I have a function to programmatically create tasks:

    public static ID createTask(SObject taskObject, String subject, String priority,
                                String description, ID assignedToId) {
        Task theTask = new Task();
        theTask.WhatId = taskObject.Id;
        theTask.Subject = subject;
        theTask.Priority = priority;
        theTask.Description = description;
        theTask.OwnerId = assignedToId;
        insert theTask;
        return theTask.Id;
    }

How do I also create a companion email that is sent immediately similar to the behavior of the 'Send Notification Email' checkbox on the new task UI page?

Thanks!

Dave