Cougar Community Newsletter

Hello Cougars!

The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week, and it is our time to collectively say “thank you” to the teachers in our lives.

We do this because few careers present as many fantastic opportunities as teaching. My own time in classrooms and on campuses allowed me to experience the rewards and challenges that come with teaching. I am an educator at heart, and I have the deepest respect and highest regard for teachers.

In getting to know the teaching staff in Jarrell ISD, I have seen for myself that their energy is unfailing — their dedication is unmatched — their passion is unrivaled. Quite simply, I believe our teachers are the best.

Given all that has happened in the last year, Teacher Appreciation Week resonates on a deeper level this spring.

During the 2020-21 school year, Jarrell ISD teachers have provided our students and families with a vital sense of community and connection. Through their instruction, whether taught in-person or online, our teachers provided a space for belonging, routine, and normalcy when students needed it most. They helped students process a year full of historical events by providing valuable context, conversation, and listening. They ensured our COVID-19 protocols were followed to keep our students safe. And through it all, they did it with compassion and empathy.

To all of our teachers, this week we celebrate you. While words cannot adequately express our appreciation, we say “thank you and happy Teacher Appreciation Week!”

With sincere gratitude,

Toni Hicks

Jarrell ISD voters approved the $113,370,000 bond package Saturday.

“The passage of these bond propositions brings important opportunities to all Jarrell ISD students,” Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks said.

PROP A: $111,625,000 (passed with 72.93%) includes construction of a new elementary school; Expansion of both the middle school and high school; Expansion of the district transportation facility; Technology infrastructure upgrades; Safety and security, including security cameras, access control and exterior lighting throughout the district; Buses; Land for future school sites and design for future facilities; Athletic improvements at the high school to include baseball and softball turf, covered batting cages, tennis court lighting, and 4 additional tennis courts; Renovations to preserve the 1916 historic building for district use, such as teacher training, professional development, community education, and community meeting space

PROP B: $1,745,000 (passed with 63.78%) includes additional visitor seating (995 seats); Added visitor restrooms; Sidewalks for access to seating and restrooms; Improvements for accessibility and ADA compliance

“Our next steps will begin immediately. We will keep you informed on the progress of these projects in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you, again, for your continued support. Go Cougars!,” Hicks said.

Congratulations! Our own DJ Warren is the 4A STATE CHAMPION in the Long Jump! GO COUGARS!

Congratulations to the Jarrell Middle School bands for their excellent performances last week.

Jarrell ISD is teaming with local agencies to provide a list of summer activities for kids. Want to get the word out about a summer event? Simply complete this form.

Jarrell ISD is excited to welcome our incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students! This spring, we are offering an easy, 3-step process to help families register.

Packet Pick-up is May 3-7 at Igo and Jarrell Elementary. All paperwork should be completed at home. Call your child's school and set up an appointment at Igo Elementary on May 18 from 2-7 p.m. and Jarrell Elementary on May 19 from 2-7 p.m. Only completed packets with all of the required documentation will get processed during scheduled appointments.

Read more.

The end of the year is almost here! In anticipation of Eighth-Grade Promotion, families are asked to reserve your tickets for the ceremony. Reserve your tickets here. There is a four-ticket limit for each student.

The schedule for promotion is

• A-L May 26th from 6-7 PM
• M-Z May 26th from 7-8 PM

For more info, please contact Mrs. Hardt.

Kindergarten graduation ceremonies for Jarrell Elementary (all classes at 12:30) and Igo Elementary (9:00 a.m. for Cardoza and Flores classes; 10:30 a.m. for Janes, Logston, Whitmire, and Zajicek classes) students will be staggered throughout the day on Thursday, May 27 in the Auditorium at Jarrell High School. Each graduate will receive a limited number of tickets for special guests to attend the ceremonies. Contact your child's school for more details.

The 2021 Jarrell High School graduation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 8 p.m. Each senior will receive 4 guest tickets for graduation. The ceremony will be livestreamed to allow others to view it online. Seniors must have a cap and gown to attend. Email Sharon.Loyd@jarrellisd.org if you do not have your cap and gown. All seniors must complete the check-out process to receive their guest tickets. Check-out will be May 19-21 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. Chromebooks and library books must be returned by this time and all fines paid.

Class of 2021 Website

On April 21, the Board unanimously approved Option 1 for the 2021-22 Academic Calendar, as presented by Director of Instructional Support Vanessa Ashcraft. Option 1 was the overwhelming choice by the parents, students, staff and community and received 57 percent of the votes.

2021-22 Calendar

We thank everyone who participated in the calendar survey and gave feedback on the options.

Support the JHS Cheer Program during their Car Wash Fundraiser at RBank on Saturday, May 8 from 12-4 p.m. $10 per car.

Jarrell High School College and Career Coordinator Kaitlyn Watson is maintaining a scholarship database to help students navigate these important opportunities. Check out this great tool.

Jarrell is home to the Healthy Kids Running Series. Running events are starting soon! Elementary students may register, and middle and high school students can volunteer. Sign up today and get involved in this great program that promotes healthy lifestyles!

PARENTS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILIES OF ALL 2021 JISD GRADUATING STUDENTS!

Our Special KEEPSAKE Graduation Section will be included in the June Issue of My Jarrell Monthly Magazine. This special keepsake will be a treasure for years to come for your student! Make sure you give them a well-deserved shout-out! Call Jenny at 254-251-9167 for more info. RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive — even when school is out

With the Summer Meal Programs, children and teens ages 18 and younger, and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old can continue to eat healthy throughout the summer at no cost.

No form of identification is required, kids simply show up. Meal service begins June 1, the meal site will be Igo Elementary.

We will be serving breakfast & lunch for Summer School/Summer Feeding serving breakfast from 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and lunch service from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• May 19 - Board of Trustees Meeting, Admin Annex, 6:30 p.m.
• May 26 - 8th Grade Promotion, JMS Gym, 6 p.m.,
• May 27 - Last Day of School
• May 27 - Kindergarten Graduations
• May 27 - Graduation, Cougar Stadium, 8 p.m. (capacity limit = four guests per graduate)
• May 31 - Memorial Day
• June 1 - Summer Meal Program Begins

Jarrell ISD is located in northern Williamson County. The mascot is The Cougars. It has four campuses: Jarrell High School, Jarrell Middle School, Igo Elementary School and Jarrell Elementary. The district is home to more than 2,300 students. Enrollment is projected to double in the next 10 years.

Email: communications@jarrellisd.org
Website: www.jarrellisd.org
Location: 108 East Avenue F, Jarrell, TX, USA
Phone: 512-746-2124
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarrellIndependentSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD

Got celebrations to share? Send them to communications@jarrellisd.org. Thank you!

We are proud to showcase excellent students and staff. To see more, follow us on Twitter @hicksJISD ; @Jarrell_ISD; @JES_cougars; @IEScougars; @jarrell_ms; and @JarrellHS.