Jarrell ISD Monday Memo

Cougars,

Saturday, December 2, was National Special Educators Day. At Jarrell ISD, we have an excellent team of educators skilled in helping students with disabilities learn, excel, and build confidence. They teach and uplift our students with care and respect. Join us in celebrating our special education team for their daily work.

At the same time, we celebrate our team of educators, we are also recognizing National Inclusive Schools Week. The week-long event starts today. It's an opportunity to share our inclusion programs in our district and remember why inclusive education is essential to learning.

Studies have shown that inclusive education positively affects academic achievement. When students with diverse abilities and learning styles are included in general education classrooms, it benefits all students. It encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and provides an opportunity for individualized instruction and support.

Inclusion goes beyond the classroom walls. We are incredibly proud of our Partners in PE program. It's a physical education course where students with disabilities are partnered with non-disabled peers to engage in physical education activities. We offer the course at Jarrell Middle School and Jarrell High School. At Igo Elementary, students can play with their non-disabled peers on a new Orbit merry-go-round during recess. Teachers report this daily occurrence increases communication and builds relationships among the students. These are wonderful examples of how our district works to create an inclusive environment in all areas of education.

By implementing these strategies and practices, inclusive schools can create an environment where all students feel supported, valued, and engaged in learning. It fosters a sense of belonging and enables students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. As one community, it's a lesson where we all benefit.