Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning

The Arlington County Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning advises the School Board on the state of instruction across disciplines and recommends changes or enhancements to current policies and practices. The Taylor PTA sends a representative to one meeting a month. At these meetings, ACTL learns about what is going on in the school system (from crowding to budget to particular subject matter areas such as new textbooks, instruction techniques) and hears from committees formed to focus on areas of education (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Health and PE, World Languages, ESOL-HILT, Special Education, Gifted Services, Pupil Services, etc), including any recommendations those committees may have to improve education. In late April, ACTL then ranks these recommendations and submits them to the School Board for consideration. ACTL is one of the single best ways to fully understand how APS works and what is going on in the school system.

The APS ACTL is seeking input from the Taylor community - we encourage you to take the opportunity to fill out these surveys on specific topics.

OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE:

Secondary Literacy Presentation can be found by clicking HERE

FEBRUARY 2024 UPDATE:

Taylor's ACTL representatives are seeking feedback from families concerning new standards based grading reporting, ed tech, and differentiation in the classroom. Please respond to this survey by Wednesday, Feb 7th. Thank you!

The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/SMzapbzdaH9CfzK46

 After School Enrichment

This is an easy, safe, and convenient way for your child to explore a new hobby, dive deeper into a developing passion, or hang out with friends after school in a fun, structured environment! Enrichment classes are open to ALL students. Limited Financial Aid Opportunities are available for those who qualify. Please indicate your request at the time of registration.

CLICK TO REGISTER: Taylor Elementary School

REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 7

art in the classroom

“What’s the coolest part about being an artist?  That YOU get to make all the decisions!”  That’s a common refrain in Art in the Classroom program.  Art is one of the only areas where students can really be fully creative and make their decisions about color, form, approach and message.  

In this parent-powered program, K-3rd graders enjoy a 15-20 minute interactive presentation about a particular artist, genre or medium that aligns nicely with a unit of study, or the time of year, then students go back to their classrooms to channel that artist/style with parent volunteers who set up and clean up the art supplies, as well as help students consider their process.  This program is a super fun & rewarding way to learn about art, and see your kids and their peers explore their creativity.  Being a volunteer requires no artistic knowledge or creative genius! 

Our 2023-2024 PTA Chair for Art in the Classroom is Kelly Vaillancourt. Kelly will be in need of grade-level volunteer coordinators as our program kicks off.

 Art Exhibition

The Taylor PTA helps maintain the bulletin boards in the hallway and works closely with a teacher representative to determine what to display. Check out all the great work being done at Taylor!

 Art Fundraiser

The Art Fundraiser is used to raise funds for the Taylor Elementary PTA. Each year children create work with the art teachers in art class and then upload that artwork to a company of the school’s choosing who then makes that art in to gift-able goods to purchase. A percentages of sales go to the Taylor PTA.

AUTHOR VISITS

The Taylor PTA is excited to sponsor our Author Visits each year. Stay Tuned for future opportunities.

 Back to School Breakfast

The PTA appreciates the hard work required to get the school and classrooms ready for the school year. In recognition, the teachers and staff are treated to a breakfast to welcome them to the new school year. The Back to School Breakfast Chair works with parent volunteers to help provide food, serve, and clean up.

backpack buddies

Want to help Taylor families facing food insecurity? Backpack Buddies is an ongoing project that provides shelf-stable food on a weekly basis to Taylor families without reliable access to food. Our program depends on the support of Taylor families.

Questions? please contact them at backpackbuddies@taylorpta.org.

If your family would benefit from being a part of this program, please contact Zamir Bridgman at zamir.bridgman@apsva.us. Please note that participation in Backpack Buddies is kept completely confidential.

 intra-aps Basketball Game

Reviving the tradition! For the first time since 2019, our amazing Taylor staff will take on Arlington Traditional School in a friendly March Madness matchup. Please plan to wear your Taylor Tiger t-shirts and bring the whole family to the Washington-Liberty gym on Friday, March 8.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the game will start at 7:00 pm. We will be selling Taylor-themed cheer gear as well as concessions. Tickets for the game will go on sale a week prior to the event, along with a limited quantity of vintage Taylor

basketball t-shirts.

THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT.

 Book Fair

Each fall, the PTA takes over the Taylor library to set up the book fair. Students preview the fair during the school day and have an opportunity to shop with their classes. The PTA uses funds from the fair to purchase books and supplies for the Taylor library and teacher classrooms.

 Care Team

The Taylor Care Team helps support Taylor students and their families who, due to their financial circumstances, may need a little extra assistance throughout the school year. In particular, the Taylor Care Team works with Taylor’s social worker and student counselor to assist those families who may need help participating in certain Taylor activities, events and projects, as well as support in the holidays or in an emergency.

CLASSROOM SUPPLY DRIVE

At the beginning of every school year, the PTA holds a Classroom Supply Drive - think antibacterial wipes, tissues, and more. Our teachers and staff, and fellow parents appreciate knowing the classrooms are stocked up to keep everyone happy and healthy each school year.

 CCPTA

The Arlington County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) is an advocate for the education and well-being of every child attending Arlington Public Schools (APS). The volunteer membership includes representatives from each APS Parent Teacher Association (PTA), including Taylor, and some APS advisory groups.

• The CCPTA serves as the collective representative voice for all APS PTAs. They advocate on behalf of all APS PTAs to the Arlington School Board, Arlington County Board, and APS Superintendent and senior staff.

• They educate the leaders of the member PTAs and serve as a resource so the PTAs can be effective advocates for their respective school communities.

• They engage member PTAs and encourage participation so that the CCPTA voice is strong and representative of the county as a whole.

• They sponsor the CCPTA Grant Fund, established in 2015, which provides targeted financial grants to those Arlington public schools in need of funding to accomplish specific, limited goals not otherwise funded by county or private sources.

• They encourage individual PTAs to raise issues with potential relevance to the greater Arlington school community, so they can be discussed, amplified, and elevated to a countywide voice.

 Community Service

Each year, the PTA Community Service Committee organizes and runs the Arlington County Foster Care Holiday Giving Program. This program allows Taylor families to donate gifts and gift cards that are distributed to children in Arlington County's Foster Care Program at an annual holiday party held in early December. Some years families are also asked to donate drinks and/or cookies. 

During the second week of November, families sign up on a Sign Up Genius to donate a gift or gift card. During the third week of November, students bring the gift or gift card to school, putting gifts in the labeled box outside the office and leaving gift cards with office staff. 

 Directory

The Directory Committee is in charge of creating the Taylor Directory, which contains the contact information of Taylor families who opt in to the Directory. The goal is to facilitate communication and connections within the community. The Directory is typically both an online resource as well as a printed book.

The 2023-2024 Taylor Student + Family directory is LIVE! click the button below to access.

DJ Dance Party

Taylor Dance Club – it is the coolest one night only club in Arlington! Students enjoy concessions, glow sticks, games and music. The Dance Party Chair coordinates date, room reservation and DJ. This person orders supplies, recruits and organizes volunteers, and acts as head party planner.

THIS IS NOT A DROPOFF EVENT.

 Extended Day

The Taylor PTA coordinates with the Extended Day staff to provide necessary resources for the staff and students:

We work with staff to provide a list or selection of books that could be purchased during the Scholastic book fair.

We work with the staff to identify and provide extra supplies. In the past this has been bean bag chairs, books, rugs.

We buy the pizza and ice cream for the end of year party and talent show.

We coordinate gifts for the staff during the holidays and end of year. This is usually putting together announcements for the newsletter, collecting funds and distributing the gifts.

We sell tickets during extended day for the spring fair so parents have the opportunity to purchase tickets at a discount who can not make it right after school.

FACILITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL

New to our Committees in 2023-2024 school year, the Facilities Advisory Council is a lead and the potential to expand to a cohort of Taylor parents and community members to advocate for continual improvement to the facilities planning process, and ensuring our building remains a safe, comfortable learning environment for all to thrive!

Requirements are attending the APS Facilities Advisory meetings on a regular basis, reporting back to the Taylor PTA Executive Board, and highlighting ways for the community to engage.

There are several news items for our community regarding Taylor Facilities in October:

Advocacy Group Update: A kick-off meeting between Katie Madigan, Principal, Jane Wishneff, PTA President, and Erin Parker, Chair of the Taylor Facilities Advocacy Group was held on October 12th. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss strategic planning and critical priorities to improve Taylor's facilities. Key topics included overall building safety and security, immediate facilities improvement needs, and next steps for advocacy at the County level.

How to Get Involved: Interested in helping advocate for Taylor's needs? There are several ways to make an impact:

Contact Erin Parker at erinmccantsparker@gmail.com or at 703-989-6708 to share specific items or areas of concern. Please also contact Erin if you are interesting in joining the Advocacy Group.

OCTOBER UPDATE

On Friday, October 27th, APS sent out its weekly "Friday Five" communication. The first topic was devoted to an update on Facilities Planning for the school system. With a focus on providing optimal learning environments for students, APS Facilities and Operations and the Advisory Council on School Facilities and Capital Programs (FAC) assessed all 41 school facilities across APS using a wide variety of metrics.

These assessments and the workbook with all of the detailed indicators can be found via this link:

https://www.apsva.us/departments/facilities-operations/long-range-plan-to-renovate-existing-school-facilities/

 An info session between the FAC and Arlington's JFAC was held on Monday, October 30 to deliver the results (the workbook). The outcome of this project is to enable APS/JFAC to better prioritize projects and funding across the school system. Taylor is currently included on a short list out of the 41 schools needing significant attention. 

We will be heavily involved in the remaining meetings this month to keep Taylor's needs on that list and learn more about the scope and timing of potential projects. 

 If you have any questions or would like to support this effort, please contact Erin Parker at erinmccantsparker@gmail.com .

 Fifth Grade Promotion

The PTA is there as the Taylor Community celebrates the accomplishments of our fifth graders! The chair manages a group of volunteers to help with all aspects of the promotion event: the slide show, program, graduation certificates, food, decorations, t-shirts, class gift, and a few others. These efforts make a very special celebration for all the students as they say goodbye to Taylor!

If you would like to receive details about middle school from the DHMS PTSA, text to 22828!

Tremendous thank you to our 5th grade promotion committee, led by Rebecca Villane + Jillian Bentson.

Kristina Boehk, Valerie Houchin, Julie Hart, Virginia Dong, Maggie Baca, Carol Chin-Fatt, Erin Thompson, Elizabeth Williams, Rachel Zimmerman, Margaret Maloney, and Candace Bryan Abbey.

TAYLOR CLASS OF 2024: Adventure Awaits!

As the Taylor community prepares to send the 5th grade class of 2024 off to their next Adventure, we have many exciting things in store.

ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW:

Visit the PTA SHOP and contribute to the 5th Grade Promotion.

The $65 Student fee covers: tee shirt, sign, promotion certificate, contribution to the Class Gift, and a contribution to the 5th grade teachers gift + specialist gift. If you’d like to contribute more to the 5th grade teacher’s gift, you can do so here.

KEY DATES:

June 11, 2024 - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony, 9:30 AM, Taylor MPR; doors open at 9:15 AM.

June 14, 2024 - 5th grade Clap Out (1:10 PM) - families are encouraged to join the 5th grade clap-out tradition; families should first gather near the trailers, then move to the Kindergarten playground where 5th graders will end the parade outside the school.

CEREMONY INFORMATION:

Doors open at 9:15 AM; please enter thru door A13.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CEREMONY PROGRAM; QR codes will also be posted throughout Taylor MPR on Tuesday.

Students are limited to 2 adult family members. If your student has a sibling at Taylor and would like for them to join the ceremony, you can made an advanced, written request to the sibling’s homeroom teacher.

The ceremony will be live-streamed. Please check 5th grade update email for link!

There will be a light reception immediately after the ceremony, located outside near the 5th grade trailers.

If you have any questions or want to get involved with planning, please email Rebecca.villane@gmail.com or jilliankbentson@gmail.com

 Foreign Language

Taylor PTA partners with a local language center to provide foreign language instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. Foreign languages offered may include French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Classes are typically held before school hours twice a week for a duration of 40 sessions. Small class size enhances learning with a more individualized approach by well experienced teachers.

 Gardens and Habitats

Gardens and Habitats, combined with Beautification, is responsible for maintaining Taylor Elementary classroom gardens and keeping the bird feeders surrounding the school full. These gardens include the Kindergarten and 1st grade raised box gardens (there are 10 beds in front of the school - 5 for kindergarten and 5 for first grade). The chair also helps run Family Clean Up Days and provides guidance as to the work to be done (weeding, clearing out the beds, mulching etc.) as well as the Kindergarten and 1st grade STEAM planting days (Spring). Determining what will be planted in the boxes is up to the chair (with input from the teachers) and includes purchasing the flowers and then helping the students plant them.

 Hospitality

The Hospitality Chair is that friendly face to welcome families to Taylor, and provides comfort to the staff celebrating a new milestone in their lives, such as a wedding, baby, graduation, and also those tougher moments, too. The Hospitality Chair also assists in planning and execution of the famous DJ Dance Party. The Hospitality Chair may also be tapped to support the Back to School Parent Social in the Fall.

fall family social- Read under the stars

The Fall Family Social Committee, formerly known as the Ice Cream Social Committee, is in charge of organizing the annual Family Social, traditionally in coordination with the Book Fair Family Night and Read Under the Stars event in the Fall.

KidsGiving is a special project of the Taylor Elementary PTA, in cooperation with AFAC, to teach kids philanthropy and civic engagement through volunteering, education, and giving. The Kidsgiving Chair works with AFAC and other Arlington non-profits to come up with monthly activities and events for Taylor students. Students who complete at least 3 activities and make a personal donation of their own money receive a special certificate of appreciation at the end of the year.

 Library

The Taylor Library Committee coordinates with the Taylor library staff to highlight opportunities that encourage a love of reading.

The Library Committee helps by coordinating parent volunteers to help shelve books in the Taylor library, managing book orders during author visits and arranging special events with the Arlington Public Library (e.g. Taylor Kindergartner events).

One Word Book Drive at Taylor Library

The Taylor Library is collecting gently used books for all ages all year long. Help our Taylor alums serve our community through this great organization.

 Lost and Found

Lost and Found has gone high-tech! Every week, we’ll be posting photos of lost items to our Google Drive. Just click the link [Digital Lost and Found] and see if anything looks familiar! The sooner you check, the sooner your child can be reunited with their lost treasure. Items are donated at the end of each semester. And remember, labeled items have a better chance of finding their way back home. Consider ordering labels from Mabel’s Labels—Taylor Elementary gets a portion of every purchase! Shop here: https://mabelslabels.com/fundraising/support. Happy labeling and finding!   

Loyalty Programs

When you shop, we earn! All donations received from partner stores and sites go directly to our school, are deposited into a general teacher enrichment fund and used to purchase classroom items, books, games, software, and other instructional materials.

Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to Taylor Elementary's Together in Education account by providing your VIC card information in the Google form below. Each time you shop at Harris Teeter and purchase Harris Teeter brand products, a portion of your spending is given directly to Taylor PTA.

You can register yourself at https://tie.harristeeter.com/tie/login or you can complete the form at https://forms.gle/NLYT2BC21J2MSNAv5 and we will link it for you!

Thank you for your continued support of our PTA!

 Membership

The PTA does so much and needs your support to make it all happen! Reach out to the chair if you have questions. Check out all the programs we facilitate. Get updates about our events. And, most importantly, join!

 Movie Night

For one night only, Taylor Elementary turns into a movie theater! Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows to join their friends for an age appropriate movie. The Movie Night Chair works with the PTA President and school administration to pick the movie and date. They promote this fun event, coordinate volunteers, and order concession supplies (popcorn, of course).

 No Frills Fundraiser

The No Frills Fundraiser is just that - our biggest and only major fundraiser at Taylor that is no frills. No need for a babysitter, no need for a themed costume, and no need for a fixed contribution. We have decided to keep our fundraising simple and easy - donate what you can to the Taylor PTA to fund the much needed financial support for our annual PTA budget. The PTA funds programs throughout the year that directly improve our children’s educational experience and support our Taylor teachers and staff. Some examples of the PTA sponsored programs are field trips and “In Trips” - presentations and assemblies brought to Taylor for all to enjoy. We also support various enrichment programs during and after school such as author visits, “Art in the Classroom”, outdoor lab, STEAM presentations, and After School Enrichment classes and clubs. In addition, the PTA gives teachers curriculum enhancement grants to purchase items to enhance their curriculum and classrooms.

Because the Taylor PTA is a registered 501(3)(C), your contribution is tax deductible and may be eligible for employer matched gifts. If additional documentation is needed or you have any other questions, please contact fundraising@taylorpta.org.

 Outdoor Lab

The Outdoor Lab allows a weekend or two each year for APS schools to visit on a Saturday or Sunday to make use of their outdoor learning lab in Fauquier County. The chair sets up the date of your school’s visit with Outdoor Lab staff, purchases any supplies needed (Ie. hot dogs, marshmallows, chocolate bars for smores, etc.) and coordinates any additional volunteers needed for that day. Remember to make sure the message gets out to the communications team so parents can save the date!

 Phys Ed (pe) Liaison -

Field day / mcm

The PTA supports the PE department with fun activities during the year, namely two main events: the Marine Corps Marathon in the Fall and Field Day in the Spring. For the MCM, the PE liaison helps organize the MCM bags and with student registration. The PTA liaison also plans events, preps, and manages volunteer participation on Field Day.

 Performing Arts

Each year, the PTA sponsors a field trip for every grade level to attend a performing arts performance hosted by The Kennedy Center or Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater. This program allows every Taylor student the opportunity to experience the magic of live performances or theater, sometimes in an interactive way.

PTA fundraisers help us raise the money necessary to schedule these field trips for our students and teachers!

 Reflections

Reflections is a national PTA-Sponsored program that encourages students to express themselves artistically. Each year the National PTA selects a theme and students create a piece of artwork that reflects the theme in Literature, Photography, Dance, Visual Arts, Film or Music. Students submit their entries of their unique interpretation of the chosen theme, for judging at the county, division, state and ultimately national level if they advance. This is a wonderful, inclusive way for all Arlington students to express themselves in their own artistic ways.

Calling all Creative Minds!

Does your student enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections! This year’s theme is Accepting Imperfection.

Students are permitted to submit multiple entries if they are in different categories. Each entry requires its own entry form. Entries are due November 15, 2024; drop off starting November 8th in the front office or email chair for home address drop off. For any questions, please email the Taylor Elementary liaison, Rebecca Villane, Rebecca.villane@gmail.com

For inspiration, visit the Reflections virtual art gallery and learn more about prizes and scholarships at PTA.org/Reflections/Awards.

RESTAURANT NIGHTS - FUNDRAISING

Who doesn’t love a night away from the stove? Our Restaurant Nights are a fabulous way to support local businesses, provide a delicious meal for the family and raise funds for the Taylor PTA! We have partnered with some great spots around town so check out our PTA Calendar for upcoming Restaurant Nights.

 Rising K and New FAMILY PLAYDATE

Starting school can be a scary thing for our youngsters! To help Kindergartners and new First Graders meet new friends and get used to Taylor, the PTA plans play dates and a welcome picnic over the summer. The parents also get to make connections at the playdates and picnic, but also at parent-specific events following the Taylor Open House before school starts or after Back to School night early in the fall. The chair for these events is also a great resource for any information you need as you navigate sign ups and start of school details!

Siblings are always welcome. Please email if you would like to be added to the email list.

New! summer dates for 2025 announced

All of the following meet-ups will take place at the Taylor Kindergarten Playground

April 26 9:30-11

May 17 3:30-5

June 8 3:30-5

June 22 3:30-5

July 12 9:30-11

July 27 3:30-5

August 17 3:30-5

 Room Parent Coordination

The role of the Room Parent Committee is to act as a liaison from the teacher/lead to the families of that particular classroom. Additionally, the Room Parent ideally provides support and communication between the Taylor PTA and families. This committee helps to ensure that each teacher has a designated room parent and to assist the room parents throughout the school year. The committee also helps with the organization and collection of teacher and staff holiday and end of year gifts.

2023-2024 School Year - Come visit our PTA Table at Open House; we’ll have some great information to share about how you can become a Room Parent!

running clubs

The Taylor PTA partners with the Girls on the Run program to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” Third through Fifth grade girls participate in morning or afternoon sessions. We have expanded to partner with Boys Gotta Run (locally owned and operated), and Flash Running Wild club, operated by a Taylor Tiger mother. You can join the FRW Listserv HERE.

GIRLS ON THE RUN

FLASH RUNNING WILD

Healthy Kids Running Series - https://healthykidsrunningseries.org/race-locations/arlington-va/

 School Pictures

The PTA coordinates school pictures each year, which allows us to capture all of the staff’s and students’ smiling faces for the yearbook. The chair sets up school picture dates, organizes the classes, teachers and volunteers and communicates with the vendor. They also help coordinate retakes and the 5th grade clubs and panoramic pictures. Say cheese!

 School Store

Calling all future entrepreneurs and accountants! This is where math and business skills really come into play. Our school store is run by a group of 5th graders with volunteer parents who oversee the store. It offers the chance to teach students real-world skills. Handling money, serving customers, keeping track of inventory … these are all valuable skills school store helpers learn. Students also have fun selecting the stock and who knows best what the popular items for the school store are!

We are in need of a 5th grade parent volunteer, or set of volunteers to support the School Store for the 2023-2024 school year. Please inquire with the PTA President.

 School Supplies

The School Supplies Committee works with teachers from each grade to determine which classroom supplies children will need in the upcoming school year. In the Spring, we publish the final supply list by grade, and begin taking parent orders via the Edukit website. In late August, our bulk order arrives at Taylor, and we spend two days sorting and delivering the supplies to each teacher's classroom, so they can be ready for children to use on the first day of school.

2024-2025 School Year

The ordering window for EduKit supplies has opened for the 2024-2025 school year!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM EDUKIT.

Click HERE to view school supplies by grade.

 Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a fun, engaging and hands-on exploration of a range of science and engineering topics for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students.  In a typical year, the team practices with parent mentors to compete in their chosen science and engineering events.  Their work culminates in a day-long competition with other elementary schools in Northern Virginia. 

SEASONAL FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

We are fortunate to be surrounded by a community of enterprises that love giving back. Please check out these new opportunities to shop local, and give back to Taylor. Stay Tuned for future updates!

 Social Media

The social media committee consists of one person posting daily, or as often as possible or needed, to convey messages to the online social audience for Taylor Elementary which consists mostly of parents, staff and other APS schools. First and foremost are highlights or important events concerning Taylor or APS, notifications pertaining to the PTA newsletter or the principal’s messages. Secondly are wider school related matters that the community should be aware of. Thirdly are just general matters or topics that are related to Taylor, elementary education or our surrounding school community. Keeping the Taylor PTA Facebook and Twitter pages up to date and responding to any queries that come through those channels are also part of the responsibility. The social media chair coordinates with the PTA President and Communications Chair. This role requires frequent involvement and attention to daily events. Keeping with social media best practices these online communications and postings should remain laser focused on the school, our PTA, the principal, APS, education and wellness of elementary aged children and little else. As of 2020, Taylor Elementary has Facebook and Twitter accounts only.

 Special Education Liaison

The Special Education Liaison serves as a resource to the school community about Special Education for students with disabilities. Duties include: attending meetings of the Arlington County Special Education PTA meetings; sharing relevant information about special education and related activities and events with the school community; reviewing, and as appropriate, reporting on recent activities of the Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee meetings; and providing periodic updates to the school unit PTA. This role requires a moderate level of activity throughout the school year and communication is key. One of the important responsibilities of this position is to build awareness to disability and special education-related issues and to share information with other Taylor families.

  spirit days

There is no better way to show school unity with a twist of fun and creativity, by participating in Friday Spirit Days! The Taylor Staff Sunshine Committee plans these for the year. Check out the weekly themes on our PTA Calendar.

 Spirit Wear

There is no better way to show your school spirit than by wearing some Taylor gear! Our chair(s) coordinate wonderful apparel each year, primarily for sale in the fall but select products are available throughout the year at events. Spirit wear can be purchased in our online store during a select window of time. Look for other opportunities throughout the year to get your gear if you missed out!

The Spring Fair is an annual tradition, and a tremendous day of fun for the Taylor community. The Fair takes over the school and grounds with games, bake sale, food trucks, crafting, cotton candy and sno cones, a tie dye station and more! Don’t forget the raffle! PTA and parent volunteers make this beloved Taylor Tradition possible each year.

 STEAM

The STEAM chair coordinates with the STEAM staff lead to organize activities and events that are STEAM related. In the past we have had: STEAM DAY, Career Day in the Spring (speakers from STEAM related fields) and Cardboard Day, where a donated collection of cardboard allows the students to engineer and create masterpieces. We also try to get tadpoles from Gulf Branch Nature Center and distribute them to classrooms in the spring.

 Student Council

The SCA elections committee supports the Taylor staff SCA advisor to carry out the SCA election each Fall at Taylor. The committee chair reaches out to the SCA advisor in September to understand the needs for the election. This is usually parent volunteers throughout the day of the election and every few years is the purchase of “I Voted” stickers for the students. Once the date and schedule for the election is established, the chair organizes a sign-up for parent volunteers, advertises it in the PTA weekly newsletter and ensures adequate volunteer coverage for the event.

 Sustainability

Help the PTA keep Taylor Green! The PTA chair coordinates recycling initiatives with a teacher lead and student committee.

Taylor Recycling Challenge

We are excited to announce that Taylor has partnered with NexTrex for the Recycling Challenge. We will be collecting plastic film in specialty boxes in the lobby across the school year with the goal of collecting and recycling 1000 pounds of plastic. If we achieve our goal, we will be getting a new bench for one of the playgrounds! 

What counts as plastic film?

Grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, plastic shipping envelopes, ziploc and other re-closable food storage bags, cereal bags, drink case over wrap, pallet wrap and stretch film, and product bags. Most importantly all plastic must be clean, dry and free of all food residue. 

Plastic Film Drop off is available in the lobby during school and extended day hours. Please feel free to start dropping off your plastics today!

If you'd like to support the Sustainability committee and help weigh the plastics and bring them to the donation center, please email sustainability@taylorpta.org.  

SUSTAINABILITY TIPS FOR A HAPPY HEALTHY EARTH

We recently discussed how the fashion industry is one of the major polluting industries in the world, accounting for 8-10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. A great way to lower your carbon footprint is to buy used clothing or fewer “investment pieces” instead of supporting the fast-fashion industry. Additionally, when your kids outgrow clothes they should never end up in the landfill. Here’s what you should do instead:

• If the clothes are in great shape, and of “desirable” labels like Boden, Tea, J. Crew, take them to a local kids’ consignment store (like 529 Kids Consign) and get some money back!

• If the clothes are in great shape but rejected by consignment stores due to “label” issues, donate to places like Goodwill/Salvation Army or local groups for families in need. You should note though that Goodwill for example will NOT accept anything with stains or holes, and they DO sort through these; they’ll end up in a landfill if in bad shape.

• If the clothes have holes or stains, or are very worn, take them to a clothing recycling program. The North Face accepts all such clothing for recycling (doesn’t have to be North Face brand). The only thing they reject is underwear.

• Bottom line, only underwear should end up in a landfill.

 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

The PTA greatly appreciates the hard work required for our staff and teachers to teach our students. As a thank you, the PTA coordinates an annual Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week in the Spring. Typically we host 3 feasts for the teachers and staff -- 2 luncheons and 1 breakfast. The chair makes sure it is a fun celebration by choosing a theme and planning daily events. The students are encouraged to get involved!

 Teacher and Staff Birthdays

The Teacher/Staff Birthday Chair recognizes the hard work of our Taylor teachers and staff by sending a card and gift card to every teacher and staff during the month of their birthday.

 Teacher Conference Lunches

The PTA and numerous parent volunteers provide food and help serve the staff and teachers at a luncheon each fall and spring in recognition of their hard work. Look out for a Sign Up Genius to get involved and show your appreciation!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the chair at teacherlunchfall@taylorpta.org

 Welcome(back) to Taylor!

The PTA works to welcome new families joining Taylor to the Taylor Community. The committee helps to educate new families about Taylor and share with them helpful PTA resources that will assist with their transition into the school.

Are you new to Taylor? Check out our new families page for further details.

The Taylor PTA coordinates yearbook production and sales each year.  The yearbook is a great way for students to remember their Taylor experience.  Parent volunteers work with other Taylor parents, teachers and staff to collect hundreds of photos from 40+ school clubs, holidays and other activities to commemorate these precious elementary school years.  To showcase our school spirit, our wonderful Taylor art teachers coordinate the yearbook cover contest each year where original student artwork is featured on the front and back covers.  Watch for messages from your art teacher on submitting an entry for the school yearbook cover!

PURCHASE YORUR 2023-2024 YEARBOOK HERE: Order Yearbooks | Lifetouch Yearbooks

Help document all the wonderful memories at Taylor and contribute photos to the Taylor yearbook! We need parent volunteers from each grade to take charge and dig through their photo collection for each grade, event and club. 

Please sign up here to contribute photos for each grade/club:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044FACA82BA2FA7-49028921-2024

Preorder yearbooks by May 10th. A limited number of books will be available for purchase for $25 if you miss the pre-order deadline.