Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Dec. 7, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www. taylorpress.net.
PEACE AND GOODWILL PREVAIL AT TWO PARADES IN TAYLOR; CONTROVERSY TAKES A BACK SEAT
Despite misgivings about a possible culture clash, Taylor’s dual Christmas parades went off without a hitch Saturday, Dec. 3.
The tensions that had been building during the last several days over whether a traditional, family and biblical values parade could spark a confrontation with supporters of a second parade that welcomed LGBTQ-plus community members seemed to evaporate as bystanders gathered to amicably enjoy both processions.
The Taylor Area Ministerial Alliance had its biblical and
family-themed procession, Taylor’s Christmas Parade of Lights, followed by the city of Taylor-sponsored Very Merry Holiday parade.
Hundreds of people lined Main Street wrapped in blankets and with blinking holiday necklaces and antlers to watch the floats go by, listen to carols and enjoy free hot chocolate handed out by the city.
For years, TAMA has been in charge of the city’s traditional Parade of Lights, but this year, the organization added language for participants that “all entries must be consistent with traditional, biblical and family values.”
A float from Taylor Pride in last year’s TAMA procession, which included two individuals dressed in drag, raised the ire of some church members, officials said.
In response, the city this year added a second parade, billed at the same time and place to reflect inclusivity, but later clarified that it would be held immediately afterward due to legal concerns.
There were no reports of any incidents from officials.
Even as the Taylor Police Department kept a watchful eye on the crowd, officers still managed to get into the holiday
spirit.
STAAR INTERIM PROVIDING TAYLOR ISD WITH KEY DATA
A few weeks ago, students in Taylor ISD took the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness interim test, a free optional online assessment that gives administrators important data to help them prepare for the STAAR, a key assessment used in determining the district’s rating each year from the Texas Education Agency.
The STAAR interim does not provide an exact score of how many kids are passing, but is rather a projection on if nothing were to change, on this date in November how would students do.
Taylor ISD Superintendent Devin Padavil said for the 2021-22 school year, the test was not required at Taylor ISD.
“Last year, I gave principals the choice of whether they wanted to use this state projection test, and this year, I am not giving them the choice,” he said. “I made it mandatory that all schools do the assessment because we have to know how our students are performing so our teachers don’t have to guess who needs help and what needs to be covered.”
Padavil stressed that the important thing is not the results so much as what the district does with them.
“This is one of these situations where we have to continue to address the areas where our students are showing deficits,” he said. “The beauty of this year is we know how big the challenge looks like at this point going into the start of 2023. Last year, we didn’t have good data.”
PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM THIS WEEKEND
The community is invited to walk through Bethlehem and experience the miracle of Christmas as Immanuel Lutheran Church in Taylor presents “The Pilgrimage to Bethlehem: A Live Nativity” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at The Church on the Hill’s location at 411 CR 401.
“(People should come) to hear the story of Jesus being born,” said Bonnie Gordon, the coordinator of the production. “It’s the meaning of Christmas. It’s why we celebrate.”
Members of Taylor Pride walk in the city’s Very Merry Holiday Parade Dec. 3.
Photo by Nicole Lessin
Cast members re-enact the marketplace and inns of Bethlehem.
Courtesy photo
