January 30, 2025

Be Respectful. Be Compassionate. Be Great.

"Accept the Challenge 2024-2025"

That Was "Snow" Much Fun!

We hope you all enjoyed the Louisiana snow days and had a chance to relax and have some fun in the winter wonderland! Whether you were building snowmen, sipping hot cocoa, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope it was a memorable day for you and your family.

Now that we're back, we’re excited to see all the bright faces of our students ready to jump back into learning and fun! Let’s take a renewed and refreshed approach to our second semester of school and focus on making everyday count.

Time was spent this week settling back into classroom routines, re-establishing school expectations, and placing focus back on our core curriculum. Reinforcing your routines at home by keeping regular wake-up times, discussing how their school day went, and going over material being discussed in class will go a long way. This consistency will help our students get back into the groove quickly and set them up for success as we continue the school year.

Remember to check in with your child about their assignments, projects, and grades in our Student Progress Center. Keep track of due dates and encourage them to stay on top of their workload. Encourage your child to reach out to their teachers if they need help understanding a concept. Go online to compete our Resolve A School-Related Problem form if you ever have a question, or need support.

#AcceptTheChallenge2025

LITERACY

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.

3rd Grade Literacy Proficiency

If you have a child in grades kindergarten - 3, be on the lookout for a report on your child's DIBLES Assessment scores for the middle of the school year to be sent home. The DIBELS assessment measures the reading fluency of each student individually, which helps parents and educators identify where the child needs help the most. By detecting the risks and monitoring development, we can work together with the child to ensure that he or she is on track to reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. If you do not receive this report, please reach out to your child's teacher.

Third grade students who are reading "well below level" as tested by the end-of-the-year DIBELS assessment in April will face retainment and must repeat third grade the following school year if unable to increase their DIBELS scores by June.

Now is the time to intervene with your child's reading abilities.

Reach out to your child's teacher for help and support.

Improve Reading by Improving Vocabulary

Reading at home strengthens a child's literacy skills, including vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. It lays a foundation for success in school and helps children excel in subjects across the curriculum.

Weather Watching

Help build observational skills and vocabulary about the weather and objects found in the daytime and nighttime sky.

Discussions about the weather are perfect for when you’re on the go and out and about in your community. Use rich vocabulary to enhance the way your child is able to verbalize and describe their five senses.

"The air feels chilly this morning, so we need to wear a warm jacket to stay cozy and warm."

Learn More About This Activity

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.

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.

Make a Contribution

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

MATH

Make Simple Moments an Opportunity for Learning

There are opportunities to practice counting all throughout the day. As you count aloud, find moments to also write the numbers and draw out a visual representation as well.

Examples:

Use gold fish crackers at snack time to form numbers on the kitchen table.
Use shaving cream on the bathtub or shower wall to write numbers
Draw a numbered hopscotch on the sidewalk with chalk. Count out loud as you jump.
Keep paper and crayons on the coffee table at home. Take breaks by turning off the TV and encourage time for writing.

Read More About this Activity

Building playful learning into everyday moments can help young children develop skills to solve hard problems, collaborate with others, and think critically.

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

Family Math Engagement Activities

GRADING SCALE

Changes to the Grading Scale

You may have noticed that Louisiana has adopted a unified grading scale, as a way to show consistency across all districts. The passing of House Bill No. 424 provides for a uniform ten-point grading scale relative to grades assigned in all Louisiana public schools.

Grading Scale Information

Assessment Calendar

It is now crunch time until Test Time. We know this time of the school year can bring both excitement and a little extra pressure to students, families, and teachers alike as we buckle down classroom instruction in preparation for upcoming spring testing. With the right preparation and support, we can help everyone feel confident and ready to succeed!

Visit the Parent Assessment Portal for resources.

View Assessment Calendar

GRADUATING SENIORS

Parenting a high school senior is a bittersweet journey. You’ve watched them grow and become who they are, and now you’re seeing them on the brink of a new chapter. As they push through these final months of high school, remember that your support is invaluable. Offer encouragement when schoolwork feels like a mountain to climb, and remind them that it's okay to take things one step at a time. You’ve got this together—finish strong, and the future will follow!

To Do for Semester Two:

Help your senior create a calendar or planner to track deadlines for assignments, tests, college applications, scholarships, graduation practices, and senior events. Organization is key to staying on top of everything! We recommend adding events to a Google Calendar and setting a notification on each event, to give them that much needed reminder.

Remind them that even though senioritis is real, their grades still matter for graduation, college admissions, and scholarships. Encourage them to finish strong and to seek help if needed, whether it’s for a particular subject or a specific assignment. Put in the work NOW. It's time to focus and see things through to completion.

Many seniors are still finalizing their college decisions or applying for scholarships. Be there to support them with any remaining application materials, essays, or forms. Double-check deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks. If you need help, reach out to a teacher or your high school counselor.

If your senior has received college acceptance letters, it’s time to discuss next steps—financial aid, housing, and making the final decision. Be there for any questions or concerns they might have about their options.

If they’re unsure about their future, be a sounding board. Help them explore alternatives like gap years, internships, or work opportunities. You can help them brainstorm, research, and plan ahead.

Visit us online for more Graduation Information

By completing the FAFSA, students can determine their eligibility for federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. In Louisiana, FAFSA also serves as the application for TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) scholarships. This means that students must fill out the FAFSA to qualify for TOPS scholarships.

Learn More!

Many Seniors are working hard to increase their ACT score. There are still opportunities on the calendar to give it your best.

Taking the ACT will:

- Help with college acceptance

- Allow you to apply for scholarships

- Provide insight into career & education pathways

- Highlight areas where you might still need improvement

Reserve Your Testing Date

Now is the time to scout out scholarship opportunities, and we have two in which you may be interested in applying to receive:

The Louisiana Sheriff's Association will provide one $1000 award to a Tangi high school senior who is planning to attend a Louisiana college or trade school. >>LEARN MORE AND APPLY

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association will provide a $2,500 and a $1000 award to high school seniors whose parents are in the electronic systems industry as well as law enforcement and first responder industries. >>LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Both application deadlines are APRIL 1, 2025.

ATTENDANCE AWARENESS

Get Back on Track

While the holidays and snow days may have been a welcomed break, we know that being out of routine for so long can make it a bit challenging to jump back into the rhythm of school.

Reach out if you need help from your teachers—they're here to support you. Keep pushing, and soon you’ll feel like you’re right where you need to be.

Stay positive, stay focused!

Check Attendance in SPC

TECHNOLOGY

Talk About How Your Child Manages Their Emotions During Transitions

Children must learn how to transition from an online activity to an offline one in an appropriate way. Use these questions to talk with them about how to regulate their emotions when it's time to put the devices away.

Ask these three questions:

1. How do you feel when your time watching TV or using your tablet is over and you have to turn it off?

2. What is a strategy you can use for saying goodbye to the phone, tablet, or computer when it's time to stop?

Here are some suggestions:

■ Pause! [hold hands out like you're backing up]

■ Breathe! [sweep hands up chest]

■ Finish up! [wave goodbye with both hands]

3. Why is it important to stop what you're doing and pause for people, even if you don't want to?

Learn to Find Balance in Your Digital Lives

CommonSense.org - Family Resources

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Our Culture and Climate survey is now open!

TPSS students in grades 3 - 12, as well as all TPSS staff, have the opportunity to provide feedback to our leadership teams by completing an online survey. The results of the survey will be used to improve the culture and climate in our schools.

Students will have time in class to complete the survey under the guidance of their teacher.

Learn More About the Survey

CHILD NUTRITION

The snow days knocked us off schedule a bit, but we are hoping that our menu is now back on track.

See what our cafeterias are serving in February. Grades 5 - 12 have a daily sandwich line in addition to our regularly scheduled meals. High school students also have the option of an additional salad line on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

See the Menu

Studies show that eating healthy meals can help to boost moods, enhance concentration, improve academic outcomes, reduce absences, and improve memory. When our bodies are happy and healthy, our minds are able to better focus and perform.

MAGNET SCHOOL

Become a Magnet Student

Don't miss the deadline! Applications for early consideration for our TPSS Magnet School Programs will close February 7th.

Our Magnet schools offer specialized courses that align with student interests while meeting all academic goals. The program promotes diversity and provides unique opportunities for students to grow. Apply today and give your child the chance to explore their passions in a supportive environment!

Apply Now!

VIRTUAL LEARNING OPTION

VLO is the Way to Go!

Have you heard about our Tangischools Virtual Learning Option?

The TPSS Virtual Learning Option is a tuition-free, virtual learning option for public school students grades K-12. TPSS also provides all the tools necessary to get started at no extra cost. Any student enrolled in public school can participate in the arts, sports, select TOPS Tech, dual enrollment classes, as well as other programs.

virtual.tangischools.org

LA MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM

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

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Teacher Job Fair

Join us for an exciting opportunity to connect with school principals and explore teaching positions with TPSS.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(Sign-in closes at 11:30 a.m. for interviews)

Hammond Westside Montessori School - Multi-Purpose Room

2600 PFC Matthew E. Wildes Street, Hammond, LA

What to Bring:

Current resume
Teaching certificate or proof of certification eligibility

For more information, contact:

Evelyn Showers

Evelyn.showers@tangischools.org

985-748-2028

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

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

TPSS Talented Theatre World Premiere

Thursday, February 6th

7:00pm

Amite Magnet High School

There will be three 20-minute movies, each exploring a social issue facing students. All the stories were developed by the talented theatre students, who also perform in the movies. Come join the show!

Admission is free.

The Company of Hammond Eastside Magnet IB World School presents "Moana Jr." All are invited to attend!

When: Feb. 13th and Feb. 14th @ 7pm

Where: Columbia Theatre for Performing Arts, Hammond

Tickets:

$15 adults

$12 students

Tickets can be purchased by calling (985) 549-2787 or in-person at our Box Office.

Purchase Tickets Online

TPSS 2025 Krewe of Champions Parade

In an effort to recognize all our teams and individuals for their accomplishments, we invite you to come celebrate with a parade!

Our Krewe of Champions parade is scheduled to roll through downtown Amite, Saturday, February15th @ noon.

The route will begin at Regions Bank of Amite parking lot, proceed east on HWY 16, and end at Myrtle Street.

Schools may plan to collect throws for the parade, so reach out if you have any donations you'd like to contribute.

Our district has much to celebrate!

TRACC Presents

Mardi Gras In the Zone

at the Hammond Omega Parade

Games, Educational Material, Prizes

February 21, 2025

5:00 - 6:30pm

Pennington Center Parking Lot

1350 North General Pershing Street

This is a Free Event.

Pre-Register to Attend

STUDENT OPPORTUNITES

ART CONTEST

Turn in your best artwork depicting the benefits of living an alcohol and drug-free life.

DUE: January 31, 2025

3rd - 12th Grade students are eligible to participate.

1st Place Prize: Artwork on Billboard

Drop off at any Tangi Library location.

Print Entry Form

Opportunity Awaits!

Want to learn more about all that the TPSS Advanced College and Career Magnet Center has to offer our high school junior and seniors? Come visit our campus for our showcase of programs and courses available!

Current and prospective high school students and parents are invited to attend.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

4:30pm - 6:30pm

145 2nd Street

Independence LA

advcenter.tangischools.org

DATES & SPECIAL EVENTS

It's School Board Recognition Month!

Our school board members play a vital role in shaping the future of our students, and they truly deserve to be recognized for their efforts! We want to extend our appreciation to our TPSS Board for the volunteered time and energy that is put into ensuring that our school communities are supported, equipped, and focused on success. Thank you!

Contact Your Board Member