Taunton High School Summer Update
September 27, 2024
Principal's Corner
Progress reports should be available on Monday, October 7th. Teachers submitted progress reports this morning and we will be reviewing the progress reports and releasing them to the School Brains portal by Monday, October 7th at the end of the day. The halfway point in a term is a great opportunity for students to reflect on how they are doing and speak directly with their teachers if they need extra help.
October & November Save the Dates!
October
Monday, 10/7 Term 1 Progress Reports Available on School Brains
Wednesday, 10/9 Suffolk University Visit @11:30 AM (Registration Required)
Wednesday, 10/9 Chat with Counselors: Colleges, Careers, Conversations 6PM
Friday, 10/11 Boston University visit @ 8:00 AM (Registration Required)
Saturday, 10/12 Yom Kippur
Monday, 10/14 No School- Columbus Day
Tuesday, 10/15 PSAT Digital Readiness Check A & B Blocks
Wednesday, 10/16 Bryant University Visit @12:30 PM (Registration Required)
Wednesday, 10/16 Sukkot
Wednesday, 10/16 Site Council Meeting 5:00 PM (Main Office Conference Room)
Wednesday, 10/16 Parent Teacher Partnership Meeting 6:00 PM (Library)
Friday, 10/18 UMASS Dartmouth Early College Campus Tour
Friday, 10/18 NHS Candidate Meeting 1:30 PM
Friday, 10/18 WPI Invitational Math Meet
Monday, 10/21 Career Expo @ Southbridge
Tuesday, 10/22 Bentley University DECA Fall State
Wednesday 10/23 Math Meet 1 @ Joseph Case High School 1:45 PM
Wednesday, 10/23 Bristol Plymouth Visit with Grade 8 (E Block) 12-1PM
Saturday, 10/26 PSAT Testing- Grade 11
Tuesday, 10/29 Skills USA MRE Challenge
Thursday, 10/31 Term 1 Ends
November
Sunday, 11/3 DECA Miles for MDA (THS Track)
Tuesday, 11/5 No School for Students (Staff Professional Development Day)
Thursday, 11/7 Bristol Community College On The Spot Admissions
Thursday, 11/7 MCAS ELA Retest Session 1
Thursday, 11/7 Culinary Food Show Assabet Valley
Friday, 11/8 MCAS ELA Retest Session 2
Friday, 11/8 ProStart Bootcamp (Johnson and Whales University)
Monday, 11/11 No School Veterans Day
Welcome Mrs. Tweedie!
Starting this Friday, October 4th, Taunton High School will welcome Mrs. Tricia Tweedie as the new Associate Principal. Mrs. Tweedie will be responsible for overseeing the D House, and she will work with students with the last names Rod-Z.
Mrs. Tweedie is a certified assistant principal/principal with a background as a licensed social worker and school guidance counselor. Mrs. Tweedie received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, majoring in sociology/criminal justice and then went on to get her masters in school counseling from Bridgewater State University. She also has her CAGS in educational leadership from the American International College.
Mrs. Tweedie has a variety of work experiences including over 5 years working for the Department of Children and Families in New Bedford and 12 years as a guidance counselor at both Durfee High School and the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
In her free time, she is passionate about fitness and nutrition, and enjoys walking. She is also an avid Patriots fan and enjoys football!
I want to take a moment to thank and commend the Associate Principals for handling the D House caseloads to start this school year.
We are very excited to welcome Mrs. Tweedie into the Tiger community!
CTE Presentation to School Committee
Below is a fantastic presentation that showcases the amazing work of our CTE teachers and students. Be sure to download the presentation and review the slideshow. The presentation includes pictures and videos showcasing the student's authentic learning happening every day at THS.
Mr. McCurry teaching his students how to safely change a bandsaw blade
Vasco Barbosa preparing wood for mortise and tenon joinery in Mr. McCurry’s Cabinetmaking II class today.
Robotics students practicing their programming/operational skills in Mr. Langille’s robotics class. Challenge, they can’t touch the white tape!
Mr. Turgeon’s Construction Craft Laborer students get down to business! Working together to beautify our dust collection area! They are gaining great skills: how to properly mix, poor and level concrete!!
New Mural Added
Performing Arts Mural Time-lapse
TAUNTON, Mass. — Superintendent of Schools John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Taunton High School has unveiled a vibrant new mural celebrating the District’s dedication to the performing arts. The mural, painted by artist Phill Bourque, Taunton High School Class of 2009, now adorns the exterior wall across from the baseball field and is a tribute to the school’s music, band, choir, and drama programs.
The mural’s centerpiece is an intricately detailed tiger, the school’s mascot, surrounded by vivid depictions of the performing arts. Marching band members, instrumentalists, vocalists, and actors are shown in silhouettes, allowing students to see themselves represented in the artwork. A sweeping piano keyboard, theatrical masks, and elements from The Wizard of Oz—a play frequently performed by Taunton students—highlight the school’s diverse artistic offerings. The mural’s bold orange and red palette ties the elements together, creating a sense of movement and unity.
“The mural beautifully highlights the diversity of the arts program and the large community that students are proud to be a part of,” one performing arts student said.
This is Bourque’s second project at Taunton High School, having previously worked with graphic arts teacher and cousin Matt Bourque on the athletics championship banner mural outside the field house. When approached for the second project, Bourque was eager to create another piece of art that captured the essence of the school’s performing arts programs.
“I was given a loose design that outlined key elements to include, and from there, I had the creative freedom to build something I was truly excited about,” Phill Bourque said.
"The mural is a great representation of our community,” Garrick Meack, a senior in Jazz Band, said. "It excellently displays the passion we all have in the arts."
Taunton Public Schools has a rich history of investing in performing arts, with nearly 20 percent of
students choosing to participate in band in middle and high school. All students in grades Prekindergarten through seven take a general music course. Students can join chorus starting in fourth grade and band starting in fifth grade.
"This mural accurately portrays all the good memories that the music department has developed over the years," Alyssa LaPlante, a junior in Jazz Band, said.
At Taunton High School, students can participate in one of four bands, plus marching band, an extracurricular comprised of members of the other bands. Students can also showcase their vocal talents in three different levels of chorus.
Each November, Taunton High School produces a musical. This year’s production, "Guys and Dolls,” will run from November 15 to 17.
“This mural beautifully reflects the heart of our performing arts programs and highlights the creativity and talent of our students,” Superintendent Cabral said. “As a comprehensive school district, we must recognize our performers and artists with the same enthusiasm as our championship-winning athletes.”
“This artwork serves as both an inspiration and a point of pride for our students. It represents their hard work, creativity, and the lifelong passion for the arts that we strive to cultivate within our programs,” Corey Beltram, Performing Arts Curriculum Supervisor, said.
The Taunton School Committee appropriated funds for the mural, unanimously voting in favor of the project on June 5, 2024. The committee's decision reflects the district's support for the arts and its commitment to providing students with enriching creative opportunities.
Bourque completed the 40-foot by 60-foot mural in just under a month, using acrylic and aerosol cans.
Chat with Counselors: Colleges, Careers, and Conversations
The THS Guidance Department will be hosting its annual Chat with Counselors: College, Career and Conversations event on Wednesday, October 9th, at 6:00 PM in the College and Career Center (Library).
We invite you to join us for an informative session on navigating the college application process, career planning, and ensuring you feel confident and prepared for life after high school. Whether they’re aiming for higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other paths, we’ll be providing valuable insights and tips to help make the best decisions for your future.
This event is specifically designed for Seniors from the Class of 2025 and their parents.
Important Information for THS Student-Athletes: NCAA Eligibility Center
Dear Class of 2025 and Families,
As we enter the college application season, we know this can be both an exciting and overwhelming time. We want to ensure that our THS student-athletes are prepared and have completed their NCAA eligibility. If you are a student-athlete interested in playing a sport in college, please take a moment to fill out this NCAA Eligibility Center Status form so that your Guidance Counselor and Coach are aware of your intentions.
Questions? Please reach out to Mrs. Golder or your Guidance Counselor for further clarification. Go Tigers!
On the Spot Admissions
College Visits
Seniors are invited to attend the upcoming College Visits hosted in the College and Career Center.
Suffolk University
October 9th at 11:30am
Boston University
October 11th at 8am
Bryant College
October 16th at 12:30pm
Meet the Admissions Representative who will be reading your application! Learn more about the school, ask questions, and explore your future opportunities.
Students must register in advance on Naviance. See Mrs. Golder with any questions.
Unified Basketball
On Thursday, October 3rd, THS played Attleboro HS in Unified Basketball. All of the student-athletes did a fantastic job, competing!
Parent Teacher Partnership
Our first THS Parent Teacher Partnership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16th at 6:00 PM in the Library Media Center. All parents/guardians are welcome to attend! During this month's meeting, we will talk about the school's work with the Barr Foundation and the School Improvement Plan. We will also share with you all a draft of the school's instructional vision and look for your feedback.
Support Guys & Dolls!
In an effort to accomplish your $100 fundraising goal, please consider becoming a 2024-2025 Season Sponsor or placing an ad in the Guys and Dolls program.
Additionally, Good Luck Lines are always a popular way to support cast and crew members and count towards your fundraising goal. These special messages will be listed under each cast or crew member’s name in the program. Good Luck Lines are $5.00 each and must be submitted via the Good Luck Listings Google Form by October 25th.
Drama Club apparel is now available for purchase. Please use the THSDC online store and grab your merchandise today!
Lastly, please mark your calendars with these important dates:
- October 15th: Guys and Dolls tickets go on sale: Guys and Dolls Ticket Link
- October 25th: Fundraising due, please give all sponsorships, ads and good luck lines with money to Mrs. Golder
- October 28th: Homeplate fundraiser, ticket below
National Custodian's Day
Below is a picture of our second shift custodian crew. Each night they work hard to keep our building clean. Wednesday was National Custodians' Day and the custodians showcased their new t-shirts they will be wearing on Fridays!
Fall Sports
Field Hockey Wins!
Taunton, 2 @ Milford, 1 – Final – Taunton scored once in each half to land a win on the turf at Woodland Elementary School in Milford. The Tigers opened the scoring on a goal from Caroline Vallarelli off an assist from Tori Corrao. The lead stayed 1-0 going into the second half where Meghan Krockta netted an unassisted tally, which proved to be the game-winning goal. Kennedy MacEachern made four saves in net for Taunton. Milford’s goal came off the stick of Lindsay Casman with an assist from Kayleigh Morin.
Source: Tuesday's Schedule & Scoreboard - 10/01/24 (hockomocksports.com)