PfISD Employee Express
April 8, 2022
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Below are some important dates and a few others to spark creativity or ideas for fun with your students or family.
Days
- April 8: National Zoo Lovers Day
- April 10: Encourage a Young Writer Day
- April 13: National Scrabble Day
- April 14: National Gardening Day
- April 17: National Ellis Island Family History Day
- April 18: Patriot Day
- April 20: National Look Alike Day
- April 21: National Kindergarten Day
- April 22: Earth Day
- April 27: Administrative Professionals Day
- April 28: School Bus Driver Day
- April 28: National Superhero Day
- April 29: National Historic Marker Day
- April 3-9: National Library Week
- April 4-8: Assistant Principals Week
- April 4-10: National Public Health Week
- April 17-23: National Volunteer Week
- April 25-29: Every Kid Healthy Week
- Autism Awareness Month: Wear blue every Thursday!
- National Poetry Month
- Distracted Driving Awareness Month
- National Move More Month
Greetings from Dr. Killian
Dear Friends,
We open this week’s staff newsletter with some sad news. On Tuesday, we were informed of the passing of H.L. Weiss, Jr. He was a valued member of the Weiss family, which our fourth high school was named after as a prominent founding family of Pflugerville. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Weiss family during this difficult time.
I wanted to take a moment to appreciate a very special PfISD staff member. Whenever I need someone to give an honest opinion, to step up making a sacrifice for the good of the rest of the district, to serve in any capacity, or to volunteer something for some other area of the district, I can always rely on Daniel Garcia. I would sum up my impression of Mr. Garcia as a giving individual. His service to Pflugerville ISD spans many years and most recently encompassed leadership at CHS and HHS as principal. Daniel, you have the heart of a servant. You will be missed. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
A special thanks goes out to our librarians. It’s National Library Week (April 3-9). It is a special time to celebrate our nation’s libraries and our library workers’ contributions. There was once a time when the digital age threatened all things print and some wondered what would become of our nation’s librarians and libraries. What happened is they pivoted, becoming leaders in innovation – supplementing their work with Maker Space or Hour of Code activities and the like – and diversifying their workload to include special events such as author visits and fundraisers.
We see you, PfISD librarians, and while your eyes may be on a book, one hand is on a computer. Continue being outstanding.
Let’s give a standing ovation for our district’s choir programs. Westview, Park Crest and a Hendrickson choir last week earned excellent ratings in both UIL concert and sight-reading, and a Pflugerville Middle choir garnered excellent ratings in concert and a plaque for superior ratings in sight-reading.
And that’s not all! Three Hendrickson and Weiss choirs, as well as two choirs from each Cele and Kelly Lane, and two more from Bohls and Pflugerville Middle earned Sweepstakes trophies for superior ratings in both concert and sight-reading! Bravo, bravo!!
Not to be outdone, two Park Crest bands earned excellent ratings in concert and a plaque for superior ratings in sight-reading. Plus, two Cele bands, two Pflugerville Middle and a Bohls band earned Sweepstakes for superior ratings in both concert and sight-reading! My hands are hurting from clapping so hard! Good job, everyone.
Kudos to the Connally Army Junior ROTC and A+ Federal Credit Union for their work to help fight food insecurity for our local families. Earlier this week, A+ provided the JROTC a $500 donation to the Connally Food Locker.
The JROTC also helped secure a static display of military vehicles, including an attack helicopter, on-campus late last week. My time in the military has come to a close but I still can’t help but be in awe when I see a helo up close, and it seemed the feeling was shared by students who got to tour the display.
With COVID-19 having impacted our visitors on campus policy, I have to say it’s been especially heartwarming to see parents and grandparents joining in our elementary POPS rallies this month. POPS rallies celebrate our student academic progress, perfect attendance and citizenship, all of which warrant having family on-hand for celebration. So great to see these moments on our campuses again.
I’m looking forward to field days coming up now that the cold weather is (hopefully) behind us, would like to see some of the great artwork being done in chalk throughout the district as Fine Arts’ Chalk Pfest continues all month long, and we celebrate our newest elementary school in a dedication ceremony next week for our Carpenter Cardinals. Can’t wait!
Have a great rest of the week and a super weekend.
In the best interest of children,
Douglas Killian, Ph.D.
Proud Superintendent
Passionately ServingQuote of the Week
Retirement Notices
As preparations are underway to honor our teachers and humanitarians of the year along with our retirees at the upcoming Employee Recognition Banquet, if you plan to retire and have not submitted paperwork with the district, please do so at your earliest convenience.
The Human Resources Department needs time to process the paperwork and then relay the list of retirees to Community Relations, who will send official invites to retirees. This is important in order to have an accurate headcount for the banquet and dinner service.
National Library Week
This week has been National Library Week and earlier this week we celebrated School Librarian Day. Our librarians work very hard to make their libraries wonderful spaces filled with a variety of books and learning experiences that provide enrichment to our students.
Librarians play a huge role in sparking a love of learning and reading among our students, and we would like to hear from you about a librarian who has provided the PfISD Passionate Service we aim to give every student. Please take some time to complete this Google Form to submit a “Library Gram” that will be delivered to your librarian.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration
It’s time for our littlest learners to register for next school year! We will be hosting registration events on our campuses April 12-14. Details are below.
Pre-K Registration:
Children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2022 and meet the eligibility requirements may register.
Pre-K for 4-year-olds is available at all our elementary campuses. Pre-K for 3-year-olds is only available at these four campuses:
- Highland Park Elementary (Bilingual – Spanish Only)
- Northwest Elementary
- Riojas Elementary (Bilingual – Spanish Only)
- Windermere Elementary
For more information, please visit the Pre-K page.
Pre-K Registration Dates:
- Tuesday, April 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 13, 1-7 p.m.
Kindergarten Registration:
Children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2022, are eligible to begin Kindergarten in the Fall of 2022 with Pflugerville ISD. Kindergarten Registration will be available at all PfISD elementary schools.
For more information, please visit the Kindergarten page.
Kindergarten Registration Dates:
- Wednesday, April 13, 1-7 p.m.
- Thursday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student Intradistrict Transfer Windows & Updates
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year transfer process, for the first time, PreK and Kindergarten students will be eligible to apply for transfers. PreK transfer applicants must submit the Pre-K Eligibility Screener before applying for a transfer request via the Student Affairs application. Submitting a PK eligibility screener and transfer application is not a guarantee of transfer approval.
The application window is from March 21 through April 29. Please visit our Student Transfer Information page for more: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/7316
Lone Star Leadership Academy
Summer Camps for Outstanding 4th-8th graders
Outstanding students from across Texas meet in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston for a week of fun, learning, leadership development, and visits to unique and historically significant Texas destinations. Each day students explore notable Texas sites and learn about unique careers from professionals at sites visited with a focus on leadership. In addition to improving their leadership abilities, participants gain self-confidence and independence and develop new friendships with other high-achieving students from across the state. All facilitators are Texas teachers.
For more information or to apply, visit www.educationinaction.org/LSLA or contact admissions@educationinaction.org or 817-562-4957.
Athletics Update
PfISD will have a new leader of our athletics programs next school year as the Board of Trustees approved the hiring of longtime Huffman-Hargrave athletic director and head football coach Mike McEachern as new PfISD athletic director. McEachern takes over for Todd Raymond, who served as PfISD athletic director since 2017. Raymond was recently hired as Grapevine-Colleyville ISD executive director of athletics.
McEachern has served in a dual role as AD and head coach for Huffman-Hargrave High School since 2006, taking his football teams to the playoffs 13 times during that span.
He is also credited with starting a mentor program for student-athletes, helping girls athletic programs flourish and was named 2014-15 National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year grand prize winner, for his guidance work with student-athletes off the field.
In four of the past five years, all Huffman-Hargrave varsity sports programs have qualified for post-season play. The program also finished among the top Class 4A schools in the UIL Lone Star Cup, based on collective athletic program performance, in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2020-21 school years.
McEachern also has previous experience as a head baseball coach for Huffman-Hargrave, Academy and Whitney high schools. From 1990-92 he was an assistant baseball coach at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
“Coach McEachern’s interest in developing the whole student-athlete really stood out to us,” said PfISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Killian. “His support of Special Olympics, both girls and boys sports, and his coordination with extracurriculars fits with our focus.”
A start date for McEachern for PfISD is still to be determined.
Congratulations to the Hendrickson Girls Soccer team on a phenomenal season. Unfortunately, the Lady Hawks had their season come to an end on Friday afternoon in the Regional Semifinals in Humble with a 3-2 loss to Friendswood. They reached the round of 16 in the UIL Class 5A playoffs after a true test of guts and determination last week against A&M Consolidated. In their match against A&M Consolidated, Hendrickson played to a 0-0 tie through regulation and overtime. Then penalty kicks went beyond the standard five tries apiece, and Hendrickson got the edge 7-6 in PKs.
Weiss Boys Soccer saw their season come to an end last weekend with a 3-1 loss to Jordan in the regional quarterfinals. This was the deepest WHS has gone in the postseason in school history and returns many of their key players next year.
Last week we recognized the Weiss Boys Golf team for winning the district championship and heading to regionals along with runner-up Hendrickson. After we sent last week’s update, the district girls golf championship finished up and Hendrickson Girls Golf finished second to qualify for regionals as well.
PfISD also has a handful of individuals who have qualified for the next round of the postseason. Pflugerville HS has one boy and one girl headed to regionals, and Weiss qualified their top girl to regionals as well. Good luck to all these golfers at the Regional Tournament in Montgomery on April 18-19. The top three teams at regionals advance to state.
Baseball and Softball are in district play, and we’ve got crosstown matchups for the ladies this weekend! Weiss hosts Connally on Friday and Saturday while Pflugerville welcomes Hendrickson to their diamond.
CTE Corner
Interested in a career in Automotive? This program, housed at PHS, is perfect for students who want to develop knowledge and skills in auto maintenance & light repair. Students earn the Auto Service Excellence (ASE) Maintenance & Light Repair entry-level credential, at no cost, as well as the opportunity to participate in campus lab and industry-site internship experiences… all built into Auto classes!
Automotive students at PHS recently received a visit from Universal Technical Institute about the classes, programs and certifications offered at the school. UTI is opening an Austin campus on Howard Lane soon!
Learn more about these programs and more at our PfISD CTE website!
And don’t forget that applications to both of our P-TECH academies are open until April 15! Apply to P-TECH here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdl79qbg92GOVfEQx8xe75NUNRDO57G48T_TObqjkDSN1hjfQ/viewform
Substitute Teachers Needed
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, PfISD needs more substitute teachers than ever. Beginning substitutes earn $120 per day, and this can go up based on certification and the number of days worked. To qualify to serve as a substitute in the Pflugerville Independent School District, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma. All applicants must complete the online substitute application and attend a Guest Educator orientation.
Kudos
Each week I like to recognize some of our staff members who have made a positive impact. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for the passionate service they provide to their coworkers, students or any other member of our community, you may nominate them.
Please use the link below and bookmark it for future use if you happen to know lots of worthy Pfamily members and plan to submit Kudos every week.
Now on to this week's Kudos!
Alondra Mayo of Delco Elementary (via Viridiana Revelez): “I have been working with Ms. Mayo since the beginning of the school year. She is always giving positive advice, and she is always happy. She loves what she does. She is a great role model to me. I'm thankful to be her assistant. I'm growing because of her and I love what I do.”
Delco Elementary office staff (via Viridiana Revelez): “I want to thank Rosalia, Liz and Maria for all that they do for us. You all are always happy and looking out for your staff. You all go out and beyond for us. Thank you.”
Meryl Clark, Paula Gamble, Jennifer Witte and Latrese Smith (via anonymous): “These folks at CHS stepped up to bring the pilot AP African American Studies course to Connally High School. CHS will be one of only 60 schools in the entire nation that will be piloting this exciting new course next school year!”
Molly Wedge, Joni Berrios, Megan Darlington and Maria Moreno of Windermere Elementary (via anonymous): “Our Specials teachers work tirelessly to reach all of our students at Windermere. They allow students to explore and discover to help grow successful students. Specials are the bright spot in so many of our students’ day and our Specials teachers help make that happen with their engaging lessons.”
Deann Henley of Curriculum (via Jill Espinoza of Rowe Lane Elementary): “Deann answered every question I had about the new Zearn platform and if she couldn’t, she got an answer from their Tech department very quickly. I appreciate your quick responses and all of your help!”
Salena Brumfield of Brookhollow Elementary (via anonymous): “Mrs. Brumfield does so much to help her students succeed and always keeps a positive attitude! It has been a difficult year, but she never gives up despite the challenges that face her, and her persistence is admirable.”
Staci Thomison of Technology (via Amy Williams of Rowe Lane Elementary): “Staci spent two days helping us give student Panorama surveys to our youngest kindergarten and 1st grade Rockets. Staci is indispensable! Thank you so much for your help!”
Windermere Elementary Special Education (via anonymous): “Shout out to the WES Special Education teachers and staff for meeting the individual needs of our students! These teachers and staff members advocate for their students and ensure they receive the supports that they need. Thank you for all that you do! We appreciate you!”
Anna Huggins of Technology (via Lisa Hughes of Mott Elementary): “Anna was so patient with me while resolving an ongoing computer issue. The issue never happened when she was present and she was so considerate and showed so much grace to me as I voiced my frustration about the computer. I appreciate her knowledge, teaching of a new piece of hardware to me and the kindness she showed me while helping me. I can only hope to show as much grace, kindness and patience to my students as Anna showed to me today! Thanks so much!”
PfISD Police Officer Terry Ivy and Pflugerville High School athletic trainer Lauren Delatorre (via Marcial Guajardo of Community Relations): “When a student was injured during a recent softball game, coaches and district personnel, led by Officer Terry Ivy and PHS trainer Lauren Delatorre, sprung into action, treating the injured student and getting an ambulance on-scene. They are truly to be commended for their actions.”
Valorie Salcido and Yesenia Perez of Pflugerville High School (via Raquel Coston): “Thank you for helping with TELPAS testing administration. It was a lot of work and you both helped me tremendously. 4 weeks of testing without hesitation or complaining. I appreciate you both very much!”
Windermere Elementary Special Education team (via Jessica Loring): “Just wanted to give a big shoutout to the entire Special Education team for pushing through a very challenging year. They show up every day, supporting kids and each other with grace, and always look for ways to help our kids and campus be more successful!”
Brad Riemer of Riojas Elementary (via anonymous): “Brad gives so much to the Riojas community. He is a rock star leader for the Special Education team with his endless expertise, experience and organization. Not only is he an amazing leader for the adults, but he is a constant advocate for our students. He knows his students inside and out and always goes above and beyond to provide what they need. Brad has an uncanny ability to connect with all students in the school and they all adore him. He is a true gem and we are so lucky to have him at Riojas.”
Amber Browning, Anna Moreno, Trudy Brandenburg of Multilingual (via Andrea Vela of Westview Middle): “Amber, Anna, and Trudy have been instrumental in my growth as an educator this school year. They are always so willing to assist me with anything that I need or with any questions I may have regarding our Emergent Bilingual students. I am so thankful to work under such talented and knowledge leaders. Thank you all so much for all that you do not only for me, but district-wide.”
Lisa Trittin of Caldwell Elementary (via Tyler Hansen): “I wanted to take a moment to recognize our wonderful music teacher at CWES! She helped make our Rodeo Day so special by creating an amazing performance to share with our families. I know it took a lot of logistics on her end and it was a short timeframe, but she didn't even hesitate when we asked for her help. We are very lucky to have her at Caldwell and for everything she does for our students and staff!”
Quincy Holland of Dessau Middle (via Jean Darnell): “Mr. Holland epitomizes the example of an educator role-model for our students, but especially, our young Black males. He's witty, quirky and sharp as a tack. He's the type of fellow that dyes his hair for a Friday ‘house meeting.’ He's the type of guy that takes cues and immediately implements a program or lesson. He walks on warp speed, but when you have missions to accomplish, there isn't time to waste. Presently, he's literally teaching all of our 8th graders history until we can hire another team member. If I could award him a ‘Teaching Medal of Honor,’ I certainly would. Thank you, Mr. H, for all of the visible and invisible efforts you give to our students and staff. You're simply remarkably made and displayed every day. Dessau Middle has a jewel in our crown that is Mr. Holland.”
Mary Nweke of Dessau Middle (via anonymous): “Let me share something about one of our longest-tenured employees here at Dessau. Not only is she tough as nails, she's also benevolent and genuine. Mrs. Nweke oversees our ISS, but she's also hall monitor, sage counsel and one of the best cooks for our potlucks (no shade to Mrs. Raney, her sister). Thank you for always doing more than what's expected, giving where is unexpected and being a good steward for our students and staff. You’re a godsend to Dessau.”
Lydia Ramirez of Dessau Middle (via Dessau staff): “Ms. Ramirez is incredibly hard-working and very fun to work with! She is extremely dedicated to our students and she is willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. Her kindness and strength shines through every day and she is a great pleasure to work with!”
Christina Ayers and Purity Austin of Caldwell Elementary (via Amanda Hoffman): “Thank you for your help with the kinder Rodeo Day!”
Tyler Hansen, Leslie Silvestriz, Brandi Van Cleave and Eleann Rodriguez (via Amanda Hoffman): “Thank you all for all your hard work organizing and setting up our Rodeo Day. It was a chaotic day but the kids loved it! You ladies are the best!”
This school year, we will continue to find learning opportunities and activities to prepare our students for success in and out of the classroom.
Together this Pfamily can do anything, and through the challenges, we are #MovingPforward.
In the best interest of children,
Dr. Douglas Killian
PfISD Superintendent of Schools