PfISD Employee Express
May 23, 2024
In This Edition
- 🗓️ Upcoming Events & Holidays
- ⚽ Austin FC - Discounted Tickets for PfISD Teachers & Employees 5.29
- 💬 National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
- 🍕Pflugerville ISD Food Services Offers Free Summer Meals for Children
- 🎓 PfISD Graduations
- 🔩 CTE Corner
- 🖊️ Trustees Meeting Brief
- 👏 Recognitions
🗓️ Upcoming Events & Holidays
May
Asian and Pacific Islander Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 27 - Student/Staff Holiday - Memorial Day
May 29 - Early Release / Last Day of School
May 30 - Staff Planning & Prep
May 31 - PfISD Graduations
⚽ Austin FC - Discounted Tickets for PfISD Teachers & Employees 5.29
With the 2024 MLS Season well underway, Austin FC wants to invite you to a match this season and extend an opportunity to PfISD teachers, employees, and their families to participate in their community discounted ticket program! Austin FC continues to offer discounted tickets through this program to community groups and nonprofits as part of our efforts to ensure more equitable access to Q2 stadium and as a thank you for your efforts.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Austin FC, they are the only professional sports team here in Austin! Austin FC is part of Major League Soccer and plays at Q2 Stadium, a 20,000-person stadium near the Domain.
They have created a special code for PfISD to use and purchase $23 discounted tickets (plus fees) for the game on Wednesday, May 29th vs Portland Timbers. Please DO NOT post this code online or share with anyone who is not a PfISD teacher, employee, or family member. They reserve the right to close the link should this code be misused by being posted anywhere online, in spaces open to the public, on any social media platforms, etc.
Discounted tickets cannot be used as part of fundraising, promotional or marketing events/campaigns, nor should they be resold.
Below is the link with a code to access the discounted tickets. They are on a first come, first serve basis. Should the link not show any tickets available, they have more than likely sold out.
Austin FC is excited to have you all out at Q2 Stadium this season!
Ticket Link: click HERE
Code: teach529
💬 National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This is a time to raise awareness about speech and language disorders, which are among the most common disabilities that school-aged children experience. This is also a time to help all students, no matter how they communicate, to feel included in their school community.
More than 1 million children nationwide receive services for speech and language disorders each year through the school system. Left unaddressed, speech and language disorders can affect a child’s academic and social success. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools work with children who have differences in a variety of areas including speech sounds, spoken and written language, stuttering, social communication and many more!
Whether or not you know a child (or adult) who has a speech, language, and/or swallowing disorder, it’s important for everyone to reflect on how we can be respectful and supportive to those who do. Give a person time to get their message out, focus on what a person is saying rather than how they’re saying it, and never bully someone for how they communicate.
Thank you, PfISD SLPs, for working with students and improving their communication skills!
🍕 Pflugerville ISD Food Services Offers Free Summer Meals for Children
Pflugerville ISD and Aramark Food Services are proud to offer open community lunch to children this summer through the USDA summer meals program. Summer is an exciting time for children to enjoy playtime with friends, a week at camp, a family vacation, or time at the pool. However, for many children who receive free and reduced-price meals at school, summer can mean hunger. Just as learning doesn’t end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition.
This summer, Aramark Food Services will be providing free lunch meals to children at select Pflugerville ISD campuses. Any child under age 18 may come and eat and kids do not need to register (or be registered in a summer school program) or show proof of age, income, or residence to do so. Visitors are asked to sign in at each school’s front office or Extended Day Program check-in desk for security reasons.
Schools that will be offering breakfast and lunch :
CALDWELL ELEMENTARY
6/3/24- 8/9/24 (Closed for Holiday 7/4 & 7/5)
8:30AM-9AM- Breakfast; 10:45AM-12:30PM Lunch
TIMMERMAN ELEMENTARY
6/3/24-6/27/24
7:45AM-8:15AM- Breakfast; 10AM-10:30AM Lunch
RUTH BARRON ELEMENTARY
6/3/24- 8/9/24 Closed for Holiday 7/4 & 7/5)
8:30AM-9AM- Breakfast; 10:45AM-12:30PM Lunch
RIVER OAKS ELEMENTARY
6/3/- 6/7; 6/10- 6/14; 6/17- 6/20; 6/24- 6/27 2024
7:30AM-8AM Breakfast, 11AM-11:30AM LUnch
BOHLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
6/3/24 – 6/27/24 (M-Th)
7:45A- 8:15AM- Breakfast; 11:30AM-12PM Lunch
WEISS HIGH SCHOOL
6/3– 6/19/24 (M-Fr); 6/20- 6/27/24 (M-Th only)
7:45A- 8:15AM Breakfast; 11:30AM-12PM Lunch
WIELAND ELEMENTARY
6/3- 6/18/2024 & 7/8- 7/23 2024- (M-Th)
7:30AM- 8AM Breakfast; 10AM-10:30AM Lunch
Meal service closed 7/4/24 & 7/5/24
For more information on USDA’s and TDA’s summer meals program or to find a location near you, call 2-1-1, text FOODTX to 304-304 or visit: summerfood.org.
Aramark is committed to improving childhood nutrition and creating healthier school environments through nutritious meal offerings and wellness education. To learn more, please visit www.myhealthyforlife.com.
🎓 PfISD Graduations
🎉 It's almost that time! Are you ready?
Join us for the PfISD high school graduation ceremonies at the
H-E-B Center @ Cedar Park on Friday, May 31, 2024. The schedule for the graduation ceremonies is as follows:
- Pflugerville HS: 8 a.m.
- Connally HS: 12 p.m.
- Weiss HS: 4 p.m.
- Hendrickson HS: 8 p.m.
Tickets are not required for guests to attend a graduation ceremony.
Please note that PACE will hold its graduation ceremony on May 30, 2024, in the Pflugerville High School Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m.
Stay updated with the latest information. Any changes will be posted on the PfISD website and on the district's social media channels. Additionally, updates will be sent via email to seniors' parents.
Please click the link below to learn more information about seating, how to watch the ceremony online, what you can bring to the arena, and more!
🔩 CTE Corner
P-TECH Pfuture Teachers Academy students host Pfuture in Education event
The P-TECH Pfuture Teachers Academy students designed and facilitated an event for rising
9th grade students interested in careers in education and training.
Participating middle school students rotated through six booths showcasing projects from the Weiss HS Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) student organization, experienced “a day in the life” of a teaching intern, had a Q&A session with current P-TECH students, and a fun photo booth.
There were student-led presentations on how to succeed in high school, a panel discussion with
four educators from PfISD and a “professional or not” fashion show.
🖊️ Trustees Meeting Brief
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 May 16 Board of Trustees Special & Regular Meeting? Watch below!
May 16 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
May 16 - 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!
👏 Staff Recognitions
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.
📣 Shout Outs from Parents, Students, and Community Members
Bradley Bennett of Music/Theater (via: Jessica McDaniel)
Mr. Bennett has absolutely bent over backwards to make the music theater program at Rowe Lane great for the kids and their school! We cannot thank him enough for his tireless work and commitment to helping our kids grow in their passion for fine arts. He is so passionate about what he does and the kids feel so seen and supported by him. He is a joy to be around and we are so grateful for his influence in our kid’s lives!
Ms. Stukey of Rowe Lane- teacher and theater program (via: Jessica McDaniel)
Ms. Stukey is incredible and we have been so lucky to have her help in making the music theater program at Rowe Lane what it is today! We cannot thank her enough for all the time she generously gave to teaching our kid’s their lines and the choreography for Moana this year. Her passion is contagious and the kids feel so seen and supported by her. She is a joy to be around and we will miss her so much next year!
Brad Bennett and Marian Stukey of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Tara Delagarza)
Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Stukey have been amazing Directors over the past year — leading the MoanaJr musical for our campus. Their vision and expertise, coupled with well-deserved respect from the cast, resulted in amazing performances this past week. Our campus is extremely lucky to have dedicated and talented teachers leading our kids above and beyond their daytime duties. Thank you both fir being a dynamic duo and creating an enriched education for our kids.
Bradley Bennet of Rowe Lane (via: Srini Alloor and Anjali( Aditi’s parents))
He is the best teacher and my kids really like him and his directing. He is very fun to work with and without his efforts Moana show would not be a big success.
Marian Stukey of Rowe Lane (via: Srini and Anjali( Aditi’s Parents))
Ms Stukey is the best( in my kid’s own words). She is the best choreographer and without her efforts the Moana Jr show would not have been this successful. Thanks for all your efforts Ms Stukey. Keep up the good work.
Ms. Schaefer of KLMS (via: Nikki Moyer)
Thank you for your exceptional leadership and dedication to the students at Kelly Lane Middle School. You foster a sense of community and belonging on campus that enriches the educational experience for every student and makes KLMS feel like a second home. Thank you!
Marian Stukey of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Hector Torres)
Wow, what an amazing person!, she worked closely with Bradley Bennett to produce Moana Jr and what amazing hit that was! All the hard work she put into the show came out in full force. The show was amazing, a real tear jerker and pulled on heart strings hard and it could not have been as great as it was without her. Big Kudos to her for all her efforts!
Bradley Bennett of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Hector Torres)
I will forever treasure the memories that I have of my daughter in her leading role and theatrical debut of Moana Jr. The show was so amazing thanks to Mr Bennett and his team. It was such an amazing experience and its all thanks to Mr Bennett and team. He did an amazing job of pulling it all together. The proof is in the joyful tears from adults and kids after the last show on Saturday evening on May 11.
Words cannot describe what an amazing individual Mr Bennett is for not only putting this show together but by also being an amazing example of what a great teacher and leader should be, he is worth his weight in gold.
Mr Bennett and Mrs Stukey of Rowe Lane (via: Addison B)
Mr Bennett and Mrs Stukey have worked tirelessly to put Moana Jr together this year. After many before school, after school and weekend rehearsals, the show turned out amazing!
Mr Bennett and Mrs Stuckey of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Michelle Taylor)
Thank you so much Mr Bennett and Mrs Stuckey for all your hard work and dedication to our students while working on this year’s Moana Jr performances. The shows were amazing! My son had a huge smile the whole time on stage and I know that all your support through the year and practices made it possible for all the students to shine and have a great time doing a craft they truly enjoyed.
Bradley Bennett of Rowe Lane (via: Norma De Luna-Vera)
Thank you for believing in our kids, and dedication to the Moana musical journey. The show’s success is a testament to your outstanding teaching and mentorship. We are incredibly grateful to have you as our teacher.
Marian Stukey of Rowe Lane (via: Norma De Luna-Vera)
Thank you for your support, choreography, and patience to get all the kids to deliver this wonderful and unforgettable musical performance. Your enthusiasm and dedication put into this musical was evident! We will miss you! Good luck in your new role!
Stephanie Russey of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Keri Delalio)
Mrs. Russey has been an outstanding Kindergarten teacher. She goes above and beyond ensuring all kids are included and loved. Mrs. Russey embraces the whole child. She has fun with her class, celebrates their achievements and supports each child's academic journey. She is able to have 5-6 year old kids work in groups and help each other while she works with small groups to meet her students' academic needs. Teaching kids to be independent and collaborate with peers. She has increased my child's confidence and love for school. We are truly blessed to have had Mrs. Russey as part of our child's life. Thank you
Jessica Wright of Rowe Lane elementary school (via: Amanda Turner)
Mrs. Wright has been everything we could have hoped for in a kindergarten teacher. She has been instrumental in making our son’s first experience in public school a positive and enriching one. Her kindness, compassion and patience are evident in everything she does, and her ability to connect and inspire young students is truly remarkable. We are incredibly thankful to have had Mrs. Wright as our sons teacher. Her dedication to her students is clear and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel valued and encouraged.
Mr. Redman of Ruth Barron Elementary (via: Melissa Korpi)
I am thrilled to give a heartfelt shout-out to Mr. Redman, a truly exceptional teacher who has become a beloved figure in our school community. With his charismatic personality and boundless energy, Mr. Redman brings an unparalleled enthusiasm to his classroom every single day. His genuine love for working with children shines through in everything he does, creating an environment where students feel valued, inspired, and eager to learn.
Mr. Redman's teaching style goes far beyond the conventional. He doesn't just teach; he nurtures, encourages, and invests deeply in each of his students. His dedication to their growth and well-being is evident in the strong, supportive relationships he builds. It's no wonder that parents eagerly request to have their children in his class, knowing that under his guidance, their kids will thrive both academically and personally.
Thank you, Mr. Redman, for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you make every day. You are a true asset to our school and a shining example of what a difference one dedicated teacher can make.
Ms.STRUNK MATH TEacher KLMS of Kelly lane middle school (via: Lakshmi Chinthala)
Ms. Is a passionate and caring teacher. She very smart, knowledgeable, and thoughtful towards her students and parents. She does excellent job in teaching to my daughter Gita
Ms. Ladd and Mr Parra of Riojas (via: Jazmin Flores)
Mr Parra (Prek) and Ms. Ladd (Kindergarten), thank you for everything you do for our children. My boys have had a fun and exciting time in your classrooms. I appreciate the good communication, which I find essential to helping them learn. I have seen tremendous growth and I want to make sure you are both aware that our family appreciates your hard work.
Priscella Escobedo of Rowe Lane Elementary- Pegasus Pre K (via: Emily Huval)
My child entered the Pegasus program in the middle of the year and has severe separation anxiety and speech delays. He is now able to actually communicate with us, and as a family we all feel so much more connected! It’s been noticing even in just 3 months. Often in the mornings he says “ Staying at school is hard,” but when I pick him up - he always has something sweet to say about ‘Teacher’ and I know she and the ladies in Pegasus have been doing fantastic with him. Priscella is always great on communication with us as well, answering emails and questions. Thank you for all you do!
Mrs Whybrew of Mott elementary (via: Sushma Pullela)
Mott Elementary has some of the best teachers we’ve ever seen, and Mrs Whybrew is the best!
She genuinely cares deeply about her kids and shares a wonderful connection with everyone, it shows in all the love and care she bestows on our kids. I have seen kids blossom into their best selves after spending a few weeks with Mrs Whybrew. She’s really fun, sweet and energetic, kind of a like a kid herself (which might explain why she’s everyone’s favorite!)
We love you Mrs Whybrew!
Coach Blamey of Timmerman (via: )
Thank you for organizing a very fun field day for the students at Timmerman! The kids had a great time!
Ms.Barrios of Timmerman (via: CW)
Thank you for sharing your love of art with your students. I have seen my child grow in both her desire to create and her ability to make beautiful things. She draws just about every day now, working on improving her skills and enjoying the process and results.
Latonya Whybrew of Mott elementary (via: )
She challenges the kids to rise to their best abilities while also encouraging and helping them to have faith in themselves! She had made such a difference this year!
Kimberly Thorngate of Mott Elementary Art Teacher (via: Kimberly Thorngate)
My son has NEVER liked or enjoyed art class, not until Miss. Lindquist became the new art teacher. He now brings his art home, loves to try his learned techniques at home, is proud of his work and he tells me all of the time how much he really likes her. He said she makes art fun and she's always so kind. This all speaks volumes that she loves what she does and the students she teaches to. Thank you from one artist to another...you rock Miss Lindquist!
Tia Birt of Carpenter Elementary (via: Kelley George)
Coach Birt put on a well organized and pfun field day for JCES!
Amanda Thompson of Hidden Lake Elementary (via: Jessica C.)
Ms. Thompson has made the last 26 days of school so fun for my son. Thank you for everything you've done this year!
Nadine Holland of Hidden Lake Elementary (via: Jessica C.)
Ms Holland put together a wonderful TED talk series presented by 4th graders. The kids did great and really showed that this year they learned about kindness, courage, determination and perseverance. Great job all around! Thank you for a great year!
👏 Pfamily Kudos
· Rose Marques of Cele (via anonymous): Ms. Marques works hard to support teachers and hold students to high standards. Thank you, Ms. Marques!
· Miguel Horta, Mario Mendozaceja, Juan Hernandez, Anita Bazan of Support Services (via Ben O'Connor): I am so appreciative of the after hours support from this team to ensure we had electricity flowing for a major evening performance and the elevator running before the start of the next school day. The just-in-time response and helpful attitude means the world!
· Lori Lomas of Kelly Lane Middle School/Math (via Anonymous): Lori has gone above and beyond this year new to her position but leading the way for her team. She works tirelessly to ensure everything is at its best and perfect for the students. She designs engaging activities that the students enjoy and talk about long after it's over. Lori welcomes all students into her room for tutoring and is willing to help everyone! Through all of this, she also maintains a positive attitude/outlook for the students every day. She is clearly loved and appreciated by the students and her colleagues! We are so lucky to have her!
· Michael Acosta & Marlon Summers of Plumbing (via PLES Staff): They're so awesome! They were quick, and efficient and saved Field Day for our kiddoes! They also helped with another issue once onsite, all with a great attitude. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
· Daniela Holloway of PES (via Kim Ihle): Mrs. Holloway has created a class environment that allows her students to grow! She loves her little people.:) Did I mention Mrs. Holloway has an amazing operatic voice? She has also introduced a love of the arts to our students. Best first year teacher ever!
· Brian Westerfield of HHS (via Jeri Thompson): The student animations in the 23-24 HHS Lip Dub were stellar! The outstanding work of Mr. Westerfield's students is a testament to the teacher's dedication and expertise. Their exceptional creativity and skill truly reflect the inspiration provided by Mr. Westerfield. Thank you for nurturing such talent and bringing out the best in our students!