TMS Mission Statement
The mission of Tarkington Middle School is to provide opportunities to ensure each student achieves his or her greatest potential through support of these academic and citizenship elements:
Solutions to problems in preparation for the
future
High standards of achievement; mastery beyond
curricular basics
Opportunities for learning and growing in a holistic
atmosphere
Responsible members of the community
Thoughtful actions, "think twice before
you act"
Honesty in all situations
Organization skills to meet the needs of today's
students
Respect for all, for yourself, and for what you
do
Never losing sight of goals
Spirit to achieve and never give up
Administration
Principal - JoJie De La Garza
Although I am originally from La Porte, I made Tarkington my home in 1995. In December of the same year I graduated from UHCL, and shortly after I began working on my teaching certification at Lamar University. My Tarkington teaching career began in 1998 when I was hired to teach seventh grade English at Tarkington Middle School. In 2004 I completed my Masters in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. After spending some time at home with my most precious gift, my daughter, I returned to the middle school classroom in 2005 where I continued to teach seventh grade English. From 2008-2010, I proudly served as the Assistant Principal at Tarkington Primary School. My years at the primary were invaluable but I am overjoyed to be back home at Tarkington Middle School. It is truly my honor to serve you and YOUR MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS!
Email Ms De La Garza: jdelagarza@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
Assistant Principal - Melinda Coogler
My name is Melinda Coogler. I grew up in Livingston, Texas and graduated from Livingston High School in 1993. I worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice while attending Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. I graduated in 2001 with a BA in English and a minor in Economics. I then began teaching for Shepherd I.S.D. After several years, I changed districts. I taught in Cleveland I.S.D and found my way to Tarkington I.S.D. in 2005. During this time I attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I graduated in 2006 with a Masters in Educational Leadership. I taught 7th and 8th grade for two years before being blessed with a position at Tarkington High School as a counselor. During this time I received my Masters in Counseling. This year I began a new endeavor as an assistant principal at Tarkington Middle School.
I have two daughters, Haley and McKenzie that attend Tarkington I.S.D.
Email Ms Coogler: mecoogler@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
Counselor - Jennifer McCracken
Jennifer McCracken was born in Cambridge, Ohio on November 1, 1966. She graduated from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1989 with a degree in English Education. For 20 years, Jennifer has taught in a secondary school setting. In 2006, she completed her Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is now attending Lamar University in the Counseling and Development graduate program seeking a second Masters.
Jennifer loves working with young people. She is focused on what is best for the needs of our students. She believes that "Education is lifelong, and we never learn enough."
Email Ms McCracken: jmccracken@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
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Support Staff
< color="#660000">Aides
Brenda Ayers - Special Ed
Brandy Bomer - AEP
Cindy Grudzinski - Library
Sheila Horne - Content Mastery
Judy McGowan - ISS
Christina Sanford - Special Ed
Karen Suggs - Instructional Aide
Cafeteria
Sherrel Gafford, Mgr
Diann Buntin
Pat Champlin
Audra Davis
Ventura Gill
Catherine Robertson
Custodial
Tappy Sims, Head
Sissy Copeland
Angela Price
Debora Watson
Nurse
Kathy Rouse
Email krouse@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
Office Staff
Campus Secretary
Veleaka Lyons
Email vlyons@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
PIEMS/Attendance Clerk
Shari Gilmore
Email sgilmore@tarkington.isd.esc4.net
Location
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