PfISD Employee Express

• 🗓️ Upcoming Events & Holidays
• 🚨 PfISD School Safety Measures Video
  
• 📝 Apply now for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
  
• 🌐 Secondary Student Forced Password Change - October 16
  
• 💻 Staff Laptop Exchange
• 📄 Employment Verification Process - Certification
• ✍🏻 Benefits Brief
• 🎶 Fine Arts
• 🔩CTE Corner
  
• 💬 Join the Conversation!
• 🖊️Trustees Meeting Brief
• 👏 Staff Recognitions
  

Sep 15–Oct 15 : Hispanic Heritage Month

Fentanyl Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention month

National School Principal Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

Oct. 6-12: Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 10: Hispanic / Latino Heritage Pfair

Oct. 11: Student Holiday / Staff Development Day

Oct. 14: Student Holiday / Staff Development Day

Oct. 14: Indigenous People Day

Oct. 14-18: Nat'l School Lunch Week

Oct. 14-18: Nat'l School Bus Safety Week

Oct. 23-31: Red Ribbon Week

We invite all parents, staff, and students to watch this important video about school safety measures in PfISD. The video highlights the steps we're taking to ensure a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors.

It's crucial for parents to speak with their students about the importance of anonymous reporting through our "See or Hear Something, Say Something" initiative, empowering them to report any concerns through our Anonymous Alerts system.

Additionally, the video addresses how serious the consequences will be for making threats against a school, even if intended as a joke. Threats are taken very seriously, and there will be strict disciplinary and legal actions for anyone involved in such behavior. Keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility. We appreciate your help in keeping our schools and community safe!

Applications for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards open until December 2

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—H-E-B is now accepting applications for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which awards cash prizes to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities. All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools, are eligible to apply before December 2, 2024 at heblovesteachers.com/apply/.

The 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards categories include:

• Teacher

• School Counselor

• Principal

• Early Childhood Facility

• School Board

• School District

Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded more than $14 million in funding to finalists, winners and their schools.

“The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is more than just recognition—it’s an opportunity for teachers, counselors, and administrators to win cash prizes and matching grants for their schools,” Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said. “An application can lead to funding that has impactful benefits for educators, their students and community.”

Every year, H-E-B accepts nominations for the Excellence in Education Awards before applications open. While a nomination is not required to apply for an award, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and encouraged to apply for the awards program. Nominees will receive an emailed invitation to apply and must submit an application to be considered for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Individuals who nominated an educator can encourage them to apply as well.

Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators and community leaders throughout the state. Ten winners—six teachers, two counselors and two principals—along with an early childhood facility, public school board and two school districts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in May 2025. Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.

In 2024, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program distributed over $780,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each day to serve their students and communities and who inspire others to do the same. To apply, visit heblovesteachers.com/apply/.

Eligibility

Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations. Teachers who have been previously selected as statewide winners are not eligible to reapply until they have entered a new award category based on years of experience. Teachers who have been chosen as a statewide finalist must wait at least one year before reapplying.

School district, early childhood and school board winners are not eligible to reapply. Finalists in these categories must wait at least one year before re-applying.

About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $14 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, early childhood centers, school boards and school districts. To learn more, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.

Our inventory shows that we still have quite a few teachers using older laptops.

If you are currently using a 5410 model and would like to upgrade to a new device, come by Calvary on October 11th or 14th anytime between 8 am and 4pm.

Not sure of your exact model? The model number is located on the bottom of the laptop.

If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at x40212.

On October 16, 2024 all Secondary Students (6th – 12th) will be forced to change their password upon login.

All staff will have access to the tools linked below to assist students with their passwords:

• Password Reset Tool
• Forced Password Changes on Chromebooks
• Resetting a Password Through Classlink (This particular tool allows teachers to reset passwords specifically for students enrolled in their class)

Additionally, we are adding extra Help Desk phone lines dedicated specifically to password reset

assistance.

If you prefer to speak with someone directly or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Just a quick note, our call volume tends to be a bit higher during the password reset window, so if you can’t reach us on your first attempt, feel free to leave a message.

As part of our annual employee verification process, all staff are required to access their certifications in TEAL to ensure that all required certificates have not expired. If any certification required for your current position has expired, follow the instructions below to renew your certificate(s) no later than October 31, 2024.

A certification audit will be conducted, and staff who have not updated their required certificates

will be identified and may be subject to pay and employment implications.

Should you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Certification Specialist,

Keitra Johnson in Human Resources.

If your certification is expired, please view the following instructions:

Instructions - https://helpdesk.tea.texas.gov/EducatorCertificationandCPE/kbadetails/?id=7eae7de1-279d-4879-887a-2c219f492bcc

TEAL - https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/

Employees will now be able to log in and enroll in benefits. The enrollment site will be open from October 1, 2024, through October 25, 2024. After October 25th the site will close and you will no longer be able to enroll for 2025 benefits unless you have a qualifying life event. Open enrollment is your opportunity to add, drop, or make changes to your benefits. Changes will be effective January 1, 2025.

There are important changes to the medical, dental, FSA, and HSA plans, making it necessary for employees to re-enroll to maintain coverage. Current plans will not roll over automatically.

Employees newly hired for the 2024-2025 academic year will need to re-enroll for benefits to have coverage in 2025. Your current benefits will end on December 31, 2024.

The 2025 Benefits Guide is included for your review before making your selections.

How to enroll:

• Visit www.pfisdbenefits.com and select "Enroll Online" OR
• Call the SMBO call center at 877-282-0808, Mon - Fri, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The PfISD Benefits Department is available to assist with any questions via:

• Phone 512-594-0026
• Email benefits@pfisd.net
• At your campus during the HR Front Porch initiative in October

In October, the HR team will visit every campus and department to assist employees with HR-related questions, such as open enrollment, leave, compensation, certification, etc.

Please note the scheduled date and time we will be at your location.

Friday, Oct. 11: 9:00 - 11:00 Transportation 2:30-5:00 SSV/Tech

Monday, Oct. 14: 3:00-4:30 PACE/H&S/EDP/Police 2:00 - 4:00 Admin

Tuesday, Oct. 15: 2:30 - 4:00 RES 2:30 - 4:00 HPES

Wednesday, Oct. 16: 2:30 - 4:00 BHES 3:00 - 4:30 CMS

Thursday, Oct. 17: 2:30 - 4:00 DES 2:30 - 4:00 VMES

Friday, Oct. 18: 2:30 - 4:00 JCES 3:00-4:30 KLMS

Monday. Oct. 21: 2:30 - 4:00 PES 2:30 - 4:00 DRES

Tuesday, Oct. 22: 3:00-4:30 PCMS 3:30-5:00 CHS

Wednesday, Oct. 23: 2:30 - 4:45 MES 3:30 - 5:00 WHS

Thursday, Oct. 24: 2:30 - 4:00 RLES 2:30 - 4:00 PLES

Friday, Oct. 25: 2:30 - 4:00 WLES 3:00-4:30 BMS

This month we are featuring young artists from Carpenter Elementary School and Kelly Lane Middle School.

Here is a video sneak peek of the October exhibit. Different schools will display work at the beginning of each month and we would love to have you stop by for a visit!

Please follow the Fine Arts Department on Facebook and Instagram to see what other great work our students are doing across the district!

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at Typhoon Texas Water Park the Pflugerville Chamber will host it’s annual expo.

There will be music, performances, prizes, food, and more!

Pflugerville ISD will be there with hands-on activities for children and information on PfISD programs. Stop by and join us for the pfun!

We invite you to be a part of the district's next Strategic Plan by participating in Dr. Shepherd's 100-Day Listening and Learning Tour.

Dr. Shepherd is excited to begin his role as Superintendent with a 100-day plan called "Discovering Pflugerville." He will focus on engaging with the community through a listening tour, gathering insights to shape our district’s future, and fostering a transparent and inclusive administration. Dr. Shepherd is eager to hear from you about what’s working well and where we can improve—your feedback is essential to our shared success.

This is your chance to share your insights, ideas, and feedback to help guide the direction of our schools and community. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our district!

👇Click below and let us know what you feel is working well in the district, and what you think the district needs to improve on in the survey below!

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.

Did you miss the October 3 Board of Trustees Workshop Meeting? Watch below!

October 3, Board Workshop 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!

Pflugerville ISD has launched a new Administration Report to promote transparency and ensure that stakeholders are informed about administrative decisions, board meetings, and district-wide initiatives. This comprehensive resource supports student success and community trust by keeping everyone engaged and informed.

To see the most recent Administration Report, visit www.pfisd.net/administrative-report.

Welcome back to our Staff Shoutout and Pfamily Kudos section! In the coming weeks, you will see messages of appreciation from parents, students, community members, and other staff members through Staff Shoutouts 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.

· Brandi Spear of PES Dyslexia (via Kelly): Brandi provides great support to our students and staff at PES. She's very knowledgeable and always willing to help with whatever you need. I appreciate her positive attitude and kind spirit! ❤️🐜

· Tiffany Greene of WES (via Hannah Jechow): HUGE kudos to our assistant principal, Tiffany Greene, for supporting a Kindergartener on his journey into the world of school! When riding the bus to school became a safety issue, she stepped up and went way past above and beyond by meeting the school bus at his morning stop, riding to school with him, and ensuring that he transitioned safely into the school building. This kiddo is blessed to have you in his corner ensuring he has the support he needs to be successful, even beyond the school building. WES is SO LUCKY to have you and your willingness to do what needs to be done. You are seen, and you are appreciated, Tiffany!

· Sara Hill of Science curriculum (via Tiffany Francis): Sara Hill has been working the past few years to make the transition to not only 5E (3D) learning happen more in the classroom but working to have the new teks easier to implement. She is always working to include all teachers and helping us all to find better ways to teach 5e for our students. It is new to many both teachers and students and we all need reminded that it’s a process and the more we work at it the better and easier it will get. Sara has worked hard at making it more streamlined and simple to follow. She is an amazing person and I am grateful to work with her in science.

· Benita Martinez of Dual Language (via Wendy): Benita anticipates the needs of the teachers she supports. When she comes on campus she is all hands on deck and steps in wherever she in needed. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for popping into my room and always leaving kind notes and gifts in our boxes. Your kindness brings comfort. Te aprecio y estimo.

· Jordan James of KLMS ELA (via Claire Harvey): Ms. James has made a huge impact on my 8th grader this year. My son has always had a hard time in ELA and thus has never enjoyed the class. This year one of his favorite classes is ELA due to Ms. James making it fun and working with him. Thank you for making a positive impact on him and making his 8th grade year so fun!

· Ms. Poncik of KLMS Scinece (via Claire Harvey): Every day my son tells me something he learned in Science with Ms. Poncik. She relates science to their level and makes it fun! I am so thankful that he gets to be in her class and enjoys Science class as much as he does!

· Ashley Smith of MES PE (via Claire Harvey): Ashley has stepped into the new role as a PE EA this year and has done it flawlessly. She is always smiling, willing to listen and learn, and loves working out with the kids.

· Teresa Guerra, Leidys Mursuli, Gabriel Rodriguez of River Oaks/Bilingual Essential Academics (via Mrs. Rodriguez): My team is the best! Each one of them brings something good to the table and makes our team complete and wonderful! I couldn't ask for a better team. They work so hard building positive relationships with our students instilling comfort and equality. Our students feel the harmony in the class and they are ready to learn and do good! I appreciate my EAs because without them I could not do my job. Thank YOU for all of your hard work!

· Wendy Quevedo of 1st grade DL teacher (via Kristy Crawford): The knowledge Wendy shares from working in various aspects of education has truly benefited the first grade team at PES. Her passion for the DL program and making sure she advocates for all students is contagious!

· Eduardo Borja of Cele 7th grade math (via Amy Peeples): My son has been so successful in Mr. Borja's class this year. He said likes math because Mr. Borja teaches in a simple way that's easy to understand and doesn't over complicate it where it would be confusing. We are so thankful for Mr. Borja's hard work!

· Jeremy Perkowski of Cele 7th grade ELA (via Amy Peeples): My son has enjoyed the books Mr. Perkowski has read to his class this year. I love that he can passionately talk about the book and how much he looks forward to Mr. Perkowski reading. Thank you for reading to your classes and helping my son see the fun in reading.

· Admin/Bohls MS Kickball Team of PFISD admin/Bohls MS (via Knights Kickball Team): We had so much fun playing against you all last week! Thanks for being great sports and bringing us fruit after the game <3

· The Mario Brothers of Plumbing (via Ms. Valentine): The Mario brothers are awesome. They are prompt and always take care of our school. No matter what the job is or how many times they have to come to our school they are always professional, helpful and friendly. They are an asset for sure.

· Chelsie Vick of Benefits (via Pratt): Chelsie answered my emails about changes to our benefits and spent at least 20 minutes over the phone helping me understand the options. She could have told me to wait for front porch or sent me to a website, but instead she took the time to help me. Thank you Chelsie for helping me and my family figure out our benefits! Chelsie exemplifies the motto “We keep good people by being good to people.”

· Mrs. Mayo Mrs. Gurrola of Delco/phonics Ecse (via V): I have been blessed working with Mrs Mayo and Mrs Gurrola for the past four years. They are the best team ever. We laugh we cry, but we get through the day. We do have some tough days with our little ones, But it’s all worth it. I know I can count on them, they’re not just only friends, but they become more like family to me. I don’t like missing days that work, but when I do, I take it from my children. On my days off, I do call them and see how everything‘s going. 🌹🌹

· Highland Park Elementary of Highland Park Elementary/ staff (via *): I want to shout out to all the staff at Highland Park Elementary. I love being part of Pto that teachers participate in the events. And I feel welcome each time I go to the school to pick up my kids or to help. also, thank you for all the activities. I know it’s a lot for the teachers to stay after school. My kids are in cheerleading, Folklorico, sign language, trying out for volleyball. 🌹🌹🌹🌹

· Cara Kinsley of Caldwell Elementary (via Anonymous): Shout out to an amazing 5th grade teacher! 🌟 Your dedication to helping your students grow is truly inspiring. The way you create a positive learning environment makes a world of difference, and your use of manipulatives to deepen their understanding of place value and decimal operations is so impactful! You are always willing to grow and evolve as an educator. You're making a lasting difference!

· Alyssa Roetheli of Caldwell Elementary (via Hoda Mohamed): Huge shout out to an incredible teacher who goes above and beyond by supporting us with the Girls Who Code club after school! Your dedication to helping students learn, explore, and discover the world of coding is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your time and passion, and for empowering young girls to pursue their interests in tech. You're making a real difference in their lives! Keep shining bright!