I would like to welcome all of you to our new online monthly newsletter. The purpose of this format is to keep you informed of Taft's programs and activities. Keeping parents informed is one of the most important responsibilities the school can perform. The more parents know about what we are doing, and the more involved we keep parents, the more successful your children will be.

One of the innovative programs we are offering this year is to use our Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to give our students practice on the types of questions they will encounter this May when they take the all-important California Standards Test. We have asked all teachers during SSR to administer these practice questions. The more familiar students become with the concepts behind the questions, the better they will do on the test. In addition, we have asked tenth grade English teachers to help prepare tenth graders for the California High School Exit Exam, which 10th graders will take in March. As you know, students must pass both sections (English and Math) in order to receive their high school diploma. To assist those students who are not yet proficient in their English and math skills, we are offering a program of intervention classes that will meet after school and on Saturdays. Students will have the option to choose the schedule that will be most suitable for them. Taft teachers will teach these classes and class size will be held to a maximum of twenty.

Once again Taft's varsity basketball team, coached by Derrick Taylor, has had a successful season - good luck in playoffs! Last year the Taft basketball team won the City Championship. Does lightning strike twice?

Since September, our Academic Decathlon team has been working hard in preparation for the Los Angeles competition. By the time you read this newsletter, we will know the results of their diligence. The state competition will be here in Los Angeles this year March 10th through 13th, with the state Super Quiz being on the last day. Join us to cheer on our team.

In this new undertaking of online newsletter, we solicit information that you may want to include in order to benefit other parents as well as our staff. Please contact either assistant principals Dr. Kearns or Mr. Barrios.

Sharon Thomas
Principal