Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Sonterra since 2009. She serves her community as vice president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, recently served on the Rezoning Committee for JISD, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for five years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 2,300 members.
COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage
Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC, serves on the Community Library Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to the Williamson County ESD #5 board.
SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS
Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda A. Thornton
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
Sandra Evans • Marilee Goldoni
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Patrick St. Cin
IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne
CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
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All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com
WHO WE ARE
In an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, My Jarrell Monthly constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive—its people and their impact.
Since its inception in 2021, My Jarrell Monthly:
Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,200 homes and businesses monthly.
Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.
Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.
Has, to date, mailed more than 300,000 magazines within the 76537 area.
But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.
In every story, from first responders and community leaders to the latest events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In short, we believe My Jarrell Monthly is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.
Curious how the numbers 76537 came to represent both sides of the highway in Jarrell and Sonterra? Check out the story behind the ZIP code that unites our community! And don’t miss the upcoming launch of 76537 Life—your new go-to guide and directory for everything local. Coming later this month!
Meet our Pros — industry professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends. To learn more about becoming a featured pro, contact info@myjarrell.com or 512.746.4545
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JARRELL MONTESSORI
Offering academic and loving care of children from infancy to 5 years old.
Last fall, Sonterra launched a new girls volleyball league with modest hopes. Organizers weren’t sure how many families would sign up since the league was still new, and Sonterra doesn’t yet have athletic facilities of its own.
But, by the time the season started, more than 100 girls had registered. “It was very exciting,” says Tyler Brown, recreation manager for Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation. “We kept our expectations in check, but the response really showed there’s a need— and a desire—for more sports programs for girls in our community.”
This fall, as the second season kicks off, Tyler and his team are looking to build on that momentum. With practices held at Jarrell Middle School and games starting in late September, the league is designed as a welcoming, recreational space for girls to learn the game, gain confidence, and have fun. “We’re not focused on wins or losses,” Tyler says. “This league is about learning, gaining confidence, getting involved in community activities, getting parents out with each other, and bringing the community together.”
He sees the league as more than just a seasonal sport. It’s part of a bigger vision: creating lasting recreational opportunities for Sonterra families and building a pipeline to middle and high school athletics. “In the past, families had to drive to Georgetown, Round Rock, Salado—wherever they could find programs,” he says. “But we want to offer something right here, in our own community. That’s what this league is about—doing something for the girls of Sonterra.”
The growth of the volleyball league also parallels the success of Sonterra’s youth basketball program, which now serves 240 kids. Tyler hopes the volleyball program can eventually grow to match those numbers too. “In the first couple of weeks, it’s all about learning,” he says. “But by the end of the season, you see such a transformation. The girls are more confident, more competitive, and really into it. It happens fast—and it’s exciting.”
POWERED BY COMMUNITY
Just as rewarding is the sense of community created along the way.
“You’ve got parents on the sidelines cheering together, neighbors coaching, kids encouraging one another. It’s not just a sport—it’s something that brings people together.”
Sonterra MUD doesn’t currently have dedicated athletic facilities, so much of the programming relies on partnerships with local schools. Tyler credits Jarrell ISD with mak-
ing it all possible. “They’ve been very good to us,” he says. “Without their support and the use of their middle school gym, we wouldn’t be able to run this league. We’re incredibly grateful.”
This year, all practices and games will take place at Jarrell Middle School. Starting September 16, practices are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., with the season’s first games kicking off on September 27. Players will compete in three age divisions: 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12.
Registration is open through September 8, with a skills assessment scheduled for September 13. Interested families can register through CivicRec or reach out to athletics@sonterramud.org for more information.
The league is entirely volunteer-run—an effort that not only keeps costs down, but also creates a uniquely connected atmosphere. “We don’t pay coaches,” Tyler explains. “Everything depends on volunteers—head coaches, assistant coaches, even student helpers. We really encourage anyone interested to get involved.”
Registration: July 28-September 8
Skills Assessment: September 13
Season: September 16-November 9
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
Bao’d Up Brings Asian Comfort Food to Jarrell
A pillowy, steamed bao bun may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of breakfast, but all across Asia, it’s just as beloved and essential as tacos in Mexico or pancakes in America. Traditionally eaten in the morning thanks to their convenience and portability, these fluffy, bun-shaped dumplings are a staple comfort food in countries like China, Japan, and Korea. And now, thanks to the newest Bao’d Up location, this warm comfort food is being served all day, right in the heart of the Jarrell community.
SPICING UP JARRELL’S FOOD SCENE
Co-founded by engineer-turned-restaurateur Alex Wu and his entrepreneur friend Ting Lin, Bao’d Up blends traditional Asian comfort food with a fast-casual, family friendly format. Alex, who moved from China to the United States to study electrical engineering, never expected to end up in the food business. But after partnering up with Ting since 2016, he found himself increasingly drawn to the idea of scaling up a food concept rooted in quality and tradition. Alex and Ting opened the first Bao’d Up in Austin and expanded the restaurant brand to several more locations in the area. Since 2020, they have also used a state-of-the-art production line to make their baos, ensuring the same fresh, high-quality results in every bite, every time.
A search for a dedicated food production facility brought the duo to Jarrell in 2024. Located on Town Center Boulevard just east of City Hall, the space turned out to be the perfect fit—not only as a production kitchen but a restaurant as well. Noticing Jarrell’s food scene was missing a variety of dining options, Alex saw an opportunity to bring something new and healthy to the table. With a kitchen already in place from a previous restaurant owner and the growing need for diverse dining in the area, Alex added a walk-up window and drive-through in mid-June.
“Originally, we just wanted to open a food production facility,” Alex says. “But I saw how many people are here and are coming here. There are a lot of families here, but very limited food options. I didn’t really see Asian cuisine, in particular, being offered within 15 to 20 miles.”
TRADITION WITH A TEXAS TWIST
Bao’d Up’s menu strikes the perfect balance between authentic flavors and local flair, offering a tempting variety of bao buns. Guests can enjoy savory options filled with flavorful meats and fresh vegetables or indulge in sweet, custard-filled buns for dessert.
Visitors can also enjoy traditional Chinese dishes like pork belly bao and soup dumplings alongside Texas-friendly offerings like brisket bao buns. Other favorites include Szechuan fries and a creative twist on tradition: bao tacos. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing fruit tea, creamy boba milk tea, or customizable buildyour-own tea.
Everything is made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients and no preservatives. “Baos are affordable, self-contained, easy to eat, and kids love them. I have three kids, and they eat baos every day,” Alex says. “Our goal is for Bao’d Up to become a part of families' weekly routines.”
Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill
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Mass at 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30am followed by a meal & festivities at the Parish Activity Center
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“NO!”
TOP 7 THINGS YOU CAN DO WHEN YOUR CHILD SAYS NO
IF YOU’RE KNEE-DEEP IN WHAT FEELS LIKE A BEHAVIORAL BERMUDA TRIANGLE (WHERE LOGIC GOES TO DIE AND TANTRUMS REIGN), WE HAVE SOME REAL-WORLD, MOM-TESTED, JARRELL MONTESSORI-APPROVED TIPS TO HELP YOU SURVIVE AND THRIVE AS YOUR CHILD EXPLORES THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND YOUR BOUNDARIES.
HOW TO RESPOND WHEN YOUR CHILD SAYS
“NO” (FOR THE 36TH TIME TODAY)
TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE
“WHY” BEHIND
THE
“NO”:
Figuring out the WHY will help you to offer an alternative option to get them moving.
STAY POSITIVE (EVEN IF YOUR EYE IS TWITCHING):
Try to frame your thoughts in a positive light. Instead of, “We can’t go to the park until you finish your drink.” Turn it around to, “As soon as you finish your lunch, we can walk to the park!”
WHEN NO ISN’T AN OPTION (BECAUSE IT’S NOT A DEMOCRACY):
Parenting is not a democracy, it’s Target on a Saturday—we hold hands, we survive, we buy the wrong brand of yogurt and move on. There are times when safety demands they do what you tell them, but you can prep them in advance of your expectations.
CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY:
How many times a day do YOU say no to your child? Our children mimic us and if that’s what they are hearing a lot of, so will you.
OFFER CHOICES INSTEAD OF COMMANDS:
Like asking your child if they want to fill their cup with water first or wash their hands first before eating dinner. You still get what you want but it gives them a feeling of control.
LEARN HOW TO HANDLE YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY GET OVERSTIMULATED:
Remember that children get overstimulated, and when that happens, it’s difficult for them to respond to direction. Take them to their room or your car (if you are away from home) so they can take a break for a few minutes and calm down.
TRY IGNORING THEM (SERIOUSLY):
They need to know you won’t be drawn into battle every time they want something different. Just tell them you aren’t going to discuss it any more and walk away. You can’t use this every time but as your child gets older, you get a sense of when you need to end the conversation because it’s no longer productive.
IT DOES GET EASIER (CROSS MY HEART)
Parenting a toddler can feel like you’re negotiating with a caffeinated raccoon. As the mom of a 21-year-old, I can stand back and see what all of those hair-pulling moments resulted in: a young man who is polite and hard working (but still stubborn and willful; this is reality, after all). I mean, hey, he’s edging my lawn right now for Mom cash. So while children screaming in a restaurant still gives me PTSD, on the flip side, I don’t have to mow my yard today. It’s a balance that works for me. I hope that these ideas work for you, too.
~ Shannon Black, Jarrell Montessori. Check out our blog at JarrellMontessori.com
AFrom Supply Lists to Surprise Gifts
New Adopt A Teacher Group Loves on Local Educators
After floating the idea in a local moms’ group, the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone thought it was a great idea and couldn’t wait to support,” she says.
s back-to-school season approaches, one Jarrell mom is adding something new to the academic checklist: a program that invites residents to adopt and encourage local teachers all year long.
Bailey Easterwood launched a new Facebook group to connect community members with local teachers when they are in need of a little extra encouragement. Inspired by a similar initiative she participated in through Georgetown ISD, Bailey saw an opportunity to bring the same spirit of generosity closer to home. “I have been living in Jarrell for over seven years now, but my kids have attended Georgetown ISD for the last couple of years. GISD also has an adopt-ateacher, and I loved being part of it. My boys are transitioning to Jarrell ISD this year, and I really wanted to be able to spoil a teacher like I did last year.”
At the heart of the Adopt a Jarrell ISD Teacher group is a simple idea with lasting impact: community members “adopt” a local teacher for the school year and check in on them via small, thoughtful gestures. That could mean dropping off a favorite drink, sending classroom supplies, or putting together a themed holiday basket. For some teachers, even a bulk pack of tissues makes a differ-
ence. “Last year I bought my adopted teacher a case of Costco tissues because they kept running out and that bulk item lasted the rest of the year,” Bailey says. “It’s the little things sometimes.”
Membership in the group has already surpassed 200 people and continues to grow. While many members are parents looking for ways to give back, others are teachers themselves who understand the day-today needs inside a classroom. One member in particular, Carrie Warseck, has already found a meaningful way to support fellow educators. A SPED paraprofessional for Jarrell ISD and mom of three JISD students, Carrie recently used her 3D printer to design and donate small fidget toys for local teachers. Bailey says, “This is the kind of impact I hope to have with this group, and we are just getting started.”
JOIN THE KINDNESS CREW
The adoption process officially begins the first week of August, when teachers will begin posting introductions in the group, sharing what grade and subject they teach, and a bit about themselves. From there, community members can comment “adopted” to claim a teacher.
KIDS & EDUCATION
The commitment, Bailey emphasizes, doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. “This isn’t supposed to drain your bank account, it’s supposed to show our appreciation towards a teacher throughout the year,” she says. That might mean a holiday basket with a few thoughtful items—a want, a need, a treat, and a surprise. Just keep the communication open so your teacher knows when to expect a delivery. “My goal is to reach as many teachers as possible and help grow this community into a place teachers want to be in,” she says. “If we can get 80 percent of teachers and the community to participate, I will be so happy.”
To join this growing wave of kindness, visit the Adopt A Jarrell ISD teacher Facebook group and sign up to support a local educator this school year. These screenshots are just a sampling of the profiles posted and teachers available for adoption.
Charlotte Kovalchuk
A New Way Home
Williamson County’s Microchip Stations
Make Pet Reunions Easier
For pet owners, the idea of their furry friend going missing is a nightmare. But what if the path home didn’t have to start at a shelter? What if reuniting lost pets with their families could happen right where they were found—before the animals ever enter the system?
That’s the vision behind the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s (WCRAS) new Reunion Stations—a network of 24/7 microchip scanning kiosks set to pop up across the community.
These stations would allow anyone who finds a lost pet to scan for a microchip and contact the owner directly, skipping the shelter entirely.
The idea was sparked during a conversation among animal welfare professionals, including WCRAS Director of Animal Services Misty Valenta, about the confusing and often inconsistent messages given to the public on what to do when they find a stray. Wanting to provide a solution in her own community, she began looking into ways to help reunite pets and their families quickly. Around that time, she discovered a reunion station—once an old news-
paper stand transformed by a local Girl Scout troop into a microchip scanning kiosk. Inspired by its simplicity and ingenuity, Misty set out to bring the neighborhood pet reunion concept home to Williamson County.
Since then, the shelter’s team has been working on making microchip scanning a reality countywide. WCRAS’ Community Engagement Coordinator April Peiffer says, “We want to see the community take advantage of all of the tools available to them so when they find a lost pet, they can facilitate a reunion as quickly as possible, which may often mean never coming to the shelter at all. As word spreads, we hope other communities will choose to follow suit and make this the standard everywhere.”
The first official Reunion Station was installed outside the shelter’s Services Center in Georgetown, with plans to launch eight more in Round Rock. WCRAS hopes to eventually place a station in every zip code in Williamson County using GIS mapping to ensure strategic placement and accessibility.
While the project is still in its early stages—so far, no reunions have been logged through the new stations—the shelter’s team is optimistic about its ability to help lost pets get home faster. “We know most
pets are found within two miles of their homes,” Misty says. “By making microchip scanners available at all hours, we’re removing barriers and increasing the chances of a happy reunion.”
JOIN THE EFFORT
WCRAS is now actively seeking local businesses, churches, community centers, and individuals to host or sponsor Reunion Stations. Hosts simply need to provide an outdoor space accessible 24/7 and commit to light upkeep, such as battery checks and occasional wipe-downs. “This is a win for families, a win for lost pets, and a win for the shelter,” Misty says. “It frees up our resources for the animals who really need to be here.”
To get involved—whether by sponsoring a unit or becoming a host site—contact April Peiffer at april. peiffer@wilcotx.gov.
by Ann Marie Kennon
The Secret Life of ZIP Codes
HOW FIVE LITTLE NUMBERS KEEP US CONNECTED
H
ere’s something you probably don’t think about when you scribble your return address on an envelope or click “ship” on Amazon: those five little numbers at the end of your address hold the entire United States in a neat, invisible grid. One that was designed not to separate us, but to bring us together.
Still, here in Jarrell, sharing a ZIP code doesn’t always feel like togetherness. Sonterra residents and folks in “old town” Jarrell know there is a sometimes a weight to the virtual dividing line the postal map doesn’t recognize. So, let’s take a peek behind the curtain of the ZIP code system itself—and discover how it actually tells a story of connection.
Wartime Mayhem
Picture it: it’s 1943. The United States is in the middle of World War II, and seasoned postal clerks are being drafted from all the big cities and tiny rural outposts. That leaves stacks of letters piling up, threatening to delay news from the front lines. The Post Office hatches a quick fix—simple numbers tacked onto addresses in large urban areas, guiding rookie clerks to the right part of town. Boston might have “Zone 5,” Chicago “Zone 16.”
Fast forward 20 years, and the country is still enjoying post-war booms. Suburbs are sprawling, businesses are mailing millions of catalogs, and the mail room chaos is worse than ever. That’s when postal inspector Robert A. Moon comes up with a crazy idea: why not number the entire nation?
It was an “aha” moment that wasn’t really about bureaucracy. It was about speed—making sure a love letter, a college acceptance packet, or even a box of grandma’s cookies could zip (pun intended) across the country faster than ever before.
Mapping America
When Mr. Moon’s Zoning Improvement Plan (ZIP) code launched in 1963, it didn’t just appear randomly. It painted a picture of America from east to west:
The first digit begins in the Northeast with 0, climbs upward through the Mid-Atlantic, stretches through the Midwest, and hits 7 by the time it reaches Texas. California and the West Coast? Those are our 9s.
The next two digits pinpoint a major sorting center (think of it as your mail’s first “pit stop”).
The last two digits land it at your local post office.
So when you see 7 kicking off your Jarrell and Sonterra ZIP, you’re looking at Texas on a nationwide postal map.
Mr. ZIP and the Speed of Friendship
Of course, people weren’t thrilled about memorizing new numbers in 1963. It felt like a government plot to make brains hurt. Americans were already grappling with longer phone numbers—goodbye to breezy operator requests for “Main 245,” and farewell to telephone exchanges with charming names like “MUrray Hill” or “KLondike.”
The era of seven-digit phone numbers was rolling in, replacing letters with numbers.
So when the Post Office added five-digit ZIP codes to addresses, it felt like insult to injury: more numbers to remember! That’s when the Post Office introduced Mr. ZIP, a cartoon mail carrier who zipped across posters, stamps, and even TV spots. He made the change feel a little less like bureaucracy and a little more like progress.
By the late ’60s, almost everyone was using ZIP codes, and by the ’80s, telephone numbers had fully made the leap to all digits. In hindsight, those changes didn’t just complicate life—they modernized how we connected with each other.
One Code, One Community
It’s important to remember ZIP codes were never meant to define a town’s character or limit its identity. They were drawn for mail routes, not political maps. That’s why Sonterra and Jarrell share the same code—because when the system was designed, the best way to get letters delivered wasn’t by city boundary, but by delivery route.
And while it might feel like a dividing line sometimes, it’s actually the opposite. Those five numbers are what unite every front porch, every business, and every mailbox in this community under the same delivery umbrella.
The Big Picture
Think about that for a moment: a farmer in rural Maine, a banker in Chicago, a surfer in California—and yes, all of us right here in Jarrell and Sonterra—share the same system. Five digits that quietly, efficiently, and faithfully connect over 330 million people every day.
The next time you see 76537, maybe you’ll see it differently. Not as a line between neighborhoods, but as part of a bigger picture—a story that started in wartime, crossed decades of innovation, and still delivers a simple message: we’re all on the same map.
EDUCATION FUNDING The Rest of the Story II
By Colonel Terry M. Wilson, US Army (Retired) Representative for TX House District 20
Last month, I gave a broad overview of the successes of the 89th Legislature and promised that I would come back with more details on each major area. As students and teachers return to the classroom this month, they do so after the most significant investment in public education since major cuts were made in 2011. Those cuts placed school districts in a tough financial position, one that legislators promised to rectify in the 89th session. In June, the 89th Texas Legislature wrapped up its regular session, closing out months of hardfought deliberations and negotiations, and delivered a historic win for public education in Texas, especially for our teachers, with House Bill 2 (HB2).
HISTORIC INVESTMENT
House Bill 2 puts $8.5 billion new dollars into public education, raising the state’s annual average investment to $17,000 per student. By delivering nearly double the increase that failed to pass two years ago, HB 2 sets a record for the largest new dedication of funds into public education in Texas history.
Of that $8.5 billion, $4.2 billion has been set aside to fix issues with the teacher pay scale. While Texas has one of the best pay rates for new teachers, up until now, that pay scale has stayed relatively flat over their career. As a result, Texas schools would often lose teachers and non-administrative staff, like food-service workers and custodial staff, with 3 or more years of experience to other states or private schools who offered a competitive pay increase over time.
RETENTION AND INCENTIVES
The fix for these pay-scale issues came in three parts.
First, there will be an across-the-board pay increase for every eligible teacher to maintain a strong baseline of educators. Teachers become eligible after three years of experience, and that increase more than doubles
once they complete five years of teaching experience.
Second, HB 2 provides targeted pay raises to support retention of teachers in at-risk rural and urban areas so our schools remain competitive. Combining these first two levels, a teacher in a rural school with five or more years of experience could see an increase of up to $8,000 in annual income.
Third, HB 2 expands the performance-based Teacher Incentive Allotment so more teachers who meet the performance goals will receive the pay increases they have earned and raises the ceiling for those incentives so top-performing teachers are more substantively rewarded. The legislature also took the extra step to make sure Texas covers the increases in their pension contributions the raises would otherwise require.
To make sure our teachers have every possible tool to achieve their performance-based incentives, HB2 also provides $187 million for teacher preparation and certification programs. These funds are provided directly to districts to make sure the pipeline of certified, qualified teachers continues to grow in every corner of Texas.
HB 2 invests in “grow your own” teacher programs to help communities recruit and prepare local talent, pays
TEXAS SIT-REP
student teachers for in-classroom training, and waives certification exam fees for bilingual and special education teachers—two areas in which demand continues to outpace supply.
The bill also introduces a $3,000 mentorship stipend for experienced teachers who agree to guide new educators through their first year in the classroom, fostering both support and retention from day one.
FOUNDATIONS FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
HB 2 doesn’t just address staffing—it’s a comprehensive overhaul of how we support students from their earliest years through graduation. The bill fully funds full-day pre-K and provides $448 million for early learning programs, including free high-quality literacy screenings and interventions to ensure children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. It also creates new math training programs for K-3 teachers to boost student numeracy, tackling both ends of the critical early learning equation: reading and math.
SPECIAL EDUCATION REFORM
For students with special needs, HB 2 delivers a long-overdue overhaul of our special education system, devoting more than $830 million to improving access, resources, and services. For the first time, the state will also fund $1,000 reimbursements for student evaluations, removing financial barriers that too often delay diagnosis and support.
BALANCED RELIEF
Support for small and mid-sized districts is also a key part of the bill. HB 2 includes $318 million specifically to help these schools address rising operational costs and remain competitive, particularly as inflation and insurance premiums squeeze local budgets. Another $100 million is allocated to help offset regional insurance spikes that have strained district resources.
FUTURE-PROOFING AND SECURITY
Speaking of costs, HB 2 introduces a new Allotment for Basic Costs—$1.2 billion to help districts with growing expenses like utilities, Teacher Retirement System (TRS) contributions linked to teacher raises, and other operational pressures. And in a groundbreaking move, the bill ties the Basic Allotment to growth in property values, creating an automatic mechanism for future increases in school funding, so districts aren’t left waiting years for the Legislature to act.
In addition, HB 2 puts serious dollars behind school safety, with $430 million in funding to help campuses comply with new safety standards and ensure students and staff have a secure environment in which to teach and learn.
CHARTER SUPPORT
Charter schools will also benefit from $200 million for facilities funding, helping to close longstanding infrastructure gaps so that more operational dollars can be directed to students and classrooms rather than buildings and leases. The bill also rewards innovation and time-on-task. Schools participating in the Additional Days School Year program will see a 50 percent funding increase, encouraging extended instruction where it’s most needed to close achievement gaps and improve outcomes.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
And as our students prepare for life beyond graduation, HB 2 strengthens Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways by investing $153 million to expand access to programs that prepare students for high-wage jobs and dual-credit opportunities. This investment is particularly impactful in rural areas, where access to such programs has often been limited. You will hear more about CTE and dual credit in future articles on what the 89th Texas Legislature did for higher education.
House Bill 2 is more than just a funding bill—it’s a transformational investment in Texas public education. It addresses compensation, recruitment, curriculum, special education, school safety, early learning, and workforce readiness. By raising the state’s per-student investment to $17,000, providing record-setting funding increases, and delivering targeted solutions to long-standing problems, HB 2 marks a turning point in how Texas supports its students and educators. Texas is growing—fast—and with that growth comes the responsibility to ensure our education system keeps pace. House Bill 2 is our commitment as a state to meet that challenge head-on with bold investments and forward-looking reforms that will benefit generations of Texas students to come.
WHAT MAKES TEXAS
“TEXAS”?
Addressing Towns with Unusual Names
by Linda A. Thornton
Giggles, sincere interest, busybody curiosity—just some of the reactions a unique group of Texas townspeople experience every time they are asked where they live.
This unofficial club never seems to tire of explaining the unusual, unique, and downright bizarre origins of their town’s names, ranging from humorous incidents to prominent residents to historical events. With true Texas pride, they will politely correct your pronunciation, assist you with spelling, and proudly affix their return address label to an envelope.
Here are some of those strange-to-us, lovable-to-others places to live. Locations are included if you decide to see them for yourself:
BUDA
Pronounced “Byoo-duh,” this city in Hays County is part of the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area and is one of Austin’s fastest growing suburbs. After the Texas Mexico War, many widows were left behind. It is believed that Buda is a mispronunciation of the word “viuda,” the Spanish word for widows. Little did two widows—who worked as cooks at the Carrington Hotel in the 1880s—realize they would be honored as the town’s namesakes.
CUT AND SHOOT
Located in Montgomery County, this town of just over 1,000 residents sits 40 miles north of Houston. Its name dates back to a heated disagreement among churchgoers about steeple design, preacher choice, and land ownership. As tempers rose, a young boy suddenly shouted, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!” His outburst startled the group, and the words became immortalized as the town’s new name.
DIME BOX
This unincorporated community in Lee County once used a large wooden box for mail. Locals would leave a dime in the bottom to pay the mail carrier. When the original name, Brown’s Mill, caused confusion with Brownsville, the U.S. Postal Service requested a change. It made perfect “cents” to honor the dime box.
FROGNOT
Located about 20 miles east of McKinney, this community was plagued with frogs every time it rained. As the story goes, boys would catch the frogs and bring them to school to scare girls. After weeks of shrieking and chaos, the exasperated schoolmaster announced that frogs were no longer allowed at school. Frogs were not permitted, he declared—leading to the name Frognot.
DING DONG
This tiny community of fewer than 50 residents lies along the Lampasas River in the Killeen-Temple metropolitan area. In the 1930s, two relatives with the last name Bell ran a country store here. Their store sign, featuring two bells and the words “Ding Dong,” had a certain ring to it—and the name stuck.
HAPPY
Known as “The Town Without a Frown,” this cheerful little spot in the Texas Panhandle might owe its name to its residents—or to Happy Draw, a stream named by cowboys in the 19th century. After long, dusty rides, they were understandably happy to find water.
IRAAN
This small town with a population of a little over 1,000 is located in Pecos County. In the early 1900s, Ira and Ann Yates built a ranch upon which the town was built. Combining their first names seemed a fitting tribute to the ranchers.
NACOGDOCHES
This historic East Texas town is the county seat of Nacogdoches County and is known as the “Oldest Town in
BUG TUSSLE
The unincorporated community in southeastern Fannin County can thank an 1890s ice cream social gone awry for its name. When a swarm of bugs crashed their party, the churchgoers bravely fought off the invasion and the name was changed to commemorate the battle.
WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"?
Texas.” It played a significant role during the Texas Revolution and was once a hub for trade. The Battle of Nacogdoches marked a key moment in the Fredonian Rebellion, when Texans attempted to secede from Mexico and establish the nearby Republic of Fredonia.
NAMELESS
Straddling the border of Travis and Williamson counties, this town is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. Legend has it that when residents applied for a post office, every name they suggested had already been taken. Frustrated, they sent a note saying, “Let the post office be nameless and be damned!” The postmaster followed their instructions.
TARZAN
This community in Martin County might have ended up with a very different name if not for Tant and Viola Lindsay, who moved there in 1926. The couple opened a general store and hoped to establish a post office. Viola and Tant, a fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan novels, had submitted several possible names, but all were rejected as duplicate town names. On a whim, Viola suggested adding “Tarzan” to the list. To their surprise, it was approved—and the name stuck.
UNCERTAIN
Located in Harrison County, this tiny town got its name by accident. When the township application was filled out, the name hadn’t yet been decided, so “Uncertain” was written in the blank. And just like that, the name became official.
DSame Calories, Less Adventure
ogs are still living their ancestral life—no boutique fitness apps, no $8 protein shakes, no self-consciousness about what their “summer body” looks like. Just vibes, naps, and suspicious holes in the backyard.
Meanwhile, we humans have gotten so good at survival (hello, grocery delivery and central air) that we had to invent entire industries to trick ourselves into moving again. A hundred years ago, arms day was just... Monday, because survival was the workout—grind the wheat into flour, churn the butter, run from bears, and beat the dust out of the rug and quilts until our deltoids were sculpted like Terry Crews' pecs.
Sometime in the 20th century, we evolved and specialized to the point that we have something that would make our ancestors want to punch us in the throat: leisure time And yet, here we are—sitting pretty in front of as much as 21 square feet of 4K TV and we still dare to sigh, "There’s nothing on," as we scroll past 150,000-plus hours of shows and content no one asked for. And that's just from the big four: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Apple TV.
In the 1960s, a coach in New Zealand told the world to "jog" for fitness, ostensibly because we hadn't been dragging deer carcasses through the snow while avoiding scavenging wolves for several decades. Just 60 years later, here we are—decked out in special clothes, buying treadmills and stationary bikes, and paying people $29.99 a month to yell "You got this!" through tiny screens. Meanwhile, our dogs lounge on the couch, and give us that now-you’re-just-embarrassing-yourself look.
If you’re cheap like me—and wise enough to realize movement doesn’t require an expensive subscription if you’d just get up and do it—you walk the dogs because you love them and it's a duty to their physiological well-being. In my 21st-century mind, “duty” is far more persuasive than “because it’s good for you” when it comes to me racking up 10,000 steps before dinner. Besides, my fur babies are basically dragging me along like personal trainers I don’t have to tip.
Walking three dogs at once is, often, less cardio and more like trying to knit a sweater with live ferrets—a cha-
otic tangle of start-stop, start-stop, sniffs, lunges, and Gordian leash knots that definitely qualify me for a Boy Scout merit badge.
Still, I envy them because dogs haven’t changed. We have. They still believe in chasing squirrels for the thrill, rolling in the mud for the spa treatment, and shaking off pond swims with a full-body turbo spin. If only I could fling water with the same gleeful abandon without having to call a chiropractor and check my deductible. I still have a sore neck when I forget to pack my special pillow that probably cost more than my great grandmother's whole bed. Ah, survival skills!
Maybe we could learn a thing or two from our pets. Less self-punishment, more joy in movement. Less app-tracking, more stick-chasing. For canine companions, the dog days aren’t about sweating it out in some fluorescent-lit spin dungeon—they’re about lying belly-up on the cool tile floor, no agenda except dinner and investigating that thing that looks like a piece of Milk-Bone® that landed within a paw’s reach under the couch.
In the end, maybe they’re onto something: life’s better when you live for the simple pleasures and move for the joy of it—not because your smartwatch said so.
Dogs still run for the sheer joy of it—no mileage trackers, no heart rate monitors, no sponsored playlists blasting motivational slogans. They move because it feels good, then flop down for a nap without an ounce of guilt. And maybe that’s why they always look so content—they aren’t burdened by screens, notifications, or the pressure to optimize every moment.
Meanwhile, we have been scrolling, comparing, and chasing digital dopamine hits until we forget what real play even feels like. Dogs don’t need an app to tell them to get outside or a wellness guru reminding them to “be present.” They just are
I’ve realized my own version of a digital detox isn’t really about turning off my phone—it’s about turning off my inner algorithm. That voice that insists I should be further along, thinner, more productive, and definitely drinking more water. I’m working on unfollowing her.
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST!
Addison Thompson’s 7th birthday fell over the Fourth of July weekend, but with the Central Texas flooding, she and her family couldn’t celebrate the way they had hoped. “I thought she’d be upset, but she was more concerned about the families and pets being displaced,” her mom, Brittany, says.
Instead of focusing on the canceled plans, Addison asked if they could do something to help. “She’s just got a big heart for animals,” Brittany says. “She just got a puppy and knows it takes a lot to take care of them.” At first, Addison suggested a lemonade stand or bake sale, but with three kids at home, the family needed something that fit their busy schedule. That’s when Brittany, who owns a T-shirt company, had an idea: “What if we design shirts and donate the proceeds?”
Through the end of August, all profits from shirts featuring Texas designs will go to the Williamson County Animal Shelter, which has taken in animals from flooded areas like Georgetown and Lampasas. “My mom said a bunch of animals went to the shelter, and they don’t have a bunch of money,” Addison says. “So we decided to make money so they can hopefully buy food, toys, and beds.”
Seven-Year-Old Turns Birthday Weekend into Mission to Help Animals
Check out all the Texas-themed shirts on TheBAMcollective’s store on Etsy.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Brittany Thompson
POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX
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Our JAH Family is Growing! Please join us in Welcoming Dr. Kiran Karidi! Dr. Karidi received his B.V.Sc & A.H degree from ANGRA Unversity in India in 2000. He received a Masters degree in Computer Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey in 2003. He worked many years in Pharmaceutical companies in Research and Development with new drugs for humans. He worked as a Biostatistical Analyst helping analyze clinical trial data and producing safety and efficacy reports to be submitted to FDA. He completed the clinical year at Western University of Health Sciences as part of the AAVSB's PAVE (Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence) program in 2025. During his free time, He loves playing volleyball and watching movies. Kiran has a passion to utilize technology to bring in efficiency at work. Kiran is married to his wife with 2 daughters and a lovely 4-legged furry shih tzu son named Coco. We look forward to seeing Dr. Karidi give excellent care for you and your babies! Happy visits are always welcome!
