A holiday party meant for joy turned into a nightmare at a Texas elementary school when a parent allegedly served alcoholic Jell-O shots to an entire class of unsuspecting fifth graders.
At a Glance
- Texas mom arrested for serving alcoholic Jell-O shots at school party
- 15 students reported symptoms after ingesting vodka-laced treats
- Jell-O shots were allegedly purchased online and mislabeled
- School district banned the parent and vowed stronger safety measures
- Full criminal investigation underway amid mounting community outrage
Party Fiasco at Jones Elementary School
The festive spirit at Jones Elementary School in Tyler, Texas, took a horrifying turn when Teresa Isabel Bernal, a parent volunteer, allegedly brought in Jell-O shots containing Smirnoff vodka for a fifth-grade holiday celebration. According to NBC News, Bernal claimed she unknowingly bought the shots from a Facebook vendor, believing them to be harmless.
Chaos erupted as students began feeling dizzy and nauseated after consuming the treats. Quick-thinking teachers rushed affected children to the nurse’s office, where initial testing later confirmed the presence of ethanol in the Jell-O. Bernal was immediately arrested on campus, leaving shocked parents and staff grappling with the aftermath.
Watch NBC DFW’s report on the disturbing incident at Texas Mom Arrested for Serving Boozy Jell-O Shots at School Party.
Immediate Repercussions for Misstep
At least 15 children reported symptoms from consuming the tainted desserts. The Tyler Independent School District released a statement emphasizing, “We take this matter very seriously and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students,” according to NBC News.
Bernal now faces serious legal consequences, booked into Smith County Jail on a $75,000 bond. She is charged with multiple counts related to endangering minors and unlawfully providing alcohol. Despite Bernal’s insistence that she was unaware of the alcohol content, investigators noted that the Facebook vendor’s listing clearly stated the presence of vodka, making her claims difficult to believe.
Legal Consequences and School Safety
In addition to facing charges, Bernal has been permanently banned from all school district properties. Tyler ISD acted swiftly, alerting law enforcement and ensuring parents were promptly informed. “At the time, a parent volunteer brought homemade Jello to the celebration, which was later found to contain alcohol,” a district spokesperson said via NBC News.
The incident has ignited discussions about stricter screening processes for food brought onto school campuses, as officials work to rebuild trust and prevent similar accidents. As the investigation continues, Tyler’s community is left grappling with a hard lesson in vigilance—and the high cost of seemingly innocent mistakes.
