Mass Email Distribution and Newsletters

Currently, ESC Region 11 uses L-Soft for mass email distribution and Smore for electronic newsletters. To help streamline our processes, better align with industry standards, and address concerns/limitations with these platforms, we will soon transition to GovDelivery, a more robust, reliable platform for mass communication. Not only will GovDelivery replace L-Soft, but, in time, it will also replace Smore.

The Communications and Marketing Team will be rolling out trainings in the coming months and will be there to offer support every step along the way. We are excited about this opportunity to create dynamic content, capture more analytics, and simplify things for our subscribers as well as staff.

Mid-Year Performance Evaluations

Mid-year performance evaluations are taking place this month and should be completed by January 31. If you have not already, you should soon be receiving a meeting request from PowerSchool to schedule time to meet with your supervisor.

For questions, please reach out to your department leadership or Ravonne Allmon-Smith.

Happy New Year! If you are the goal-setting type, then you are probably enthusiastic about your new resolutions for the year. If you are a procrastinator, you may still be considering whether you want to commit to a personal goal. One thing we must all commit to, however, is the change that is required when we roll the calendar over to a new year. Although it often gets overlooked, it's important to update the copyright statement at the bottom of each slide deck you create.

To assist you with this endeavor, the Communications and Marketing Team has updated the presentation slide templates in @11 to reflect the new year. If you want to ensure that your new slide presentations have the current branding/copyright information on them, simply download one of the updated templates! If you prefer to use a previously downloaded slide deck, it is your responsibility to update the copyright date to 2024.

May this year be filled with success, joy, and purpose as you lead and serve!

Stephanie Smelley

What were you doing in 1999? Well, that was the year Stephanie Smelley joined our staff at ESC Region 11! On February 22, she will celebrate 25 years of service with us.

Prior to joining the ESC, Stephanie stayed home to raise her children and perform all of the office duties for their family dairy. She then worked at Azle ISD for five years. Currently, she serves as an MIS Coordinator for Business and Student Services, collaborating with a team of "10 exceptional women who consistently demonstrate excellence in their respective roles." She states, "Their remarkable depth of knowledge, spanning areas like ASCENDER, PEIMS, and TSDS, is truly impressive." This team, and how everyone excels in various areas, is a unique joy that Stephine considers herself lucky to experience every workday.

Growing up, Stephanie and her siblings moved around quite a bit since her dad was in the Air Force. Her brother was born in San Antonio, her sister in Panama City, and she was born at Homestead AFB in Florida. They always seemed to be near the water or beach, though, which instilled in her a love of the ocean — and cruising as her preferred mode of travel.

Stephanie has been married for 43 years and has two children, Parker and Rebecca. Her son, Parker, works for TXU Energy, and her daughter, Rebecca, is a Licensed School Psychologist for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Her family has lived in the Aledo area for more than 30 years, where they have a small farm and raise beef cattle.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: "I enjoy reading, cruising, and traveling in my free time, with a particular interest in exploring new places and history. Currently, I'm planning a December 2024 cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam to experience the Christmas markets."

Q: What is a little-known fact about you?
A: "I love to play Texas Hold'em and shop at QVC!"

Q: What is a personal goal of yours?
A: "Travel and see as much of the world as possible."

Q: Who (someone in your life or a personal hero) has profoundly influenced shaping who you are today?
A: "While not everyone may recall Richard Bryan, it's important to acknowledge his contribution to PEIMS at ESC Region 11 years ago. Back in 1999, when I started my job, Richard was instrumental in guiding and educating me on the intricacies of PEIMS. His mentorship has been a key factor in my prolonged tenure here, fostering a deep appreciation for the work and purpose of ESC Region 11."

If you were unable to attend our September FYI in person, you can watch a recording here: December 15, 2023, FYI Recording — YouTube.

Topics Included:

• Center-wide Updates
  • Human Resources
    • Mid-year Evaluations Due by January 31
  • Business and Operations
    • Workspace Updates
  • Technology
    • Conference Room Technology Updates
    • Building Closure Reminders
  • Communications and Marketing
    • We've Moved Offices!
    • Listserv/Email Distribution Updates
    • Print Shop Reminders
• Employee Advisory Committee Reminders
  • Food and Toy Drive Recaps
  • December Activities
• National Commemorative Day
• Board Appreciation Month

To view previously recorded FYI Meetings, please visit @11.

Our next Lunch-and-Learn will be on Monday, January 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Bring your lunch and join Kandi McAninch in creating Valentine's Day decor!

Please sign up by the Friday before the scheduled event so that the instructor can gather the required materials. Supplies and costs for each project can be found on the sign-up sheet (button below).

If you would be willing to instruct a future class, or should you have any questions, please reach out to Kandi McAninch.

Insight11