December 2011

Hallmark Author Dedicates Bookto Metzler Elementary

Dr.

Cain

’s Co

rner

December is a time of excitement and anticipation as we look forward to spending time with family and friends. I am so proud of the many ways that the employees and students of the Klein ISD have given back to the community and to others in need. This spirit of giving is one of the many things that make Klein a great place to work. In this issue of Klein Connects, you will find just some of the many examples of giving in the Klein ISD and learn how an author’s visit at Metzler Elementary turned into a sparkling reflection of positive school spirit. I wish you all good tidings of the season, and may the New Year be filled with joy and prosperity for each of you.

Dr. Jim Cain, KISD Superintendent

Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting. ~Princess Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco

Klein C nnects a monthly publication for Klein ISD employees

Klein C nnects

It is a tale of two huskies, one real and the other fiction. As luck would have it, the real story rests at Metzler Elementary nestled in the heart of the Klein ISD.

The Hallmark storybook Jingle All the Way is written by author Tom Shay-Zapien and tells the story of homeless husky pup, Jingle, and a little boy who needed a friend. Jingle followed the kids to school every day in hopes that one of them would take him home. Coincidentally, the tale mimics that of a husky found at Metzler named Roxee.

Roxee, like Jingle, is a husky that was found wandering the grounds of Metzler shortly after it opened in 2005. The staff noticed the dog and immediately made efforts alongside Husky Haven to find her a home. After several failed attempts, it was avid dog-lover and Metzler principal Christine Rigia who adopted Roxee.

“Something in my heart told me that I had to take this dog,” said Rigia. “I was a little concerned at first because I had two cocker spaniels and had never taken care of a dog that size. Roxee, however, is the gentlest, kindest creature I have ever stumbled upon. It truly was just meant to be.”

Carol Frazier, reading specialist at Metzler, first stumbled upon the storybook when passing a local Hallmark store. As luck would have it, she was in the process of selecting a book Metzler could incorporate into its annual literacy day. Frazier was able to contact author Shay-Zapien and he flew in to join Metzler students last fall for a dose of Texas hospitality and a fun-filled day learning of Jingle and his adventures.

“Nothing could have prepared me for what I experienced that day,” recalled Shay-Zapien. “Seeing larger-than-life murals and banners with Jingle and all of his friends left me absolutely speechless. The staff and students made me feel so welcome and it was very clear to me just how much Jingle meant to them. The time spent at Metzler was a real gift and one I couldn’t wait to share with the Jingle team back in Kansas City.”

Shay-Zapien noted some favorites of his trip included eating Texas barbeque for the first time, and a special cake that depicted pages from the book. The success of his first book grew in popularity and Hallmark released the sequel A Snow Day for Jingle, along with a new interactive story buddy that debuted in stores in October. The movie aired on Nov. 25, 2011, on the Hallmark channel. Shay-Zapien was so moved by his visit to Texas that he dedicated the second book to the students and staff at Metzler.

“For a long time, I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the staff and students for pulling together and working so hard to celebrate Jingle. This seemed like the perfect gesture,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful to Carol (Frazier) for contacting me and inviting me to be a part of it all. Jingle’s story continues to grow and I’m thankful beyond words that the Huskies are one of its happy little chapters.”

The Metzler school mascot incidentally became the Husky prior to opening, as Rigia wanted to build a school environment around teamwork - something she felt a husky portrayed. The school mascot, Trace, is a Siberian husky that is an international and national champion show dog that attends several Metzler events.

“Our kids at Metzler bring so much joy to us,” expressed Rigia. “We continue to always work as a team, and that is what Mr. Shay-Zapien got to see. Knowing that he was able to have such a tremendous experience that was a result of true teamwork by the teachers, parents and children is very breathtaking.”

Shay-Zapien announced he will rejoin the students and staff at its literacy day on Dec. 16, 2011, as the school hosts A Snow Day for Jingle Celebration. It is slated to be a real snow day at Metzler, complete with pajamas, sleeping bags, book-themed decorations, learning activities, a snow machine, popcorn, snacks and the movie based on the latest book.

“Our goal is to create life-long readers, and this event is a day each year for our students to share their love for books,” said Frazier. “Students will engage in a variety of activities, study different techniques of illustrations and writing, and have an opportunity to meet and learn from Mr. Shay-Zapien about the true essence of Jingle.”

For more information on the Jingle storybooks, click here.

The Celebration Express launched the giving season as the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) awarded $77,300 to 10 schools across the district. Since the fall of 2001, the KEF has awarded $1,022,081 in educator grants. Click here for winners.

The KEF launched a Be the Spark campaign during the 2011-2012 school year in an effort to fund more innovative classroom grants within the Klein ISD. Due to the generous contributions of business partners established throughout the Klein community, the dreams of KISD teachers have become a reality for students. The Lead the Spark grant is new this year and is open to campus administrators within the KISD to support either existing or new student programs, and/or faculty trainings at their campus. Applications can be submitted throughout the year and amounts are awarded between $5,000 and $25,000.

Klein Forest won $24,300 to support the launch of The LOGIC Lounge (L2), a leadership opportunity for gaining information on colleges. The school will convert a portion of the library into a technology “one-stop college shop” for students, with opportunities for research, studying, test preparation, presentations and meetings. Klein Oak received $22,000 for its Setting SMART Goals: Making Data Count initiative. Educators will receive training using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound) Goals process to help identify data and methodology to monitor students’ academic progress and meet the needs of the students.Click here to read the full story, or visit the KEF Facebook page for photos of the day.

Dec. 12-16: Technology Specialists WeekDec. 19-Jan. 1: Student Holidays All campuses and CO closedJan. 2: Staff Development DayJan. 3: Classes resumeJan. 5: Zoning Community ForumJan. 9: Board MeetingJan. 11: VIP Luncheon - McDougle

KISD holiday programs, click hereKISD activity calendar, click here

As we prepare for another plentiful and exciting holiday season, everyone across the Klein ISD has joined to celebrate the season of giving. Student groups and campuses across the district have organized an array of gift-giving and holiday drives to support the Klein community. Click here to learn more.

Holiday Trivia Challenge

Do you know the answer? Be one of the first three to e-mail dmclean1@kleinisd.net with the correct answer and win a great prize.

1. How many times does “la” appear in the song Deck the Halls?

2. Who invented Christmas lights?3. Which Christmas carol did Jimmy Boyd

make famous at age 12?4. What Hanukkah game is based on an old

German game?

What’s New...

Did You Know?

Employee Spotlight

“It’s just a wonderful job,” Riley said. “I work with a lot of wonderful people and it’s a joy to come to work!”

Riley serves in a dual capacity position in the educational technology department. She works as both the program coordinator for library services and also instructs staff on how to utilize technology to make lessons relevant to students. Riley, along with KISD librarians, created and implemented the district’s internet safety curriculum for students.

She has also proven to be instrumental in the move toward using Web 2.0 tools in KISD classrooms. Riley will work with teachers at the campus to set-up wikis. Due to her efforts, many teachers now use blogs and wikis as instructional tools with their students.

“I love to see teachers get excited about things they can use with their students,” said Riley.

Annet RileyProgram Coordinator • Library Services/Ed. Tech.

.

Acts of kindness can ripple throughout a lifetime, just ask Schindelwolf English teacher Allison Dibble. More than 20 years ago, she was diagnosed with Leukemia and treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dibble was selected to be featured in the hospital’s annual fundraising Christmas card program collection, which she created artwork for while undergoing treatment as a child. Dibble has maintained ties with MD Anderson, and was humbled by the selection.

“I think the coolest thing about this whole experience is that even after 20 years since I was treated by this hospital, I can still give back,” she said. She also utilizes her cards as a teaching opportunity for her students.

“I brought my card into class to show them and told them ‘look what you can do at your age. I did this when I was 12.’ The students were very inspired by that,” Dibble said. She also has had more than 13 Christmas cards and an assortment of other artwork published in association with the MD Anderson campaign.

Allison DibbleEnglish Teacher • Schindewolf Intermediate

UpcomingEvents

EmployeeDiscounts

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

Just Burgers (Stuebner-Airline and Louetta) now offer 10% discounts for KISD employees and students.

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

Board of Trustees UpdateThe Klein ISD Board of Trustees canvassed the Nov. 8, 2011, election results and candidates took the oath of office during the Nov. 17, 2011, Board meeting. Georgan Reitmeier was elected to Position 1 and Steven E. Smith was elected to Position 2. Each member is elected to an at-large position for three years. Reitmeier (Position 1) ran unopposed and received 3,415 votes, and Smith (Position 2) drew 1,521 votes. Also during the meeting, the Board elected new officers: Jim Smith, president; Ronnie K. Anderson, vice-president; and Paul Lanham, secretary. Click here to read more.

‘Tis the Giving Season in KISD