PfISD Employee Express

• 🗓️ Upcoming Events & Holidays
• ✍🏻 TIA Annual Survey: May 1 - 26
  
• ✅ Website Redesign Survey
  
• 💻 G/T Teacher Updates
  
• 🔠 Pegasus Seats Available
  
• 🔩 CTE Corner
• 🖊️ Trustees Meeting Brief
• 👏 Recognitions

Asian and Pacific Islander Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2 - Board Workshop Meeting

May 16 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

PfISD is required to participate in an annual survey to gauge perceptions and gather input on the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment designation system. On May 1st, the following staff members will receive a personalized survey link from noreply@qemailserver.com:

• All Teachers

• Campus Administrators (all Principals, Associate Principals, Assistant Principals)

• HR Staff and Department Directors directly involved in recruitment, hiring, and retention of teachers

Each survey link is personalized, so do not share your survey link with others.

In this survey, you will be asked to share your evaluation of the designation process as well as your level of support for the TIA. It consists of 25 multiple choice questions that should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and your responses will be kept anonymous.

The survey is administered by Texas Tech University and they will send weekly reminders to those who have not yet completed the survey. The district will receive results by July to inform system implementation. Thank you for participating!

Pflugerville ISD's website provider has been acquired by a new company, and the district is required to change its website platform.

This is an exciting opportunity to ensure our district and campus websites meet the needs of our parents, students, staff, and community. We specifically need your input on "What about the District or Campus websites works well, needs improvement, or could be added to improve your experience?" We are utilizing our new survey and engagement platform, ThoughtExchange, to gain information from our staff, parents, students, and community. Your feedback will help shape the information and content shared on our new website. All our voices matter, so your participation is crucial and valued.

Click here to participate and be part of the conversation: https://tejoin.com/scroll/219825828

You'll be asked to respond to one open-ended question, consider and assign stars to some of the ideas shared by others (20 to 30 is ideal), and learn what's important to the group.

Your thoughts and stars are confidential. You can come back as often as you'd like to participate, and, in fact, we ask that you do come back to rate some of the new ideas shared since you first participated. The ratings will help us understand the most important areas to focus on.

Thank you in advance for your help and input!

Invitation letters and wait-list notifications to participate in the elementary ASCEND program were emailed to families of selected 3rd graders district-wide on April 26. ASCEND participants were selected from G/T-identified students via committee based on a variety of metrics.

Teachers who serve G/T students (cluster, Pflex, Advanced and AP)! This is a friendly reminder that May 1 was the deadline to complete your 6 hour training (options menu) and to upload the certificate(s) to this form.

For teachers who need 3 or less hours of training, a list of 3, 2, and 1 hour trainings offered through Responsive Learning is available here, along with signup instructions (2nd tab).

Please contact Cody.Pruitt@pfisd.net if you have any questions.

All G/T students should receive a G/T Progress Report from you along with their report cards. You can find the links to a forced-copy Google Doc or a PDF by following the links.

PfISD Advanced Academics is glad to bring back J Taylor for Depth and Complexity training this Summer for ongoing support. Save the dates below in your calendar, and please fill out this brief survey to help us gauge interest:

Teachers who are New to Depth and Complexity: July 22nd

Teachers with Experience with Depth and Complexity: July 23rd

We still have seats available in Pegasus 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 regularly interact with typically-developing peers. Children of district employees serve as positive peer 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.

For more information, please view the links below:

• https://www.pfisd.net/pegasus
• Pegasus Parent Agreement 24/25
• Pegasus Application 24/25

Please contact Caroline Gutierrez at Caroline.Gutierrez@pfisd.net or 512-594-0173 with any questions.

Many students from CHS, HHS, PHS, and WHS have been busy putting their knowledge and skills to the test in Career/Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions this school year. Each career and technical education (CTE) program of study has a corresponding CTSO that students are encouraged to join and participate in to develop their leadership and community service skills, compete at many levels, and network with peers and professionals.

These co-curricular activities enhance students’ learning, teach valuable employability skills,

provide opportunities for travel, open doors to scholarships and much more. In Texas more than

78,000 students participate in CTSOs each year!

Click here to learn more about the CTSOs and CTE programs.

Please join us in congratulating the students who’ve been competing at state level

competitions and can celebrate the resulting success. Best wishes to students who will compete

at the national level!

Get the inside scoop on all things PfISD! This section of the newsletter is your go-to spot for the latest on upcoming board meetings and easy access to past board meeting minutes.

Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Quintin Shepherd as the district’s new Superintendent at a special meeting on Monday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Read more about Dr. Shepherd here!

Missed the April 29 Board of Trustees Special Meeting? Watch below!

April 29 - Board of Trustees Special Meeting

If you would like to subscribe to receive agendas when posted, please visit the Agendas and Minutes page and scroll to the bottom to complete the subscription form. Stay connected and stay informed!

Below you will see messages of appreciation from parents, students, community members, and other staff members through Staff Shout Outs and Pfamily Kudos.

Thank you to our amazing PfISD staff members for everything they do for our students and community!

Want to recognize a staff member who goes above and beyond? Click here to submit your Pfamily Kuddos for the google form.

Ariel Hazeur of Pflugerville Middle School (via: Lori Wilson)
Ms. Hazeur is a dedicated teacher! She has sent an email to parents and students every Sunday this school year detailing the upcoming week's assignments, tutoring opportunities, and welcomes questions. Ms. Hazeur also supports the entire PMS campus by attending many extra-curricular activities. Thank you Ms. H for all you do at PMS!

Ms Darlington of Windermere (via: Sarah Lujan)
She worked really hard to put on the 1st grade musical. My daughter had a great time participating in. I appreciate how much time and effort she put into the production. It was really successful.

Carrie King of Park Crest Middle School (via: Angela)
Ms. King has gone above and beyond to help my child. She hasn't just helped with his education, she has also helped him through some personal things too. She clearly cares so deeply for her students. It makes my mommy's heart happy to know my child is cared for at school.

Callie Zurovetz of Windermere (via: Sarah Lujan)
Ms. Callie really cares about her students. My daughter looks forward to going to school daily to see her teacher. I appreciate how she makes her students feel safe and cared for. She is great at keeping the parents informed of what is going on in her classroom. She puts so much effort and thoughtfulness into all she does. Thank you Ms. Callie!!

Ms. Anders of Windermere (via: Sarah Lujan)
I’m so glad my son has Ms. A this year for math. She is great at communicating and takes the time to address any concerns I may have. My son feels seen and heard in her class. She is so respectful of all the students. I really admire how she runs her classroom. Thank you Ms. A for your passion and hard work.

Ms.Lauren Coltharp of River Oaks Music (via: Frannie Sanchez)
Ms.Coltharp has been such a wonderful Music teacher for my 2 children. My son has absolutely loved learning the recorder and it has been incredible seeing him learn so many songs and be excited to get his new piece of music. Every day he also continues to practice the songs he already knows. My daughter has also been thriving with Ms.C! She will be in the musical this May and talks constantly about the things Ms.C teaches. We have gotten to enjoy multiple performances and it has been such a wonderful and special year filled with the joy of music! Thank you Ms.C!

Ms.Angelica Ruvalcaba of River Oaks 2nd Grade (via: Frannie Sanchez)
Ms. Ruvalcaba makes her students feel like they are important, involved, and loved. She creates a learning environment that allows for mistakes and celebrates progress. My daughter gets constant and consistent feedback, which has made such a huge difference in my child’s motivation to read and write. Ms. Ruvalcaba teaches her math strategies with such consistency that my daughter does them, even on her homework, because she knows they work. This year we have also been adjusting to a hearing aid and Ms.Ruvalcaba has gone above and beyond to advocate for my daughter to get the devices she needs in the classroom as well as make the transition easier with praise and support! We are so very lucky to have gotten Ms. Ruvalcaba as a teacher. My daughter loves going to school every single day.

Ms.Claudia Olivo of River Oaks 4th Grade (via: Frannie Sanchez)
Ms. Olivo is such a warm and caring person. She has very high expectations and keeps her kids working hard, but also makes time for fun keepsake crafts, which makes my mama heart so happy. She responds with care to emails and messages and works hard to build a rapport with parents. The students work in groups and encourage each other through teamwork. They have the opportunity to collaborate and this has given my son a lot more confidence when it comes to communicating at home as well. Ms. Olivo has encouraged my son to have a growth mindset and to see mistakes as part of the learning process. This has really built my son up. Ms. Olivo does an amazing job of communicating with parents and keeping us informed. My son loves having Ms. Olivo as a teacher.

Ms.Lila González of River Oaks 4th Grade (via: Frannie Sanchez)
Ms. González is a dedicated and engaging teacher. She has very high expectations for her students and for the parents in her classroom. She communicates her expectations clearly and holds students accountable for their work. She provides feedback and grades things very promptly! She also assures that parents are participating in the success of their child. She tutors and works to ensure that children have a ride home. It is truly a labor of love. My son’s grammar and understanding of writing conventions has improved markedly. My son loves hearing the ways that Ms. González connects what they are learning to her life and the real world. We have no doubt that our son has learned so much from his time in her classroom!

Ms. Norris of Wiess high school, pfville, Texas (TEACHER) (via: Gregg & Rosemary Ola.)
We have known Ms. Norris as our daughter's special Ed teacher

since 2020. She has been more than a good teacher to all of our daughter's needs, she's a very good communicator, responsive, friendly, dedicated and always go beyond the boundry line. Our daughter has always been very excited about her. Bright glowing eyes when asked "how's your teacher today?"

but feels sad whenever Ms.

Norris is not feeling good or out of school. We commend her and would recommend her to any parents.

Stephanie Lopez of CCA (via: Fiapai Pase)
Stephanie Lopez Always puts the future of students first. This strong independent woman goes above and beyond for the future generation, to assure them that if they wanted it, their education after highschool is not over. Gives students advice, along with guiding parents, who are also not so familiar with the college readiness process, that they have options to not only prepare but flourish and thrive in the college of their choosing. She works tirelessly on the clock and off the clock to give us Parents reassurance that there are multiple ways for our students to go to college and that the options to get there are limitless! She is an amazing woman who single-handedly does so much for the Students and Parents of John B. Connally High School. We are truly and sincerely blessed to have her. Stephanie Lopez ROCKS!!!💚🖤

Stephany Mendoza of Carpenter Elementary (via: Lorena Rojas)
Miss Mendoza is an excellent teacher, she inspires her students to learn in a very beautiful and dynamic way, she is kind, she is patient, she has compassion and love for her profession. She is communicative with parents and is attentive to the students and every message that parents send her. She has a vocation for her profession. She likes to teach her students so that they learn. She always gives her best and her students love her very much and are happy to always go to school. We are fortunate to have Miss Mendoza as our children's teacher at Carpenter Elementary.

Mrs. Higgins of Kindergarten @ Murchison Elementary (via: Emily Alvers)
Mrs. Higgins is one of those really special teachers that kids will remember their entire lives and come back to thank her years later. We have been double blessed for both of our kids to start their elementary journey with her in kinder. She somehow always finds the perfect balance of structure and setting high expectations with a healthy stream of positive reinforcement and confidence building. The amount of growth seen from beginning of year to end in her students is just mind blowing, and a very big part of that is Mrs. Higgins and her innate gift for teaching!

Murchison's entire kinder team is incredible, and they have made this such an unforgettable year. From the Kinder Rodeo to ABC Countdown Days and all the fun events in between, we appreciate ALL you do to make our kinder experience so amazing!

Principal Siegel of Riojas (via: Silverio Martinez)
I would like to thank principal Siegel for all the work her and all her staff have done thru the school year keeping all the student's safe. Also would like to give a shout out also to Mrs. Carrigan my grandson's kindergarten teacher for all her work. Vice principal Vasquez for her hard work as well. As the school year is coming to an end I am very grateful and would like give my thanks to all the staff at Riojas elementary that made it a great school year for all the children to learn and a had a safe year. God Bless

Ms. Thompson of Hidden Lake Elementary (via: The Davidson’s)
Ms. Thompson has been so incredible this year! Our son has grown so much in this past school year! There has been so much improvement in his reading, handwriting and math skills. She is so patient and kindhearted. Thanks Ms. Thompson, you rock!

Maria Carrigan of Kindergarten of Riojas elementary school (via: Manoja manthena)
Mrs Carrigan is an amazing teacher! My kid loves her teacher a lot. A teacher has huge role in shaping their kid’s personality. Mrs Carrigan is a testament for it. My son feels very comfortable with Carrigan and as parents that gives us immense happiness and assurance that he is in very good hands. Thank you Mrs Carrigan!

Alba Cortes of Caldwell Elementary (via: )
Thank you Ms. Cortes for supporting your students and creating an engaging learning environment and letting the kids know it's ok to make mistakes when learning/speaking a second language. We've seen so much growth in Spanish speaking this year!

Khalil Muhammed, John Krystinik, Rachelle Morgan, Suzanne Keown of Dearing (via: Stacy Perez)
Our 5th grade teachers have been supportive, and have provided a community for our students that has assisted in their success this year. They are truly dedicated to their job and I appreciate each and every one of them!

Kendra Towery of KLMS (via: Jeff and Cheryl Peterson)
Ms. Towery is such a great communicator! Her weekly emails are a great help. She truly cares about her students. Thank you, Ms. Towery!

Holly Turnbough and all the KLMS Coaches of KLMS (via: Jeff and Cheryl Peterson)
Coach Turnbough and all the KLMS coaches spend countless hours supporting our student athletes. We are so thankful for all the time and effort they put in to making KLMS athletics programs successful.

Ms. Althoff of Rowe Lane EL (via: Kara Upchurch)
You have SO MUCH ENERGY! Thank you for being an enthusiastic kindergarten teacher and tracking my daughter's progression. We're getting her early dyslexic teaching to help her before she gets behind. We appreciate your great insight!

Ms. Sullivan of Rowe Lane EL (via: Lydia Upchurch)
Your patience is astounding! Thank you for accommodating my daughter and all her health issues. It has been a struggle and your support is greatly appreciated!

Brittany Darrett of Windermere Elementary (via: Stephanie Moser)
She is such a compassionate teacher, wanting the students not only grow academically but helping them grow into respectful humans. We are grateful for the many ways she’s encouraged growth and taught our son this year!

Mr. E, Mrs. Jacobsen, Mr. Cabrera & Mr. Zamora of Kelly Lane MS Band (via: The Suire Family)
We have the BEST Band Directors at KLMS! Their dedication to teaching their students to play and appreciate beautiful music goes above and beyond. They come early and stay late and mentor their students not only in music but in life as well. They inspire their students to reach for the stars. We are so grateful to be a part of the Band family because of our fabulous directors.

• Leora Hart, Bree Hisey, Nicole Schwegmann, Sarah Spikes and our admin (also Denise Warthen) of Hidden Lake Narwhals! (via A.Wong): I just want to express my gratitude and thankfulness. Our team had some unfortunate circumstances happen all in one week, but we had a field trip planned that we did not want to reschedule if possible. Even with 2 team members having to miss work, we were still able to enjoy our planned day with the help of all these ladies (and a few more). They worked tirelessly yesterday morning checking for permission slips, getting lunches ready and prepping classes that they didn't even know the student's names to. They gave their time to come on the field trip and coordinate classes. Our entire team is grateful for their time, effort and willingness to help our 2 team members make sure their class also had an enjoyable experience away from school. They had to step out of their normal routines and go in positions that they have never done (like be in a classroom) to help our Kindergarten team. We can't thank them enough for helping us have such a fun and enjoyable day!
• Ian Anderson of Weiss High School (via Cam Johnson): The chillest teacher that actually knows what he's teaching and has one of the best styles at the school.
• Gloria Young of Transportation (via Michelle McCoy): Gloria made both trips to Region and State with the District FCCLA students fun and enjoyable. She went out of her way to ask the kids how they did and celebrated with them as they advanced.
• Gloria (Mrs. G) Young of Transportation (via Amanda Tse): Mrs. G was assigned as a bus driver to take a group of students to a field trip. She greeted every student, when boarding the bus, with her lovely smile. She provided an enjoyable conversation environment to students. She also bid goodbye to students, when dropping them off to campus, with her most positive & energetic vibes. Thank you very much with your dedication with the students.
• Maria Garcia of MES Custodian (via Cheryl Peterson): Maria is always friendly and does her job with a smile. You can tell she truly cares about our school and our students. Recently, she was even spotted learning how to play 4 square with our 4th grade students on one of her trips to take out lunch trash.
• Ernesto Marquez of Ruth Barron Elementary School (via RBES Staff Member): BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Marquez for staying after school every week to coach our RBES Soccer Club for our 4th and 5th graders. He goes above and beyond for ALL our students in and out of the classroom. Thank you for helping create a community of leaders!