PfISD Employee Express

• Upcoming Events & Holidays
• We want to know what's happening at your campus!

• YMCA Enrollment 2023-2024

• Retiree Employee Recognition Banquet Info

• Updates on PfISD School Lunch Charge Policy
• Teacher Incentive Allotment Field Guide & Webpage Updates!
  
• Call for Presenters: August 9, 2023 Professional Learning Sessions
• PfISD 2023-2028 DOI Public Posting
  
• Proposed changes to Texas A-F Accountability Ratings
• Boundary Adjustment
• Pegasus
• Benefits Brief
• Employment Corner
• Staff Shout Outs
• CTE Corner
• Athletics

School Library Month

Math Awareness Month

April 20: Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

April 24-28: National Library Week

May 4: Board Workshop Meeting

Keeping up with events and stories is essential for maintaining engagement with our audience and keeping them informed. We would love to showcase the amazing things that are happening in our schools and highlight the hard work of our students and staff.

If you have any event photos, stories, folders, and videos to share, please send them to Socialmedia@pfisd.net so we can share them with our community.

A few reminders:

1. If photos are taken during school hours or during EDP, please check with your registrar to make sure all permissions are good for each individual in the photo.

2. Make sure the photos and videos are high-quality and relevant to the event.

3. In the subject line of the email, briefly describe the photos, videos, or story you are sharing.

4. In the body of the email, provide any context or information about the photos that you think would be useful for the social media team to know.

Once you have sent the email, the social media team will review the content.

Please make sure this information is shared with PTO, Parents, and faculty so we don't miss a beat!

If you have any questions on this new process, please email : Nicole.garcia@pfisd.net

PfISD, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Williamson County, is opening registration of its Northwest Child Development Center for the 2023-2024 school year. We offer discounted childcare for full-time district staff members only. There is limited availability in the program, with admission provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Childcare is provided from ages 8 weeks to a max of 4 years. We are unable to provide care for students who have turned 4 years old or older. Care will be provided based on the 187-day teacher calendar, from 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Monday through Friday at Northwest Leadership Academy, 14014 Thermal Dr., Austin. Discounted rates are listed below. Rates include breakfast, lunch and snack.

Payments will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck on the 25th of each month from Sept. 25, 2023, through June 25, 2024. Proration will occur based on the student’s start date.

To apply, download and complete the YMCA Childcare application as well as the Payroll Deduction Authorization and return it to Natasha Drumgoole at natasha.drumgoole@pfisd.net. Before their official start date on August 7, 2023, a copy of the student’s most updated shot records must also be provided.

Current Monthly Rates

8 weeks – 18 months = $750/month

18-months – max 3 years = $675/month

3 years – max 4 years = $650/month

For more information, please contact Natasha Drumgoole, Assistant Director of Human Resources, at 512-594-0042, email natasha.drumgoole@pfisd.net or Director Jess Perry, at 512-594-4469.

2022-2023 Retirees – Notify by Monday, April 24

If you are a 2022-2023 retiree and wish to attend the Employee Recognition Banquet, it is important to email Suzi Meyer by Monday, April 24

In the email, please include your name, campus, and total years in education. By doing this, you will receive an invitation to the banquet, have your name included in the program, and receive a personalized gift.

Please note that this notification is specifically for the banquet. You will also need to inform your supervisor and contact the Human Resources and Payroll departments separately to complete the retirement process.

As we shared with Staff and Families in the past few weeks, due to a large balance of unpaid lunch charges owed to PfISD (more than $180,000 at this time), PfISD has reinstituted a pre-COVID policy of substituting the main entrée for those students who currently owe more than $6 on their lunch account. We have received several questions and seen social media content raising questions about the policy, and we wanted to share more information with our staff and parents.

We know that good nutrition is a cornerstone of a student's well-being, and although the entrée is substituted for a sandwich, the students are allowed to keep all sides included with the regular lunch meal. District and Aramark staff have reached out to families to attempt to set up a payment plan and have the families complete the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Application, which would reduce or eliminate the cost for these students to eat lunch. We will continue these efforts.

We have a balance deficit of over $180,000 due to unpaid lunches –ten times the previous norm. The district was fortunate enough to leverage federal funding and offer several years of free lunch options for students due to Covid. Unfortunately, those federal funds have decreased or ended. We began informing families last summer that the free lunches were no longer available for students for the 23-24 school year. Pflugerville ISD has been lucky to be one of the few districts still offering free breakfast to all students.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees school lunches, school districts must pay for any outstanding school lunch balances from their general fund at the end of the school year. We must redirect funds away from students' programs and teachers' resources to meet this federal payment requirement. In Pre-Covid years, the district could expect to see a negative lunch balance of $16,000 - $18,000 at the end of the year. This year, we increased our budget for unpaid meal accounts to $30,000K in anticipation of growing needs within our district. Additionally, PfISD has not raised meal prices in 5 years. Since 2011, the USDA has mandated price increases for school lunches; however, districts with positive fund balances can opt out and NOT increase the price of school lunches, which PfISD has done.

MySchoolBucks (Lunch Payment System)

PfISD uses MySchoolBucks as its payment processing system for school lunches. This is a preferred system used by many school districts in our area, and is one of the largest providers of this type of payment system.

Any parent or guardian can place funds on their child's account via MySchoolBucks. The $2.75 surcharge by the vendor is per transaction, whether you put $5 on a student's account or $5,000. We have tried negotiating surcharges for MySchoolBucks in the past but have yet to be able to reduce their fees.

To enroll in My SchoolBucks and pay for lunch meals online:

1. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com and register for a free account.
2. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to activate your account.
3. Add your students using their school name and student ID (Just the number, no "s" needed before the numbers).
4. Make a payment to your student's accounts with your credit/debit card (there is a $2.75 charge per transaction) or echeck.

A program fee may apply. You will have the opportunity to review any fees and cancel if you choose before you are charged.

If you have any questions, contact MySchoolBucks directly:

• parentsupport@myschoolbucks.com
• 1-855-832-5226
• Visit myschoolbucks.com and click on Help/FAQ's

Parents can also pay for their child's lunches via check or cash. Checks can be made out to Pflugerville ISD. Payment can be sent with a student to give to cafeteria workers, parents may bring the deposit to the school cafeteria, or they can deliver it to the Aramark office (Pflugerville IS Food and Child Nutrition Services Office, 1401C W. Pecan St., Pflugerville, TX 78660)

Board Agenda Item

Food service funds can only be spent on food service-related items. Costs can include the percentage of square feet of a campus used for food services (kitchen, servery, dining room) applied to utilities; cafeteria FFE including tables; and kitchen equipment.

The items on the board agenda reflect food service items needed to sustain the program. Many items are original pieces of equipment at respective schools for which the district and Aramark are diligent in maintaining. They are replaced as they are obsolete, have obsolete or costly parts, or are a safety concern. Without a food service fund, these would be paid for by general fund.

Limiting A La Carte items

Parents have always had the ability to limit their child's account and choices. There are instructions on the district's website under Food Services, or you can complete this form and email it to denise.meserole@pfisd.net

A La Carte Item Prices

Regarding the pricing of a la carte items, PfISD prices are already significantly lower in comparison to a local drive-thru coffee shop; PfISD found the following-

• PfISD Otis Spunkmeyer muffins ($1.55) vs. coffee shop "muffin top" ($4.55)
• PfISD 12 oz coffee (when sold) ($1.95) vs. coffee shop ($3.10)
• PfISD 12 oz latte (when sold) ($3.25) vs. coffee shop ($5.45)
• PfISD Large cookie ($1.25) vs. coffee shop ($3.95)
• *To note- USDA requires specific sizes and nutrients deemed healthy via SMART SNACK initiatives.

Regarding the contract with Aramark

• Aramark purchases all the food and staffs the labor at their cost.
• Aramark can only take annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) for each annual renewal of a five-year contract. In the last three years, the timing and the rate of CPI versus actual inflation have not been equivalent. CPI has not kept up with the cost of food/ inflation.
• If food cost or labor wage leveling occurs, Aramark incurs that, not PfISD.
• Aramark absorbs the cost of a replaced meal. A replaced entrée is the price of two entrees (the discarded one and the sandwich). The district does not incur this c

Teacher Incentive Allotment Field Guide & Webpage Updates!

Our PfISD TIA Field Guide posted to our updated webpage linked here has a whole new look!Our new version is intended to serve as a comprehensive guide on the implementation of the district’s TIA designation system.

· You’ll find updated information including detailed explanations and timelines that apply to each teacher cohort.

· It is recommended that the guide be accessed as an online resource as information will continually be clarified and updated to reflect any system adjustments and details.

· The page is also accessible by visiting www.pfisd.net > A-Z Index: Find it Fast > Teacher Incentive Allotment

· If you prefer the Google version, use this new link!

Still have a question after reading the field guide? Please ask! Our aim is to provide clear information to help everyone fully understand the system.

August Theme: Pfocus on the Pfundamentals

PfISD is seeking session presenters and facilitators to provide sessions for the District Professional Learning Day on August 9, 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Academics. We are seeking a wide range of presenters to support our Academic Departments that will be valuable to various learning groups & stakeholders in supporting the teaching and learning of the WHOLE student.

Session Presenter Recruitment Details:

• $300 per presenter + Presenter Shirt for the following commitments:

1. Summer Presentation Prep
2. Complete Professional Learning Canvas Course for Presenters
3. Attend one July Logistics Meeting (2-hour sessions on 7/25 or 7/26)
1. Sign Summer paysheet
2. Pick-up presenter materials
3. Pick-up Presenter Shirt

Presenters commit to 4 out of 8 repeated sessions (can choose to present 5+ sessions, no additional $)

All presenter submissions will be reviewed by the Professional Learning Steering Committee and corresponding department coordinator.

Complete this form if interested.

Please email Bridgit.Shorter@pfisd.net, Professional Learning Coordinator, with any questions!

Passed during the 84th Legislative Session, HB 1842 allows Texas school districts to pursue the designation of ‘District of Innovation,’ a provision that enables traditional independent school districts to access many of the flexibilities that are currently available to open-enrollment charter schools. HB 1842 was also intended to generate greater flexibility, local control, and innovation to better meet the needs of Texas students. Through the development and approval of a “Local Innovation Plan,” a district may obtain certain exemptions from the Texas Education Code to advance their local strategic priorities.

On March 1, 2018, the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees approved its first District of Innovation (DOI) Plan. The 2022-23 District Academic Advisory Council (DAAC) convened in January and February 2023 to consider renewal of the district’s five-year DOI plan as well as other areas of innovation. The 2023-2028 PfISD Local Innovation plan is currently in its final draft with the DAAC who determined on February 20, 2023 its approval for recommendation to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees for their possible approval.

The plan is currently publicly posted for review and input. To provide feedback or comments on the proposed 2023-2028 DOI plan, please respond to DOI@pfisd.net.

The Texas Education Agency has announced expected significant changes to the A–F accountability process that will begin to impact students, schools, and districts in 2023. We anticipate these changes to the Accountability system will cause a decrease in ratings for schools and districts across the state. While the changes are still preliminary, districts across the state are preparing staff and the community for the changes, which are expected to be finalized in the summer 2023.

Changes to the system center around:

• STAAR testing
• College, Career and Military Readiness Evaluation
• Closing the Gap
• District Ratings

Click here to learn more about the Accountability System in Texas and what changes will go into effect.

The Attendance Boundary Committee presented High School Plan 3 for consideration and possible approval to the Board of Trustees. The Committee did not bring any elementary attendance plans forward for consideration and approval. The Board approved the High School 3 plan for the 23-24 school year. You can review this plan here. The following expectations were approved along with high school plan 3:

• Bohls Place grandfathering remains intact and unchanged until the class of 2027
• Grandfather WHS Rising 11th (class of 2025) and 12th grade (class of 2024) students
• Close Out-of-District Transfers to WHS and HHS
• Approve In-District transfers on a case-by-case basis to WHS and HHS; ensuring 5A UIL threshold is not exceeded

The Board approved the Hidden Lake attendance boundaries Feb 2021. Hidden Lake attendance boundary adjustments go into effect for the 23-24 school year. Please review these adjustments here.

The district will send communication to impacted families. If you have questions about grandfathering or transfers, please feel free to contact Student Affairs at 512-594-0046. If you have questions about your attendance boundaries, please contact the Student Data Department at 512-594-9289.

We still have seats available in the Pegasus program at several campuses and are accepting applications. The purpose of the Pegasus Program is to provide onsite preschool for children of district staff members while also providing preschoolers with disabilities an opportunity to interact regularly with typically-developing peers.

Children of district employees serve as positive role models for the students identified with special needs. This research-based model benefits both groups by providing quality preschool instruction in a supportive, inclusive setting. Pegasus is open to district employees, substitutes, Aramark employees, and relatives of all three.

Visit https://www.pfisd.net/pegasus for more information or click on a link below.

o Pegasus Parent Agreement 23/24

o Pegasus Application 23/24

Please contact Julie Schwarz at Julie.schwarz@pfisd.net or 512-594-0173 with any questions.

Healthcare Highways provides a personalized Care Coordination benefit to all members at no cost?

Who can use it?

Individuals who have chronic or complex medical conditions and those who will/have experienced major medical episodes, like larger surgeries and childbirth. This also includes individuals who are at high risk developing chronic conditions.

How can they help?

Care Coordination can help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and provide you with support. These Care Managers are healthcare professionals who work directly with you and your doctors to identify, understand, and take control of health risks and chronic conditions to ensure you receive appropriate and timely care. With a full understanding of different treatment plans, the Care Coordination team at HCH will monitor your progress and help eliminate any delays in your treatment.

1. They can help answer your questions regarding preventive health and wellness
2. Locate in-network providers, community resources, or any educational material concerning your needs
3. You have access to Registered Nurses, a Behavioral Health Professional and Care coordinators
4. Help members understand their medications and how to take them correctly
5. Help members come home from a hospital or care facility

To get started, call 1-833-841-6710 and find out how Healthcare Highways Care Coordination can help you.

Did you know that Pflugerville ISD has great opportunities for Nurses (RNs) on campus and Licensed Electricians? If you or anyone you know is skilled in these areas please consider joining the PfISD Pfamily!

Check out our Careers page for details on the great benefits of working for PfISD and the Jobs Board for current opportunities.

We love our PfISD staff members and we know our parents do too! We want to provide an opportunity for our parents to publicly recognize and thank our staff members who serve our students, staff and the community. We have created a Google Form to provide information directly to us to share with our staff as a whole and let you see the difference you are making in a student's life every single day. Please click here for the Google Form.

These Shout Outs will be included in upcoming issues of the Parent and Staff Newsletters. If a Shout Out directly references a student, we will not include the parent name to protect the child's anonymity. If you are recognized in an anonymous Shout Out and want to learn the parent's name, please contact Tamra Spence at tamra.spence@pfisd.net.

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING PFISD STAFF MEMBERS FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO FOR OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY!

Mr. Hariston, Mr. Zamora, Mr. Merback, and Mr. Medina of Hendrickson High School (via Lesley R.): These directors go above and beyond working with our kids. They are passionate about what they do and it shows. They work long hours with the kids and we see the results in every concert, UIL event, and competition. The kids have a sense of pride and confidence when they play. Special shout out to Mr. Zamora, Director of Percussion. My son has been in the band program now for 2 years, he always had a passion for percussion but was very shy. Mr. Zamora met him where he was and now my son has become so much more confident in his performances and loves the program, especially marching season. Many thanks to this team for all that you do. It is greatly appreciated!

Lydia Salaiz of Pflugerville Elementary PE Teacher (via Kelly): Thank you Mrs. Salaiz for allowing former students to come volunteer for PES Field Day. My 6th-grade boys have been looking forward to it all year and are already talking about next year. It is so great to see so many other former students helping out too! I'm so glad that traditions continue at PES! Field Day was awesome!

Brianna Alizzi of Pflugerville Elementary Art Teacher (via Kelly): Thank you Ms. Alizzi for organizing Family Art Night. It was a great way to get families involved. We liked that we were able to be together and do something creative. Stations were adaptable for young and old. Lots of teachers, parents, and volunteers were also there to help make it successful.

Mrs. Thompson of Riojas Elementary School (via Erin P.): Mrs. Thompson is such a wonderful, caring teacher. My son has loved being in her class. She has made learning fun every day. We are so lucky!

Mary Somers of Park Crest Middle School (via Tiffany W.): Ms. Somers is a blessing in our life. Our son is a Type 1 diabetic and that creates a great deal of difficulties in his life. Mary is our “boots on the ground” warrior and watches over him the entire time he is on campus until he gets off the bus. She is quick to call with questions knowing this is our life 24/7. She is fast to get to him when he heads low and is one of the strongest advocates he has. We love her!!

Jamye Jaco of Park Crest Middle School (via Tiffany W.): Ms. Jaco is an AMAZING teacher. I wish I had a stronger word to express just how much she means to us. She teaches a tough subject and was tasked to do it in a brand new way this year. She understands that her students need not only the educational teachings, but also the emotional lessons as well. She doesn’t speak at the children. She teaches them in a way that they can understand the lesson and feel as if she is one of them. A friend they can count on. Doing so creates a bond that these students will carry with them their entire lives. This beautiful woman also goes the extra mile to keep an eye on our son who is Type 1 Diabetic. She watches him with that motherly eye and makes this mom breathe a little easier knowing he is being watched for more than correct answers on a test. She is a part of our hearts forever!

Mrs. Hatfield, Mr. Riemer, Mrs. Eddy, and Mrs. Guerra of Riojas (via Misty H.): Thank you to Mrs. Hatfield, Mr. Riemer, Mrs. Eddy, and Mrs. Guerra for always encouraging my daughter as she is learning and growing! She is thriving due to the care and compassion that you all give her daily!

Mrs. Wong of Riojas (via Misty H. ): Mrs. Wong goes over and beyond for all her students. My daughter looks forward everyday to go to her class. She is thriving due to the compassion that Mrs. Wong shows everyday. She is a blessing to our family!

Mrs. Carmen Reed of Cele Middle School (via Rima K.): She is an amazing, professional, caring teacher.Helps my kids in Math advisory. She helped them reach the highest scores in Math.I really appreciate everything she does with my kids.

Ms.Blanca Rowley of 1st grade at River Oaks (via Frannie S.): Ms.Rowley has made 1st grade an absolute joy for my daughter and her whole class! She creates fun and engaging lessons, has fun with the kids all while also providing incredible communication for parents. My daughter loves school and has built on so many of the skills she learned last year in kinder. We are so lucky to have Ms.Rowley as our daughter’s teacher!! We love her!

Ms Brandi Vancleave- kindergarten of Caldwell Elementary School (via Barnali P.): As always we are happy to say that our daughter learn a lot, Ms. Vancleave did a great job. She loves to go to school and to see her teacher. We have seen her progress in each section like math, language, and general knowledge.

Shantel Broadhead of Mott Elementary (via Samantha K.): Mrs. Broadhead is awesome! She goes above and beyond to not only teach my daughter but also comfort her when she is upset or having a rough day. She is great at communication, keeping parents informed and up to date on school things, and reminding us parents that we are doing the best we can. I know I really needed to hear that recently and her words of encouragement and affirmation to me helped a lot! We are going to miss her so much next year!

Ms. Erica & the EDP Team at Mott of Mott EDP (via Chris and Sarah G. ): Thank you to Ms. Erica and her team for hosting the Harry Potter day and costume contest. This makes it so fun for the students, and our daughter was thrilled about getting to wear a costume!

PfISD Class of 2023 students are invited to participate in the PfISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Skilled Trades: Water Operator Academy. This academy is offered in partnership with several regional employers, and students who successfully complete the academy are guaranteed an interview for full-time employment, with career advancement opportunities.

Employer partners include:

Crossroads Utility Services

EPCOR

City of Round Rock

City of Manor

Students will be led through the Class D Water Operator training course by an industry-certified instructor, and participate in work-based learning experiences like site tours, guest speakers, hands-on lab activities, resume writing and interview skill workshops, and more. Upon successful completion, PfISD will pay for the student’s industry certification exam fee.

When? June 5 – June 29

Where? Pflugerville High School

Time? 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Free lunch

PfISD transportation available

Interested students should apply by April 28: https://forms.gle/vYXP4H6SpTZUAqYe9

It was a pleasure to celebrate 22 seniors this week at the 2nd annual PfISD Fine Arts Signing Day. These students have been an integral part of their fine arts programs in Pflugerville ISD and have now committed to continue their fine arts education in college. We can’t wait to see what they will accomplish next!

Congratulations to our Pflugerville ISD staff and students who produced amazing musicals this year and participated in the 10th annual Heller Awards at the Long Center on April 19th. We are so proud of all you have accomplished!

• Best Scenic Design - Hendrickson High School

• Best Ensemble - Hendrickson High School

• Best Supporting Female Performer - Hendrickson High School’s Kyra Carr

• Best Direction - Hendrickson High School

• National High School Musical Theatre Awards Nominee - Hendrickson High School’s Kyra Carr

• Adderley School of Performing Arts Scholarship - Pflugerville High School’s Binta Sule

• Olden Lighting Consultant Grant - Weiss High School

(All schedules can be found on rankonesports.com)

Baseball:

Offensively they had a combined 14 hits in both games against Pflugerville.

Volleyball:

They started middle school volleyball practices at Westview and Dessau last week and are excited for their future Cougars.

Boy's Soccer:

Lost in state semis 0-3 to Frisco Lone Star…who won state 4-1 over Bel Air. Lawrence Doe and Aaron Olalde were named to the All-State Tournament team! What an amazing season for the Boy’s Cougar Soccer Team!!!

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Track:

Dalton, Trace - Triple Jump 1st place and 2nd Long Jump,

Dalton, Trace -Morgan, Trevor-Distefano, Spencer-Workman, Carson – 3rd place 4X100

Baseball:

Went 1-1 in district play against East View. They are currently in the mix for a playoff spot still at 5-5 in district play and 17-8 Overall

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Track:

The following athletes have qualified and moved forward to the Area meet in Track and Field:

Ava Roberts - Shot and Discus, Lauryn Jackson - Shot and Discus, Zion Moffett - 100m and 300m hurdles, Kylie Harris - 400m, Javier Mora-Ortiz - 1600m and 800m, Marcus Flores - 3200m, Joaquin Ayala - Long Jump

Baseball:

The baseball team swept their last opponents and currently sit 3rd in the district standings. Several baseball players participated in Wieland Elementary’s Field Day

Football:

The field house got another upgrade after the installation of the new record board wall

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Track:

Varsity Area Qualifiers:

Peyton Morgan - 1st 110H and 300H, Chad Otutu - 1st Discus, Adrian Wilson - 3rd HJ / 4x200 - 3rd / 4x400- 3rd

Baseball:

On Friday, the Wolves played a district game against the Midway Panthers. The pitching duties were shared by Bankhead, Fallowfield, and Limon, each of whom pitched for 2 innings. The Wolves lost 11-0. Although Fallowfield, Celestino, Bottom, and Fulford managed to get some hits, the team was unable to capitalize on them and score many runs. This week, the Wolves will continue their district play against Midway and Hutto.

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HS P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)

HHS 783

PHS 697

CHS 604

WHS 278

8th Grade P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)

PCMS 350

CMS 266

BMS 183

KLMS 170

WMS 112

PMS 98

DMS 80

7th Grade P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)

PCMS 352

CMS 234

KLMS 169

PMS 164

BMS 150

DMS 92

WMS 89