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Taft PTO February 2022 NewsletterVolume XXXIII February 2022Taft Charter PTO Monthly Parent NewsletterPlease encourage other parents to join us as well, for important updates, and to connectyou with your teen's school.Visit our WebsiteSave the DatePTO MeetingsFebruary 8th at 6:00 pm March 8th at 6:00 pmApril 5th at 6:00 pmMay 10th at 6:00 pmZoom Link will be provided on our websiteCoffee With the PrincipalFebruary 8th at 9:00 amMarch 8th at 9:00 amApril 5th at 9:00 amMay 10th at 9:00 amZoom Link will be provided on our websiteMonday, January 31st we had a visit from our newly appointed SuperintendentMr. Alberto Carvalho. I am honored that Taft HS was one of his first visitsbefore he officially takes over as our new superintendent. SuperintendentCarvalho comes to us with years of experience in education as he has moved upthe ranks in the 4th largest district in the nation in Miami-Dade County Publicschools in Florida.1/8
February 2022 Newsletter Superintendent Carvalho was greeted by some of the Taft Orchestra then byTaft Dance and Cheer as he entered the campus. Welcome signs were made byASB and students and staff across campus were dressed up in Taft Gear.Superintendent Carvalho was impressed at our school spirit and warmwelcome. He then visited some of our CTE Classes including Fashion, SportsMedicine, and Engineering. He also stopped by a history class on his way to thesenior quad to meet with some of our ASB students. Superintendent Carvalhowas very interested to hear about all that Taft has to offer and impressed atwhat he observed and his conversations with Taft Students and Staff. We lookforward to Mr. Carvalho assuming his position as Superintendent of LAUSD inthe next couple of weeks.PTO CornerCollege Admissions Stressby Farnaz Simantob, Ph.D.The college admissions season is here and it may be one of the most stressful times in thelives of many seniors. While there’s no doubt that the competitiveness associated with thisprocess is like nothing us parents ever experienced, the anxiety associated with thisprocess is often related to negative irrational thoughts that run through the minds of ouryoung adults. For example: “I worked so hard and it was all for nothing. I’m not going toget in anywhere!” or “If I don’t get into my first choice, it’ll be the end of the world.”We live in a crazy time when students with GPA’s of above 4.0 can feel like they havesomehow failed. As parents, we need to be careful not to add to the frenzy of this anxietyfilled time. We have to be mindful of how much our own expectations can add to the stressand anxiety our children may be feeling. It’s a good idea to ask your child how involvedthey want you to be in the process. Be careful not to confuse your own interests andexpectations with your child’s. It’s important to remember that we are raising adults.When they get to college (and they will), they need to make their own choices and theirown decisions. If they need your advice, they will ask you for it! In other words, you can besupportive without micromanaging their experience.Coping with the stress, self-doubt, and what-if scenarios that stem from irrationalthoughts is important at this time. Here are some tips:1) Help your teen recognize their irrational thoughts. Whether or not they get into aspecific school in and of itself has no meaning. It is the THOUGHTS they have about itthat leads to negative emotions. Help them understand that their absolute ways ofthinking make no sense. Let’s use the example of “I’m not going to get in anywhere.”“Anywhere” is an absolute term and, therefore, irrational. The likelihood of not getting in2/8
February 2022 Newsletter“anywhere” is quite slim. Understanding the irrationality associated with specific thoughtshelps reduce self-doubt and what-if scenarios.2) Use a meditation app to help them engage in guided deep breathing exercises. Deepbreaths help us engage our pre-frontal cortex. This helps us think more rationally andquiets down the the part of our brain that is responsible for the fight or flight response.3) Help them keep their options open. Believe it or not it’s possible for them to decide thattheir “dream school” isn’t the right fit for them. There are so many options available.Having multiple options helps reduce stress and anxiety associated being “married” totheir “top choice.”4) Help them make a list of five things that help them when they feel stressed. Someexamples include going for a walk or run, spending time with friends, watching a comedicmovie or T.V. show, or reading. It’s important for your teen to come up with the choices.Have them keep their list on an index card next to their bed or on their bathroom mirroras a reminder of ways they can cope.ALL SPIRIT WEAR BACK IN STOCK!!CLICK HERE TO ORDER.3/8
February 2022 NewsletterIN THE SPOTLIGHTJamieSwinsonPlease welcome one of our new Taft Teachers. Ms. Swinson has beenteaching for 16 years. Before coming to Taft she worked at ShermanOaks CES. She looks forward to being an active part of our schoolcommunity. When she's not working at Taft, Ms. Swinson is drivingher children from activity to activity. She enjoys watching movies,cooking and playing games with her family. Ms. Swinson receivedher BA, MA and two teaching credentials from CSUN.Important DatesFeb. 7th:ILT Meeting 3:30 pmFinancial Aid Application Workshop for Seniors3:30 pmFeb. 8th:Coffee with the Principal 9:00 amBell Committee Meeting 3:15 pmVirtual Tutoring 4:30 pmPTO Meeting 6:00 pmFeb. 9th:All Day- COVID TestingCollege DayTUPE Meeting 3:15 pmVirtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFeb. 10th:Virtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFinancial Aid Application Workshop for Seniors 3:30 pmFeb. 11th:Virtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFeb 16th:All Day- COVID TestingCollege DayTUPE Meeting 3:15 pmVirtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFeb 17th:ELAC Meeting 5:00 pmFeb 21st:No School - President's DayFeb 22nd:SSC/Charter Council Meeting 5:00 pmSenior Movie Night 6:00 pmFeb 23rd:4/8
February 2022 NewsletterAll Day- COVID TestingCollege DayTUPE Meeting 3:15 pmVirtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFeb 24th:Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classesVirtual Tutoring 4:30 pmFeb 25th:Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classesFeb 28th:Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classesComp Mod Community Meeting 6:00 pmTaft Ask LetterDear Taft Families,This is an important year for Taft's Parent TeacherOrganization Pledge Drive. It is the PTO’s biggest annualfundraising event and enables us to continue supportingthe programs that help make Taft a truly exceptionalschool. The Taft Charter Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) works with all thestudents and teachers to help support their needs throughout the year. Somany of the great things at Taft that our students use and enjoy are NOT PAIDFOR BY LAUSD, but rather by the PTO through the generosity of our parentsand community. This is why we are asking for your help.During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need your help to keep Taftstudents and staff supported in every way possible and your donation couldhelp your child’s school provide all of the following and more:Stipends for our academic departments (Math, Science, English, andHistory) to purchase supplies and classroom materials that are not paidfor by LAUSDSocial events like the homecoming parade and dance, the Halloweencostume contest, and moreAs needed funds for elective departments like music, dance, drama,debate, robotics, and fashionTrophies for all our athletic teamsSupport for our student clubs, leadership, and graduating classesNeed-based scholarships for community service and school volunteersTeacher appreciation events and school toursWE ARE ASKING EVERY FAMILY TO PLEASE MAKE A 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLEDONATION!! We are suggesting a donation of 250 per family. Every dollarcounts, so even if you cannot give the suggested amount, we appreciate andvalue gifts of every size. EVERY BIT HELPS AND TAFT NEEDS US NOW MORETHAN EVER!Every family that donates 50 or more will receive a Taft car magnet toproudly display on your car, your child’s car, or your refrigerator! Yourdonations are tax-deductible and can be paid in full or monthly installments.5/8
February 2022 NewsletterYou can make a secure donation online at https://tinyurl.com/cs5fc2m7 orscan the QR code. Cash and check donations can be made by completing theform below.We thank you in advance for your participation and generosity. If you have anyquestions, please contact us at TaftPTOPledgeDrive@gmail.com.With gratitude,Taft Charter PTO Board of DirectorsSUPPORT TAFT WHEN YOU SHOP- JUST SIGN UP!Amazon SmileIf you shop on Amazon.com you can help Taft with every purchaseyou make, at NO COST to you! at SMILE.AMAZON.COM. You willfind the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenientshopping experience as AMAZON.COM, with the added bonus thatAmazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Taft PTO.To shop, simply go to SMILE.AMAZON.COM from your webbrowser on your computer or mobile device and chooseTAFT CHARTER PTO.You may also want to add a bookmark toSMILE.AMAZON.COM to make it even easier to return toand start your shopping.RALPH'S CLUB CARDIf you register your card now, you need to RE-REGISTER it after September 1st. Unfortunately, theyreset their system every year in September so please register your card AFTER September 1st.To register your card:1. Log on to www.Ralphs.com2. Click on "SAVE" at the top of the page in bold type and then click on "Ralphs CommunityContribution Partners."3. Click on the "Enroll Now" under Participant.4. Follow the instructions on the website.Taft PTO Sponsors6/8
February 2022 Newsletter. thank you sponsors.7/8
February 2022 NewsletterWant to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list8/8
College Day TUPE Meeting 3:15 pm Virtual Tutoring 4:30 pm Feb 24th: Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classes Virtual Tutoring 4:30 pm Feb 25th: Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classes Feb 28th: Summative ELPAC Part #1 in ELD classes Comp Mod Community Meeting 6:00 pm Taft Ask Letter Dear Taft Families, This is an important year for Taft's Parent .
