Growing Ideas

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Jarrell ISD Teachers Bring Innovation to Life with Education Grants

THIS AUGUST, 12 JARRELL ISD TEACHERS RECEIVED GRANTS FROM THE JARRELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION—FUNDING PROJECTS THAT TURN CLASSROOMS INTO GARDENS, LIBRARIES INTO GLOBAL GATEWAYS, PLAYGROUNDS INTO ADVENTURES, AND MATH LESSONS INTO HANDS-ON DISCOVERIES.

Here’s a look at a few of the innovative ideas helping students grow inside and outside the classroom.

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

Career and Technology teacher Brandon Grigsby’s Outdoor Flowerbed and Vegetable Garden project will allow students of all ages to roll up their sleeves and experience everyday science in an educational setting. The garden will feature a mix of ornamental flowering plants and vegetables. Students will start with planting, nurturing plants with daily care, and discovering the patience and dedication required to make things bloom. “For some students, this is the only time they will be able to have this experience, and this grant allows the district to provide it for them,” Brandon says. He sees this project not just as a garden but a real-world lab where students can learn life skills like attentiveness, patience, and perseverance.

A WINDOW TO THE WORLD

At Igo Elementary, Tiffany Weiss, director of elementary education, is using her grant to open doors to global experiences with a Virtual Labs project. The virtual reality lab will allow students—many of whom have never traveled outside the state or country—to explore cultures around the world. “My goal for this project is to provide teachers and students with enriching experiences that broaden their understanding about the world around them.”

ADVENTURES IN PLAY

Over at Double Creek Elementary, fifth grade dual language teacher Dora Garcia is transforming recess with the Cougar Outdoor Adventures project. The grant will fund new playground equipment and activities, creating a safe and engaging space for movement, play, and connection. Dora emphasizes the benefits extend beyond fun: active play boosts health, reduces stress, and fosters cooperation, empathy, and belonging.

BUILDING BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Math interventionist Julie Woods, also at Double Creek Elementary, is bringing color and creativity to math with her Omnifix Odyssey: Building Beyond Boundaries project. Omnifix cubes connect in any direction, helping students explore 3D shapes, fractions, and volume. Their versatility and bright colors naturally draw students in, helping them become leaders in their own education. “Using more engaging and efficient materials will empower students to guide their own learning,” Julie says.

This spring, the Jarrell Education Foundation (JEF) launched its first-ever signature fundraiser: the Cougar Clay Shoot. Held in March at Solana Ranch—who generously donated their pavilion and shooting course—the event brought together 17 teams for a day of sporting clays, camaraderie, and community spirit. Central Texas Clays partnered with JEF to design the course and games, helping make the event a success.

By the end of the day, more than $24,000 was raised—all of which goes directly back into Jarrell ISD. The funds support innovative classroom grants for teachers, continuing education for staff, and, in the future, scholarships for students.

For JEF, the Clay Shoot was about bringing the community together in support of local schools. “JEF’s main goal is to promote academic excellence at JISD. Our hope for the annual Cougar Clay Shoot is not only to raise money, but also promote community engagement in the success of the district. I personally believe strong schools help build strong communities!”