Cougars,

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about bullying and how to work together to stop it.

Bullying is an issue in schools and communities, affecting the emotional and physical well-being of children. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and a decline in academic performance, while those who bully may develop antisocial behaviors that continue into adulthood.

As a school district, educating our students to understand the detrimental impacts of bullying is crucial to building a school environment where kindness, empathy, and respect are prioritized.

At Jarrell ISD, we have policies, including David's Law, to address bullying. We also have educational courses to teach students that harassment, including bullying or cyberbullying, is wrong. Additionally, the district has other resources to address bullying.

• Jarrell ISD Police Officers are on every campus. One of the officers' primary responsibilities is to stop violence and educate students about bullying. The officers host campus-wide meetings where they discuss the impacts of bullying and its consequences. They are there to keep students and staff safe.

• Anonymous Alerts is website platform and an app where students, parents, or community members can report bullying, peer pressure, or other concerns. The system allows one-way or two-way anonymous encrypted communications between the submitter, district administration, and school staff. Users can remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report. The app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Additionally, there's a "Tip Line" link on the homepage of all our websites to report bullying.

• Our campuses have school and mental health counselors to identify concerns, talk with students, de-escalate situations, and work with parents to resolve issues.

• Employees from Communities in Schools work alongside our school counselors to provide additional support for students.

• We use restorative circle practices to build a strong sense of community, teach interpersonal skills, repair harm when conflict occurs, and proactively meet students' needs.

Joining the PTO, volunteering, or mentoring on our campuses is another way to help us take a stand against bullying. Volunteering or mentoring is an excellent opportunity for parents and community members to participate in campus activities and serve as role models. We have PTO chapters on every campus. The PTOs main objective is to improve the school experience for students and staff.

Addressing bullying is a shared responsibility, and when schools and parents unite in their efforts, they create a powerful support system for students. Working together builds an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered against bullying. Together, let us take a firm stand against bullying and commit to nurturing a compassionate community.

NOTE: Unity Day is on Wednesday, October 16th. The nationwide movement encourages people to wear orange as a unified effort to stop bullying. Below is more information about Unity Day.

Jarrell ISD Attendance Policy

A student absent for any portion of the day should follow the procedures below to provide documentation of the absence. Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels): A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student's arrival or return to school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. The campus will document whether the absence is excused or unexcused in its attendance records. Click on the link below to learn more about our attendance policies and truancy.

Jarrell ISD Attendance Information & Policies