Tara Heights Elementary

Tara Heights Elementary Tara Heights Elementary is a school in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools. It serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

We had another great year of Battle of the Books at Tara Heights. Fifth and sixth grade students worked in teams of four...
05/15/2026

We had another great year of Battle of the Books at Tara Heights. Fifth and sixth grade students worked in teams of four to read a total of 20 books and prepare to show off their book knowledge in friendly competitions, including a final battle against students from another school. We are so proud of their commitment, dedication and hard work! Well done and keep reading!

As the 2025–2026 Chess Club season comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outstanding 6th grad...
05/15/2026

As the 2025–2026 Chess Club season comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outstanding 6th grade leaders: Scarlett Edison, Claire Csipkes, Ajay Garlow, and Henry Dowse.
Throughout the year, these students dedicated their time and talents to planning meetings, teaching strategies, and creating a welcoming space where students could learn, grow, and enjoy the game of chess. Their leadership, patience, and enthusiasm helped make Chess Club a fun and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
We are so grateful for all they have contributed and wish them the very best as they begin their middle school journey. We know they will continue to accomplish great things both on and off the chessboard! ♟️✨

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Chess Club Tournament Champions!♟️🏆

🥇1st Place: DJ Badger
🥈2nd Place: Oliver Csipkes
🥉3rd Place: Thomas Styskal

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this season such a success.

This was so fun! Go Tigers!
05/14/2026

This was so fun! Go Tigers!

05/14/2026
For the last month, in ELA, fifth graders have been experiencing Fossil Camp through the eyes of campers Amy and Matt. T...
05/13/2026

For the last month, in ELA, fifth graders have been experiencing Fossil Camp through the eyes of campers Amy and Matt. Today Mrs. Tumblin talked to them about the dinosaur bones that were excavated on her ranch in Wyoming. Ask your student what connections they made between her experiences and the ones we are reading about in The Badlands Sleuth: The Case of the Missing Fossils.

Spirit winners for Friday goes to Ms. Weale's 3rd grade class!
05/11/2026

Spirit winners for Friday goes to Ms. Weale's 3rd grade class!

On Monday afternoon we got to say farewell to this years 2026 grads! Good luck on your next adventures where ever they m...
05/07/2026

On Monday afternoon we got to say farewell to this years 2026 grads! Good luck on your next adventures where ever they may take you!

Congratulations to 6th grader Claire Csipkes for earning 3rd place in the Elks Club Americanism Essay Contest!  An impre...
05/06/2026

Congratulations to 6th grader Claire Csipkes for earning 3rd place in the Elks Club Americanism Essay Contest! An impressive achievement and a wonderful recognition of her writing and understanding of American values. Well done, Claire!

Congratulations, Alex!
04/30/2026

Congratulations, Alex!

🌟 Shine Brightly Award Nominee: Alex Demon 🌟

We are excited to celebrate Alex Demon, School Psychologist at Portal Elementary! This honor highlights the outstanding contributions of new PLCS educators. Learn more about Alex below!

“Alex has been an outstanding addition to the Portal family this year. From the very beginning, she has immersed herself in our school community—taking the time to truly get to know students, families, and staff while building strong, meaningful relationships. Her commitment to connection and collaboration has already made a positive impact across the building.
Although she is new to her role, Alex has demonstrated a strong foundation and an eagerness to grow. She consistently seeks out opportunities to learn—whether that’s reaching out to her mentor, collaborating with members of the learning center team, or independently finding the information she needs to best support students. Her initiative, curiosity, and follow-through are truly commendable.
Alex leads with quiet confidence and purpose. She may not always seek the spotlight, but her actions speak volumes. Her dedication, professionalism, and student-centered mindset position her as an integral part of our team. I am confident that as she continues to grow in her role, Alex will play a key role in the ongoing success of all students at Portal Elementary.”
-Megan Schumacher, Principal at Portal Elementary School

What is your educational background?
I attended UNO for my bachelor’s in Psychology, as well as my Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology.

Why did you choose to come work in Papillion La Vista Community Schools?
I've always known Papillion was where I wanted to work. I grew up in Papillion, worked at Kid's Club in high school, and worked as a paraprofessional in between undergrad and graduate school. I love the Papillion schools and community. They feel like home for me and I am so proud to say I'm in PLCS!

How did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
I always loved working with kids. I coached youth volleyball throughout high school and college and loved volunteering with any event that had to do with mentoring younger students. School psychology just seemed like the perfect career for me to meet students where they are, help them learn, and grow to become the best versions of themselves.

Who is an educator that inspired you?
One of my professors at UNO from the Goodrich Program, Dr. Todd Richardson. He made class discussions engaging and included projects throughout the semester where we could apply what we learned to make a difference in our community.

What is your favorite day or event of the school year?
As a reader, I really loved Drop Everything and Read day at Tara Heights. Unified Sports days at Portal are also my favorite!

What do you want your students to know?
I am so proud of the growth I've seen them make this year and that I am always rooting for them to accomplish whatever they set their minds to!

Congrats to our Tiger Spirit Winners of the week Ms. Waldron's 2nd grade class!
04/24/2026

Congrats to our Tiger Spirit Winners of the week Ms. Waldron's 2nd grade class!

04/23/2026

Due to the weather we will be canceling all after school activities including Chess Club, 3rd Grade music program and the Pancake Man.

We are working to reschedule the Pancake Man before the end of the school year!

Address

700 Tara Road
Papillion, NE
68046

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