The Trojan Times Volume 1 - Issue 4 - February 7, 2021

TROJAN STRONG, ALL DAY LONG!

Students participate in campus Beautifcation Day on January 31, 2021 The Principal’s Weekly Update We are very excited about new things happening at Tara High School. Our goal is to improve Tara by 15 SPS points in the next two years, while also increasing student engagement, ofering more valuable credentials and certifcations, raising ACT scores, and reducing the dropout rate. We must start this work by addressing the immediate needs of our struggling students. One thing we are working on now is addressing students that are currently failing one or more courses. Each department will begin ofering tutoring sessions each day. This means that students will have the opportunity to receive extra help in all of their core content areas. The tutoring will also help the students pass the EOC LEAP 2025 tests later in the Spring. We will publish the tutoring schedule with Google Meet links for virtual students in the next few days. The ACT scores at Tara are a huge area of concern. The median composite ACT score is currently about a 15- this is too low for students that are interested in a four year college degree. In order to improve this score, we are providing ACT preparation practice in all classes. Students will spend the frst 10-20 minutes of each class working an ACT-like problem. Additionally, every student at Tara High School will be taking an ACT practice test the week of Mardi Gras break. We will have a modifed bell schedule on February 18th and 19th, and students will take the practice ACT test each morning. Students that show up both days and fnish the test will be treated to a Mardi Gras themed feld day activity on that Friday. Lunch Menu for February 8-12 Trojan Sporting News Here are the results of last week’s sporting competitions.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2 We are revamping the courses we ofer students next year in order to help Boy’s them earn advanced credentials and better job prospects. We are excited to be able to ofer three new, advanced Jumpstart 2.0 pathways next year. Please read about each pathway to understand what courses will be TARA 78 BELAIRE 43 ofered.

The Information Technology Jump Start 2.0 Pathway prepares students WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3 for the design, development, installation, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems, software, hardware, networks, and Boy’s Basketball cloud computing. Pathway coursework equips students with the knowledge of software development life cycles (SDLC), computer CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DEFEATED TARA operating systems, programming languages, and software development. Pathway coursework also equips students to perform IT services such as implementation of computer systems and software, provision of technical assistance, develop and read technical design documents, management of information systems, and the system testing process Students will work with cutting-edge technology to develop tomorrow’s products for use by business and consumers. Upcoming Birthdays The LSU Digital Design & Emergent Media Certifcation Pathway is designed with a 21st century approach to media production – developing the skills and creativity for producing digital media from assets through MALAK EID Monday fnal presentation. The pathway incorporates the STEM disciplines to address the constantly transforming feld of digital media by enabling: DE`ARVIS BERRY Tuesday digital storytelling – no matter the media; production skills training and certifcation in a variety of media types; programming experience specializing in web and digital media; and engagement in emergent media KATELYNN DIPUMA Tuesday practice culminating in group based projects, exhibition/performance, and portfolio development. KIANNIE MCCRAY Tuesday

The LSU Computing Certifcation Pathway provides a computer TRE`MAINE PITTS Wednesday science, computational thinking and computational science program for both TOPS University and TOPS Tech diploma-seeking students. Through ALANDRIA ANDERSON Thursday hands on projects, the curriculum prepares students to compete in the 21st century job market by engaging them in understanding the JAVEN SMITH Thursday fundamentals of computing. Students will be able to apply computational thinking techniques in many diferent STEM disciplines and demonstrate profciency in computing in many settings, such as explain the implications of the use of technology in social interactions, advice on how to protect Dance Team Finalized After Tryouts systems from possible cyberattacks, and create interactive Web sites and applications. Students will also understand the careers available to them in Congratulations to Christiana Hunt, Haley Veal, Joia the feld of computing as well as learn key skills, such as teamwork, oral and written technical communication, and work ethic that will serve them Raymond, Diamond Johnson, Nayah Stewart, Jayla Green, well whether they pursue an advanced degree or immediately join the Jae’lyn Gordon Matthews, and Eriel Myers. workforce. Upcoming Events for February 8-12 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

ELPT Testing Boys Basketball Boys Basketball Boys Basketball Begins Tara vs. Istrouma District Tournament District Tournament 5:00 p.m. @ @Liberty High @Liberty High Istrouma Starts at 5 p.m. Starts at 5 p.m.

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East Baton Rouge Parish High School Teacher of the Year

Dr. Dewanna Bandy Drewery

Dr. Drewery, a physical education teacher at Tara High School, was selected from a pool of over 90 submissions. On January 29, 2021, it was announced that she was East Baton Rouge Parish High School Teacher of the Year.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, Dr. Drewery has inspired her students to become more active, physically ft, and engaged in learning. She is an exemplary educator, and Tara High School is proud to claim her as a member of the Trojan family.

Stay tuned as Dr. Drewery must now compete against high school educators across the state of . The Magnet Application Period Begins February 1, 2021

WHAT IS THE CY-T.E.C.H. MAGNET ACADEMY? The Cy-T.E.C.H. Magnet Academy is a school-based program designed after Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model, which combines high school, college and the professional world. This school-within-a-school encompasses grades 9 to 14. With the promise that students in this six-year time frame, students earn not only a high school diploma, but also an Associate in Computer Science degree in Software Development from Baton Rouge Community College. Graduates will have the skills and experience to step into well-paying jobs in Information Technology (IT) and earn an opportunity to interview with IBM.

Apply online today at www.ebrmagnet.org Black History Spotlight: Computer Scientists

Tara Counselors Celebrate National School Counselor Week!