DR. CAIN’S MESSAGE FUTURE READY 21 Envision a day when students work on a group paper simultaneously through a Google app. Imagine teachers receiving instant comprehensive feedback from students about a math formula taught moments ago. Visualize students and staff utilizing an array of devices purposefully embedded into the curriculum to make learning engaging, relevant, challenging, and meaningful. In the Klein ISD, this is not a dream, but reality. With the successful passing of the 2015 Bond, $51 million is designated for technology. A portion of these bond technology funds support and implement the Future Ready 21 project. continued on page 2 The school year is swiftly flying by and great things continue to happen in the Klein ISD. In this edition of the Klein District News, please take a few minutes to read about one of the most exciting programs that the district is embarking on known as Future Ready 21. This roadmap for student-centered learning will drive choices related to teaching and learning, technology and facilities. Made possible by the generous passage of the 2015 bond, Future Ready 21 provides, over a five-year period, a computing device for every 3rd through 8th grade student and a computing device for every two students in grades PK-2, along with facility and curriculum modifications. As you know, the district has been a 1:1 computer-to-student ratio in the high schools for a number of years with tremendous success. Future Ready 21 will build on that success preparing all students for the future. Speaking of the 2015 bond, have you seen the progress of High School #5 and Mahaffey Elementary? continued on page 2
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DR. CAIN’S MESSAGE
FUTUREREADY21Envision a day when students work on a group paper simultaneously through a Google app. Imagine teachers receiving instant comprehensive feedback from students about a math formula taught moments ago. Visualize students and staff utilizing an array of devices purposefully embedded into the curriculum to make learning engaging, relevant, challenging, and meaningful. In the Klein ISD, this is not a dream, but reality. With the successful passing of the 2015 Bond, $51 million is designated for technology. A portion of these bond technology funds support and implement the Future Ready 21 project.
continued on page 2
The school year is swiftly flying by and great things continue to happen in the Klein ISD. In this edition of the Klein District News, please take a few minutes to read about one of the most exciting programs that the district is embarking on known as Future Ready 21.
This roadmap for student-centered learning will drive choices related to teaching and learning, technology and facilities. Made possible by the generouspassage of the 2015 bond, Future Ready 21 provides, over a five-year period, a computing device for every
3rd through 8th grade student and a computing device for every two students in grades PK-2, along with facility and curriculum modifications. As you know, the district has been a 1:1 computer-to-student ratio in the high schools for a number of years with tremendous success. Future Ready 21 will build on that success preparing all students for the future.
Speaking of the 2015 bond, have you seen the progress of High School #5 and Mahaffey Elementary?
continued on page 2
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High School #5, located next to Ulrich Intermediate on Spring Cypress Rd., will open in August of 2017. In February, the Board of Trustees voted on the new high school attendance zones that will be in effect for the 2017 – 2018 school year.
Mahaffey Elementary, located on Mahaffey Rd. just north of FM 2920, will open in August of 2016. Attendance zones for elementary schools were also approved and will be in effect for next school year. Visit the district website at www.kleinisd.net to review the new attendance zones.
I hope everyone in the Klein community has an outstanding spring break!
Dr. Cain’s message continued...
Dr. Jim Cain | Superintendent
Future Ready 21 places a device in the hands of every Klein ISD student in grades 3-8 over the next five years. For Kindergarten through second grade, the project calls for a ratio of two students per one device.
Students at all four high schools in the district currently have a device and this successful program has helped to shape the Future Ready 21 project. “Everything we do is impactedby technology,” Karen Fuller, Klein ISD chief technology officersaid. “Students are coming to us expecting to use devices that
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allow them to touch and manipulate sounds and activities. Digital tools enable the student to be an active participant in his or her learning process.” As with all districtwide programs, much forethought and planning has gone into developing this program. Over the past two years, selected campuses and staff have piloted programs and devices including the Transform Academy for staff, the Chrome-book project at Brill Elementary, and the bring your own device (BYOD) program at Wunderlich Intermediate. This research supported the need to move forward and expand the district’s 1:1 computer-to-student initiative. “The power of a digital tool is very engaging,” said Dr. Susan Borg, Klein ISD associate superintendent for instruction and student services. “With appropriate guidance from
the teacher and the collaboration of their classmates, students will accomplish a variety of learning experiences for success in the instructional programs offered in our district.” Borg also said the new Klein ISD classroom will be more colorful, have flexible/mobile furniture to meet all styles of learners, have a variety of digital devices, and have a myriad of instructional materials to engage students in the instructional program. The Klein ISD Network Operation Center (NOC) staff is working to ensure devices, connectivity, and other digital resource needs are met.
“This has been a goal of the district for many years,” said Fuller. “The plan has always been to include 1:1 provisions for all campuses, but the cost was too high until now. Since the cost of devices has
decreased and more resources to utilize the devices are available online and in the cloud, everything has come together at the right time.”
The NOC staff are implementing their plan to migrate to the cloud for storage for both students and staff. The team will increase bandwidth and manage it to ensure secure connectivity for all digital resources.
During the 2016-17 school year, four intermediate schools, Kleb, Schindewolf, Ulrich, and Wunderlich, are set to receive devices. To prepare for that implementation, Future Ready 21 first includes focused training for Klein ISD teachers to meet this new charge. Earlier this semester, the district deployed the first cohort of professional development to thoroughly prepare staff for this shift in learning. “In true Klein ISD style, parents will be included every step of the way,” Borg stated. Borg also said that parents will receive constant communication as to what instruction will look like with the device and how they can help their students use the device to benefit their school work. Parents will also be included in the digital citizenship courses Klein ISD provides the students. “Students are preparing for their future, and that future involves the use of various forms of technology and learning environments,” Borg said. “Highly motivated students receiving a quality education with digital tools is a valuable component of our future in the Klein ISD and the state of Texas. We are thankful that our community is so supportive of the students, teachers, and district efforts to provide the best learning experience possible.”
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MOST TENURED EMPLOYEESKlein ISD teachers and staff have deep roots and strong branches.
Here are two examples of experience in our district.
GO BEYOND HISTORY WITH THEKLEIN, TX HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Founded in 1988, the Klein, TX Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization, has made its mission to provide the groundwork for Klein ISD students and community members to immerse themselves into the two centuries of life in the area. The mission of the Foundation is simple: protect and learn about the past and provide opportunities for research to the Klein community.
One way the Klein Historical Foundation provides these experiences is through Wunderlich Farm. The 19.6-acre farm has recently been named as one of the top ten hidden gems in Houston by j-vibe.com for its peaceful demeanor and rich history. Together with the Historical Foundation, Wunderlich Farm has been able to launchseveral public events including a Farmer's Market with local
farmers, vendors, and small business owners that is open the last Saturday of each month. During the month of Dec., the farm also hosts a historical-themed Christmas Market with carolers, demonstrations, and Santa Claus. In May, Heritage Day is celebrated, complete with a civil war reenactment.
In addition to the farm, the Klein, TX Historical Foundation is also home to the only open-air museum in North Harris County where the public is invited to view exhibits of over 600 photographs and artifacts from the late 1800s. The museum is open to the public during the last Saturday of the month unless it is booked for a special event.
In 2016, two mules, Fritz and Lena were added to the Historical Foundation’s livestock program.
The mules will be used for plowing demonstrations, pulling carriages, and will become working animals at Wunderlich Farm. This year the farm will host the inaugural Spring Festival in March. The festival will have music, food, vendors, and a silent auction.
Both Wunderlich Farm and the Klein, TX Historical Museum, are funded 100 percent by donations and their events are offered to the public at low or no cost.
To learn more or make a donation, please contact Living History Educator & District Historian Steve Baird: [email protected] or (832)-249-5800.
For more information about upcoming events go to:
www.kleinhistorical.org
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The 5th Annual Kleinwell FREE Family Fun and Health Fair is Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at Klein Memorial Stadium. This year’s event is sponsored by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Join us for a morning filled with health and wellness vendors, raf-fle prizes, giveaways, free samples, and fun activities designed for the entire family. Learn from exhibits, live demonstrations, and speak with the experts. The Wun-derlich Farmer’s Market will be at the Family Health Fair featuring locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and homemade goodies this year. Contact Winni Attaway at 832.249.4162 or [email protected], for more information.
The 5th Annual Kleinwell FREE Family Fun and Health Fair is Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at Klein Memorial Stadium. This year’s event is sponsored by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Join us for a morning filled with health and wellness vendors, raf-fle prizes, giveaways, free samples, and fun activities designed for the entire family. Learn from exhibits, live demonstrations, and speak with the experts. The Wun-derlich Farmer’s Market will be at the Family Health Fair featuring locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and homemade goodies this year. Contact Winni Attaway at 832.249.4162 or [email protected], for more information.
GRADUATION | JUNE 4
HEALTH FAIR | APRIL 30
Klein High School | May 14The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Klein Forest High School | May 21The Westin Galleria
Klein Oak High School | May 28The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Klein Collins High School | May 21 The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Spring Break:Monday, March 14th - Friday, March 18th
classes resume Monday, March 21st
Good Friday:Friday, March 25th
Memorial Day:Monday, May 30th
STUDENT HOLIDAYS
PROM 2016
Summer School:http://kisd.us/summerclasses16
9 a.m.
12 p.m.
3 p.m.
6 p.m.
Klein High School
Klein Forest High School
Klein Oak High School
Klein Collins High School
The 5th Annual Kleinwell FREE Family Fun and Health Fair is Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at Klein Memorial Stadium. This year’s event is sponsored by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Join us for a morning filled with health and wellness vendors, raffle prizes, giveaways, free samples, and fun activities designed for the entire family. Learn from exhibits, live demonstrations, and speak with the experts. The Wunderlich Farmer’s Market will be at the Family Health Fair featuring locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and homemade goodies this year.
When mailing items to Klein ISD schools or facilities, make sure to put Klein, TX as the city! The Klein ISD Board of Trustees passed a resolution at the Jan. 2016 meeting designating the 88-square miles encompassing Klein ISD as Klein, TX.
While this may seem unusual by some, this move is steeped in history. In 1938, the school district was renamed the Klein Independent School District after Adam Klein, one of the earliest settlers of the area and the community’s namesake. In 1977, the Texas Legislature supported this with legislative action designating the area inside the boundaries of the Klein ISD as Klein, TX.
So when you brag about your community and all the wonderful amenities it has to offer, be sure to call it Klein, TX. Tell everyone you know that Jim Parsons, aka Sheldon Cooper, is from Klein, TX. Talk up the Barbara Bush Library and the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Klein, TX. Together we can define our community and put Klein, TX on the map!
1) recommends that residents living within the district boundaries refer to their community as Klein, TX;
2) recommends that citizens within zip codes 77379, 77389 and 77391 use Klein, TX in their addresses;
3) directs that all Klein ISD buildings and facilities be identified as being in Klein, TX.
EXAMPLE:KLEIN ISD CENTRAL OFFICE7200 Spring Cypress Rd.Klein, TX 77379
KLEIN, TX RESOLUTIONRESOLUTION ITEMS
In Dec. of last year, the Board of Trustees hired an executive search firm to assist in the process of finding the next Klein ISD Superintendent. Consultants David Thompson and Mike Moses are leading this effort and are very well known and respected in the education community. They are currently busy soliciting qualified candidates through their vast network of leaders in education.
On Feb. 2, Mr. Thompson and Dr. Moses held focus groups with about 60 members of our community to get a sense of our community’s priorities. The focus groups included parents, community leaders, teachers, campus administrators, and students.
The Klein community as a whole provided input as well via a web-based survey. More than 300 people responded to the survey.
The application deadline for the superintendent position is March 11. Interviews with selected candidates and the Board of Trustees are scheduled to take place in early April.
The Board anticipates naming the superintendent finalist at a special meeting to be called on April 18 and approving an employment contract at the regular board meeting on May 9. The contract will be effective July 1, 2016.
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2008 & 2015BOND UPDATES
Klein ISD is one of 85 districts across the state identified as a fast-growth school district. The Fast Growth School Coalition works on behalf of these school districts to educate others about the impacts rapidly growing communities have on school districts. The coalition assists in finding legislative solutions to help these districts cope with the financial and structural demands of expanding populations.
In 2004 and 2008, the Klein community passed bond referendums to address growth, renovations, safety and security, and technology. The Klein community passed another Bond referendum to address the same criteria in 2015.
As the 2008 bond referendum projects draw to a close, here are the remaining projects currently taking place:
• Mahaffey Elementary (set to open in Aug. 2016)• Schindewolf Intermediate locker room addition • Partial funding which included initial site work, concrete pours, and other pre-construction stage items at High School #5.
By the end of 2016, all 2008 bond projects will be complete. Below is a list of some of the 2015 Bond projects already in progress:
• 2016 Facility Renovation Project • Partial funding of HS #5• Intermediate #10 • Wunderlich Intermediate classroom and gym addition
The next items that will begin related to the 2015 Bond are the Klein Forest Career and Technical Education (CTE) building and gym addition, another early childhood/pre-k center in the northern part of the district, and the 2017 Facility Renovation Project.
Aerial View: High School No. 5 as of Jan. 2016The high school is scheduled to open in August of 2017. The name will be determined in the coming months.
Projected Exterior View of Intermediate 10
The intermediate school is scheduled to open in August of 2018. The name is to be determined.
Aerial View: Mahaffey Elementary as of Jan. 2016The 31st Klein ISD elementary is scheduled to open in August of 2016. Dayna Hernandez has been named as the principal.
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Klein Independent School District7200 Spring Cypress Rd.Klein, TX 77379 - 3299www.kleinisd.net
The Klein District News is a publication of the Office of the Superintendent and is produced by the Communications & Planning Department.
KLEIN DISTRICT NEWS MAGAZINE
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