November 2025 Newsletter

Together, We Can Do This

As we begin the third six weeks—November 3rd through December 18th—we find ourselves approaching the halfway point of the school year. It’s impressive to see how far we’ve come! Our students are growing in confidence and ability, setting new goals, and working hard to reach them. Across Tarkington ISD, classrooms are alive with learning, determination, and a sense of pride.

Of course, growth doesn’t come without challenges. There are days when the work feels tough, when progress seems slow, or when the goals ahead look a little out of reach. But those are the moments that matter most—the moments when perseverance takes root and authentic learning happens.

To our students: keep believing in yourselves. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
To our staff: your commitment, creativity, and care make all the difference. Thank you for showing up every day with heart and purpose.
And to our families: your partnership and encouragement help our students keep going, even when the road gets hard.

As we move into this next stretch of the year, let’s continue to lift each other and remember—we are stronger together. When we stay united and refuse to give up, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

Let’s finish this semester with the same energy, faith, and teamwork that make Tarkington ISD such a special place to learn and grow.

Dr. Elna Davis
Superintendent, Tarkington ISD

There’s a lot to be thankful for at TECS! Our students and families will soon help create a School Thankful Turkey by decorating colorful feathers to add to the display, a fun reminder of all the reasons we have to be grateful this season.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for December 16th when TECS will host a cozy Polar Express Night in the cafeteria. Families are invited to wear their pajamas, bring their blankets and pillows, and enjoy a relaxing movie night with the TECS staff. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served to make the evening even sweeter. (More details about both events will be coming home soon!)

In the classroom, our Kindergarten students have been busy blending and segmenting words, elements of fiction, identifying and describing main characters in stories, and exploring numbers through composing and decomposing activities. Meanwhile, our Pre-K students are learning to identify beginning sounds in words, recognize story characters and settings, and recognizing, creating and extending patterns. It’s been a month full of learning, laughter, and Longhorn pride!

Congratulations to the following classes for earning an Attendance Popcorn Party: White, Parma, Lambert, and Chambers.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 11 - Thanksgiving Lunch

Nov. 13 – ECSE Field Trip to Old McDonald Farm

Fall is on its way and our students are working hard in their classes every day. Each grade level team is collaborating to plan high-quality instruction, and our goal remains the same: to bring the very best learning experiences to our kids each and every day.

We have some exciting events coming up! Science Night is scheduled for November 12th. We're excited to have a mobile planetarium on campus that evening. You won’t want to miss it! Please come out and support your school community.

Our attendance goal for the year is 98%, and we’re currently at about 95%. We need your children here every day! Attendance plays a major role in your child’s success now and in the future.

Thank you for your continued support of TES and for being an important part of our school family.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 4 – Beach Club, TES Cafeteria
Nov. 10, 8:00 AM – 5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation, TES Cafeteria
Nov. 10, 5:00–6:30 PM – TELPAS Night (ESL Parent Night)
Nov. 11, 4:00–5:00 PM – Beach Club, TES Cafeteria
Nov. 12, 5:00–6:30 PM – Science Night, TES Campus
Nov. 13, 8:30–2:30 PM – 1st Grade Field Trip to Gator Country
Nov. 13, 8:45 AM – Lifeskills Classes – Southeast Texas Co-op Relay, Liberty
Nov. 18, 8:00–9:30 AM – 5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation, TES Cafeteria

Nov. 18 - Thanksgiving Lunch
Nov. 19, 2:00–3:30 PM – District Counseling Meeting, Room 500
Nov. 20, 7:45–3:00 PM – 3rd Grade Field Trip to Oil Ranch, Hockley, TX

We have just wrapped up CBAs for the 2nd six weeks and we are so excited to celebrate students for their progress on academics and attendance! Ask your student about their goal tracking. Also, we will be contacting families about High impact Tutoring. If your student is invited, please make every effort to have them attend!

At the end of their 7th grade year, the band was looking for future 8th grade students to help fill out the High School Band's Front Ensemble. The following students stepped up, from right to left: Elijah Goodson, Jodi Wagner, and Ryder Privett. These three students volunteered their time to help out the Thundering Horns Band. Their addition added a lot to the band sound, filling much-needed sounds in the band. These students were at every after school practice, football game, and performance. Basically, being full fledged member of the High School Band. They helped the band earn a superior rating at UIL Region Marching Contest advancing to Area, and ending their journey at Area Marching Contest. We are so proud of the work these kids have shown us and the future of the Thundering Horn Band looks bright.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 1, 6–7 PM – One Act Play Performance, TMS Auditorium
Nov. 4, 11:30–1:00 PM – Chick-fil-A Presale, TMS Commons
Nov. 11, 5:30 PM – Jr. Beta Meeting, Commons
Nov. 6, 11:30–1:00 PM – Chick-fil-A Lunch, TMS Commons
Nov. 6, 6–8 PM – Fall Dance, TMS Commons, Yearbook Fundraiser
Nov. 8 (All Day) – One Act Play Competition, Liberty
Nov. 11 (All Day) – ELAR 6–7 Benchmark/Mock STAAR #1
Nov. 12 (All Day) – ELAR 8 Benchmark/Mock STAAR #1
Nov. 13 (All Day) – Lifeskills ONE TASK Co-op Relays, Liberty
Nov. 15 (All Day) – Jr. Beta or OAP-related activities
Nov. 18, 12–1 PM – Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Boardroom

Nov. 18 - Thanksgiving Lunch

Excitement is in the air as basketball season tips off, filling the halls with school spirit and anticipation. At the same time, generosity is thriving on campus as the International Club leads a canned food drive, inviting students to drop donations in the cafeteria during lunch to support families in need. As we continue to foster community and kindness, we are also preparing a heartfelt celebration in honor of our Tarkington veterans. On November 11th at 10:00 AM, we will warmly welcome them to a special brunch to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Project Grad is also bringing energy to the season with a lineup of festive events—starting with the Car Show on November 15th, followed by Purse Bingo on November 22nd, and wrapping up with a magical Dinner with Santa on December 2nd. There’s truly something for everyone to look forward to as our campus comes alive with activity, gratitude, and tradition.

This month has also been full of inspiring accomplishments that showcase the heart and dedication of our staff and students. Mrs. Robinson and her TAFE students took the lead in guiding teachers through engaging professional development sessions using Math TEKS and Lead4Ward strategies. Their student-led approach sparked curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful conversations. Adding to the spirit of growth, Ms. Cook—our well-deserved Teacher of the Year—led a thoughtful session on making the first ten minutes of class impactful, giving teachers the chance to reflect and share their best practices with one another. And in a shining moment for the arts, our Band delivered an outstanding performance and proudly advanced to Area in their most recent competition. Their hard work, passion, and resilience remind us all of what it means to strive for excellence.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 3, 6:30–7:30 PM – Band Booster Meeting, Band Hall
Nov. 10, 6–7:30 PM – FFA Meeting, HS Commons

Nov. 11 - Thanksgiving Lunch

Nov. 11, 10 AM - Veterans Celebration
Nov. 14, 7:00 AM–8:30 PM – TAFE Area Competition, Lone Star College–University Park
Nov. 15, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM – Project Grad Car Show, THS Parking Lot
Nov. 17, 7:50 AM – Biology Benchmark #1
Nov. 17, 4:00–10:00 PM – Band ATSSB Region Auditions, Shepherd HS
Nov. 18, 7:50 AM – English I & II Benchmarks #1
Nov. 18, 9:30–11:30 AM – Jr. & Sr. San Jacinto College Visit, Baytown
Nov. 18 (All Day) – Fall Underclassmen Picture Make-Ups/Retakes, THS Library
Nov. 19, 7:50 AM – Algebra I & U.S. History Benchmarks #1

Parents and supporters of Tarkington Athletics. We would like to share with you our Fall Sports fundraiser for the 2025-2026 school year. Each athlete will be sending a link via text message along with more information regarding this Fall fundraiser to friends and family with information on how to participate in the fundraiser. The following sports are involved in this event, Football, Boys and Girls Basketball, Athletic Trainers and Cross country. This will include both High school and Middle school athletes. The purpose of this fundraiser is to support each sport and help to raise funds to purchase items used by the kids.

Below is a generic link for anyone that would like to support the fundraiser. If you do not know an athlete, choose "General Account" to make a donation.

https://www.raise-365.com/ft/1ppz-0pgw/2107532

Middle School

Nov. 13, 4:30 PM – Girls Basketball vs. Huffman (Away)

Nov. 13, 4:30 PM – Boys Basketball vs. Huffman (Home)
Nov. 15 (All Day) – Girls Basketball Tournament
Nov. 20, 4:30 PM – Girls Basketball vs. Livingston (Home)
Nov. 20, 4:30 PM – Boys Basketball vs. Livingston (Away)

High School

Nov. 7, 7:30 PM – Varsity Football at Jasper
Nov. 18, 4:30/5:45/7:00 PM – Boys Basketball vs. Cleveland, THS Main Gym
Nov. 20–22 (TBA) – Boys Basketball Tournament at Latexo
Nov. 24, 11:00/12:15/1:30 PM – Boys Basketball vs. Silsbee, THS Main Gym
Nov. 25, 11:30/1:00 PM – Boys Basketball at Coldspring, Coldspring HS
Nov. 29, 11:00/12:30 PM – Boys Basketball at Hardin, Hardin HS

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 October 20, 2025 was 1862 with average daily attendance at 94.72%

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 - 94.14%

TMS - 95.22%

TES - 94.78%

TEC - 94.96%

TISD - 94.72%

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 - MDUMAS@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TMS - SGILMORE@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TES - STLAMBERT@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TEC - ROLIVER@TARKINGTONISD.NET

TISD - DBURT@TARKINGTONISD.NET

The Business Office is currently working to update vendor information for the 2025–2026 school year. This process ensures that all district purchasing records are accurate and up to date, allowing for smooth transactions and timely payments throughout the year. Departments and campuses are encouraged to verify that their frequently used vendors have submitted the necessary documentation to remain in compliance with district and state purchasing requirements.

The Business Department is currently conducting its annual audit of financial records while continuing to focus on budget planning, financial transparency, and staff support. As we approach midyear, the team is reviewing expenditures, monitoring fund balances, and preparing for the upcoming audit cycle to ensure responsible stewardship of district resources.

To view financial reports; please visit the Business webpage at https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/departments/business-office

As we move through the semester, our team remains focused on ensuring alignment between what we teach, how we teach, and how we measure learning. Every decision we make—from curriculum design to assessment development—is rooted in our belief that all students can and will grow when instruction is intentional, data-driven, and engaging. We are proud of the progress we’re seeing across campuses and the dedication of our teachers and leaders who make learning come alive each day. Our shared commitment to continuous improvement is what drives TISD forward. Thank you for your unwavering focus on excellence, your collaboration, and your belief in our students’ limitless potential. Together, we are building stronger classrooms, stronger campuses, and a stronger district.

Teacher efficacy—the belief that one’s actions directly impact student learning—is the cornerstone of effective instruction and sustainable improvement. When teachers truly believe they can make a difference, they approach challenges with persistence, creativity, and confidence. Building that belief system requires intentional support: providing clear instructional goals, celebrating evidence of impact, and creating structures for collaboration where teachers learn from one another’s successes. When educators see student growth connected to the strategies they’ve implemented, their confidence grows, and that confidence fuels even greater results. Across TISD, we’re working to strengthen teacher efficacy by grounding professional learning in real classroom data, promoting reflective conversations during coaching cycles, and highlighting the incredible work already happening in our classrooms. Empowered teachers empower students—and that’s how lasting change begins.

Recently, district and campus leaders participated in a Reading Horizons Collaboration Day, gaining valuable insights into ways to better support instruction, teachers, and students—particularly through our phonics resource. Additionally, our teachers engaged in an impactful Carlin Liborio training focused on ELAR instruction and extended constructive responses to text. Participants left with practical strategies and fresh ideas to immediately apply in their classrooms.

We would also like to take a moment to extend our deepest appreciation to our incredible instructional coaches. Your dedication and tireless efforts in supporting teachers, modeling lessons, and assisting with lesson planning have been nothing short of extraordinary. Your hard work not only enhances the quality of instruction within our classrooms but also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

TISD Assessment Calendar

Did you know our custodial team maintains more than 386,000 square feet of building space each week? Their daily routines include disinfecting hundreds of desks, restocking supplies, and preparing facilities for evening events. Their attention to detail ensures that our students and staff enjoy safe, clean, and comfortable learning environments every day.

In October, the Child Nutrition Department partnered with the THS Culinary Arts program to celebrate National School Lunch Week and participate in the Farm Fresh Challenge. Students enjoyed locally sourced foods and fun educational videos that highlighted the importance of healthy, farm-fresh choices.

Looking ahead, the Child Nutrition team is spreading holiday cheer by raising funds for Christmas Kids through a pumpkin decorating contest and baked goods sale. Their creativity and commitment to serving both students and the community make this season even brighter!

Meal Menus are now online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/TARKINGTONISD

Just a reminder students do not have school on Fridays during the month of November.

• Discuss Distribution of Excess Proceeds from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
• Technology Department Update
• Gifted and Talented Testing Update
• Discuss English as a Second Language Program Evaluation
• Choir Survey Update
• Discuss and consider approval of the 2025-2026 Approved Vendor List
• Discuss and consider approval of the ESC 6 EPIC Purchasing Cooperative
• Discuss and consider approval of the General Fund Budget Amendment to use Fund Balance

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

Nov. 21: No School

Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 18: Early Release

Dec. 19-Jan. 5: Winter Break

Supporting Our Emergent Bilingual Students

Our district is committed to helping Emergent Bilingual students thrive academically and linguistically. We will be providing ongoing professional development to teachers to ensure they are equipped with effective strategies that support English language acquisition across all grade levels. By empowering educators, we strengthen language learning opportunities for every student in the classroom.

Supporting English Language Learning at Home

Families also play an important role in helping students strengthen their English language skills! The Texas Education Agency recommends the following free online resources to support English language development at home:

Uniteforliteracy.com

Offers free online books in English and Spanish with audio support, perfect for elementary students.

Example: Have your child select a free book to read daily in English or Spanish. Click the pencil icon to choose a language, and the speaker icon to listen as they read. After finishing, discuss the story together by asking, “What did you learn in this book?”

Education.com

Provides engaging games and activities in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies for middle school students.

Example: Try the game “Game of Bones: Commonly Confused Words.” Have your child drag the correct word to complete each sentence. If the answer is wrong, they’ll be prompted to try again—making it a fun way to learn tricky word pairs!

Our Health Services team wants to remind students and families about the serious risks associated with vaping. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, they contain high levels of nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs, affect brain development, and lead to long-term addiction.

Recent studies show that even vaping products labeled “nicotine-free” may still contain addictive substances and toxins. For young people, these risks are especially concerning — nicotine exposure can impact memory, attention, and learning, and make it harder to quit later in life.

Tarkington ISD is committed to keeping our campuses tobacco- and vape-free. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the dangers of vaping and to reach out to the campus nurse or counselor for resources on prevention and cessation support. Together, we can help every student make healthy choices.

TISD recently attended job fairs at Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin State University to recruit future educators. These visits give Tarkington ISD the opportunity to connect with aspiring teachers who share our passion for student success and community values. By building relationships with upcoming graduates, the HR team continues to strengthen our district’s commitment to attracting high-quality educators who will help our students Strive, Thrive, and Achieve.

Current Job Opportunities:

• Paraprofessionals
• Custodians
• Bus Drivers
• Food Service Workers
• Substitutes

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

Work Order Update
Our Maintenance Department continues to make great progress! In September, our team successfully completed 201 work orders across the district. Thank you to our entire crew for your continued hard work and dedication in keeping our facilities safe, functional, and ready for students and staff every day.

Projects Currently in Progress

• Bus Zone Signs – New signs have been installed in all designated bus zones across the district.
• Emergency Exit & Lighting Signs – Installation has been completed at TECS, with TES, TMS, and THS scheduled next.
• Roof Repairs – Ongoing leak prevention and patching efforts across multiple campuses.
• HVAC Preventive Maintenance – Continuing seasonal servicing of units to ensure reliability during temperature changes.
• Floor Tile Replacement – Replacing damaged tiles district-wide to maintain safety and appearance.

Projects in Development

• HVAC System Replacement Plan – Assessing needs and developing a district-wide phased replacement plan.
• LED Lighting Research – Exploring transition to LED lighting for improved efficiency and cost savings.

Looking Ahead

As we move into fall, our focus remains on:

• Timely work order completion
• Continued preventive maintenance
• Advancing long-term facility improvement projects

Tarkington ISD Enhances Safety with the Standard Response Protocol

Tarkington Independent School District remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff. As part of this commitment, the district has implemented the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), developed by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation.

The SRP provides a simple, common language for how schools and first responders communicate during any type of emergency. Instead of focusing on specific events, the SRP emphasizes clear actions that can be applied to a variety of situations. These actions include:

Hold – “In your classroom or area”

Secure – “Get inside. Lock outside doors.”

Lockdown – “Locks, lights, out of sight.”

Evacuate – “To a location.”

Shelter – “State hazard and safety strategy.”

This shared terminology helps ensure that everyone—students, teachers, staff, and emergency responders—knows exactly what to do when an alert is issued. Throughout the school year, TISD campuses will continue to train and practice these procedures through routine drills to build familiarity and confidence in our safety plans.

We also want parents and guardians to be informed partners in school safety. The Standard Response Protocol Parent Handout from The “I Love U Guys” Foundation (included with this newsletter) explains each SRP action, what families can expect during an emergency, and how parents can best support the school’s safety efforts.

Tarkington ISD appreciates the cooperation of our families as we work together to keep every student safe, prepared, and cared for.

To learn more about the Standard Response Protocol and The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, visit www.iloveuguys.org

As we head into the holiday season, online shopping and digital activity increase, and so do online scams and phishing attempts. The Technology Department reminds parents and staff to stay alert when opening emails, messages, or links.

Here are a few quick tips to help protect your personal information:

• Think before you click. Avoid opening attachments or links from unknown senders.

• Check the sender’s address. Scammers often use email names that look similar to trusted ones.

• Look for spelling or grammar mistakes. Many phishing emails contain small errors that give them away.

• Never share passwords or personal details through email or text messages.

• When in doubt, delete it! If something seems suspicious, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Staying cyber-smart helps protect not just your information, but our entire Longhorn community.

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

The Tarkington ISD Transportation Department is excited to announce that the Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) app is now active for all district buses!
Previously, this program was available only on a few pilot routes, but it is now available to all students and families.

What is Here Comes the Bus?

Here Comes the Bus is a free and easy-to-use app that helps keep parents and students informed about their school bus.
With HCTB, families can:

• Receive notifications when the bus is approaching their stop or the campus

• Get important alerts about delays, route changes, or updates directly through the app

• View when and where your student scans on and off the bus each day

• Manage notification settings to fit your needs

How to Get Started

1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app (available in the App Store or Google Play),
   or visit herecomesthebus.com

2. Click “Sign Up”

3. Enter the Tarkington ISD School Code: 30241 and click Next → Confirm

4. Complete your User Profile

5. Under My Students, click Add and enter your child’s last name and student ID number

6. Confirm your information and you’re all set to receive updates!

Stay Connected

We encourage all parents and guardians to sign up and take advantage of this helpful communication tool.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our students safe and informed!

Important Reminder – Bus Passes Required!

All TISD students who ride a bus are required to have a bus pass.

• The first bus pass is free for every student.

• Replacement passes are $5.

• Payments can be made by either:

  • Giving $5 directly to the bus driver, or

  • Bringing the payment to the Transportation Department Office.