Klein Connects Klein Connects a monthly publication for Klein ISD employees

Make a Grant Possible!

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August 2011

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erThe Klein ISD Education Foundation has helped “kindle the flame” in schools and classrooms across the district since it was established in 2000. In 10 years, the Foundation has given back $1.4 million to our district. Nearly a million dollars of that money was in the form of innovative classroom project grants.

Be the Spark this school year, and help make an impact for more Klein ISD students and teachers. If every KISD employee donated just $1 a paycheck (two cans of soda a month), that would mean more than $120,000 in classroom grants. If you have never seen the Celebration Express deliver a grant to your campus, watch this video to see the excitement. Imagine that kind of excitement at your school. Click here to learn more about how to join Team Klein through the Education Foundation Payroll Deduction program. Be the Spark!

Dr. Jim Cain

Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame.~ Socrates

Living a knightly and honorable existence, both qualities fifth grader Brandon Sube exemplified after being involved in a motorcycle accident with his mother and nearly losing his leg.

Last spring, Brandon and several of his peers were dubbed as knights of Eiland Elementary after participating in EarlyAct FirstKnight - a character education program sponsored by the Champions Sunrise Rotary Club.

After more than a dozen surgeries and being immobile for most of the school year, Brandon was recognized for his perseverance - a virtue that he undoubtedly exemplified according to his family and teachers. His positive attitude and spirit to never give up was what stood out most to the Eiland Elementary staff.

“That’s what he is. He gives love, joy and compassion to others without ever asking for anything in return,” expressed his father Gary Sube. “He is a wonderful boy, and will definitely persevere at everything he does.”

During the Tournament of Champions, students observed jousting feats and sword mastery by the troupe of knights.

Character building lessons were then implemented across all grade levels. Students who best displayed these knightly qualities each month earned a ranking and were honored by a knight in a ceremony in front of their parents and peers.

Principal Greg Jones credited the program as character education that really works, and said it proved to be very relatable for his students and staff. Not only did he notice better behavior, it also initiated opportunities for students to put what they learned into action.

“This experience really changed the view of the students,” Jones expressed. “It was empowering to witness their enthusiasm and to see them really understand and embrace the spirit of giving.”

As a part of the program, Eiland students formed a service club called “Pennies Out of Your Pocket, Shirts Off Your Back.” At a school where the free and reduced lunch rate is nearly 80 percent, students and faculty filled penny jars weekly and gave the proceeds to the local children’s hospital. The campus also held a clothing drive and donated the items to a women’s shelter.

Epps Island, McDougle, Nitsch, and Klein Intermediate will join Eiland this year in the program. For more information, click here.

EarlyAct FirstKnight Enchants Students at Eiland Elementary

The Klein ISD Education Foundation funded $75,000 for Capturing Kids’ HeartsTM training for more than 150 intermediate staff. For more information, click here.

August 19-20: Tax Free WeekendAugust 22: First Day of SchoolSeptember 5: Labor Day HolidaySeptember 11: First Responder DaySeptember 12: Board of Trustees Meeting

Open house information, click hereKISD activity calendar, click here

School Finance: What Now?The Texas Legislature concluded its 2011 Special Session in early July addressing issues affecting public education. To access the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) summary outlining options to school districts moving forward, click here. For KISD information specific to these changes, click here.

“I simply wanted to thank the district for holding the Capturing Kids’ Hearts workshop last week. I attended all three days and each moment was fantastic! This was the best and most meaningful workshop I have ever attended in 30+ years in education. Thank you!”

Amy Brawner, Klein Intermediate

“I would like to sincerely thank the district for this amazing workshop. After 28 years of staff development, I can honestly say that this is definitely at the very top of the list. I actually looked forward to returning every day and even though it is still summer, was sad that it ended.”

Dana Walton, Klein Intermediate

What’s new...

Did You Know?

Employee Spotlight

“Breast cancer awareness has become my passion!” exclaimed Wehner, survivor and active participant in dragon boat races to support the fight against the disease.

Wehner and the team of All Hands Abreast entered their first race in May and are preparing for the next one in October. The exercise helps lower her risk of recurrence, and this fundraiser is something Wehner can share with family, friends and other survivors.

“This event showed me you never quit. You can do anything you want, and breast cancer has become just another bump on my life’s journey!”

For more on this story, click here.

Debbie WehnerAsst. Tax Assessor Collector • Central Office

“Their future is in our hands, and ours in theirs,” said Ferrell after spending a productive and exciting summer at the 2011 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in New Jersey.

She was the second teacher from Nitsch to be selected among the field of 200 nationwide. Ferrell said the academy emphasized the benefits of creating meaningful, authentic learning that promotes critical thinking. “I am grateful for this experience. It inspired me to help children remain curious, nurture their wonderings, and communicate their understandings.”

For more on this story, click here.

Terri FerrellFifth Grade Teacher • Nitsch Elementary

LegislativeUpdates

UpcomingEvents

EmployeeDiscounts

Many businesses offer discounts for KISD employees. Visit Knet for a complete list. Here are the newest offers:

The YMCA of Greater Houston waives the joining fee ($100 savings) at all of its locations for KISD

employees. Staff also get 10 percent off the rate that regular members pay for programs such as after school care, youth sports, camps, personal training and much more.

Klein ISD employees get 20 percent off a 10 minute oil change with a complimentary car wash at Service First Automotive.

Know a business who would like to advertise discounts to KISD employees? Click on the “Business Partnerships” link on the district website, www.kleinisd.net, to get more information.

Klein ISD is starting an Attendance Counts campaign this school year to raise awareness to parents and students about the importance of student attendance every day. Numerous research studies show a powerful link between successful learning and regular school attendance. Also, a large part of the funding Klein ISD receives is based on student attendance. Help us create an atmosphere in our schools, whether it be on the bus, in the cafeteria, or in the classroom, to get more of our students to school every day. Attendance Counts. Every Day. Everyone.

KISD Board Update

At its August meeting, the Klein ISD Board

of Trustees approved longevity pay for the

2011-2012 school year for district employees who are employed by

the district for 10 or more consecutive years.