October 3, 2024

Be Respectful. Be Compassionate. Be Great.

"Accept the Challenge 2024-2025"

October Brings Awareness

The month of October is full of awareness campaigns, events, and festivities. It's a very busy month, which gives us lots of topics to discuss with our children around the dinner table, or while riding in the car on our way to our next event.

October is:

National Bullying Prevention Month

National Crime Prevention Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

National Farm to School Month

We also recognize:

Tangipahoa Parish Fair

Fire Prevention Week

Red Ribbon Week

Unity Day

National School Lunch Week

Digital Citizenship Week

TANGI FAIR

"The Parish We Cherish"

October 2nd - 6th 2024

at the Florida Parishes Arena - 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite City, LA 70422

What The Fair Has to Offer:

Education

By encouraging school participation, fair organizers strive to keep the Tangipahoa Parish Fair educational for all students. Students are encouraged to participate in the Parish Fair by entering the annual spelling bee, creating displays based on the yearly theme, and entering arts and crafts into contests. For a unique learning opportunity, guests are invited to check out the fair's Pioneer Town exhibit, where you'll find active demonstrations about old-fashioned sawmills, gristmills, and syrup-making.

Visit TangiFair.org for a full list of events.

Hear All About It!

Listen to our latest coffee talk to get all of the details on this week's parish fair.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

The 1st 9 Week Grading Period Ends Soon.

Have you checked your grades?

The Student Progress Center is available for students and guardians to check on grades, attendance, school announcements, and more. Students will access the platform using their district-issued username and password. Guardians will create an account using the information which was emailed to them from the school. If you did not receive an email with instructions, it may be that the school does not have your correct email on file. Please call the front desk of your child's school to speak to the secretary.

October 11 - End of First 9 Weeks

Student Progress Center

Go Online to Create Your Account or Login as an Existing User

LITERACY

How Early Literacy and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Shape Our Students’ Future

Reading is more than just a pastime; it's a vital tool for academic success and personal growth. Students who fall behind in reading may struggle to meet important benchmarks and face the possibility of being held back a grade. But there’s good news—encouraging strong reading habits early on can make all the difference. Let’s explore how reading benefits our students and how we can work together to foster a culture of literacy.

Read Our Blog

Make a Contribution

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!

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.

Visit us online for more information.

3rd Grade Literacy Proficiency

Reading to Learn:

TrueFlix. Worldbook. Discovery Education

Ask your children if they have noticed these sites in their ClassLink accounts, and if they have taken the time to use them. A great early-finisher activity would be to explore a topic of interest. These programs offer online books, articles, images, videos, interactive quizzes and more! The more we encourage our children to read for understanding, the more proficient and knowledgable they will become.

Vouchers Available for Math & Literacy Tutoring

The Steve Carter Tutoring Program is newly updated and now provides up to $1,500 in digital vouchers for both math and literacy tutoring for eligible students in grades K-12. Learn more and apply today at Tutor.La.Gov.

Go Online to Apply

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

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

Increase the Literacy Skills of Children in our Community. Become a Partner in Literacy.

Tangipahoa Parish School System aims to find creative, innovative, and encouraging ways to provide more literacy exposure to our elementary age children. We are committed to helping our local businesses discover the best ways that they can make the largest impacts on nourishing the early literacy development of the children in our community.

Become a Partner in Literacy

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Panorama Survey: SEL Competencies

A priority for Tangipahoa Parish Schools is to build a positive culture that supports student well-being. We are inviting our students to participate in an online survey which will help guide our decision making process as we plan to address the needs of our children. The survey will be taken at school under the guidance of teachers and supporting school staff.

Survey Window: October 14 - 21

Survey Questions

Students 3-5 | Students 6-12

Be A Buddy, Not A Bully

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for us to unite against bullying and foster a culture of kindness and respect in our communities. Bullying can have lasting effects on our children, and it’s vital that we work together to create a safe environment where everyone feels valued.

Here are some ways you can help in the fight against bullying:

Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their day and any concerns they might have. Listen actively and validate their feelings.
Teach Empathy: Discuss the importance of kindness and respect. Help your child understand how their words and actions affect others.
Know the Signs: Be aware of changes in your child's behavior, such as withdrawing from friends or changes in academic performance. These can be signs they are experiencing bullying.
Empower Your Child: Teach them how to stand up for themselves and others in a positive way. Role-playing scenarios can help them feel more prepared.
Report and Support: If your child is being bullied, encourage them to report it to a trusted adult at school. Assure them that they are not alone and that you are there to support them.

Together, we can create a culture of kindness and respect in our schools. Let’s work together to ensure that every child feels safe and valued!

Conversation Starters:

What are some ways you can include others and make sure everyone feels welcome?
How can you report bullying?

Get ready to show your support for Unity Day!

On October 16th, we’re encouraging all students to wear orange shirts to stand against bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Wearing orange is a powerful way to demonstrate that we are united in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Let’s come together, spread positivity, and show that we’re all in this together!

TECHNOLOGY

Bullying Happens Online Too.

As we navigate the digital world, it's crucial to address the issue of cyberbullying, especially during National Bullying Prevention Month.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like social media, texting, or gaming, to hurt or upset another person. It can include sending mean messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos, or excluding someone online.

Just like in-person bullying, it can make people feel sad, scared, or alone. It’s important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, both online and in real life!

How do I stay informed?

Familiarize yourself with the platforms your child uses. Understanding the online environment in which your chld interacts can help you recognize potential risks. Sit down and look at social media platforms together.

How do we talk about it?

Encourage your child to talk about their online experiences. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter any negative situations.

How can I teach digital etiquette skills?

Discuss the importance of treating others with respect online, just as they would in person. Help them understand the impact of their words.

What are some signs that cyberbullying may be occuring?

Be aware of changes in your child's mood or behavior. If they seem withdrawn or anxious about their online interactions, it may be a sign of cyberbullying.

How can I empower my child?

Teach your child how to report and block harmful content or individuals. Remind them that they should never feel ashamed to seek help. If your child or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, it’s essential that they talk to a trusted adult who can help.

Reach out to law enforcement if cyberbullying ever crosses the boundary of safety and security. If cyberbullying involves threats, harassment, or the sharing of private information without consent, it may violate local laws.

Visit our Social & Safe Page for Families

CRIME PREVENTION

October is Crime Prevention Month

As a family, discuss the importance of keeping personal property and information secure, how to be aware of our surroundings and staying alert, and how to report activity that may cause harm or danger to others. When we work together to promote safety, we also support those around us by creating a secure community for everyone.

A connected community is a safer community.

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

SCHOOL RELATED FEES

SchoolCash Online to Pay School Fees

SchoolCash Online helps our school district in many ways: parents can manage all school fees and items for their students in one location and have the convenience of a secure online payment platform, and the schools improve safety and reduce risk by minimizing cash and check payments at our schools.

Find Out More

SHOP LOCAL

The Gift of Shopping Local

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.

Keeping it local is a win for everyone in our community!

Tangischools Homecoming Dates

SCHOOL	HOCO GAME DAY	HOCO DANCE
AHMS	Oct. 25	Oct. 26
HHMS	Oct. 11	Oct. 12
IHMS	Oct. 25	Oct. 26
JSHS	Oct. 11	Oct. 12
KHMS	Nov. 1	Nov. 2
LHS	Oct. 3	Oct. 5
PHS	Oct. 11	Oct. 12

The phrase “shop local” is everywhere these days, but why is it so popular?

Read our Blog to Find Out More

BECOME A SUBSTITUTE

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

October 14-17 and 21-24

5pm - 9pm

TPSS Technology Center

795 S. Morrison Blvd

Hammond, 70403

*Must be able to pass a general physical, background check, and drug screening.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

2024 Prep Classic Poster Design Contest

Calling All Louisiana High School Students!

Want a chance to design the official 2024 Prep Classic Poster and win FREE Rasing Cane’s for an entire year?

Submit your artwork using the link below for a chance to win the prizes listed above and many others!

Submit Artwork

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

In the News

This year marks the 26th year that the Talented Theatre students of Amite and Sumner high schools have created movies which explore social issues important to students.

"The process begins in mid-April of the past school year," said Talented Theatre teacher Charley Vance.

"The students meet in screen treatment sessions. They come up with numerous ideas then begin the process of combining ideas to develop three worthy stories that can be told in twenty minutes," he said.

The movie "Wrecked" explores how sisters react differently with grief following the death of their parents in a car accident.

"Not Possible" explores a new student coming to school and trying to make friends with a popular social influencer. The relationship does not go well until a dark secret is revealed.

"Trapped" is a comedy about a boy who is trying to date three girls at the same time. His mother discovers his deceptions and devises a plan to teach him a lesson.

Filming for the movies will begin October 12 and continue through November 2. There are on-campus scenes at Amite and Sumner high schools. Off-campus scenes are filmed in local businesses and the homes of Amite residents.

The World Premiere will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, 7 pm in the Amite High Theatre. “We are thrilled to support the Tangipahoa Parish Talented Theatre Program, which showcases such incredible talent and creativity. Contributing to this cause brings us immense joy, knowing that we are helping to nurture the arts and provide opportunities for these talented individuals to shine. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that values and uplifts the performing arts," said Casie Qualls, PMO Lead First Guaranty Bank.

Videography is by Kirk Lee of Vivid Video and Garret Crawford.

Original music is by Will Vance, James Bass, and Jacob Dupre.

Sumner High students: Mariah Robertson, Kadyn Schenk, Callie Tidwell, Christina Dright, Kelci Solomon, Celise Simpson, Rihanna Robertson, Kayleigh Brumfield, Sha'Kira Moore, Megan Wilson, Teah Sims, Janel Treadwell, Sophie Messina, Ivy Roberts, D'Lila Haney, Kaylee MCain and Kassidy Cutrer.

Amite High students: Aariya Coleman, Caiden Thomas, Franklin Morgan, Trezman Richardson, Clarissa Gaines. Lauryn Whigham, Cayden Miller, Jesse Walker and Ja'Myron Dyson.

Watch Past Productions

Learn More About Applying For Our Talented Arts Programs

Sumner Talented Theatre students accept a Grant check from First Guaranty Bank.

First row, left to right: Sha’Kira Moore, Kelci Solomon, Miranda Derveloy and Casie Qualls (First Guaranty Bank) Janel Treadwell and Christina Dright; second row: Kayleigh Brumfield, Celise Simpson, Rihanna Robertson, Callie Tidwell, Kassidy Cutrer and D’Lila Haney.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Airshow Kids Zone In the Park

Please join the Hammond Regional Air Show Foundation for a day of aeronautical fun! The Hammond Airshow Foundation is sponsoring the Airshow Kids Zone in the Park for the children of our community. This event is free and all children are welcome to join.

Activities include inflatables, live music, STEM activities, contests, interactive displays, and more!

Saturday, October 12th

Cate Square Park

10am - 3pm

Halloween in the Park

Join the fun at PARD's big baseball complex for a fun filled Halloween/Fall Fest event! Trick-or-Treating will start at 7:00pm. We will have Face/Tattoo Painting, Petting Zoo, Inflatables, Prizes & more!

Friday, Oct. 18

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Ponchatoula Rec Park

42074 N. Hoover Rd, Ponchatoula

Downtown Trick 'r Treat

and Night Out Against Crime

Wednesday, Oct. 23

5pm - 7pm

Downtown Hammond

Toddler Halloween Party

Get ready for the most epic toddler Halloween party of the year!

October 25th

5-7pm

Chappapeela Sports Park, Hammond

Ages: 1 - 5 years old

Admission: FREE!

We've got an amazing lineup of activities, including:

Music
Crafts and giveaways
Trunk or treat
Free food
Pumpkin decorating
Petting zoo
Inflatables
Costume competition
Sensory-Friendly Hour

Sensory Friendly Hour

We're excited to offer a special sensory-friendly hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This hour is for children who have mobility, sensory, or physical impairments and 18 years old or under.

Boo at the Rec

The City of Hammond Recreation Department presents Boo at the Rec, a free, fun-filled evening of tricks and treats. Come enjoy carnival games, trunk-or-treat, show off your costumes, and more.

Please remember to bring your own bag to collect candy from all the games and trunk-or-treats!

Wednesday, Oct. 30

5pm - 7pm

City of Hammond Rec

601 W. Coleman Ave, Hammond

(985) 277-5903

recreation@hammond.org