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KlEin District NEwsMagazine FEbruary 201 2 A Texas Recognized District

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Klein District News is a publication of the Office of the Superintendent and is produced by the Community Relations Department.

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Page 1: Klein District News

KlEin District NEwsMagazineFEbruary 2012

A Texas Recognized District

Page 2: Klein District News

Board of

Rick Mann • Serving seventh term • Manager of business improvement for Southwest Water Company • Father of two Klein ISD graduates

Stephen J. Szymczak • Serving third term • Product line director at Baker Hughes • Father of five Klein ISD graduates and one student enrolled in KISD

Jim Smith~President • Serving second term • Vice president of business development for Magellan Land Group • Father of two Klein ISD graduates

Steven E. Smith • Serving first term• U.S. Navy veteran and retired energy industry executive • Father of two Klein ISD graduates

Ronnie K. Anderson~Vice President • Serving first term • Partner and vice president of marketing and technology for The Frontline Group • Father of two Klein ISD students

Georgan Reitmeier • Serving third term • Retired director of Keep Pace Early Childhood Intervention program • Mother of two Klein ISD graduates

Paul Lanham~Secretary • Serving first term • Managing director of CDC Rentals • Father of three; two Klein ISD graduates and one attending KISD

trustEEs

The Klein ISD Board of Trustees (L-R): Back Row - Paul Lanham, Rick Mann, Stephen J. Szymczak, Steven E. Smith, Jim Smith; Front Row - Dr. Jim Cain (Superintendent), Georgan Reitmeier, Ronnie K. Anderson.

Page 3: Klein District News

zoning

‘08

UpdatE

Construction projects from the 2008 Bond are progressing throughout the district. The evolution of the new academic wing and athletic facilities, which includes the natatorium and Career and Technology areas, of Klein High School is on schedule for completion in November 2012. The second phase begins during spring 2013 and includes the construction of the auditorium, cafeteria, orchestra and band rooms. Klein High is set to be completed by July 2014, with site improvements finished by November 2014. The Grace England Early Childhood Pre-Kindergarten Center opens in 2012-13. The center’s namesake, Dr. Grace England, worked in KISD for 24 years as a teacher and the director of special education. The center is next to McDougle Elementary and has the capacity to house 1,000 students. The center will relieve congestion at seven elementary schools, and eliminates the need to build another elementary in the southern part of the district.

In spring 2011, a zoning committee of parents, teachers, administrators and staff met to discuss issues related to high school rezoning. The Klein ISD Board of Trustees approved the rezoning of Klein Oak High School for 2012-13 in July 2011. The district realigned the Klein Oak attendance zones due to overcapacity and projected growth of the high school over the next seven years. Some subdivisions that currently attend KOHS will be rezoned to either Klein High or Klein Collins at the start of next school year. The plan allows these three high schools to stay under 120 percent capacity until the fifth high school is completed, which is projected for 2019.

For this transition period, the Board approved a zoning policy that allows students to stay at Klein Oak based on the following prerequisites: simultaneous siblings, 2011-12 freshmen that earn a varsity letter and are officially selected for a varsity program, students who lettered in other UIL non-athletic events or who are in good standing with the drill team, and 2011-12 sophomores and juniors. These students are responsible for their own transportation or may ride a district bus from a designated stop in a nearby neighborhood. For more information on high school rezoning or to view the approved plan, visit www.kleinisd.net/hszoning.

Paul Lanham~Secretary • Serving first term • Managing director of CDC Rentals • Father of three; two Klein ISD graduates and one attending KISD

The Klein ISD Multipurpose Center opens in the fall of 2012. It is located on FM 2920 west of the Lakes of Avalon subdivision. The center will house education technology facilities, plant operations, staff development and meeting areas. It also includes the agricultural facilities, food service department offices and a test kitchen. For more information regarding 2008 Bond projects, visit www.kleinisd.net/bond2008.

High school

Page 4: Klein District News

ParEnt

InvolvEmEntParent involvement in the Klein ISD is critical to the success of the students and district. KISD parents have opportunities to serve as volunteers, mentors, participants of Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), etc. The Klein ISD parent liaison program, however, is unique to the district.

Parent liaisons support campuses in the Klein ISD by providing a direct link between parents and the school administration and faculty. As the KISD population continues to grow and become more diverse, communication with non-native English speaking students and parents is important. Liaisons serve as an extension of the campus and offer services in mediation, translation of school communications, counselors, etc. According to Maria Mafla, coordinator of the KISD parent liaison program, the nine liaisons across 10 campuses are jacks of all trades.

“Their role on the campuses is important because often these campuses see a gap in parent involvement due to obstacles in communication among parents and students.”

The parent liaisons work as a team to meet needs of students and parents at their campus. They can also offer assistance in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Additionally, each liaison is also a parent and provides a unique perspective to both the campus faculty and administration, as well as to the parents and students. Jasmine Tang, liaison at Klein Forest and native Vietnamese speaker, said one of the unique aspects is helping resolve communication barriers between students and parents from different cultures.

“Often families who come from different countries are unfamiliar about the school system here, and don’t know that it is customary for parents to get involved in the education process. This can result in misunderstandings among the parents, students and the campus,” said Tang. “There are often gaps among the generations and cultures, and our job is to help communicate with those parents so their child is successful.”

Despite cultural barriers that may arise, the parent liaisons continuously work to successfully bridge the gap in communication and involvement. To learn about parent involvement in KISD, visit www.kleinisd.net/parentinvolvement.

Maria A MaflaCoordinator

[email protected]

Ana AlvarezKaiser Elementary

[email protected]

Monica BanksKlein Intermediate

[email protected]

Maria (Faby) McEvoyNitsch Elementary

[email protected]

Evelyn FrancoKlein Forest

[email protected]

Elsa Muñ[email protected]

Klenk Elementary Greenwood Forest

Maria OvalleMcDougle Elementary

[email protected]

Maria Elena SanchezWunderlich [email protected]

Jasmine TangKlein Forest

[email protected]

Veronica [email protected]

Eiland ElementaryEpps Island Elementary

Page 5: Klein District News

MEntoring

Want to make a difference in

students’ lives in the Klein ISD?

BECOME A MENTOR!

The KISD mentor program provides volunteers an opportunity to nurture a student’s academic and personal growth. The program began in 2007 and has seen more than 150 mentors volunteer from the Klein community. The program is available for all campuses across the district.

A KISD mentor spends time with a student on the school campus before or after school, or during the student’s lunch break. Visits occur once a week, and mentors are placed based on preference or proximity to their home/office. The district offers required trainings throughout the school year, and adults who meet the criteria may become a mentor.

“Mentoring is a great opportunity to serve a purpose. Klein ISD and the counselors offer great support connecting mentors with the students,” said Jo Ann Chiu, mentor at Kreinhop Elementary. “Each memorable experience occurs when I have the ‘light bulb moment’ and the inspiration allows my mentee to grow.”

Several high school and intermediate campuses also have teacher/student mentoring programs in which a counselor or administrator recruits teachers to serve as mentors. This extra student-teacher interaction has proven beneficial.

“As a counselor, we find that the children often need to feel valued. In addition to their parents, it is crucial when someone else they know and respect takes value in them as well,” said Janet Watson, counselor and coordinator of the Ehrhardt Elementary Eagle Buddies. “In return, I’ve noticed that the students tend to see themselves differently. They see the value in themselves and in life’s possibilities through the eyes of their mentors.”

High school student groups across the district also mentor at the elementary schools. Other mentoring programs include those for retired community members such as Grandpals at Krahn Elementary and Village at Gleannloch Farms senior adults who visit Frank Elementary.

Statistics indicate a positive reflection on mentored students’ school work, health and development, as a direct result of having a positive adult role model. Kristy Johnson, counselor for 16 years at Northampton Elementary, agrees.

“Having a mentor increases self-esteem, self-confidence and makes the child feel very special,” said Johnson. “Our community mentors are absolutely wonderful! The kids really look forward to a special day with their mentors. It makes such a positive impact on the kids’ lives.”

Visit www.kleinisd.net/mentor or contact Angie Mentz, mentor program coordinator, at [email protected] to become a KISD mentor today!

KISD MENTOR PROCESS:

1. Register as a volunteer on the Klein ISD website and complete criminal background check.

2. Attend a two-hour training offered by KISD.3. Receive an e-mail from Klein ISD indicating

your background check has been completed. 4. Meet with the campus counselor. Students with

parent permission will meet with a mentor.5. Arrange student meetings once a week (30-

45 minutes) before or after school, during the student’s lunch, or other times designated by the campus staff.

Requirements: KISD mentors agree to stay in contact with the counselor or other designated school contact for mentoring at the campus, and should be consistent, honest and reliable to the commitment they make with the student.

Page 6: Klein District News

Curriculum:

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) replaces the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test beginning in spring 2012. The STAAR is administered to first-time ninth graders and students in eighth grade and below. The STAAR will assess the same grades and subjects as TAKS and places importance on college readiness standards outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

STAAR testing changes include: � Combines testing of content area and measuring into one � Requires comprehension of longer reading passages �Math and science tests will utilize more reading, diagrams and charts � Social studies review maps and primary documents such as famous speeches or the U.S. Constitution.

There is a four-hour time limit for all tests, including End-of-Course (EOC).

EOC exams now begin for students in eighth grade algebra and ninth grade. Students will take 12 EOC tests throughout high school, which will account for 15 percent of a student’s final grade. Students must receive both class credits and pass EOC exams to graduate.

KISD 2012 TESTING SCHEDULE

March 5-9: TAKS Exit Level RetestsMarch 7: TAKS Grade 10 ELA TAKS Exit Level ELA TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 ELAApril 23: TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 MathApril 24-27: TAKS Exit Level RetestsApril 24: TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 Math TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 ELAApril 25: TAKS Exit Level Math TAKS-M Grade 11 MathApril 26: TAKS Grade 10 Science TAKS Exit Level Science TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Science TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 ScienceApril 27: TAKS Grade 10 Social Studies TAKS Exit Level Social Studies TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Social Studies

March 26: English I & III WritingMarch 27: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 1 Grades 5 & 8 Math English I & III ReadingMarch 28: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 2 Grades 5 & 8 Reading English II WritingMarch 29: English II ReadingApril 24: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 MathApril 25: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 ReadingApril 26: Grades 5 & 8 ScienceApril 27: Grade 8 Social Studies

taks vs.

StaarRetakes are four times a school year, and students who miss the EOC exam due to an illness have a designated time period for make-ups.

“It’s important that students and parents stay connected with their counselor and they stay updated with their student’s progress towards graduation,” said Dr. Susan Borg, associate superintendent for instruction and student services.

Throughout this school year, parents will receive written communication about STAAR and EOC exams and resources to ensure their child successfully completes all requirements. In April, teachers will have a review period for students. Parents and students may also consult the district’s curriculum and instruction Web pages at www.kleinisd.net/curriculum or www.kleinisd.net/assessments for more KISD testing information. Also, for questions about STAAR and EOC exams see the TEA website at www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar.

TAKS

STAAR

Page 7: Klein District News

District IN THE NEWS...

Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and good news stories across the Klein ISD. Here is a glimpse of recent stories:

� KISD Employee Receives NAPT Special Needs Certification

� Vistas High School Applauds Students at Clap Out Celebration

� Two Klein ISD Students Received Gifts of Kidneys

� Community Celebration Features Holocaust Survivor Walter Kase

� Klein Forest Culinary Students Attain National Certification

� Klein ISD Cross Country Student-Athletes Garner District Accolades

� Strack Students Make Dolls for Texas Children’s Hospital

� Klein ISD Young Entrepreneurs Attend Frost Bank Kids’ Day

� Ulrich Intermediate Students’ Artwork Receives Recognition

� ‘Tis the Season of Giving in KISD

� Touchdown Club of Houston Honors KISD Football Standouts

� Klein ISD Announced to 2011 Speak Up 200 List

� Klein Oak Students Get a Unique Cultural Experience in China

� McDougle Elementary Offers English Classes for Adults

Friend of Freedom AwardsOn Jan. 12, 2012, the Friend of Freedom honorees were presented at the Through Your Eyes community celebration. Since 2003, the Friend of Freedom awards are given to individuals and businesses that have performed outstanding volunteer service and are advocates for our students. Two awards are presented in each of the four high school attendance areas. The 2012 Friend of Freedom honorees are Ray Ramer, John Zorn, Deborah Williams, JoAnn Chiu, Adrianne Holmes, Shamael Mustafa, Jack Velasquez and Dan Daniels. The districtwide award went to Lisa and Bruce Tetreault (Essilor Vision Foundation), Dr. David Way (Spring Klein Eye Center), and volunteers at Faithbridge United Methodist Church. These groups brought free vision screenings to our neediest students by providing onsite eye exams and glasses. For photos, visit us on Facebook.

EVENtS

Visit the “In the News” section on www.kleinisd.net for more!

High School Proms

Klein Oak: May 5, 2012Greenspoint Hilton

Klein High: May 5, 2012Marriott Waterway, The Woodlands

Klein Collins: May 19, 2012The Woodlands Waterway Hotel

Klein Forest: May 19, 2012Crowne Plaza Houston North

High School GraduationsSaturday, June 2, 2012

Reliant Stadium

Klein High: 9 a.m.Klein Forest: NoonKlein Oak: 3 p.m.Klein Collins: 6 p.m.

FFA Livestock & Project ShowThe Klein ISD FFA Livestock and Project Show will celebrate its 43rd year with its annual competition set for Feb. 16-18, 2012, at the Klein ISD Multipurpose Facility located behind Klein Memorial Stadium at 16715 Stuebner Airline, Klein, Texas 77379.

German FestivalThe 41st annual German Festival is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Klein Forest High School - 11400 Misty Valley, Houston 77066. Nitsch Elementary, Trinity Lutheran, Klein Forest men’s choir and Henry Tannenberger Orchestra students will perform. All tickets are advance sales only, and are available at each KISD school, at the KISD administrative offices, and at Trinity Lutheran Church School.

Dinner with the SuperintendentThe KISD community dinner with Superintendent Dr. Jim Cain is Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Kleb Intermediate - 7425 Louetta Rd., Klein 77379. Adults only. Free child care provided by Kids R Kids Champions - 16722 Squyres. Call 281.379.2998 and ask for Michelle Barr. RSVP by Feb. 27, 2012, to Linda Burdge (English) at 832.249.4173 or 832.249.4447 for Spanish and Vietnamese.

Page 8: Klein District News

SupErintEndEnt’s Greetings Klein ISD Community,

It is hard to believe we have completed half the school year, and what a great first semester we had in the Klein ISD! We had many outstanding sports teams proceed to the finals and athletes recognized, student scholars and teams have excelled, parents and community have been involved more than ever, and our students and staff have made a concerted effort to become good citizens by participating in character building, anti-bullying and anti-drug events. I am particularly proud of the many opportunities that our schools found to give back to the community during the first semester.

Although the new year has just begun, schools and individuals across the district are implementing great projects and events. I encourage each of you to stay abreast of all the good news and events happening in the district by signing up for our daily KleINTOUCH messages, visiting our website www.kleinisd.net, or following us on both Facebook and Twitter. We appreciate your continued support as we anticipate an outstanding second semester. Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Cain, Klein ISD Superintendent

UPDatE

Non-ProfitOrganization US Postage

PAIDKlein Independent

School District

Klein Independent School District7200 Spring-Cypress Rd.Klein, Texas 77379 - 3215www.kleinisd.net

KlEin District NEws MagazinE

The Klein District News is a publication of the Office of the Superintendent and is produced by the Communications & Planning Department.