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Celebrating Family Engagement Month
Building Stronger Connections Between Home and School
As we step into Family Engagement Month, it's a great time for us all to reflect on the essential role that families play in the building of a solid educational foundation for our children. We believe that when families are actively involved in their child's learning, it leads to better academic outcomes, stronger emotional well-being, and a more connected school community. This month, we celebrate the important partnership between home and school and invite all families to engage in meaningful ways.
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Ask About Their Day: Take a few minutes each day to ask your child what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what challenges they faced. This simple act shows your child that their thoughts and feelings are important to you.
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Set Goals Together: Help your child set academic or personal goals. Break them down into manageable steps and check in regularly to see how they’re doing. Celebrating successes, big or small, helps boost motivation.
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Create a Learning Routine: Establishing a routine that includes dedicated time for homework, reading, and other learning activities can help create a sense of stability and focus at home.
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Be a Role Model: Show your child that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Whether it’s reading a book, exploring a new hobby, or working on a project, being a lifelong learner sets a positive example for your child.
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Build Home-to-School Relationships: Reach out to your child's teacher, not just for help, but also for positive correspondence. Attend school events. Speak about school in a positive way. All of this shows that school is important to you and you value the time your child spends learning.
Family engagement is all about fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel valued and motivated to learn. Whether it’s reading together at home, attending school events, or having open conversations about the importance of education, family involvement contributes to the overall success of students.
#FamilyEngagementMonth #AcceptTheChallenge
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Happy National Family Literacy Month!
NOVEMBER
This November, we celebrate the vital role that literacy plays in our lives and the importance of fostering a love for reading and learning within our families.
Why Literacy Matters
Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it’s about communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. By prioritizing literacy in your home, you help build a strong foundation for your children’s future.
Fun Activities to Boost Literacy at Home
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Family Reading Time: Set aside 20 minutes each day for everyone to read together. Choose a mix of books, magazines, or even comic books to keep it engaging!
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Create a Family Book Club: Select a book to read each month and gather to discuss it. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and feelings about the story.
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Write Together: Start a family journal where everyone can contribute. Write stories, poems, or even letters to each other.
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Explore the Library: Visit your local library to discover new books and participate in programs. Many libraries offer story time sessions and literacy workshops for families.
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Literacy Games: Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or online word puzzles. These games make learning fun and interactive!
Tips for Encouraging Literacy
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Model Reading: Show your children that reading is a valuable activity by making it a part of your daily routine.
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Ask Questions: Engage your child by asking open-ended questions about what they read. This enhances comprehension and critical thinking.
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Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child’s reading achievements, no matter how small, to motivate them to keep going.
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Make Learning a Part of your Daily Routine
There are many opportunities in our everyday lives to help children learn. Involving your child in a routine task, for example, is a great place to start. Children can help make the grocery list, check the pantry to see if needed items are present, organize coupons, and use a calculator to keep a running tab of the cost at the store. Bring a pen and have them read and mark off the list as you shop for the items together.
more learing ideas
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STEM EDUCATION
On November 8th, we celebrate the incredible fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
This day is a perfect opportunity to inspire curiosity and creativity in our children. STEM education is crucial for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation. Encouraging a passion for STEM in young learners prepares them for future careers and helps them understand the world around them.
STEM Activities to Try at Home
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Science Experiments: Conduct simple experiments using household items. For example, create a baking soda and vinegar volcano or explore density with oil and water.
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Build a Bridge: Use materials like popsicle sticks, straws, or LEGO bricks to construct a bridge. Test how much weight it can hold and discuss the engineering principles involved.
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Coding Together: Introduce your child to coding with online platforms like Scratch or Code.org. Work together to create a simple game or animation.
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Nature Walk: Explore your local environment and discuss the ecosystems, plants, and animals you encounter. Encourage your child to ask questions and observe closely.
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Math Games: Turn math into a fun activity with board games like Monopoly or card games that require counting and strategy.
| Tips for Fostering a STEM Mindset | |
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Encourage
Curiosity
Ask your child questions about how things work and encourage them to explore their interests.
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Connect STEM to Daily Life
Highlight how STEM impacts everyday life, from cooking to gardening to technology.
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Promote Collaboration
Work on projects together, allowing your child to express their ideas and collaborate on solutions.
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STEM Expo
A Day of Science Fun for the Whole Family
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10am - 2pm
Hammond Library Branch
Food, Exhibits, and Hands-On Demonstrations
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The Louisiana Department of Education has released a series of activities that families can do at home to build math skills.
A little bit of practice can go a long way!
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ELL Parent Meeting
We are welcoming all of our English Language Learner Families to come meet with us to review school policies and procedures, the Student Progress Center where you can review your child’s academic progress, the EL Program, and answer any questions you may have.
November 14, 2024
5:30 - 6:30pm
Hammond Westside Montessori
2600 PFC Matthew E. Wildes St.
Hammond LA 70403
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Free Tutoring? Yes Please!
The Steve Carter Tutoring Program, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education, provides $1,500 vouchers for eligible K-12 students to access high-quality tutoring in Literacy and Math. Purple Ruler, in partnership with the program, offers an opportunity to raise your child's grades.
REGISTER NOW
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If you have any questions regarding the Louisiana Tutoring Initiative, please contact 877-390-0556 between 7am and 4pm Monday – Friday (CST)
Questions: tutoring@la.gov
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New Law Affecting our 3rd Grade Students
Beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, a new Louisiana law will take effect requiring third-grade students who are significantly underperforming in reading to repeat the grade. This legislation aims to address literacy challenges by ensuring students have foundational reading skills before advancing to fourth grade.
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Need Help with Homework, Test Prep, or Understanding Class Work?
Homeworkla.org provides free online tutoring, test preparation, job search assistance, and more. All services can be accessed from a Louisiana public library, from your home computer, or from your mobile device.
Connect with a tutor, submit a paper for review, drop off a math question, take a practice quiz, and prep for SAT/ACT exams, all in one place.
Visit HomeworkLA.org
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Increase the Literacy Skills of Children in our Community. Become a Partner in Literacy.
If you are a local business owner who is interested in joining our literacy campaign, reach out to us!
Become a Partner in Literacy
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We need your help to fund the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Southeast Louisiana.
The Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children from birth to age five, free of charge, through funding shared by local community partners in Tangipahoa parish.
Through United Way, we are able to give back to create a better, stronger community with opportunity for all.
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Please make sure to select Tangipahoa Parish as the receiving organization. Thank you for your Literacy Partnership! | | |
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Families are Essential Partners in Addressing Chronic Absence
One of the most important ways to ensure that your child is getting a good education is to make sure that he or she is present for daily lessons. When a student is chronically absent (2 or more days per month), the lack of engagement in learning could impact educational success. Address school attendance by making it a priority to be in class.
#BePresentBePowerful
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SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING | |
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We are looking forward to focusing on Gratitude this month! One way to think about Gratitude is “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and our happiness.
Purposeful Pursuits
Set aside some time to gather as a family and check in with each other. Ask each family member, “How are you feeling today?” Practice Honesty when responding and listen carefully as each family member shares. Use the emotion check-in questions below to learn more. Challenge yourselves to check in with each other on a regular basis! Let people know you are grateful for their willingness to share.
Emotion Check-In Questions:
- Tell me more about that feeling.
- Why do you think you are feeling that emotion?
- What do you need right now?
Understanding how we are feeling helps us build self-awareness. This month, students will work on building emotional awareness by using body cues to help accurately identify feelings and emotions.
#FamilyEngagementMonth #ShowGratitude
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Aubree and Merliah are always showing gratitude by making sure their partners have what they need, keeping their classroom tidy by picking helpers to clean, and using great manners!! | | |
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Gratitude is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.
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Gratitude Gram:
Hand out paper or note cards to your child. Have your child think of someone he or she appreciates (example: friend, sibling, teacher, family member). Write the prompt below, filling in the blanks with a specific reason why your child is grateful of that person. Encourage your child to use details to make the note personal and meaningful. Collect the Gratitude Grams and discuss potential ways to deliver them (example: deliver them in person, take a picture of the note and send it as a digital message, leave it in a safe place to be found by the intended receiver).
"Dear __________, I am grateful for you because __________."
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What's on the Menu?
See what we are serving up in our cafeterias this month! Our November menu is posted online.
November Menu
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Self-Awareness in Digital Life
Talk about how your child's behavior online affects themselves and others.
Your child is learning how their behavior online can affect themselves and others. Use these questions to talk with them about what it means to be their best selves online.
Respecting Others
"Have you ever witnessed someone being mean or unkind online? How did you respond?"
- Promotes empathy and reflection on whether they stand up for others or let bad behavior slide.
"Would you say the same things online that you would in person?"
- Helps them think about the difference between online and offline communication and encourages them to be respectful in both spaces.
"How do you feel when someone leaves a mean or hurtful comment on your post?"
- Encourages them to empathize with others who may be hurt by negative online interactions.
"If you see a post that is upsetting, do you know how to report or block it?"
- Ensures they are aware of how to handle harmful content and know the tools to protect themselves and others.
Take Responsibility
A child's online behavior can shape their own mental and emotional well-being, influence the relationships around them, and affect their reputation and safety. By fostering responsible online habits, empathy, and awareness of the consequences of their actions, children can navigate the digital world more safely and positively.
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Become a Magnet Student
Applications are open now! TPSS Magnet School Programs offer specialized courses that align with student interests while meeting all academic goals. Our magnet schools promote diversity and provide unique opportunities for students to grow. Apply today and give your child the chance to explore their passions in a supportive environment!
Learn More
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VLO is the Way to Go!
Have you heard about our Tangischools Virtual Learning Option?
We are now taking applications for the 2025-2026 school year! If you have considered trying a new approach to education, watch our recorded Coffee Talk to see if this could be a good fit for you and your family.
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LA MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM | | |
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LMEP Family Search Form
In order to better serve your children's academic needs, our program wants to identify students who may qualify to receive FREE additional educational services.
Please go online to complete our form. We have an electronic form, or you can print the form to fill out on paper.
Complete the Form
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TPSS Student Drivers and Families,
We continue to partner with the Sheriff's Department and CrimeStoppers to ensure the safety of our students on and off school campuses. Through this partnership, the Sheriff has provided safety tips for our student drivers who may encounter law enforcement. We are passing along this valuable information in hopes that all licensed drivers will adhere to these guidelines when pulled over by law enforcement. When we know better, we can do better! Stay safe in your community. #acceptthechallenge
Know What to do if Pulled Over by Law Enforcement
When pulled over by law enforcement:
- pull over immediately in a safe location for all
- stay in the vehicle unless instructed otherwise
- keep hands visible and don't reach around the vehicle unless asked by the officer
- be prepared to provide documents like a driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration
- be calm and cooperative
- know your rights, but don't argue
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Encourage your children to use the free anonymous P3 tip reporting system. This is a vital tool in keeping schools and students safe. Students can report about a wide range of concerns, from mental health issues to threats of violence through the P3 app or through the Crime Stoppers website. Tips are delivered to multiple school administrators and law enforcement making sure nothing slips through the cracks. The P3 mobile app can be downloaded to iPhone or android devices.
Speak to Crime Stoppers to make a report:
1 877 668 2421
Submit a tip online:
SUBMIT A TIP
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The Gift of Shopping Local
As we get closer to the holiday season and shopping picks up, remember to support our community by choosing local boutiques and shops. From cozy sweaters to festive decor, every purchase helps our small businesses thrive and also directly benefits our school system.
In Tangipahoa Parish, a portion of every dollar spent at any local business contributes additional funding for our public schools and helps to secure competitive salaries and raises for TPSS educators. By supporting local businesses, you’re directly investing in the education of our children and the livelihood of our teachers.
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Make an Impact as a Tangi Substitute Teacher
Become a substitute teacher with TPSS! Not only will you make a difference in students' lives, but you'll also enjoy flexible workdays, the ability to choose your workplace, and bi-monthly pay.
Apply Now
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Become a School Bus Attendant
TPSS will hold a one day training for those interested in becoming a school bus attendant. Grab your pen and paper and come join us!
November 8, 2024
9am - 4pm
TPSS Technology Center
795 S. Morrison Blvd, Hammond 70403
Call for more information: (985) 748 - 2432
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Join us for our next TPSS Bus Operator Training
Getting our students to and from school each day safely is a top priority for TPSS. Join our team of super heroes by becoming a TPSS School Bus Operator. We are holding a training at the TPSS Technology Center.
Call for more information: (985) 748 - 2432
School Bus Attendant Training
November 18 - 22
9am - 4pm
TPSS Technology Center
795 S. Morrison Blvd
Hammond, 70403
*Must be able to pass a general physical, background check, and drug screening.
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Nov. 14: ELL Parent Meeting | Register to Attend
Nov. 25 - 29: Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec. 20: End of 2nd 9 Weeks, End of 1st Semester
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3: Christmas Holidays
Jan. 6 - 7 : PD Days for Teachers
Jan. 8: all students return to school
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SchoolCash Online
Create an account, connect your schools and students to the account, and search the catalogue for availble fees.
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Student Progress Center
Register your account to track student grades, attendance, announcements, & test scores.
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Resolve A Problem
Have a question or concern? Reach out directly to your school by filling out our Resolve a Problem form.
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TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
59656 PULESTON ROAD, AMITE, LA 70422
P: 985-748-7153
F: 985-748-8587
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