Cougar Community Newsletter
December 14, 2023
December 13, 2023 - Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees Meeting
Core Essential of the Month: Generosity
This month's character trait is about generosity. Randy Fernandez, a 5th-grade student at Igo Elementary, wrote an essay about what generosity means to him. Due to an illness, Randy Fernandez couldn't be there, so Igo Principal Dr. Brenda Jirasek read it for him. Click on the attachment below to read his essay.
Cougar Champions
Our Cougar Champions of the month were recognized for their outstanding work.
- Jarrell Elementary: Dominic Mareta (Student), Tamra Arands (Staff)
- Double Creek Elementary: Victor Lugo Ortiz (Student), Jennifer Boer (Staff)
- Igo Elementary: Vivani Vega (Student), Laura Herzog (Staff)
- Jarrell Middle School: Joel Castro (Student), Alexis Vaquera (Staff)
- Jarrell High School: Hagen Shell (Student), Maria Martinez (Staff - Not Present)
Dominic Mareta, Jarrell Elementary School
Tamra Arands, Jarrell Elementary School
Victor Lugo Ortiz , Double Creek Elementary School
Jennifer Boer, Double Creek Elementary
Vivani Vega, Igo Elementary School
Laura Herzog, Igo Elementary School
Joel Castro, Jarrell Middle School
Alexis Vaquera, Jarrell Middle School
Hagen Shell, Jarrell High School
Maria Martinez, Jarrell High School
Special Recognition
Jarrell High School Freshman and FFA member Marielbi Uzcategui was recognized for academic achievement. She won 1st place in the Brushy Creek District and 1st place in the Area XII in Leadership Development Event in Greenhand Spanish Creed Speaking. She advanced to the State contest, where she was a Semifinalist! She's the first Jarrell FFA member to go to state in an LDE contest! Congratulations, Marielbi.
Board Briefs
*All presentations are attached below*
Communication and Informational Items:
- FCCLA President Ayla Crane spoke about the student leadership opporutnities and programs the organization offers.
- Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks presented monthly student outcomes
- Athletic Director Marty Murr presented his monthly updates
- Kelly Blair, Director of Secondary Education and Laura Buckley Assistant Superintendent of Student Services presented information about the 2024 - 25 Course Selection Guide
- Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Laura Buckley presented options for the 2024 - 25 Academic Calendar
- Assistant Superintendent Bob Mabry presented an update to Policy 122
- Mr. Mabry also presented and a Discipline Update to policy FNF (Local)
- Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro presented a proposed budget for the 2024 - 25 school year
- Nick Spinetto, Director of Communications, gave the board an update about the 1916 Building History Committee recommendations
- Sledge Engineering presented the monthly 2021 Bond Update
- Sledge Engineering presented the monthly 2023 Bond Update
-Action Items:
- Approved the consent agenda.
- Approved the purchase of new school buses/vehicles
- Tabled a Staff Attendance Stipend for further research and discussion
- Approved a Sanitary Sewer Easement for elementary #4 from FR Berry Hills
- Approved the 2023 Bond Middle School #2 Guaranteed Maximum Price #2
Communication & Informational Presentations
Action Items Presentations
2024 - 25 Academic Calendar Options and Vote
There are three options for the 2024 - 25 Academic Calendar. Please review the three options below and then vote for your preferred choice. The results will be taken to the school board early next year for review and a decision.
Early Release
Due to final exams, Jarrell High School will have an early release next week. Dismissal is at 12:45 pm. Bus route transportation is provided. This is only for JHS.
Substitute Orientation
Mark your calendars for January 8th. The district is hosting an orientation for people who want to be substitute staff members. Apply now!
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Each one of our campuses has a PTO. Joining the PTO is an excellent way to participate in what's happening on your child's campus. The PTO supports teachers, hosts campus events, and many more activities that make a difference.
Use the link the learn more about the PTO.
District Closed
Jarrell Education Foundation
The Jarrell Education Foundation awards grants to promote educational excellence and fund imaginative and progressive teaching initiatives that promote student achievement. To learn more about the foundation, including how to volunteer or donate, visit the Jarrell Education Foundation website.
Attendance Matters
Did you know missing 2 days a month means a student misses 10% of the school year? Being in school every day is critical to a student's success. To learn more about why attendance matters, watch the videos below.
Community Partnerships
Jarrell ISD is proud to partner with local organizations and businesses to offer our families additional educational opportunities and resources.
Bluebonnet Trails
Farmers Market at JISD
The Farmers Market at JISD, is the first Saturday of every month. You can get up to 25 lbs of fresh produce for free! It's open to anyone at no cost to you!
It is at 508 N 5th St from 9 to 11 am.
Smart Tag Resources
Athletic Events
Clear Bag Policy
Got celebrations to share? Send them to Nicholas.Spinetto@jarrellisd.org.
About Jarrell ISD
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
Instagram: @Jarrell_ISD
Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD