October 2025 Newsletter
Hello, Tarkington ISD Community,
The first six weeks of the school year (August 7 – September 18) are now complete, and we are well into our second grading period (September 22 – October 30). As the fall season settles in, our focus remains on providing targeted instructional support, closing achievement gaps, and building strong foundations in literacy and math across all grade levels.
Our staff has been working diligently to implement new curriculum resources. While any new initiative comes with its challenges, we are committed to smoothing out those bumps through professional development, data-driven instruction, and strong family partnerships. Together, we are laying the groundwork to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
I am especially excited to begin this year’s Superintendent Lunch Bunch and Superintendent Student Advisory Council. Now in their third year, these gatherings allow me to hear directly from students at every grade level. Their thoughtful feedback has led to meaningful improvements across the district, reminding us that our students are not only our focus but also our most valuable voices.
October also gives us an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Principal Appreciation Month. Our principals work tirelessly to lead their campuses with dedication, vision, and care. I invite you to join me in showing them appreciation all month long—whether through a handwritten note, a thoughtful treat, a surprise lunch, or even volunteering your time on campus. Big or small, every gesture makes a difference, and the entire month of October is an opportunity to recognize their impact on the children of this community. They work incredibly hard on behalf of our students…so I hope you will take a moment to deliver a surprise.
Congratulations to Mr. McCabe! Tarkington ISD would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Mr. McCabe on his recent promotion to Superintendent of West Hardin CCISD. Mr. McCabe has worked diligently to reach this milestone in his career. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his professional journey. In the coming days, I will share more information about our plans for leadership at Tarkington High School as we move forward together. Just as the leaves turn and the fall season brings a spirit of renewal, we remain committed to engaging families, local organizations, and community members in meaningful ways. Thank you for your continual feedback. It is a gift. By working together, we can strengthen support systems for both students and staff, fostering excellence and building a stronger, more connected community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Elna Davis
Superintendent, Tarkington ISD
A big thank you to all who joined us for Open House, Games with Grams, and See You at the Pole. Your support makes such a difference for our students, and we love seeing our families on campus. We look forward to more opportunities to connect at our upcoming events!
Mark your calendars, our BOO Bash is coming up on October 28th. This event will highlight Reading and Social Studies, and we hope to see you all there!
One area we are working to strengthen is attendance. Our goal is 98%, and while we’re close, we need your help to get there. Every school day is important every day counts at TES! Please help us by ensuring your child is present and ready to learn each day.
It's hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of the first six weeks of school! Together, we’ve accomplished so much - from establishing strong classroom routines and practicing safety drills to working hard in class and completing our first round of assessments. It has truly been a wonderful start to the year. Our teachers are settled in, and we are so proud to see our students giving their best each day.
Upcoming Events:
Oct 4 — TES Glee Club performance at Round Up
Oct 7 — Fire Prevention Presentation (TECS Gym)
Oct 13-- Parent Meeting: Student Performance Data & School Goals
Oct 16 — Fall Picture Make-Up Day (TES/TECS)
Oct 27 — TES Grades 1–5 ELAR CBA #2
Oct 28 — TES 5th Grade Science CBA #2
Oct 28 — TES/TECS Boo Bash Reading/Social Studies Night (TES/TECS campus)
Oct 29 — TES Grades 1–5 Math CBA #2
Oct 30 — 2nd Six Weeks Ends
THS students and staff are heavy in pursuit to academic success. The fist 6 weeks has just ended and the THS students are continuing to make academic gains. Having participated in the first CBA of the year, the THS students are showing excellent academic growth and the potential to finish the year strong. Attendance is hovering between 94-95%. We are sincerely proud of our students and staff working hard towards success.
Texas Free College Application Week 2025
Dates: October 13–19, 2025
Where to Apply: ApplyTexas.org
During Free College Application Week, Texas residents can apply to any Texas public college or university for undergraduate admission with no application fee!
Who Can Participate?
- Texas high school seniors applying for the first time
- Transfer students planning to continue their education at a Texas public institution
- Any Texas resident seeking undergraduate admission
How It Works:
1. Create your ApplyTexas account in advance.
2. Complete your application for the colleges/universities you’re interested in.
3. Submit between October 13–19, 2025 to qualify for the fee waiver.
4. Applications must be fully submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on October 19, 2025.
Why Apply This Week?
Save $50–$100 per application
Apply to multiple schools without worrying about costs
Take the first big step toward your college future!
Upcoming Events:
Oct 1 — Balfour cap/gown & ring orders
Oct 6 — Band Booster Meeting (THS Teaching Theatre)
Oct 7 — Texas A&M College Tour (Seniors/Juniors)
Oct 15 — SAT/PSAT Testing (Grades 10 & 12)
Oct 20 — HOSA Officer Workshop (Health Museum, Houston)
Oct 21 — Superintendent Student Advisory Council (THS Students)
Oct 21 — UIL Marching Band Contest (Conroe)
Oct 22 — College & Career Fair (THS Gym)
Oct 25 — Area Marching Contest (Lindale)
Oct 27 — Algebra I & U.S. History CBA #2
Oct 28 — FFA Meeting (THS Commons)
Oct 28 — ELAR I & II CBA #2
Oct 29 — Biology CBA #2
Oct 30 — Pep Rally (Senior Night, THS Gym)
Oct 30 — 2nd Six Weeks Ends
Oct 31 — BETA Sweet Treat Street Community Event (THS)
Cross Country Getting ready for District On October 8 in Liberty. Volleyball and Football have began District play. Raylee Millard 2nd and Amy Humphries 7th both received Medals in the Anahuac Cross Country meet.
To purchase tickets, for game information, or scores-please visit the Athletics page on the TISD website: https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/departments/athletics
Cross Country
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October 2 — TMS Cross Country: Lake Houston Invitational Meet
Volleyball (F / JV / Varsity)
- October 3 — vs Huffman (Home) at 6:30 / 5:30 / 4:30 (F / JV / V)
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October 7 — vs Liberty (Home) at 4:30 / 5:30 / 6:30
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October 9 — vs Shepherd (Home) at 6:30 / 5:30 / 4:30
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October 14 — @ Livingston (Away) at 4:30 / 5:30 / 6:30
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October 17 — @ Hamshire-Fannett (Away) at 6:30 / 5:30 / 4:30
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October 24 — vs Hardin-Jefferson (Home) at 6:30 / 5:30 / 4:30
Football (Varsity, JV, MS)
- October 9 — JV @ Shepherd, 5:30 PM
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October 9 — MS vs Shepherd, 5:30 / 7:00 PM
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October 10 — Varsity vs Shepherd (Home), 7:00 PM
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October 16 — JV vs “Richmond T[?]” (Home), 6:00 PM
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October 16 — MS (Away), 5:00 / 6:30 PM
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October 17 — Varsity @ Silsbee, 7:30 PM
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October 23 — JV vs Northside (Home), 7:00 PM
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October 23 — MS vs Northside (Home), 4:30 / 5:30 PM
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October 24 — Varsity vs Hamshire-Fannett (Home), 7:30 PM
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October 30 — JV vs Shepherd (Home), 5:30 PM
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October 30 — MS vs Shepherd (Away), 5:30 / 7:00 PM
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October 31 — Varsity vs West Orange-Stark (Home), 7:30 PM
This month, our Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) team has been actively engaged on campuses across the district. By joining Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and conducting classroom calibration walks, we are working alongside administrators to strengthen instructional practices and ensure consistency in high-quality teaching and learning.
A major area of focus has been the review of Common Benchmark Assessment (CBA) data. This information helps campuses identify student strengths and areas for improvement, refine lessons, plan targeted interventions, and monitor student progress closely. These efforts support our district goal of ensuring that every student makes at least one year of academic growth.
In addition, we continue to emphasize the importance of strong Tier 1 instruction—the foundation of every classroom. By supporting intentional lesson design, providing instructional resources, and promoting collaboration across grade levels and campuses, we are equipping teachers with the tools they need to help students succeed. TISD Assessment Calendar
We want to take a moment to celebrate our teachers. Their openness to feedback, willingness to reflect, and dedication to growth create classrooms where students feel supported and inspired to learn. Feedback isn’t about evaluation—it’s about learning together. When teachers try new ideas, share strategies, and lean on each other for support, they create a culture where both adults and students grow side by side.
Teachers truly are the heart of our schools and the number one factor in student success. We are so grateful for the energy, care, and commitment they bring every single day to our students, our families, and our community.
Custodial Department
October 2nd is School Custodian Appreciation Day, we will celebrate our hard working custodians on Friday by providing them with lunch and laughter.
The custodians are always busy keeping our buildings clean and tidy for our wonderful students and staff.
Child Nutrition has been busy testing new menu items and gearing up to participate in the Texas Farm Fresh Challenge in October! The Farm Fresh Challenge takes place every October to celebrate local foods in school meals. TISD had pledged to participate and to serve local foods, teach about local products and nutrition, and to share our journey with our community on social media. We will also be participating in National School Lunch Week (NSLW) 2025 showcases the theme “Texas Taste Tour: Your School Lunch Passport!" The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has develop to boost student participation and fuel them for their journey ahead with a nutritious school lunch! So be on the look out for local foods coming to a TISD cafeteria near you!
Tarkington ISD joined the @TexasDepartmentofAgriculture in the Farm Fresh Challenge. We pledge to serve more locally sourced foods in October. TISD students will be enjoying fresh foods and learning about Texas agriculture all month! #FarmFreshTexas
The Child Nutrition Department will also be hosting our annual Pumpkin decorating contest in October! See the attached flyer for more details!
Attention Business Leaders!
We need local businesses and companies to host an informational table for our 2nd Annual College and Career Fair on October 22, 8-12pm. Please come share information about careers within your organization with our high school students. To sign up and obtain more information; please click the link: College and Career Fair
August Board Meeting Highlights
- Discussion item- AVID presentation from the Middle School teachers
- Discussion item- Choir Interest survey
- Discussion and approval of Interlocal Agreement with Liberty County Constable, Pct 5
- Discussion and approval of Property Casualty Insurance Renewal
- Discussion item-TISD 2024-2025 Accountability Ratings
- Discussion and approval of Board Policy FNCE (Local) - Student Conduct: Personal Telecommunications/Electronic Devices - Second Reading
- Discussion and approval of GKD (Local) - Community Relations: Nonschool Use of School Facilities Board Policy and Guidelines
- Discussion and approval of CPC (Local) - Office Management: Records Management Board Policy
- Approval of the policy updates to EFB (Local) - Instructional Resources
- Library Materials
- Approval of the 2025-2026 Budget and Tax Rate
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
October is Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is increasingly found in counterfeit pills and other substances — and even a tiny amount can be deadly. As part of our commitment to student safety, we encourage parents to talk openly with their children about the risks. Remind them that any pill not prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl. It’s especially important that kids understand they should never take pills offered by friends, classmates, or strangers — even if they look harmless. Honest, judgment-free conversations can make all the difference. Awareness saves lives.
Immunization Reminder
- Updated immunization records should be submitted to the school nurse. All students must be up to date on their immunizations or have a current immunization waiver on file to remain enrolled in school. If you have questions about what’s required or need help accessing services, we’re here to support you. Healthy kids are better learners!
Join us at the next SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) Meeting on October 3rd at 11am to help shape health and wellness initiatives that support all students — your voice matters! See the attached flyer for details.
TISD recently hosted a Substitute Training Session, equipping our substitutes with the tools and resources they need to be successful in supporting our campuses. We are grateful for their commitment to stepping in and helping our students thrive.
Congratulations to our Custodial Department and Child Nutrition Department for earning the Perfect Attendance Award this period! Your dedication and reliability make a big difference in keeping our schools running smoothly each day.
All students should have received a bus pass by September 11, 2025 for the 2025–2026 school year. If your student has not yet received their bus pass, please contact the Transportation Department by email at transportation@tarkingtonisd.net or by phone at 281-592-0377 for assistance.
The first bus pass is provided at no cost. Students must have their bus pass with them when loading and unloading the bus and are required to wear it at all times while riding. These passes are an important part of student safety and help ensure proper identification for all bus riders.
If a replacement bus pass is needed, the cost will be $5 for the card, $1 for the lanyard, and $1 for the plastic sleeve. Payments may be submitted in an envelope to the student’s bus driver or paid directly at the Transportation Office. Once payment has been received, the Transportation Department will print the new bus pass and deliver it to the student on their next bus route.
Failure to wear the required identification may result in disciplinary action. After three instances of not having a bus pass during a single progress report period, students may face a bus suspension of up to three days.
The district is also piloting the Here Comes the Bus app on buses 15, 29, 36, and 37. Parents can sign up to receive bus alerts through this app by using the TISD Code 30241 along with their student’s ID number.
Finally, please remember that all students must be registered with the Transportation Department in order to ride the bus. Students who are not registered will not be permitted to ride.
