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 gwebster@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us.

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

(tiffany.braxton@jppss.k12.la.us)

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 (tcagins@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(efaucheux@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(tgardner@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(thamilton@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(alockett@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(mmonistere3@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

Kiley Rogers, English/Language Arts Teacher

(krogers@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

(rtheriot@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us)

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

sroberson@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us

or

Amy Poole

apoole@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us

Jefferson Parish Public School System

jpschools.org

Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy

We’re on the web!

pftsta.com

twitter.com/pftsta

facebook.com/pftsta