Winter 2012 - Klein Independent School District
Winter 2012 - Klein Independent School District
Winter 2012 - Klein Independent School District
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KlEin<br />
<strong>District</strong><br />
NEwsMagazine<br />
FEbruary <strong>2012</strong><br />
A Texas Recognized <strong>District</strong>
Board of<br />
trustEEs<br />
The <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Board of Trustees (L-R): Back Row - Paul Lanham, Rick Mann, Stephen J. Szymczak, Steven E. Smith,<br />
Jim Smith; Front Row - Dr. Jim Cain (Superintendent), Georgan Reitmeier, Ronnie K. Anderson.<br />
Jim Smith~President<br />
• Serving second term<br />
• Vice president of business development<br />
for Magellan Land Group<br />
• Father of two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD graduates<br />
Ronnie K. Anderson~Vice President<br />
• Serving first term<br />
• Partner and vice president of marketing<br />
and technology for The Frontline Group<br />
• Father of two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD students<br />
Paul Lanham~Secretary<br />
• Serving first term<br />
• Managing director of CDC Rentals<br />
• Father of three; two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD<br />
graduates and one attending KISD<br />
Rick Mann<br />
• Serving seventh term<br />
• Manager of business improvement<br />
for Southwest Water Company<br />
• Father of two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD graduates<br />
Steven E. Smith<br />
• Serving first term<br />
• U.S. Navy veteran and retired<br />
energy industry executive<br />
• Father of two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD graduates<br />
Georgan Reitmeier<br />
• Serving third term<br />
• Retired director of Keep Pace Early<br />
Childhood Intervention program<br />
• Mother of two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD graduates<br />
Stephen J. Szymczak<br />
• Serving third term<br />
• Product line director at Baker Hughes<br />
• Father of five <strong>Klein</strong> ISD graduates<br />
and one student enrolled in KISD
In spring 2011, a zoning committee of parents, teachers,<br />
administrators and staff met to discuss issues related to high<br />
school rezoning. The <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Board of Trustees approved<br />
the rezoning of <strong>Klein</strong> Oak High <strong>School</strong> for <strong>2012</strong>-13 in July<br />
2011. The district realigned the <strong>Klein</strong> Oak attendance zones<br />
due to overcapacity and projected growth of the high school<br />
over the next seven years. Some subdivisions that currently<br />
attend KOHS will be rezoned to either <strong>Klein</strong> High or <strong>Klein</strong><br />
Collins at the start of next school year. The plan allows these<br />
three high schools to stay under 120 percent capacity until<br />
the fifth high school is completed, which is projected for 2019.<br />
High school<br />
For this transition period, the Board approved a zoning<br />
policy that allows students to stay at <strong>Klein</strong> Oak based on<br />
the following prerequisites: simultaneous siblings, 2011-<br />
12 freshmen that earn a varsity letter and are officially<br />
selected for a varsity program, students who lettered in<br />
other UIL non-athletic events or who are in good standing<br />
with the drill team, and 2011-12 sophomores and juniors.<br />
These students are responsible for their own transportation or<br />
may ride a district bus from a designated stop in a nearby<br />
neighborhood.<br />
For more information on high school rezoning or to view the<br />
approved plan, visit www.kleinisd.net/hszoning.<br />
zoning<br />
Construction projects from the 2008 Bond are progressing<br />
throughout the district. The evolution of the new academic wing<br />
and athletic facilities, which includes the natatorium and Career<br />
and Technology areas, of <strong>Klein</strong> High <strong>School</strong> is on schedule for<br />
completion in November <strong>2012</strong>. The second phase begins during<br />
spring 2013 and includes the construction of the auditorium,<br />
cafeteria, orchestra and band rooms. <strong>Klein</strong> High is set to be<br />
completed by July 2014, with site improvements finished by<br />
November 2014.<br />
The Grace England Early Childhood Pre-Kindergarten Center<br />
opens in <strong>2012</strong>-13. The center’s namesake, Dr. Grace England,<br />
worked in KISD for 24 years as a teacher and the director of<br />
special education. The center is next to McDougle Elementary and<br />
has the capacity to house 1,000 students. The center will relieve<br />
congestion at seven elementary schools, and eliminates the need to<br />
build another elementary in the southern part of the district.<br />
‘08<br />
UpdatE<br />
The <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Multipurpose Center opens in the fall of<br />
<strong>2012</strong>. It is located on FM 2920 west of the Lakes of Avalon<br />
subdivision. The center will house education technology<br />
facilities, plant operations, staff development and meeting<br />
areas. It also includes the agricultural facilities, food service<br />
department offices and a test kitchen.<br />
For more information regarding 2008 Bond projects, visit<br />
www.kleinisd.net/bond2008.
ParEnt<br />
InvolvEmEnt<br />
Parent involvement in the <strong>Klein</strong> ISD is critical to the success of the<br />
students and district. KISD parents have opportunities to serve as<br />
volunteers, mentors, participants of Parent Teacher Organizations<br />
(PTO), etc. The <strong>Klein</strong> ISD parent liaison program, however, is unique<br />
to the district.<br />
Parent liaisons support campuses in the <strong>Klein</strong> ISD by providing<br />
a direct link between parents and the school administration and<br />
faculty. As the KISD population continues to grow and become more<br />
diverse, communication with non-native English speaking students and<br />
parents is important. Liaisons serve as an extension of the campus<br />
and offer services in mediation, translation of school communications,<br />
counselors, etc. According to Maria Mafla, coordinator of the KISD<br />
parent liaison program, the nine liaisons across 10 campuses are<br />
jacks of all trades.<br />
Maria A Mafla<br />
Coordinator<br />
mmafla1@kleinisd.net<br />
Monica Banks<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Intermediate<br />
mbanks1@kleinisd.net<br />
Ana Alvarez<br />
Kaiser Elementary<br />
aalvarez1@kleinisd.net<br />
Maria (Faby) McEvoy<br />
Nitsch Elementary<br />
mmcevoy1@kleinisd.net<br />
“Their role on the campuses is important because often these<br />
campuses see a gap in parent involvement due to obstacles in<br />
communication among parents and students.”<br />
The parent liaisons work as a team to meet needs of students and<br />
parents at their campus. They can also offer assistance in English,<br />
Spanish and Vietnamese. Additionally, each liaison is also a parent<br />
and provides a unique perspective to both the campus faculty and<br />
administration, as well as to the parents and students. Jasmine<br />
Tang, liaison at <strong>Klein</strong> Forest and native Vietnamese speaker, said<br />
one of the unique aspects is helping resolve communication barriers<br />
between students and parents from different cultures.<br />
Evelyn Franco<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Forest<br />
efranco1@kleinisd.net<br />
Elsa Muñoz<br />
emunoz1@kleinisd.net<br />
Klenk Elementary<br />
Greenwood Forest<br />
“Often families who come from different countries are unfamiliar<br />
about the school system here, and don’t know that it is customary<br />
for parents to get involved in the education process. This can result<br />
in misunderstandings among the parents, students and the campus,”<br />
said Tang. “There are often gaps among the generations and<br />
cultures, and our job is to help communicate with those parents so<br />
their child is successful.”<br />
Maria Ovalle<br />
McDougle Elementary<br />
movalle1@kleinisd.net<br />
Maria Elena Sanchez<br />
Wunderlich Intermediate<br />
mesanchez@kleinisd.net<br />
Despite cultural barriers that may arise, the parent liaisons<br />
continuously work to successfully bridge the gap in communication<br />
and involvement. To learn about parent involvement in KISD, visit<br />
www.kleinisd.net/parentinvolvement.<br />
Jasmine Tang<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Forest<br />
jtang1@kleinisd.net<br />
Veronica Vargas<br />
vvargas@kleinisd.net<br />
Eiland Elementary<br />
Epps Island Elementary
Want to make a<br />
difference in<br />
students’ lives in the<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> ISD<br />
BECOME A MENTOR!<br />
The KISD mentor program provides volunteers an<br />
opportunity to nurture a student’s academic and personal<br />
growth. The program began in 2007 and has seen more<br />
than 150 mentors volunteer from the <strong>Klein</strong> community. The<br />
program is available for all campuses across the district.<br />
A KISD mentor spends time with a student on the school<br />
campus before or after school, or during the student’s lunch<br />
break. Visits occur once a week, and mentors are placed<br />
based on preference or proximity to their home/office. The<br />
district offers required trainings throughout the school year,<br />
and adults who meet the criteria may become a mentor.<br />
“Mentoring is a great opportunity to serve a purpose.<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> ISD and the counselors offer great support connecting<br />
mentors with the students,” said Jo Ann Chiu, mentor at<br />
Kreinhop Elementary. “Each memorable experience occurs<br />
when I have the ‘light bulb moment’ and the inspiration<br />
allows my mentee to grow.”<br />
Several high school and intermediate campuses also have<br />
teacher/student mentoring programs in which a counselor<br />
or administrator recruits teachers to serve as mentors. This<br />
extra student-teacher interaction has proven beneficial.<br />
“As a counselor, we find that the children often need to<br />
feel valued. In addition to their parents, it is crucial when<br />
someone else they know and respect takes value in them as<br />
well,” said Janet Watson, counselor and coordinator of the<br />
Ehrhardt Elementary Eagle Buddies. “In return, I’ve noticed<br />
that the students tend to see themselves differently. They<br />
see the value in themselves and in life’s possibilities through<br />
the eyes of their mentors.”<br />
High school student groups across the district also mentor at<br />
the elementary schools. Other mentoring programs include<br />
those for retired community members such as Grandpals at<br />
Krahn Elementary and Village at Gleannloch Farms senior<br />
adults who visit Frank Elementary.<br />
Statistics indicate a positive reflection on mentored<br />
students’ school work, health and development, as a direct<br />
result of having a positive adult role model. Kristy Johnson,<br />
counselor for 16 years at Northampton Elementary, agrees.<br />
“Having a mentor increases self-esteem, self-confidence<br />
and makes the child feel very special,” said Johnson. “Our<br />
community mentors are absolutely wonderful! The kids<br />
really look forward to a special day with their mentors. It<br />
makes such a positive impact on the kids’ lives.”<br />
Visit www.kleinisd.net/mentor or contact Angie Mentz,<br />
mentor program coordinator, at amentz1@kleinisd.net to<br />
become a KISD mentor today!<br />
KISD MENTOR PROCESS:<br />
1. Register as a volunteer on the <strong>Klein</strong> ISD website<br />
and complete criminal background check.<br />
2. Attend a two-hour training offered by KISD.<br />
3. Receive an e-mail from <strong>Klein</strong> ISD indicating<br />
your background check has been completed.<br />
4. Meet with the campus counselor. Students with<br />
parent permission will meet with a mentor.<br />
5. Arrange student meetings once a week (30-<br />
45 minutes) before or after school, during the<br />
student’s lunch, or other times designated by<br />
the campus staff.<br />
Requirements: KISD mentors agree to stay in contact<br />
with the counselor or other designated school<br />
contact for mentoring at the campus, and should be<br />
consistent, honest and reliable to the commitment<br />
they make with the student.<br />
MEntoring
Curriculum:<br />
taks<br />
vs.<br />
Staar<br />
The State of Texas Assessments of<br />
Academic Readiness (STAAR) replaces<br />
the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and<br />
Skills (TAKS) test beginning in spring<br />
<strong>2012</strong>. The STAAR is administered to<br />
first-time ninth graders and students in<br />
eighth grade and below. The STAAR will<br />
assess the same grades and subjects as<br />
TAKS and places importance on college<br />
readiness standards outlined in the Texas<br />
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).<br />
STAAR testing changes include:<br />
• Combines testing of content area<br />
and measuring into one<br />
• Requires comprehension of longer<br />
reading passages<br />
• Math and science tests will utilize<br />
more reading, diagrams and charts<br />
• Social studies review maps and<br />
primary documents such as famous<br />
speeches or the U.S. Constitution.<br />
There is a four-hour time limit for all<br />
tests, including End-of-Course (EOC).<br />
EOC exams now begin for students<br />
in eighth grade algebra and ninth<br />
grade. Students will take 12 EOC tests<br />
throughout high school, which will account<br />
for 15 percent of a student’s final grade.<br />
Students must receive both class credits<br />
and pass EOC exams to graduate.<br />
KISD <strong>2012</strong> TESTING SCHEDULE<br />
TAKS<br />
March 5-9:<br />
March 7:<br />
April 23:<br />
April 24-27:<br />
April 24:<br />
April 25:<br />
April 26:<br />
April 27:<br />
TAKS Exit Level Retests<br />
TAKS Grade 10 ELA<br />
TAKS Exit Level ELA<br />
TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 ELA<br />
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 Math<br />
TAKS Exit Level Retests<br />
TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 Math<br />
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 ELA<br />
TAKS Exit Level Math<br />
TAKS-M Grade 11 Math<br />
TAKS Grade 10 Science<br />
TAKS Exit Level Science<br />
TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Science<br />
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 Science<br />
TAKS Grade 10 Social Studies<br />
TAKS Exit Level Social Studies<br />
TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Social Studies<br />
STAAR<br />
March 26: English I & III Writing<br />
March 27: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 1<br />
Grades 5 & 8 Math<br />
English I & III Reading<br />
March 28: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 2<br />
Grades 5 & 8 Reading<br />
English II Writing<br />
March 29: English II Reading<br />
April 24: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 Math<br />
April 25: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 Reading<br />
April 26: Grades 5 & 8 Science<br />
April 27: Grade 8 Social Studies<br />
Retakes are four times a school year,<br />
and students who miss the EOC exam<br />
due to an illness have a designated time<br />
period for make-ups.<br />
“It’s important that students and parents<br />
stay connected with their counselor and<br />
they stay updated with their student’s<br />
progress towards graduation,” said Dr.<br />
Susan Borg, associate superintendent for<br />
instruction and student services.<br />
Throughout this school year, parents will<br />
receive written communication about<br />
STAAR and EOC exams and resources to<br />
ensure their child successfully completes<br />
all requirements.<br />
In April, teachers will have a review<br />
period for students. Parents and students<br />
may also consult the district’s curriculum<br />
and instruction Web pages at<br />
www.kleinisd.net/curriculum or<br />
www.kleinisd.net/assessments for more<br />
KISD testing information. Also, for<br />
questions about STAAR and EOC exams<br />
see the TEA website at<br />
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar.
IN THE NEWS...<br />
Stay up-to-date on the latest<br />
happenings and good news<br />
stories across the <strong>Klein</strong> ISD. Here<br />
is a glimpse of recent stories:<br />
• KISD Employee Receives NAPT<br />
Special Needs Certification<br />
• Vistas High <strong>School</strong> Applauds<br />
Students at Clap Out Celebration<br />
• Two <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Students Received<br />
Gifts of Kidneys<br />
• Community Celebration Features<br />
Holocaust Survivor Walter Kase<br />
• <strong>Klein</strong> Forest Culinary Students<br />
Attain National Certification<br />
• <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Cross Country Student-<br />
Athletes Garner <strong>District</strong> Accolades<br />
• Strack Students Make Dolls for<br />
Texas Children’s Hospital<br />
• <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Young Entrepreneurs<br />
Attend Frost Bank Kids’ Day<br />
• Ulrich Intermediate Students’<br />
Artwork Receives Recognition<br />
• ‘Tis the Season of Giving in KISD<br />
• Touchdown Club of Houston<br />
Honors KISD Football Standouts<br />
• <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Announced to 2011<br />
Speak Up 200 List<br />
• <strong>Klein</strong> Oak Students Get a Unique<br />
Cultural Experience in China<br />
• McDougle Elementary Offers<br />
English Classes for Adults<br />
Visit the “In the News” section<br />
on www.kleinisd.net for more!<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Proms<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Oak: May 5, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Greenspoint Hilton<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> High: May 5, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Marriott Waterway, The Woodlands<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Collins: May 19, <strong>2012</strong><br />
The Woodlands Waterway Hotel<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Forest: May 19, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Crowne Plaza Houston North<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Graduations<br />
Saturday, June 2, <strong>2012</strong><br />
Reliant Stadium<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> High:<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Forest:<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Oak:<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Collins:<br />
Friend of Freedom Awards<br />
<strong>District</strong><br />
9 a.m.<br />
Noon<br />
3 p.m.<br />
6 p.m.<br />
Dinner with the Superintendent<br />
FFA Livestock & Project Show<br />
The <strong>Klein</strong> ISD FFA Livestock and Project<br />
Show will celebrate its 43rd year<br />
with its annual competition set for<br />
Feb. 16-18, <strong>2012</strong>, at the <strong>Klein</strong> ISD<br />
Multipurpose Facility located behind<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Memorial Stadium at 16715<br />
Stuebner Airline, <strong>Klein</strong>, Texas 77379.<br />
German Festival<br />
The 41st annual German Festival is<br />
scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24, <strong>2012</strong>,<br />
at <strong>Klein</strong> Forest High <strong>School</strong> - 11400<br />
Misty Valley, Houston 77066. Nitsch<br />
Elementary, Trinity Lutheran, <strong>Klein</strong> Forest<br />
men’s choir and Henry Tannenberger<br />
Orchestra students will perform. All<br />
tickets are advance sales only, and are<br />
available at each KISD school, at the<br />
KISD administrative offices, and at Trinity<br />
Lutheran Church <strong>School</strong>.<br />
The KISD community dinner with Superintendent Dr. Jim Cain is Thursday, March 1, <strong>2012</strong>,<br />
at Kleb Intermediate - 7425 Louetta Rd., <strong>Klein</strong> 77379. Adults only. Free child care<br />
provided by Kids R Kids Champions - 16722 Squyres. Call 281.379.2998 and ask for<br />
Michelle Barr. RSVP by Feb. 27, <strong>2012</strong>, to Linda Burdge (English) at 832.249.4173 or<br />
832.249.4447 for Spanish and Vietnamese.<br />
On Jan. 12, <strong>2012</strong>, the Friend of Freedom honorees were<br />
presented at the Through Your Eyes community celebration. Since<br />
2003, the Friend of Freedom awards are given to individuals<br />
and businesses that have performed outstanding volunteer<br />
service and are advocates for our students. Two awards are<br />
presented in each of the four high school attendance areas.<br />
The <strong>2012</strong> Friend of Freedom honorees are Ray Ramer,<br />
John Zorn, Deborah Williams, JoAnn Chiu, Adrianne Holmes,<br />
Shamael Mustafa, Jack Velasquez and Dan Daniels. The districtwide award<br />
went to Lisa and Bruce Tetreault (Essilor Vision Foundation), Dr. David Way (Spring<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> Eye Center), and volunteers at Faithbridge United Methodist Church. These<br />
groups brought free vision screenings to our neediest students by providing onsite eye<br />
exams and glasses. For photos, visit us on Facebook.<br />
EVENtS
Non-Profit<br />
Organization<br />
US Postage<br />
PAID<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> <strong>Independent</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong><br />
KlEin <strong>District</strong> NEws MagazinE<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> <strong>Independent</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong><br />
7200 Spring-Cypress Rd.<br />
<strong>Klein</strong>, Texas 77379 - 3215<br />
www.kleinisd.net<br />
The <strong>Klein</strong> <strong>District</strong> News is a publication of the Office of the Superintendent and<br />
is produced by the Communications & Planning Department.<br />
Greetings <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Community,<br />
SupErintEndEnt’s<br />
It is hard to believe we have completed half the school year, and what a great first semester we had in the<br />
<strong>Klein</strong> ISD! We had many outstanding sports teams proceed to the finals and athletes recognized, student<br />
scholars and teams have excelled, parents and community have been involved more than ever, and our<br />
students and staff have made a concerted effort to become good citizens by participating in character<br />
building, anti-bullying and anti-drug events. I am particularly proud of the many opportunities that our<br />
schools found to give back to the community during the first semester.<br />
Although the new year has just begun, schools and individuals across the district are implementing great<br />
projects and events. I encourage each of you to stay abreast of all the good news and events happening<br />
in the district by signing up for our daily KleINTOUCH messages, visiting our website www.kleinisd.net, or<br />
following us on both Facebook and Twitter. We appreciate your continued support as we anticipate an<br />
outstanding second semester.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Dr. Jim Cain, <strong>Klein</strong> ISD Superintendent<br />
UPDatE