Cougar Community Newsletter

Character Trait of the Month: Resilience

Elijah Gutierrez, a fifth grader at Double Creek Elementary School, wrote and presented this month's essay. In his essay, Elijah wrote about why resilience is important and how his mother is the definition of resilience. Attached is a copy of his essay.

January is National School Board Appreciation Month. School board members are civil servants who are elected to their positions. Board members are not paid. They devote and volunteer their time to the Jarrell ISD community. At the school board meeting, students and staff from our campuses and district departments presented the board members with special gifts to express their thanks and appreciation.

• Double Creek Elementary: Zavion Dickerson (Student), Serena Robinson - (Staff - Not Present)

• Igo Elementary: Rolando Rodriguez (Student), Malinda Hughes (Staff)

• Jarrell Elementary: Caysen Lamme - (Student - Not Present), Terri Clawson (Staff)

• Jarrell Middle School: Slade Hernandez (Student),Keila Butler (Staff)

• Jarrell High School: Jimmy Gallegos (Student), Paula Cole (Staff)

*All presentations are attached below*

Communication and Informational Items:

- Student Outcomes presented by Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks

- Student Voice presented by Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Laura Buckley

- District Finance Update presented by Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro

- 2023 Bond Update presented by Sledge Engineering

Action Items:

- Approved the consent agenda

- Approved Policy 123 and Local Updates

- Approved the 2025 - 26 Academic Calendar

- Approved Innovative Courses

At the January 15, 2025, school board meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the 2025 - 26 Academic Calendar. The district formed a committee to develop three calendar options. The calendar choices were presented to our parents, staff, and stakeholders on January 7 so they could vote on which option they preferred. Voting closed on January 14. Option A earned the most votes with 43.5%. The school board approved Calendar Option A based on the number of votes.

Jarrell ISD utilizes the Standard Response Protocols (SRP) as part of our district-wide safety plan. Below are the protocols that define the difference between a "Hold," "Secure," "Lockdown," "Evacuate," and "Shelter." It's critical our parents, students, staff, and community know the difference. When people know the protocols, it helps reduce anxiety and prevents misinformation from spreading.

In the event of an emergency, Jarrell ISD follows protocols from the Parent Reunification Plan established by the I Luv U Guys Foundation. The Parent Reunification process takes a great deal of organization. Parents, please read the reunification process then fill out the reunification cards and keep them for your records.

The Jarrell Education Foundation is hosting a Clay Shoot in March. The fundraiser will go toward helping fund grants for Jarrell ISD classrooms. Below is information about the event and sponsorship opportunities.

Jarrell ISD has partnered with Sphere Realty & Property Management to offer our employees discounts on rental properties. The exclusive discounts are for all Jarrell ISD employees and apply to select properties as part of this partnership.

Click on the link to search local properties. Look for the "JC" code in the property description. https://www.sphere-realty.com/

Join our award-winning transportation department. Use the QR Code to apply or visit our employment page.

Jarrell ISD has partnered with ParentSquare to facilitate teacher-to-parent communication. This secure platform keeps parents informed of school news and classroom updates. Click on the link to learn more about ParentSquare and to download the app.

ParentSquare Training Portal

Each one of our campuses has a PTO. Joining the PTO is an excellent way to participate in what's happening on your child's campus. The PTO supports teachers, hosts campus events, and many more activities that make a difference.

Use the link the learn more about the PTO.

Address: 504 N. 5th Street, Jarrell, TX 76537
Phone: 512-746-2124
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarrellIndependentSchoolDistrict
Instagram: @Jarrell_ISD

Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD