www.tangischools.org

Be Respectful. Be Compassionate. Be Great.

"Accept the Challenge 2024-2025"

Good News About Our Schools!

The Tangipahoa Parish School System is proud to announce its 2024 state accountability results, showing notable progress across several key areas, including a significant improvement in the performance of its individual schools.

“We are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made this year, particularly with so many of our schools showing marked improvement,” said Tangipahoa Parish Superintendent, Melissa M. Stilley. “The growth at OW Dillon, Amite Westside, and other schools is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our educators, students, and families. These improvements reflect the positive momentum in our district, and while we celebrate these gains, we remain focused on continuing to support all students and ensure that every school continues on a path of academic success.”

Read the Full Press Release

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.

Make Learning a Part of your Daily Routine

The holiday season presents unique opportunities for gatherings of friends and family. Bring fun and interest to the table by creating "Table Topics" to share. Topics can be as simple or complex as you'd like them to be. Participating in group conversations helps to develop vocabulary, speaking and listening skills, and boost creative thinking.

more about this activity

New Law Affecting our 3rd Grade Students

Beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, a new Louisiana law took 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. 

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

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

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

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

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.

Please make sure to select Tangipahoa Parish as the receiving organization. Thank you for your Literacy Partnership!

Make Math an Everyday Thing

Math is all around us! As you spend time holiday shopping with friends, visiting local parks, or even driving to visit family, play a game of eye-spy with your child. Search out basic shapes. Challenge each other to find different geometric lines and angles. Create a scavenger hunt to "collect" as many different 3D objects as you can see (sphere, cube, pyramid).

Bring math into your daily routines and interactions. You'll start to see the world in whole new view.

The Louisiana Department of Education has released a series of activities that families can do at home to build math skills. 

ATTENDANCE AWARENESS

Sometimes good attendance is simply a matter of good health.

Health-related absences are a top reason students miss school, yet sometimes they can be avoided. Make sure your child has access to healthy meals each day, is getting adequate rest at night, has tissues on hand for nose blowing, and practices proper hand-washing. All of those little efforts will add up during cold and flu season.

#BePresentBePowerful

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Kindergarteners at Midway Elementary have gratitude! Students wrote what they are grateful for on the leaves.

Show Your Gratitude

As parents and caregivers, we often think about teaching our children life skills like kindness, responsibility, and respect. Another impactful lesson we also need to impart is the importance of showing gratitude and giving genuine compliments.

Purposeful Pursuits

By modeling gratitude and compliments in our daily lives, we show children how to recognize and appreciate the good in themselves, others, and the world around them. When children see us express gratitude and acknowledge the efforts and qualities of others, they are more likely to internalize these behaviors and carry them forward in their own lives.

The Power of a Compliment:

• Give Specific Compliments: Rather than just saying "You’re great!" try "I love how thoughtful you were when you helped your sister with her homework."
• Compliment Character, Not Just Achievements: While it’s important to acknowledge academic or athletic accomplishments, it’s equally important to praise character traits like kindness, empathy, and resilience. Compliments like, “I’m proud of how you helped your friend today,” or “Your kindness really made a difference in that situation,” highlight the values that matter most.
• Give Compliments to Others in Front of Your Child: Modeling how to give compliments is just as important as receiving them. Praise others in front of your child, whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a stranger. For example, "I love how thoughtful Grandma is when she writes us a handwritten card," or "The way your teacher explained that lesson was really helpful." This shows children how to recognize and appreciate the good in others.

When we express gratitude and offer sincere compliments, we not only enhance our own emotional health but also improve our relationships with others. Gratitude encourages us to connect with people in a deeper way, while compliments create an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.



#FamilyEngagementMonth #ShowGratitude

Gratitude is choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.

For children, learning to be thankful for what they have, whether it’s a caring family, supportive friends, or simple daily comforts, helps children manage negative emotions like frustration, disappointment, or sadness by encouraging them to focus on the positive.

Gratitude Alphabet:

Take turns expressing specific examples of things that you are grateful for that corresponds to each letter of the alphabet. "A - I am thankful for animals. I am especially thankful for our pet cat, Mittens."

Take the time to discuss why you are thankful for each thing. Be purposeful and specific in your converstation. Talking about it in detail will not only help your child identify with their emotions, it will also help to grow their speaking and listening skills!

"B - I am thankful for basketball. Playing on a team gives me the opportunity to grow into a better team player, while also getting better at the game."

CHILD NUTRITION

Family Meals

Family meals don't just improve kids' nutrition - eating together also helps boost social skills and increase kids' appreciation for the value of food and the effort needed to fix meals.

Together, choose a meal to prepare, cook, and eat as a family. Having children take the responsibility for simple acts such as clearing the table after eating can also help instill good habits, balance the work load, and teach responsibility.

TECHNOLOGY

Finding Time to Unplug for the Holidays

Create a healthy balance for technology use during extended time at home.

As we approach a break from school, many parents find themselves grappling with the challenge of managing their children’s use of digital devices and time spent online.

While social media and gaming can offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning, it can also be a source of stress, distraction, and even safety concerns, especially when kids have more free time on their hands. With school out and routines relaxed, it's important to strike a healthy balance in how children engage with digital platforms and the time they spend participating in unplugged activities.

Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

A long break can feel like an endless stretch of unstructured time, but it’s important to maintain clear boundaries for screen time and social media use. Consider setting guidelines that fit your family's values and the age-appropriate needs of your child. Some ideas to consider:

• Daily Screen Time Limits: Depending on your child’s age, establish daily limits for screen time, ensuring that other activities like outdoor play, reading, or family time are prioritized.
• Digital Hours: Set specific hours or designated times when online gaming and scrolling is allowed. For example, after completing a chore or spending time outside, your child can have some screen time. You may also set the expectation that phones are to be put away before bedtime.
• Content Rules: Make sure your child knows which platforms are allowed, and what types of content are appropriate. Remind them that, just like in the real world, they should be mindful of what they share and who they interact with online.

Encourage Offline Activities

Long breaks provide a perfect opportunity for kids to disconnect from screens and engage in enriching offline activities. Encourage your child to pursue hobbies or explore new interests that do not involve technology, such as:

• Creative Projects: Drawing, painting, crafting, or writing stories can spark creativity and provide a welcome break from digital screens.
• Physical Activity: Whether it’s playing a sport, going for a walk, or taking a bike ride, encourage your child to get active outside.
• Family Time: Long breaks are a perfect chance to spend quality time together. Plan family outings, movie nights, or board game sessions to create lasting memories.

By providing alternatives, you can help your child develop a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Tips for Caregivers

• Consider a “social media detox” challenge as a family activity—unplug for a set amount of time and enjoy offline activities together.
• Be mindful of your own screen time and set a good example by taking regular breaks from your devices.
• Keep the conversation about digital safety and well-being ongoing—it doesn’t have to be just a one-time talk.

Let’s make this break both fun and safe for our children by helping them develop a balanced relationship with technology.

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

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.

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

STAY SAFE

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

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

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. 

Fall Days are Fun Days!

Our students have enjoyed getting outdoors to explore learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

There are so many great ways for you to be a tourist in your own community! Tangipahoa Parish offers a variety of family-fun destinations for you to explore over Thanksgiving Break. We appreciate the partnernships that we hold with our community!

Be a Tourist in Tangi

Starry Saturday - Movie Under the Stars

Historic Downtown Hammond

Saturday, November 23

4-9pm

Cate Square Park

Featuring family friendly activities, train rides, & Santa!

Movie: The Santa Clause, begins at 6pm

Come early to grab your spot!

See the Details

LA Healthcare Connections Presents:

Family Fun Day

Get Moving, Get Healthy: A Journey to Healthy and Active Choices

Saturday

November 23, 2024

11am - 2pm

Michael J. Kenney Rec Center

601 W Coleman Ave, Hammond 70403

Free Entry!

music, games, prizes, smart cooking demos

Storytime with Santa

A FREE Literacy Event

Saturday, Dec. 7th

9am, 10am, 11am

PARD Events Building

42074 N. Hoover Road, Ponchatoula 70454

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

A sensory-friendly Christmas celebration with a cozy, twinkling space, heartwarming Christmas story, sweet treats, fun holiday crafts, and a special book from Santa Claus himself.

For more information contact: jaofhammond@gmail.com

PARD's

Winter Wonderland

Saturday

December 7, 2024

5pm - 7pm

Ponchatoula Area Rec District, Gym 1

42128 N Hoover Rd, Ponchatoula 70454

Bounce Houses, Crafts, Popcorn, Hot Cocoa, Games, Coffee, Prizes, Decoration Hunt, Santa, and PJ Contest!

Concessions will be sold by Ponchatoula Basketball Association. (cash only)

Hammond Christmas Parade

Hammond Rotary Club is thrilled to announce the 66th Annual Christmas Parade will roll the streets of Hammond on December 7th.

The parade will line up at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium parking lot. The parade will begin at 6:00pm and roll down General Pershing on its usual route. Judge’s stand will be located on Magnolia Street in front of PJ’s coffee.

Commercial, noncommercial, dance groups, and automobiles are welcome to join the parade. Register to Participate by November 25th.

For questions please email Parade@hammondrotary.com or call 985-662-5557

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

Job Fair for Support Employees

The Tangipahoa Parish School System is sponsoring a Job Fair for support employees. Representatives will be available to speak with anyone interested in applying for the following positions: school bus driver, maintenance department workers, school custodians, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), school food service workers, and substitute teachers.

December 6, 2024

10am - 2pm

TPSS Central Office

59656 Puleston Road, Amite 70422

Call for more information: (985) 748 - 7153

Find out Salary Range & Benefits for Postions

 Informal interviews may be held with applicants; therefore, bringing small children with you is not recommended.  

DATES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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

SchoolCash Online

Create an account, connect your schools and students to the account, and search the catalogue for availble fees.

Student Progress Center

Register your account to track student grades, attendance, announcements, & test scores.

Resolve A Problem

Have a question or concern? Reach out directly to your school by filling out our Resolve a Problem form.