Dr. TJ Farler, Superintendent of PTISD
Spring is in the air and as the summer approaches, I can assure you that we are moving at full speed in the District.
During April and May, many of our students are taking the Texas assessments, STAAR and end of course exams. While we support accountability for schools, the volume of testing that the state requires is out of balance, and the new system established by the state government is extremely complex as was the old system. There is action in Austin to reduce the number of exams; and it is my hope that the legislature will recognize that our local community can and must be the driving force for educational excellence in our local school system.
Another key issue in the headlines is funding for public education. Since schools lost over 5.4 billion in funding in the last session, news about the Texas Legislature restoring funds to education is very encouraging. This action would significantly help districts, such as Pine Tree ISD, put teachers back in the classroom and directly impact student learning. As educators, we appreciate any and all efforts demonstrated by our local representatives to prioritize education for all students. I urge our parents and community members to make your voices heard on these issues.
I hope you read that Pine Tree ISD will begin allowing student transfers for the 2013-2014 school year. An application, guidelines and the Board Policy are available online at the District webpage, or can be picked up at the Central Administration Building, 1701 Pine Tree Road. Mr. James Skeeler will be able to help you with any questions about this new direction.
I want to extend my warmest thanks to the PT Education Foundation who helped us celebrate outstanding teachers at a recent event. PT Honors was a fabulous evening of recognition for our most celebrated teachers. I always get so excited when we honor teachers and students who make the difference at Pine Tree ISD.
Activities on the campuses are in full gear; be sure to attend a musical performance and sporting event and save the date for Graduation of students in Kindergarten, PT High and PT ExCEL campuses. It is so exciting to see the success our students earn as they reach their goals and prepare for the days ahead.
Thank you for your continued support of PT Schools! Dr. TJ Farler
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