

PfISD Employee Express
August 24, 2023
In This Edition
- Upcoming Events & Holidays
- Back-to-School Information
- Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) in PfISD
- First Paycheck of 2023-2024 School year
- RTI Mini Conference
- G/T Elementary Service Model for 2023-2024
- Canva for Education
- Federal Grant provides stipends for EDP employees
- Ask, Listen, Talk, Repeat
- 2023-24 PfISD Leadership Academy Opportunities
- Fine Arts
- CTE Corner
- Connect to M.S Math
- Staff Shout Outs
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Aug. 26 - Connect to Middle School Math Day
Sept. 4 - Student/Staff Holiday - Labor Day
Sept. 5 - Student Holiday / Staff Planning & Prep / Staff Development
Sept. 7 - Board Workshop Meeting
Back-To-School
Reminders:
- 📝 Make sure your annual forms are completed. Annual forms for returning students are required for every student each school year. If your student’s annual forms have not been completed, please access these forms in your Skyward Family Access Account
- 🚌 Use the School & Bus Route Locator to find bus routes. Type in your home address for the closest stops, pick-up and delivery times, and bus numbers. For more information about transportation services, visit the District’s transportation website.
- 🎒 The schools supplies list for every campus is available! Visit the school supplies page on the district website to see the full list.
For more information on back-to-school immunizations, the student's code of conduct, and more, please click the button below or go to https://www.pfisd.net/backtoschool
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) in PfISD
As a substantial benefit to our teachers, PfISD is approved through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program to designate and reward our highest performing teachers!
Within two years of employment in PfISD, eligible teachers can earn an additional annual salary incentive of up to $20,812. National Board Certified Teachers are eligible for an incentive within their first year of employment in PfISD.
PfISD successfully designated the first cohort of 92 teachers from the 2021-2022 school year, with the 2022-2023 cohort to be submitted to TEA for designation in October 2023.
For high-level overviews of the PfISD TIA System, see the PfISD TIA One-Page Overview & PfISD TIA System Overview Presentation. For a deeper understanding of our designation system and how you could be eligible to benefit, we invite you to explore the 2023-2024 PfISD TIA Field Guide.
First Paycheck of 2023-2024 School year
Most employees will receive the first paycheck of 2023-2024 school year on August 25, 2023. Please review your pay and stipends if applicable. Service records that were not processed in the August paycheck and were received by August 11, 2023 will be processed for the September 25, 2023 pay date.
All new hires that are scheduled to receive their first paycheck on Friday, August 25, 2023, please be aware you will receive a paper paycheck. The Payroll Department will be available from 2:00-5:00 pm on August 25th at the PfISD Central Administration Building.
Any questions regarding your pay, stipends or service records, please email personnel@pfisd.net. Thank you.
RTI Mini Conference
The PfISD Academics & Innovation Team is excited to host the RTI Mini Conference at Pflugerville HS on September 5th. Please review the 2-page infographic for more details. Note that some departments will have specialized training at Hendrickson HS. More details coming soon!
G/T Elementary Service Model for 2023-2024
The Cluster Classroom is the service model for Gifted and Talented elementary students in PfISD for 23-24. Cluster grouping is a research-supported model that serves the needs of gifted students by providing opportunities to collaborate and be challenged by other G/T students, as well as ability-level students. Cluster classrooms encourage collaboration, support and encourage socio-emotional growth, and provide G/T students opportunities for enrichment while promoting academic growth in their ability-level peers.
Cluster Classrooms are a model in which at least 33% of students have been identified as G/T, and in which G/T students are provided opportunities to “to work together as a group, work with other students, and work independently”, and in which “flexible grouping patterns and independent investigations are provided”, based on the TEA State Plan for the Gifted.
PfISD G/T cluster teachers all have or are in the process of completing their 30-hour G/T Foundational training; they also had the opportunity to attend J Taylor Depth and Complexity training over the summer, widely regarded as one of the most effective differentiation methodologies for G/T students. G/T cluster teachers also received additional training from the district regarding enrichment, flexible grouping, and curriculum compacting strategies at our Back-to-School professional development, and will continue to receive support and collaboration opportunities throughout the school year.
Learn More about Cluster Grouping:
“Grouping”, National Association for Gifted Children
“Clustered for Success”, ASCD
Canva for Education
We are excited to be offering all PfISD teachers and staff a free Canva for Education account through the district. The account will give you access to Pro-level features and specialize resources only available to schools. You will receive an email tomorrow with an invitation to create your Canva account. This rollout will not affect any current accounts you have, or cause you to lose any designs or documents you've created. Learn more in this Canva Guide for Teachers.
Federal Grant provides stipends for EDP employees
We are pleased to share some exciting news that highlights the outstanding dedication and hard work of our team members within the Extended Day Program (EDP) department. Thanks to the Federal Child Care Relief Fund, a well-earned incentive program has been established to recognize your exceptional contributions to our students and community. These incentives are paid out of a federal grant and are ONLY available to employees within our EDP program.
New EDP Employees
New staff that have applied and on-boarded by September 15, 2023 will be welcomed with a $1,000 sign-on incentive. Eligible staff members will be paid this incentive in September 2023.
Employee First Semester Retention
A retention incentive of $1,500 will be granted to ALL EDP employees who work through October 31, 2023. Eligible staff members will be paid this incentive in November 2023.
Those interested in working with EDP, please apply via our online employment application system here.
While we wish these incentives could extend to all members of our Pflugerville ISD family, please understand that this federal grant specifically recognizes employees who have offered their services within the parameters of our Extended Day Program.
Ask, Listen, Talk, Repeat
Our children’s mental health matters.
Let’s talk mental health. Start a conversation about mental health with your child with a simple
prompt. Ask one of the questions below and start listening.
1. What was the best and worst part of your day today?
2. What’s your most prized possession?
3. If you could only see one color, which one would you choose?
4. What do you wish we did more of?
5. If your pet could talk, what would it sound like and what would it say?
6. What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
7. What is your favorite smell and what does it remind you of when you smell it?
8. What are three things you’re thankful for?
9. What food could you eat every day for the rest of your life?
10. If you could visit anywhere, where would you go?
11. What’s your favorite song right now?
12. What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?
13. Who do you admire and why?
14. If you drew everything that came into your head, what would you be drawing right now?
15. If you could pick what you dream about tonight, what would it be?
2023-24 PfISD Leadership Academy Opportunities
Are you interested in your continued growth as a leader in PfISD?
There are three different tiers to the Leadership Academy to explore. This opportunity is open to any PfISD Staff member. Find the right fit for you!
Registration is now open to apply for the 2023-2024 PfISD tiered Leadership Academies. We are excited to share our revised PfISD Leadership Academy Opportunities with you.
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the information about these academies at this link: PfISD Leadership Academies. The new criteria and requirements for each level are also provided in the application posting.
The application deadline is Sept. 8th at 5:00 p.m. We welcome you to consider becoming part of this great leadership opportunity!
Fine Arts
Pfestival of Bands - Save the Date!
Save the date for our annual Pfestival of Bands! This event will be at The Pfield on October 2, 2023 starting at 7:00 p.m. We will showcase our middle school band programs performing together, and each high school band and color guard program will perform part of the 2023 marching show. This event is free and open to the public, and we would love to see you there!
CTE Corner
23-24 CTE Student Ambassadors
Teachers, do you know an 11th or 12th grade student in a CTE program who’d be a great representative of the program and school? Interested in becoming an ambassador?
Reasons to become an ambassador:
- College Applications
- Networking
- Leadership Skills
- Recruiting for CTE Program
- Industry Connections
- Access to Emplybility Skills
Fill out the form by September 18, and become an ambassador today!
Connect to M.S. Math
Join PfISD for a Family Math Day tailored to our middle school families!
When? August 26th
Where? The Rock Gym
Time? 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The event will have an exciting lineup, including snacks, engaging games, a photo booth, giveaways, and other enjoyable activities. Get ready for a day filled with fun and learning!
Staff Shout Outs
We love our PfISD staff members and we know our parents do too! We want to provide an opportunity for our parents to publicly recognize and thank our staff members who serve our students, staff and the community. We have created a Google Form to provide information directly to us to share with our staff as a whole and let you see the difference you are making in a student's life every single day. Please click here for the Google Form.
These Shout Outs will be included in upcoming issues of the Parent and Staff Newsletters. If a Shout Out directly references a student, we will not include the parent name to protect the child's anonymity. If you are recognized in an anonymous Shout Out and want to learn the parent's name, please contact Tamra Spence at tamra.spence@pfisd.net.
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING PFISD STAFF MEMBERS FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO FOR OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY!
Rowe Lane Elem (via: Casey Harris) Meet the Teacher Night was wonderful! I appreciate the energy and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to another great year with an amazing campus and supportive staff. We know our kids are safe, learning, and most of all loved.
Coach Rebecca Doty of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Anon) Coach Doty is such a valuable member of the Rowe Lane family! My kiddo is excited to go to PE because of Coach D! From teaching him to skip so many years ago she has been part of his journey and it is clear she cares about all our Rowe Lane Rockets. The campus is a better place because of folks like her! Thank you Coach for always going above and beyond! You are a treasure!
Philip Clayton of Pflugerville Middle School (via: Anon) Mr. Clayton's willingness to help my child has allowed him to be a self-advocate. I appreciate that he has taken the time to stop and listen to my kid.
Marian Stukey of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Cait) My son adores Mrs. Stukey! He was feeling incredibly nervous about starting kindergarten, but Mrs. Stukey has made him feel right at home at Rowe Lane. Thank you!!
Allison Bost Counselor at Wieland Elementary (via: Shirley Sanchez) My daughter, Isabelle, had a hard time with drop off, particularly on the second day of class. I briefly mentioned this at the parent's breakfast, and Ms. Bost was kind enough to check in on Isabelle later in the day. Ms. Bost made sure to send me a personal message later that day, updating me and letting me know that Isabelle was doing fine. She not only went out of her way to check in on my daughter, but she also made sure to communicate the update with me. I really appreciated that and her!
Claudette Cantu Pre- K at Wieland Elementary (via: Shirley Sanchez) Mrs. Cantu has done a wonderful job of communicating with me regarding how my daughter, Isabelle, is doing in her class. As this is the first week of school, I am curious about her transition and do not want to bother the teacher, as I know they're busy. I really appreciate the open communication!
Sarah Comeau of Rowe Lane Elementary (via: Jorlin) We are fortunate to have Ms. Sarah Comeau as our son's first-time teacher. She is an exceptional educator who has made a lasting impression on our family. Her teaching methods are extraordinary, and she has an incredible ability to help students feel at ease in the classroom. Despite long and exhausting days, Ms. Comeau always wears a smile on her face and exudes contagious positive energy. It's no surprise that our son looks forward to going to school every day, and we are grateful for the positive impact Ms. Comeau has had on his education. Ms. Comeau is The Best!
Mr.Cliff Simms of Brookhollow Elementary (via: Zoila)Thank you for giving kids a reason to want to do better by participating in safety patrol. I love seeing my children want to help others and be part of the school community.
Mrs. Schaefer of Kelly Lane Middle School (via: Haley Bonilla) Week 1 at Kelly Lane, where there was no crossing guard for the kids, there was Ms. Schaefer in her highlighted green vest helping students cross the street each and every morning and afternoon. She greeted them with a warm smile and positivity! She clearly is willing to jump in wherever she is needed to ensure students are safe and their first and last interaction of the day are positive ones. Being a principal is hard, but Ms. Schaefer clearly enjoys her job, her school community and most of all the awesome KLMS students!
Melissa Stark of Riojas (via: Micayla Moore) Mrs. Stark has been so warm, welcoming, and inclusive ! She has been so helpful with our many needs and we could not be more grateful our kids have her as their teacher.
Juanita Gonzalez of Park Crest MS (via: Marisela Cabuto)- Registrar Juanita was instrumental in helping my husband and me get my stepdaughter registered for her first year at a Texas school. Juanita was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, proactive, thorough, patient and very kind. This was a new process for us and Juanita's guidance and heartfelt support made it much easier and manageable, especially since our case was unique in several ways. Juanita is truly a gem and we are grateful for everything she did for our precious family!
The entire Hidden Lake staff admin and Teachers (via:Bobby) I would like to commend the entire Hidden Lake staff on a job well done opening the school and managing the opening school week. Not only was it difficult to open the school but trying to find a system that works for everyone. Adjustments made during the week were excellent and it is running much smoother. Great job HL staff!
Ms. Lopez of Spring Hill Elementary (via: Jamie Delgado) She was a life savor for me on the 4th day of school. My child did not sleep well that night, therefore I did not sleep well. He did not want to wake up to go to school because he was tired. When we got to school, he did not want to go in. Ms. Lopez saw us struggling, walked over to us, grab his backpack, and in a very compassionate (and confident) voice told me, "I got this. I will take him to his class. You may leave now." I am so grateful Ms. Lopez saw us struggling and stepped in with such compassion and direction. it's never easy to leave you child crying, but I felt a sense of "he will be okay" when she took over. So thank you!
Officer Bryant of Spring Hill Elementary (via: Jamie Delgado) I want to thank Officer Bryant for making herself known and seen the first week of school. We greeted her on the first day and she greeted us back with a smile, and then on the 2nd day of school we stopped to talk to her. My child, who is in pre-K, was feeling a little anxious about the 2nd day of school, but after talking to Officer Bryant, it was as if he walked a little bit taller. He was in awe that his school had their own "Chase" from Paw Patrol - someone who is looking out for him, keeping him safe, and on his side. We didn't see Officer Bryant outside on the 3rd day, but when my child came home from school he told me how he saw Officer Bryant in the halls at his school! Seeing her was one of his highlights that day. So Officer Bryant, thank you for your presence and what your presence means to a four year old!
Dianna Arguello of Pflugerville Middle School (via: Mel Cole) Middle school transition is HARD, especially for a child with some extra needs. Ms. A went above + beyond for my son and also for me. Her communication was top notch, and she was so reassuring that he would get his needs met. I am so appreciative of her and all of his new teachers + admin. Thank you PMS!