EDUCAT ION, T R A DES & LE A R NING
Jarrell ISD: Growth and Achievement contributed by Nick Spinetto, Jarrell ISD PIO • photos by Christianna Bettis
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arrell continues to honor its small-town roots while embracing growth, something most evident in its school district where students are known and encouraged to reach their potential. A 1997 graduate of Jarrell High School, Pam Martinez has worked for the school district for the last 25 years, giving back to the district that has positively impacted her and so many other students. Today, hers is the first face people see when visiting the district’s office, the first voice they hear when they
call the district. Pam says,"I loved growing up in Jarrell. My class size was small, but that's what made my experience in Jarrell so memorable. The teachers knew my name. They knew my strengths and struggles. I value my education here, which is why I moved back. I want my children to have the same learning experiences and opportunities." 6
J U N E 2022 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
WELL ROUNDED Learning experiences and opportunities abound in JISD academics and extracurricular activities. In recent years, the district has increased the number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) certifications, added seven advanced academic courses, increased participation in the SAT and PSAT, and aligned its curriculum with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Jarrell Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks says, “Every student who walks into one of our classrooms deserves an exceptional
education. Our teachers and staff are developing instructional materials that will challenge students in many ways and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed." She is also grateful for the community support she believes has been instrumental in achieving that goal.
"Our community partnerships and parent-teacher organizations (PTO) have a phenomenal impact on our students through mentorships, after-school programs, and other opportunities. Our motto celebrates all that is good about this community: 'We are Jarrell. We want success for all.' "
COUGAR LOVE For Andrew Sumner, coming back to Jarrell to teach was more of a calling than a job. "The com-
munity has given my family and me so much since we first moved here more than 30 years ago, and I wanted to give back to the students and community,” he says, adding that the education community is very different from when he attended as a child. “Our students now have more opportunities and different paths
