January 2026 Newsletter

Dear TISD Families, Staff, and Community,

Happy New Year! Welcome to January and the beginning of the second chapter in our school year. I hope your winter break was restful and filled with meaningful moments with family and friends. As we return to the energy of learning and community together, I sincerely thank you for your continued support and partnership with Tarkington ISD.

January offers a natural moment for reflection and renewed focus. As a district, we are taking time to reflect on our progress—celebrating the successes we have achieved together—while also recognizing the areas where we must continue to grow to support every student. Our shared commitment to improvement is what allows us to move forward with purpose. As we do so, we remain focused on goals that align with our district vision: Strive. Thrive. Achieve.

January is also School Board Appreciation Month, and I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the seven individuals who serve our community as members of the Tarkington ISD Board of Trustees. These dedicated leaders give freely of their time in this volunteer role, working diligently behind the scenes to support our students, staff, and schools. I encourage our entire school community—students, families, and staff—to join me in expressing appreciation for their service and commitment to improving our district.

Throughout this month, our educators, students, and families are engaged in meaningful learning experiences, community events, and thoughtful planning that strengthen student achievement and enrich our schools. Stay connected through school activities and district communications so you can continue to be part of the great work happening across TISD. Your voice, involvement, and support truly matter and have a lasting impact on both student success and staff morale.

We remain committed to providing safe, nurturing schools where every student is supported, valued, and given opportunities to succeed. Together, we will continue building a future where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your dedication, energy, and belief in our mission. I look forward to a productive, positive, and inspiring second semester ahead.

With appreciation and Longhorn pride,

Dr. Elna Davis

Superintendent, Tarkington ISD

Welcome back, Little Longhorn families! We hope your holiday break was filled with joy, rest, and special memories. January is an exciting time at Tarkington Early Childhood as we jump back into learning with fresh energy and big smiles.

This month, our students will be strengthening routines and diving deeper into reading, math, and hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. Teachers will continue focusing on foundational skills through engaging lessons, small-group instruction, and meaningful activities.

We are still working hard to reach our 98% attendance goal so let's strive to be the first campus to reach this goal. Every day counts, and we need your partnership! With flu season here, please continue to monitor your child’s health closely. When your child is well, we encourage you to send them to school so they don’t miss out on valuable learning and all the exciting activities happening.

As we begin the new year together, thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a wonderful second semester filled with growth, laughter, and learning as our Little Longhorns continue to Strive, Thrive, and Achieve!

Upcoming events: (more information will be sent home at a later time.)

Week of February 9th: Scholastic Book Fair

February 10th: Stories come to life at TECS! Join us for a fun and engaging Reading Night as TECS staff read their favorite stories and bring books to life for our Little Longhorns. Families can also visit the Book Fair and receive easy-to-use comprehension questions that work with any book at home—giving parents simple tools to support their child’s reading beyond the classroom.

As we move into the next few months, our focus remains clear: ensuring every child at TES/TECS is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.

Students across our campus are working hard to strengthen their skills and prepare for the STAAR assessment, while also building the confidence and readiness they need for the next grade level. This time of year is important not just for testing, but for growth.

Your partnership is essential. Reading with your child every day, practicing math facts to build fluency, and helping establish consistent study habits all make a meaningful difference. These routines don’t just support STAAR success; they build skills that last far beyond this school year. Consistency truly is key.

Many of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are attending before- and after-school tutoring. Participation in these sessions is vital to student success, and we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. That success, however, is strongest when school and home work together.

Attendance is also more important now than ever. Being at school every day matters. Our campus attendance goal is 98%, and I truly believe we can reach it with your help. Every day of learning counts.

Growing up, I believed school was about earning an “A,” finishing the worksheet, and checking the box. It took me years to understand that the real measure of learning isn’t just what’s written on a report card, but what stays with us long after the lesson is over.

Just as a musician learns to hear harmony within a song, our students learn to find the rhythm between effort and understanding. True learning happens in those “aha” moments when curiosity meets clarity, and something finally clicks.

Every day, our teachers and staff pour their time, energy, and heart into your children. They plan, assess, reteach, encourage, and refine. Beneath all of this work lies a simple truth: schools exist so students can learn deeply, meaningfully, and joyfully.

Learning is not compliance. It is transformation.
It’s when a student believes, “I can do this.”
It’s when a question turns into curiosity.
It’s when a mistake becomes a new opportunity to grow.

At its best, education awakens the human spirit. When a school is centered on true learning, you can feel it in every hallway, every classroom, and in every smile that reflects that energy.

We work hard each day not just to teach, but to inspire learning that lasts a lifetime. Thank you for walking alongside us in this important work.

~Mr. O'Neal

Starting the week of January 12, TMS will have our benchmark exams to determine student preparedness ahead of STAAR. We are confident in the work that has been done the first semester, but anticipate that students will need additional tutoring and intervention. High Impact Tutoring has already started on campus for math and reading, and we will extend those efforts in the second semester. Please look for our TMS parent newsletter early in January for specific schedules and more details about tutoring.

As we begin a new year and a new semester, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your engagement makes a meaningful difference in the success of our students, and we are grateful to walk alongside you. Below you’ll find important updates, celebrations, and information to help you stay connected to everything happening at THS this month.

What Students Are Learning:

During the Fourth Instructional Period, students are diving into new units and strengthening key skills across all subjects. January is a month of deeper learning, practice, and application.

English Language Arts (Grades 9–12)

Students are focusing on:

• Reading and analyzing complex texts
• Strengthening comprehension
• Improving writing through editing and revising
• Crafting well-developed analytical responses

Each grade level is continuing its current unit, with an emphasis on clear communication and preparing for spring assessments.

Mathematics

• Math instruction this month builds on major concepts:
• Algebra I: Linear functions, slope, and multi-step equations
• Geometry: Similarity, congruence, and problem-solving with triangles
• Algebra II: Quadratic functions and polynomial relationships
• Advanced Math: Trigonometric functions and college-readiness skills

Science

Students are engaging in hands-on investigations while studying:

Biology: Genetics, DNA, and heredity

Chemistry: Chemical reactions and stoichiometry

IPC: Energy, motion, and forces

Physics: Momentum, vectors, and conservation of energy

Social Studies

Classes are continuing major historical and civic units:

• U.S. History: America as a world power and early 20th-century reforms
• World History: Civilizations, belief systems, and global interactions
• Government: Foundations of democracy and how our government functions
• Economics: Supply and demand, markets, and financial literacy

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:

If your student is looking for extra support at home, there are two excellent resources available to help strengthen skills:

iXL (District-Provided)

All THS students have access to iXL, an online learning platform that provides personalized practice in math, reading, writing, and other core subjects. iXL adapts to each student’s level, helping them build mastery one skill at a time. Students can log in using their district credentials.

Khan Academy (Free Online Resource)

Khan Academy offers high-quality tutorials, practice exercises, and videos for math, reading, SAT prep, science, and more. Even 10–15 minutes a day can boost understanding and confidence.

These tools are great ways for students to reinforce classroom learning, prepare for upcoming assessments, and build strong study habits at home.

Tutorials & Academic Support:

We remain committed to giving every student the support they need to succeed.

This month, we will continue Campus-Wide Longhorn Time EOC Intervention. This initiative focuses specifically on English and Reading skills, including comprehension, editing, and revising. Every student participates so that we can reinforce the literacy skills that impact learning in every subject.

Also, students will be assigned as needed to Thursday Night Live for Targeted EOC intervention after school. Students who are assigned or encouraged to attend tutorials are expected to participate consistently so we can close learning gaps before spring testing.

We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to grow academically.

Attendance Information:

Attendance continues to play a major role in academic success, especially as we move toward benchmarks, course selections, and spring assessments. Below is our December attendance data:

• 9th Grade: 94%
• 10th Grade: 90%
• 11th Grade: 90%
• 12th Grade: 85%
• Campus Overall: 90%

As we begin this new semester, we kindly ask for your support in helping raise these numbers. Every class period matters, and consistent daily attendance helps students remain on track with learning and stay confident in their coursework. Thank you for continuing to make attendance a priority.

Assessment & Data Highlights:

Teachers have been reviewing recent CBA results and adjusting instruction to meet student needs. This month, students will participate in STAAR Benchmarks across all EOC subjects. Benchmark data helps us determine strengths and areas for reteach. Teachers will use results to guide small-group instruction and intervention.

Families will receive clear communication about assessment dates and ways to support students at home. Our goal is to ensure students feel prepared and confident heading into the spring testing window.

Safety & Communication Updates:

We want to ensure that every student feels safe and supported throughout the school day. A few friendly reminders to share with your student:

-Please wear your ID badge each day so staff can easily identify students on campus.

-For everyone’s safety, exterior doors should remain closed and should not be opened for others.

Starting this month, the campus will begin charging a small fee for temporary and replacement ID badges. Students received these items at no cost during the first semester, and we appreciate your help encouraging them to keep track of their daily ID.

Campus Events & Announcements:

Senior Update - Graduation Diploma Verification

Senior parents and students will receive an email soon requesting verification of legal names for graduation diplomas. Please respond promptly so diplomas can be ordered correctly.

Semester Report Cards

Fall grades will be posted and sent home with students on Thursday, January 8. Please review grade reports together and reach out to teachers with questions.

2026–2027 Course Selections Begin This Month

Students will begin selecting courses for the 2026–2027 school year in January. Counselor Mrs. Aimie Patrick will email parents with details and timelines. She will visit classrooms to guide students through choosing courses aligned to their Individual Graduation Plans (IGP). Juniors will be the first group to begin the course selection process. We look forward to helping students plan meaningful and intentional pathways for next school year.

January Events Calendar

January 8: Fall Semester Grades Sent Home

January 10: THS Band: ATSSB Area Auditions 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

January 12: THS Band Booster Meeting 6:30–7:30 PM

January 14: THS Senior Portraits (All Day)

January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – School Holiday

January 24: THS Rodeo Art Show 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

January 27: THS FFA Meeting

January 30: Senior Portrait Makeup/Retakes (All Day)

Senior Portraits Booking: https://book.usesession.com/s/beS6WM6Nko

Tarkington Middle School (TMS)

Boys Basketball

• January 8: vs Hamshire-Fannett

• January 15: vs Liberty

• January 22: vs Huffman

• January 29: vs Livingston

Girls Basketball

• January 8: vs Hamshire-Fannett

• January 15: vs Liberty

• January 22: vs Huffman

• January 29: vs Livingston

Tarkington High School (THS)

Boys Basketball

• January 2: Game at Porter High School

• January 3: JV Tournament at Onalaska High School

• January 6: Game at New Waverly High School

• January 9: Game at Hamshire-Fannett High School

• January 13: Game vs Liberty, THS Main Gym

• January 16: Game at Huffman Hargrave High School

• January 20: Game vs Livingston, THS Main Gym

• January 23: Game at Hardin-Jefferson High School

• January 27: Game at Shepherd High School

Girls Basketball

• January 9: Game vs Hamshire-Fannett

• January 13: Game, THS Main Gym

• January 16: Game at Huffman

• January 20: Game, THS Main Gym

• January 23: Game at Hardin-Jefferson

• January 27: Game at Shepherd

Cheer

• January 15–16: Spirit UIL Competition, Fort Worth

Softball

• January 24: Scrimmage at Lumberton High School

• January 27: Scrimmage vs Lumberton, Home

• January 30: Scrimmage at New Caney High School vs New Caney and West Fork

Baseball

• January 31: Scrimmage vs Huntington, Tarkington Baseball Field

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 December 8, 2025 was 1849 with average daily attendance at 94.08%.

TECS: 190, TES: 682, TMS: 450, THS: 526.

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 - 92.97%, TMS - 94.92%, TES - 94.45%, TEC - 94.73%, TISD - 94.16%

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

We are pleased to share that our district has successfully completed the 2025 Annual FIRST audit under the Texas Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), the state’s financial accountability system for public schools. FIRST evaluates school districts on multiple financial management indicators to ensure sound stewardship of public funds and transparency in financial operations. After a thorough review of our financial practices and audited reports, no findings were identified, and our district earned an A rating, the highest possible designation for financial accountability. This reflects strong financial management, careful planning, and dedication to fiscal responsibility across our Business Department.

To review the full details of the audit and our Annual Financial Accountability Management Report by visiting the Business Page on the district website and clicking the link for 2025 Annual Financial Accountability Management Report. https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/departments/business-office

January: A Fresh Start with Focused Instruction

As we begin the new year, January brings a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity across our classrooms. This month is a powerful time to reset routines, refocus instruction, and sharpen our collective efforts around student learning. The Curriculum & Instruction Department would like to thank all of our teachers and campus leaders for the dedication and hard work you continue to show every day.

Mid-Year Momentum

The middle of the school year is where instructional impact truly begins to show. Data from the fall semester has provided valuable insight into student strengths and areas of need. January is the perfect time to use that information intentionally—adjusting small-group instruction, targeting specific TEKS, and continuing to implement high-yield instructional strategies that support all learners.

Refining Instructional Practices:

As we move forward, continued focus on:

• Clear learning objectives aligned to the TEKS
• Purposeful lesson design
• Active student engagement
• Effective checks for understanding will help ensure that every instructional minute counts. Small adjustments in daily practice often lead to big gains in student achievement.

Assessment with Purpose

Formative assessment remains a key driver of strong instruction. Using student work, classroom checks for understanding, and progress monitoring to guide instruction will help ensure that reteaching and enrichment are timely and intentional.

Support Through Collaboration

Our campus instructional leaders, coaches, and administrative teams will continue providing support through learning walks, coaching cycles, data reviews, and instructional planning. These systems are designed to strengthen classroom instruction and ensure teachers have the tools and support they need to be successful.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the spring semester and testing season, our shared focus remains clear: high-quality instruction every day for every student. The work happening in classrooms now lays the foundation for long-term success.

Parent Partnership: Tips to Support Learning at Home

Parents and guardians play a vital role in student success, especially during the second half of the school year. Here are a few simple ways families can help support learning at home:

• Establish consistent routines for homework, reading, and bedtime to support focus and readiness for learning.
• Ask your child about what they are learning each day and encourage them to explain their thinking.
• Encourage daily reading at any grade level to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary.
• Monitor grades and assignments through the parent portal and communicate with teachers when questions arise.
• Celebrate effort and progress, not just grades, to build confidence and motivation.

When schools and families work together, students benefit the most. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

TISD Assessment Calendar

As the weather shifts, our custodial team is proactively putting measures in place to help minimize germs and reduce illness across our campuses. We appreciate everyone’s support in keeping our schools healthy and safe.

Also, please take a moment to check the Lost & Found at your child’s campus — items are piling up, and we want to make sure everything makes it back home!

As we head into the holiday season, our Child Nutrition team is continuing to focus on helping students build healthy habits that last all year long. According to the USDA’s nutrition guidelines, even small choices — like adding a serving of fruit or vegetables to each meal, choosing whole grains, or staying hydrated throughout the day — can make a big difference in energy, focus, and overall wellness. Meal Menus are now online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/TARKINGTONISD

Just a reminder students do have school on the following Fridays during the month of January - 9, 16, 23, 30.

Jan. 6-First Day of Second Semester

Jan. 19-No School/MLK Holiday

Feb. 16-No School/Presidents Day

• Consider approval of the Monthly Financial Report, Disbursement of Funds, and Budget Amendments
• Counseling Department Updates
• Discuss and Consider Approval of the Policy Update 126 - Second Reading
• Consider Approval of the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Rating and Management Report

Celebrating School Board Recognition Month!

This January, we proudly honor our Tarkington ISD Board of Trustees! Please join us in celebrating and thanking our remarkable Trustees for their service, passion, and unwavering belief in the success of all students. To send a letter of Thanks: Address cards to the TISD Board of Trustees, 2770 FM 163, Cleveland, Texas 77327.

Next Board Meeting: January 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

January is Peak Cold & Flu Season
Cold and flu viruses spread easily in classrooms and crowded spaces. Remind your child to cover coughs and sneezes, avoid sharing drinks, and stay home when sick to prevent the spread of germs. If your child has a fever over 100 degrees; they must stay out of school until fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications. Students with diarrheal illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea-free without use of diarrhea-suppressing medications for 24 hours. Together, we can help keep our schools healthy this winter!

Attention New Subs!!! Tarkington ISD will be holding Substitute Teacher Training for NEW SUBS on January 14 from 1-3pm at the Administration Building. If you would like to become a sub; please go to https://tarkingtonisd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

Current Job Opportunities:

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

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

November Highlights

The Maintenance Department remained highly productive throughout the month of November, supporting campuses and district operations through a combination of daily service, preventative maintenance, inspections, and coordinated projects.

Work Orders Completed

During November, the Maintenance Department successfully completed 102 work orders across the district. These requests included routine repairs, preventive maintenance, and response to priority needs to ensure facilities remained safe, functional, and ready for instruction.

Technology & Facility Upgrades

The Maintenance Department supported instructional and operational improvements by installing Interactive Flat Panels at the Middle School campus, helping enhance classroom technology and learning environments.

Coordinated Projects & Required Inspections

In addition to routine maintenance work, the department coordinated several important projects and inspections during November to support safety, compliance, and long-term facility reliability:

• High School Campus: Annual bleacher inspections were completed to ensure safety and compliance standards were met.

• Fire Safety: Required annual fire sprinkler inspections were completed across district facilities.

• Tarkington Middle School: Two new inline hot water heaters were installed to replace failed units, restoring reliable hot water service.

• Transportation Department: Crushed concrete was spread in the bus parking lot to improve ground conditions and support daily transportation operations.

See Something, Say Something, Get Help Through STOPIt

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

Through this partnership, everyone in the TISD school community has access to the STOPit anonymous reporting app – a powerful tool designed to deter and quickly address instances of bullying, school violence, self-harm, and inappropriate behaviors.

With the STOPit app, users can anonymously submit tips, attach photo or video evidence, and privately message school officials with the necessary information to help everyone involved.

Additionally, when a student or anyone in our school community needs immediate support, the STOPit app provides direct access to the Crisis Text Line. Users can anonymously text with counselors (day or night) until they feel safe and calm.

We encourage everyone in our school community to download the STOPit app.

If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to download the STOPit app and become familiar with its features. This will help you guide your children in using the app and show our collective commitment to the safety and well-being of our entire school community.

The STOPit app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

A flyer with more information about STOPit is available here: STOPit Flyer for Parents and Guardians. A link to STOPit and associated resources is also available under the families tab on the Tarkington ISD Homepage.

Welcome Back & Technology Update

Welcome back! We hope our students, families, and staff had a safe, restful, and enjoyable Christmas break. As we begin the second half of the school year, it’s a great time to reset routines and get back into the swing of learning.

Over the holidays, our technology team completed important upgrades to our network equipment across the campus. These improvements will provide better performance, reliability, and security, helping ensure a smooth and connected start to the term.

Tips for a Strong Start Back:

• Restart and update school devices to ensure everything is running smoothly.

• Check passwords and keep them secure, never share login details.

• Back up important files and make sure cloud storage is syncing properly.

• Be mindful of online safety, including phishing emails and suspicious links.

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.