Taft Latest News

February 28, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we enter March here are a few important reminders...

Safety in our parking lot is very important to us. Most families follow the parking lot rules; however we still have some families that are speeding, attempting to pass one another, and showing up late to pick up. Please do not speed or pass the vehicle in front of you. Please be on time to pick up your child!

Dojo is the best form of communication between families and our staff. Please feel free to communicate with any of our staff members through the Dojo app. Parents, if your phone number or address has changed please reach out to our office to let us know so we can make changes in our system.

Playground construction has started and will continue throughout the remainder of this school year. Please remind your students to stay off the grounds that are under construction to ensure safety. Other construction projects such as the building of our new gym, restructuring the front office, removal of all carpet and installation of tile as well as a fresh paint job for the entire interior will start immediately after the last day of school.

Sincerely,
Brandon C. Cox

Principal

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - February 2024

January 29, 2024
PRINCIPAL POINTS

Safety First in Winter Weather

As we enter the winter season, it's important to prioritize safety during icy, rainy, and snowy conditions. Please remind students to dress warmly, wear appropriate footwear, and be cautious when walking on slippery surfaces. Additionally, encourage them to stay updated on weather forecasts and school closure announcements.

The Significance of Standardized Tests

Standardized tests play a crucial role in assessing students' academic progress and the overall effectiveness of our educational programs. They provide valuable insights into student learning and help identify areas for improvement. By taking these tests seriously, students can contribute to the continuous enhancement of our educational standards. Students have started taking their NWEA tests. Please ask your child how they think they have done and or whether or not they have met their RIT-Goals. We have been celebrating many students who have already met or exceeded their goals for the winter testing session.

M-STEP testing is just around the corner. Please encourage your child to give their best efforts when taking these assessments.

The Power of a Good Night's Sleep

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential for students' overall well-being and academic success. Encourage students to establish healthy sleep habits by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Adequate rest improves cognitive function, memory retention, and overall focus in the classroom.

Be Prepared for Success

Preparation is key to achieving success in both academics and life. Encourage students to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and utilize resources such as planners and study guides. By fostering a mindset of preparedness, students can approach challenges with confidence and resilience.

We hope these reminders will help our students thrive academically and stay safe during the winter season. Thank you for your continued support in promoting a safe and positive learning environment.

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - January 2024

December 15, 2023
PRINCIPAL POINTS

Dear Taft Community,

As we approach the end of the year, we are filled with gratitude for the wonderful moments we have shared and the incredible achievements of our students and staff. December is a time for reflection, celebration, and spreading joy.

Winter Break: As we approach the end of December, we want to remind you that there will be no school from December 25 to January 5, allowing our students and staff to enjoy a well-deserved break with their loved ones. We hope this time provides an opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and quality time with family and friends.

School Resumes: We look forward to welcoming everyone back as school resumes on January 8, 2024. We are excited to embark on a new year filled with learning, growth, and endless possibilities.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let us cherish the memories we have created and look forward to the promise of a new year. We wish you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.

After having wrapped up our first trimester and held Parent- Teacher Conferences, we look forward to finishing 2023 strong and moving into the new year with academic momentum.

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - December 2023

November 6, 2023
PRINCIPAL POINTS - Dear Taft Community,

We hope this newsletter finds you well as we enter the month of November. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it's important to take a moment to reflect on all that we have and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

Expressing Gratitude:

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we encourage our students and staff to practice gratitude throughout the month. Here are a couple of ideas to get started:

1. Gratitude Jar: Create a gratitude jar at home and encourage your child to write down something they are thankful for each day. This simple activity helps cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for the little things in life.

2. Thank You Notes: Take a moment to write a thank you note to someone who has made a positive impact on your life. It could be a teacher, a family member, a friend, or even a community member. Let's spread kindness and gratitude together!

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - November 2023

September 28, 2023
PRINCIPAL POINTS

Dear Taft Community,

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, we are thrilled to bring you the exciting news of a generous donation that has warmed our hearts this October. Our valued community stakeholder, Lanterns Church, has truly lit up our world with their incredible support!

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - October 2023

September 1, 2023
PRINCIPAL POINTS

Welcome back Taft families! We are already off to a wonderful start of the 23-24 school year.

Here are some helpful parenting tips for the return to school in September:

  1. Establish a routine: Start gradually adjusting your child's sleep schedule a couple of weeks before school starts to help them ease into the new routine.
  2. Prepare school supplies early: Make a list of the required supplies and purchase them in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure your child has everything they need.
  3. Revisit school skills: Spend some time reviewing basic skills like reading, writing, and math with your child to refresh their memory before school begins.
  4. Encourage open communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or anxieties they may have about returning to school. Listen attentively and provide reassurance.
  5. Foster independence: Help your child develop independent skills, such as packing their own backpack or organizing their school materials. This will boost their confidence and make the transition smoother.
  6. Plan healthy meals: Ensure your child has a nutritious breakfast and packed lunch to fuel their day. Involve them in meal planning to make it more enjoyable and encourage healthier choices.
  7. Teach good hygiene habits: Remind your child about the importance of washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitizers, and adopting other hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs.
  8. Encourage socialization: Organize playdates or get-togethers with classmates or friends from school before the term starts. This can help ease any social anxiety and foster connections.
  9. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude about the return to school, as children often pick up on their parents' emotions. Share your excitement for the new school year to help alleviate any worries.
  10. Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's accomplishments, both big and small. This can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to excel academically and socially.

 

Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child's specific needs and personality.

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - September 2023

August 25, 2023
Dear Parents,

On behalf of the staff at Taft “The World’s Greatest Elementary School,” I am happy to welcome you back to yet another exciting year! It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we extend our warmest greetings to you and your children. We hope this letter finds you well, rested, and ready for the wonderful journey ahead.

June 1, 2023
PRINCIPAL POINTS - Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we finish our school year, we would like to thank the parents, students and staff for another successful school year.

Over the summer, we highly recommend that you and your students continue to practice the skills that they have learned all year.

Our K-3 students still have access to all of their apps and can log in, to practice all of the skills that they have gained this year as well as challenge the students to push further academically.

We also highly recommend that the students practice reading for at least 20 minutes a day, to keep their reading fluency without any summer slide.

Moving into next year, we encourage families to spend more time volunteering at the school, learning about your child's curriculum, and how to best support your child at home.

As for the remainder of this school year, we encourage you to encourage your child to "Finish Strong!"

We ask that you continue to send your students through June 9th (in person instruction) and June 12 (virtually through our Google Classroom).

We also ask that you show up on time for dismissal for the remainder of the year.

Lastly, Please RE-WATCH our parking lot rules video by clicking this link.

Sincerely,

Brandon C. Cox
Principal

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - June 2023

May 1, 2023
Principal Points - Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we enter May, here are some EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

Taft- Galloways' motto for the remainder of the year is to "Finish- Strong!" Parents, we need you to help support this initiative. Here are some ways to for YOU (the parents) to "Finish Strong:"

1. Parking Lot rules have not changed all year; however we are consistently having issues with parents who choose to break the rules repeatedly. THIS JEOPARDIZES THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF!

2. Please pull all the way way up in front of the building to drop off / pick up your child. (Do not release or pick up your child along the entrance lane- this causes major back-ups) DON"T BE SELFISH!

3. Do not exit your vehicle in the looping lane to retrieve your child. By now, every child should be able to get into the vehicle and buckle-up themselves .

4. Loopers stay to the left and people exiting stay to the right.

5. Only turn right onto Gloria when exiting the parking lot.

6. Please stop disrespecting our volunteers. They are only trying to help the process work as efficient and effective as p[possible and most importantly keep our students safe.

7. Please RE-WATCH our video by clicking this link.

Sincerely,
Brandon C. Cox

Principal

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - May 2023

April 3, 2023
Principal Points

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we enter April, here are a few important reminders / updates...

Taft- Galloways' motto for the remainder of the year is to "Finish- Strong!" Parents, we need you to help support this initiative. Here are some ways to encourage your child to "Finish Strong:"

  1. Ask your child if they are giving their best effort.
  2. Encourage you child to do their homework nightly.
  3. Explain the importance of doing their best on assignments and assessments.
  4. Help your child stay organized.
  5. Teach your child how to be independent in their actions and thoughts.
  6. Recognize and celebrate achievements by giving verbal praise for successful progress or accomplishments.
  7. Develop an atmosphere of reading.
  • Read to your child frequently.
  • Have your child read aloud.
  • Create a family reading time where everyone focuses on reading for 20 minutes nightly.
     

Sincerely,

Brandon C. Cox

Principal

External LinkNEWSLETTER: Tiger Times - April 2023