O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 From the Principal’s Pen Oct. 9 13 Oct. 10 · set in the Okefenokee Swamp....
Transcript of O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 From the Principal’s Pen Oct. 9 13 Oct. 10 · set in the Okefenokee Swamp....
From the Principal’s Pen Jaime Zapico
Tidings from Taylor O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
Upcoming Events
Oct. 9—13
Teen Read Week
Oct. 10
Parish Championship (MS
Track and Field)
2:30—6:30 pm
Oct. 11
PSAT Testing
Cross-Country West Bank
Championship
NOLA Motorsports Park
4 –7:30 pm
Oct. 12
PFTSTA Open House
4—6 pm
Oct. 13
End of first marking period
Oct. 14
MS Swim Championship at
UNO
1—7 pm
Oct. 18
Cross-Country Parish
Championship
Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground
3:30—6:30 pm
Oct. 19
Report Cards Issued
Oct. 20
Homecoming Game
Volleyball vs. Cohen
Alario Center
5—8 pm
Oct. 21
Alumni vs. Student Game
La Salle Park
11 am—12:30 pm
HS Homecoming Dance
7—10 pm
We are almost through the first nine weeks of the 17-18 school year. With
the end of the first nine weeks quickly approaching, please make sure you
are aware of your child’s academic progress in each of the classes he or she
is taking this semester. As always, you can check the status of your child’s
progress at Taylor anytime of the day by logging onto ECHO at http://
pftsta.echo-ntn.org/. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call
or email the dynamic Taylor teachers.
The end of the first nine weeks will be on Friday, October 13, and report
cards will be distributed on Wednesday, October 19. We hope to have
standing room only at our upcoming honor roll breakfasts. Invitations will
be handed out with report cards on Wednesday, October 19.
PSAT testing is right around the corner for all juniors, sophomores, and
freshmen. Please stress the importance of getting a good night’s rest and
eating a good breakfast before coming to school on Wednesday, October
11. PSAT is one criterion that is used to determine national merit finalists.
Also, please see the pictures of the seniors who have been named National
Merit Semi-Finalists. We are so proud of them!
Social studies LEAP reports were distributed on Wednesday, September 27
to all middle school students and ninth grade students. Please ask your
child for this important document.
The next early release day is Wednesday, October 25. Students will be re-
leased at 12:10 and bus transportation will be provided.
Upcoming Events Oct. 23—27
Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 23
Ochsner Blood Drive
10 am—2 pm
Oct. 24
Picture Retake Day
Oct. 25
Early Release Day for
Students
Oct. 27
Grandparents’ Bake Sale
Freaky Friday Dance 7—10 pm
Oct. 28
ACT Test Day
Oct. 31
Freshman/Senior Olympics
Nov. 1
Teacher Professional
Development Day (no
school for students)
Parent Conferences
4—7 pm
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy is excited to
announce our 6th Annual True Blue Gala!
Great food, beverages, and music are all provided with each ticket pur-
chase. This event will also showcase a Silent Auction with lots of wonder-
ful items to bid on, a Wine cork pull, Grub Grab, Parade of Prizes, and
50/50. Need more reason to purchase a tickets??? Buy before December
31, 2017 and your name will be entered into a drawing to have your
child's academic fees waived for the 2018-2019 school year or your sen-
ior's AP fees paid for this year!
This fabulous event will be held February 24, 2018 at Southport Hall
Ticket purchases on or before December 31, 2017 are $50 per person
(early purchase discount) and will be $60 per person thereafter.
If you are unable to attend, please consider making a 100% tax deductible
donation in lieu of buying tickets by visiting https://501auctions.com/
friendsofpft/item/695763, or if you would like to be a sponsor of the
event, please visit https://501auctions.com/friendsofpft/tickets?
type=12743.
CONGRATULATIONS TO NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS JACOB LEBLANC, HOLLY WILKINSON, AND LAURA SMITH
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
The first author visit of the year with
Nancy Cavanaugh was a hit with the
6th and 7th graders. They learned that
she had 18 years of rejection letters
before her first book got published in
2011. The students loved hearing
about her perseverance. Also, she
explained how she did research for
her newest book with experiences
that were way out of her comfort
zone. She is a city girl, and the book is
set in the Okefenokee Swamp. You
can find more pictures of the event on
the library website.
Nancy Cavanaugh with 6th graders Juan Pablo Quixton and Shawn Reason
Nancy Cavanaugh making her presentation.
Lines from the Librarian
Ms. Elizabeth Kahn
The library is quite busy before school and
during lunch as students have access to the
many library makerspace materials including
Lego, K’Nex, Little Bits, Sphero, and more
giving the students lots of opportunities to be
creative. Follow the library on social media to
see what happens on a daily basis on
Facebook or Instagram. Of course, the library
is also filled with over 9,400 wonderful books
to please every discerning reader.
PFTSTA
Library
All Readers
Welcome Remember you can
visit the library 24/7
on the library website
on Facebook:
&
on Instagram:
These middle school students placed the final
stickers on The Scream Stick Together poster.
Left: Sixth grader
Rowan Brite shows
off his Lego creation.
Sixth grader Kaiden Lagarde tries his hand
at stop motion video with the Stickbots.
Greetings Taylor Tigers!
I would like to congratulate our three National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists:
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for
some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To
be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to
the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist
standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar®
title.
Congratulations! We wish you the best of luck in the next round!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 5th: Tulane University Representative Visit (Juniors & Seniors) @ 2:00pm
An admissions representative will be coming to speak with interested juniors and seniors during PAWS.
Thursday, October 5th: Last day to register for the November 4th SAT
Saturday, October 7th: SAT Test Day
Wednesday, October 11th: PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 9-11)
All 9th through 11th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT® at school on Wednesday, October 19th. This
test gives each student an opportunity to take the next step to college. Students can:
Access college scholarships. (11th grade only) The PSAT/NMSQT connects students with
college scholarships. Students should say “yes” to Student Search Service® on the day of the
test so that scholarship partners can find them. Students who meet National Merit® Scholar-
ship Corporation’s eligibility requirements are automatically entered into the National Merit®
Scholarship Competition.
Get ready for the SAT®. The PSAT/NMSQT is great prep for the SAT®. Your child will
get familiar with the test questions and formats. In fact, students who take the PSAT/NMSQT
usually score higher on the SAT, on average, than those who do not.
Build an SAT practice plan. Your child can access a personalized SAT study plan based on
their results from the PSAT/NMSQT. They can identify the skills they need to work on, and
study at their own pace.
Discover AP® Courses. Student score reports will suggest AP courses that are a great
match for them. AP can give your child an edge in the admission process and allows them to
earn college credit while in high school, which could save time and money in college.
Counselor’s Corner
Jacob LeBlanc
Laura Smith
Holly Wilkinson
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
Tuesday, October 17th: Case Western Reserve University Representative
Visit (Juniors & Seniors) @ 12:30pm
An admissions representative will be coming to speak with interested juniors & seniors
during Homeroom.
Monday, October 23rd: Signs of Suicide Presentation (Grades 8-12)
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office will visit during school to provide the students
information on the Signs of Suicide. You should receive a consent form from your child
concerning this event.
Thursday, October 26th: St. Louis University Representative Visit (Juniors &
Seniors) @ 2:00pm
An admissions representative will be coming to speak with interested juniors and sen-
iors during PAWS.
Saturday, October 28th: ACT Test Day
Friday, November 3rd: Last day to register for the December 9th ACT
Saturday, November 4th: SAT Test Day
College and Career Readiness
A new College and Career Readiness page has been developed for JPPSS families. Please
review and share this resource with stakeholders. The site can be accessed on the JPPSS
website from the Families page and the Academics page. The attached link is the direct
url to the site: http://jpschools.org/families/college-career-readiness-center/
Cheri Rivera, PLPC, M.A., NCC
High School Counselor and Community Service Hour Coordinator
The sixth grade students in Mrs. Rogers’ power skills class gave presen-
tations on cyber safety and cyberbullying using an infographic. Students
researched using reputable websites and taught the class about warn-
ings, risks, and actions to take in the course of being hacked or bullied
while using a device. Students learned about reporting cyberbullying and
how to save evidence if something occurs. Sixth graders promised to be
safe and smart while gaming and using social media.
6th grade Power Skills
Kiley Rogers
MAO and CAM are honor Math clubs for students interested in competing in
Louisiana Math tournaments. Members must have earned a 3.25 or higher in their
previous Math courses. MAO is for high school students who have completed
both Algebra I and Geometry, while CAM is for students currently enrolled in
Algebra I or Geometry this year. Students and parents can see upcoming tourna-
ment dates on the LAMAO site (http://www.lamao.org/). The next Math tourna-
ment is at Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans on Saturday, October 28th
for students in Algebra I through Calculus.
St. Paul’s Math Tournament Results
Forty Taylor students from 8th through 12th grade participated in the Math tour-
nament at St. Paul's High School in Covington on Saturday, September 16th.
Individual Awards:
3rd place in Pre-Algebra—Edward Laizer
Honorable Mention in Pre-Algebra—Veronica Nguyen
3rd place in Potpourri—Joshua Nguyen
2nd place in Algebra 2—Logan Barrios
Honorable Mention in Algebra 2—Hannah Porta
Ciphering Team Awards:
3rd place team in Algebra 2—Bailey Andras, Dustin Vo, Alexander Walker, and
Logan Barrios
3rd place team in Pre-Calculus—Jacob LeBlanc, Chau Nguyen, Dominic Scheurer,
and Johnny Thai
Team Awards:
3rd place team in Calculus AB—TEAM 36: Alex Gelpi and Christian Otero
Mu Alpha Theta & Chi Alpha Mu
Karen Kelley
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
Cabrini Middle School Math Tournament Results
Ten Taylor Tigers from 6th through 8th grades competed at the Middle School Math Tour-
nament hosted by Cabrini High School in New Orleans on Saturday, September 30th. Every-
one was a winner!
Individual Awards:
2nd place Algebra I—Veronica Nguyen
4th place Algebra I—Faith Kelley
5th place Algebra I—Mason Howard
1st place Pre-Algebra—Mason Mackie
2nd place Pre-Algebra—Derek Chen
4th place Pre-Algebra—Javier Torres
6th place Pre-Algebra—Ameen Abdalbaqi
Team Awards:
2nd place Algebra Team—Allie Johnson, Veronica Nguyen, Faith Kelley, & Mason Howard
1st place Pre-Algebra Team—Mason Mackie, Derek Chen, Javier Torres, & Ameen Abdal-
baqi
3rd place Math 7 Team—Erica Ingraham & Aminat Badaru
2nd place Interschool Team Test:
All ten Taylor Tigers
Pictured Left
Kneeling: Mason
Howard, Veronica
Nguyen, Allie Johnson
Standing: Faith Kel-
ley, Erica Ingraham,
Aminat Badaru,
Ameen Abdalbaqi,
Javier Torres, Derek
Chen, Mason Mackie
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
In Spanish 1 classes, students learned how to describe locations in the school, and used
iPads to make a presentation. Students conjugated verbs, used prepositions of locations,
and created Google Slideshows to share with the class.
Spanish 2 students studied the painters Xul Solar and Frida Kahlo, and created
presentations on these important artists’ influence in modern culture and art history.
Biodiversity in Costa Rica was also researched, and students presented the benefits of
being bilingual for future employment.
News from Spanish 1 and 2
Julia Avila
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
6th and 7th Grade Science News Michelle Leonard
Mrs. Leonard’s 6th grade science class has been working hard
learning about cells and cell parts. They have also been learn-
ing about ecosystems. The class modeled a forest ecosystem
and learned about limiting factors that play a part in deer
populations. They used the data that they collected and
graphed the population of deer over ten years. The class will
be learning about physical science in October.
Luke Santopadre, Srija Tamidela, and Victoria Hanke
observe protozoans under the microscope.
Kinkaid Hinyup, Makayla Lagarde, Haania Hafeez, Mira Ullo, and
Kaiden Lagarde compare plant and animal cells using the
microscope.
Lincoln Joseph and Mohammad Ibrahim present
their project on photosynthesis.
Mrs. Leonard’s 7th grade science class has been working hard
learning about cell processes. They have completed labs on
osmosis as well as a virtual lab on how light affects the rate of
photosynthesis. They have also been learning about mitosis,
meiosis, and inherited traits. The class will learn about
ecosystems in October.
Long Tran and Anson Mo present their project on
photosynthesis to the class.
Giving back in Gifted ELA
Amanda Ingargiola
On September 12th, Ms. Bordelon, Mrs. Ingargiola,
and eleven Patrick Taylor students visited the
Pontchartrain Center to celebrate receipt of a grant
from the Brown Foundation. At the event, students
listened to speeches about service learning projects
completed in other schools, visited booths, and par-
ticipated in multiple activities that showcased organ-
izations such as Wetland Warriors, Eracism, and the
Louisiana SPCA.
This year, seventh grade students will com-
plete a digital scrapbook project on Hurri-
cane Katrina and its effects on New Orle-
ans, and particularly, the Ninth Ward. The
seventh grade gifted ELA classes will visit the
Ninth Ward to explore the Make it Right
homes and Musician’s Village. Also, students
will visit an elementary school to work with
first-graders; Patrick Taylor students will
enact a brief skit, read a children’s book and
create storybooks with first grade students.
The Brown Foundation’s grant allows Taylor
Tigers to engage in important service learn-
ing and contribute to the New Orleans
community.
I am immensely proud of the eleven stu-
dents who attended the grant celebration;
they represented our school and the TIGER
ideals with enthusiasm and integrity.
Pictured Above
Front Row: Arren
Murphy, Katherine
Mo, Emily Do,
Madeline Monistere,
Yvonne Arcana,
Sajiv Patel
Middle Row: Marcus
Monistere
Back Row: Zoe Samu-
el, Anson MoBilliot,
Mason Mackie, Alex-
ander Boulmay
Words from Mr. Webster Greetings,
As we move into our third month of classes, I would like to share some information about an upcoming assess-
ment technique for our Civics and World Geography courses. Furthermore, I would also like to voice how
impressed I have been with the academic and personal growth I have witnessed in each of our students. When I
see the level of thought going on in our classes, I am excited daily for the journey that we have undertaken to
develop principled and thoughtful leaders of society.
One of the centerpieces of instruction that we will be focusing on in the next few weeks will be the use of a
discussion style assessment as a means to express and foster learning. Many of my past students have voiced how
much they have enjoyed “Harkness Discussions” as a means to explore and critically analyze topics and their con-
nections to deeper themes and trends in the study of societies. Students will use this assessment technique to
develop essential skills including the ability to respectfully listen and respond to other points of view, research and
critically analyze information in defense of an idea, as well as reflect on their own arguments and modify them
when presented with new information. As such, students will use these skills to earn individual success in the
discussions while simultaneously developing collaborative skills for how to approach these discussions to ensure
success for the team.
The “Harkness Discussion” is a technique employed in many liberal arts colleges that empowers the students to
take ownership of their learning by repositioning the teacher to the role of a guide. Instead of strictly lecturing
and making myself the center of the classroom, I look to make the student the center of the class. By following
this model, each student is empowered to discover his or her learning through guiding questions and materials to
research. Furthermore, students have been provided guidance on how to improve their soft skills in interacting,
listening, and considering the viewpoints of others. This is done with the goal that each group may realize the
growth they can achieve when they are a community of learners.
The Harkness is not to be confused with more debate style formats such as a Socratic Seminar. Instead, the as-
sessment is much more collaborative as it rewards each team of students for challenging and supporting one an-
other to explore the significance, impact, and relevance of the information studied. More information on the
Harkness method is available through The Phillips Exeter Academy website at http://www.exeter.edu/
admissions/109_1220.aspx .
Finally, thank you again for the opportunity to help develop your sons and daughters into educated young men
and women of character. I always feel very lucky that the goal of my job at the end of the day is to help people
grow into thinking and reflective leaders of society.
I am always available by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Greg Webster
Social Studies Teacher
Girls Varsity Soccer Coach
Tidings from TechBytes
Kelly Maher
Computers are currently challenging us, not only in math and memory, but also in intui-
tion, creativity, and critical thinking. Thus, while our students certainly need to be able
to use electronic devices ethically and responsibly, it is also essential that they have an
understanding of how these machines work. They will not only be the consumers of
technology, but they will also be the designers, creators, builders, and programmers.
The following coding resources and DIY electronics kits have a low floor (anyone can
get started with no prior knowledge), a high ceiling (students can create more sophisti-
cated projects as they progress), and wide walls (allowing for creativity). Furthermore,
they make learning these skills fun.
Coding Resources
SCRATCH (web-based)
Swift Playgrounds (iPad App)
Codecademy (web-based)
Khan Academy Computer Science (web-based)
You may also want to check out the Hour of Code activity finder featuring tutorials and
activities that integrate computer science into every content area at every grade level.
Lessons are also available in multiple languages.
DIY Electronics Kits
MaKey MaKey: As I mentioned in the PowerSkills article, a MaKey MaKey is
an invention kit for the 21st century that allows you to turn everyday ob-
jects into touchpads. For more information check out What is a MaKey
MaKey? or Jay Silver’s Hack a banana, make a keyboard!
Arduino: An Arduino is an open source, programmable, microcontroller
that allows the user to build a wide variety of electronic projects. You can
buy the Arduino alone or as part of a kit like the Arduino UNO Ultimate
Starter Kit, which we’re using in the eighth grade Fab Lab Grade course. An
Introduction the Arduino provides a great explanation of what an Arduino
does and what it can be used for.
Raspberry Pi: A Raspberry Pi is a small, inexpensive computer. Users can
plug the circuit board into a monitor or TV, attach a keyboard, and
program it using languages like Python or SCRATCH. Like the Arduino, you
can buy the Raspberry Pi alone or as part of a larger set, like the Raspberry
Pi Complete Starter Kit or Kano Kit. For more information visit What is a
Raspberry Pi?
So, let’s say you’ve got an Arduino, or a Raspberry Pi, or a Makey Makey, and you know
it has potential, but you’re not quite sure what to do with it. Check out Instructables, a
great resource for makers.
Need Help with Echo?
Try the Echo Help
Center for Parents and
Observers.
Exploring “A Whole New World of Leadership” at this year’s HASC, hosted by the Haynes Academy
Student Council.
Countdown to Homecoming
Aaliyah Edinburgh, Student Body Vice President
Student government’s biggest upcoming event is Homecoming - the
week of October 16. There will be a Homecoming Pep Rally, which
will include our traditional Lip-Sync Battle, on Friday, October 20
during the school day. The Homecoming volleyball game against the
Cohen Hornets will be on Friday, October 20 at the Alario Center
@ 5:00 pm. There will be an alumni soccer game on Saturday,
October 21 at LaSalle Park @ 11:00 am. Finally, to end Homecom-
ing week, the Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday from 7-10
pm at Patrick F. Taylor. To stay up to date on upcoming events and
announcements, you can follow us on Twitter and Instagram -
@PFTSGA.
Information on ordering Homecoming shirts and/or Alumni shirts
and how to participate in this year’s Fall Fest is coming soon!
Calendar of Homecoming’s Spirit Days –
Versus Week
10/16: Country vs. Country Club
10/17: Mathlete vs Athlete
10/18: Nickelodeon vs Disney
10/19: Old School vs New School
10/20: Tigers vs Hornets
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
Web Design
Kelly Maher
Students in the Web Design course continue to work with Adobe Dreamweaver, learning
basic page layout, how to use CSS to style and animate elements, and how to use media
queries to make their web sites responsive. As the course progresses, they will create
tables and online forms, and they will finally learn how to publish their sites and optimize
them for search engines. Once students have become adept at Dreamweaver, they will use
this software, along with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, to work on the school web site,
pftsta.com. Additionally, students will apply their knowledge of design software and personal
branding to create digital portfolios showcasing their work. Students will then have an op-
portunity to earn an Adobe Dreamweaver CC Adobe Certified Associate Certification. (The
Adobe Certified Associate program is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates
proficiency in Adobe digital skills.)
Ms. Hamilton’s class is currently learning about literary analysis and literary elements.
The literary elements are front loaded through lecture and real world examples. These
skills are reiterated through mini-lessons focusing on one to two literary elements at a
time. The students then come up with their own examples, justification for their exam-
ples, and share them with the class. Literary analysis paragraphs are then constructed to
demonstrate writing capability and mastery of understanding of the literary elements.
The class is currently reading Elisa Carbone’s Blood on the River. The novel acts as a
master text to explore literary elements and literary analysis. It also has the benefit of
allowing children an insight in to a culture and time they may be unfamiliar with.
6th grade ELA explores Blood on the River
Taraina Hamilton
HS 4-H News
Julie Avila
We’ve elected our new executive board and would like to thank every-
one for running. We’ve had a brief discussion about 4-H University and
want to encourage new members to join us next summer. Attached is a
picture of members that attended 4H University’s awards night. We
would also like to welcome our new parish representative, Ms. Heather
Eggers.
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
PowerSkills
Kelly Maher
This month in PowerSkills, students became more proficient with coding by completing the SCRATCH Work-
shop and a SCRATCH final project. They were also introduced to electronics using our Makey Makeys. As the
quarter progresses, students can look forward to 3D printing, as well as using Adobe Illustrator to create de-
signs for laser cutting. They will also receive instruction in Photoshop and Swift Playgrounds (Apple’s app de-
velopment language.)
7th graders use the news
to develop vocabulary skills Kiley Rogers
NHS News Elizabeth Kahn, faculty advisor
Since school started, NHS has participated in two service events outside of school. On Sep-
tember 24th, members met at Crescent Park in New Orleans to help volunteer for the an-
nual NO AIDS Walk. The student helpers worked on set up before the walk and assisted at
the water stations during the walk. Then on September 29th, five members took a trip to
Butler Elementary to visit a 3rd grade class and engage the students in some fun math activi-
ties. At school, members tutor 8th and 9th graders on Tuesdays during high school lunch and
6th and 7th graders during the PAWS period.
Students in Mrs. Rogers’ 7th grade ELA class are boosting literacy
skills by finding weekly vocabulary words from the New York Times,
using high interest articles that cover a multitude of topics. The
words are defined in context and then we examine different mean-
ings in the dictionary. Students are encouraged to use the words in
writing and speaking after they are introduced. Students that casually
use the new words in class discussions are given a treat to encourage
frequent and future use!
Fourteen NHS members woke
up early on a Sunday to help at
the Walk
NHS members Tran Phuong Nguyen,
Aaliyah Edinburgh, Alyssa Phillips, Jacob LeBlanc, and
Semaj King at Butler
T I D I N G S F R O M T A Y L O R
A Musical Note: Band News Hi Patrick F. Taylor Family,
Band has been going very well. Our afternoon practices have a consistent attendance. I am so proud of
everyone committing their time to represent the school and to improve in their musical art. Thank you all
from the bottom of my heart. After school band practices are every Monday and Wednesday until 4:00 PM.
Tulane University Marching Band Day was Saturday September 23, 2017 at Yulman Stadium on the Tulane
campus. We had a great time. Thank you to all students who participated. This year the dance team
performed as well. We had a total of 49 students on the field representing PFTSTA. This was our best year
yet. My gratitude to all the adults who helped make the day a big success: Maggie Grindstaff, Jennifer Dykes,
Ashika Lloyd, Lori Provencano, Dawn Price, Jay Adkins, Scott Grindstaff, Shane Steinkamp, Nicole Dupeire,
and the Esneaults.
After our performance, we had fun socializing at Ted’s Frostop across from the stadium. It still looks the
same as it did when I was in high school! Can’t wait to do it again next year.
The band at early morning rehearsal at the Tulane University Marching Band day 9/23/17
I encourage everyone to sign up for District VI Elementary, Junior High, and High School
Honor Band auditions. Auditions are on Saturday December 9, 2017 at Bonnabel High
School. All interested students should let me know they want to try out by October 20,
2017.
I have been implementing the use of a management system called Charms. Right now it is
about 60% up and running. Charms is a cloud-based organization, management, and com-
munication system for successful organizations. Students are already getting email blasts
and will soon be getting text blasts concerning practices, auditions, concerts, etc. Soon,
parents will be receiving communications via Charms.
A great feature is that anyone can log in and check our calendar and schedule, and also
print music parts and other documents such as permission forms.
To log in go to https://www.charmsoffice.com/about.asp and
click “login” then click “Parents/Students/Members”
Enter school code – “pftsta” and you’re in!
I am very excited at how things are going so far this year. A special thank you to all the
band’s student leaders. They have been a tremendous help to me and a tremendous
example to the band as a whole.
Love ya band!
John J. McCloskey
Band Director
Greetings from 6th and 8th Grade Science!
The students in 6th grade are working hard to learn about Ecosystems, populations, and
communities, and how they all work together and even against each other at certain
times. They have been doing virtual labs and video web quests to research and solve
problems. In the upcoming weeks we will be studying roller coasters, learning what
makes them work and how they use Newton’s Laws.
In 8th grade the students are putting the finishing touches on their Plate Tectonics pro-
jects and will be presenting those in class on Thursday, October 5. In addition, some stu-
denst have decided to get creative and build their own volcano to set off outside during
2nd and 3rd period. That will be a fun-filled day!
Mrs. Caulfield
Welcome to our newest Taylor Tigers! Stephanie Roberson
Zola Brown, Plant Team
Tiffiany Braxton, Cafeteria Manager
Ms. Braxton has spent the last 15 years working in
the school cafeteria system – 10 years with JPPSS
and 5 years in Orleans Parish. She is an alumna of
George Washington Carver Senior High (now
Carver Collegiate Academy) in New Orleans.
While Ms. Braxton studied as an EMT at Delgado
Community College, she loves working in the food
service department.
Tevyn Cagins, Teacher ([email protected])
Tevyn Cagins is a native of Lafitte, Louisiana and a graduate of Fisher
High school. He received his Bachelors in Science and was a former foot-
ball player for the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Coach Cagins lives an active life with his Fiancé, daughter, and two dogs.
He enjoys spending his free time competing and coaching multiple
sports. He is excited for his new start at Patrick F. Taylor, and cannot
wait for the school years to come! Go Tigers! Go Warhawks!
Elizabeth Faucheux, Art Teacher
Mrs. Faucheux received her B.A. at Nicholls State
University concentrating in ceramics and photography
and her M.F.A at Florida State University concentrating
in ceramics. This will be her 11th year teaching
and her first year at Patrick F Taylor.
Thomas Gardner, Spanish Teacher
Mr. Gardner teaches Spanish I and II. Before coming to Patrick
F. Taylor, he worked 23 years in South America as a language
teacher, translator, and education manager. He arrived in
Greater New Orleans in May 2017 as a teachNOLA fellow.
Most recently he spent six years in Lima, Peru as the national
manager of the British university publisher, Cambridge Univer-
sity Press.
Mr. Gardner is a graduate of Ohio University, holding a B.S.
and an M.A. in Communication, an undergraduate minor in
Latin American Studies, and a post-graduate linguistics certifi-
cation in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Taraina Hamilton, English/Language Arts Teacher
Second year teaching, previously worked as a high school
teacher in St. Charles Parish. In 2013, earned a Bachelor's
of Arts degree in Psychology. In 2016, earned a Master of
Arts in Teaching degree with a concentration in secondary
English. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education with
a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Hamil-
ton is also currently the assistant girls' basketball coach at
Patrick Taylor.
Aldine Lockett, Dean of Student Services
Dr. Lockett has been in education since 1994. He has worked as
a teacher in grades Kindergarten through middle school. He has
worked as an Academic dean and resource teacher in Jefferson
Parish. He was worked as a Success for All Literacy Facilitator,
a high School principal and assistant principal in the Recovery
School District, and a K-12 elementary principal and Asst. prin-
cipal in the Recovery School district. Dr. Lockett earned a doc-
torate in Higher Education Leadership from Argosy University
in 2014, and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from the Uni-
versity of New Orleans in 2002. He also has a bachelor of Sci-
ence degree from Southern University at New Orleans.
Michelle Monistere, Art Teacher
Kiley Rogers, English/Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Rogers received her Bachelor Degree from Louisiana
State University in 2001 and immediately began teaching.
She is certified to teach in grades 1-8. She has taught ele-
mentary as well middle school. She was also certified to
teach in the state of Texas where she worked for four years
and taught gifted/talented. Most recently she worked as a
school librarian. She is excited to get back to where she
started in middle school teaching English Language Arts.
Marion Smith, Cafeteria Staff
Rebecca Theriot, Social Studies Teacher
After earning a Bachelor's Degree in History from Hanover Col-
lege and a Master's Degree from the University of Louisville, Mrs.
Theriot moved to New Orleans in 2008 to teach middle school in
the 9th ward with The New Teacher Project. She taught a variety
of subjects and grades at Drew Elementary (now ARISE Academy)
and also supported new teachers working in urban schools as an
instructional coach for TeachNOLA.
Mrs. Theriot left the classroom for three years to serve as the
Middle School Assistant Principal at ARISE Academy, supporting
teachers in English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
As the mother of two young boys, she values the partnership
between teachers and parents and is looking forward to working
with you and your students this year.
Contact Us:
701 Churchill Parkway
Avondale, LA 70094
Phone: 504-838-2249
Fax: 504-436-0257
Questions - Stephanie Roberson
or
Amy Poole
Jefferson Parish Public School System
jpschools.org
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy
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