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PfISD Pfamily Pflyer
Weekly Parent / Guardian Update April 14, 2023
In This Edition
- Upcoming Events & Holidays
- PfISD Charge Policy
- PfISD 2023-2028 DOI Public Posting
- Proposed changes to Texas A-F Accountability Ratings
- Boundary Adjustment
- Employment Corner
- Staff Shout Outs
- CTE Corner
- Athletics
Upcoming Events & Holidays
April
School Library Month
Math Awareness Month
April 20: Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
May 4: Board Workshop Meeting
PfISD Charge Policy
(beginning April 17, 2023)
Pflugerville ISD is owed more than $180,000 in student lunch accounts across the district; this number continues to grow daily. To collect and reduce outstanding meal balance charges, PfISD will begin providing an alternative entrée to students who owe more than $6 (grace period/amount) on their lunch account.
The alternative entrée will be a cheese sandwich. Students will still select a fruit, vegetable, and drink option to accompany their alternative entrée. The total cost for this meal is $2.00 (or $0.40 for students eligible for reduced lunches) and not the regular price. The district will make every effort to avoid bringing attention to the student during the entrée exchange.
Students who owe a balance cannot purchase any a la carte items. We will continue contacting families, presenting a repayment schedule for any outstanding account balance, and an application for free or reduced meals if needed. Breakfast is still free to all PfISD students. Food and Nutrition Service information is provided yearly to families through the Student Handbook. For additional details, please revisit this information and our CO (LOCAL) policy at this link: https://www.pfisd.net/studenthandboo
PfISD 2023-2028 DOI Public Posting
Passed during the 84th Legislative Session, HB 1842 allows Texas school districts to pursue the designation of ‘District of Innovation,’ a provision that enables traditional independent school districts to access many of the flexibilities that are currently available to open-enrollment charter schools. HB 1842 was also intended to generate greater flexibility, local control, and innovation to better meet the needs of Texas students. Through the development and approval of a “Local Innovation Plan,” a district may obtain certain exemptions from the Texas Education Code to advance their local strategic priorities.
On March 1, 2018, the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees approved its first District of Innovation (DOI) Plan. The 2022-23 District Academic Advisory Council (DAAC) convened in January and February 2023 to consider renewal of the district’s five-year DOI plan as well as other areas of innovation. The 2023-2028 PfISD Local Innovation plan is currently in its final draft with the DAAC who determined on February 20, 2023 its approval for recommendation to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees for their possible approval.
The plan is currently publicly posted for review and input. To provide feedback or comments on the proposed 2023-2028 DOI plan, please respond to DOI@pfisd.net.
Proposed changes to Texas A-F Accountability Ratings
The Texas Education Agency has announced expected significant changes to the A–F accountability process that will begin to impact students, schools, and districts in 2023. We anticipate these changes to the Accountability system will cause a decrease in ratings for schools and districts across the state. While the changes are still preliminary, districts across the state are preparing staff and the community for the changes, which are expected to be finalized in the summer 2023.
Changes to the system center around:
- STAAR testing
- College, Career and Military Readiness Evaluation
- Closing the Gap
- District Ratings
Boundary Adjustment
The Attendance Boundary Committee presented High School Plan 3 for consideration and possible approval to the Board of Trustees. The Committee did not bring any elementary attendance plans forward for consideration and approval. The Board approved the High School 3 plan for the 23-24 school year. You can review this plan here. The following expectations were approved along with high school plan 3:
- Bohls Place grandfathering remains intact and unchanged until the class of 2027
- Grandfather WHS Rising 11th (class of 2025) and 12th grade (class of 2024) students
- Close Out-of-District Transfers to WHS and HHS
- Approve In-District transfers on a case-by-case basis to WHS and HHS; ensuring 5A UIL threshold is not exceeded
The Board approved the Hidden Lake attendance boundaries Feb 2021. Hidden Lake attendance boundary adjustments go into effect for the 23-24 school year. Please review these adjustments here.
The district will send communication to impacted families. If you have questions about grandfathering or transfers, please feel free to contact Student Affairs at 512-594-0046. If you have questions about your attendance boundaries, please contact the Student Data Department at 512-594-9289.
Employment Corner
Did you know that Pflugerville ISD has great opportunities for Nurses (RNs) on campus and Licensed Electricians? If you or anyone you know is skilled in these areas please consider joining the PfISD Pfamily!
Check out our Careers page for details on the great benefits of working for PfISD and the Jobs Board for current opportunities.
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!
Mrs. Wright (Formerly Suarez) of Rowe Lane Elementary Kindergarten (via Charlotte C.): Mrs. Wright has been such a blessing to us this year. Our oldest kiddo started kinder this year and it's been an adjustment for all of us. She has truly partnered with us to ensure our son has had a successful first year of public school. We know he is loved and well cared for in her class. I am thankful for her daily for truly pouring into all of her kinder babies!
Ms. Rebecca Ancira of Murchison Elementary (via Anon): I am constantly blown away by Ms. Ancira's dedication to educating our kiddos. The time and energy she devotes to developing fun learning opportunities (like flashlight reading and making the ENTIRE classroom UV glow) is incredible. She is wonderful at engaging her class to learn their second grade curriculum and challenges them to exceed expectations, as well as taking the time to focus on citizenship, relationships, and helping the class feel like a big family. She somehow also finds time to update us parents and keep us informed of different engagement opportunities or milestones. We love you, Ms. Ancira, and we are lucky to have you at our school!
Jean Gifford of Weiss HS (via Lindsay B.): A huge thanks to Ms. Gifford for going the extra mile to help her physics students. It’s been a challenging year of content, but she has been so supportive and encouraging to our student. Thank you for being such a bright light on campus!
Nancy Gross of Weiss HS (via Parent at WHS): Ms. Gross has really gone above and beyond to help her AP US History students this year. She has taught them valuable note taking and study skills, gave up a Saturday morning to help them get ready for the writing portion of the AP test, and always seems available for help or questions. Thanks for your dedication to this group of kids!
Mrs. Stein of Ruth Barron Elementary (via Bertha G.): Ella ha sido una muy buena maestra, es muy gentil con su trabajo y ayuda mucho en la superación de los alumnos todos los días, ella enseña con el ejemplo y crea un ambiente de paz en los niños que nunca había visto.
La mejor maestra que pude haber tenido para mi hijo.
Mrs. Kelly Robbins of Dearing Elementary (via Candy O. ): Mrs. Robbins has transformed my son from a struggling, reluctant reader into someone who loves reading for fun! I believe reading is the basis for academic success, and the fact she could do that for him will forever change his life. Not to mention the kids think she rocks! A big thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Nicholas Spannato of Weiss High School (via Serina H. ): Mr. Spannato is one of those teachers who really shows that he cares for his students and their success. He has reached out to me a few times when my daughter is falling behind in her assignments. I realize he doesn't have to do this, but the fact that he does I'm so appreciative. I get so busy with work and home life that I don't always stay on top of her school work trusting that she's doing it. Thank you Mr. Spannato for all that you do! You are appreciated!!
Stacy Ogunrinade of Spring Hill Elementary (via Amanda (Parent of a child in Ms. O's class)): Ms. Ogunrinade is a wonderful 2nd grade teacher! She has endless patience and genuine affection for the kids in her class. She helps them excel academically and socially. Her parent communication is excellent. She is also a proud Pflugerville school district alum and we (as parents) are so grateful she came home to teach.
Gina Wood of Riojas Elementary, 3rd Grade (via Natasha G.): Ms. Wood is an exemplary teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. She communicates regularly with parents, is always open to feedback, and advocates for her students.
Jennifer Briggs-Billings of Riojas (via Natasha G.): I would like to thank Mrs. Briggs-Billings for all of her support, guidance, and tutoring she has provided my daughter during this school year! Thank you for all you do for our students at Riojas!!!
Ms. Sylvia Bartles of 3rd grade teacher, Riojas Elementary (via Monica C.): Ms. Bartles does a great job of making learning both focused and fun! The activities her students do in class keep them engaged and have a love for learning. She’s also a wonderful advocate for her students, acknowledging their progress, holding them accountable for their own learning engagement, and coming up with ideas on what kinds of support will best help them succeed. Thank you for being a great teacher and advocate!
Mrs. SP of Crossing guard (via Luz M): Always there no matter the weather. Always Happy and friendly. Making sure all our kids are safe.
Katherine Pratt of Brookhollow Elementary (via Parent): Mrs. Pratt is a WONDERFUL teacher and has made our child's kindergarten year one to remember forever! My child loves school and Mrs. Pratt is a huge part of that. She cares about her students, she is excited to teach, she enjoys seeing her students learn, and she listens to and addresses parents concerns. She is simply the BEST. We are so blessed to have her. She has set the bar! Thank you Brookhollow for giving us this gem!
Pema Simic of Spring Hill Elementary School (via Jennifer S.): Ms. Pema has been an absolute godsend. She makes the kids excited to be there and since she’s been in charge of the classroom- our daughter comes home and actually can tell us specific things she’s learned. I love that I can trust my daughter is actually learning and being treated with love and kindness and staying out of trouble. We LOVE Pema!
Pema Simic of Spring Hill Elementary School (via Byron S.): Ms. Pema takes a genuine interest in her students and it’s evident how much her class likes her by the smiles we see during after-school pickup. I’ve noticed positive changes in my daughter ever since she was brought on and has significantly stepped up in her role
as a full-time educator. My daughter recaps what she learns each day and the enthusiasm she conveys while stating her newly learned fact is amazing to see. Pema is clear with instructions, possesses an encouraging attitude, and communicates effectively with both students and parents alike. She is recognized for her hard work and dedication to her profession.
Anna Miller of Mott Elem. (Speech Therapist) (via Christina): Ms. Miller has gone above and beyond for our son this year. She reaches out regularly to let us know how his sessions are going, she’s made changes to his schedule on the fly to better accommodate his needs, she communicates with his private therapist to ensure goals are aligned, and most importantly our son clearly enjoys learning with her! He has made tremendous progress and we are so grateful to have Ms. Miller on our team!
CTE Corner
PfISD Class of 2023 students are invited to participate in the PfISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Skilled Trades: Water Operator Academy. This academy is offered in partnership with several regional employers, and students who successfully complete the academy are guaranteed an interview for full-time employment, with career advancement opportunities.
Employer partners include:
Crossroads Utility Services
EPCOR
City of Round Rock
City of Manor
Students will be led through the Class D Water Operator training course by an industry-certified instructor, and participate in work-based learning experiences like site tours, guest speakers, hands-on lab activities, resume writing and interview skill workshops, and more. Upon successful completion, PfISD will pay for the student’s industry certification exam fee.
When? June 5 – June 29
Where? Pflugerville High School
Time? 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free lunch
PfISD transportation available
Interested students should apply by April 28: https://forms.gle/vYXP4H6SpTZUAqYe9
Fine Arts
HS Theatre UIL One Act Play
The One Act Plays from Connally High School and Hendrickson High School both represented PfISD well at the area competition in Bastrop. We’re so proud of these groups and the hard work they have put into these amazing productions! Hendrickson HS OAP will move on to the region competition in Pasadena next Saturday.
Band & Choir UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation
Our middle school and high school band and choir programs have completed their annual UIL Concert and Sight Reading evaluations, with many earning excellent and superior ratings. We want to give an extra big shout out to the programs that earned a Sweepstakes rating, indicating they scored the highest possible rating in both the concert and sight reading portions:
Bohls Middle School Band & Choir
Cele Middle School Band & Choir
Dessau Middle School Band
Kelly Lane Middle School Band & Choir
Park Crest Middle School Band
Pflugerville Middle School Choir
Westview Middle School Band
Connally High School Band
Hendrickson High School Band & Choir
Pflugerville High School Band & Choir
Weiss High School Choir
Athletics
(All schedules can be found on rankonesports.com)
Connally HS
Baseball:
Senior pitcher Felix Salazar continues to have good outings going 5 2/3 innings only giving up 4 earned runs. Jesse Barraso and Cesar Arizpe continue to lead the Cougars at the plate with a base hit each.
Volleyball:
Participated in the Unified Champions Egg Hunt with our Essentials student. Our athletes did an amazing job being inclusive during the egg hunt and building relationships while decorating cookies and stuffing eggs.
Boys Soccer:
The Boys Soccer team made it to the Semifinal round of the UIL State Tournament competing for the State Championship. Congratulations to the Connally Cougars on an incredible season this year!
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Hendrickson HS
Track:
Hendrickson hosted the UIL Unified Track Meet on Tuesday and had amazing support from all athletes!
Golf:
The girls golf team got second in District. Congratulations to the girl's golf team and Coach Westerfield.
Baseball:
The boys won another district game against Eastview on Tuesday winning 6-5. They are now 4th in district standing.
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Pflugerville HS
Track:
District Track Meet this week at Georgetown East View.
Baseball:
The boys won their district game on Tuesday and are now 3rd in the district standings.
Golf:
Eva Gallegos finished 8th at the district meet and was named all-district
Marshall Prout was named all-district honorable mention
Congratulations!
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Weiss HS
Tennis:
Mark Brugnara represented Weiss in Waco at Regionals in Men’s Singles.
In Women’s Tennis, Han Nguyen and Fabiana Requena will begin to play as well in Waco, in Women’s Team Doubles.
Basketball:
Kimora McClure will sign her commitment letter to continue her basketball career at Missouri State Fair College.
Soccer:
Bill Anderson received Soccer Coach of the Year! Congratulations!
District Awards:
Audrey Moore Co-Midfielder of the Year for District 12-6A.
Weiss Women’s Soccer also received the District 12-6A Fair Play Award because they received the least number of cards! Great sportsmanship ladies!
Golf:
Weiss HS girls' golf team had a fantastic performance at this year's 12-6A district golf tournament at Bear Ridge Golf Course in Waco, TX. Freshmen player Ahrieya Vattana was selected 2nd team All-District and qualified for regionals as a medalist.
Dayne Bachmeyer & Jett Johncio both completed in individual play at this tournament and did very well. Out of 50 golfers, Jett Johnico placed 20th overall and Dayne Bachmeyer won the entire tournament; placing 1st place!!! Congratulations to all the golfers who participated!
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P’ Ville Cup Standings
HS P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)
HHS 783
PHS 697
CHS 604
WHS 278
8th Grade P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)
PCMS 350
CMS 266
BMS 183
KLMS 170
WMS 112
PMS 98
DMS 80
7th Grade P’ Ville Cup Points (Currently)
PCMS 352
CMS 234
KLMS 169
PMS 164
BMS 150
DMS 92
WMS 89