Welcome to 6th Grade! My name is Mrs. Tarkany, and I am your English Language Arts (ELA) and Science (for my homeroom only) Teacher. I have been teaching for over 11 years. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English from Purdue University and completed my Elementary Education graduate studies at the University of Phoenix. I'm originally from Northwest Indiana, have lived all over the country and settled in the Valley of the Sun in 2014. I have been married to Mr. Tarkany for 15 years and have two kids, Logan who is in High School and Lexie who is in Middle School.

We will be reading lots of literature (yes - actual books!) this year to supplement the Florida Virtual Learning System curriculum. Other important components will be note-taking, writing (nonfiction, narratives, essays and short stories) with heavy emphasis on grammar skills, cursive writing, debate and critical thinking skills development. At this time, I do not assign homework. However, unfinished classwork will be sent home for completion. All assignments are graded according to the Dysart Distict matrix (60% assessments, 30% learning process. and 10% learning practice). I believe the student is responsible for their education and we, teachers/staff and parents/guardians, are their support system. To be successful, you need to ready to learn each day. This means bring all your school supplies (School Supply List ), charge your Chromebook daily and sport a positive attitude and friendly disposition. I have high standards and will do my absolute best to guide your learning.

Email is the best way to contact me, heather.tarkany@dysart.org. I check it multiple times a day and will get back to you within 48 hrs (usually quicker). Our school phone is 623-876-7750. I send a weekly email newsblast (Sunday evenings) to students and their parents/guardians which includes topics of study, academic updates, upcoming events, and important classroom information. Communication is the key to a healthy classroom culture!

I look forward to sharing our exciting, educational experience!