
3-14-25

MARCH 14, 2025
Principal's Corner
Due to the ongoing, extended network outage, Term 3 progress reports will be delayed. Please keep in mind that teachers have minimal access to email, so please be patient if they do not respond quickly. We will announce this new date for progress reports once our network has been restored.
February & March Save the Dates!
March
Monday, 3/17 Matthew Arau Visit with Music Classes
Monday 3/17-Friday 3/21 World Language Week
Wednesday, 3/19 School Council Meetings 5:00 PM
Tuesday, 3/25 MCAS ELA Session 1 Grade 10
Wednesday, 3/26 MCAS ELA Session 2 Grade 10
Wednesday, 3/26 Curriculum Meetings 2:15 PM
April
Tuesday, 4/1 MCAS ELA Session 1 Grade 8
Wednesday, 4/2 MCAS ELA Session 2 Grade 8
Wednesday, 4/2 Faculty Meeting 2:15 PM
Wednesday, 4/2 MFA Field Trip (African American Club & Tenacity Club)
Thursday, 4/3 Student Summit
Thursday, 4/3 National French Contest (C Block)
Thursday, 4/3 National Portuguese Exam
Friday, 4/4 National French Contest (C Block)
Friday, 4/4 National Portuguese Exam
Friday, 4/4 Term 3 Ends
Friday, 4/4 Senior Class Meeting (Auditorium) 9:45 AM
Friday, 4/4-Sunday 4/6 Key Club District Educational Conference
Saturday, 4/5 Choral Festival MICCA Concert Festival
Monday, 4/7 National Spanish Exam (A and B Blocks)
Tuesday, 4/8 National Spanish Exam (A and B Blocks)
Tuesday, 4/8 One Goal Y2 Fellow Summit Field Trip
Wednesday, 4/9 AP Rally
Wednesday, 4/9 Early Release @11:50 AM
Thursday, April 10th SELIS Administration B Block
Thursday, April 10th Mass Tean Safety Assembly for Seniors
Friday, April 11th In School SAT Testing
Saturday, 4/12 Passover begins
Monday, 4/14 AP Seminar Presentations
Tuesday, 4/15 AAPPL Seal of Biliteracy Test (Spanish, Portuguese, French) (A-D Blocks)
Wednesday, 4/16 AAPPL Seal of Biliteracy Test (Multiple languages)
Wednesday, 4/16 Curriculum Meetings 2:15 PM
Wednesday, 4/16 School Council Meetings 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 4/16 PTP Meeting 6:00 PM
Thursday, 4/17 Educators submit Evidence Forms for Formative and Summative Evaluations
Friday, 4/18 No School- Good Friday
Monday, 4/21-Friday, 4/25 No School April Vacation
Wednesday, 4/23 NEWL (Portuguese V AP Exam) (A-D Blocks)
Wednesday, 4/23-4/27 Band Trip to Dallas, TX
Friday 4/25-5/30 International DECA Competition Orlando
Monday, 4/28 ILT Meeting 2:15 PM
Tuesday, 4/29 Career Fair Date 8:00-11:00 AM
Wednesday, 4/30 MCAS Math Session 1 Grade 8
Wednesday, 4/30 AP Seminar & AP Research students submit performance tasks by 11:59 PM
Wednesday, 4/30 AP Computer Science Principles students submit performance tasks by 11:59 PM
Women's History Month
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor the incredible achievements, contributions, and stories of women who have shaped our world in countless ways. This month is not only a time to reflect on the past but also an opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation.
We encourage students and families to explore the stories of inspiring women who have impacted our lives and communities.
World Language Week Activities
This nationally renowned commemoration is designed to promote cultural awareness, encourage the study of world languages, and celebrate our school community’s rich diversity. The series of events this year will take place from Monday, March 17, through Friday, March 21. Below is an outline of the scheduled activities. We encourage you to participate to the greatest extent possible!
Themed Day Workshops
Monday (3/17): “International Film Day” - Auditorium
Students in world language classes will view the movie, “Lucca’s World,” which tells the story of a mother who takes her family to India for an experimental treatment to help her son who has cerebral palsy.
Tuesday (3/18): “Global Food Day” - Auditorium
Through the help from our talented culinary department, students in world language classes will participate in a Fear-Factor inspired competition, where they will try exotic foods from different cultures and use foreign language skills to describe their experiences.
Wednesday (3/19): “World Arts Day” – WL Classrooms
Students in world language classes will design paper globes and Mexican “Ojos de Dios” decorations.
Thursday (3/20): “Cultural Lenses Day” - Auditorium
Join us for a cultural proficiency workshop with a panel of students from diverse backgrounds, who will share personal stories that tie with this year’s theme, “Languages Take You Places.”
Friday (3/21): “Passport to Culture Showcase Day” - Auditorium
During A and B periods, students and staff will share their cultures through various expressions of performing arts.
During C and D periods, a professional performing group, So Alma, will take us on a journey through the Portuguese-speaking world with their unique sounds.
During E and F periods, the acclaimed percussionist group, Gooversity, will perform a high-energy survey of Brazilian drumming styles.
If you are interested in bringing your classes to these presentations, please RSVP by completing this Google Form: RSVP for Passport to Culture Day
Daily Activities
Bake Sale: An assortment of global treats provided by world language teachers will be sold in the teachers’ café from 7:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Lunches: Our school cafeteria lunch program and Tiger Den will provide international menus for students and staff to enjoy.
Raffles: In the main office and the teachers’ cafe, we will be selling raffle tickets to win gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants.
Announcements: On the school intercom in the morning, students will provide greetings in various languages and share interesting facts about world languages and cultures.
School Decorations: The school will be adorned with international flags and other decorations to take students and staff on a journey around the world.
Pulsera Project: In the cafeteria during school lunch, we will be selling colorful, hand-crafted Pulseras made by over 200 artisans in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Pulsera sale proceeds fund educational programs, scholarships, women and youth empowerment, fair trade advocacy, social enterprise, and artisan benefits. If staff members are interested in purchasing one, they will be available in either B303 with Mrs. Ana Ponte-Porto or in B313 with Ms. Tania DaSilva. (Venmo and Cash accepted)
Poster Contest: Students created posters that support the goals of “World Language & Diversity Week.” Some of the best posters that were submitted will be on display in the main lobby, including the top 10 finalist posters.
Check out these students during school lunch selling colorful, handcraftedd pulseras made by artisans in Guatemala and Nicaragua. This is one of the many cultural activities we have planned for our 35th annual “World Language and Diversity Week,” which takes place next week!
District Calendar
We are pleased to share that the 2025-2026 Taunton Public Schools calendar has been approved by the School Committee and is now available.
Key dates and updates for the upcoming school year include:
The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Graduation is scheduled for Sunday , June 7, 2026.
The last day of school for students in grades 1-11 is Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Four additional early release days have been added to support professional development.
A two-week December break, providing families with an extended holiday period.
We encourage you to review the attached calendar and plan accordingly. Thank you for your continued partnership in making this a successful school year!
You can also review the calendar on the district website
All City A Huge Success!
On Thursday, March 13th, THS held its 2nd annual All-City Chorus and Band Concerts including mdidle and high school aged children. The students did a fantastic job performing.
In the Classroom
Mrs. Von Flatern’s CAD students had the opportunity to meet with professionals working in the field of interior design & architecture! It was a great chance for them to gain insights into the design industry!!
MCAS Reminders
On Tuesday, March 25th, and Wednesday, March 26th, all grade 10 Taunton High School students will take the English Language Arts portion of the MCAS Exam in the morning. On Tuesday, May 20th and Wednesday, May 21st, all grade 10 students will take the Mathematics MCAS Exam in the morning. While the test is no longer a graduation requirement, there are opportunities for students to earn significant scholarships through the state.
During the months of April, May, and June, all Grade 8 students will take the English, Math, Science, and Civics MCAS assessments. Below are the testing dates:
Grade 8 ELA 4/1 & 4/2
Grade 8 Math 4/30 & 5/1
Grade 8 Science 5/6 & 5/7
Grade 8 Civics 5/28 & 5/29
On the dates of testing, test-takers need to bring a charged Chromebook and their power cord to school. The tests are taken on their Chromebook, so this is very important. We do not have extra Chromebooks or power cords.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that we provide students with an extremely strict testing environment. For students, this means:
Headphones, iPods, Smart watches, or electronic devices may not be used at any time during the testing period. All cell phones will be collected by test proctors before the start of the exam and returned to the student at the end of the exam period. No exceptions. Students may bring books and schoolwork to do should they complete the exam before the end of the testing period.
Students must be in their assigned exam room no later than 7:33 a.m.
You can help your son or daughter prepare for this state-wide assessment by reinforcing the importance of:
Giving your best effort on each test question
Being on time
Getting a good night’s sleep and eating breakfast
Skills USA
We are excited to share the official results from the Taunton SkillsUSA District Competition! Congratulations to all of our talented students (and educators who trained/tutored/encouraged) who participated and showcased their skills. We are proud of each of you for your dedication and hard work.
We are also thrilled to invite you to the SkillsUSA State Competition, which will be held from May 1st to 3rd in Marlboro MA. On May 2nd, the event will be open to the public at Blackstone Valley, and we would love for you to join us to witness the incredible talent on display.
Audio Radio- (SWEEP!!) - 1st (Ava Silvia/Mel Vieira), 2nd (Jason Murphy/Dylan Klayman), 3rd place (Jalynn Andrews/Alex Mangott)- (All State Qualifiers)
Computer Programming- 1st (Alex Susol) (State Qualifier)
Early Childhood - 2nd (Lizzie Nester) (State Qualifier)
Medical Math- 2nd (Peyton Colonna) (State Qualifier)
Mobile Robotics Technology - 3rd (Hailee Jackson and Gregory Westberg)
State Officer Candidate - Logan Rebello (qualifier- runs a campaign at state for state officer again)
TV Video Production- 1st (Ella Walski, William Levesque) (State Qualifier) and 3rd (Kason Simoes, Jaydon Leandres)
Urban Search and Rescue- 2nd (Matthew Pires, Adam Silveira) (State Qualifier)
Congratulations Peyton Colonna! SkillsUSA Medical Math- 2nd place (State Qualifier)
Junior Achievement Titan Challenge
JA Titan® is a simulation-based program in which high school students compete as business CEOs in the phone industry, experiencing firsthand how an organization evaluates alternatives, makes decisions, analyzes the outcomes of those decisions, and then strategizes what to do next. With a focus on financial literacy and insights into the workforce, JA Titan brings business economics to life. As students work in teams, or on their own, to make financial decisions about production, marketing, research and development (R&D), and corporate social responsibility (CSR), they begin to see how every choice made in an organization relates to its future success.
Following participation in the program, students will be able to:
-- Predict and identify various trade-offs based on business decisions.
-- Apply the profit equation.
-- Use a budget as a strategy to monitor income, expenses, and other financial records.
-- Express the importance of profit to the success of a business.
-- Describe why R&D and marketing expenses are investments.
-- Analyze how a company can be a good community partner and socially responsible.
Student IDs
We are writing to share an important update regarding our commitment to enhancing safety and security at Taunton High School. Beginning Monday, March 17, 2025, all students will be required to carry their school-issued student ID badge and scan in each morning at a kiosk upon arrival to verify their enrollment at THS. This plan ensures that only active THS enrolled students are admitted into the building each morning upon entry.
Students must bring their student ID to school every day and have it readily available upon entry. Students do not need to wear their ID, but they must have the ID on them at all times (store in wallet, back of cell phone, back pack, wear as lanyard, etc.).
Students will scan their IDs at designated kiosks after passing through the weapons detection system at the Field House entrance before school.
Students will receive the following consequences for not having their ID:
First Offense: Warning
Second Offense: 1 Hour Detention
Third Offense: 2 Hour Detention
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: Saturday Detention
Students who do not have their IDs will be used a Daily Temporary ID Pass. Students must report to their House Office if they lose their ID. The cost to replace an ID is $5.
Student IDs will be distributed in A Block on Tuesday, March 11th. If you did not receive an ID, you need to provide your name to the House Office no later than Wednesday, March 12th.
This policy is part of our broader effort to ensure that only enrolled students are in the building and to improve overall security. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we implement this important initiative.
Lockdown Drill Scheduled for Next Week
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. To ensure our schools are prepared for emergencies, we regularly conduct safety drills, which help us practice essential response procedures.
The Taunton School District collaborates closely with the Taunton Police Department through our Director of Student Services and the Transportation Office to implement these procedures effectively. The purpose of our safety drills is to enhance our ability to protect students, save lives, and prevent injuries. They also provide us with the opportunity to assess and refine our emergency response plans.
Taunton High School will conduct a lockdown drill during the week of March 17, 2025.
This letter serves as notification that this drill will be conducted in partnership with the Taunton Police Department.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at 508-821-1100.
School Newspaper
Below is the most recent edition of the Tauntonian, the student-led newspaper for the Tigers. Congratulations to our student journalists. Outstanding job!
Athletics
The winter season has come to a close. Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches. Below are some special recognitions to our hockey team members on a record season!
Spring Sports Registration
Baseball
Softball
Boys and Girls Tennis
Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Boys Volleyball
Spring(Outdoor) Track
Any student-athletes interested in participating in a Spring sports program in 2024-2025 school year, must have their parent/guardian register their before participating.
Registration is through the button below. Prior to clicking below, make sure you have done the following:
1. Provide a copy of a physical exam to the THS Athletic Department. (physicals are good for 13 months and virtual physicals are NOT accepted)
2. Athletes and parents must complete the following online course annually in order to participate.
NFHS Concussion Course
All tryouts begin on Monday March 17th, 2025.
Spring registration will open on February 14th and close March 7th, 2025. All spring registrations must be completed before the deadline.
THS Athletic Fee is $150.00. This covers 1 sport season or all 3 sport seasons. Easy access to pay online. Or if you prefer, cash or check to the THS Athletics office.
Any questions please email Sandy Altman at saltman@tauntonschools.org