Polly Tadlock, the namesake for Tadlock Elementary, passed of natural causes this past weekend. Polly cherished the staff and students of Tadlock Elementary and nearly everyone has a story they can recount of her caring nature.
Polly taught in Frisco schools from 1968 to 1989, working at both Acker and Rogers elementary schools. Prior to teaching in Frisco ISD, she taught in Pilot Point, for a total of 24 years in education when she retired in 1989.
Polly Tadlock’s career was filled with instances where she was willing to help students in and out of the classroom. Known for following her students as they left the classroom and entered adulthood, Polly tried to be there for her students at the various milestones in their lives –weddings, births and difficult times.
“Teaching is the most rewarding career one could have because it continues to be rewarding even after leaving the classroom,” Polly said. “The lifelong relationships with students are the greatest reward of all.”
After teaching, she pursued a second career as a real estate agent. She helped many Frisco residents find new homes over the years in the school district that she loved.
Polly received a lifetime membership award from Texas Parent Teacher Association in 1963, was named Acker Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 1983 and was awarded the Frisco Chamber of Commerce Silver Citizen of the Year in 2002.
In 2008, Tadlock Elementary was dedicated to the life and legacy of Polly. Polly was an ever-present figure at key events at Tadlock Elementary including the first day of school, Celebrate Tadlock and staff luncheons.
Her face would light up when she spoke with kids and the students considered her a celebrity and looked forward to her visits.
Her gentle, calm and caring soul will be missed.
True to her dedication to the school district, the Tadlock family has set up the Polly Hampton Tadlock Memorial Scholarship in her memory through the Frisco Education Foundation, an organization that Polly held in high regard.
Donations can be made in her honor/memory to the Frisco Education Foundation online at friscoeducationfoundation.org or by mail to P.O. Box 567, Frisco, TX 75034. All donations should include a note "In memory of Polly Tadlock."
The District is thankful for Polly who will have a lasting impact on the Frisco community well after her passing. Her legacy will live on forever.