A Message from Dr. Pam Wells
I hope you and your families are well and that you are taking care of yourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Self-care is very important, and I want to share a few tips with you.   

  • At least once a day, focus on something that brings you personal joy: playing with children, listening to music, reading, cooking, gardening—whatever makes you happy.   
  • Take time to move; take walks or exercise outside as you are able.
  • Please remember, you must take care of yourself to take care of others!
I want to express my sincere thanks to the many of you who have e-mailed me or provided feedback in the Region 4 staff survey expressing appreciation for Region 4’s support, especially the assurance that you will receive full compensation and benefits, even though we are not able to work at our full capacity with the suspension of normal business operations. I have shared your appreciation with the members of our Board of Directors as well. I have also shared with them how diligently you are working to support our schools. We will be sharing some of the many ways you are helping both internal and external customers. 

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in our state and nation has evolved and we remain in daily contact with local health officials, school superintendents, and the Texas Education Agency. We will continue to upload resources for you to Region 4 Staff Resources on the Region 4 main web page, so please check it regularly. We will continue to support each other. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.  
Region 4 COVID-19 Web Page

Special thanks to everyone—from all four internal divisions—who spent last week working on a website dedicated to issues facing teachers and parents during this difficult time.

The Region 4 COVID-19 resources page was launched March 20 and features a wide array of resources to assist area educators.

The website features resources dedicated to Instruction, Child Nutrition, Mental Health and Wellness , and Business Operations. As of March 29, there have been more than 9,300 page views on the site, with an additional 27,500 views on the individual instructional resources pages.
Region 4 Staff Resources

To help compile all internal communication regarding COVID-19, a website has been created specifically for Region 4 staff. The Region 4 Employee Resources page is accessible from the main esc4.net home page and is located at the bottom left, below the In4mation link.

The Staff Resources page contains e-mail communication from Dr. Wells, tips on how to stay active and engaged, and information regarding staff benefits.

For questions regarding this page, e-mail solutions@esc4.net.
Human Resources is Here 4 You!

Human Resources (HR) is here to answer your questions during this evolving situation. See the list below for topics each HR team member can assist you with. 
Melody Goffney, EdD
Human Resources Director
713.744.6546
  • General HR questions
Brittany Lloyd
Human Resources Specialist
713.744.6527
  • Benefits (e.g., health insurance, investments, annuity)
  • Salary calculations, IRS forms, and direct deposit
  • Work schedules
  • Service records
  • Family Medical Leave, workers' compensation, short-term disability
Mayra Rocio
Human Resources Assistant
713.744.6544
  • Job postings
  • Job applications
  • Recruitment
  • Start date and work schedules
  • Salary details
  • General HR questions
Elise Wong
Human Resources Coordinator
713.744.6304
  • New employee orientation
  • Professional development
  • Recruitment
  • Employee wellness program
  • Performance management
  • General HR questions
Strive to Thrive Activity Challenge
Don’t miss your opportunity to register for Stride to Thrive Activity Challenge! During this 6-week challenge, you’ll add activity to your daily routine as you strive to achieve weekly activity minute goals. Join and learn how to find the right workout for you, set effective goals, stay motivated, and more!

Stride to Thrive: How It Works
  • The challenge runs from March 23 to May 3, 2020.
  • You will receive a newsletter with wellbeing education and health tips each week.
  • To participate, complete daily tasks outlined in the newsletter and track your progress at trsactivecarelivehealthychallenge.com. To complete the challenge, you must complete the required number of minutes for a minimum of 4 out of the 6 weeks.  

You can earn rewards:
  • Early Bird Incentive: The first 1,500 participants who register for the challenge will receive a free t-shirt.
  • Participation Drawing: Participants who record activity each week of the challenge will qualify for 5,000 credits toward the TRS-ActiveCare Rewards Mall. Up to 400 qualifying participants will be selected. 
  • Team Captain Drawing: Team captains with a minimum of four team members (including the captain) will earn 5,000 credits toward the Rewards Mall.

Please note: You can now participate in the wellness challenge even if you’re not enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare.
Staff Spotlight
Special Education Solutions hosted 90 participants, including Region 4 staff, during its monthly Special Education Directors meeting on March 23 via Zoom. Topics included
  • new USDE supplemental documents,
  • the latest TEA special education FAQ info,
  • the Health and Human Services posting on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding teletherapy, and
  • a cross-departmental presentation from Accountability and Leadership Solutions Specialist Angel Lozano on STAAR®, end of course, and graduation assessment updates.

To showcase your team's work, contact solutions@esc4.net .
Virtual Technical Assistance

Just-in-time subject-area assistance from the following departments is available on the Region 4 COVID-19 page. Click the links below for details.
The basic protective measures against coronavirus include: 

1. HANDS —Wash them often.

2. ELBOW — Cough into it.

3. FACE — Don't touch it.

4. FEET — Stay more than 6 feet apart.

5. FEEL sick? Stay home.