As the 2024-2025 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many successes and milestones we’ve experienced across the Tarkio R-I School District. It has been a successful and eventful year and I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and community for all they have accomplished.
This spring was packed with activity. Our students showed tremendous dedication during MAP and EOC testing. At the same time, we had outstanding participation and performance in FFA, FBLA, band and FCCLA competitions. On the athletic front, our spring sports teams gave us much to cheer about. Baseball, track, and golf were all well represented and we were thrilled to have several members of the EA track teams advance to the State meet, where they competed with heart and pride and earned medals. We also had one member of the boys’ golf team qualify and represent us at the State Golf Tournament, earning a medal – an exceptional achievement!
As we transition into summer, things are staying busy. Summer weights and athletic camps are underway and both our students and coaches are putting in the work to prepare for the upcoming school year. We’re also making important facility improvements across the district. Some of our summer projects include:
• New fencing around portions of the football field
• Concrete work at the football field, north entrance of the school, and installation of new bike pads
• New fencing around our high school air units
• Enhancements to our preschool playground, including new fencing, revamped equipment, new protective rubber ground covering and the addition of a new 4-person swing
• Demolition of the north crow’s nest and remodeling of the south press box at the football field
In addition to the major projects, the custodial and maintenance staff is busy with summer cleaning and yearly maintenance work. Connie, Bill, Alesha, Marie, Craig and Casey are putting in hours of work getting the buildings ready for the fall semester!
We’re also thankful for a successful summer school session, which ran from May 19 through June 6. A big thank you goes to the Tarkio Nutrition Center for providing meals for our students during this time.
Looking ahead to the fall, we are excited to welcome 11 new employees to our district: six elementary teachers, a history teacher, a P.E. teacher, a business teacher, a math teacher, and a paraeducator. Each of these individuals brings fresh energy and passion to Tarkio R-I and we are excited to have them join our team.
At the same time, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the teachers who are moving on. Thank you for your years of dedication, commitment, and care for the students of Tarkio R-I. You have made a lasting impact and you will always be part of the Tarkio family.
Finally, I want to thank our parents and the greater Tarkio community for their continued support. Your involvement and encouragement are vital to the success of our schools. We look forward to an exciting 2025-2026 school year and hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing summer.
With gratitude,
Bob Heddinger, Superintendent, Tarkio R-I Schools
Dustin Barnes, Assistant Superintendent, Tarkio R-I Schools
