Michelle Uballe – District IC (via Jenny Runkel, Pflugerville Elementary)
“Michelle spins MANY plates in her day-to-day work in the district but ALWAYS jumps in the help the PfireAnts when we need her guidance, support, and ideas! Thank you, Michelle!!”
Heather Alaniz – MES/Long Term Sub (via Rose Baldwin and the MES First Grade Team, Murchison)
“Ms. A has long term subbed for our team a number of times through the year and every time she just flows right in. We appreciate her for stepping in to open our fourth class until we found a permanent teacher! We will miss you Ms. A!”
Jesyka Heskey, Cody Zinn, Mickey House – KLMS-Behavior (via Gonzalez, KLMS)
“A huge shoutout to our amazing Behavior Team! The three of you consistently do an incredible job and are always willing to show up, step in, and support wherever you’re needed. We are so lucky to have you all here!!!”
Melissa Nguyen, Kaycee Moore, Holly Bell, and Mr. John – Parmer Lane Elementary Behavior (via Diane Luna, Parmer Lane Elementary)
“Thank you for working so hard to support my classroom and my student's needs! I see how hard you work and appreciate all that you do.”
6th Grade Science Team – DMS (via Anonymous, DMS)
“They work really well together and do a lot for there students.”
Sellers – DMS (via Anonymous, DMS)
“Sellers is fantastic, and brings a lot of good things to the science team.”
Garza – DMS (via Anonymous, DMS)
“He is a Team player, and helps us get all the students on the right track. He is always happy to help.”
Zimmerman & Cepeda – Functional Academics (via Anonymous, DMS)
“The hardest room on campus. You would not know it, if you see them. They are pros at what they do on a daily basis.”
Anthony Castorino – Westview Middle School 8th Grade Social Studies (via William Treadwell, Social Studies)
“Mr. Castorino has injected so much passion into teaching his students US History this year. He has routinely used an incredible imagination to come up with total physical response signals for students to use to remember US History concepts. In PLC, he is an honest advocate with solid ideas. As a teacher, he respects and pushes his students. As a coach, he fosters responsible students and builds community. Above all, he is an asset to Westview and a valued member of the team. I appreciate him and enjoy working with him.”
Jacob Gross – Westview Middle School (via Mr. Anonymous, Westview Middle School)
“Dearest Gentle Reader,
There are mornings when the halls of our school begin to sing before the first bell has even had its say. Music drifts from classrooms, instruments are carefully practiced, and somewhere among it all, one may find Mr. Gross alongside his students.
While many of us are still preparing ourselves for the day ahead, Mr. Gross can often be found giving his students something far more precious: his time. Before the first bell rings, he is there in the hallway, listening, correcting, encouraging, and helping his young musicians become just a little better than they were the day before.
And it seems his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
His students speak of their music with a particular enthusiasm. They are eager to share what they are learning, which pieces they are performing, and how their own abilities are growing. There is a certain pride in their voices when they speak of their music: a pride that cannot simply be taught from a page.
Perhaps that is Mr. Gross's greatest gift.
For music is not merely about playing the correct notes. It is about discovering something within oneself worth developing, practicing, and sharing with others. It is about discipline, expression, creativity, and, perhaps most importantly, joy.
A truly well-rounded education should cultivate more than the mind alone. It should give students opportunities to discover what makes them passionate, what makes them proud, and what makes them feel that they have created something of their own.
It appears Mr. Gross is doing precisely that.
But perhaps there is also a lesson here for the rest of us.
The next time you find yourself walking through the halls and hear music drifting from a classroom or perhaps being practiced by a student before the day begins, do not be so quick to hurry past. Pause for a moment. Listen.
And as you do, perhaps take a moment to appreciate not only the student making the music, but the teachers who have helped make that moment possible. Behind every developing musician is someone who has taught a note, corrected a rhythm, offered encouragement, stayed a little later, arrived a little earlier, or simply reminded a student that their music is worth making.
Mr. Gross is certainly not alone in this work. The music teachers throughout our respective school and our district are helping young people discover the discipline, creativity, confidence, and joy that come from making something beautiful. Their work may sometimes happen behind classroom doors, but its effects can be heard throughout our halls.
So, dear reader, the next time music finds its way to your ears, perhaps allow yourself a small pause.
Listen to the student.
Appreciate the teacher.
And for just a moment, appreciate the creation itself.
For in a school so often filled with bells, announcements, assignments, and hurried footsteps, it is worth remembering that sometimes the most important thing we can do is stop, and listen to something beautiful.
Yours Most Observantly”
Andrea Alvarado, Christopher Gregory, Jennie McFerrin, Jonathan Polk, Michell Uballe, Andrea Vela – District Instructional Coaches/School Improvement (via Bridgit Shorter, Professional Learning/Human Resources)
“October 6th is National Instructional Coaches Day, but our District Instructional Coaches (ICs) deserve kudos and recognition every single day of the year for all of the different ways they serve PfISD! In addition to supporting campuses and coaching individual teachers, our District ICs help design and facilitate our district's New Teacher Academy professional learning sessions, which provide targeted support for our new-to-profession teachers. Thank you for all you do, District ICs!”
Mr. Castillo – Windermere Elementary (via Anonymous)
“Mr. Castillo works very hard for the students and staff of Windermere ES. He brings a smile, positivity, and energy to the campus each day, and does a lot of things behind the scenes to support teachers so that they can support students in being successful. Thank you, Mr. Castillo!”
Ramon Belmares – Campus PD (via Tiffany Canela, Wieland)
“When it comes to going above and beyond in the line of duty Officer Belmares needs to top recognition! When he visits Wieland not only is he a smiling presence in the hallways, he has been spotting picking up trash from the playground, helping deliver text book to classrooms, unloading boxes and walking students who just need just a little extra support down the hallways. We are proud to say that he is a part of the Wildcat community.”
Ms. Catherine Zimmerman – Dessau Middle School/Functional Academics (via Anonymous, Dessau Middle School)
“Your kindness brings light to those around you. Your generosity of spirit reminds me that there is so much good in the world. You never fail to go above and beyond to help others. Thank You for spreading your gift of love, support and dedication.”
Verinicia Waston – Transportion (via Gloria Gordon, Transportion)
“She goes above and beyond to make sure things are done correctly.”
Alexis Fernandez, Brian Blando, Lindsey Allison, Whitney Simmons, Loren Mesta, Bridgett Thompson, and Leslie Moreno – Timmerman SPED (via Evelyn Cinalli, Timmerman SPED)
“This team works incredibly well together! Each one of these awesome people wants what is best for kids and it shows! All of them are willing to jump in and help a student as well as help a teacher in need. I'm so proud to be a apart of this amazing team!”
Mr. Ortiz – Principle (via Anonymous, Ruth Barron/Administration)
“Thank you for showing what a true leader looks like. You make every staff member feel part of the Ruth Barron community.”
Jessica Marcos – Kelly Lane Middle School (via Marilyn Holland, Kelly Lane Middle School)
“She is very fun and nice.”
