Statewide Testing Begins in May — Supporting Student Success at Taft 7–12
At Taft 7–12, we take pride in supporting our students as they demonstrate what they have learned throughout the school year. During the month of May, students in 7th, 8th, and 11th grades will participate in Oregon Statewide Assessments in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science.
These assessments are an important part of understanding student growth and ensuring students are developing the skills needed for success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.
Why Statewide Testing Matters:
Statewide assessments help us answer important questions about student learning and school performance. These tests:
Provide real evidence of what students know and can do
Measure skills students are expected to master at each grade level
Help schools identify strengths and areas where additional support is needed
Ensure students are prepared for future academic and career expectations
Give students valuable experience with real-world testing situations
Just like adults take exams for driver’s licenses, job certifications, and college placement, statewide testing helps students build confidence, persistence, and problem-solving skills.
Student Effort Matters
At Taft 7–12, we emphasize effort, focus, and persistence during testing. Students are encouraged to:
Take their time
Stay focused
Show their best thinking
Take pride in demonstrating their learning
Students are not graded on their test score, but they are expected to show effort and engagement during testing. Trying their best is what matters most.
Why Participation Is Important:
Statewide assessments are one way Oregon measures how well schools are serving students.
When students participate:
The data reflects the true learning happening in our classrooms
Teachers can better support student needs
Schools can improve programs and instruction
Students gain practice that may be required for graduation in future years
Your student’s participation helps strengthen our school community and ensures their hard work is recognized.
Testing Schedule
Below is the planned testing timeline:
April 28 – May 1: English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
May 4 – May 8: Mathematics
May 11 – May 15: Science
May 18 – May 21: SBAC Make-Up Testing
Students will complete these assessments during their regular content classes.
How Families Can Help
Families play an important role in supporting student success during testing. You can help by:
Ensuring your student gets a good night’s sleep
Encouraging regular attendance
Providing a healthy breakfast
Offering positive encouragement and reassurance
Feeling nervous is normal, and encouragement from home makes a difference.
Tigers Stronger Together — Show What You Know
Statewide testing is an opportunity for students to:
Show their growth
Challenge themselves
Build confidence
Take pride in their learning
We appreciate your partnership in supporting student success during statewide testing.
If you have any questions about testing schedules or expectations, please contact the school office.
Together, Tigers are Stronger — and ready to show what they know!
At Taft 7–12, we take pride in supporting our students as they demonstrate what they have learned throughout the school year. During the month of May, students in 7th, 8th, and 11th grades will participate in Oregon Statewide Assessments in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science.
These assessments are an important part of understanding student growth and ensuring students are developing the skills needed for success in high school, college, careers, and beyond.
Why Statewide Testing Matters:
Statewide assessments help us answer important questions about student learning and school performance. These tests:
Provide real evidence of what students know and can do
Measure skills students are expected to master at each grade level
Help schools identify strengths and areas where additional support is needed
Ensure students are prepared for future academic and career expectations
Give students valuable experience with real-world testing situations
Just like adults take exams for driver’s licenses, job certifications, and college placement, statewide testing helps students build confidence, persistence, and problem-solving skills.
Student Effort Matters
At Taft 7–12, we emphasize effort, focus, and persistence during testing. Students are encouraged to:
Take their time
Stay focused
Show their best thinking
Take pride in demonstrating their learning
Students are not graded on their test score, but they are expected to show effort and engagement during testing. Trying their best is what matters most.
Why Participation Is Important:
Statewide assessments are one way Oregon measures how well schools are serving students.
When students participate:
The data reflects the true learning happening in our classrooms
Teachers can better support student needs
Schools can improve programs and instruction
Students gain practice that may be required for graduation in future years
Your student’s participation helps strengthen our school community and ensures their hard work is recognized.
Testing Schedule
Below is the planned testing timeline:
April 28 – May 1: English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
May 4 – May 8: Mathematics
May 11 – May 15: Science
May 18 – May 21: SBAC Make-Up Testing
Students will complete these assessments during their regular content classes.
How Families Can Help
Families play an important role in supporting student success during testing. You can help by:
Ensuring your student gets a good night’s sleep
Encouraging regular attendance
Providing a healthy breakfast
Offering positive encouragement and reassurance
Feeling nervous is normal, and encouragement from home makes a difference.
Tigers Stronger Together — Show What You Know
Statewide testing is an opportunity for students to:
Show their growth
Challenge themselves
Build confidence
Take pride in their learning
We appreciate your partnership in supporting student success during statewide testing.
If you have any questions about testing schedules or expectations, please contact the school office.
Together, Tigers are Stronger — and ready to show what they know!
Congratulations to Culinary,
Sophia got 2nd in customer service
Abby got 1st
Lynnlie got 2nd in cake decorating
Carlos got 3rd in job skill demo.
You ROCK!
Student, Parents and Community,
ROAD CLOSED
There will be road closures starting on April 28th until May 8th.
Access to U.S. 101 from SE 48th Place closes on April 27 for about two weeks, expect:
Signed detours.
U.S. 101 traffic can continue to go east onto SE 48th Place using the open single lane.
Westbound SE 48th Place traffic can get to U.S. 101 by turning left onto SE Inlet Avenue, right onto SE Jetty Avenue, another right onto SE 51st Street and continue to the traffic signal at U.S. 101.
The right lane of U.S. 101 near NE 48th Place will close during this work.
The closure to last up to two weeks.
Business and parking access to remain open.
Please check the website for more information - https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=22434
Thank you.
ROAD CLOSED
There will be road closures starting on April 28th until May 8th.
Access to U.S. 101 from SE 48th Place closes on April 27 for about two weeks, expect:
Signed detours.
U.S. 101 traffic can continue to go east onto SE 48th Place using the open single lane.
Westbound SE 48th Place traffic can get to U.S. 101 by turning left onto SE Inlet Avenue, right onto SE Jetty Avenue, another right onto SE 51st Street and continue to the traffic signal at U.S. 101.
The right lane of U.S. 101 near NE 48th Place will close during this work.
The closure to last up to two weeks.
Business and parking access to remain open.
Please check the website for more information - https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=22434
Thank you.
Parents and community members,
This week the senior parent group has a few events!! Come out and support the senior parent group as they are raising funds for the senior class of 2026!!
April 21st, Tuesday - Trivia at Pelican 6PM to 8PM
April 22nd - Wednesday - Bingo at The Pines 6PM to 8PM
More dates for Trivia at Pelican!!
Monday, April 27th
Tuesday, May 5th
Monday, May 11th
Tuesday, May 19th
Come and support our seniors.
This week the senior parent group has a few events!! Come out and support the senior parent group as they are raising funds for the senior class of 2026!!
April 21st, Tuesday - Trivia at Pelican 6PM to 8PM
April 22nd - Wednesday - Bingo at The Pines 6PM to 8PM
More dates for Trivia at Pelican!!
Monday, April 27th
Tuesday, May 5th
Monday, May 11th
Tuesday, May 19th
Come and support our seniors.
Taft 7-12 is looking to fill the following coaching positions for the 2026/2027 school year.
Boys Head Wrestling Coach
Girls Head Wreslting Coach
Head Middle School Football Coach and Assistants
Assistant Boys Basketball Coaches
If you are interested in seeking out a coaching position at Taft 7-12 for the upcoming school year please follow the link provided and apply. Our athletic department is looking to fill these roles before June 2026!
Application Link: https://www.applitrack.com/lincolnk12/OnlineApp/default.aspx?Category=Athletics%2fActivities
Taft 7–12 Spring Conferences Are Coming!
Student-Led • Student-Centered • Community Focused
We are excited to invite families and community members to our Spring Student-Led Conferences and
Student Showcase!
This year, we are continuing our focus on student-centered conferences, where students take the lead in sharing their learning, growth, and accomplishments. Families will have the opportunity to see authentic student work, hear directly from students about their progress, and celebrate the incredible learning happening at Taft.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, April 15th — Student Showcase & Open House
5:00–8:00 PM (Walk-In Event)
Join us for an evening filled with:
• Student-led presentations
• Classroom showcases
• STEAM projects
• Writing, science, and math displays
• Student portfolios
• FREE - Food available for families and community members - Enchiladas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and Salad Bar!
This evening is designed to celebrate student learning and strengthen connections between school and community.
Thursday, April 16th — Student-Led Conferences (Traditional Schedule)
Families may sign up or walk in during the following times:
• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
• 1:00–4:00 PM
• 5:00–8:00 PM
Parent can sign up for conferences using Synergy ParentVUE
Students will continue to lead conversations about their learning using their work and reflections.
Why Student-Led Conferences?
Student-led conferences help students:
• Take ownership of their learning
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Reflect on progress and set goals
• Showcase meaningful academic work
Our goal is to strengthen school-family connections while celebrating authentic student learning and increasing participation in conferences.
Tigers Stronger Together
We look forward to welcoming you into our school to celebrate student success and growth. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students!
TIGERS ROCK!
Student-Led • Student-Centered • Community Focused
We are excited to invite families and community members to our Spring Student-Led Conferences and
Student Showcase!
This year, we are continuing our focus on student-centered conferences, where students take the lead in sharing their learning, growth, and accomplishments. Families will have the opportunity to see authentic student work, hear directly from students about their progress, and celebrate the incredible learning happening at Taft.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, April 15th — Student Showcase & Open House
5:00–8:00 PM (Walk-In Event)
Join us for an evening filled with:
• Student-led presentations
• Classroom showcases
• STEAM projects
• Writing, science, and math displays
• Student portfolios
• FREE - Food available for families and community members - Enchiladas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and Salad Bar!
This evening is designed to celebrate student learning and strengthen connections between school and community.
Thursday, April 16th — Student-Led Conferences (Traditional Schedule)
Families may sign up or walk in during the following times:
• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
• 1:00–4:00 PM
• 5:00–8:00 PM
Parent can sign up for conferences using Synergy ParentVUE
Students will continue to lead conversations about their learning using their work and reflections.
Why Student-Led Conferences?
Student-led conferences help students:
• Take ownership of their learning
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Reflect on progress and set goals
• Showcase meaningful academic work
Our goal is to strengthen school-family connections while celebrating authentic student learning and increasing participation in conferences.
Tigers Stronger Together
We look forward to welcoming you into our school to celebrate student success and growth. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students!
TIGERS ROCK!
Taft 7–12 Spring Conferences Are Coming!
Student-Led • Student-Centered • Community Focused
We are excited to invite families and community members to our Spring Student-Led Conferences and
Student Showcase!
This year, we are continuing our focus on student-centered conferences, where students take the lead in sharing their learning, growth, and accomplishments. Families will have the opportunity to see authentic student work, hear directly from students about their progress, and celebrate the incredible learning happening at Taft.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, April 15th — Student Showcase & Open House
5:00–8:00 PM (Walk-In Event)
Join us for an evening filled with:
• Student-led presentations
• Classroom showcases
• STEAM projects
• Writing, science, and math displays
• Student portfolios
• FREE - Food available for families and community members - Enchiladas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and Salad Bar!
This evening is designed to celebrate student learning and strengthen connections between school and community.
Thursday, April 16th — Student-Led Conferences (Traditional Schedule)
Families may sign up or walk in during the following times:
• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
• 1:00–4:00 PM
• 5:00–8:00 PM
Parent can sign up for conferences using Synergy ParentVUE
Students will continue to lead conversations about their learning using their work and reflections.
Why Student-Led Conferences?
Student-led conferences help students:
• Take ownership of their learning
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Reflect on progress and set goals
• Showcase meaningful academic work
Our goal is to strengthen school-family connections while celebrating authentic student learning and increasing participation in conferences.
Tigers Stronger Together
We look forward to welcoming you into our school to celebrate student success and growth. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students!
TIGERS ROCK!
Taft Families, Parents, and Students,
Taft 7–12 is proud to launch Tigers Stronger Together, a student-led initiative designed to promote belonging, kindness, and positive language throughout the school community. The campaign will take place each Wednesday during April, with students and staff engaging in weekly lessons focused on building a stronger, more inclusive school culture.
The Tigers Stronger Together campaign reflects Taft’s commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and connected to their school. Developed with input from students, counselors, and teachers, the lessons focus on strengthening relationships, encouraging respectful communication, and empowering students to take ownership of their school environment.
Throughout the month of April, students will participate in four themed lessons:
Wednesday, April 1 — Everyone Belongs Here
Students explore the importance of inclusion and how small actions can help others feel welcomed and valued.
Wednesday, April 8 — The Power of Language
Students learn how words impact others and how respectful communication helps create a positive and inclusive environment.
Wednesday, April 15 — Kindness is Strength
This lesson focuses on empathy and leadership, helping students understand how kindness strengthens relationships and builds community.
Wednesday, April 22 — Looking Out for Each Other
Students discuss how supporting peers and connecting with trusted adults helps maintain a safe and caring school environment.
The campaign will conclude on the final Wednesday of April with a student-created documentary, highlighting student reflections, experiences, and examples of how the Tigers Stronger Together message has positively impacted the school community.
“This initiative is about empowering students to take pride in their school and take responsibility for the culture we create together,” said Taft 7–12 Principal Nicholas Lupo. “When students feel connected and supported, they are more engaged, more successful, and more willing to support one another. This work reflects the leadership of our students and their commitment to making Taft a place where everyone belongs.”
A key component of the campaign is its student-led approach, with students helping shape messaging, reflect on their experiences, and model positive behaviors across classrooms and activities. Teachers and counselors facilitate the weekly lessons, while students actively engage in discussions and reflections that reinforce shared values across the school.
Families and community members are encouraged to follow Taft 7–12 on social media to see highlights from each weekly lesson and learn more about how students are building a stronger school community together.
Tigers Stronger Together
Tigers ROCK!
Taft 7–12 is proud to launch Tigers Stronger Together, a student-led initiative designed to promote belonging, kindness, and positive language throughout the school community. The campaign will take place each Wednesday during April, with students and staff engaging in weekly lessons focused on building a stronger, more inclusive school culture.
The Tigers Stronger Together campaign reflects Taft’s commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and connected to their school. Developed with input from students, counselors, and teachers, the lessons focus on strengthening relationships, encouraging respectful communication, and empowering students to take ownership of their school environment.
Throughout the month of April, students will participate in four themed lessons:
Wednesday, April 1 — Everyone Belongs Here
Students explore the importance of inclusion and how small actions can help others feel welcomed and valued.
Wednesday, April 8 — The Power of Language
Students learn how words impact others and how respectful communication helps create a positive and inclusive environment.
Wednesday, April 15 — Kindness is Strength
This lesson focuses on empathy and leadership, helping students understand how kindness strengthens relationships and builds community.
Wednesday, April 22 — Looking Out for Each Other
Students discuss how supporting peers and connecting with trusted adults helps maintain a safe and caring school environment.
The campaign will conclude on the final Wednesday of April with a student-created documentary, highlighting student reflections, experiences, and examples of how the Tigers Stronger Together message has positively impacted the school community.
“This initiative is about empowering students to take pride in their school and take responsibility for the culture we create together,” said Taft 7–12 Principal Nicholas Lupo. “When students feel connected and supported, they are more engaged, more successful, and more willing to support one another. This work reflects the leadership of our students and their commitment to making Taft a place where everyone belongs.”
A key component of the campaign is its student-led approach, with students helping shape messaging, reflect on their experiences, and model positive behaviors across classrooms and activities. Teachers and counselors facilitate the weekly lessons, while students actively engage in discussions and reflections that reinforce shared values across the school.
Families and community members are encouraged to follow Taft 7–12 on social media to see highlights from each weekly lesson and learn more about how students are building a stronger school community together.
Tigers Stronger Together
Tigers ROCK!
Future Bound North Update:
Our middle school Future Bound program has been working with a community member on woodworking projects. It has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Thank you for providing this opportunity to the students of Future Bound.
Tigers ROCK!
Our middle school Future Bound program has been working with a community member on woodworking projects. It has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Thank you for providing this opportunity to the students of Future Bound.
Tigers ROCK!
Hello Middle School Families,
Our middle school leadership class is excited to invite students to our Social Movie Night Fundraiser on Friday, April 10th from 3:20pm-5:00pm PM in the commons!
🎟️ Admission: $3
🍿 Concessions: candy, popcorn, and drinks will be for sale ($1-$3 each)
🧺 What to Bring: A cozy blanket/pillow to sit on — students will be seated on the floor during the movie.
💰 Proceeds: All funds raised will support future middle school events and activities.
We’ll be showing Minions: Rise of Gru.
We hope your student will join us for a fun afternoon with friends and snacks — all for a great cause!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our middle school leadership advisor, BillyAnn Martin.
Our middle school leadership class is excited to invite students to our Social Movie Night Fundraiser on Friday, April 10th from 3:20pm-5:00pm PM in the commons!
🎟️ Admission: $3
🍿 Concessions: candy, popcorn, and drinks will be for sale ($1-$3 each)
🧺 What to Bring: A cozy blanket/pillow to sit on — students will be seated on the floor during the movie.
💰 Proceeds: All funds raised will support future middle school events and activities.
We’ll be showing Minions: Rise of Gru.
We hope your student will join us for a fun afternoon with friends and snacks — all for a great cause!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our middle school leadership advisor, BillyAnn Martin.
🏃♂️ ¡Vuelve el atletismo para la escuela media! 🏃♀️
¡Nos entusiasma anunciar el regreso del programa de atletismo para la escuela media (grados 6.º a 8.º) y, por primera vez en varios años, los estudiantes de 6.º grado son elegibles para participar!
📅 Fecha de inicio: 30 de marzo
📍 Lugar: Voris Stadium, Taft High School
📝 Inscripción: Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Aspectos destacados del programa:
De 5 a 6 competencias de atletismo en diversas ubicaciones
Oportunidad de competir en encuentros a nivel de distrito y estatal
Transporte a las competencias proporcionado por el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Lincoln
Sólida colaboración entre Taft 7–12 y Lincoln City Parks & Rec
¿Por qué unirse?
Mantenerse activo y participativo
Forjar amistades y vínculos de equipo
Conocer a atletas de otras comunidades
Aprender los fundamentos del atletismo
Crear recuerdos duraderos
Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los estudiantes crezcan, compitan y formen parte de algo especial. ¡Esperamos verlos en la pista!
👉 ¡No se lo pierdan: inscríbanse hoy mismo!
¡Nos entusiasma anunciar el regreso del programa de atletismo para la escuela media (grados 6.º a 8.º) y, por primera vez en varios años, los estudiantes de 6.º grado son elegibles para participar!
📅 Fecha de inicio: 30 de marzo
📍 Lugar: Voris Stadium, Taft High School
📝 Inscripción: Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Aspectos destacados del programa:
De 5 a 6 competencias de atletismo en diversas ubicaciones
Oportunidad de competir en encuentros a nivel de distrito y estatal
Transporte a las competencias proporcionado por el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Lincoln
Sólida colaboración entre Taft 7–12 y Lincoln City Parks & Rec
¿Por qué unirse?
Mantenerse activo y participativo
Forjar amistades y vínculos de equipo
Conocer a atletas de otras comunidades
Aprender los fundamentos del atletismo
Crear recuerdos duraderos
Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los estudiantes crezcan, compitan y formen parte de algo especial. ¡Esperamos verlos en la pista!
👉 ¡No se lo pierdan: inscríbanse hoy mismo!
🏃♂️ Middle School Track & Field is Back! 🏃♀️
We’re excited to announce the return of Middle School Track & Field (Grades 6–8) — and for the first time in several years, 6th graders are eligible to participate!
📅 Start Date: March 30
📍 Location: Voris Stadium, Taft High School
📝 Registration: Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Program Highlights:
5–6 track meets at various locations
Opportunity to compete in district and state meets
Transportation to meets provided by Lincoln County School District
Strong partnership between Taft 7–12 and Lincoln City Parks & Rec
Why Join?
Stay active and involved
Build friendships and team connections
Meet athletes from other communities
Learn the fundamentals of track & field
Create lasting memories
This is a great opportunity for students to grow, compete, and be part of something special. We hope to see you out on the track!
👉 Don’t miss out—sign up today!
We’re excited to announce the return of Middle School Track & Field (Grades 6–8) — and for the first time in several years, 6th graders are eligible to participate!
📅 Start Date: March 30
📍 Location: Voris Stadium, Taft High School
📝 Registration: Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Program Highlights:
5–6 track meets at various locations
Opportunity to compete in district and state meets
Transportation to meets provided by Lincoln County School District
Strong partnership between Taft 7–12 and Lincoln City Parks & Rec
Why Join?
Stay active and involved
Build friendships and team connections
Meet athletes from other communities
Learn the fundamentals of track & field
Create lasting memories
This is a great opportunity for students to grow, compete, and be part of something special. We hope to see you out on the track!
👉 Don’t miss out—sign up today!
Taft Professionals Day!!
Thank you to both Kiwanis and Rotary for coming to Taft's Professionals Day.
Our juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to connect with professionals to learn about mentoring, career insights, and guidance for navigating their post-secondary plans. Our goal is for students to engage with industry leaders, ask thoughtful questions, and begin building their professional road maps.
GO TAFT!
Thank you to both Kiwanis and Rotary for coming to Taft's Professionals Day.
Our juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to connect with professionals to learn about mentoring, career insights, and guidance for navigating their post-secondary plans. Our goal is for students to engage with industry leaders, ask thoughtful questions, and begin building their professional road maps.
GO TAFT!
Dinner and a show! Special Thanks to LC BBQ & Pelican for donating food and root beer floats!
Jazz Funksgiving!
Congratulations to our 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian! It has been so wonderful to watch you grow through the years at Taft!!
You ROCK!
Congratulations! Kol Tol signing with EOU!!
Way to go...YOU ROCK!
Thank you Kiwanis!!
What a great day at Taft. We hosted the Kiwanis club. We showcased our Culinary Students, the Tiger Striped Players, and celebrated students of the month!!
You all ROCK!
Taft Spring Athletics Picture Dates
Taft Booster Club Meeting Tonight!!
6:00PM Tonight!
Come and join the Booster Team
We want your support!!
6:00PM Tonight!
Come and join the Booster Team
We want your support!!
Blood Drive at Taft!!
Thursday, March 12th from 9:00-2:30
Thank you to the American Red Cross!
