June District Newsletter

As we wrap up the 2024–2025 school year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our students and parents for your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It’s been a year full of growth and learning; and now it’s time to take a well-deserved break. I encourage everyone to take time this summer to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Pick up a good book, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the simple joys of the summer season.

To our incredible staff—thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and for choosing to be part of the Tarkington family. Your passion and dedication make all the difference, and I am deeply grateful for the impact you have on our community.

Enjoy your summer, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another great year in Tarkington!

Don't miss out on the following summer athletic camps happening for our TISD athletes.

For information regarding obtaining your transcripts or registration; please email Dana Burt at DBURT@TARKINGTONISD.NET

The first day of school is August 7th. To be prepared, check out the school supply lists by going to the TISD website and click on your campus. https://www.tarkingtonisd.net/families/school-supply-list

Summer Meals

Summer fun ideas for students and the entire family. Note: not all of these are not affiliated with the school district. This list was compiled to pass along to the community as a resource list of activities available.

VBS:

Rural Shade Baptist Church: https://ruralshadekids.myanswers.com/vbs2025

Oak Shade Baptist Church: https://oakshadevbs25.myanswers.com/wonder-junction/register/

Calvary Baptist: https://cbccleveland.org/children (scroll down to find registration link)

Security Baptist Church: https://www.securityfirstbaptist.com/event-details-registration/v-b-s-2025-magnified

North Cleveland Baptist Church: https://northclevelandbaptist.com/ (scroll down mid way on page)

Here are some great opportunities to explore Houston's museums for free during the summer of 2025:

Every Day:

• Kids bowl free: Kids enjoy 2 free games every day. To sign up and find a bowling center near you go to: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Tuesdays

• Houston Museum of Natural Science
  Enjoy free general admission to permanent exhibits from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Note that special exhibits like the Butterfly Center and Planetarium require separate tickets.

• Houston Zoo
  Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month. Reservations are required and can be booked online the week before.

Thursdays

• Tarkington Community Library: Summer Reading Program at TECS. June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 10, 17, 24, 31. Times: 12:30-3pm.
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
  Free general admission to the permanent collections from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Special exhibitions may have separate fees.
• Children’s Museum Houston
  Free Family Night from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's recommended to reserve tickets in advance due to limited availability.
• The Health Museum
  Free admission from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are available online only.
• Holocaust Museum Houston
  Free admission from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Children aged 18 and under are always free.
• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
  Free admission from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Always Free

• Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
  Offers free admission year-round.

• The Menil Collection
  Free admission year-round.

• Blaffer Art Museum (University of Houston)

• Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission.

Special Attractions:

• Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens
  Offers free admission on Family Days, typically held on the third Sunday of each month. Activities include self-guided detective hunts for children.

• Moody Gardens – Galveston: Summer Sale: Use code SUMMER25 to receive 25% off hotel stays and Value Passes.

• Pirates Bay Waterpark – Baytown: Children 2 and under: Free admission. General Admission: $29.99 plus tax.

• Space Center Houston (NASA): Children (ages 4–11): $24.95 when purchased online; prices may be higher at the gate.

• Pleasure Pier Galveston: All-Day Ride Pass (includes unlimited rides and pier access): Guests 48" and taller: $29.99, Guests under 48": $23.99

• Kemah Boardwalk: All-Day Ride Pass (unlimited rides for one day): Guests 48" and taller: $28.99, Guests under 48": $22.99

Interested in a "Stay-cation" visit Houston on the Cheap for free summer camps, things to do in Houston, and a list of weekend events. https://www.houstononthecheap.com/news/things-to-do-in-houston-this-weekend-free-events-activities-couples-near-me/

The Second Lady has a reading challenge for children in grades K-8. Just read 12 books of your choice between June 1 and September 5 and track your progress on the reading log. Once you've read 12 books send in your reading log and receive a certificate and prize. With their completed form, students will be entered into a drawing for the chance to visit the Nation's Capital with a chaperone!

At the End of the Year Employee luncheon, we had the opportunity to honor those that are retiring from the district. Thank you for your dedication to the students of TISD, your heart and service for education are greatly appreciated and will be missed.

Beverly Cox, TMS Paraprofessional (13 years in education and all with TISD)

Shelley Rena, Director of Stronger Connections Grant (25 years in education, 5 years with TISD)

Marilyn Paige, TES 3rd Grade Teacher (21 years in education, 18 years with TISD)

Amy Vandver, Transportation (25 years in education and all with TISD)

Sandy Rice, TES 5th Grade Teacher (18 years in education, 11 years with TISD)

Bus Registration for 25-26 School Year

June Webinar: Understanding & Supporting Youth Anxiety

This session will help parents recognize signs of anxiety, provide emotional support at home, and understand when professional help may be needed. Parents will also have the chance to ask questions during a live Q&A with a licensed clinician.

Class in English:
Wednesday, June 18th | 5:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM EST

Clase en Español:
Jueves, 19 de junio | 5:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM EST

To Register: https://www.daybreakhealth.com/family-webinars/supporting-youth-with-anxiety

Summer means more kids around the house. Make sure you’re following the 1-2-3s of safe gun storage to keep firearms from getting into the wrong hands. Visit SafeGunStorageTexas.com for a safety checklist and how to protect kids from gun accidents in the home.

Not all summer days are sunny. On those rainy days; here are some kid-friendly, educational, and fun websites perfect for rainy summer days. Create a “rainy day tech station” with a schedule so screen time stays balanced and purposeful. Pair website activities with hands-on projects like crafts or science experiments!

Creativity & Art

• ABCya! (PreK–6): Fun games that teach math, reading, and typing—with art activities too.

• Tate Kids (All ages): Explore famous artworks, play art games, and create your own masterpieces.

• Toy Theater (PreK–5): Interactive games for math, art, puzzles, and more.

Reading & Storytelling

• Storyline Online (All ages): Celebrities read popular children’s books aloud.

• Epic! (Ages 5–12): A digital library of 40,000+ books (free with limited access or via school account).

• International Children’s Digital Library (All ages): Books from around the world in many languages.

Learning & Exploration

• National Geographic Kids (All ages): Learn about animals, science, and the world with videos and games.

• PBS Kids (Ages 3–8): Games and videos featuring favorite PBS characters, with a focus on learning.

• BrainPOP Jr. (K–3): Animated videos and quizzes on science, reading, health, and more.

STEM & Coding

• Code.org (Ages 5+): Easy-to-follow coding activities and games with fun themes like Minecraft and Frozen.

• Scratch (Ages 8–16): Kids can create their own stories, games, and animations through block coding.

• Tynker (Ages 5+): Learn to code with interactive lessons and game-based activities.