Tarkington Elementary School

08/18/2026

Join us in welcoming Officer Struga as our new SRO!

Please join us in welcoming Officer Kasia Struga of the Wheeling Police and Fire Departments as the new school resource officer for the London strand! 👋

Struga will work with students, staff and families at London, Field, Riley and Tarkington throughout the 2026-27 school year, with a focus on building relationships, being a positive presence and supporting students throughout their school experience. Most importantly, she'll also continue serving as a handler for Buddy, the Wheeling Police Department’s therapy and community engagement dog!

We also want to thank Officer Czapla for his service to the London strand. While he’s moving into a new role as one of the SROs at Wheeling High School, we’re glad he’ll still be around our community and look forward to seeing him from time to time!

Learn more about Officer Struga, her background and her approach to building connections with students in our full story:https://bit.ly/4x1tnVT

Welcome, Officer Struga!

08/15/2026

Tarkyyyyyyy!

Tarky the Tarkington Tiger has a very important question...

Are YOU ready?!

School starts in just four days! On Wednesday, Aug. 19, our students in Grades 1-8 will be back in the halls, classrooms and playgrounds of District 21.

Tarky is ready to roar into a new school year. Are you?

07/18/2026

Support Tarkington by dining at Panera today!

When you mention Tarkington at the register or use code FUND4U when ordering online, 30% of net sales will be donated back to our school through the Tarkington PTO.

📍 Panera Bread – 5 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights
🗓️ Today • All Day

Thank you for supporting our Tigers and the Tarkington community. Every meal helps make a difference!

06/30/2026

A very hearty congratulations to the newlyweds! (And Ms. Libit!)

Some people work with their spouse. Some work with a parent.

But how many can say they work with their spouse, their mother AND their mother-in-law?

Meet newlyweds Delaney Libit Massa, a third-grade teacher at Twain Elementary School, and Nate Massa, an instrumental music teacher at Jack London Middle School. They tied the knot last weekend and now share more than just a life together. Alongside them is Ann Libit, a fourth-grade teacher at Tarkington Elementary School (and Delaney's mom), and Sherri Massa, our director of student services (and Nate's mom).

Together, this District 21 family is making a difference every day, proving that a passion for education truly runs in the family.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

06/05/2026

In our ongoing retiree video series, we honor Patrick Fahey, physical education teacher at Tarkington Elementary School and Poe Elementary School, as he retires after 24 years with District 21. Thank you for the many ways you’ve supported students and strengthened our schools.

For the full playlist of our Class of 2026 retirees, head here: https://bit.ly/4dUz2EX

06/03/2026

Introducing our Class of 2026 retiree video series!

This year, we celebrate 23 remarkable individuals from the Class of 2026 whose combined 450 years of service have helped shape the heart of District 21. While not all of our retirees chose to participate in a tribute, we’re grateful to be able to share video messages from many of them.

Over the next two weeks, we will roll out a series of retiree spotlight videos featuring heartfelt messages from colleagues, reflecting on the impact each retiree has made and the memories they leave behind. Join us in honoring their dedication, their care for students, and the lasting mark they’ve made on our schools and community.

Be sure to follow along as we celebrate each of these incredible careers.

Today we celebrate Kelly Berbaum, STEM teacher at Tarkington Elementary School, whose 27 years of service have made a meaningful difference in District 21. From colleagues to students, your impact will be felt for years to come. Thank you for everything—and congratulations on your retirement.

For the full playlist of our Class of 2026 retirees, head here: https://bit.ly/4dUz2EX

06/02/2026

History came to life at our Third-Grade Wax Museum!

After researching influential figures from history, our Tigers transformed themselves into the people they studied, sharing facts, stories and accomplishments with visitors who stopped by their exhibits. With an assortment of notable figures, including scientists, inventors, leaders, artists and athletes, the museum was filled with learning, creativity and impressive presentations.

We are so proud of the hard work our third graders put into this project and the confidence they showed while bringing these remarkable individuals to life.

Take a look at some of the highlights from this year's Wax Museum!

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 NEU Tarkington Scholarship Recipients, Ronnie Segundo and Yaretzi Lozano from Wheeling High School! They each will receive a $500 Scholarship to help them with college expenses.

Watch this video to hear more about the scholarship and to hear their essays:

05/18/2026

Some additional highlights from our Multicultural Night last week!

05/12/2026

Our fifth grade choir welcomes you to our FIRST Multicultural Night!