April 2026 Newsletter

Spring is always a busy and exciting time in our schools. Our students are learning, growing, and preparing for important milestones, and this season truly highlights the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families.

We are proud of the progress our students are making and the hard work our staff continues to put in each day. As we move through the final stretch of the school year, we remain focused on helping every child finish strong. Thank you for partnering with us and for the many ways you support Tarkington ISD. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements in the weeks ahead…as you know, we are entering banquet and awards month.

We would also like to recognize a special event that took place just before April began. Our high school students enjoyed a memorable Prom on Saturday, March 28th. The evening was held at a beautiful venue, filled with young men and women dressed to impress. Thank you to the staff members who dedicated their time and effort to planning such a wonderful event for our students. Your commitment helped create lasting memories for everyone involved. I especially liked seeing Elvis make a debut.

April continues to bring exciting opportunities for our students and community. One of the things that makes Tarkington ISD special is the way our community comes together to invest in the future of our students. The M Club’s 10th Annual Crawfish Boil will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in support of Tarkington Student Foundation graduating senior scholarships. Events like this provide meaningful opportunities for our seniors to pursue their goals beyond high school through scholarship support.

Tickets for the Crawfish Boil may be purchased from members of the Tarkington High School senior class who are participating in a friendly sales competition, as well as at Cannon’s and Lone Star Cleaners. Thank you again for your continued support of Tarkington ISD. Together, we are making a difference in our students' lives and strengthening our community.

With appreciation and Longhorn pride,

Dr. Elna Davis

Superintendent, Tarkington ISD

Over the next month, our students in grades 3–5 will be reviewing and preparing for their upcoming state assessments (STAAR). This is an important time for our students, and we truly appreciate your support in ensuring they are at school every day, on time, and ready to learn. Together, we can help our students finish the year strong and feel confident in their abilities.

We also have some fun events coming up! Our Easter celebration will take place on April 2nd during lunch and recess. Your child’s teacher will be sending more details soon. This is still a regular school day, so we kindly ask that students not be checked out early, as we don’t want them to miss any learning or fun activities.

Supporting your child at home is another way to help them succeed. Please continue encouraging your child to practice math facts and read for at least 20 minutes each day. These small, consistent habits make a big difference in your child’s growth and confidence at school.
On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the support you have given me and our staff throughout the year. It is truly a privilege to serve the students and families of Tarkington ISD, and every day spent working with our children is a blessing. Watching their growth, curiosity, and excitement for learning reminds us why this work is so meaningful.
TECS Events:

Easter Egg Hunt, April 2
Zoo Crew Fundraiser, April 2
PK Field Trip, April 9, 8:00-3:10 PM

PK/KG Roundup, April 23, 6:00-8:00 PM

Daddy and Daughter Dance, April 24, 6:00-9:00 PM
Kinder Field Trip, April 27, 9:00-3:00 PM

PK/KG Roundup, May 1, 1:30-3:30 PM

Kindergarten Graduation, May 28, 8:30 AM

TES Events:

Easter Egg Hunt, April 2
Zoo Crew Fundraiser, April 2

Wear Purple (In honor of Military Children), April 9

Daddy and Daughter Dance, April 24, 6:00-9:00 PM

Glee Club Field Trip, May 18, 9:00-2:30 PM
Glee Club Spring Pops Concert, May 18, 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM
Glee Club Performance for School Board, May 18, 5:00 PM

Upcoming STAAR Testing Dates:
April 7 – English Language Arts, Reading (Grades 4–5)
April 8 – English Language Arts, Reading (Grade 3)
April 14 – Science (Grade 5)
April 21 – Math (Grades 4–5)
April 22 – Math (Grade 3)

We had great attendance in March! 6th grade - 96.69%, 7th- 95.80, 8th - 96.39. Overall, 96.32 We recently reviewed data around attendance to begin planning our attendance field trips at the end of the school, and we currently have approximately 250 students who qualify for those trips.

TMS Events:

Wear Purple (In honor of Military Children), April 9

Middle School Spring Band Concert, May 11

Students Career Day, May 14, 8:00-11:00 AM
6th Graders Awards Ceremony, May 18, 3:00 PM
7th Graders Awards Ceremony, May 19, 3:00 PM
8th Graders Promotion Ceremony, May 27, 6:00 PM

Middle School STAAR Testing Dates

Reading - April 7 (6th and 7th) and 8 (8th)

Science 8th Grade - April 14

Social Studies 8th Grade - April 15

Math - April 21 (6th and 7th) and 22 (8th)

8th Graders TSIA-2 Testing, May 7, 8:00-11:30 AM

April Instructional Focus

6th Grade

Math: In April, 6th grade students shift into a full cumulative review of all math concepts learned throughout the year. Instruction focuses on revisiting: Ratios and proportional reasoning, Expressions and equations, Geometry and measurement, Probability.

ELAR: students focus on reviewing key skills, including: Reading comprehension across fiction and nonfiction texts, Identifying main idea, theme, and author’s purpose, Using text evidence to support answers, Writing clear and organized constructed responses.

7th Grade

Math: In April, 7th grade students engage in a comprehensive review of key math concepts from the year, including: Proportional relationships, Equations and inequalities, Geometry and measurement, Probability.

ELAR: Students continue strengthening their skills by: Practicing close reading strategies, Analyzing texts for theme, structure, and author’s craft, Writing extended responses using evidence.

8th Grade

Math: students focus on an intensive cumulative review of major math concepts, including: Linear relationships and slope, Equations and functions, Geometry concepts (surface area and volume).

ELAR: Students review and strengthen their ability to: Analyze complex texts, Identify author’s purpose, theme, and structure, Write detailed and organized responses using evidence.

TMS Cheer:

Tarkington Middle School Cheer is hosting a Mini Cheer Camp for kids ages 4–10 from June 1st-4th , 9–11 AM daily in the TMS Gym. Campers will learn cheers, motion technique, jumps and have fun with friends. Early bird registration is just $50 (until it increases to $60 at the door), and all proceeds support the TMS Cheer Program. This is a closed event. Parents will not be allowed to stay in the gym. You will sign in your child each day and go. Parent performance will be Thursday, June 4th at 11am. Please fill out the Google Doc provided and drop off cash or check to Tarkington Middle School.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeui-p6h40stEB8WnjsmIUdXeMqxiLWEDyHCAPWYgio_Clu8w/viewform?usp=dialog

English Language Arts (Grades 9–12)- Students are engaged in targeted review and application through units that focus on:

Connecting ideas across literary, informational, and argumentative texts

Strengthening reading comprehension and analytical thinking

Producing authentic compositions across multiple genres, including narrative and reflective writing

Applying editing and revising strategies to improve clarity and organization

Mathematics- Math instruction is centered on applying concepts and solving complex problems:

Algebra I & II: Exponential functions, equations, and real-world applications
Geometry: Measurement and relationships of two- and three-dimensional figures
Advanced Math: Trigonometric equations, identities, and vectors

Science- Students are actively engaged in hands-on learning and scientific analysis:

Biology: Ecosystem stability and environmental systems
Chemistry: Stoichiometry and thermochemistry
Physics: Electricity, waves, and energy transfer
Environmental Systems: Human impact on the environment, including emissions and pollutants
Laboratory investigations, data analysis, and evidence-based explanations remain a major focus.

Social Studies- Social Studies courses are emphasizing connections between past and present:

World Geography: Regional studies of Africa and South Asia
World History: Industrialization, imperialism, and political revolutions
U.S. History: Modern America (1970 to present)
Government: Federalism and the structure of government
Economics: Entrepreneurship, economic growth, and public policy

CTE & Electives-Students continue engaging in project-based learning, certification preparation, and hands-on skill development that connects classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Tutorials, Intervention & Academic Support- As we move into April, academic support is strategically focused on EOC readiness to ensure all students are prepared and confident for upcoming assessments.

Thursday Night Live – EOC Prep Sessions 4:00pm - 6:00pm

We are excited to offer targeted Thursday Night Live sessions designed to support students in specific EOC-tested subjects:

April 2: English I & English II
April 9: Biology & U.S. History
April 16: Algebra I

All students are invited and strongly encouraged to attend, especially those currently enrolled in these courses. Students who attend will receive:

A daily grade pass
A tardy pass
Entry into a raffle for door prizes

These sessions are a great opportunity for students to receive focused support, ask questions, and strengthen their understanding ahead of testing.

EOC Testing Schedule

English I: April 7

English II: April 8

Biology: April 14

U.S. History: April 15

Algebra I: April 22

Events:

Wear Purple (In honor of Military Children), April 9

Band/HS UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, April 16

FFA Meeting, April 21, 6:00-7:30 PM

HOSA Blood Drive, April 23

Top 10 Reveal, April 28

Seniors Legacy & Promise Banquet, May 5, 6:00-8:00 PM

State Solo and Ensemble Recital, May 7, 6:00-7:00 PM

Band Awards Night, May 7, 7:00-9:00 PM

Theatre Spring Public Performance, May 9, 6:00-8:00 PM

High School Spring Band Concert, May 12, 7:00-8:30 PM

Class of 2026 Group Photo, May 14

Senior Trip, May 14

FFA Banquet, May 19, 4:00-9:00 PM

Senior Walk, May 20

Senior Awards Night, May 20, 6:30-8:00 PM

Project Grad Senior Sunset, May 21, 7:00-11:00 PM

Grades 9-11 Underclassman Awards, May 21

HS Graduation, May 28, 7:30 PM

"Help, I need Information on..."

Transcripts: To obtain a transcript or to have one sent to a college; please contact the registrar Brittany Thornton at bthornton@tarkingtonisd.net.

Attendance Notes: send attendance notes to Toye Dugat at tngrays@tarkingtonisd.net.

TSF scholarship: to apply for a scholarship; go to: https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/about-tisd/tarkington-student-foundation

VOE: to obtain a VOE to get your driver's license, please contact Toye Dugat at tngrays@tarkingtonisd.net. All other VOE requests: Brittany Thornton at bthornton@tarkingtonisd.net.

Spring Sport Fundraiser is here. Supporting Pre-Athletics, Junior High Boys & Girls Athletics, Powerlifting, Track, Golf, Tennis, Baseball, and Softball. Goal of Raising $20,000 with over 400 student athletes. Link to Fundraiser: https://raise-365.com/ft/u2gm-kpve/2107532

For more information or questions, contact gkennedy@tarkingtonisd.net

The Tarkington Athletic Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 PM in the THS Commons. Athletes receive free admission and one guest. Additional tickets are $20 (meal included). Tickets available March 26 – April 23. Purchase during lunches in the athletic training room Payment options:
• Cash
• Check (made out to THS Athletic Booster)
• Venmo: @TABC24
• Cash App: $TABC24

SPORTS SCHEDULES

Baseball

April 2 - THS Baseball District Game vs Hardin-Jefferson
April 14 - THS Baseball District Game vs Liberty
April 16 - THS Baseball District Game vs Liberty
April 21 - THS Baseball District Game vs Livingston
April 24 - THS Baseball District Game vs Livingston (Senior Night)

Softball

April 2 - THS Softball District Game @ Shepherd
April 10 - THS Softball District Game vs Hamshire-Fannett
April 14 - THS Softball District Game @ Liberty
April 17 - THS Softball District Game vs Huffman (Senior Night)

Track

April 8-9 - THS Track District Track Meet
April 17 - THS Track Area Track Meet
May 1-2 - THS Track Regional Track Meet

Golf

April 1 - THS Boys & Girls Golf District Golf Tournament
April 15-16 - THS Boys & Girls Golf Regional Golf Tournament

Powderpuff Game

May 19 - THS Sophomore Class Powderpuff Games

Athletics Banquet

April 30 - TISD Athletics 2026 Athletics Banquet

To purchase tickets, for game information, or scores-please visit the Athletics page on the TISD website: https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/departments/athletics

Student enrollment as of March 9, 2026 was 1829 with average daily attendance at 94.05%.

TECS: 188, TES: 682, TMS: 450, THS: 509.

Attendance is very important for the education of your student. Not only do they miss out on valuable learning time, but it takes away from funding that the district uses to purchase resources for your student. Our goal at Tarkington ISD is to maintain an attendance percentage of 97%. As you can see by the most recent numbers, we are already below our goal. We appreciate your assistance in getting your student to school every day.

THS - 93.26%, TMS - 94.77%, TES - 94.42%, TEC - 93.11%, TISD - 94.05%

Registration

Parents - we will begin returning student registration soon. Please be sure that you have a parent portal account linked with your student. Please note that a proof of residency is required each year. You may contact Dana Burt for assistance at DBURT@TARKINGTONISD.NET Please include the student's full name and grade level. For more information on registration: https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/families/registration

Absence Notes: If your student misses school, please send an attendance note or doctor's excuse to your campus attendance clerk. Their email addresses are:

THS- TNGRAYS@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TMS - SGILMORE@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TES - STLAMBERT@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TEC - ROLIVER@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TISD - DBURT@TARKINGTONISD.NET

STAAR Testing is Almost Here!

STAAR testing is quickly approaching, and we want to ensure all families feel informed, confident, and ready for this important time of year. Our students have been working hard all year—building skills, practicing strategies, and growing as learners—and we are excited for them to show what they know!

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) measures how well students have learned the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in core subject areas, including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. These assessments provide valuable information about student progress and help guide instruction to ensure continued growth and success.

TISD Assessment Calendar

When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! That’s why we celebrate them every spring with the annual School Lunch Hero Day, May 1. Join TISD in recognizing the difference these team members make for every child who comes through the cafeteria. Draw a picture to give to a cafeteria worker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1TU97LvbQE or download a coloring sheet below.

Meal Menus are now online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/TARKINGTONISD
Try your knowledge of healthy eating habits and take the School Breakfast quiz: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/quizzes/school-breakfast
Play a quick online game about food groups: https://www.sheppardsoftware.com/health/nutrition/food-groups-game/
Click the link below to download a coloring and activity book for National School Breakfast week.

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Special Reminder from the Child Nutrition Department

All negative student meal account balances must be brought current by 5/28/26. Account reminders are sent home weekly. Payments can be made at any campus cafeteria with cash, check or money order made payable to TISD Child Nutrition. Debit/credit cards are not accepted in person, to pay please click the link: https://www.schoolcafe.com/tarkingtonisd

April Calendar

Students do not have school on Fridays in April.

Dates to Remember:

April 3: No School/Holiday

April 11: M Club 10th Annual Crawfish Boil & Auction

April 18: Inclusion Fair

April 25: Purse Bingo

May 5: Legacy and Promise Banquet for Seniors

May 25: No School/Holiday

May 28: Last Day of School/Early Release

May 29: Teacher Workday

Appreciation Days

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day: April 1

School Librarian Appreciation Day: April 2

National Assistant Principal Week: April 6-10

Volunteer Recognition Week: April 20-24

Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day: April 22

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day: April 28

National School Principal Day: May 1

School Lunch Hero Day: May 1

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4-8

Nurse Appreciation Day: May 6

March School Board Meeting Highlights

At the March Board Meeting, the Board recognized TISD Students of Character and received the Superintendent’s Update. The Board also reviewed and considered routine district business, including approval of previous meeting minutes, the monthly financial report, disbursement of funds, and budget amendments. Board discussion items included library book purchases, out-of-state travel for the Tarkington High School volleyball team to attend the KSA Volleyball Tournament in Orlando, a maintenance update, a proposed Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Disaster Staging Site Agreement, camera purchases for TES, TMS, and THS, a safety update, and a 2025-2026 Summer School Program update.

Next Board Meeting: April 20, 6:30pm

For information on Board Policy, Meeting dates, and goals please visit the TISD website at https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/school-board. For Board Meeting Minutes and/or Agendas: https://meetings.boardbook.org/public/Organization/707

Daybreak Health

Daybreak offers family teletherapy for children ages 5-19, helping families strengthen communication, confidence, and connection at home and school. Daybreak provides caring, confidential mental health support designed to help kids grow emotionally and do better everyday. Skip the waitlist-sign up for family therapy with Daybreak today.

More about Daybreak Health:

Teletherapy services are available virtually during convenient hours (Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM) from home or from school.
For younger students, parents join sessions to learn strategies together.
- Click here to learn more about elementary family therapy.
For older students, one-on-one sessions provide personalized support.
- Click here to learn more about individual therapy for students ages

All sessions are confidential. Available in English and Spanish.

Services are billed through insurance, and in some districts, therapy may be fully covered through school partnerships.

Need help - watch a quick video to learn how to request teletherapy today.

Request care for your child:

Sessions available 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday through Saturday.

For more information visit daybreakhealth.com

Spring Allergies Are in Full Bloom

Pollen counts rise quickly this time of year, and many students begin experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, or coughing.
A few tips to help your child stay comfortable:

Consider having them take their allergy medication before school if recommended by their healthcare provider.

Keep an extra pack of tissues in their backpack.

Remind them to wash hands and face after outdoor play to remove pollen.

If your child has severe allergies, please make sure the school has updated action plans and necessary medications.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Meeting
We will be holding a SHAC meeting on April 9th at 9:00 AM in the TISD Boardroom. SHAC meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for parents and community members to learn more about and provide input on district health initiatives. We welcome your participation and involvement.

School Nurse Day-May 6

School Nurse Day is recognized on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as part of National Nurses Week. This day honors the important role school nurses play in supporting student health, safety, and academic success. We are grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication our school nurses (Nurse Michalek, Cahoe, Elmore, and Hudson) show each day as they serve our students and staff.

2026-2027 Calendar

To download a copy of the 2026-2027 Calendar; click the link below.

Join our team! Current Job Opportunities:

Paraprofessionals
Custodians
Bus Drivers
Food Service Workers
Substitutes
Teacher

To Apply please visit: https://tarkingtonisd.schoolspring.com/

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Maintenance

While students and staff enjoyed Spring Break, the Maintenance Department utilized this time to complete a variety of projects across the district. This allowed our team to focus on larger repairs, preventative maintenance, and facility improvements while campuses were unoccupied.

Spring Break Accomplishments

Completed HVAC equipment replacements
THS HW Boiler received inspection and servicing
Upgraded TMS gym lighting to energy-efficient LED
Completed wall repairs across the district
Repaired and restored clogged plumbing fixtures in specialty classrooms
Replaced lighting in key areas to improve safety and visibility
Completed exit sign upgrades across all campuses
Continued progress on multiple work orders districtwide (113 completed in addition to above projects!)
Grounds team began pressure washing sidewalks across campuses to improve overall appearance

Ongoing Projects

TMS parking lot lighting project has begun and will improve visibility and safety
Additional facility and grounds improvements will continue as scheduling allows

Commitment to Our District

The Maintenance Department remains committed to providing safe, functional, and well-maintained facilities for all students and staff. We appreciate the continued support as we work to improve and maintain our campuses.

See Something, Say Something, Get Help Through STOPIt

Tarkington ISD partners with STOPit Solutions, a nationally recognized leader in school safety and wellness.

Stay Connected!

We want to make sure you never miss important updates about your child’s campus or districtwide information. Emails and text messages are two of the main ways we share timely announcements, reminders, and alerts. Text messages from the district will come from (509) 245-7204.

Please save this number in your phone so you recognize it as a trusted source.

If you are not receiving messages, please:

Check your spam, junk, or promotional email folders
Make sure the district text number has not been blocked
Confirm that your contact information is correct in the Parent Portal (Ascender)
Contact your campus registrar to verify or update your phone number and email address

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day-On April 28, we proudly recognize School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and celebrate the individuals who help get our students to and from school safely each day. Our bus drivers are an important part of the school community, and we appreciate their dedication, patience, and care. We thank them for the difference they make for our students and families every day.

Here Comes the Bus – Now Available for All TISD Routes!

How to Get Started

Download the Here Comes the Bus app (available in the App Store or Google Play),
or visit herecomesthebus.com
Click “Sign Up”
Enter the Tarkington ISD School Code: 30241 and click Next → Confirm
Complete your User Profile
Under My Students, click Add and enter your child’s last name and student ID number
Confirm your information and you’re all set to receive updates!