

Choir Concert information
The first Choir concert of the year is fast approaching.  The 6th grade Choir Concert is Monday, Dec. 8 at 7:00pm. Concert location is at TOMS in Jerabek Hall (big gym)  Students will meet at 6:30 in assigned rooms at TOMS.
The 7th and 8th grade Concert is Tuesday Dec. 9 at 7:00pm at TOMS in Jerabek Hall (big gym).  Students will meet at 6:30 in assigned rooms at TOMS.
All students are to be in concert attire.  Ask your child to tell you what that is!! They were quizzed on the handbook and should be able to inform you, but just in case.  All guys in black dress pants, white long sleeve shirt, dark color tie, black shoes and belt.  All girls are in white shirt (not sleeveless), black knee length or longer skirt OR black dress pants.  NO leggings or yoga pants. Shoes should not be over a couple inches high and no flip flops.


Chemical Health Week!


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Health Office


St. John's Coat Drive
Where/When? St. John’s in Chaska on Saturday, November 2, 9:00a.m. - noon.
What? coats, hats, gloves, mitten, scarves, snow pants, and boots on a first come, first serve basis. (Last year, they ran out of items to give out-get there early!)

St. John's Thanksgiving meal
What? A free thanksgiving meal for those in need in the community.  Where/When? St. John's in Chaska on Thursday, November 27th from 11:30am-1:00pm

Salvation Army Coats for Kids
Who? Families with children ages 0-17 living in the 10-county metro area.   When? Thursday October 30th starting at 10:00am.
What? Coats that will be distributed based on availability.    Where? Eagan, MN Salvation Army.
*The adult picking up coats must bring his/her picture ID, current piece of mail, and form of ID for each child (medical card, social security card, birth certificate, etc.)

Project Community Connect
What? All types of free services including Medical, Dental, Employment assistance, education assistance, haircuts, food support, ID cards, drivers licenses, birth certificates, veteran services, legal services.
When? Wednesday November 19th from 9am-4:30pm     Where? Canterbury Park Event Center, Shakopee

Health Services, Twin Oaks Middle School 

Infinite Campus Portal

Our new Infinite Campus grade book system does have a mobile app that you can download for free.  It’s called Campus Portal.  Directions are attached.  It does display grade book information differently than the view from desktop computers but it is a convenient way to stay informed of your child’s progress.  Thank you!

Middle School Wrestling

MS Wrestling Sign Up
When: Tuesday, November 4th 2:30-3:00
Where:  Twin Oaks Middle School Room 402
For more information visit www.priorlakewrestlingclub.org and click 
on the MS tab.

Registration is NOW open!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Kids Voting 2014!

Did you hear Kids Voting is back on November 4th?

Don’t forget to encourage your child to vote between 4:00-8:00 pm!  All of our local precincts will be open for Kids Voting on November 4th. A flyer with more info is attached. You can find more helpful links and resources at www.kidsvotingMN.org.

Attached is a sample ballot to show to your child.


Thank you for your help with promoting this great program, and for helping to teach civic responsibility to your child.

Middle School Activities

Want to join NORDIC SKI? 

Any 7th - 12th grade student interested in joining the PLHS Nordic Ski racing team should attend an Informational Meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at 3:15pm in the lecture hall at PLHS.

There is an Activities shuttle bus that will bring HO and TO students from the lower level of TOMS to PLHS at 2:45PM.


Please contact the PLHS Activities Office if you cannot attend the meeting or if you have any questions.

Friday, October 24, 2014

TOMS LAKERS of the Week!

Congratulations LAKER Pride Ticket Winners for the week of October 20th!
6th Grade:
Bella Maldonado
Connor Schultz
Rachel Pink
7th Grade:
Aly Martinez
Brody Haugen
Aaquil Jeffer
8th Grade:
Noah Hanson
Tanner Olson
Skyler Savoy

OCTOBER IS HUNGER AWARENESS MONTH

October is hunger awareness month, and as a way to support our Twin Oaks students that struggle with consistent meals, we are hosting an in-school food drive.  We will begin collections on October 27th and end on November 4th.  We are asking for specific items from those that would like to participate:
     1.     Oatmeal (favorite amongst kids is maple and brown sugar)
     2.     Boxed snack items (Things in the snack isle that would allow us fill a cup or bowl and give that to a        student. Ex: Cheeze-its, Teddy grahams) 
     3.     Granola bars
     4.     Individual bag snacks (Snacks that come in individual packages and are easy to hand out)
     5.     Ready to eat meals that just require water (ex: mac and cheese in a cup, Ramen noodles) 
     6.    Popcorn
     7.     Silverware (plastic spoons and forks)
     8.     Paper bowls

We appreciate any support that you are willing and able to provide.  Thank you in advance!

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Chemical Health Week

Middle School Chemical Health Week
“Be Smart Don’t Start”

The week of October 27th-31st is Chemical Health Week.  TOMS is joining schools across the country with activities planned to promote a healthy lifestyle to their students.  During Chemical Health Week, we will have a Spirit Week.  We hope to encourage our students to think about living a chemical free life.

MONDAY: Team Up/ Jersey Day-Wear your favorite team gear.
TUESDAY: Wear Red Day
WEDNESDAY: Laker Pride Day-Wear Blue & Gold!
THURSDAY: Sock It To Drugs Day-Wear Cool Socks.
FRIDAY: Scare Drugs Costume Day!

We hope to see everyone participating in this Spirit filled week!

Twin Oaks Middle School

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

8th Grade Washington DC Trip 2014

Over MEA break, several students from both Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks Middle Schools visited Washington DC.  Students visited many Historical places including, Smithsonian Achieves, Museum of Natural History, National Air & Space Museum, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Newseum, Mount Vernon Virginia, Koran War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, White House,  World War II Memorial,  Arlington National Cemetery, Gettysburg Pennsylvania, Shriver House, Air Force Memorial, Ford Theatre, Holocaust Museum, Fort McHenry Baltimore, & Injured Veteran Monument.
Thank you parents for sending your student on this very memorable 8th grade trip!
White House 2014
Newseum Washington DC
National Air & Space Museum
Left: Jim Lovell Apollo 13 Captain
United State Capitol, Washington DC
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
 in front of the Minnesota Memorial
George & Martha Washington's Home
Mount Vernon, Virginia

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arlington National Cemetery
Fort McHenry "Bomb Shelter"
Fort McHenry
Baltimore, Maryland 
Ford Theatre

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Middle School Winter Activities

PLHS and Middle School Winter Activities will begin/began on the following dates:

Dance - Oct. 20
Girls Hockey - Oct. 27 
9th grade Boys Basketball - Tryouts Nov. 3 and 4
Wrestling Camp - Nov. 4 – Nov. 6th (Click Here for more information)
Nordic Ski/Alpine Ski - Nov. 10   (boys and girls/grades 7-12)
Gymnastics - Nov. 10   (grades 7-12)
Boys Hockey/Boys Basketball - Nov. 10
Girls Basketball - Nov. 17
Wrestling - Nov. 17
Boys Swim/Dive - Dec. 1   (grades 7-12)

In order to participate, students must be registered online through FeePay AND have a physical on file in the PLHS Activities Office (dated 11/10/2011 or more recent).

Middle School Wrestling - Meeting Nov. 4th @TOMS 2:30pm
Middle School Ski Club - Meeting mid- November (date/time will be announced)

Shakopee High School is hosting an NCAA Initial Eligibility night on Thursday, Oct. 30th at 7PM.  Jeremiah Carter, Associate Director of Athletic Compliance at the University of Minnesota will present the information.    Free event --- all are welcome to attend! 

Here's the link to our website---
 
Please contact us if you have any questions.

PLHS Activities

(952) 226-8690

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

TOMS LAKERS of the Week!

Congratulations TOMS Laker Pride Ticket Winners for the week of October 13th!
6th Grade:
Sam Christopherson
Graham Wood
Savanna Ferrera
7th Grade:
Jackson Vanderheyden
Madi Vance
8th Grade:
Masen Thormosgard
Sumayo Mohamed
Sam Anderson

Monday, October 13, 2014

Lifetouch Picture Retake Day

 Lifetouch Picture Retakes: Friday, October 24th.
Easy as 1-2-3
1. Visit mylifetouch.com
2. Enter Picture Day ID      MI294181Y1
3. Order and print the receipt to give to the photographer on Picture Day.

NO School

   
MEA Break: Thursday, Oct. 16th & Friday, Oct. 17th
Staff Development Day: Monday, Oct. 20th

Middle School Drama Club

Who: Those interested in drama club!
What: 2 different plays : Dress Rehearsal & Fidgety Fairy Tales
Where: Room 181 at Hidden Oaks
When: Drama Club auditions NEXT week Tuesday (21st)and Thursday (23rd)
Why: To hone your acting skills, meet new people, and release your creativity & energy
How: Pick up a registration packet at the front offices.
Click Here for more information.

SPAN Meeting

SPAN (Synergy/SAGE Parent Action Network) will host our next meeting on Thursday November 13 at 7pm in the Twin Oaks Media Center; please note the not-usual location.  The focus of the meeting will be a roundtable discussion on executive function.  The meeting is open to everyone; if possible, please read about executive function before attending the meeting.  You will find an article on the topic at our website: www.mcgt.net/priorlake .  
Our 4th annual Synergy Family Night (click Here) is also coming up on Monday Nov. 17; please see our website for details and to RSVP.  If you have questions or would like to be placed on our email list, please email Apryl at span.priorlake@gmail.com.  See all of our meeting dates on our website.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Mrs. McMahon's 6th Grade Sewing Showcase

Excellent 6th Grade sewing projects by:  Samatha Leong (Flying Cat), Leah Schuerkamp (Soccer Ball), Ben Delly (Basketball), Ella Fitterer (Emoji), and Jace Kahnke (Colorful Soccer Ball).

PACT: Parents Assisting Children & Teachers

PACT: Thank You 

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to a wonderful meal for staff during conferences. Teachers and staff were very grateful!

TOMS LAKERS of the Week!

Congratulations LAKER Pride Ticket Winners for the week of October 6th!
6th Grade:
Lily Vathing
Charlie Webb
Ella Fitterer
7th Grade:
Jacob Foss
Justin Snider
Cole Lundquist
8th Grade:
Timmy Brezinski
Jacob Borchardt
Walker Neiman

Thursday, October 9, 2014

LIfetouch School Pictures

Twin Oaks Middle School
School Pictures
Satisfaction guarantee
Love your portrait or Lifetouch will retake it (or refund it).
Find your retake day

Free digital SmileSafe card
The Lifetouch SmileSafe program provides parents a digital safety card, which includes emergency contact information and gives authorities instant access to a recent student image in case of an emergency.

Get your free SmileSafe card

Haven't ordered yet? There's still time!
1. Go to mylifetouch.com
2. Log in with your Portrait ID and Access Code, which is on your portrait package insert.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Homecoming T-shirts for Sale

Homecoming Football Game T-shirts for Sale!
PLHS Senior Class officers are selling “The Lake” T-shirts for $10.00
This Thursday and Friday morning from 7:00am – 7:25 am (TOMS Entry)
Navy blue shirts (front The Lake 2014-15) with #floodthefield on the back!

GO LAKERS!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Box Top$ Contest


Box Tops for Education Contest is October 13th -28th.  Each Primetime classroom will be eligible for a "tasty treat" party for the most Tops collected (courtesy of PACT).  


Last year, TOMS students collected over $1000 through Box Top classroom contests.  Let's beat last years total. Those little Tops really add up!  Collection bins located by the Guidance Office entry doors.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Health Office News

2014-15 Annual Health/Emergency Contact Form Reminder:

Thank you for turning in your updated Annual Health/Emergency Contact Information Form if you have already done so this school year.  

If you have not yet done so, please do one of the following:

·    Fill out the attached form (front and back side) and return it to the health office as soon as possible.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Wrestling Camp

11th Annual Fall Wrestling Camp
Prior Lake Wrestling is holding its 11th annual fall wrestling camp November 4th – 6th.  
Registration is due October 24th

Attached is the registration for the camp.  
Please direct any questions to Coach Block at jblock@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us.  

Thursday, October 2, 2014

TOMS Yearbooks On Sale Now!

The 2014-15 edition of The Twin Oaks Middle School Yearbook is on Sale now. 
This year’s edition is just $30.00.  Simply fill out the order form and mail in your payment or, order online at www.smart-pay.com. Order by 11/30/2014 to guarantee your copy when our yearbooks are delivered in the Spring.

Attention Parents:  Please remember to select Primetime Teachers name for your student when ordering! 

TOMS Homecoming Week

                                 Go LAKERS!
               HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK!
                                 October 6th -10th
MONDAY:  NATIONAL STOMP OUT BULLYING DAY
                     Wear any color of blue!
TUESDAY:  GET UP AND GO DAY!
                     Wear pajamas or your favorite comfies
WEDNESDAY:  LAKER DAY PEP FEST
                            DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR CLASS!
                                6th grade – BLUE OUT
                               7th grade – WHITE OUT
                                8th grade – GOLD OUT
THURSDAY:  HAWAIIAN DAY
                        Wear your best summer gear!
FRIDAY:  SUPER HERO DAY
                 Wear full costumes or just a t-shirt!  

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

TOMS LAKERS of the Week

Congratulations Laker Pride Ticket Winners for the week of Sept. 29th. 

6th Grade:
Alyssa Anderson
Bella Merwin
Alyssa Briggs

7th Grade
Joey Hager
Zach Young
Kylie Karsky

8th Grade 
Ben Bremer
Khaleed Abdalla
Alison Franck

PACT Conference Sign up

In appreciation for the extra time that TOMS teachers put in during conferences, we are planning a potluck for Thursday, October 9th.  Please consider bringing an appetizer, salad or dessert to make the staff's night a little easier.
You can drop off your items in the main office before 2:15pm on October 9th and pick up any containers after 7:00pm or on Friday.  If your item is best served hot, please bring in a crockpot/warming dish. (Please use disposable containers -- and disposable plastic liners for crockpots -- to minimize clean-up.)
If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Bingenheimer at 952-496-2173 or email nicole.bingenheimer@gmail.com.  Thanks so much for your help! 

The link to the sign up genius is http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da8af2fa2f58-fall 

TOMS Fall Conferences

Twin Oaks Fall Conferences
Tuesday, October 7th: 4:00-7:00pm
Thursday, October 9th: 4:00-7:00pm

Sixth grade teachers will be available in the cafeteria area, while the seventh and eighth grade teachers will be available in the gymnasium. Special Education Teachers, as well as our Guidance staff, will be available in the upper level of the building during conference times.

Conferences give our students the opportunity to reflect on their work, build self-confidence, assume more responsibility for their work, and develop goals for improvement.  We look forward to meeting with you during Fall Conferences.