Sunday, September 4, 2016

ARE YOU INTERESTED in the TVLA or free preschool?


BACK TO SCHOOL information includes new starting and dismissal times for all grade levels


TAYLOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 2016-17 calendar


BOARD OF EDUCATION members, meeting times and current telephone numbers of schools in the district


TOMMIE SAYLOR: Break it down to build it up!

“Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
President John F. Kennedy

By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal

I knew that I would have some time on my hands in July, so I took the opportunity to tackle a project that has been gnawing at me for a while, a six foot privacy fence that runs along the property line in my backyard. 

My son and I installed this fence a couple of years ago, and though it was functional, it was not well built.  We installed this fence in a hurry, used inferior material and really did not have the proper tools to complete the job in a professional manner. 

We ended up with this six-foot wooden privacy fence to keep our dogs in our yard, and though it served this purpose rather well, it was weak, vulnerable to the elements and looked hideous. Given a couple of years to reflect and learn what should have been done, July it was time to tear down the old fence and rebuild a newer, better fence.

When my son and I started on this project, it looked ugly.  Step one was demolition, tearing down the old fence and breaking it up into smaller pieces for disposal.  I got that feeling in the pit of my stomach, telling me that everything has gone awry.  While looking over this horrid pile of old twisted wood scattered all over my backyard, I could see nothing but disaster. Maybe I should have just left well enough alone and dealt with the ugliness of the old fence.

But then I remembered my vision, the dream of a beautiful new fence, well built and strong as well as functional.  So, I hid my fears, swallowed down my uncertainties and came to the conclusion that though the demolition phase is dreadful, it is necessary to tear down the old fence so that the new, stronger, long lasting and better fence can be created.

As the days passed and the construction of the new fence wore on, we ran into our share of problems: Uneven ground, rocky terrain, cost overruns and menacing neighbors that were full of advice yet offered no assistance. 

Through all of this, the fence slowly took shape and now stands strong and tall, level across the top regardless of the rolling topography, both charming and functional at the same time.  Needless to say, I am now very proud to boast that I built that fence.

As I stood back and admired my handiwork, it occurred to me that the lessons learned in the execution of this project are easily transferable.  As with fences, when an organization finds itself in the need of repair, the most dreadful aspect of the reformulation is the demolition. But before you can build up, you must first break down.  The key is to keep your eyes on the prize, the vision, not on what is, but what is to come.


Helping students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.


MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL open house is September 14

“Happy New School Year” from the staff of McDowell Elementary School.

We are all gearing up for a great school year. Ms. Andrea and her crew have worked all summer getting our building ready. We appreciate every one of our students and their families that will join us at McDowell this fall! 

We invite you to join us at our Open House on Wednesday, September 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 6:30.  Come and see your child's classroom and find out what your child will learn this year. Also, meet the Principal Ms. Borg and many other staff that make up our McDowell team.

We especially want you to meet those new to our building, Mrs. Alef (fourth grade), Mr. Young (fifth),  Mrs. Beddingfield (resource), and our new secretary, Ms. Donaldson. 

In our school...
  •   We are like pieces of a puzzle.
  •   Each piece is special.
  •   Each piece is important
  •   Each piece is unique,
  •   Each piece is needed to create a beautiful picture.

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL: Forms needed on first day

Staff at Kennedy High School would like remind everyone that the first day of school, Tuesday, September 6, will be a half day of school starting at 7:20 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m.

Because this day will serve as an orientation day, the following forms must be completed prior to the first day of school:
  • Emergency Cards (2)
  • Title I Parent/Student/Teacher/Principal Compact
  • Concussion Form

A packet, which will include these forms, was mailed in August. 

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL picture day is September 9


Picture Day at Kennedy High School is
 Friday, September 9. ID cards will be issued on the day.

TAKE A TRIP TO ENGLAND next summer

Take a trip to England during the summer of 2017.

This excursion is open to Advanced Placement English students and Accelerated students in the classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018. Parents are welcome.
  • Attend a Shakespearean play in Shakespeare's Globe Theater.
  • Visit the birthplace of Shakespeare.
  • Walk the streets of London.
  • Enjoy an English high tea.
  • Learn about architecture, art, and history.
  • Peruse paintings in London's National Gallery.
  • Visit Stonehenge.

This trip is planned by the Explorica company, and will take place June 26-July 3, 2017.

The cost includes: all travel expenses (air, motor coaches, etc.), all admission fees for sites, two meals per day, tour guide (who stays with us from the time we arrive at the airport until we leave), other guides as needed, and tips.

For more information, visit the trip website here.

TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL PTA seeks more participation

The Truman High School PTA is focusing on membership and have some wonderful parents who have accepted officer positions and the group is off and running. Now we need all Truman parents to come get involved.

For more information, Contact Mary Logan, Parent Liaison, at

TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL provided on-site mental health and substance abuse programs

Truman High School is one of many schools to participate in a grant that provides On-Site Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Programs. 


If your child is in need of these services or you would like more information, click here.

FOOD SERVICE seeks substitute cooks

The Taylor School District Food Service Department is hiring Substitute Cooks. 


Work varies from 5-15 hours per week. Rate of pay is $8.85 an hour. Applicants must be able to travel to all schools

For more information, contact the Human Resource Department,

23033 Northline Road or by phone (734) 374-1200 or fax (734) 374-1291.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS return with half-day

School begins on Tuesday, September 6, and all Taylor School District elementary schools will have a half-day schedule, 8:35 a.m.- 11:39 a.m.



Full days begin Wednesday, September 7. Full days are scheduled from 8:35 a.m.-3:22 p.m.

RANDALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S open house is September 6


Randall Elementary School’s open house is scheduled for 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, September 6. Please stop by!

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL open house is September 15

Taylor Parks Elementary School’s Open House is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. September 15. Please stop by!


SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS published on most school pages

Most suggested school supply lists are published on the home page of your child’s school, and are available in downloadable PDF formats. Please click on the Taylor School District school page and then find your school by clicking on the “schools” tab on the upper right-hand side of the page.



HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL holds parent-student-teacher orientation night

Hoover Middle School held its parent-student-teacher orientation night last week. Here are some photographs from the event.

West Middle School's was held last week.