PfISD Pfamily Pflyer

• Upcoming Events & Holidays
• Election 2022 Information
• Important Student Attendance Information
  
• DAAC Applications
• New "One Chip" TikTok Challenge
  
• Staff Shout Outs
• PfISD hosts Inaugural Parent and Pfamily Engagement Conference
  
• Pflugerville Pfalcons/Team Texas wins silver medals
  
• Keyboarding Contest
• Free & Reduced Lunch Meal Application/CEP Campus Application
• Leadership Pflugerville ISD Program
• PfISD to administer PSAT/NMSQT in October
  
• PfISD Lunch Charge Policy
  
• CTE Corner
• Athletic Updates

September

* Attendance Awareness Month

* Deaf Awareness Month

* Child Obesity Awareness Month

Sept. 11-17 - Arts in Education Week

Sept. 15 - Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 — National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 20 - National IT Professionals Day

Oct. 1 - PfISD Parent and Pfamily Engagement Conference

Did You Know: PfISD is able to pay for the proposed $367M Bond Package without increasing the district's debt service tax rate?

The Board has been thoughtfully and strategically studying facility needs, growth and enrollment projections, community input, and a recommendation from our Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) to call for a bond election for the November 8, 2022 ballot. The Board moved forward with the CFAC’s recommendations along with a recommendation from the PfISD administration to include affordable teacher housing. With a unanimous vote, the Board called a $367,604,000 bond election to be held on November 8, 2022.

The proposed bond package will accommodate safety and security needs, growth in student enrollment, aging conditions, evolving student programs, and equity across campuses. Due to recent legislation requiring certain projects to be included on separate ballot propositions, the bond package will be presented to voters in Propositions C-H.

For more information about the 3 Elections held by PfISD in November (ACE, VATRE, and Bond), please visit www.pfisd.net/election2022.

School attendance is a powerful predictor of academic and social student outcomes. And, no matter how careful and prepared we are, occasional illnesses and family emergencies may cause us to miss one or more days of school or work. And we will be remiss not to acknowledge that the past two years have taught us that we can't always foresee what life will throw at us.

Before the pandemic, Texas had a problem with chronic absenteeism (excused or unexcused absences) in its schools. More than 740,000 students missed at least one-tenth of their instruction in 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic has exacerbated chronic absenteeism. The negative effects of absenteeism on a student's education can be profound and often carry into adulthood. We are refocusing our efforts as a district to ensure that students attend school regularly.

Starting on page 28 of our Student Handbook, you will find information about two important state laws-one dealing with compulsory attendance and the other with how attendance affects a student's final grade or course credit. These laws have been in effect for many years. Our campuses will follow these laws consistently to ensure our students reach their highest potential.

State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for the following activities and events, as long as the student makes up all work:

• Religious holy days; - 1 day to and from travel plus holy day.
• Required court appearances; - 1 day travel to and from plus court appearance.
• Activities related to obtaining U.S. citizenship;
• Documented healthcare appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services, if the student returns to school on the same day of the appointment and brings a note from the healthcare provider;
• Absences resulting from a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student's attendance infeasible, with certification by a physician;
• For students in the conservatorship of the state: An activity required under a court-ordered service plan; or
• Any other court-ordered activity, provided it is not practicable to schedule the student's participation in the activity outside of school hours.
• For children of military families, absences of up to five days will be excused for a student to visit a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian going to, on leave from, or returning from certain deployments.
• Students who pursue enlistment in the U.S. armed services (Student Handbook page 29).
• Students who serve as an early voting clerk or election clerk (Student Handbook page 29).
• Students who sound "Taps" at a military honors funeral (Student Handbook page 29).
• Students who visit colleges or universities (Student Handbook page 29). Junior and Seniors get two days per school year.

The district will also allow excused absences for:

• Students who are sent home by a school nurse;
• Students who meet with their Probation Officers during school hours
• Students who test positive (home or lab-confirmed) for COVID-19 (Student Handbook page 32).
• Other events that have a broad impact on a campus or district.

Regardless if the absence is excused or unexcused, students should stay home if they are not feeling well or have symptoms of an infectious disease. Please do not send your sick student to school. Let them stay home to rest and recover. Students can make up work without penalty for excused and unexcused absences when they return.

We also ask parents and guardians to continue to provide notes for excused or unexcused absences (page 32 of the Student Handbook). These notes will assist the campus in assessing and responding to attendance needs and providing wraparound services when a student begins to display chronic absenteeism. For example, if a student misses several days due to illness but cannot be seen by a doctor, our social work team can assist the family with community healthcare resources and support. Knowing the causes and effects of a child being chronically absent can help inform solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate this issue. Although eliminating chronic absenteeism may take years, school personnel can take steps now to help students attend and succeed in school.

If you have any questions regarding your child's attendance, don't hesitate to contact your school attendance staff for the most accurate and updated information.

PfISD is currently searching for parents and community members to serve on the District Academic Advisory Committee. Every school district in the State of Texas is required to establish a committee that regularly meets to plan for the improvement of student performance. In Pflugerville ISD, this committee is called the District Academic Advisory Council, or DAAC. The role of the DAAC is primarily advisory and consultative in nature, and the specific functions of the DAAC include providing review and comment on:

• District Educational Program
• District Performance
• District Improvement Plan
• Student Code of Conduct
• District Staff Development Plan
• Waiver Requests to the State
• District Budget

The DAAC consists of campus-based professional staff, District-level professional staff, parents, businesses, and the community. As required by law, at least 2/3 of the district/campus staff must be classroom teachers. Staff members on the DAAC are elected by their peers. Non-staff members are selected from volunteers. In addition to state regulations governing the selection of committee members, every effort is made to select non-staff members representing ethnic, grade, and program diversity.

The DAAC meets approximately 4-6 times a year. All meetings begin at 4:45 p.m., in the Pflugerville Administration Building Board Room (1401 W. Pecan Street). After each meeting, minutes are posted on the District’s website. Agendas are set by the Chief Academic and Innovation Officer, the chair of the DAAC, with input from the DAAC committee.

If you are interested in serving on the DAAC, visit the DAAC website and please complete and submit the application form.

As social media becomes more prevalent in our society, we believe it is important for our students to learn how to use these platforms in a positive way that bolsters knowledge, spreads kindness and encourages others. Instead, it seems every day there is something new on these platforms meant to challenge users to create content just for likes, attention or to harm others. We all need to do our part to make sure our students are using social media in a safe and responsible manner.

Recently, a new trend has been growing on TikTok and other social media platforms we want you to be aware of. Some campuses have already had to deal with the adverse effects of this particular challenge. The “One Chip Challenge” is a new nationwide social media trend. Mostly found on TikTok, it involves eating a chip made with two of the hottest peppers in the world. Side effects may include, general discomfort, sweating, and vomiting. In stores, these chips are sold with a warning label saying to "keep out of reach of children."

The district has had several student attempt this challenge while at school and have become ill, requiring their parent to pick them up. Additionally, there have been several individuals in the state who have been hospitalized from partaking in the challenge.

It seems there are new challenges gaining traction all the time. We are asking our parents and guardians to please have conversations with your children, and also encourage them to have discussions with their friends, about the disruptive nature of these challenges and the health concerns that can result from them.

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 Shout Out directly reference a student, we will not include the parent name so 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 FO OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY!

Marcie Arredondo of Weiss HS (via Keri S.): Marcie e-mailed me a VOE form for my daughter so she would be able to get her permit. She was very busy, but took time to e- mail the form to us. I am very appreciative of her kind act.

Mr. Saquiche of Riojas ES (via Sandra S.): Mr. Saquiche has made us feel welcome since the minute we met him at meet the teacher night. My son tells me that he makes learning fun and my son is so happy to be in his class. Thank you Mr. Saquiche for strategically planning your teaching considering the kids needs so that their learning feels like play time instead of actual work. We are excited for 1st grade!

Ms. Feldman of Parmer Lane ES (via Artie R.): She is a loving and understanding person and she stay on her student to do the right thing

Mr. Jason Adams of Rowe Lane ES (via Namrata D.): M.Adams is a very helpful teacher.Kids feel very comfortable with him and are happy to learn from him.

Andrea Sanchez and Mott's Staff of Mott ES (via Lanis D.): We are so grateful for Ms. Sanchez and the entire staff at Mott. This was Gianny’s first experience going to any day care/ school. We were nervous, anxious, and petrified how she would act. There were a few tears and anxious moments. But Ms. Sanchez and the Mott’s staff stepped in. Because of their expertise, and caring, Gianny is adjusting well to attending school.

Hannah Ellis of Mott ES (via Lanis D.): Even though it is just a few days since school started, we would like to thank Ms. Ellis for her commitment to her student, especially our Leilani. Just meeting her you could tell she cares in providing her student with a solid educational foundation. We look forward to working with her this year.

Jessica Perry/Garcia of Pflugerville HS (via Jason L. - Student): Ms. Perry is an amazing hard working teacher at PHS. She truly cares about her students works diligently with her students to be successful! She is an amazing person who should be teacher of the year!!!

Brettany Kokes of Pflugerville HS (via Vivian C. - Student): Ms.Kokes always makes me feel welcome every day I come to school. Her happiness shines through everyone she speaks to. She always makes sure her students feel comfortable and loved. Ms.Kokes makes time for each and every student. She works hard to make her classes and this campus a better place.

Brettany Kokes of Pflugerville HS (via Jason L. - Student): Ms. Kokes is a passionate teacher who works hard everyday to care for her students. She is school spirited and loves PHS. Entering her classroom makes you feel welcomed and cared about. She is an amazing teacher

Mrs. de la Cruz of Riojas ES (via Priyanka A.): We are new to Texas and this is my son's first year in Riojas. Mrs. de la Cruz has helped him a lot, making transition as seamless as possible. She went above and beyond to calm his anxiety. Now he is all smiles and excited to go to school. I appreciate her kindness and being the BEST!

Ms. Thompson, Ms. Eva, M. Sammie, Ms. B of Pflugerville ES (via Gregg O): All this teachers named are God sent to my family, besides being very patient with our children, they are dedicated, loving ❤, kind and doing their jobs diligently without expecting any praises. Blessings to all of them & KUDOS.

Rebecca Ancira of Murchison ES (via Emily A.): Mrs. Ancira is a ray of sunshine to anyone who crosses her path! Always smiling, welcoming & nurturing her students, and overflowing with enthusiasm. With 23 years experience (all at our school), we are incredibly blessed to have her teaching our kids. Her positive energy is incredibly inspiring. We love you, Mrs. Ancira!

Daniela Guardiola of Pflugerville MS (via Brandon L. - Student): An amazing 6th grade assistant principal for helping and welcoming to the 6th grade to become an awesome wonderful middle school person.

Brettany Kokes of Pflugerville HS (via Anonymous): Mrs. Kokes class is the best thing that could have happened to my son. He has opened up and come out of his shy shell. She has created a community of learners and critical peers that hold each other accountable. Her class has helped him take a turn in a positive way with her uplifting energy and devotion to her profession and both of her RST and PALS programs at PHS.

Amy Gunter of Mott ES (Nicole M.): I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Amy Gunter! My daughter has been raving about how much she loves school and her teacher since she started. I have seen tremendous growth in her writing, math and verbal skills already, and it’s only been 2 weeks! We couldn’t be happier and are excited to see how much our daughter grows this year!

Ms. Prax and Ms. Row and Ms. England of Timmerman ES (via Alaa A.): They were teaching my daughter (Dema ) in third grade at Timmerman Elementary they were working so hard all year they are wonderful and excellent team thank you for all of you.

Jennifer Herber of Bohls MS (via Reagan O.): She did an awesome job helping my son feel more comfortable at school. She went above and beyond to meet him before school started. It was a huge blessing. Because of her, I knew he’d have a great school year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Coach Sikes of Bohls MS (via Karelin G.): He coached my son last year and still takes the time to see him at the high school games and talk to him and tells us as parents how great our son was when he was at the school. For a teacher to go out of his way is so important to these children..He built his confidence and he is eager to push harder because Coach Sikes believed in him. My daughter is currently at Bohls and says he is awesome as well!!!

Mr. Brian Blando of Carpenter ES (via Michelle J.): Anytime you see Mr. Blando you will encounter such a kind and welcoming spirit. His enthusiasm is infectious and he is always so uplifting. We love Mr. Blando's positivity and appreciate all that he does for Carpenter Elementary!

Pflugerville ISD Invites you to join us for a Parent and Pfamily Engagement Conference. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Pflugerville High School from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Our goal is to empower parents and families to actively engage in their child's education through targeted informational sessions and workshops.

Child Care is available but is limited. Please register now to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3caZOgD

PfISD is partnering with Learning.com to launch a district-wide keyboarding contest coming this fall. Check out the information below and take part for schools and students to win prizes and improve their typing skills.

The free meals program provided by the USDA and Texas Department of Agriculture for all PfISD students during the pandemic will end with the 2021-22 school year. Starting with the 2022-23 school year, students must complete the necessary form to receive free or reduced lunch. PfISD will continue to offer free breakfast at all campuses, all school year.

PfISD is encouraging families who feel they may qualify for the free/reduced meal program to complete the forms this year as it will give their students coverage for the first 30 days of next school year. Then, they must complete an application at the beginning of next school year to receive benefits all year long.

Please take note: the free meals that have been available to all students, regardless of their application status, are ending. Students who have previously been part of the free/reduced meal plan or newer students who enrolled in PfISD during the 2021-22 school year who may be eligible for the traditional program need to apply to continue receiving free or reduced meals at school next school year.

Click HERE for a Free & Reduced Lunch Application.

Pflugerville ISD has seven campuses which qualified to operate under the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows PfISD to provide breakfast and lunch at no-charge to all students, eliminating the need for the free and reduced meal application under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The CEP-Qualifying schools are:

• Delco Elementary School
• Dessau Elementary School
• Northwest Elementary School
• River Oaks Elementary School
• Ruth Barron Elementary School
• Dessau Middle School
• Westview Middle School

PfISD is requesting that families complete our District's Socioeconomic Information Form. Your reported income levels found on the form and the form itself will not be sent to TEA. PfISD will only report a student's socioeconomic status to TEA using the information found on the form.

The online form is available online through the Skyward Parent Portal, available by clicking “Log in here” at: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/5670

C.E.P. FAQ

Spanish C.E.P. FAQ

Apply NOW to serve as a member of Leadership Pflugerville ISD!

Leadership Pflugerville ISD will give approximately 15 Pflugerville ISD stakeholders the opportunity to take part in an interactive, in-depth monthly learning experience from November through May.

As a member of the Leadership Pflugerville ISD class, you will go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to run a public school district with more than 25,000 students and 3,000 employees. During a series of meetings you’ll gain access to District leadership, have the opportunity to ask in-depth questions, and take a deep dive into learning. Session topics will include District operations, finance, curriculum, and other areas of interest.

Learn more and apply HERE! Deadline is Sept. 16.

Pflugerville ISD will conduct its annual administration of the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) on Oct. 12. Middle and High School campuses will share additional information.

The PSAT/NMSQT will be given on Oct. 12. Participating students will be as follows:

• All 10th & 11th graders
• 9th graders in Algebra II & above

The PSAT 8/9 will be given on Oct. 12 to the following students:

• Middle Schools
  • 8th graders
• High Schools, October 13
  • 9th graders enrolled in AVID I or Geometry

  
  

The cost of registration for both exams is covered for all students.

Each summer, Dell Medical offers several day camps for middle and high school students in Central Texas. Participants enjoy hands-on science experiments, interact with health professionals from various fields, and much more. Through these camps, Dell Medical team members help pave the way for students to pursue careers that contribute to health transformation. After two years of a virtual camp, this past summer’s campers got to enjoy an in-person experience! Camp activities included administering IVs, performing intubations, drawing blood & taking vital signs. 54 PfISD Health Science students were nominated, with 20 students selected from a random draw – five students chosen to represent each of our four comprehensive high schools in the district.

The PfISD CTE Healthcare Therapeutic program is a four-year program with a capstone Practicum class that culminates with students testing and earning an Industry-Based Certification as either a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT). Senior level students engage in hospital clinical rotations, ambulance ride-outs, and more hands-on experiences to prepare them for a career in healthcare.

We love the sights and sounds of our youngest learners moving, singing, creating, reading, and exploring in their special area classes! We want to send a big THANK YOU to our special area teachers who are doing amazing work serving all of the students in our schools!

Volleyball: District Play has BEGUN!!

Connally HS: 0-1

Hendrickson HS: 1-0

Pflugerville HS: 1-0

Weiss HS: 0-1

STAY HOT!!!

Football: HHS picked up a WIN over RR McNeil and gave Coach Pearce his 1st career VICTORY!!! WHS was victorious this week versus Converse Judson, this gave Coach Van Meter 199 career WINS! PHS will battle Bastrop this Friday night (Sept. 16) at The Pfield. HHS will have a bye this week while WHS will travel to Unicorn Stadium and battle New Braunfels. CHS will travel to Badger Filed and play Lampasas. LET’S GO!!!

Fun Fact: Pflugerville HS has racked up 390 All Time Football Wins!! IMPRESSIVE!!!

Cross Country: CHS, HHS, WHS and PHS ran in the PfISD CC Meet this past week. With over 800 runners this meet was “run off” flawlessly. GREAT JOB COACHES AND STAFF!!!

Team Tennis: PHS will travel to East View this week for a district match. ACE!!!

Middle School Athletics: Volleyball has started their season and Football kicked off their season this week along with Cross Country. Let’s GO PFISD!!!