PfISD Employee Express

National Bullying Prevention Month

National School Principal Month

Disabilities Awareness Month

Oct. 23-31: Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 27: High School Schedule Task Force Public Hearing

Nov. 2: Board Grievance Committee Meeting, Board Workshop & Supt Formative Evaluation

Nov. 10: State of the District

Nov. 12: Special Board Meeting to Canvass Votes , Regular Board Meeting

Who can refer a student?

• Anyone can refer a learner for GT screening.

How do I submit a referral?

• Use the official PfISD GT Referral Form.
• Access the GT Referral Form - English, Spanish, Vietnamese

What are the annual deadlines for the GT Referral Process?

• Community GT Referral Window: October 5th to October 31st
• Universal Screening: All PfISD 2nd-grade students & GT 3rd-grade students will be screened between October 5th & October 31st.
• New Referral Screening Window: All community-referred students will be screened November 15th to January 15th.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Texas has a new graduation requirement related to My Texas Future and Direct Admissions.

What is My Texas Future?

My Texas Future is a Texas resource that helps students explore college, career, and postsecondary opportunities. Through the Direct Admissions Program, students can see Texas colleges and universities where they may qualify for admission based on their student information.

What does my student need to do?

To meet this graduation requirement, students must complete ONE of the following:

Option 1: Participate in Direct Admissions

• Students create or update their My Texas Future profile and choose to participate in the Direct Admissions Program.
• Student Directions Graphic
• Step-by-Step Student Guide

OR

Option 2: Opt Out of Direct Admissions
Students may decline participation by completing the official Direct Admissions Opt-Out Form.

• Direct Admissions Opt-Out Form

For students under 18, a parent/guardian must complete the appropriate authorization. Students who are 18 or older may complete the form themselves. A school counselor may also authorize a student to opt out in writing.

Important!

Students must complete one of these options to satisfy this graduation requirement.

Choosing to participate in Direct Admissions does not mean your student has applied to college or must attend a college that contacts them. It is simply a way for students to learn about colleges where they may qualify for admission.

Questions?

If you have questions about this requirement or need assistance completing the process, please contact your student's school counselor.

Thank you for supporting your student's college and career planning and helping them complete this important graduation requirement.

Each year, Pflugerville ISD puts in considerable effort to ensure that all employee information is accurate. Please take a moment to review the two annual verification steps outlined below:

Annual Required Employee Information Verification
To confirm that your records are correct, please log into OEMS using the following link: https://oems.pfisd.net/Dashboard/Verificationform

You can find detailed instructions within the link. Please complete this verification process by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Given the number of Employee Data Information Sheets our Human Resources staff needs to review, we appreciate your patience as we address any comments or concerns you submit.

If you have any questions about the information listed, please reach out to us at personnel@pfisd.net.

Verification of Certification(s)

• Per Texas Administrative Code 19, part of the District’s annual employee verification process, all staff are required to access their certifications in TEAL to ensure that all required certificates have not expired. If any certification required for your current position has expired, please follow the instructions below to renew your certificate(s) no later than October 30, 2026.

• TAC Reference: 19 TAC §232.1(c)

• A certification audit will be conducted by Human resources, and staff who have not updated their required certificates will be identified and can be subject to pay and employment implications.

• Six months before your certificate’s expiration date, you will receive an email reminder (sent to the address listed in your educator account) from SBEC directly.

• Please note that staff are responsible for meeting renewal requirements, even if you do not receive the notification from the District as SBEC sends notification of renewal to each staff directly.

• Should you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Certification Specialist, Keitra Johnson in Human Resources.

• Email: Keitra.Johnson@pfisd.net

• TEAL → https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/

• Renewal Instructions (scroll halfway down the page) → https://helpdesk.tea.texas.gov/EducatorCertificationandCPE/kbadetails/?id=7eae7de1-279d-4879-887a-2c219f492bcc

Once Pfamily, always Pfamily!

Did you graduate from Pflugerville ISD and come back to work here? We’d love to hear your story!

Through the PfISD Community Mosaic, we’re gathering stories about the people and moments that shaped our graduates, and few stories are as powerful as alumni who return to serve the next generation.

Whether you’re teaching in the classrooms where you once sat, coaching on the fields where you played, or supporting students behind the scenes, your story shows our students what’s possible.

Your story could be featured in future PfISD publications and on our social media channels.

Stay in touch with former students? Help us reach them! Share this link with the grads you’ve taught, coached, or mentored.

Click Here to Share Your Alumni Story!

Looking for a colleague’s contact information? The PfISD Staff Directory makes it easy to find staff names, email addresses and phone extensions all in one place!

Whether you're trying to connect with someone at another campus or department, the directory is a helpful resource to keep bookmarked for quick access.

🔗 Visit the PfISD Staff Directory

H-E-B is now accepting applications for the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, recognizing Texas educators who go above and beyond to serve their students and communities.

In celebration of 25 years of excellence in education, H-E-B will award more than $1 million in cash prizes to Texas educators and their schools in 2027.

All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas, as well as eligible early childhood education centers and schools, are encouraged to apply.

📅 Application Deadline: Nov. 1, 2026
🔗 Learn More & Apply: heblovesteachers.com/apply/

PfISD has announced public hearing dates for each of its five District Optimization Task Forces. These hearings give parents, staff and community members an opportunity to share feedback directly before recommendations move forward.

PUBLIC HEARING DATES

High School Schedule Task Force

October 27 | 5:30 p.m. |LTC, 1601 W Pecan St, Pflugerville, TX 78660

(Updated location)

Each hearing is open to the public and will focus on the specific issues assigned to that Task Force.

We encourage our PfISD community to attend, learn more and share your thoughts. Meeting notes and recordings will also be made available on the district website.

Your feedback is an important part of helping shape the future of PfISD.

For more information: https://www.pfisd.net/about-us/district-optimization

Know an elementary student who shows kindness to others, demonstrates positive behavior in and out of the classroom, and leads by example? Nominate them for Ace’s Shining Star Award!

Each month, Ace, PfISD Police Department’s K-9 officer, will select two elementary students to receive the award. Winners will receive a certificate presented by Ace himself, along with a feature on PfISD social media and in The Pflyer.

Ready to nominate a Shining Star? Submit your nomination here!

Help us celebrate the students who make our schools brighter! ⭐🐾

Welcome back to our Pfamily Kudos section! In the coming weeks, you will see messages of appreciation from staff members.

Thank you to our amazing PfISD staff members for everything they do for our students and community!

Want to recognize a staff member who goes above and beyond? Click here to submit your Pfamily Kuddos for the google form.

Mariah O'Donnell

Westview Middle School (via Anonymous)

"Mariah O'Donnell has come onto the Westview Middle School campus and has made an immediate positive impact. She has helped organize multiple events/festivities with the help and support of our PTO, specifically our recent Hispanic Heritage Month. It is almost impossible to be in our school and NOT run into Mrs. O'Donnell, as she is a constant upbeat presence in all corners of our building throughout the school day. Her relationships with the students is also impossible to ignore, as evident in the smiles lighting up on their faces whenever they are with Mrs. O'Donnell. She is a wonderful addition to the campus and everyone looks forward to the amazing things she will continue to do."

Dustin Beauchamp

IT (via Iliana Durón)

"Mr. B you have been amazing helping me with all things technology, especially Skyward. I came back to PFISD after some time, and while I remembered the program, I completely forgot how to upload grades, transfer grades, etc. But you have sat down with me, you have taken my calls, chats, emails with grace and patience. I am grateful to you, and you will be definitely hearing from me throughout the school year. Thank you, friend. -- Ms. Durón"

Sam Saldibar

District Math (via Chrystal Neelley)

"Sam is an amazing leader! She is always willing to give her time and energy to anyone in need. She makes her math teachers feel heard and actually listens to what they have to say. She welcomes feedback and is always trying to make PfISD Math even better. She leads with humility, grace, and a positive attitude. It is seen and greatly appreciated!!"

Katie Teitelman

Hidden Lake Elementary (via Shannon Fritz)

"Ms. Teitelman has gone above and beyond in supporting onboarding me to her school as a new 5th grade teacher. Changing schools in October is so challenging, but Ms. Teitelman has encouraged me since I first interviewed and hasn't stopped showing support. She's advocated for me, helped me login and get access to a million different curriculum sites and programs, she's taught me all the small things you need to know to effectively teach at a new school. She also has done it with warmth, joy, and positivity. I know how much extra time she has put into helping me join the team and I appreciate the sacrifice of time and energy!"

Leroy Barriga

Westview Middle School, CTE (via Kisevi Wirba, Student)

"They do their best to lead to the class to success and has the effort to have an afterschool club."

Fedrick Cage

Westview Middle School (via Michael Zachry, Student)

"because hes good at teaching and da goat"

Coach Holguin

Westview Middle School (via Adrian V., Student)

"He's the most calm coach"

Robert Jackson

Westview Middle School (via Hessi Liang, Student)

"He is amazing at teaching and so fun to talk to, he has amazing advice."

Omar Gonzalez

Westview Middle School (via Anonymous, Student)

"Mr. Gonzalez is awesome, I love his teaching! "

Robert Jackson

Westview Middle School (via Khloe, Student)

"he was a awesome teacher and is still my favorite teacher"

Mr. Cage

Westview Middle School (via Noah C., Student)

"Their very nice and their tuff and cool"

David Sorrell

Westview Middle School (via Mr. Anonymous)

"Dearest Gentle Reader,

One might assume that the most influential figures in a school are those who stand at the front of a classroom, lead a department, or occupy the offices where important decisions are made. And yet, dear Reader, one would be wise to look a little closer. For sometimes, the individuals making the greatest difference are those stationed in the hallways, quietly ensuring that the school day proceeds as it should. Enter Mr. Sorrell, Westview's ever-present School Resource Officer. Reliable, dedicated, and unwavering in his commitment to his role, Mr. Sorrell takes his responsibilities seriously. One need only take a stroll through Westview's hallways to witness him in action, making certain that students arrive at their destinations and that the business of learning continues uninterrupted. While some may view this as a simple matter of keeping students moving between classes, such an interpretation would be woefully incomplete. For Mr. Sorrell's presence offers something far more valuable than an orderly hallway. It offers reassurance. There is something remarkable about the relationship he has cultivated with Westview's students. They know him, they enjoy seeing him, and they are comfortable interacting with him. In a world where the relationship between young people and law enforcement can sometimes be complicated, building that kind of connection is no small accomplishment. Through his daily presence, Mr. Sorrell helps students see the person behind the uniform: someone who is approachable, dependable, and genuinely part of their school community. And that, dear Reader, is a contribution worth celebrating. Too often, the work that keeps a school running smoothly goes unnoticed. We celebrate the grand achievements, the impressive performances, and the milestones that demand our attention. Meanwhile, the steady, everyday efforts of those who help make our campus a safe and welcoming place can quietly fade into the background. Mr. Sorrell deserves better than to be one of those unsung contributors. So, let the record show that Westview is fortunate to have an officer who takes his position seriously while also building positive relationships with the very students he serves. His work reminds us that school safety is not simply about rules, procedures, or being in the right place at the right time. It is also about trust, familiarity, and knowing that there is someone looking out for you. And if this humble correspondent may offer one final observation, it is this: the mark of a truly effective school resource officer is not merely that students recognize him, but that they feel comfortable approaching him. Mr. Sorrell appears to have accomplished precisely that.

Until our next observation, dear Reader, remember that some of our respective school's most important work happens between bells, and some of its most deserving individuals are the ones who rarely ask for recognition. Yours in observation and occasional hallway gossip, Mr. Anonymous"

Ms. Martinsen, Ms. Pitman, & Mr. Lanning

Pflugerville Middle School, 6th Social Studies (via William Treadwell)

"A HUGE THANK YOU to the 6th Grade Social Studes team at PMS for graciously letting my mentee and I observe some WONDERFUL World Cultures classes! We were so impressed by the welcoming classroom environment and the high levels of structure and rigor. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to observe these talented educators. Thank you so much!"

Andrea Alvarado

Instructional Coach (via William Treadwell)

"Ms. Dre Alvarado is one of the most helpful and supportive people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in Education. Thank you so much for providing support scheduling Learning Walk Observations at a different campus! My mentee and I are so grateful we had the opportunity to learn from other talented teachers across the district. You are a ROCK STAR!"

Thanks for reading all the way through this week's staff newsletter! As a little reward, here's your weekly dose of cuteness.

Meet This Week's Pfurry Friends!

🐶 Dog Pfeature of the week!

Name: Mabel

Owner: Melissa Stark (Riojas ES)

Fun Fact: Mabel loves being nosey and begging for treats. In her free time she sunbathes, chases frogs and pretends to *not* lick the couch.

🐱Cat Pfeature of the Week!

🐾 Want to see your pet featured? Fill out the form below—we’d love to spotlight your furry, feathered, or scaly family member!

👀 Check back next week to see which furry friend we feature next!