PEEK AT THE WEEK
September 7-September 12
ATTENDANCE MATTERS: EVERY DAY COUNTS!
Did you know that missing just two days of school a month adds up to nearly four weeks of lost learning over the school year? As we kick off the new year, let’s work together to make daily attendance a priority. Showing up every day is one of the most powerful ways to secure your future.
The Numbers You Need to Know
- 10% Matters: Missing 10% of the school year (about 18 days) makes it much harder to learn to read, pass classes, and graduate on time.
- The 9th Grade Pivot: Chronic absence in 9th grade is a stronger predictor of dropping out than 8th-grade standardized test scores.
- GPA Connection: Consistent attendance directly links to higher GPAs, better test scores, and increased chances of college acceptance.
Beyond the Classroom: Why It Matters
- Building Good Habits: Punctuality and reliability are top soft skills that future employers and colleges look for.
- Staying Connected: Being in school keeps you connected to your friends, favorite teachers, clubs, and sports.
- Less Stress: When you are here every day, you don't have to worry about the stress of catching up on missed assignments, quizzes, and lectures.
Quick Tips for a Better Morning Routine
- Prep the night before: Lay out your clothes, pack your backpack, and charge your school laptop before going to sleep.
- Set a sleep schedule: Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Turn off screens 30 minutes before bed to ensure deep rest.
- Have a backup plan: Identify a family member, neighbor, or friend who can help with transportation if your usual ride falls through.
- Ask for help early: If anxiety, health issues, or other challenges make it hard to get to school, talk to a school counselor or teacher right away. We are here to support you!
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: YOU ARE NOT ALONE
To anyone facing mental health challenges: healing is a personal journey, and support is always available. You are never alone, and help is always within reach.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. One of the most powerful things we can do is stay connected. We encourage everyone to check in on friends, listen without judgment, and look out for one another.
Warning Signs to Look For
If you notice these changes in a friend, it might be a sign they need support:
Mood shifts: Sudden depression, extreme anxiety, or unusual irritability.
Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, teammates, or favorite activities.
Troubling words: Talking or writing about hopelessness, feeling like a burden, or suicide.
Behavior changes: Increased drug/alcohol use, or giving away prized possessions.
Myth Buster: Asking a friend directly if they are thinking about self-harm will not "plant the idea" in their head. It actually shows you care and opens the door for an honest conversation.
How to Help a Friend If you are worried about someone, you don't have to carry that weight alone.
Listen & Support: Let them know you're there for them.
Tell a Trusted Adult: Talk to a parent, teacher, coach, or counselor. You never have to keep a friend's safety a secret.
Your Twin Valley South Resources
Our staff and peers are always here to support you. Reach out to:
School Counselors: Rebecca Whitesel & Jane Cottingim
Hope Squad Advisors: Mrs. Munn & Mrs. Cole
High School Hope Squad Members (Look for your peers around campus!)
24/7 Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, these resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7:
Call or Text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate, life-threatening emergencies.
Your life matters. Let's take care of each other, TVS!
WALK TO REMEMBER, WALK FOR HOPE
It’s not too late to register for the annual Walk to Remember, Walk for Hope, organized by the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board! All proceeds directly benefit the Hope Squad programs right here in our county schools.
What is a Hope Squad?
Developed locally starting in 2019, Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy, empathetic, and approachable peers.
The Link to Help: Members act as a vital bridge, connecting students who may be struggling with the adults who can help.
Expertly Trained: With the guidance of staff advisors, members learn how to safely respond to peers in crisis, communicate effectively, set boundaries, and practice self-care.
Building Culture: Beyond crisis support, Hope Squads work year-round to boost school culture by spreading everyday messages of hope, inclusivity, and care.
Growing to Support You
While Hope Squads are active in all Preble County high schools, the middle school program is growing fast! Twin Valley South implemented its own Middle School Hope Squad last year, joining National Trail, Preble Shawnee, and Tri-County North in supporting our younger students.
Sign up for the walk, support our Hope Squad, and help us keep spreading hope across TVS!
Twin Valley South is pleased to be able offer Muse Machine Club again this year. Muse Machine is an arts education club that brings professional arts and theater directly to students making it easy and affordable for them to experience and participate in the creative world.
Think of it as a "backstage pass" to the arts. Here is what it actually means for your student:
1. In-School Performances
Instead of just reading about the arts, students get to watch professional performers—like dancers, musicians, actors, and even magicians—right inside the school gym or auditorium during the school day.
2. Huge Ticket Discounts
If your child wants to see a major, world-class show outside of school (like a Broadway musical, an opera, or a ballet) being a Muse member allows them to buy tickets at a heavily discounted price. Click here for more information and this year's schedule.
HS MUSE MACHINE MEETINGS: FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, AFTER SCHOOL
HOMECOMING GUEST FORM
Homecoming is Friday, September 18. Bringing a guest to homecoming who doesn't attend our school? You'll need to fill out a guest form. This applies to any guest from a different high school or anyone who has recently graduated. This form is also available in the office. Forms are due by Thursday, September 17.
WRIGHT STATE VISIT
Attention all juniors and seniors planning to attend college after graduation!
The first college visit of the year will be to Wright State University on September 22nd. If you’d like to go, make sure to see Ms. Whitesel as soon as possible to pick up a permission slip. Permission slips must be turned in by September 18th.
Please keep in mind that space is limited this year—only a select number of students will be able to attend college field trips, and spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to those who turn in their permission slips first. Don't wait—grab yours today!"
YOUTH AT THE BOOTH
The Preble County Board of Elections is looking for high school seniors to work the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2026.
- The Perks: Get hands-on experience, build your civic skills, and get paid (including a paid 1-hour evening training!).
- Who Can Apply: High school seniors who are at least 17, live in Preble County, and are registered to vote (if turning 18 by Election Day).
- The Catch: You must be able to work the entire day on Election Day. Spots are limited by Ohio law, and they try to place you near your school!
Deadline: September 11, 2026. 👉 Grab an application and information sheet from the high school office. Completed applications can be emailed to dwhite@preble.boe.ohio.gov
8th PERIOD
Eighth Period is an integral part of the Tuesday and Thursday school days. It is an opportunity for students to receive academic support or a quiet place for students to study. The program is open to all high school students and will run through the remainder of the school year.
Time: 2:35-3:25pm
Location: HS students will report to Mrs. Kepler's room (3401)
Students who ride the bus, may ride the elementary bus home as long as the student receives a bus pass from the 8th Period monitor.
