Houston Dallas Austin Merri Schneider-Vogel Partner 713.554.6749 Office 713.583.9553 Fax msv@thompsonhorton.com Thompson & Horton LLP Phoenix Tower, Suite 2000 3200 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77027 March 21, 2018 Cleve W. Doty Assistant Attorney General Administrative Law Division P.O. Box 12548 Austin, Texas 78711-2548 Via Facsimile: 512-320-0167; and Via Email: Cleve.Doty@oag.texas.gov Dear Assistant Attorney General Doty: We are the attorneys for the Galena Park Independent School District (“GPISD” or “District”). Superintendent Dr. Angi Williams forwarded to us your letter dated March 16, 2018 regarding a “cease and desist” request from your office and asked us to respond to the letter. Your letter was received by the District on March 19, 2018, upon the District’s return from Spring break. In your letter you state that a principal of a GPISD school distributed an email from a GPISD email address from a political candidate advocating on behalf of the candidate. You further state that knowing that he did wrong, the principal then alerted the Executive Director for School Administration, Tammy Pankratz and the Administrative Assistant to Deputy Superintendent Kenneth Wallace. Actually, the email from the principal was sent directly to Mr. Wallace, not his administrative assistant. On the second page of your letter you indicate that the information received from GPISD does not reflect any form of reprimand to Principal Coleman. We assume that you are referring to information that you requested pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). On February 21, 2018 you requested a copy of the emails from Dr. Coleman. The District responded to your request. On February 27, 2018 you submitted to the GPISD a follow-up TPIA request asking specifically for any follow-up messages about the previous request pertaining to the emails from Dr. Coleman. Exhibit A contains your original TPIA request as well as your follow-up email request. The District had intended to request an Attorney General opinion regarding your follow-up TPIA request by the deadline to do so, which was March 20, 2018. The District maintains that a memorandum from Ms. Pankratz to Dr. Coleman is an evaluative document of a certified administrator protected under Section 552.101 of the Public Information Act. However, after receiving the March 16, 2018 letter from your office and consulting with Dr. Coleman, Dr. Coleman has given written permission to the District to release to you the memorandum he received from Ms. Pankratz on February 9, 2018. Therefore, the District has not requested an Attorney General opinion. Ms. Pankratz’s memo follows-up in writing what Cleve W. Doty March 21, 2018 Page 2 she discussed with Dr. Coleman on February 7, 2018. Ms. Pankratz’s memo specifically directs Dr. Coleman to refrain from sending political endorsements to his faculty. The memorandum is attached as Exhibit B1. The District has taken immediate and appropriate action in response to Dr. Coleman’s communication to his staff. Specifically, Dr. Coleman sent the email in question on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Early the next morning, Dr. Coleman sent an email to his supervisors acknowledging that he had not used good judgment by sending the email. See Exhibit C. Dr. Coleman’s supervisor met with him to discuss the email on February 7, 2018 and issued the memo referenced above on February 9, 2018. To ensure that all employees of the GPISD were made aware of permitted and prohibited activities related to the voting process, Dr. Wanna Giacona, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services, sent an email to all staff. The emails, attached as Exhibit D specifically state that employees are prohibited from encouraging fellow staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure and that utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party or a particular measure is prohibited. On February 15, 2018 Christopher Pichon, Senior Director for School Administration, sent an email to all principals regarding “Critical Voting Information,” which describes permitted and prohibited activities. The information is the same information sent to all employees by Dr. Giacona. See Exhibit E. On February 28, 2018, Dr. Giacona also presented information at a bi-weekly principal meeting regarding this same critical voting information. Additionally, on that same date the District sent the March 2018 Employee Newsletter, which included a statement of permitted and prohibited voting activities. See Exhibit F, Pages 3 and 4. On March 1, 2018, the District sent a “Happy Friday” communication, a weekly communication to all principals and other District administrators. The same information on prohibited and permissible voting information was included in this communication. See Exhibit G, Pages 2 and 3. On February 27, 2018, Superintendent Dr. Angi Williams reviewed the information on the District’s webpage to ensure that the information was appropriate. Under the tab entitled Community, under Voting Information, the District provides educational resources regarding citizens’ right to vote and information regarding the voting process. Dr. Williams has carefully reviewed all information that is accessible through links referenced on the District’s webpage. Certain information has been deleted from the District’s webpage because it contained links that can direct the reader to other links that advocate a particular position. That information has been removed and currently, there is no information on the GPISD’s webpage that advocates for a particular measure or candidate. See Exhibit H. 1 The memo states that Dr. Coleman’s email was sent on February 5, 2018; however, it was actually sent on February 4, 2018. Cleve W. Doty March 21, 2018 Page 3 Historically, the District has been proactive about informing its employees of permissible and impermissible voting activities. For example, when the Board of Trustees called for a bond election in 2016, the District immediately informed its employees of what actions the employees could and could not take regarding the upcoming bond election. Attached as Exhibit I are the English and Spanish versions of written communication shared with all employees from 2016. The information included a statement that employees are prohibited from advocating for or against the bond during work hours, and are prohibited from spending or authorizing the spending of district owned resources for political advertising. Regarding your assertion on the second page of your letter that evidence reveals that communications (referring to the communications of Dr. Coleman) were made on behalf of the School District as a government entity, acting in its official capacity, and using resources that belong to the taxpayer of Texas, the GPISD adamantly disagrees. Dr. Coleman was in no way speaking for the District and did not have permission from the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, or any other administrator in the District to send the email he sent on February 4, 2018. His email was not an official communication of GPISD, and he has acknowledged that he should not have sent the email. You also state in your letter that the GPISD promulgated and published numerous communications directed for or against candidates and measures, and that this communication violates Texas law. The law you cite is the Election Code provisions on political advertising. As you know, the term does not include an individual communication made by e-mail but does include mass e-mails involving an expenditure of funds beyond the basic cost of hardware messaging software and bandwidth. See the definition of political advertising in the rules promulgated by the Texas Ethics Commission. 1 Tex. Admin. Code § 20.1. Accordingly, Dr. Coleman’s email does not technically constitute prohibited political advertising, as that term is defined. With that said, as indicated by the steps taken by GPISD after it discovered the email sent by Dr. Coleman, the District has clearly communicated to all District employees that District resources will not be used to endorse particular candidates or measures or to advocate in favor or against particular candidates or measures. The District has also taken appropriate steps to ensure that the District’s webpage does not contain information that advocates in favor or against particular candidates or measures. Currently, the District’s webpage includes only factual information provided from county and state governmental agencies regarding voting rights. The webpage provides resources to inform members of the community, students and staff regarding their right to vote. Such information is disseminated to the GPISD community and is lawful and appropriate. Cleve W. Doty March 21, 2018 Page 4 I hope that the information provided in this letter addresses the concerns you expressed in your March 16, 2018 letter. If you have any questions regarding the issues contained in your March 16, 2018 letter or the District’s response, please feel free to contact me. Very truly yours, Thompson & Horton LLP Merri Schneider-Vogel MSV/ln Enclosures cc: Dr. Angi M. Williams Superintendent, Galena Park ISD Galena Park ISD Board of Trustees Jeff Miller – President Wanda Heath Johnson – Vice President Minnie Rivera – Secretary Dawn Fisher – Board Trustee Wilfred J. Broussard, Jr. – Board Trustee Joe Stephens – Board Trustee Ramon Garza – Board Trustee 4850-4364-4511 v.1 EXHIBIT A Printed by: Sherrhonda Johnson Title: Public information requests (speci?c messages) fc Tuesday, March 20, 2018 2:34:06 PM Page ?1 Of 1 From: To: Go: Subject: Attachments: OpenRecords Wed, Feb 21, 2018 2:52 PM ."Doty, Cleve" Open Records Public information requests (speci?c messages) I Attach0.htm Uploaded File (12K) Dear Public Information Officer, I would like to make the following open records requests, each as a separate request. I am sending these requests separately as they are regarding specific messages which may make them easier to locate and identify: - A copy of an e-mail message sent by Principal Joe Coleman where Coleman allegedly states that "Colleagues, I agree that we need to support Scott Milder in his quest. . . Remember, to ask for a Republican Ballott . . .. Please tell all of your friends and family this is critica - A copy of an e-mail message from Coleman allegedly stating that probably broke some type of rule with this email . . . I note that you may have already disclosed these documents in response to another open records request, in case that makes them easier to locate, and that Coleman may have copies, as may these people: Ken Wallace, Tammy Pankratz, or any teacher at Coleman?s school. Thank you for your prompt attention to these requests. Best, Cleve W. Doty Assistant Attorney General Of?ce of the Attorney General Administrative Law Division 209 W. 14th Street, MC-009 Austin, Texas 78701 512-475-4136 (0) ?Cleve.Dotvi?ioagtexasgov 4:3. KEN \l In?Nll Hi IIKV- Printed by: Sherrhonda Johnson Thursday, March 08, 2018 10:08:06 AM Title: RE: Public information requests (speci?c messages) :fc Page 1 of 2 OpenRecords Tue, Feb 27, 2013 8:13 AM From: ."Doty, Cleve" To; Open Records Cc: Subject: RE: Public information requests (speci?c messages) Attachments: I Attach0.html I Uploaded File (14K) I have a follow-up open records request. Please send any responses or follow-up messages about this sent to or from any of the people in the e-mails you sent below, as well as any response e-mail, if any, from the Superintendent. (It appears this will only involve a handful of individuals.) Best, Cleve From: OpenRecords Sent: Monday, February 26, 2018 5:05 PM To: Doty, Cleve Subject: Re: Public information requests (specific messages) Good afternoon. The attached PDF ?les are in response to the PIA request sent to Galena Park ISD on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 2:52pm. This request will be filed as complete. Thank you "Doty, Cleve" writes: Dear Public Information Officer, I would like to make the following open records requests, each as a separate request. I am sending these requests separately as they are regarding specific messages which may make them easier to locate and identify: - A copy of an e-mail message sent by Principal Joe Coleman where Coleman allegedly states that "Colleagues, I agree that we need to support Scott Milder in his quest . . . Remember, to ask for a Republican Ballott . . . . Please tell all of your friends and family this is critical.? - A copy of an e-mail message from Coleman allegedly stating that probably broke some type of rule with this email . . . Printed by: Sherrhonda Johnson Tmusday. March 08. 2018 10:08:06 AM Title: RE: Public information requests (speci?c messages) fc Page 2 of 2 I note that you may have already disclosed these documents in response to another open records request, in casethat makes them easier to locate, and that Coleman may have copies, as may these people: Ken Wallace, Tammy Pankratz, or any teacher at Coleman's school. Thank you for your prompt attention to these requests. Best, Glove W. Duty Attorney General Of?ce of the Attorney General Administrative Law Division 209 W. 14?? MC-OOQ Austin, Texas 78701 512-475-4136 (0) 5C1 ve.Do .texas. uv KEN All??Nli I'll EXHIBIT . Galena Park Independent School District 14705 Woodforest Blvd. Houston, Texas 77015 February 9, 2017 Dr. Coleman, This memo is a follow-up to our discussion on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, when we discussed the email you sent to your faculty on Monday, February 5, 2018, endorsing Scott Miller as a political candidate (see attached). Political endorsements of this kind are strictly forbidden by the Texas Education Agency, and violate the Educator?s Code of Ethics. As a result of our conversation, you are instructed to comply with the following directives: I Do not send out political endorsements to your faculty in the future. 0 You may encourage your staff and students to vote; however, you may not indicate for whom they should vote. As the leader of North Shore Senior High, it is important that you Set the example for your faculty and staff. Please sign to acknowledge that you received a copy of this memo. If you feel there are any inaccuracies in this information, please respond in writing within 10 days. Date Date EXHIBIT Printed by Librarian Friday. February 23, 201 227:12 PM Title: Summry of Search In "1i112018"for"l probably broke" Page 1 of 3 Monday. February 5. 2018 8:20:35 AM From: Joe A. Coleman Scott Milder Scott Milder Subject: Fwd(2): Open Letter to Texas Educators View in Browser To: 5 Tammy Pankratz Kenneth Wallace 1 probably broke some type of rule with this email, probably not good judgement. I have not had a complaint but just letting you know in case you get one. Joe EDP. Principal 363 N. Costlegory Road Houston, Texas 77049 832-386-4105 jcolemanegeieneperkisdcomi ?Building The Future' Original Message --.- Colleagues, I agree that we need to support Scott Mllder in his quest to become the Texas Lieutenant Governor. .He is a former employee during Dr. Neeiey's superlntendency. Remember. to ask for'Republican Bailott, you can vote in Texas in the primaries for a Republican or Democrat. Let's support Scott Milder. Please tell all of your friends and family this is critical. Joe 1 Joe COLEMAN, Evil). Principal 353 N. Castlegory Road Houston. Texas 17049 832-386-4105 jcolemenegeleneperitisd.corn ?Building The Future' Original Message lieu. this email in i. our browser I (NOTE: Receiving this email or any emari at your district email address ls not a violation of any law. Prinled by Librarian Friday February 23. 2018 2:27:12 PM Title: Surnme of Search in "1i?ll2018"for"l probably broke" Page 2 of 3 Forwarding this email would be considered a violation so please do not fonlvard from district email or device.) Dear Texas Educators and Staff. The ugly truth is you. your profession. and your students are being targeted by a handful of state legislators and their wealthy funders.They don't want to pay taxes to fund public schools. They don't want to pay taxes to properly fund your medical insurance and retirement. - They don?t want to pay taxes to educate a majority-minority, low-income student population. And, they most certainly DO NOT want you to vote.What they do want is to continue their efforts to defund and dismantle Texas public schools. One person is organizing this war against Texas students and educators. He leads a handful of billionaires and legislators working against you and the will of the rational masses who value their public schools. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is Public Education ENEMY No. 1. He is up for re-election on the March 6, 2018 Republican Primary ballot. and he has a pro-public education challenger. That challenger is yours truly. Scott Milder. founder of Friends of Texas Public Schools and long?time public education advocate. With more than 1.2 million active and retired educators connected to TRS -- plus spouses. family and friends -- we can vote Patrick out of office. We only need a few hundred thousand votes! Although not all educators are Republicans. open primaries in Texas allow any registered voter to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Simply ask for the Republican ballot when you go vote. - . . Following are ways you can help to mobilize the educator vote:.loin the RED DOT for SCOTT Campaign! Place red dot stickers on your narnetags and phones to remind everyone to go vote for me in the red (Republican) primary. - This email is being sent to only 100.000 educators of the 700.000 working in our schools. Please spread the word to all your educator friends and family across Texas! (Please use personal email and devices. not district's.) . Encourage colleagues to vote early on February 20. or anytime February 20 through March 2. Find early vote locationm - Collect personal email addresses from colleagues and send to me at! Follow me on Twitterlsmilder and on and encourage others to as well. - Visit lww.8cottMilder4TXLG.oom for more information about me and this election.Let?s retire Dan Patrick on March and send a bold message to all present and future elected of?cials: Don ?t Mess with Texas Public School Educators! There will be consequences on Election Day. [l FOUNDER. Friends of Texas Rational Republican for Lt. Governor . Iww.8cottMiider4TXLG.com lTwitter @smilder Facebook @ScottMiIder4TXLG Friday. February 23. 2018 22?:12 PM Printed by: Libraan Page 3 of 3 Title: Sun-many of Search in "11112018" forv"l pmbabty broke" REPUBLICAN PRIMARY - TUESDAY. MARCH 6, 2018 VOTE EARLY- February 20 - March 2 Political ad paid for by the Scott Milder for Texas Lieutenant Governor Campaign. Copyright i: 2018 Elect Scott Milderfar Texas Lieutenant Governor You are receiving this email because you are a supporter of Texas PubliC?Schools. Our mailing address is: Elect Scott Milder for Texas Lieutenant Governor 13.0. Box 1252 Reckwall, TX 75087 us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can lugg?u' prefeilences or .leihscrilze ?rom_l_his list. EXHIBIT Printed by: Terri Moore Monday. March 19, 2018 Title: Voting Season Reminders fc Page 1 of 1 From: ?Terri W. Moore Thursday, February 15, 2018 3:49:14 PM Subject: Voting Sea son Rem'nders To: EDistrict Family News Good morning As the voting season begins, we encourage everyone to participate in the process. However, please be reminded of the expectations for district employees regarding voting. Certain actions are permitted while others are not, as outlined below: Permitted Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to participate in the democratic process and/or vote 'Discussing utilizing your planning period and/or early morning time for the purposes of voting with your supervisor Providing specific information to other employees, parents and/or students regarding locations, times and dates of early and regular voting Prohibited Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which direct other staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which can be perceived as retaliation against other staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, for or against a particular measure, or for not voting Utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party or a particular measure Our continuous goal is to inspire district employees to engage in the political and electoral processes, but you must do so in an unbiased and ethical manner that complies with District policy. If you have any questions about this guidance, please contact Mike McKay, Executive Director for Human Resources (Secondary), Jerid Link, Senior Director for Human Resources (Elementary), or me. Wanna Giacona, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services Galena Park Printed by: Terri Moore Monday, March 19. 2018 Title: Voting Season Reminders fc Page 1 of 1 From: ?Terri w. Moore Thursday, February 15, 2018 3:47:49 PM Subject: Voting Season Reminders To: Of?cial District Business Good Afternoon, As the voting season begins, we encourage everyone to participate in the process. However, please be reminded of the expectations for district employees regarding voting. Certain actions are permitted while others are not, as outlined below: Permitted Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to participate in the democratic process and/or vote Discussing utilizing your planning period and/or early morning time for the purposes of voting with your supervisor Providing specific information to other employees, parents and/or students regarding locations, times and dates of early and regular voting Prohibited Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which direct other staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which can be perceived as retaliation against other staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, for or against a particular measure, or for not voting Utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party or a particular measure Our continuous goal is to inspire district employees to engage in the political and electoral processes, but you must do so in an unbiased and ethical manner that complies with District policy. If you have any questions about this guidance, please contact Mike McKay, Executive Director for Human Resources (Secondary), Jerid Link, Senior Directorfor Human Resources (Elementary), or me. Wanna Giacona, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services Galena Park EXHIBIT Printed by: Christopher Pichon Tuesday, March 20, 2018 11:57:59 AM Title: Critical Voting Information :fc Page 1 of 2 From: Christopher Pichon 2/15/2018 8:06:21 AM Wanna R. Giacona Merri Schneider-Vogei Subject: Critical Voting Information To: Principals All ?Angi M. Williams Kenneth Wallace Wanna R. Giacona ?Terri W. Moore "Tammy Pankratz Good morning campus leaders. As we enter the voting season, we want to encourage district employees to participate in the political process. However, please be reminded of the expectations regarding this process (see Board Policy 3333 [Legal]). There are certain actions that are permitted and others that are not. Please adhere to the following guidance: Permitted Activities: 0 Encourage staff members to participate in the democratic process and vote; 0 Allow time for staff members to vote during planning periods, off periods, or early morning if after school is an issue); and 0 Provide specific information regarding locations, times, and dates of early and regular voting. Prohibited Activities: - Encouraging staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure; 0 Actions that direct staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure; 0 Actions that can be perceived by staff members as a directive to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure; 0 Imposing penalties against staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, or for or against a particular measure; 0 Actions that can be perceived as imposing penalties against staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, or for or against a particular measure; 0 Imposing penalties to staff members who choose not to vote; 0 Actions that can be perceived as imposing penalties to staff members who choose not to vote constant reminders to vote); and Utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party, or a particular measure. Our continuous goal is to inspire district employees to engage in the political and electoral process. As leaders, you share the responsibility of motivating staff members to get involved, but must do so in an unbiased and ethical manner that complies with District policy. If you have any questions about this guidance, please contact Ms. Pankratz or me. Thanks, and see you at the PTA Banquet this evening! Many blessings, Christopher Pichon, Senior Director for School Administration Galena Park Printed by: Christopher Pichon Tuesday, March 20, 2018 11:57:59 AM Title: Critical Voting Information :fc Page 2 of 2 Of?ce - 832.386.1166 cgichon?ggaienagarkisd.cum EXHIBIT Pn'nted by: Janie Flores Monday, March 19, 2018 Title: GPISD Employee Newsletter_ Marc 2018 fc.txt fc Page 1 of 1 From: Terri W. MooreWednesday, February 28, 2018 4:37:56 PM Subject: GPISD Employee Newsle?rfer- Marc 2018 To: CIM CLV GPE GVE HAV MAC NCE NSE PSE PVB SAM TICE FRE WAES COBB CMS GPMS NSMS WAMS NSHS NSSH 2012 District Family News Admin Hi, all- Your March 2018 Employee Newsle?er is ready! Enjoy! [ImagezLe?r?rer-head banner_Image.jpg] 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education 2078 Galena Park ISD Employee Newsle?er 1/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education 'm we a 5-wale MARC 5 .- . 58m SW The Galena Park ISD Board of Trustees meeting was conducted on February 12, 2018. Dr. Angi Williams, Superintendent, and Board Secretary, Wanda Heathjohnson, recognized the following: 0 Port of Houston, Buffan Marine, Austin Industries, yondelIBaseII, Community Automotive Dealerships and Captain Quincy Whitaker for their continued support for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs 0 joe V's Smart Shop for their $5,000 donation to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The funds will be distributed to Galena Park ISD families affected by Hurricane Harvey GPISD's Student Nutrition team for being awarded the Best of the Bunch Award from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) For all of the Board Business at the February BOT meeting: em 2/21 13/19/2018 . - Shank, gum go)? yaw? Representatives from Buffalo Marine, Austin Industries, LyondellBassell, Community Automotive, Captain Quincy Walker and Joe V's Smart Shop Don?t . I - yaw? 7/4259 ?awe/ As the voting season begins, we encourage everyone to participate in the process. However, please be reminded of the expectations for district employees regarding voting. March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education Student Nutrition Team %an/a pm pm Wu Port of Houston (15 . wcpocagtea 3W ?ay/Mew Employees who would like for their children to attend a Galena Park school during the 2018-2019 school year must apply for an Employee Student Transfer. This transfer request requirement g?endigg school' here AND children Mm 11m gag th_efirst time thisfa_ll. It is an annual requirement. The ggp?gg?gn ?indawfor AU. 2013-g012 3. For more information contact the Student Admissions Department. your VOTE is your VOICE Certain actions are permitted while others are not, as outlined below: Permitted Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to participate in the democratic process and/or vote 3/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education Discussing utilizing your planning period and/or early morning time for the purposes of voting with your supervisor Providing specific information to other employees, parents and/or students regarding locations, times and dates of early and regular voting Prohibited Activities: Encouraging fellow staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a Specific measure Engaging in actions which direct other staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which can be perceived as retaliation against other staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, for or against a particular measure, or for not voting Utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party or a particular measure Our continuous goal is to inspire district employees to engage in the political and electoral processes, but you must do so in an unbiased and ethical manner that complies with District policy. i For VOTING INFORMATION, click here: 7Q?3,5?hoglwi re s.net/ Page/ 6283 YOUR IS YOUR SPEAK on behalf of our kids! Voter Registration Deadline Monday, February 5, 201B Early Voting Tuesday, February 20, 2018 through Friday. March 2, 2018 General Election Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Beam/to o? pfdb/?Wb? Sea/m! 4/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education Disclaimer: GPISD has not been affected. Warning: There is a phishing scam that has attacked other districts. The email appears to be from Prologic TEAMS and is asking for passwords and personal information. Phishing scam emails always appear to be from reputable companies. NEVER give out passwords or personal information on line. If you receive an email that appears to be from one of our software companies or departments, don't give out personal information without calling to verify. When calling, don't call the company, call a GPISD district department. CAUTION Action: Future planning for TEAMS is to add a level of security which will include verification via text messaging or voice call. All must ensure their phone numbers are up to date in TEAMS. Directions: In TEAMS select, Employee Service Center. Select My Personal Information from the left hand side. Select the Phone Numbers Tab. You can add or edit your phone numbers. My service Center Home Personal Information Emergent ?y him Add] Edit Employee Phone My Leave Balances Type: i My Absence Reporting Phone: ext My Time Cards Private: My Employment Records My For Information Add glear My Payroll Information 5 Employee Phone Numbers Hr Bene?ts Information Type Number 1: Cell Home Work 5/21 3/19l2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education s. I NAS (P Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF School High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears. English: Bydaij ?zzl?iahmeutl?griIgOILLzG D7 Spanish: Saki/Comm SEW cw 62477727 6/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education Educators from Galena Park ISD will serve speakers at the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching this summer. (CAMT) is an annual Texas conference for K-12 mathematics teachers. Fifteen GPISD elementary educators have been selected by a program call Math-A-Rama to provide fellow teachers across the state with a professional learning experience focused on number and operations. Some of the sub-topics will be primary whole numbers and operations; intermediate whole numbers and operations; as well as fractions and decimals. Math-A-Rama happens in 25 minute rotations, so that participants may gather learning from multiple sources in one session. Galena Park ISD hosted a Math-A? Rama training in February and is the only school district presenting through Math-A?Rama in July 2018. Cloverleaf Elementary? Ashley Blount Galena Park Elementary- LaKeisha Sanderson Normandy Crossing Elementary- Tracey Kirchman Terri Walding North Shore Elementary- Charlene Macawili Laura Ramirez Purple Sage-Jennifer Moran Pyburn- Ashely Fillbrandt Shirley]. Williamson- Alysia Chatman, Rhonda Wright Paige Turner-Burt Tice- Tracey Beasley District Math Specialists- Lori Fillbrandt Cindy Marez 7/21 3/19/2018 S.T.E. March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education DAY FOR PRE-K PARK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION W3 ask yuu PLEASE wgiala? lul [he avunl a: we ?ay plan accondirly prepare enough mate'iala for everyone and mine Wu uxpunience a [mull-:9 unu. 1,1 Uy Internet: 0r 5: pl' rune' You will be asked [a Jeane the followan info 'matia? on the voicemail: - H's-It. mean": I'i 4! New: mmo an r: - 554:2 Ian-c: if. .3: 1' .1 'nj 505mm - '3 EU I: rr. We invite all pre-k families 1c attend the Galena Park ISD PRE-K STEM DAY Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Zotz Center 13801 Holly? ?ark Houston. Texas 7701-5 8:30-51 11:30 am. EngliehSeaaim or 12:30 pm, - 3:30 pm. Spa nish Sessicr Galena Park ISD Family Engagement 8/21 3/1912018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES NOTICE Employee Transfer Requests The Employee Transfer Request process will be done through TEAMS?Employee Service Center beginning on February 20, 2018. All transfer requests must be completed and submitted online by April 27, 2018, in order to be considered. As a professional courtesy, please be sure to discuss your transfer request with your principal or supervisor prior to completing the process. Once a transfer request is submitted, the appropriate supervisorts) will have access to view and monitor all employees who are requesting to transfer in and out of their campus. Administrators may select, contact and schedule interviews with those employees making a transfer request(s). Simply completing a request does not guarantee you an interview or placement. If you are not called for an interview, this indicates the principal/Supervisor did not have an opening or selected other available applicants. Please note: Sta? members who have not demonstrated pro?ciency in their job performance are not eligible for transfer consideration. Should you have any questions regarding the District's EmplOyee Transfer Request process' please contact: Senior Director for Human Resource Services?Elementary Jerid Link 832-386-1240 Transfer Request Process For directions on how to complete the Transfer Request Process, click this button. 9/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES NOTICE Submission of Resignations/Retirements are now available online through the TEAMS - Employee Service Center. Please make sure that you speak with your supervisor before you submit your resignation as they will be receiving an email notification as soon as you hit the "Submit" button. If you are a Contractual Employee and you submit your Resignation Notice with an anticipated last day of work prior to your contract assignment end date, you may not be released from your contract. Please note: Submitting your ii resignation does not guarantee your resignation will be accepted and/or approved. Should you have any questions regarding your resignation please contact: Mike MbKayh Ext. 1207 Jarid Link- Ext. 1229 Larry Helgesen- Ext. 1218 Step?by step prinj: screens of how to submit your rmignatlon in TEAMS. 10/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education 3W 777M8me gamw WHEN Thursday, March 8?rh, 8:30am WHERE Purple Sage Elemeh?rary School 8mm (50m WHEN Thursday, March 8Th, 4-5pm WHERE ZoTz Educa?rion Ceh?rer MORE INFORMATION Be sure to register in Eduphoria. 1 3mm 3012003 57am Alma/um WHEN Thursday, March 81h, opm WHERE GPISD Adminis?rra?rion Building 2 . 5 WHEN 1 Thursday, March 22nd, 4:30pm WHERE Cloverleaf Elemehlary School, 1035 Frankie STreeT, Housion, TX 12/21 3/19/2018 March 2018 Smore Newsletters for Education 95038?) 93mm? 777993 WHEN Friday, March 23rd, 9:30am WHERE I 2012 EducaTion Cen?rer l: C'cvl/ Shaw WHEN Sa?rurday, March 24in, 8:30am WHERE GPISD Adminislralion Building Parking Lo?r Gama/W WSW A7039 WHEN Tuesday, March 27in, 5:30pm WHERE San Jacin?ro College NorTh Campus, Uvalde Road, HousTon, TX 93mm 3W 777m; WHEN i Wednesday, March 28in, 6:30pm WHERE ZoTz Educalion Cen?rer 13/21 EXHIBIT Printed by: Janie Flores Monday. March 19. 2018 Title: Happy Page 1 of 1 From: Terr-i W. MooreThur'sday, March 01, 2018 11:54:59 AM Subject: Happy Friday! To: Happy Friday People Hi, all? Enjoy-- h?erSz/ r1879 [Image:LeH'erhead banner_Image.jpg] 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education HAPPV March 1 HAPPY March 5-9 MARCH 2018 CALENDAR Calendar MARCH 2018 Checklist 1/12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education tum mm A ?mm? ?2 WUR VINE I5 YOUR PRINCIPALIAP The information below has been shared with all GPISD employees on First Class and in the March 2018 Employee Newsletter. If you would like to share any information about voting with your staff, you can share the link to our district website which is located at the bottom of the message. Some times the emails and/or newsletters you receive from well-meaning organizations can include links to websites which may have candidate endorsements. We monitor our website frequently to ensure the all information accessible is appropriate for district employees to share. yourVDTE is your VOICE As the voting season begins, we encourage everyone to participate in the process. However, please be reminded of the expectations for district employees regarding voting. Certain actions are permitted while others are not, as outlined below: Permitted Ac?gities: Encouraging fellow staff members to participate in the democratic process and/or vote Discussing utilizing your planning period and/or early morning time for the purposes of voting with your supervisor -Providing specific information to other employees, parents and/or students regarding locations, times and dates of early and regular voting maibited Activities: bo4a520a55a4f0ed 2l12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! I Smore Newsletters for Education Encouraging fellow staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which direct other staff members to vote for or against a specific candidate, or to vote for or against a specific measure Engaging in actions which can be perceived as retaliation against other staff members for voting for or against a particular candidate, for or against a particular measure, or for not voting 'Utilizing district resources to advocate for or against a particular candidate, political party or a particular measure Our continuous goal is to inspire district employees to engage in the political and electoral processes, but you must do so in an unbiased and ethical manner that complies with District policy. For VOTING INFORMATION, click here: MMINATE A STUDENT WLUNTEER FOR 2018 51005!" HEROES AWARD AUSTIN The State Board of Education (SBOE) is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Student Heroes Award. Heroes for Children The Student Heroes Award program recognizes Texas public school students in prekindergarten through high school who voluntarily work to assist or benefit their fellow Texas students. SBOE Chair Donna Bahorich urged school and community members to nominate those students who voluntarily perform acts that improve their school or community. Action of past recipients include mentoring struggling students, creating a program that provides essential supplies to children in foster care, providing stuffed animals to sick children, hosting birthday parties for students living at homeless shelters, establishing a school drumline, providing a support group for emotionally fragile students and voluntarily coaching a cheer squad that performs at Special Olympics events. ?Every day in our schools, students quietly commit unselfish acts of kindness. They don't do so because it is a class assignment. They do so because they are people of good character who care about their fellow students. These young people make their schools and communities a better place because of their unselfish work," Bahorich said. "The Student Heroes Award given by the State Board of Education provides an opportunity for Texans to spotlight and recognize these caring students," she said. Up to 15 students one per State Board of Education district may receive the award each yea r. Anyone may nominate a Texas public-school student for the award. Award requirements include the following: 3/12 3/1 91201 8 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education - The service, assistance or good deed must be voluntary and not part of any curriculum, graduation requirements, class, or community project. I - The service, assistance or good deed must benefit other students in Texas, either individually or collectively. - The benefit may be to students of one campus, a district, or a community. Nominations will be accepted through 5 pm. (CST) March 9. Recipients of the Student Heroes awards will be announced in May. A plaque will be awarded to the Student Hero by his or her State Board member. Nomination forms and program guidelines are available at 1 eroes/ or for more information please email 4l12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education Voluntary Early Nol'iFlcal'lon Program For Classroom Teacher Resigna'l'lons 8: Re?I'iremenl's February l3-March 20L 20 8 Teachers who are planning ?ro reflre/resign al- The end oF ?rhe curren?r school year and choose 1'0 Ini-?orm The Disl'rlcl' 0F l'hal' decision by March 2Q, 20l8, will receive a one?Time paymenl' oF $500.00. WINWW February 26-April 6 bc4a520a55a4f0ed 5/12 3/19/2018 I mill??ltq chamber luncheon Ck . to I. Ditubpm?. 7; ?aunts h? Cour.th . Km?kdsc . a? i encei? :5 Fair! Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education MA CHAMBER OF Luucueou . Friday, March 2 12:00 noon Students /Teachers of the Month* 1 ELEMENTARY SCIENCE LAB TEACHERS Friday, March 2 2:00-4:00 pm Zotz Education Center GPISD FAIR Monday, March 5 Zotz Education Center The Awards Ceremony will be on Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 pm (ADMN). WARD 0F MEETING Monday, March 5 6:00 pm Administration Building is the Academic Spotlight** COMMUNITY GGUNGIL PTA MEETING Tuesday, March 6 10:00 am GPISD Administration Building 1'?New Principal Support Session- 8:00 am 6/12 3/19/2018 Associate moi-mi Time to Spring Ahead Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education NEW TRAINING Tuesday, March 6 3:00 pm Administration Building NEW TEACHER RODEO Wednesday, March 7 3:00-5:00 pm Zotz Education Center DAIRY MAX BREAKFAST 6AME5 Thursday, March 8 8:30 am Purple Sage Elementary SAVINGS Sunday, March 11 **Spring forward one hour! 7/12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education 5PRING March 12-16 DISTRICT EVENTS IN UPGGMING MONTHS *For your spring planning assistance-- April2018 Testing, April 10-13 Fair, April 14 Area Council PTA Meeting- April 17 Dazzling Diamonds Banquet, April 19 Challenge ofthe Mind- April 25 Elementary Fast on Facts- April 27 my 2013 Area Council PTA Meeting- May 1 GPISD Service Awards Banquet- May 3 Relay for Life- May 4 Elementary Academic Meet? May 5 Campus Work Day (unless already worked)? May 5 EOC Testing, May 7-11 STAAR Testing, May 14-18 5th Grade Olympiad- May 18 june 2018 Campus Work Day-June 1 GPISD Graduation-June 3 Dual Language Academy, June 4-5 PreK/Title Summer School,June 6-29 Summer School,June 11-28 Cabinet Symposium,June13-15 GPISD Auxiliaryjob Fair-June 14 Extended Cabinet Symposium-June 21 Testing, June 25-28 jgly 2018 New Principals/New AP's Academy-July 16 8/12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education 0 Principals Symposium,]uly 18-19 New Principals' Campus Retreats,July 20-21 Returning Student Verification, July 23-26 GT Institute, July 23-26 ATEAM Meeting- July 31 TTESS-50MMATIVE PROCEDURES Step-by?step guide to completing both TTESS Summatives and Opt-out Summatives. You must be logged into your "gpapps" account to access this folder. 1-1555 APPRAISAL CALENDAR usp=sha ring 9/12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education ALTERNATE EVALUATION APPRAI5AL CALENDAR PARENT VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH NOMINATION FORM kiQOk/view? gsp=?haring ADMINISTRATOR HANDBOOKS Please be sure you are logged into your GPAPPS account before opening these. They are set to GP users only. Appraiser Handbook (appraisal instruments, calendar, requirements, resources) BDb'l Campus Administrator Handbook (procedures, practices, policies, requirements) mpg/Idrivegwglecom/om TRAINING PRESENTATION FOLDER Here is the link to the Training Presentation folder. All of the PPT's from the district leadership trainings will be added to this site each month. 10/12 3/19/2018 s: Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education ADMINISIRAWR MEETING SCHEDULE When are the BOT meetings? What about the sessions? What does ACPTA stand for on the calendar? What meetings am Isupposed to attend? CAMPUS TRAINING 56HEDIJLE Do you need to schedule or reschedule a CLT session? This link will bring you to the schedule for CLT #4 (January/February). F1 Qa_l3p_?qOwaO7Rj mZUbiYUied?t?usp=sharing Begin with the end in mind. . . what do you want for the children and staff for whom you're responsible? Build POSITIVE relationships with student, staff, parents and community members. They go a long way when the chips are down. Being PROACTIVE pays bigger dividends than being REACTIVE. Be a problem-solver; Become part of GPISD's Solution- Driven Team! Nurture, mentor and support those you serve; Prepare those with the qualities to be leaders. In other words, BUILD CAPACITY. 520a55a4f0ed 11/12 3/19/2018 Happy Friday! Smore Newsletters for Education GROW professionally?remember, you too are a lifelong learner. Each of you has within you the capacity for GREATNESS. Don?t let being "good" be good enough. vv It's still all about what?s BEST for our children! EXCELLENCE is the ONLY No excuses! GALENA PARK 56HO0L DISTRICT 0 Facebook 0 @GalenaParleD The mission of the Galena Park Independent School District is to prepare students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. 9 Galena Park Independent 83 i 832?386-l063 galenaparl