Cougar Community Newsletter

Hello Cougars!

This has been a busy week in Jarrell ISD. When visiting campuses and classrooms, I saw our phenomenal teaching staff working with engaged students in meaningful learning activities.

We saw students cheering for their peers during the pep rallies at Jarrell Middle School and Jarrell High School. And we capped off the week with great participation in our Grandparents Day events. It was a great week in Cougar Nation.

And of course, it must be mentioned that today is Patriot Day, a solemn day of remembrance for our nation. It is the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. At last night's varsity football game, we honored the members of the armed services. We thank the color guard from Fort Hood for being there and allowing us to share this meaningful moment with them. On behalf of the district, we thank all of the men and women who defend our freedom and offer our sincere appreciation for their service.

One last note before I close. Our commitment to student and staff safety remains our top priority, and as you know, we continue to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation. We are aware that other districts in our area are having to make difficult decisions to close classes, grade levels, and even entire campuses due to outbreaks or staff shortages. Some are canceling bus routes due to a shortage of drivers. Complicating matters for districts is our guidance from TEA (Texas Education Agency) regarding the procedures we must follow is continually changing. Even so, we are adhering to that guidance, learning from other districts and have learning plans in place.

Our goal is to safely continue our normal operations and keep everyone healthy. You can help us by reminding your students to wash their hands thoroughly and often. We also recommend masks. Please do not send your child to school sick. Also, help spread the word Jarrell ISD is seeking additional substitute teachers and bus drivers. Applications may be submitted online.

We will continue to keep our community updated regarding the impact of the pandemic on our district.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this beautiful weekend.

Cougar proud,

Toni Hicks, Ed.D

Superintendent

Above: Prior to the varsity game against McGregor, Jarrell High School honored members of the military. The Presentation of the Colors was led by the Color Guard from Fort Hood. It was a special evening honoring the men and women who defend our freedom.

Mike Maldonado, a defensive coordinator for the Cougars, was honored during week two of the Texas high school football season. Congratulations to Coach Maldonado for bringing this recognition to Jarrell ISD!

Thank you to Jarrell businesses Star Air and BHS Realty Group. They will be flying their Spirit Flags soon. #paintjarrellblue!

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.

PARADE

Jarrell High School is hosting a homecoming parade Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. The parade will start at Jarrell Middle School and end at Jarrell High School. Wear your blue and cheer on the Cougars!

Interested in entering the parade? Email: jenny.arnold85@yahoo.com or Jess_bolyard@yahoo.com.

COMMUNITY HOMECOMING PEP RALLY

Jarrell High School is hosting a homecoming pep rally at 7:30 p.m at Cougar Stadium following the parade. It will be a wonderful event. We hope to see you there!

Show your support for the Jarrell High School Band and our country by displaying an American Flag in your yard or business every patriotic holiday! Proceeds help support the Jarrell High School Band. For just $50 per year, students from the JHS Band will place a 3’ x 5’ American Flag in your front yard to celebrate seven patriotic holidays. https://flagfundraisersoftexas.com/JHS.html

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.

For the convenience of our families payments for student fees are now online through RevTrak. Please do not send cash with your student.

Children need healthy and nutritious meals to learn and grow. Jarrell ISD is proud to offer healthy meals every school day. Students must reapply each school year to receive free-and reduced-price meal benefits. Households eligible for free and reduced-price benefits may be eligible for additional benefits from the state.

Jarrell ISD uses online free and reduced applications exclusively to determine eligibility for the 2021-2022 school year.

Complete the application:

https://www.jarrellisd.org/.../free_reduced_meal_application

For more information regarding the online application system, please contact Food Services at 512-746-2124 x 4410.

Information gathered on the application affects the following:

• Waivers for college entrance exams, such as SAT and ACT

• Waivers for Advanced Placement fees

• Waivers for college applications

• Accountability

• Title I and College, Career, Military Readiness funding

Jarrell ISD is currently hiring substitutes and bus drivers! These are important positions with great perks that allow us to operate smoothly. Apply today!

All medication must be brought to school by a parent and kept in the nurse's office in a locked cabinet.

• If a parent is unable to bring the medication, please contact the campus for further assistance.
• All controlled medications will be inventoried in with the nurse and parent.
• Both prescription and non-prescription medications must be brought to the school in their original, properly labeled container. Prescription medication must contain a current pharmacy label.
• A medication authorization form must be signed for all medications that are to be administered to the student.
• School personnel will not give any medicine, including over-the-counter medications and products, to students except as authorized by district policy, district standing orders, or with a signed medication authorization form.

This procedure is necessary to protect the health and safety of your child. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter for those reasons.

Jarrell ISD is pleased to introduce a new communications tool called Anonymous Alerts®.

What is the Anonymous Alerts app?
The Anonymous Alerts anti-bullying and safety app reporting system helps combat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome.

The system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and district administration and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.

How does it work?
To use this revolutionary new app, students, parents or other school personnel can simply visit the
Jarrell ISD website and click on the “Anonymous Alerts” button or text link to submit a report expressing their concern. Anonymous Alerts® mobile applications can be downloaded directly from the Apple, Google Play or the Chrome stores.

Jarrell ISD supplies students an activation code, making the app remarkably easy to use and students select which school the message should go to. In addition, informational posters explaining how to use the app will be displayed throughout schools and offices in the district.

To send reports from the Web/Internet go to: https://report.anonymousalerts.com/jarrellisd

To send a report from your phone:

• Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, or the Chrome store
• Start the App, enter activation code: jarrellisd
• Send important reports to school officials
• Add a screenshot, photo or video about the incident

In an emergency, always call 9-1-1!

Sept. 11 - Patriot Day

Sept. 15 - Jarrell ISD Board of Trustee Meeting, Admin Annex, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 - Igo ES Open House and Jarrell ES Open House

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

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

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

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

Oct. 15 - Homecoming Football Game

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.