ESSA/ESSER Newsletter

Happy December, everyone! As we wrap up the year, this month’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in grant management to keep you informed and ready for what’s ahead. With the holiday season just around the corner, we hope you take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful break—you’ve earned it! As always, we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

- Tami Knight, Mercedez Rassi, and Monica Diaz

www.esc15.net/titlei

The 2024-25 Program Monitoring for ESSA is already underway! If you're interested in seeing if your friends in another district were selected, TEA has published the statewide list here.

The following Region districts were selected:

1. Bangs ISD
2. Brady ISD
3. Coleman ISD
4. Crockett County CCSD
5. Junction ISD
6. Miles ISD
7. Texas Leadership Public Schools
8. Water Valley ISD
9. Zephyr ISD

TEA is selecting about 20% of each region every year and they are monitoring PRIOR YEAR compliance. This means that the documentation you will need if you're selected for next year's validation is being generated now! We strongly encourage you to review the expectations for program validation so you will feel confident should your name pop up next year! There is a 100% chance your district will be selected for monitoring within the next 5 years.

If selected, you will be asked to provide documentation for ALL of these programs that are relevant to your district:

• Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs
• Title I, Part C - Education of Migratory Children
• Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 - Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
• Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction
• Title IV, Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment
• ESSA Private Nonprofit School Equitable Services (PNP)

How are you coming along with your USDE ESSER reports?

CHALLENGE: We would LOVE to see most of our districts complete Phase 1 before we break for the holidays! Let's get this done!

RECAP: GovDelivery on 9/3 from TEA. announced the reporting window.

The Year 5 USDE ESSER report will be completed in two phases.

• Phase 1 - open 9/1/24; due 1/15/25, includes CROSSACT & SCHOOLS reports
• Phase 2 - open 11/1/24; due 3/15/25, includes ESSER I, ESSER II, & ESSER III reports

See graphic below for more details.

We asked our PEIMS department for help with this. Since PEIMS reports for 24-25 are currently being prepped, there are no PEIMS reports for the 9/30/24 snapshot (used for CROSSACT; the SCHOOLS report uses a 9/30/23 snapshot date).

For ASCENDER users, our PEIMS folks recommend generating HRS4450 FSP Staff Salary Report. From there you may modify the printing parameters for district/campus options. We are told that non-ASCENDER users most likely have a comparable report available.

For more help with this, reach out to your HR department (this is pretty far outside of our federal programs lane).

Do you need some help with your USDE ESSER Reports? Mercedez and Tami will be offering office hours to lend a hand!

Office Hours - most Tuesdays at 2:00-3:00 (see specific dates below).

Zoom link

The end of ESSER 3 is here! September 30, 2024 was the end of the ESSER III grant period. Your district might find yourself in one of four categories:

1. All of your ESSER 3 funds are spent, drawn down, and your available balance is $0. High five! Hooray! You have much to celebrate!
2. All of your ESSER 3 funds are OBLIGATED, but you have some that you cannot draw down quite yet. You're not alone. As of Monday, 9/30, TEA reported that about $682 million was unexpended. Districts have 90 days to liquidate ESSER 3 funds. Please see that your funds are drawn down by December 29, 2024.
3. All of your ESSER 3 funds are OBLIGATED, but you anticipate that you will NOT be able to draw them down by 12/29/24. You need to request a liquidation extension. To do this, log into the ESSER Compliance WorkApp and complete the form. This form was due November 30.
4. Some of your ESSER 3 money is NOT obligated. Unfortunately, these funds will lapse. This may result in your LEA having an increased risk level.

In order to help schools implement compliant programs, TEA has published frequently asked questions for various program areas.

ESSA:

• Title I-A FAQ (06/23)
• Title II-A FAQ (RECENTLY REVISED! 09/24)
• Title IV-A FAQ (06/23)
• ESSA Private Nonprofit Equitable Services (07/23)

ESSER:

• ESSER FAQ
• ESSER Side-by-Side Comparison

All of our resources have been updated for the 24-25 school year! Click the items below to download!

Be sure to carefully review and address each task that is relevant to your district. If you aren't sure, reach out to Tami, Mercedez or Monica and we can help!

These cluster sessions are intended to be a convenient way for teachers, parent liaisons, and administrators to enhance their communication skills to strengthen family partnerships! Lots of choices in dates and locations - choose the one that works best for you! Registration costs $50.

Our 24-25 ESSA/ESSER PD sessions have been tentatively scheduled! Keep in mind, our PD dates are always subject to change because of required trainings that we may be asked to attend.

Join us for our Federal Programs Coffee Chats! These are very informal Zoom meetings where participants log in, hear a few updates, and ask questions. Click the picture below to access the flyer and a live link to our Zoom meeting.

Discover a transformative approach to cultivating love in the lives of families through the 15 pillars of love. In this interactive session, you’ll explore:

· Practical tools to help families intentionally practice love at home.

· Lovescaping resources, including workshops, guidebooks, and workbooks for all ages.

· Special Love & Literacy activities designed for families with young children (ages 3–5).

Let’s embark on a hands-on journey to create loving and connected home environments. Don’t miss this opportunity!

What's in this quarter?

The newsletter covers a range of topics, including resources for high school students, information about the Annual Title I, Part A Meeting, the effects of bullying, and the importance of male role models, regular attendance, and schools offering materials and training to help support children at home. We believe that by sharing this information, we can contribute to creating a more collaborative and supportive learning environment for students.

What are we talking about?

The 2nd Quarter of "The Family Learning Connection" published by the Title I, Part A Parent and Family Statewide Initiative, is now available on our website here and on our Smore page here. Attached to this email you will also find PDF versions of this newsletter translated into five additional languages.

What do I do with the newsletter?

We encourage you to share this newsletter with all parents, families, and community members by whatever form(s) and languages are best for your unique schools and/or district. By incorporating these newsletters into communication channels with all stakeholders, you can empower parents, guardians, caregivers, and families to play an active role in their child's educational journey.

This new website is designed to support districts in empowering parents to navigate the school system with ease. Explore a wealth of resources, including informative newsletters, best practice expos, and up-to-date conference information. Whether you're seeking guidance, staying informed, or looking for ways to engage with the educational community, this website has it all. Check it out today!

Is there anything we can do to help you with your ESSA programs? Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Our contact information is below.

Email: federalprograms@esc15.net
Website: www.esc15.net/titlei
Location: 612 South Irene Street, San Angelo, TX, USA
Phone: 325-658-6571
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region15ESC
Twitter: @Region15ESC