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2011-2012 Tahquitz Web Site: Click on Image
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THS Baseball Round 3 CIF: Friday @ 3:15 Titan Stadium
THS Baseball Round I CIF: May 20, 2011
Over 350 Peer Leaders @ THS: May 20, 2011
2011-2012 Data Team: Laying the Foundation for the Future, May 19, 2011
Forensic Science Commercial: May 19, 2011
New THS Leaders for 2011-2012
ASB President: Miss Ally
Senior President: Miss Emily
Senior President: Miss Emily
Reach Out to Murrieta Mesa: May 18, 2011
"Team Building to Dream Building"
Building Critical Relationship
The future of Tahquitz Leadership joined forces with Murrieta Mesa High School on Wednesday. Tahquitz speakers included two seniors and the newly elected ASB Leadership. THS student share the same PRIDE acronym as our sister school. Tahquitz opened up the Leadership workshop giving the keynote address on Passion, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.
Mrs. Moran, ASB Director at MMHS, worked closely with Mrs. Henton to lay the foundation of a long term relationship and agreement to reach out to one another to unify our valley. Both ASB Directors go by the name "Erin" so there was much debate as to who the real "Erin" was. Dr. Roe sided with Mrs. Moran on the grounds of age and Mrs. Henton's hearing issues. Henton responded that Roe's vote didn't count due to a bad hair dye job to cover up the gray. The issue remains undecided.
Mrs. Moran, ASB Director at MMHS, worked closely with Mrs. Henton to lay the foundation of a long term relationship and agreement to reach out to one another to unify our valley. Both ASB Directors go by the name "Erin" so there was much debate as to who the real "Erin" was. Dr. Roe sided with Mrs. Moran on the grounds of age and Mrs. Henton's hearing issues. Henton responded that Roe's vote didn't count due to a bad hair dye job to cover up the gray. The issue remains undecided.
Consumer Credit Seminar @ THS: May 13, 2011
Friday the 13th was a lucky day for seniors at Tahquitz this year. Students became knowledgeable and empowered about credit cards and their financial identities while attending a Living the Good Life presentation. Students were heard walking to lunch talking about scenes from the film they watched that morning, and a skit and presentation put on by Ms. Natalie Valles, one of THS math teachers, and the Miss. Cathryn Valles (the first Ms. Valles’ sister), an expert in the field of consumer credit!
Over 150 students were greeted at the theater first thing in the morning by parents from our PTSA, who volunteered to assist in chaperoning the event. The morning began with a showing of the film Maxed Out, which was clearly an eye-opening view to the use of credit (through credit cards and loans) in America. The film demonstrated how the average American is not educated in the consumption of credit and how the lack of this knowledge can leave every one of us and our families vulnerable.
Afterwards, students participated in a conversation with the Valles’ about credit consumption geared towards the 18-24 year old. Students learned even more facts such as that on average the typical American consumer has access to approximately $19,000 in credit cards. Hitting closer to home, they were surprised to learn that 35% of college students carry balances of about $452 per credit card, and even worse, non-student 18-24 year olds' carry balances of almost $1400 per credit card! A small skit demonstrated to the attending students what carrying around debt can be like and trying to emphasize that students be wise in what they charge on their credit cards.
“I saw Ms. Valles walking around with that big ol' black bag on her back and I was like, what is she doing? But it made sense. It does sound stupid to put things like Starbucks and pizza on a credit card now,” said an anonymous student in attendance.
Teachers, parents and students alike learned about credit reports, FICO scores, obtaining and managing credit. Financial credit is a game and we all need to know how to play it; this is the first move. Students asked some good questions both during and after the presentation and parents approached the team asking when their other daughter would be able to attend. Miss. Valles (the credit expert) repeatedly drilled to the students the importance of earning and taking care of their good credit right from the start. She commented, “I wish someone had taught me anything about credit cards and the importance of watching what I spent when I was young. Unfortunately, the majority of adults still don’t know this; I talk to them every day! For most people, you don’t learn until you’re already in serious trouble! But we’re here for you today and we hope that you listen and remember….”
Over 150 students were greeted at the theater first thing in the morning by parents from our PTSA, who volunteered to assist in chaperoning the event. The morning began with a showing of the film Maxed Out, which was clearly an eye-opening view to the use of credit (through credit cards and loans) in America. The film demonstrated how the average American is not educated in the consumption of credit and how the lack of this knowledge can leave every one of us and our families vulnerable.
Afterwards, students participated in a conversation with the Valles’ about credit consumption geared towards the 18-24 year old. Students learned even more facts such as that on average the typical American consumer has access to approximately $19,000 in credit cards. Hitting closer to home, they were surprised to learn that 35% of college students carry balances of about $452 per credit card, and even worse, non-student 18-24 year olds' carry balances of almost $1400 per credit card! A small skit demonstrated to the attending students what carrying around debt can be like and trying to emphasize that students be wise in what they charge on their credit cards.
“I saw Ms. Valles walking around with that big ol' black bag on her back and I was like, what is she doing? But it made sense. It does sound stupid to put things like Starbucks and pizza on a credit card now,” said an anonymous student in attendance.
Teachers, parents and students alike learned about credit reports, FICO scores, obtaining and managing credit. Financial credit is a game and we all need to know how to play it; this is the first move. Students asked some good questions both during and after the presentation and parents approached the team asking when their other daughter would be able to attend. Miss. Valles (the credit expert) repeatedly drilled to the students the importance of earning and taking care of their good credit right from the start. She commented, “I wish someone had taught me anything about credit cards and the importance of watching what I spent when I was young. Unfortunately, the majority of adults still don’t know this; I talk to them every day! For most people, you don’t learn until you’re already in serious trouble! But we’re here for you today and we hope that you listen and remember….”
Pertussis (Whooping) Cough Law
To help protect your children and others from whooping cough, a new California law now requires students to be vaccinated against whooping cough.
If you have any questions regarding the Tdap booster shot requirement, please do not hesitate to contact the health technician or nurse at your child's school or you may call the Hemet Unified Health Services Department at (951) 765-5100 extension 4101.
- For the 2011-2012 school year only, all students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot (Tdap) before starting school.
- Thereafter, in future school years, only students entering 7th grade will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot (Tdap) before starting school.
If you have any questions regarding the Tdap booster shot requirement, please do not hesitate to contact the health technician or nurse at your child's school or you may call the Hemet Unified Health Services Department at (951) 765-5100 extension 4101.
Important Announcements
11th/12th Talent Show, Friday Night!
Dodge Ball, Friday 5th and 6th Period
Seniors Finals Week: May 23-27th
Minimum Day May 27, 2011
Monday, May 30th NO SCHOOL
Seniors Award Night: May 31st
Finals Week 9-11: 5/31 - 6/3
June 1st, PRIDE Night for Seniors
GRADUATION PRACTICE 5/31 - 6-2
Minimum Days: 6-2 and 6-3
Graduation June 2, 2011 5:00 p.m.
Grad Night June 2, 2011 9:00 p.m.
Last Day of School: June 3, 2011
THS Roller Coaster Competition: May 13, 2011
Science in Action
Dr. Barth's Science students created some incredible projects this past Friday. Students were directed to create a roller coaster that could sustain a "marble in motion." The students who created the project where the marble was in motion for the longest duration of time would be the winner. Student times ranged from 30 seconds to over one minute! Dr. Roe, Ms. Mesa and Mr. Godfrey witnessed the competition and were amazed at the level of creativity and ingenuity that the students displayed. Barth's students also hosted a Boomerang competition as well.
THS Baseball Defeats Bulldogs: May 13, 2011
Tie for 1st Place in Mountain Pass
Our Tahquitz Titans Baseball program suffered a tough loss to a talented Bulldog team this past Wednesday.
Our boys would have an opportunity to return to the favor on Friday in front of a packed crowd in Bulldog Country. The Titans, in order to tie for first place with Hemet to take league honors, would have to defeat the Bulldogs in front of their home crowd on Senior Day.
The Titans jumped out to a 6-0 lead and set the pace for the remainder of the game backed with good pitching. The Bulldogs, true to form, would launch a comeback into the 7th inning - loading the bases with one out. The Titans turned a spectacular double-play to end the game with a 6-3 final score. Dr. Roe was especially proud of both teams and the level of play and sportsmanship both programs employed throughout the heated rivalry. Roe asserted, "Splitting first place with the Bulldogs is a win for both programs and our district."
Our boys would have an opportunity to return to the favor on Friday in front of a packed crowd in Bulldog Country. The Titans, in order to tie for first place with Hemet to take league honors, would have to defeat the Bulldogs in front of their home crowd on Senior Day.
The Titans jumped out to a 6-0 lead and set the pace for the remainder of the game backed with good pitching. The Bulldogs, true to form, would launch a comeback into the 7th inning - loading the bases with one out. The Titans turned a spectacular double-play to end the game with a 6-3 final score. Dr. Roe was especially proud of both teams and the level of play and sportsmanship both programs employed throughout the heated rivalry. Roe asserted, "Splitting first place with the Bulldogs is a win for both programs and our district."
2011-2012 Data Team Announced: May 12, 2011
Mrs. Ballard will be leading the Math Department
The future is looking extremely bright for Tahquitz High School as the leadership team has undergone significant changes this past year. As the overall structure of THS has been changed to support shared leadership decision making and improved communication, many teachers have stepped up into the role of leader to specifically target our student achievement gaps. The 2011-2012 Data Team includes Mrs. Null Brown and Mrs. Moore in Social Science; Mrs. MacIver and Mrs. Vargas in Science; Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Larios in English; and Mrs. Ballard in Math.
Mrs. Scripps will continue her leadership role with our ongoing Self Study, while Mr. Poe will continue to lead the collaboration process amongst our Data Team. Our Strategic Goals will remain: 1) Excellence in every classroom; 2) Shared leadership opportunities for all stakeholder; and 3) Explicit systems and structures to support organizational capacity and problem solving.
Next year we will see a surgical approach to writing at Tahquitz. Mrs. Brady and Mr. McDonald are currently working on a proposal entitled, The Tahquitz Writing Project. The ultimate objective of the program is to bring writing across the curriculum in relevant ways throughout all core areas. The addition of a Freshman Success transition class will also help with students being exposed to AVID strategies, organization, goal setting and writing right from the beginning of their transition to high school.
Our Data Team will be partnering up with Educational Services and Professional Development on May 23rd to discuss the alignment of common formative assessments to the CST. Building on the hard work of all departments this past year, Tahquitz has created the readiness to take our assessments and instruction to the next level and align our efforts to the district data team goals. The image below is a visual representation of the system Tahquitz created this past year to support increased student performance.
Mrs. Scripps will continue her leadership role with our ongoing Self Study, while Mr. Poe will continue to lead the collaboration process amongst our Data Team. Our Strategic Goals will remain: 1) Excellence in every classroom; 2) Shared leadership opportunities for all stakeholder; and 3) Explicit systems and structures to support organizational capacity and problem solving.
Next year we will see a surgical approach to writing at Tahquitz. Mrs. Brady and Mr. McDonald are currently working on a proposal entitled, The Tahquitz Writing Project. The ultimate objective of the program is to bring writing across the curriculum in relevant ways throughout all core areas. The addition of a Freshman Success transition class will also help with students being exposed to AVID strategies, organization, goal setting and writing right from the beginning of their transition to high school.
Our Data Team will be partnering up with Educational Services and Professional Development on May 23rd to discuss the alignment of common formative assessments to the CST. Building on the hard work of all departments this past year, Tahquitz has created the readiness to take our assessments and instruction to the next level and align our efforts to the district data team goals. The image below is a visual representation of the system Tahquitz created this past year to support increased student performance.
Astronomy Night w/ RVMS: May 5, 2011
Tahquitz Astronomers Host Rancho Viejo Families for Astronomy Night
The annual science night at Rancho Viejo Middle School has become very popular, thanks in part to the efforts of the Tahquitz Titans Astronomy Students who each year take their telescopes and binoculars along and show off their astronomy skills!
This year, the Astronomy Titans brought along 9 telescopes and 15 pair of binoculars to the event as both Saturn and the young Crescent Moon were excellent targets for the evening’s observations. The astronomy crew set up all their equipment in the athletic field while Dr. Barth entertained the students and families with a short talk on Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Fortunately, as the night was very clear and warm, Dr. Barth’s talk didn’t last long, and everyone hurried out to look through the telescopes.
Crowds gathered around the telescopes as darkness fell and the thin crescent moon became visible in the darkening sky. With our telescopes, students and parents were able to see Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) on the Moon’s eastern limb; a giant impact scar the size of Southern California (375 miles wide) created when a 40 mile wide asteroid struck the Moon some 3.8 billion years ago and created a huge basin that later flooded with lava! Dozens of ‘minor’ craters the size of the city of Hemet (20-30 miles wide!) dot the floor of this giant impact scar!
Saturn was a crowd pleaser, as always! The clear skies allowed students to see the rings around the giant planet, along with some bands and features on the surface. It was also easy to spot two of Saturn’s moons, including Titan (!), Saturn’s biggest Moon, and our school’s namesake! The moon Titan is over a billion miles away from us now, and although it is almost double the size of our own Luna, it appears only as a bright, star-like point of light floating next to the rings.
Many of our Tahquitz Titans who manned the telescopes and shared binoculars enjoyed sharing their skills. “I felt like a genius!” noted Josh Mendiola from Dr. Barth’s 3rd period class. “I got to show them Saturn and they were really impressed that I knew all about it!” Tahquitz parents participated too, Mrs. Sally Boatman came along to help set up and operate telescopes for the Rancho Viejo children, and even brought her own daughter along for the fun!
Our students were terrific. They learned that you never stand so tall, as when you kneel to help a child learn something new!
AP Testing in Full Swing: May 6, 2011
Marine Corp JRROTC
Tahquitz MCJROTC Armed Drill Team (the cadets who spin the rifles at the pep rallies) took 4th place at the West Coast National Drill Meet in Torrance, CA. 83 high schools from around the world participated, including schools from Nevada, Colorado, Guam, Utah, and Arizona.
For their first appearance at a National level drill competition, 4th place is awesome! Tahquitz is proud of our Marine Corp Junior ROTC program. Additional photos can be seen on our webpage http://ths-mcjrotc.wikispaces.com/
Dance Wins Gold: May 1, 2011
Titan Spirit: See Below
Baseball Defeats Beaumont 7-2: May 4, 2011
Poe and Scripps Address Staff: May 4, 2011
Mr. Poe
Mrs. Scripps
Laying the Groundwork: Team
Mr. Poe and Mrs. Scripps addressed the Tahquitz staff yesterday during collaboration time. During their presentation, they debriefed the staff on the process and the state of where Tahquitz has been, and where we need to go. Poe explained to the staff,
"This has been a difficult year with a lot of changes that we have had to deal with. When we began the process I was very frustrated with administration as I would constantly go to Dr. Roe and Mr. Godfrey and ask, what should we do? They would simply come back with, what do you think we should do? What do the teachers believe is the best course?"
He concluded, "Essentially, they handed the process to us... to work as a team...whether we like it or not. We have got to come together as we are all going to be held accountable for where we are going."
"This has been a difficult year with a lot of changes that we have had to deal with. When we began the process I was very frustrated with administration as I would constantly go to Dr. Roe and Mr. Godfrey and ask, what should we do? They would simply come back with, what do you think we should do? What do the teachers believe is the best course?"
He concluded, "Essentially, they handed the process to us... to work as a team...whether we like it or not. We have got to come together as we are all going to be held accountable for where we are going."
