Winter 2012 - Klein Independent School District

KlEin
District
NEwsMagazine
FEbruary 2012
A Texas Recognized District

Board of
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.
Jim Smith~President
• Serving second term
• Vice president of business development
for Magellan Land Group
• 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
Paul Lanham~Secretary
• Serving first term
• Managing director of CDC Rentals
• Father of three; two Klein ISD
graduates and one attending KISD
Rick Mann
• Serving seventh term
• Manager of business improvement
for Southwest Water Company
• 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
Georgan Reitmeier
• Serving third term
• Retired director of Keep Pace Early
Childhood Intervention program
• Mother 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

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.
High school
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.
zoning
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.
‘08
UpdatE
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.

ParEnt
InvolvEmEnt
Parent 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.
Maria A Mafla
Coordinator
mmafla1@kleinisd.net
Monica Banks
Klein Intermediate
mbanks1@kleinisd.net
Ana Alvarez
Kaiser Elementary
aalvarez1@kleinisd.net
Maria (Faby) McEvoy
Nitsch Elementary
mmcevoy1@kleinisd.net
“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.
Evelyn Franco
Klein Forest
efranco1@kleinisd.net
Elsa Muñoz
emunoz1@kleinisd.net
Klenk Elementary
Greenwood Forest
“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.”
Maria Ovalle
McDougle Elementary
movalle1@kleinisd.net
Maria Elena Sanchez
Wunderlich Intermediate
mesanchez@kleinisd.net
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.
Jasmine Tang
Klein Forest
jtang1@kleinisd.net
Veronica Vargas
vvargas@kleinisd.net
Eiland Elementary
Epps Island Elementary

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 amentz1@kleinisd.net 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.
MEntoring

Curriculum:
taks
vs.
Staar
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
TAKS
March 5-9:
March 7:
April 23:
April 24-27:
April 24:
April 25:
April 26:
April 27:
TAKS Exit Level Retests
TAKS Grade 10 ELA
TAKS Exit Level ELA
TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 ELA
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 Math
TAKS Exit Level Retests
TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 Math
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 ELA
TAKS Exit Level Math
TAKS-M Grade 11 Math
TAKS Grade 10 Science
TAKS Exit Level Science
TAKS/TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Science
TAKS/TAKS-M LAT Grade 10 Science
TAKS Grade 10 Social Studies
TAKS Exit Level Social Studies
TAKS-M Grade 10 & 11 Social Studies
STAAR
March 26: English I & III Writing
March 27: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 1
Grades 5 & 8 Math
English I & III Reading
March 28: Grades 4 & 7 Writing, Day 2
Grades 5 & 8 Reading
English II Writing
March 29: English II Reading
April 24: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 Math
April 25: Grades 3-4 & 6-7 Reading
April 26: Grades 5 & 8 Science
April 27: Grade 8 Social Studies
Retakes 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.

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
Visit the “In the News” section
on www.kleinisd.net for more!
High School Proms
Klein Oak: May 5, 2012
Greenspoint Hilton
Klein High: May 5, 2012
Marriott Waterway, The Woodlands
Klein Collins: May 19, 2012
The Woodlands Waterway Hotel
Klein Forest: May 19, 2012
Crowne Plaza Houston North
High School Graduations
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Reliant Stadium
Klein High:
Klein Forest:
Klein Oak:
Klein Collins:
Friend of Freedom Awards
District
9 a.m.
Noon
3 p.m.
6 p.m.
Dinner with the Superintendent
FFA Livestock & Project Show
The 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 Festival
The 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.
The 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.
On 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

Non-Profit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Klein Independent
School District
KlEin District NEws MagazinE
Klein Independent School District
7200 Spring-Cypress Rd.
Klein, Texas 77379 - 3215
www.kleinisd.net
The Klein District News is a publication of the Office of the Superintendent and
is produced by the Communications & Planning Department.
Greetings Klein ISD Community,
SupErintEndEnt’s
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