• 🗓️ Upcoming Events & Holidays
• 🍎 Reduced Lunch Application / CEP Forms
  
• ✋ Standard Response Protocols & Campus Emergency Drills
• 🟢 Safe Storage
  
• 📝 CogAT Screener – 2nd grade students
  
• 🌺 Hispanic/Latino Heritage Pfair
• 🏫 Join PfISD’s Strategic Planning, Finance, and Leadership Initiatives!
  
• 🎶 Fine Arts
• 🔩CTE Corner
  
• 💬 Join the Conversation!
• 🖊️Trustees Meeting Brief
• 👏 Staff Recognitions
  

Sep 15–Oct 15 : Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 30: Pfestival of the Bands

Oct. 3: Board Workshop Meeting

Oct. 10: Hispanic / Latino Heritage Pfair

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!

The Socioeconomic Information Form (CEP) and Free and Reduced Meals Application provide schools with much more than lunch funding. Completing these forms can give campuses access to additional funding and resources through both state and federal programs. Additionally, these forms can impact your school's accountability rating.

Even if you think your family does not qualify, please complete either the Socioeconomic Information Form (CEP) and Free and Reduced Meals Application to give your school the most opportunities. Select the appropriate form based on your student's campus. If you have students at a CEP Campus and a student at another campus not under CEP, then you will need to complete both the Socioeconomic Information Form (CEP) and Free and Reduced Meals Application.

Socioeconomic Information Form (CEP):
Delco Elementary School
Dessau Elementary School
Northwest Elementary School
River Oaks Elementary School
Ruth Barron Elementary School
Dessau Middle School
Westview Middle School

Free and Reduced Meals Application:
All other campuses

We train our staff and students in the Standard Response Protocols (SRP); Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter, and Hold. These five simple procedures give our staff and students the tools they need to properly initiate emergency response actions for any emergency that may occur on campus.

These SRPs are practiced regularly each school year at all campuses through drills. State law dictates that number of times each semester each drill has to be practiced.

Each week we will go over one of our SRP's that will be listed below along with a brief description of the protocol. For more information about each protocol, please visit: www.pfisd.net/srp

Locks, lights, out of sight.

Lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. From parental custody disputes to intruders to an active shooter, Lockdown uses classroom security to protect students and staff from threat.

Texas law now requires school districts to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. The attached information will help you learn about options for, as well as how to talk to your child and others about, the safe storage of firearms.

In 2021, 4,613 Texans experienced gun-related deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services (SHS) reports that 55% of Texas firearms deaths in 2020 were suicides and that 59% of all suicides in Texas were by firearms. Suicide attempts involving firearms have a 90% fatality rate. Restricting access to guns is critical in reducing acts of violence, whether as self-harm or towards others. Acts of mass violence and interpersonal violence often end in suicide.

It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm. Under Texas Penal Code 46.13, a person commits the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child if the child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm, and the person with criminal negligence:

• Failed to secure the firearm
• Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access

The penalty for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a $500 fine) to a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a $4000 fine, a year in jail, or a combination of the two).

Texas exempts the purchase of firearm safety equipment from Texas Sales and Use Tax.

Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

Safe gun storage is critical to preventing suicide, unintentional shootings, and other tragedies.

Beginning in October, all second grade students in Pflugerville ISD take the screener portion of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). The district-wide screening window begins October 14 and ends November 22, 2024. Screening dates vary by campus, but all parents/guardians will receive a letter with information specific to their child’s screening date.

What is the CogAT Screening Form?

The CogAT Screening Form is a group-administered assessment which measures students’ reasoning and problem solving skills. The CogAT Screening Form provides a composite score based on one subtest from each of the three CogAT domains, Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal reasoning. The CogAT Screening Form includes Verbal/Picture Analogies, Number Analogies, and Figure Matrices. It is a measure of a student’s potential to succeed in school-related tasks. It is not a measure of general intelligence or IQ.

Why are we giving this assessment?

The CogAT Screener is given to determine areas in which students are meeting the national standards set forth in this assessment. The CogAT Screener is one piece of information used to help educators make student placement decisions for Advanced Learner support. Scores from the screener will provide important information that will assist teachers in helping your child attain academic success.

How is the test administered?

The test is administered online in a group lab setting in three different parts, addressing the verbal, quantitative, and non verbal skills learned by students. Total time is approximately 30 minutes. Students are given an opportunity to complete practice items in class to ensure understanding of the testing process.

For additional information about the CogAT Screening form, visit Riverside Insights at:

https://www.riversideinsights.com/solutions/cogat?tab=1.

On test day, please make sure your child is present at school and arrives on time. Also, remember that a good night’s rest and a nutritious breakfast will help your child to do his/her best.

If your child is sick on any of these days, please call the GT counselor soon as possible.

Celebrating Pflugerville ISD's 1st Hispanic/Latino Heritage Pfair!

We’re excited to announce the first-ever Hispanic/Latino Heritage Pfair in Pflugerville ISD. This will be an unforgettable celebration of culture, history, and community! This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students, staff, and families to come together and honor the rich traditions and contributions of our Hispanic/Latino community.

This event will include cultural booths that showcases the beauty and diversity of Hispanic/Latino heritage through food, music, art, and history,

Our EMCEE is Austin's own, Salwa Yordi! We can't wait to see you there!

The Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) has launched an inclusive and forward-thinking Strategic Planning initiative by creating a Task Force aimed at shaping the future of education within the district. This Visioning Task Force will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, community members, business leaders, administrators, teachers, Board members, and students, all of whom will collaborate to ensure a well-rounded and community-focused vision for PfISD. The initiative centers on a comprehensive visioning process that will result in key findings regarding the delivery and support of instruction, actionable directions for achieving these goals, and a well-defined Profile of a Learner in PfISD.

To ensure the success of this visioning process, the Task Force will meet at 6 p.m. on the dates listed below.

It is crucial that all members of the committee attend each meeting, as their participation and input will be essential in shaping the outcomes. The feedback and guidance provided during these sessions will serve as the foundation for the district’s strategies and priorities in the coming years, ensuring that the educational needs of all students are met with excellence and innovation.

Meeting Dates

• October 8, 2024
• October 22, 2024
• November 12, 2024
• December 3, 2024
• December 12, 2024
• December 17, 2024
• January 9, 2025
• January 14, 2025

Click here to Apply Today

Pflugerville ISD is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to serve on the 2024-25 Community Finance Committee. This important group will provide the district’s Administration and Board Finance Committee with recommendations to ensure financial sustainability and operational efficiency as we navigate a variety of challenges, including:

• Enrollment trends
• Legislative investment in public education
• Inflation
• Recruitment and retention of top educator and staff talent
• Expiration of federal pandemic relief funds (ESSER)

The Community Finance Committee will help the district assess and prioritize its current and long-term financial needs, including district growth, evolving educational programs, and operational sustainability. Members will work collaboratively to:

• Evaluate Pflugerville ISD’s current financial position and identify fiscally sound funding methods
• Develop solutions and recommendations based on community input
• Ensure that the district’s financial decisions align with the educational needs of all students and the district’s vision
• Provide insights that reflect the values and perceptions of the entire community
• Help educate the public on financial issues impacting the district

The committee will meet approximately four times during the Fall semester in the evening. Meetings will offer the opportunity for thoughtful discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, perspectives, and areas within the district to apply. Our community's collective input is vital to ensuring the success and sustainability of Pflugerville ISD. If you are interested in participating, please complete the application.

Leadership Pflugerville ISD will give approximately 25 Pflugerville ISD stakeholders, representing all areas of our 95-square-mile District, the opportunity to participate in an interactive, in-depth monthly learning experience from October through May. Participants will meet eight times during the school year from 8:30 a.m. - Noon on the second Tuesday of the month. Session topics will include District operations, finance, curriculum, and other areas of interest.

In order to have a successful program, all participants need to commit to attend and actively engage in all sessions. To graduate from the program, participants MUST attend a minimum of six of the eight sessions.

Class Dates

• October 8, 2024
• November 12, 2024
• December 10, 2024
• January 14, 2025
• February 11, 2025
• March 11, 2025
• April 8, 2025
• May 13, 2025

Apply to Leadership PfISD

We are so excited to showcase our middle bands performing together, and each high school band and color guard program performing part of their 2024 marching show.

Student Shout-Outs, to be announced live at the event, will be available for purchase for $5.00 (cash please!)

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public!

Students in the Introduction to Engineering CTE class at Dessau Middle School are learning the

principles of engineering design, building teamwork and critical thinking skills, and decision- making processes. Teams of students designed prototypes using commonly available materials and then modeled them for peers in a “fashion” show.

Pflugerville ISD is proud to offer five career and technical education courses in middle school to help students explore in-demand industries, build employability skills, and experience hands-on learning in classrooms, labs, on tours, and with guest speakers. Three classes offer high school credit, and two options satisfy a local graduation requirement!

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 September 19 Board of Trustees Special Meeting? Watch below!

September 19, 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 Staff Shoutout through the google form.

Ms. Angela Aguila of Pflugerville Elementary school (via: Gregg and Rosemary Olanirans)
She's an excellent, awesome, & amazing teacher, very attentive and communicating at all times 😀. She responds to all our questions about our daughter's progress and always give a feedback when requested.

Ms. Alisa Norris of Weiss High School (Special Ed) (via: Gregg and Rosemary Olanirans)
Ms Alisa has been a God sent teacher to our daughter's special needs. She's friendly, attentive, and always ready to help . Our daughter has always loved and speaks good about her and will always be missed as our daugter graduated 🎓 from WHS. Thanks again for all you did.

Ms. SAMMY ( Kindergarten) of Pflugerville Elementary School (via: Gregg & Rosemary Olanirans)
Ms Sammy has been a part of our family 👪 for a very long time as 3 (three) of our children went through her kind and nurturing attentions. She's very helpful, supportive, and an excellent resourceful teacher. Thanks for all your services.

Ms. Loving and Ms. Eskew of Windermere Elementary (via: Anonymous)
Ms. Loving and Ms. Eskew are the dream team! They work so hard and fill any and every role they can to help make Windermere great! They are both always enthusiastic and ready to help however they're needed.

Mr. Sosa of PCMS-World Cultures (via:Anonymous )
Mr. Sosa does a great job of creating a positive learning environment in his Advanced World Cultures class. My daughter comes home nearly daily talking about the fun activities they do, or the positive feed back he gives or the funny "Dad" jokes he tells as he sends them off into their day. Know you are making an impact on your students and they're all the better for it. Thank you.

Jessica Brown of Kelly Lane Middle School, ELA, 7th Grade (via: Samarth Lakamraju)
Ms. Brown is a very caring and nice teacher. She is super kind and patient. She greet every single student that enters her class with a smile. She is an amazing teacher.

Jake Young of Kelly Lane Middle School, Tx. History, 7th grade (via: Samarth Lakamraju)
Mr. Young is a very nice, patient, and great teacher. He has made me super hooked on to Texas History. He is also very active and we do many hands on activities in the class. He knows so many things about Texas History and he shares all of it with us. He is the best Texas History teacher I have ever had.

Erica Valenzuela of Kelly Lane Middle School, Tech Apps, Intro. to Engineering, Professional Communications (via: Samarth Lakamraju)
Ms.Valenzuela is and amazing and caring teacher. She is super kind and caring. While teaching our class, she also teaches us respect and etiquette. She also makes us think so we can learn. She is an amazing teacher.

Martha Rios and Ms Maggie of Pflugerville Elementary (via: Wendy Quevedo)
Ms Rios and Mrs Maggie make such a positive impact in our community gracias por querer a nuestros niños educarlos con compasion y seguir persistiendo dia con dia. Forman una gran parte de nuestras vidas son la primera experiencia escolar de muchos de nuestros niños y dan lo mejor de si.

Coach Jose Flores of Weiss HS (via:Anonymous )
Coach Flores is exactly the type of coach you want your child to have for their first high school athletics experience. He is so positive, uplifting, and encouraging. We didn’t really know what to expect being relatively new to a sport in high school, but Coach Flores has made it fun. We can’t wait to see how our athlete grows this year!

Mrs. Portillo, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Shelby, and Ms. Impson of Mott Elementary (via: Vanessa Gorham)
A huge thank you to Mrs. Portillo, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Shelby and Ms. Impson for being there for my daughter when she was struggling with major anxiety. Thank you for making her feel safe, loved and getting her through the day!

Roseann Bartlett of Pflugerville Middle Scool (via: Liz)
Ms. Bartlett does so much more than just teach ELA, she motivates, inspires and truly see's our kids as individuals, not just test scores. She get's their best because they want to give her their best. We are so lucky to have her at PMS

Ms. Shannon of Transportation (via: Chelsea Cohen)
Ms. Shannon is just incredible. My son just started Kindergarten and was nervous about riding the bus. She immediately put him (and me) at ease! I am so grateful knowing that our students are in safe hands with her.

Ms. Carter & Mrs. McIlhaney of Hidden Lake ES, 2nd Grade (via: The Davidson's)
Ms. Carter is very resilient and is teaching our kids to be the same. When our original teacher was moved from 2nd to Kindergarten, Ms. Carter was moved from another Elementary School to Hidden Lake. That's a big adjustment for all those involved. Ms. Carter stepped right into the classroom and won over my kiddo. You wouldn't know that he experienced such a big change. Thank you Ms. Carter and Mrs. McIlhaney for helping us stay on track and have a smooth transition.

Mrs. Hanson of Hidden Lake Elementary (via: Mah Seemion)
Our son looks forward to going to Kindergarten EVERY day. Mrs. Hanson keeps open communication with anything that is going on and is very responsive. She has been instrumental in our son adjusting to a new environment and I cannot commend her enough for everything she does for all of her students. We appreciate her very much!!

Sarrah Tolentino of HLES (via: Jessica Chang)
Thank you Ms. Tolentino for making my daughter's first year of school in Kinder an amazing year. She loves school and loves learning. Thank you for creating an environment for learning, fun and friendship.

Coach Jeff Hughes of Riojas Elementary (via: Amanda Dean)
Coach Hughes works so hard for all the students at Riojas! He’s been setting up clubs for the kids every day before school. My kids have come home talking about a martial arts demonstration that he set up for a PE class that they LOVED. He’s going to be a UIL Coach. He spends so much energy to better our students outside of the classroom and I am so thankful for all he does.

Ms. Haley Shillow of Riojas Elementary (via: Amanda Dean)
I am so grateful for Ms. Shillow!!! She is invaluable to our family. She is an amazing teacher who was able to point out some things that I needed to work on with my daughter in a way we could both understand. She has also advocated for my daughter in a way that has seen meaningful change for my daughter’s education. She has made a huge difference for my daughter and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings. She is the best!!

Jessica Brown of Teacher(ELA) (via: Matthew T)
She is a great teacher and stuff. She taught us UIL spelling very well and helped me get first and yeah she's really cool.