nnects Klein C Klein C - Klein Independent School District

nnects
Klein C
a monthly publication for 1938 Klein - 2013 ISD employees
For more than 22 years, the Third Battalion,
Third Marine Division (3/3) reunites and pays
tribute to their commanding general during
the Vietnam War, Colonel Martin “Stormy”
Sexton. Colonel Sexton served the nation in
three conflicts, World War II, Korean War, and
the Vietnam War, and had numerous combat
decorations including the Silver Star, Legion
of Merit, three Bronze Stars and the Purple
Heart. A photograph of Colonel Sexton graced
the cover of Life Magazine in 1961, where he
was highlighted for his dedication to his country and unyielding Semper Fidelis code of honor.
On Oct. 24, 2012, Klein High student Victoria Othold was formally recognized for her artwork
at Stormy’s 3/3 Reunion. Victoria was commissioned by Steve Furman, a veteran of the
battalion, to create a poster for the event. Depicting the astounding character of the former
and still iconic Marine through a still rendering was no easy task, but according to Furman,
Victoria nailed it.
“It was astounding as she truly captured the heart and soul of Stormy,” said Furman.
“She depicted his determination, esoteric demeanor and spirit in this piece, which was
breathtaking. To see this come from a civilian, yet alone a youngster, who had never met the
Colonel before was simply amazing.”
Victoria has had strong military influences in her family, as her father was an Air Force officer
during the Vietnam War, both great-grandfathers served in WWI, and her step-grandmother
was a nurse for soldiers during WWII.
“It was an honor and an unbelievable opportunity to take part in this,” she recalled. “I learned
so much about the pride and passion these brave veterans possess in their country, and had
2012 Harvest King Don Strack and
Harvest Queen Louise Reed Connell
HERITAGE
EDUCATION
VISION
November 2012
Klein High Artist Honors Iconic
Marine Colonel Through Digital Art
the opportunity to meet some really astounding people. Hearing their stories and what they
went through gave me a much greater respect for our freedom and liberties we have today.”
Victoria created a digital interpretation of the commander, along with the unit’s distinctive
Okinawa shoulder patch, as well as the symbolic Marine eagle, global and anchor insignia.
Reunion organizers were so touched by the portrait that they requested a print copy that is
now displayed in the Stormy Sexton enclave at the Marine Headquarters Museum in Quantico,
Va. The design took Victoria nearly a month to finish, but it was an experience she was
prepared for thanks to her KHS art teachers Chau Nguyen and Dee Burgess.
“Ms. Nguyen was very supportive and helpful, and gave me the guidance I needed especially
during this project,” said Victoria. “Ms. Burgess was my first art teacher here and she taught me
a lot about art and using what you have, whether it be just a photograph like in this instance,
to turn it into a creative piece.”
Since taking Nguyen’s digital graphics class a year ago and art classes from Burgess through
her senior year, Victoria’s interest in new media and graphic design has begun to flourish.
Nguyen said that although Victoria just learned the program a year ago, she has definitely
developed her own artistic style.
“I wasn’t surprised by the final product
because she is a great artist,” credited
Nguyen. “I was very impressed to see how
much she has grown since last year as this
was an intricate design, and I am very
proud of her.”
Read the full story on the district’s website,
click here.
“ A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.” ~ Unknown
I want to thank each of you for the job you are doing to make the Klein ISD a top-notch
school district. As I visit your campuses and departments, I am amazed and proud of the
work that is evident and the positive attitudes that you possess. I want you to know that
we are constantly working behind the scenes in an effort to improve education funding for
the district because we know that with more resources, we can achieve more. That is why
the Klein ISD is a part of one of the six education funding lawsuits in the state right now. In
our suit we have three main arguments: 1) adequacy – not enough funding in the system to
support a quality education; 2) equity – funding is not spread equally among the districts;
and 3) meaningful discretion – local school boards need more authority to set a tax rate that
is appropriate to meet the needs for their community. I will continue to update you as the
lawsuit progresses, and best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving season!
Dr. Jim Cain, Superintendent
Dr. Cain’s Corner

What’s New...
Did You Know?
Employee Spotlight
Pamela Helweg
Payroll Clerk • Maintenance
“I grew up in a small town and feel blessed to be in Klein
because every department I’ve worked in is like a family,”
expressed Helweg.
Helweg has truly enjoyed the close-knit feeling in the
district for more than 25 years. She currently is the
payroll clerk for the maintenance department, but
has worked in the Klein Forest athletics offices, Klein
ISD Annex, the alternative campus, and in the safety
department. Helweg is in charge of maintaining daily
attendance, the Kronos timeclock system, accurate
records, paperwork for new hires, and wage statements.
She is deeply rooted in the Klein community, as she and
her husband, Sam, have lived here for 27 years. They have
two sons, CJ and Casey, who are Klein Oak graduates.
kleinwell
HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM
Walktober Challenge Winners Announced!
Walktober was a huge success! Klein ISD employees
walked a total of 463,296,097 steps, equating to 231,648
miles! The winning campus was Blackshear Elementary,
which had 22 employees participate and walk 8,045,962
steps, which was an average of 11,082 steps a day.
Congratulations Blackshear Buffaloes! These participants
will receive a fabulous spa day on their campus.
New Life Insurance Benefits Available
The Klein ISD has a special life insurance open enrollment period that began Oct. 29 and ends Friday, Nov. 16. The district
will offer both term life and whole life insurance policies. The changes become effective on Jan. 1, 2013. For more
information, click here.
.
Sara Silvas
Second Grade Teacher • Kreinhop Elementary
Silvas was recognized by the Klein ISD Board of Trustees
twice, once as a Lemm student and most recently as a
Kreinhop teacher. Her career in the Klein ISD spans 13 years.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the Board,” she
expressed. “Everything has come full circle, and I can’t
imagine working anywhere else.”
Silvas is a Klein Oak alumnus and got her bachelor’s degree
from Sam Houston State University. She said that each day
she receives motivation and inspiration from her students.
“I enjoy teaching and watching them grow as individuals,”
she stated. “It is rewarding when they understand a new
concept, and they motivate me to be the best teacher I can
for them.”
Kleinwell is the employee wellness program in the Klein ISD. See the activities
and seminars being offered in the coming months below.
Healthy Living Seminar:
Swedish Secrets of a Healthy Heart
Nov. 29 • 5-6 p.m. • Multipurpose Center
Join Emma Lindblom, who has designed health and fitness
programs focusing on healthy living, nutrition, exercise and
heart health at workshops in the U.S. and Sweden.
Maintain Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge
Starting Weigh-in: Nov. 12-16, 2012
Finishing Weigh-in: Jan. 7-11, 2013
Weigh-in with your school nurse or wellness ambassador.
After eight weeks report back and log your post-holiday
weight. If you maintain or lose weight during the holidays,
you are eligible to win $75. (Your gross amount will be $86,
after taxes your net will be approximately $75.) For every
25 employees who participate in the starting weigh-in,
each location/campus will have a drawing for $75.
For more information, contact Winni Attaway, 832.249.4162. To visit kleinwell on Knet, click here.
District Events
(Nov. 11 - Dec. 4, 2012)
November
11-17: American Education/Education
Support Professionals Week
13 Men’s Choir Concert
14: Ed. Support & Professionals Day
15: Parent Involvement Day
16: Substitute Educators Day
18-24: National Family Week
19-23: Student Holiday
21-23: Thanksgiving Holiday, Offices Closed
21-25: Maintenance Appreciation Week
26:
December
Board of Trustees Meeting
3: STAAR English Testing Begins
4: Mentor Training at Central Office
Klein ISD activity calendar, click here
2012-13 School Calendar, click here
HERITAGE
EDUCATION
1938 - 2013
Students Wish Klein ISD
Happy Birthday
Each Klein ISD campus filmed a greeting in
honor of the 75th anniversary of the district. To
view the videos, click here.
Employee
Discounts
Many businesses offer discounts for Klein ISD
employees. Visit Knet for a complete list. Here
are the latest offers:
Cool Kat Party Supplies:
10% off store-wide
for employees, badge
required. Store is located at 18532 Kuykendahl
Rd. Click here
VISION
Just Sew: 15% discount on custom services
including alterations, monogramming,
garments and home decor for employees,
badge required. Store is located at 6607 Dover
Way, Spring.
Know a business that would like to
advertise discounts to employees?
Click on the “Business Partnerships” link on
www.kleinisd.net to get more information.