Rebecca Flores, principal at Passmore ES, made good on a challenge made to the third, fourth and fifth grade students last year before taking the TAKS test. She promised that, if they tried their best, she would kiss a pig. Getting to hold the cute swine is Irene Alfaro, principal’s secretary.

Principal of Steubing ES, Beverly Pantuso, had to put her “lips where her mouth was" when the school reached three goals in their PTA membership drive. The school received 100 percent faculty participation, and had 502 parents and 24 community members join the PTA.

Retiring in December?

Anyone anticipating retiring in December 2004, should submit to the Teacher Retirement System Form TRS-18 Request for Estimate of Retirement Benefits. Forms are available on the TRS website at www.trs.state.tx.us/ Forms/Member_Forms.htm or by calling TRS at 1-800-223-8778. It is recommended that you submit your request 60-90 days in advance of your desired date of retirement. The TRS website also has a video you can play on your computer called Steps to Retirement which provides detailed information about TRS retirement. Employees who have received their retirement packet from TRS may call the NISD Benefits Office at 397-8620 for an individual retirement counseling appointment.