Cougar Community Newsletter

Zayvier Diaz-Poterson, a 5th grader at Jarrell Elementary School, wrote and presented this month's essay. In his essay, Diaz-Poterson writes that "trust is the foundation that strengthens relationships, guides our choices, and shapes the integrity of our community." The full essay is attached below.

Jarrell Elementary School: Tia Bazerly (Student - Not Pictured), Elizabeth Richardson (Staff)

Double Creek Elementary School: Juliana Rangel (Student), Alicia Castillo (Staff)

Igo Elementary School: Jaisa Moore (Student), Mackenzy Mouton (Staff)

Jarrell Ranch Middle School: Safia Huerta (Student), Marissa French (Staff)

Jarrell Middle School: Zaniyah Reed (Student), Christi Davis (Staff)

Jarrell High School: Lauren Oliver (Student), Megan Murphy (Staff)

Our incredible custodial team's hard work keeps our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for every student and staff member. We've received many wonderful comments about how beautiful our facilities look. It wouldn't be possible without our custodians.

They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, working behind the scenes to ensure our schools shine—no matter what the day brings. Their commitment, professionalism, and pride in their work make a tremendous difference in our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and community. We are grateful for their dedication and honored to recognize the essential role they play in fostering a positive learning environment.

*All presentations are attached below*

Communication and Informational Items:

- Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks introduced District Updates

- Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Laura Buckley presented this month's Student Voice/Coach Haire gave an athletic update

- Assistant Superintendent Bob Mabry discussed and reviewed Policy EFB (Local) and Policy Update 126 (Local)

- Chief Financial Officer Robert Navarro presented the monthly budget report

- Mr. Navarro, along with Diana Ward, CPA, JRBT, presented a draft of the 2024 - 25 Annual Financial Audit Report

- Sledge Engineering presented the monthly 2023 Bond Update

Action Items:

In addition to approving the consent agenda, the Board of Trustees:

- Approved a Retention Stipend to Jarrell ISD Employees

- Approved the 2023 Bond Paw Prints Furniture, Equipment, and Playground

- Approved the District Scorecard (2030 Vision Goals)

Jarrell ISD is excited to announce Zyania Varela as the district’s new Assistant Director of Transportation. With 17 years of hands-on experience in school transportation, Varela brings strong leadership, energy, and expertise to one of the district’s most vital operational teams.

“I am honored to join Jarrell ISD as the new Assistant Director of Transportation. I look forward to supporting the department’s continued growth, strengthening operational excellence, and upholding the highest safety standards for our students. I am committed to serving the Jarrell community with professionalism, integrity, and a strong dedication to student-centered service," Zyania Varela said.

In her new role, Varela will help oversee daily transportation operations, routing systems, safety protocols, driver support, and department training. Her deep knowledge of dispatch operations, logistics, and staff development positions her to help elevate the department as Jarrell ISD continues to grow rapidly.

“Zyania brings an incredible blend of expertise, energy, and student-focused leadership to Jarrell ISD,” said Maria Alvarado, Director of Transportation. “Her commitment to safety and service will help strengthen our transportation operations and ensure our growing district continues to deliver exceptional support for students and families.”

Varela begins her role immediately as Jarrell ISD continues enhancing transportation services to meet the needs of the district’s growing student population.

Jarrell ISD changed its student ID Badges for the 2025 - 2026 school year.

• Pre-K to First Grade Badge is bright yellow with the name and photo of the student and a QR Code
• Second through fifth-grade students have a bar code, a QR code, and a photo of the student and their name. The barcode is for the library and the cafeteria. The QR code is for the student's class account.
• Middle School badges have a photo of the student, their name, and a barcode to use in the library and cafeteria.
• High school badges have a photo of the student, their name, a barcode, and the student's graduating class year.

If you have any questions about the new ID Badges, please email transportation@jarrellisd.org.

Stopfinder is the all-in-one, easy to use app for viewing & sharing your student’s transportation schedule.

Click on the links below to learn more about Stopfinder.

Stopfinder - English

Stopfinder - Spanish

Jarrell ISD has a clear bag policy for all sporting events at the high school stadium. Please click the link to download the policy for more information.

Clear Bag Policy - English

Clear Bag Policy - Spanish

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 is home to more than 4,700 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