Officer Jimmy Boatman Jr. comes to Joshua ISD from the Cedar Hill Police Department. Officer Boatman retired from the Cedar Hill Police Department with 22 years of experience. He is a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a Military Police Officer for 5 years. Office Boatman has served as a patrol officer, criminal investigator, community services officer, honor guard member, field training officer, and SWAT operations in various capacities. He is a police instructor and has instructed hundreds of officers in various topics such as the use of force, de-escalation tactics, SWAT tactics, high-risk vehicle stops, patrol operations, and active shooters. When you see Officer Boatman be sure to give him a warm welcome.

Please join us for a traditional feast prepared by our JISD Child Nutrition Department and exceptional entertainment by the Joshua High School Chorale. Our Joshua Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon is Thursday, November 17th at 11:30 am at the Joshua ISD Administration Building, 310 East 18th St, Joshua. Please RSVP at 817.202.2646 or email ballardv@joshuaisd.org by November 14th.

Our Annual Angel Tree returns for 2022. Please stay tuned for details.

The 10th Annual Joshua ISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament was a huge success. We had a record-breaking 47 teams participate, bringing in $xxxxx, a record amount for student and teacher grants this spring! We would like to thank our sponsors, everyone that came out and supported our golfers, those that purchased raffle tickets, and those who worked hard all day to make this the perfect day. Thank you to our incredible Education Foundation for their tireless work. Without you, this wouldn't be possible!

Joshua ISD had a wonderful time honoring our local heroes, Active, Reserve, Military Veterans, and First Responders at the Owls home football game on October 21st. The pregame festivities featured two skydivers, one flying an American flag and both landing on the football field. There were various military branches represented, as well as first responders. We are extremely grateful to our servicemen and women who keep us safe!

The JISD Child Nutrition Department held its Second Annual Middle School/High School Food Sculpture Contest. The top 3 at each school earned Amazon gift cards.

The following rules applied:

• All visible components must be edible.
• Dimensions must be no greater than 2x2 feet.
• All entries must incorporate no less than three different foods.

Entries will be judged based on the following:

• Originality
• Creativity
• Stability of Construction
• Use of Color

Congratulations to the following winners!

First Place Winners:

LMS-Gilberto Alvarado

NMS-Beckett Rhoades

NGC-Abigail Cross

JHS-Justis Lopez

Second Place Winners:

NMS-Kylin Cadena

JHS-Grace Wright

Third Place Winners:

NMS-Libby Linson

JHS-Paula Campbell

Thank you to all who participated!

The top priority of Joshua ISD and the State of Texas is keeping students and staff safe every day. The Texas School Safety Center recently conducted an Intruder Detection Audit at one or more of our campuses. The audit tests whether a campus is accessible to an unauthorized individual. This audit, conducted as part of Governor Abbott’s school safety directives for all school systems following the tragedy in Uvalde, seeks to help districts identify how campuses can improve safety for students, such as by ensuring exterior doors are locked. The audit provides us with an opportunity to create a safer learning environment for our students and staff. At this time, we are happy to report that we have met all the requirements of the audit ensuring the safety of students and staff. The support from the state in conducting the Intruder Detection Audits is just one of the many actions we are taking to ensure our schools are safe. We acknowledge that parents and community members are likely very interested in the details of the audit results; however, it is in the best interest of the students that we do not share this information with the broader public as it could lead to compromising important campus security information. Joshua ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff.

During the regularly scheduled October meeting, the Joshua ISD Board of Trustees recognized several students and staff for their recent accomplishments. The Nichols Middle School Girls Cross Country team was recognized for winning the district meet. Team members include Ella Creach, Hadley Soto, Markie Lain, Alayla Dias, Lillian Brooks, Sarah Bell, Beth Smith, and Coach Andrew Chambers. The Board honored the Nichols Middle School Boys Cross Country team for placing 2nd at the district meet. Team members include Peyton Ray, Tyler Caldwell, Coen Hunnell, Tristyn Howard, Kaylub Moser, Max Beth, Preston Moore, and Coach Andrew Chambers. The Board recognized the NMS 8th Grade Boys Bross Country Team for placing 2nd at the district meet. Members include Eli Einhaus, Demetrius Folsom, Gadiel Santana, Jake Payne, Peyton Cortinas, Cooper Dent, Diego Martinez, and Coach Andrew Chambers. The Board recognized all JISD Principals and Assistant Principals for "National Principals' Appreciation Month". Superintendent Fran Marek recognized the JISD School Board for their Education Service Center's (ESC) Region 11 Honor Board Award.

Joshua High School hosted some special assemblies as part of Bullying Prevention Month and Drug-Free Week! The #NoHateTour stopped at Galbreath Gym to perform and discuss bullying prevention. This impactful educational program uses the energy and performances of BMX stars to deliver critical bullying prevention tools, techniques, and information to students in a relatable, peer-to-peer manner. Students also got to meet XGames & Olympic medalists!

The REACH Council presented the dangers and consequences of tobacco and vaping during an assembly in Acker Auditorium.

As a reminder: parents, students, and community members can report bullying in Joshua ISD using three platforms:

StayAlert

STOPit

Let's Talk

Joshua ISD implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all JISD home athletic events to further ensure the safety of all students, spectators, and workers. Exceptions include bags for credentialed media, medical necessities, and diaper bags after inspection at the gate. Please see the graphic for additional information.

Joshua ISD has implemented iWatchTexas. iWatchTexas is a system to report suspicious activity in the state, including criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats to law enforcement. This site is not designed to report emergencies. If you should have an emergency, call 911. Every report will be reviewed by analysts. This report should take less than 5 minutes to complete.