KlEin District NEwsMagazineapril 2012

A Texas Recognized District

Klein ISD is Each Klein ISD campus will receive the No Place for Hate designation from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Houston. The ADL created No Place for Hate to empower the entire school community – teachers and students, administrators and parents to tackle prejudice, bullying and intergroup conflict. Learn more about each campus at www.kleinisd.net/nohate.

• Stand Together Video• No Place for Hate Video • Mix It Up Lunch

Benfer Elementary

• Your 3 Words Activity • Stand Together Video• Mix It Up Lunch

BenignusElementary

• Project Wisdom readings• Mix It Up Lunch• Cultural Doll/Buffalo Activity

BlackshearElementary

• Stand Up Week • We All Fit Together Activity• Don’t Crush My Spirit

BrillElementary

• Stand Up with Power & Pride• Friendship Week• Celebrate Americans

EhrhardtElementary

• EarlyAct FirstKnight (EAFK) Character Program• Eiland International Festival

EilandElementary

• Elementary School Assembly• Poster Contest• No Place for Hate QR Codes

Klein High School

• Anti-Bullying Week • Pay It Forward Campaign • Houston Holocaust Museum’s Butterfly Project

Klein Collins High School

• Talent Show• House Banner Signing• Food & Toy Drives

Klein Forest High School

• Anti-Bullying Week • Pay It Forward Campaign • Houston Holocaust Museum’s Butterfly Project

Klein OakHigh School

• Have a Heart Week & T-shirt Contest• School wide lesson on empathy• Student Skits on Bullying

Epps IslandElementary

• Chain Reaction Activity• The Keeping Quilt Project• Albert and Ethel Herzstein Curriculum Trunk Program

FrankElementary

• Have a Heart Week & T-shirt Contest• School Lessons on Empathy• Student Skits on Bullying

Greenwood Forest Elementary

• Pinwheels for Peace Project• Second Step Program• Mix It Up at Lunch

HasslerElementary

• Stand Together Video• RED-y to Stand Up to Drugs and Bullies Week • Be the One Day

HaudeElementary

• Anti-Bullying Week • Diversity in Dance • Culture Fest

LemmElementary

• Stand Up Week• Mix it Up Lunch • Rap & Silent March Against Hate

KaiserElementary

• Stand Up Week • ROCK OUT Against Bullies & Drugs Day• The NED Bullying Show

KlenkElementary

• K.C. Coyote Character Day Program• Fabric Tales & Family Ties • Kindness Week

KohrvilleElementary

• Mix It Up Lunch • Culture Month and Night • Friendship Week & Walk

KrahnElementary

• K.C. Coyote Character Day Program• Fabric Tales & Family Ties • Kindness Week

KreinhopElementary

• Kickoff Bucket Fillers • Stand Up for Respect Week• Friendship Week & Walk

KuehnleElementary

• Mix It Up Lunch • Many Faces From Different Places Activity• Stand Up for What’s Right

McDougleElementary

• Stand Up Week • Stand Together Video• Metzler Pride: We are Different, Yet the Same

MetzlerElementary

• Respect to All by Hero Martial Arts• Stand Together Video• No Place for Hate Assembly

MittelstädtElementary

• Boosterthon-EPIC Adventure• Stand Together Video• Mix it Up Lunch

NorthamptonElementary

• Culture Bag • Destination Imagination No Bullying Skits• March Out Hate

NitschElementary

• Anti-Bullying Lessons• Stand Up Week• Respect Rally

MuellerElementary

• Stand Up Week• Mix It Up at Lunch• Motivation Productions Program

RothElementary

• Friendship Pizza & Anti-Bullying Week• Mix It Up Day • Car License Plates

SchultzElementary

• 3rd Grade T-Shirt Project• Respect Flash Mob

TheissElementary

• Anti-Bullying Week • Holocaust Survivor Walter Kase Presentation• Band Together to Stop Gossip Day

DoerreIntermediate

• Ties for Champions• Billboard Art Contest

HildebrandtIntermediate

• ADL Youth Summit• Respect PowerPoint• Stand Up for the Good Guy Week

KlebIntermediate

• Anti-Bullying Week• A Link Against Hate Activity/Presentations

KleinIntermediate

• New Student Breakfast • Diversity Quilt• Respect Rally with Mueller Elementary

KrimmelIntermediate

• Anti-Bullying Rally• Walk Against Hate Day

SchindewolfIntermediate

• Hands Across Strack: United in Uniqueness • Poster Plaster Challenge• Unite Against Hate Contest

StrackIntermediate

• Our Future is Too Bright to Bully Pep Rally• Posters/Banners• No Place for Hate Video

UlrichIntermediate

• ADL Youth Summit • Anti-Bullying Week • Team Up Against Bullying

WunderlichIntermediate

• Mix it Up Lunch• ADL Youth Summit• Respect Poster Contest

Vistas High School Program

transitioning: What to Expect

Students are in constant motion during their educational careers in the Klein ISD. As a student progresses from the elementary to the secondary level, they can anticipate changes in the classroom setting, modes of lesson delivery, and higher expectations. With each stage, teachers, counselors and administrators are readily available to assist with this transition.

Two stages where students may need additional help are when they are either entering intermediate or high school for the first time. For more than 25 years now, the district has implemented meetings for student transitioning. “We have programs in place at each level,” said Jeannie Connors, Klein ISD student support services officer. “We have informational meetings for fifth grade parents and students where we talk about the process and the transition skills students will need. For eighth graders, we discuss what to expect when entering high school and provide information about college and workforce preparedness. Our goal is to stay in constant contact with parents and students during this process.” Prior to any meetings, parents are sent letters informing them about the sessions and what to expect. In January, students can begin visiting their new campuses to meet with the principals and counselors, tour the facility, and select elective courses for the next school year. Afterwards, parents receive follow-up correspondence, and they then must review and approve the student’s schedule and return all signed forms to the school. “Students and parents also attend an orientation activity during the summer designed to help the students have a successful year,” said Connors. ”During the orientation, students and parents visit the campus to pick up schedules, buy supplies, receive textbooks and tour the building to locate classes.”

Transition orientations discuss: adapting to new social environments, class preparation skills, parent involvement at the secondary level, counseling and guidance services, and additional resources available to parents and students.

The similarities and differences between each level are also addressed, such as: transitioning from a self-contained classroom to seven class periods; homework requirements and rigorous academic levels and expectations; and varied methods of instruction experienced in each class. The goal for all transition activities is to help students and parents adjust to their new environments and responsibilities with ease.

“KISD counselors, administrators and teachers are ready to work with students and parents to make the transition smooth for everyone,” Connors expressed. “We are here for them and want them to have a great first year at their new campus.”

TRANSITION FACTS: • Strack, Krimmel and Kleb Intermediates conduct

May transition meetings to prepare fifth grade parents for intermediate school.

• More than 6,900 students will transition from fifth to sixth grades and eighth to ninth grades during the 2012-2013 school year.

For more on transitioning in KISD, visit www.kleinisd.net/transitions.

sUMMER SCHOOLREGISTRATION:Opens May 1, 2012 for all elementary general education students, May 21 for all intermediate and high school general education students. SUMMER SCHOOL DATES: + Elementary PreK-K: June 4-29 + Elementary Credit Recovery: June 11-26+ Intermediate: June 6 -26+ High School: Session I - June 11-26 Session II - July 12-27 SUMMER SCHOOL CAMPUSES:+ Elementary: ▪ Mittelstädt ▪ Mueller ▪ Greenwood Forest ▪ McDougle

+ Intermediate: ▪ Klein Intermediate ▪ Hildebrandt + High School: ▪ Klein Forest ▪ Klein Oak THINGS TO NOTE:•Case managers will coordinate registration for all special education students.

•Parents should contact a student’s HOME campus for specific dates, times, and other details.

•Only cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders will be accepted for payment.

For more information, visit:www.kleinisd.net/summerschool

2012-13 CALENDAR

Aug. 21-24: Staff Development Aug. 25: Summer 2012 High School Graduation Aug. 27: FIRST DAY OF CLASSES Sept. 3: Labor Day Holiday Nov. 6: Presidential Election, Student Holiday Staff Development, Elementary Conferences Nov. 19-20: Staff Development/Student Holiday Nov. 21-23: Thanksgiving Holiday Dec. 24-Jan. 4: Christmas/Winter Holiday Jan. 7: Classes Resume Jan. 17: End of First Semester Jan. 18: Staff Development/Student Holiday Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Holiday Jan. 22: Second Semester Begins March 11-15: Spring Break March 28: Staff Development/Student Holiday March 29: Easter Break May 27: Memorial Day Holiday June 6: LAST DAY OF CLASSES June 7: Staff Development June 8: 2013 High School Graduations

DATES OF SIX/NINE WEEKS’ GRADING PERIODS

ELEMENTARY SECONDARYFirst Semester First SemesterAug. 27 – Oct. 26 Aug. 27 – Oct. 5 Oct. 29 – Jan. 17 Oct. 8 – Nov. 16 Nov. 26 – Jan. 17

Second Semester Second SemesterJan. 22 – March 27 Jan. 22 – March 1 April 1 – June 6 March 4 – April 19 April 22 – June 6

KISD STAAR Update

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 Garners 35 Nominations for Tommy Tune Awards Nominations

� KISD Students Rock the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Rockstar Contest

� Haude Elementary Jogging Club Strides Across the U.S. � Two Klein ISD Teachers Named Finalists for 2012 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards � KISD Intermediate Student Artwork on Display at the Glassell Junior School of Art � Mueller Counselor Dee Dee Murphy Named Walter Kase Award Recipient � Roth Elementary Student Artwork on Display at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts � Klein Collins Baseball Student-Athlete Receives Pre-Season Honors � Intermediate Students Perform Well at the District Academic Challenge � Klein Forest Business Students Participate in Job Shadowing with the Rockets � $109,000 Gifted to KISD Education Foundation � Three KISD Campuses Earn HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Award of Distinction

EVENtS

Visit www.kleinisd.net/news for more KISD stories.

High School Proms

Klein Oak: May 5, 2012Greenspoint Hilton

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

Klein Collins: May 19, 2012Marriott Waterway, The Woodlands

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.

Klein ISD Family Reunion The Klein, TX Historical Foundation hosts an Open House from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat., April 28. The museum is located next to Doerre Intermediate, 18218 Theiss Mail Rd., Klein, TX 77379. For more information visit www.kleinisd.net/kleinfamilyreunion.

Wunderlich Farm & Klein, TX MuseumThe final Saturday of each month, except in November, December and May, the Wunderlich Farm and Klein Museum is open to the public for free tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each tour begins on the hour at 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and begins in the Doerre Intermediate Library. For additional information visit www.kleinisd.net/historicalfoundation.

At the Klein ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 27, 2012 the Board approved a waiver to allow that the End of Course Exams not count for 15 percent of the overall course average for the school year 2011-12. The Texas Education Agency has given approval for local districts to have this waiver opportunity for this school year only. For more information, visit: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar.

Kleinwell Family Fitness Fair & One Mile Walk/Run

Join us at the home side of the stadium for the first ever Klein ISD Family Fitness Fair & One Mile Walk/Run. At the fair learn from the Klein healthy living community and support the kleinwell employee wellness program. For more information and to register visit www.kleinisd.net/milerun-walk.

Saturday, April 28, 2012 8 a.m. - Noon

Klein Memorial Stadium

Students Get a

Kathryn Thrash was your average teenage, high school student who had good grades, but struggled with going to class. As she approached her senior year, Thrash made the decision to drop-out and instead get a GED. It was a phone call from 2nd Chance, however, that gave new hope to Thrash of getting a high school diploma.

“It was a blessing because the day I went to register for the GED, it was raining. Fortunately, I received the call the next day, and I took it as a sign,” recalled Thrash.

The goal of the 2nd Chance program is to provide KISD students an opportunity to earn their high school diplomas through flexible scheduling and self-directed curriculum in a non-traditional environment. The program serves students who dropped out of school or did not graduate with their class, and need minimal credits or need to pass one or more of the Exit-level TAKS.

Thrash soon became one of more than 150 Klein ISD students to earn their high school diploma through the program. Not only did she get a diploma, but with the help of Judy Musgrave, former program coordinator, Thrash later enrolled and graduated from the AVEDA Institute with a certificate in cosmetology. She then became an AVEDA instructor for left-handed stylists, a technique she has come to master. Thrash credits the program and Musgrave for helping her achieve her goals.

“Judy was amazing. She was always there and available, and it was also really nice having someone to encourage me. I could not have done it without her,” said Thrash.

Funding for the program came from a grant by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and is one of the first statewide efforts to focus on recovering students who have dropped out of school.

“Students benefit tremendously from this program, as it has allowed those with issues from loss of a loved one, pregnancy, and other life changing events, to complete their high school diploma,” said Musgrave.

From October 2009 to December 2011, the program has served more than 240 students from all four Klein ISD high schools.

Graduates of the program have helped improve both the district and campus completion rates, with the KISD rate increasing two percent in the latest state accountability report.

“Many students do need a second chance at life, and this is what the program allows,” said LaToya Anderson, math tutor and educator who has been with the program from the beginning. “To see students come in to the program who felt they had no chance at graduating, and then to see the smile on their faces when they do, it is very rewarding.”

Studies show that a high school diploma not only opens the door for higher paying jobs, but also for academic options like college, technical training and the military. Through the 2nd Chance program, educators in the Klein ISD have come together to make it possible for students to have alternatives and reach their educational goals.

“You won’t find an easier group of kids to work with,” said Anthony Phillips, Klein High science teacher and science TAKS tutor for the program. “These students want to be here, and know this is their chance. Having the opportunity to help them make that happen is very rewarding.”

Open Enrollment Flexible Scheduling Online Learning Credit Recovery

Individualized TAKS Instruction Self-paced

Individual Graduation Plan

Program Details:Monday-Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Vistas High School Program - 12250 Bammel N. Houston, Houston 77066

For more information about the program, visit www.kleinisd.net/2ndchance.

2nd ChanceGraduate! Go Places!

at a Diploma

SupErintEndEnt’s Dear Klein ISD Community,

With the school year quickly drawing to a close, I am proud to report that the Klein ISD has excelled in its two major goals: academic excellence and good character development. The district had 10 National Merit semi-finalists, five campuses named to the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) 2011 Higher Performing Schools list, $20,000 awarded from Texas AP/IB Incentive Program to support the IB program, 102 Gold Performance acknowledgements, and two high school students selected as Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Ambassadors. These are just some of the academic achievements, and there are many other fine arts, athletics, and academic accomplishments as well.

Schools are truly exemplifying positive character development growth through several No Place for Hate projects that you can see in this issue. Mueller Elementary counselor Dee Dee Murphy was named a Walter Kase Award recipient by the Houston Anti-Defamation League for her work in promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding among the students, staff, and community. We are so proud of Ms. Murphy and all employees for modeling good character traits, and our students for their continued pursuit of tolerance and diversity among their peers.

This has also been a banner year in the Klein ISD for showcasing the instructional technology program. KISD had visits from the Idaho Department of Education, was featured in the national Digital Learning Day, and was asked to host a technology site visit by the National School Board Association (NSBA). After this site visit, the NSBA reported KISD to have the highest scoring participant evaluations of any other site visit over its 15-year history. We applaud the educational technology and information technology departments for working diligently to make the Klein ISD a leader in educational technology.

We appreciate your continued support of the district that enables our students and educators to excel both in and outside of the classroom each school year. We encourage you to stay connected as the months progress, and best wishes to all the graduating seniors in the Class of 2012.

Sincerely,Dr. Jim Cain, Klein ISD Superintendent

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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.