Cougar Community Newsletter

Hello Cougars,

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Our goal is for our schools to be safe and welcoming environments for everyone, students and staff alike. That's why Jarrell ISD takes a multipronged approach in our safety measures.

Thanks to the 2021 voter-approved bond, Jarrell High School is in the final stages of installing a new state-of-the-art security camera system. The camera system will also be added in phases at Jarrell Middle School, Jarrell Elementary and Igo Elementary and the new elementary school when it comes online. Providing us with more surveillance of our campuses than ever before, this system will be a valuable safety asset to our school community moving forward.

I also want to remind everyone about the Anonymous Alerts reporting system we launched in August. Anonymous Alerts helps combat negative activity, including bullying and vandalism, in schools by empowering students to speak up without identifying themselves. Reports may be submitted online or from the Anonymous Alerts app on a phone. And, anyone can use it -- students, parents, or community members. The more eyes and ears we have alerting us to negative behavior, the quicker we can act on it.

Switching gears slightly: the issues surrounding viral social media content continue to be a hot topic in schools across the country. In fact, we are learning that the next TikTok “challenge” for October is calling on young people to “slap a staff member,” and it is as alarming as it is offensive.

Parents, please have conversations with your students, and students, please talk to your friends, about the serious implications of these social media challenges. Students who engage in these behaviors may face both disciplinary consequences and potential criminal charges. Let me be clear: slapping a school district staff member, whether in the face or on any part of their body, is a criminal offense and considered an assault on a public servant.

We have great kids here in Jarrell ISD and most would never consider engaging in this abhorrent behavior because they respect staff and understand the serious ramifications that could come from making such a poor decision. With that being said, the pressures of social media and its influence on young people should not be ignored.

We all must work together to ensure our campuses are focused on success for all.

Thank you for your support.

Go Cougars,

Toni Hicks, Ed.D.

Above: Dr. Hicks and the central office staff honored Alysa, the custodian who supports administration.

More and more families are choosing to make Jarrell ISD their home. In our ongoing efforts to build meaningful partnerships, Jarrell ISD is inviting local realtors interested in learning more about the district to a meeting on Tuesday, October 5 at 2 p.m. at 508 N. 5th Street in Jarrell. If you are a realtor and are interested in attending this meeting RSVP here.

Jarrell ISD believes that parent and community involvement in our schools supports student success. We are seeking volunteers to help out inside our schools and mentors to work directly with students. If you are interested in serving our school community as a volunteer or mentor, sign up today. More information is available on the Jarrell ISD website.

The Jarrell FFA is hosting a Pet Clinic Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Masks are recommended.

Rabies: Dogs and Cats - $5

Dog Vaccines: DHLP/Parvo/Corona - $15

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - $10

Cat Vaccines: PRCC/Feluk - $15

Complete Yearly Vaccine - $20

Also Available: rattlesnake and flu vaccines for $25 each Flea and Heartworm prevention will be available as well. For more information, email: shandy.bizzell@jarrellisd.org

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Jarrell FFA chapter.

National Night Out builds police and community partnerships. Join Jarrell Police Department on Tuesday, October 5 from 5-8 p.m. at The Granary (110 West Avenue L in Jarrell). Join us for fun, food, music, games, and giveaways. Let's build safer communities together.

The Healthy Kids Running Series is gearing up for the fall season.

• Kickoff Sunday, October 24th
• Breaking for Halloween
• Week 2 Sunday, November 7th
• Week 3 Sunday, November 14th
• Week 4 Sunday, November, 21st
• Breaking for Thanksgiving
• Finale Sunday, December 5th

Learn more here. Volunteers are needed!

The Jarrell Education Foundation, a non-profit launched in 2019 by a committee of dedicated community volunteers, is working to enhance student learning through innovative opportunities that promote academic excellence. You can support the work of the Jarrell Education Foundation when you shop using AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Jarrell Education Foundation. And 100% of funds raised by the Jarrell Education Foundation stay in Jarrell ISD. Learn more: https://www.jarrellisd.org/about_us/JEF

Oct. 2 - National Custodian Day

Oct. 3-9 - Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 4 - Child Health Day

Oct. 5 - National Night Out with Jarrell Police Department

Oct. 6 - International Walk to School Day

Oct. 6 - Jarrell ISD Board of Trustee Meeting, High School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 & 12 - Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development

Oct. 11-15 National School Lunch Week

Oct. 11 & 12 - Student Holiday/ Staff Professional Development

Oct. 12 - Columbus Day/Discoverers’/Indigenous People’s Day

Oct. 13 - PSAT Administered to all 10th and 11th Grade and SAT administered to all 12th grade

Oct. 13 - Texas Educational Human Resource Day

Oct. 13 - Jarrell High School Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally

Oct. 13 - Homecoming Parade 7 p.m. and Community Pep Rally 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 - Homecoming Football Game, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 - National Boss's Day

Oct. 15 - Jarrell High School Homecoming

Oct. 18-22 - National School Bus Safety Week

Oct. 23-31 - Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 24 - Healthy Kids Running Series Begins

Oct. 27 - Jarrell ISD Board of Trustee Meeting, Admin Annex, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 22-26 - Student & Staff Holidays

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 2,800 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.