My Jarrell Monthly • August 2023

NEW PLACES •FRESH FACES

JISD OPENS 2023/24 YEAR WITH NEW DOUBLE CREEK ELEMENTARY CAMPUS AND TWO NEW PRINCIPALS

by Rachel Strickland

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Jarrell ISD, including two new principals who are thrilled for the start of the new school year and the opportunities it will bring.

Craig Wilson, the new principal of Double Creek Elementary, is beginning his 28th year in education and brings 12 years of experience as a principal to the job. Most recently, he was the director of digital learning in Temple but realized he missed being on a school campus. “When the opportunity came up to open a new school in Jarrell, I jumped on it,” he says.

Principal Wilson has taught many different grade levels but most of his experience is at the elementary level – where his passion lies. “It’s those formative years where you have the opportunity to set the kids on a path for greatness from the beginning,” he says. “You’re not having to undo bad habits, and you get the chance to set that foundation for success.”

He says he loves the small-town feel of Jarrell and how friendly everyone is. “I have not met one person who isn’t just super nice and positive.”

Double Creek Elementary is a new campus for Jarrell ISD and is on target to open by the beginning of August. As its first principal, Mr. Wilson has had a front-row seat to watch its progress from the ground up. “It’s been wonderful working with the architect and the engineers,” he says.

In the upcoming school year, he is hoping to establish a positive culture in the school and the community. “I’m excited about getting to know the kids and the teachers and how Jarrell operates—not just the school district, but the city itself,” he says. “I want to build a sense of community beyond our walls.”

Parents who wish to get involved with the school can join the newly founded PTO, which will provide opportunities to volunteer in classrooms and suggest other initiatives to benefit the students and school.

NEW PRINCIPAL TAKES THE HELM AT JARRELL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Daniella Ogundare is also joining the Jarrell ISD family as Jarrell Middle School’s new principal. She has dedicated 18 years to education and, during that time, she has been a middle school math teacher, coach, administrator, instructional coach, and director of student services.

Although Ms. Ogundare has worked in other small school districts, she finds Jarrell to be unique as a close-knit community. “Even if people don’t have kids in the school district, they still support us and come out to events,” she says.

This year, she hopes to incorporate new, more restorative discipline practices – a type of preventative measure for handling misbehaving students. It is also a way, she adds, to reintegrate students into the school system while also helping stop the cycle of negative behaviors.

Principal Ogundare encourages parents to get involved by joining the PTO. “We’re a team,” she says. “We are all in this together. The parents, teachers, and administrators are working as a team, and we have an open-door policy.”

A new principal isn’t the only new addition to Jarrell Middle School—the kids can look forward to a new wing and athletic area. “I’m excited about the new year and starting fresh,” Principal Ogundare says. “We have a lot of new systems, there’s a new wing, and we have a lot of new staff. I’m just excited for the entire year.”