J. P. Taravella High School

J. P. Taravella High School
Address
10600 Riverside Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33071
Information
School type High School
Motto J.P.T. Where the "P" stands for Pride!
Founded 1981
School board Broward County Public Schools
Principal Dr. Jason Nault
Grades 9–12
Enrollment 3244 (2016[1])
Area Broward County
Color(s) Silver and Blue          
Mascot The Trojan
Team name Trojans
Website http://taravella.browardschools.com/

J. P. Taravella High School is a secondary school located in Coral Springs, Florida which teaches grades 9–12. The school is a part of the Broward County Public Schools district.

Taravella is ranked within the top 1% of all public high schools in the United States. It was also the recipient of the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1987,[2] and has an FCAT school grade of "A" for the 2011–2012 academic year.[3] However, the school received a "C" grade by county evaluators for the 2015-2016 academic year. [4]

In 2007, Taravella won the Grand Championship and also swept all awards at the Vero Beach Crown Jewel Marching competition.

In 2008, the J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as one of two bands (the other being Florida A&M) to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.

In 2016, the J.P. Taravella Newspaper, known as the JPT Chariot was selected by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for their renowned online website and print newspaper. The JPT Chariot took the Silver Prize (Second) for 'FSPA 2015-16 Newspaper Evaluations' in Florida.

Taravella has a very active vocal music department which has received many accolades both within Broward County and throughout the state of Florida. The vocal music department is currently under the direction of Mrs. Katherine La Rosa.


History

The school was named after Joseph Phillip Taravella (1919–1978), who was the president and chairman of Coral Ridge Properties Incorporated, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and a founder of the City of Coral Springs.

Demographics

As of 2012, the total student enrollment was 3060. The ethnic makeup of the school was 40% White, 23.7% Black, 30% Hispanic, 3.69% Asian or Pacific Islander, 2.09% Multiracial, and .29% Native American or Native Alaskan.[1]

Academic and Extracurricular Programs

J.P. Taravella offers many Academic and Extracurricular Programs that are award winning.

Academy of Finance

The Academy of Finance (AOF) connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, securities, insurance, accounting, taxes and economics. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to enhance classroom learning, including work-based learning activities, field trips, guest speakers, and cooperative learning projects.[5]

Marching Band

J.P. Taravella Marching Band was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to represent Florida in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.

Debate

The school was renowned for its competitive Speech and Debate team, coached by Beth Goldman, whose members garnered numerous accolades—both locally and nationally. At the 2009 NFL National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, all three Taravella national qualifiers finished in the top six. Captain John Mern finished sixth in the nation in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, and Debate Co-Captains Mickael Silangil and Brian Zakarin finished fourth in the nation in Public Forum Debate. In Goldman's final year, captain Rohit Bhandari placed 6th at the University of Pennsylvania National Invitational and 3rd place at the state tournament in United States Extemporaneous speaking. Goldman has now left and has been replaced by Jon Price.

DECA

Members are co-curricular in the Academy of Marketing and Academy of Finance classes. Students are involved in chapter community service projects, and compete at the district, state, and international levels of marketing competition.[6]

National Honor Society

J.P. Taravella has a chapter for students in The National Honor Society.[7]

Newspaper - JPT Chariot

J.P. Taravella Newspaper, known as the JPT Chariot was selected by the Florida Scholastic Press Association in 2016 for there renowned online website and print newspaper. The JPT Chariot took the Silver Prize (Second) for 'FSPA 2015-16 Newspaper Evaluations' in Florida. The program was run at the time by Amiee Vignola, but is now run by Carla Mroz.

JPTV

“JPTV Live” hit the airwaves at J.P. Taravella High School on May 25, 1990 with segments on club activities, sports, and world news. JPTV Live received third place award for On-the-Spot Broadcasting Category at the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) Convention in 1990. Now, JPTV has taken a new generation of TV Production where students can enter film, video, and broadcast competitions throughout the country and take part in a career program that allows them to achieve industry certification and scholarships to college where they can major in any career imaginable.

SECME/Engineering

J.P. Taravella has a renowned Engineering program run by John Tunon. The program lasts 4 years in which students receive industry certifications, hands-on experience, and get to compete in International competitions. The program also offers a club to offer more experience and learning. The club president is Brandon Powell.[8]

ACE Mentoring

The ACE Mentoring program is a optional step into the field of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. J.P. Taravella's ACE program is the largest in the county.


Notable alumni

2015 Incidents

During the 2014-15 school year two small fires, two fights and the arrest of a student at J.P. Taravella High School prompted major concern. Through the rest of the week there was a heavy police presence at the school. The Broward School District said more officers than usual were at the school Wednesday "as an extra precaution and deterrent to potential disruptions," spokeswoman Nadine Drew said. "The school operated its normal schedule of classes and activities today, without incident."[10]

2016 Incidents

During the 2015-2016 school, there was a rally known as JPT Carnival. Students protested against an administrator's confiscation a student's Haitian flag as they were taking pictures. The administrator claimed they were "throwing up" gang signs. The incident ended up on the news, after the student whose flag was taken away expressed her concerns on Twitter. The students were encouraged to bring their flags to school to show their pride. The rallying ended up getting out of control after it got mixed in with senior pranks. These pranks included cockroaches and crickets being released in the cafeteria. Classes during "A" and "B" lunch were also skipped by students. During the beginning of school students were jumping on and off the lunch tables located outside. Some students went as far to start a food fight during "A" and "B" lunch and steal a golf car used by security. This, however, only lasted for one day as the administrator apologized after claiming the student whose flag she confiscated ruined her reputation.

References

  1. 1 2 http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/dsa/counts/1617/2016-17%20First%20Day%20Enrollment%20Count.pdf
  2. ↑ http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-1982.pdf
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ J.P. Taravella. Broward Schools http://taravella.browardschools.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22175&Itemid=83082. Retrieved 6 August 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ↑ JPT DECA http://www.jptdeca.com/. Retrieved 6 August 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ↑ http://taravella.browardschools.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33839&Itemid=83104. Retrieved 6 August 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. ↑ J.P. Taravella. Broward County Public Schools http://taravella.browardschools.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33826:robotics&catid=18149:clubs-and-organizations&Itemid=83111. Retrieved 6 August 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ↑ "Robbie Widlansky Bio". Fausports.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Fires, fights at Springs high school prompt police patrols". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 21 July 2015.

Coordinates: 26°13′56″N 80°16′05″W / 26.2322893°N 80.2681383°W / 26.2322893; -80.2681383

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