Cougar Community Newsletter

Bria Faulkner, a senior at Jarrell High School, wrote and presented this month's Character Trait essay about Perseverance. She writes, "Perseverance is not always loud. Sometimes it is not winning awards, giving speeches, or having huge accomplishments that everyone can see. Sometimes perseverance looks like waking up early when you barely slept, going to work exhausted, making dinner anyway, and still finding the energy to ask your child if they need help studying for a test."

Click on the attachment below to download the full essay.

Our Cougar Champions of the month were recognized for their outstanding work.

Jarrell Elementary School: Josiah Isaak (Student), Stephanie Garcia (Staff)

Belfor Property Restoration awarded the first annual Facility Professional Award to Director of Facilities Gary Gadison. The recognition is a statewide award presented to an outstanding facilities employee.

Kathy Hannan, the new principal at Jarrell Elementary School, was officially introduced to the Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees and the community.

*All presentations are attached below*

Communication and Informational Items:

- Student Outcomes/Voice/Athletics presented by Assistant Superintendent Laura Buckley and Athletic Director Alan Haire

- Achieve Academy Update

- Career and Technical Education Update

- Demographic Report

- 2026 Climate Survey Results

- Budget Update

- 2023 Bond Update

Action Items:

In addition to approving the consent agenda, the board:

- Approved a Hybrid Learning Pilot Program

- Approved the 2026 - 2027 Compensation Plan

- Approved the Order of General Elections for school board Places 2,3, and 6

- Approved not nominating a board member for TASB Board, Region 12, Position B

- Approved the schematic design for Atlas Ranch Elementary School, TEA Education Delivery Method, Long-Range Plan, and Building Code

Budget Workshop #4

Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro updated the board on the current budget and possibilities for the 26 - 27 school year budget

WEATHER

We are planning the Jarrell High School graduation to take place as expected.

Jarrell ISD administration will continue to closely monitor weather conditions leading up to graduation day. Our goal is to hold the ceremony as planned; however, we are preparing for potential weather-related adjustments if necessary. Any updates will be communicated promptly via email and posted on the JISD and JHS websites.

LOCATION, PARKING, AND SEATING

The Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 22nd, at 8:30 p.m. at the Jarrell High School Stadium. Graduates must report to the Small Gym by 7:30 p.m. Only graduates will be permitted inside the Small Gym; parents and guests will not be allowed in this area.

Students and staff may park in the transportation parking lot located at the transportation building or may be dropped off at the Small Gym entrance. To help with parking availability and traffic flow, we strongly encourage students to be dropped off. Please allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Family members and guests should park in the student parking area and in the lots south of the campus. Guests who may have difficulty walking or who require wheelchair access may be dropped off at the front entrance of the stadium for easier access.

Please Carpool when possible to reduce the parking demand.

The stadium gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for seating, and the ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 p.m. Please use the map links below for parking information.

PARKING MAP

SHUTTLE MAP

LIVE STREAMING
Graduation will be live-streamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person. The livestream may be accessed at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/xA5DzbYv5WU

ASL INTERPRETER
An ASL interpreter will be located on the home side of the field near the north end of the stadium bleachers.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
For the safety and security of all attendees, only clear bags will be permitted inside the stadium. Additional information may be found at:

Clear Bag Policy - English

Clear Bag Policy - Spanish

Next week, we will begin moving Paw Prints and the Afterschool Program to its new, state-of-the-art facilities. Crews have been working fast and furiously to complete the new complex. Moving into the new space allows the district to improve safety, provide clearer sightlines, and create a campus layout that supports Jarrell Middle School, the 1916 Building, Paw Prints, and the Afterschool Program. The projects are part of the 2023 Bond.

As part of completing this phase of the bond, we will clear three older buildings that previously housed daycare and after-school programs. The district's Board of Trustees spent four months of careful thought and consideration before approving the clearing of these buildings that have reached the end of their functional lifespan. The work is being completed over the summer to avoid congestion and safety concerns.

This progress comes at a momentous time, as Jarrell ISD celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. To commemorate, we are planning a birthday bash this summer that will include the Paw Prints ribbon-cutting, the unveiling of our Legacy Brick Walkway, and other surprises. It's an exciting time in the history of Jarrell ISD.

Watch the video below to learn more about our new facilities and the time and care that went into building schools that will last and deliver greater value for our students, staff, and taxpayers. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more updates as progress continues.

New student registration is open for Pre-K through 12th grade. You can learn more information on our website.

Transfer requests can be made through June 15, 2026. Consideration will be based on the availability of space, instructional staff, the student's disciplinary history, and attendance records. Scan the QR Code to learn more about the transfer process.

If you have questions, please email studentservices@jarrellisd.org.

• Which school will my student attend? Attendance Zone
• Where do I apply for the Lunch Program? SchoolCafe
• How do I register for the bus? Transportation
• How can I schedule an appointment with the Registrar? Appointment

School Supply Lists and Supply Packs for the 2026 - 27 school year are available. Visit www.jarrellisd.org/schoolsupplies for more information.

The Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2026–27 Academic Calendar at its board meeting on January 21, 2026. Families and staff can now begin planning for key dates, including the first and last day of school, holidays, staff development days, and student breaks. The 2026–27 academic calendar is available on our district website or for download below.

To ensure that children continue receiving delicious and nutritious meals throughout the
summer, Jarrell ISD in partnership with the district’s child nutrition provider, SFE, will offer its annual free summer meals program. The free meals are made possible through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program.

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Participating families do not have to apply, register or provide identification. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the Summer Meals Program – including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
Starting May 25 through June 25, children up to age 18 and adults with special needs up to age 21 can receive complimentary breakfast and lunch. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday.

Jarrell Ranch Middle School
Address: 5401 FM 487, Jarrell TX
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Double Creek Elementary
Address: 855 CR .07, Jarrell TX
Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.summerfood.org or call 211.

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Para garantizar que los niños continúen recibiendo comidas deliciosas y nutritivas durante todo el verano, el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Jarrell (Jarrell ISD), en colaboración con el proveedor de nutrición infantil del distrito, SFE, ofrecerá su programa anual de comidas gratuitas de verano. Estas comidas gratuitas son posibles gracias al Programa de Servicio de Alimentos de Verano, financiado con fondos federales.

Las familias participantes no tienen que presentar una solicitud, registrarse ni mostrar identificación. El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA) financia el Programa de Comidas de Verano, el cual incluye el Programa de Servicio de Alimentos de Verano (SFSP) y la Opción de Verano Continua (SSO). Desde el 25 de mayo hasta el 25 de junio, los niños de hasta 18 años y los adultos con necesidades especiales de hasta 21 años podrán recibir desayuno y almuerzo de cortesía. Las comidas se servirán de lunes a jueves.

Jarrell Ranch Middle School

Dirección: 5401 FM 487, Jarrell TX

Desayuno: 7:30 a. m. – 8:30 a. m.

Almuerzo: 11:30 a. m. – 12:30 p. m.

Double Creek Elementary

Dirección: 855 CR .07, Jarrell TX

Desayuno: 7:00 a. m. – 8:00 a. m.

Almuerzo: 10:30 a. m. – 12:30 p. m.

You can also contact the Jarrell ISD Police Department for assistance or to report concerns and criminal activity.

In the event of an emergency, it's vital that we have your up-to-date contact information. 15% of our parent population has incorrect contact information on file. It's critical we have your correct address, email address, and phone numbers. Please log in to the Ascender - Parent Portal to verify that your information is accurate.

In addition to having your correct information on file, filling out a Parent Reunification Card is vital for an emergency. Click on the link below to learn more about our Parent Reunification Plan.

School news never takes a break. Stay connected with us by downloading the Jarrell ISD app with new and improved features.

Jarrell ISD is located in northern Williamson County. The mascot is The Cougars. It has six campuses: Jarrell High School, Jarrell Middle School, Jarrell Ranch Middle School, Igo Elementary School, Double Creek Elementary, and Jarrell Elementary. The district serves 5,000 students. Enrollment is projected to double in the next 10 years.

Email: communications@jarrellisd.org
Website: www.jarrellisd.org
Location: 504 N 5th Street, Jarrell, Texas 76537
Phone: 512-746-2124
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JarrellISD
Instagram: @Jarrell_ISD

Twitter: @Jarrell_ISD