March 2026 Newsletter

As we move into a new month, we are excited about all the great things happening at TES! This month marks our transition to a four-day school week schedule, and we are looking forward to finishing the year strong. Our students continue to work hard each day, especially our 3rd–5th graders as they prepare for the upcoming STAAR assessment. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate all they have learned this year, and we are very proud of their progress and dedication.

Please continue to encourage your child to give their very best each day, attend school consistently, get plenty of rest, and come ready to learn. Every instructional minute truly makes a difference. As we prepare for STAAR, it is vital that students are present, focused, and ready to do their best. When families and teachers work together as a team, we create the strongest foundation for student success. We truly value your partnership and appreciate your continued support.

One of the best ways you can support your child at home is by building strong daily habits. Encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes each evening. Reading together, discussing stories, and asking questions about what they have read helps strengthen comprehension and vocabulary skills. In addition, practicing math facts each night helps students build speed, accuracy, and confidence. Quick practice with addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division facts makes a big difference in overall math success.

Spring Break is quickly approaching, and our students will soon enjoy a much-needed and well-deserved break.

We are also excited about several upcoming family events this month.

• Pastries with Parents for TECS, Pre-K: March 9, 2026
• Nachos with Numbers Family Math Night on March 9, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m
• Pastries with Parents for grades 1-3 will take place on March 10, 2026.

6th GRADE

Math

In March, 6th grade students reviewed important prior math skills and began learning about probability. Students practiced recognizing and solving ratio problems, using equivalent ratios, and solving one-variable equations. They also reviewed positive rational numbers and unit conversions to strengthen foundational skills.

Later in the month, students began studying experimental and theoretical probability, including predicting outcomes of events and understanding the likelihood of simple and compound events. Students also continued practicing STAAR-style questions and problem-solving skills.

ELAR

In ELAR, students are focusing on improving reading comprehension and writing skills. They analyze different types of texts, identify main ideas and supporting details, and practice responding to reading through written explanations. Students also work on vocabulary development and preparing for STAAR-style reading questions.

Parents can support learning by:

• Encouraging students to practice math facts and problem solving daily.

• Asking children to explain how they solved a math problem to build reasoning skills.

• Playing games that involve probability or chance (dice, cards, etc.).

• Encouraging students to read at least 20 minutes each day.

• Asking questions about what they read (main idea, characters, theme).

7th GRADE

Math

During March, 7th grade students focus on probability and predictions while continuing to review key skills from earlier in the year. Students learn the difference between experimental probability and theoretical probability and practice predicting the outcomes of events.

They also spiral review skills such as:

• Solving equations

• Proportions and scale drawings

• Volume of rectangular prisms

• Students regularly practice STAAR-style problems to prepare for the upcoming state assessment.

ELAR

In ELAR, 7th grade students continue to strengthen reading analysis and writing skills. They work with fiction and informational texts, focusing on theme, author’s purpose, and text evidence. Students also practice responding to reading using constructed responses similar to those on STAAR.

Parents can support their child by:

• Helping students review fractions, ratios, and proportions.

• Asking students to estimate probabilities in everyday situations.

• Encouraging daily reading and discussing key ideas from the text.

• Having students explain their reasoning when solving math problems.

8th GRADE

Math

In March, 8th grade students work on geometry concepts involving cylinders and surface area. They solve real-world problems involving the surface area of cylinders and connect these concepts to earlier learning about volume and area.

Students also continue reviewing:

• Slope and relationships in graphs

• Mathematical modeling and problem solving

• STAAR-style questions to prepare for the upcoming test.

  8th grade math

ELAR

In ELAR, students are analyzing more complex texts and strengthening critical reading and writing skills. They focus on identifying author’s purpose, text structure, theme, and supporting evidence. Students also practice written responses and revising their writing.

Parents can help by:

• Encouraging students to solve real-world math problems involving measurements or area.

• Reviewing graphs and slope concepts together.

• Asking students to summarize what they read and identify key ideas.

• Encouraging consistent reading and writing practice.

Attendance: February - 6th 95.89, 7th 94.93, 8th 94.79, overall 95.26 - Reminder to parents, students, and families - We will have an attendance field trip at the end of the school year for all students who have 5 or fewer absences (excused or unexcused).

Math tutoring has started on campus during select electives. We are fortunate to have two highly qualified, certified teachers leading those sessions and are excited about the support from parents and effort that students are putting in so far. This will continue until April 20th.

Spring Pictures (Rescheduled) March 11

As we enter the Fifth Instructional Period, students are expected to apply previously learned skills with greater independence and depth. Instruction during this six weeks focuses on analysis, real-world application, and readiness for spring assessments and end-of-course exams.

English Language Arts (Grades 9–12)

Across all English courses, students are engaging in STAAR-aligned review 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
• Applying editing and revising strategies to improve clarity and organization

Mathematics

Math instruction this six weeks emphasizes applying concepts to solve problems and interpret patterns:

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

Students are expected to model solutions, explain their reasoning, and evaluate their work for accuracy.

Science

Science courses continue to engage students in hands-on investigations and analysis:

• Biology: Ecosystem stability and environmental systems
• Chemistry: Stoichiometry and thermochemistry
• Physics: Electricity, waves, and energy transfer
• Environmental Systems: Human impact through emissions and pollutants
• Laboratory investigations and scientific explanations remain a major focus this six weeks.

Social Studies

Social Studies courses are emphasizing connections between historical events and modern-day systems:

• World Geography: Regional studies including Africa and South Asia
• World History: Political revolutions, industrialization, and imperialism
• U.S. History: New national directions from 1970 to the present
• Government: The federalist system and branches of government
• Economics: Entrepreneurship, economic growth, and public policy
• Students are analyzing sources and exploring cause-and-effect relationships within political and economic systems.

Practice & Preparation Resources

All THS students have access to iXL, our district-provided platform offering personalized practice in:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• SAT, ACT, and TSIA2 preparation
• iXL is especially helpful during testing season because it provides targeted skill practice and immediate feedback. Even short daily practice sessions can strengthen readiness and build confidence.

This season is not just about testing — it’s about helping students demonstrate the growth they’ve made all year. Your encouragement and consistency at home matter more than you know.

Tutorials, Intervention & Academic Support

As we move into the Fifth Instructional Period, academic support remains a campus-wide priority to ensure students are prepared for upcoming spring assessments and End-of-Course exams.

• Longhorn Time continues to focus on strengthening English Language Arts skills across grade levels. Students are using Lowman instructional materials to improve reading comprehension, editing, and revising — skills that support success across all content areas.
• TELPAS pull-out support is ongoing for identified students and takes place during Longhorn Time to strengthen language acquisition and academic vocabulary.
• Teachers are continuing to review benchmark data and meet regularly to plan targeted interventions based on student performance.
• Additional after-school tutorial and intervention opportunities are available for students needing extra support in EOC-tested subjects. Students who are assigned tutorials are expected to attend consistently to ensure progress toward mastery.

Attendance Information

Consistent attendance remains one of the strongest predictors of academic success, especially as we move closer to spring assessments and End-of-Course exams. We appreciate your continued partnership in helping students attend school regularly and on time.

February Attendance Data: 9th Grade: 89%, 10th Grade: 85%, 11th Grade: 86%, 12th Grade: 86%,

Campus Overall: 86%

We are working to improve these numbers as we enter the final instructional periods of the school year. Daily attendance ensures students do not miss valuable instruction, tutorials, and intervention opportunities that directly impact their academic progress.

Dates to Remember:

• Every Wednesday: College, Career & Military Shirt Day
• March 12: THS SAT Testing (Grade 11) – All Day
• March 12–15: THS Band Trip to Orlando – All Day
• March 16–20: Spring Break — No School
• March 28 - Prom

Campus Expectations

To support instructional time and student responsibility, tardies continue to be tracked weekly:

• 3 tardies: After-school detention
• 4–5 tardies: Thursday Night Live
• 6 or more tardies: ISS
• Maintaining punctuality helps ensure students do not miss valuable instructional time and remain on track academically.

Please note that game dates/times are subject to change.

Softball

• March 1 – Cleveland Tournament (Varsity)

• March 4 – vs Trinity (District Game)

• March 6 & 8 – JV Tournament (Anahuac HS)

• March 7 – vs Hardin-Jefferson (District Game)

• March 11 – vs Shepherd (District Game)

• March 18 – vs Hamshire-Fannett (District Game)

• March 21 – vs Liberty

• March 25 – vs Huffman (Teacher Appreciation Night)

• March 28 – vs Livingston (District Game)

Baseball

• March 4 – vs Bridge City (Non-District)

• March 6–8 – Silsbee Varsity Tournament

• March 6–8 – Coldspring JV Tournament

• March 11 – vs Shepherd (District Game)

• March 14 – District Home Opener vs Shepherd

• March 18 – vs Hamshire-Fannett (District Game)

• March 21 – vs Hamshire-Fannett (District Game)

• March 25 – vs Huffman (Teacher Appreciation Night)

• March 28 – vs Huffman (District Game)

Track

• March 3 – Boys Track Meet (New Waverly)
• March 4 – Girls Track Meet (Shepherd)

• March 6 – Varsity Track Meet (Coldspring HS)

• March 18 – Girls & Boys Track Meet (Tarkington)

• March 21 – Varsity Track Meet (Dayton)

• March 25 – Boys District Track Meet (Huffman)

• March 26 – Girls District Track Meet (Hardin-Jefferson)

• March 27 – Varsity Track Meet (Hull-Daisetta)

Golf

• March 3 – Boys Tournament (Bridge City)

• March 4 – Girls Tournament (Liberty)

• March 17 – Boys Tournament (Warren)

• March 24 – District Tournament Round 1 (Boys & Girls)

• March 26 – District Tournament Round 2 (Boys & Girls)

Tennis

• March 5 – JV/Varsity Match (Liberty)

• March 20 – JV Tennis (Beaumont)

• March 21 – Varsity Tennis (Beaumont)

• March 27 – JV Tennis (Baytown)

• March 28 – Varsity Tennis (Beaumont)

Powerlifting

• March 1 – Girls Regional Meet

• March 6 – Boys Regional Meet

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 February 16, 2026 was 1830 with average daily attendance at 94.01%.

TECS: 188, TES: 677, TMS: 449, THS: 516.

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 - 93.17%, TMS - 94.76%, TES - 94.38%, TEC - 93.03%, TISD - 94.01%

Attendance Reminders

• Attendance letters are generated weekly and mailed home for: 3, 6, and 9 unexcused absences
• Parent notes for the current semester (January–May) must be submitted within one week of the absence.
• Students who miss 9 or more days in a class period (excused or unexcused) must complete make-up hours to meet the 90% attendance rule.

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

Our Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment team has officially launched the spring assessment season across Tarkington ISD. These state assessments provide important insight into student progress in language development and college readiness and help guide instructional planning to support student success. TISD Assessment Calendar

This week, TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) testing began for students at Tarkington Elementary and Tarkington Intermediate campuses. TELPAS assesses the progress of our Emergent Bilingual students in acquiring academic English in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Testing will continue across the district in the coming weeks:

• Tarkington Middle School (TMS) will begin TELPAS testing next week
• Tarkington High School (THS) will administer TELPAS assessments during the week of March 9th
• Additionally, all eligible Tarkington High School juniors will participate in the SAT School Day assessment on March 12th. This opportunity allows students to take the SAT at no cost during the school day and supports college readiness as part of the district’s commitment to preparing students for postsecondary success.

The TAPR (Texas Academic Performance Report) and Federal Report Cards for the state, the district, and each of the district’s campuses are available on the district’s website at this link: https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/about-tisd/academic-reporting and is also available on the Texas Education Agency’s website at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/federal-report-cards.

National School Breakfast Week is March 2-6! Join us on our quest!

• 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.

Students will have school on Friday, March 27-makeup day for school closure earlier in March.

National School Breakfast Week: March 2-6

Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day: March 6

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

Mar. 16-20 Spring Break

Dates to Remember:

March 11: TMS Spring Pictures

March 28: Prom

March 31: Winter Guard Performance

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 21: Senior Sunset

• Tarkington ISD's Annual Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) : Public Forum
• Discuss and consider the approval of the Tarkington Public Library Services and Library Service Agreement
• Waste Water Treatment Plant Update
• Discuss and consider approval of the school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year
• Discuss and consider approval of a resolution regarding the delay of teacher certification requirements
• Discuss and consider approval of Inclement Weather Resolution
• Discuss and consider possible action on the THS Chiller Replacement
• Discuss and consider possible action on the parking lot lighting for TMS

Next Board Meeting: March 30, 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 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

Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses
Although we are nearing the end of peak illness season, respiratory illnesses are still present in our community. Please keep your child home if they have:

• A fever of 100°F or higher (students must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school)

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

• A persistent cough that interferes with learning

• Any contagious condition that has not been cleared according to school guidelines

Encouraging frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.

Spare Change of Clothes
Accidents can happen at any age — from spills at lunch to recess mishaps or unexpected illness. We recommend that families, especially at the elementary level, consider placing a seasonally appropriate change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in their child’s backpack. Having a spare set available helps students return to class quickly and comfortably if needed.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Meeting
We will be holding a SHAC meeting on March 5th 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.

Healthy Habits for Spring
March is a great time to refocus on daily wellness habits:

• Eat balanced meals with fruits and vegetables

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Get adequate sleep (8–10 hours for most school-aged children)

• Engage in regular physical activity

Healthy routines support both academic success and overall well-being.

Health Updates & Communication
If your child has a new medical diagnosis, medication change, or health concern, please notify your school nurse. Updated medical information allows us to better support your child during the school day.

We appreciate your partnership in promoting a healthy school community across our district. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school nurse.

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/

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

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

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!

Take teacher appreciation to a new level. Teachers’ jobs are hard. Nominating one for a weekend retreat is easy. The Holdsworth Center is accepting nominations through March 6. Nominate a Tarkington teacher for a weekend retreat at teacherretreat.org.