JARRELL ISD

EDUCATION, TRADES & LEARNING Jarrell ISD: Growth and Achievement

contributed by Nick Spinetto, Jarrell ISD PIO • photos by Christianna Bettis

Jarrell 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."

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

BRAGGING RIGHTS

to success, and I want to help them find success, whatever their passions," he said.

Those opportunities, as well as supportive faculty, are what make senior Heather Padilla proud to be a Cougar. “My teachers are also amazing and are all very genuine. I struggle in some subjects but my teachers are very understanding and invest the time to make sure I fully understand the material and reach my potential,” she says.

Pam echoes Heather's sentiments. "I know my son is getting a quality education with teachers who know him, care about

him, and want him to succeed. That is priceless."

All of them believe the future is bright for JISD. “I am proud to be from Jarrell and my goal is for Jarrell ISD to become the premier school district in the state and in Central Texas. I believe we can do it,” Andrew says.

Students in all grade levels may also find their passion outside the classroom via these expanded programs, team activities, and extracurricular activities: Elementary school students write and produce morning announcements for their campus websites as well as participate in recycling clubs, Student Council, and UIL academics.

Jarrell Middle School has a National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, and athletics. The Jarrell Middle School Band Wind Ensemble and

Concert received superior ratings at the Temple College Music Invitational. The Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Directors Choice Showcase of Music and the band received Superior Ratings, Best in Class, and Overall Best Middle School Band.

Jarrell High School's award-winning fine arts, athletics, and CTE programs excelled at regional and state-wide competitions. Students from the high school's Future Farmers of

America (FFA); Family, Career and Community Leaders of

America (FCCLA), theater, band, track, soccer, basketball, and tennis have won numerous awards.

The high school started a winter color guard team this past school year and won the novice division state championship.