KellerISD_Link Spring 2023

Dear Keller ISD Family,

After all my years in education, I am always amazed at two things: 1) how quickly the month of May tends to sneak up on us; and 2) regardless of what we may have anticipated for the year, it almost always turns out to be so much more than we expected. Those unexpected experiences – whether challenges or successes – are the ones that make the most impact on our students, staff, and families, because they show growth, perseverance, and the power of human connection. I am amazed by the work our students and teachers put in each day and the continuous opportunities our District provides to help set our students on the right path for success.

From a District standpoint, we started the year revisiting our Strategic Planning initiatives to help guide our priorities over the next five years. We selected 60 parents, educators, and community members who met several times over the course of the fall. The selected individuals were from different grade levels, different areas of interest and involvement, and different geographic corners of the District, making every effort to represent all stakeholders in our community. I’m proud to say that we were able to successfully establish new Vision, Mission, Belief and Objective statements that will act as a roadmap, reflecting the Keller ISD community’s educational priorities as we look towards the future.

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

It’s been an incredible year, with tons of opportunities to highlight learning, celebrate successes, and share in memorable moments. I want to express my gratitude to our teachers and instructional aides, for their selfless dedication to our students; to our hardworking staff who keep all the behind the scenes pieces moving so that our teachers and students can focus on learning; and to our families and this community, for their unwavering support of Keller ISD.

I hope your summer is spent doing all the things you love, as well as allows time for you to rest, recharge, and refocus on what will undoubtedly be another great year!

We’ll see you all in August to kick off the 2023-24 school year!

Dr. Rick Westfall

SECOND-GRADE CLASSES AT THE KELLER-HARVEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STEAM ACADEMY

PARTICIPATED IN FUN AND EXCITING HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES PUT ON BY MAD SCIENCE DFW, THANKS TO A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE KELLER ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT BRYCE NIEMAN

Chief Communications Officer

What was your first job out of college and how has it shaped the way you perform your current position?

My first “real” job out of college was covering high school sports for a weekly newspaper. My “actual” first job after college was working the front desk at a hotel while I was trying to figure out what to do career-wise. It wasn’t my first time working in hospitality, but that line of work always provides great customer service experience while practicing humility and patience, some key traits for my current role. Working at the newspaper allowed me to further hone my writing, editing, and design skills, while working in a deadline-oriented environment.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Who was it from?

A sign along the highway once reminded me that “The left lane is for passing only,” and I’ve never forgotten that. It’s something we should all really remember.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Maybe home repairs. I love fixing things, but every home repair or DIY project turns into quite the chore – looking up how to do it, then messing it up 2-3 (or 4-5) times before I get it right.

I’m jealous of the know-how and confidence of contractors, electricians, plumbers, and the like.

If you could offer one piece of advice to the students of Keller ISD, what would it be?

It sounds simple, but be comfortable being you. Society likes to place labels on people – it helps our lazy brains process things quicker – but you’re your own person. While we have things we share in common, no one’s experience is exactly like yours, so embrace that you have a unique role to play, and don’t waste time worrying if you don’t quite fit the label someone else tries to affix to you. However, once you feel that you’ve achieved your personal definition of “successful,” feel free to label yourself “A Product of Keller ISD.” We’re going to be proud of you.

Which sports team is your favorite?

Just one? I’m a big sports fan, so I have so many favorites, but above all of them, I’m an Oklahoma Sooners football fan. We’ve had season tickets for 25 years now (extending back before I was even a student there) and I’ve only missed two home games over that span. I’ll also travel to several of the away games each season. I’m pretty passionate about all of OU’s athletics programs. I also love the Texas Rangers, the Mavericks, the Stars… all the local pro teams with one “giant” exception – I don’t care for the local NFL team. I’m a big New York Giants fan. I enjoy watching Premier League soccer, too – Up the Villa!

What is it like to have grown up in Keller ISD and now work in the District?

It’s almost like I never graduated! But seriously, I attended Keller ISD from Kindergarten at Parkview Elementary School through graduation from Fossil Ridge High School, and so I love that I’ve had the opportunity to come back and serve the school district that was such a large part of my life growing up. As much as Keller ISD has grown, it’s also fun to see familiar faces of teachers who are still working here from my days as a student, and then to see others I went to school with come back to teach (shoutout to all of those KISD teachers from the FRHS Class of 2001).

W E A R E W E A R E

Board of Trustees Spotlight

SANDI WALKER, BOARD OF TRUSTEES VICE PRESIDENT

“I LOVE HOW KELLER ISD ENCOURAGES AND DEVELOPS EACH STUDENT’S TALENTS AND DIVERSE STRENGTHS.”

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHAT SCHOOLS DID YOU ATTEND?

I grew up in Garland attending Garland High School and then studied at Texas Tech University. Guns Up!

WHY DID YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE KISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

I love the next generation! They are so creative, talented, unique, and fun. Keller ISD has been, and is currently an excellent experience for my children. I’m humbled and thankful to serve our teachers, students and community to ensure all students have a positive experience during their time in Keller ISD.

WHAT IS ONE QUOTE OR SAYING THAT YOU LIVE BY?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

I had dreams of being in law enforcement, television broadcasting, and even a phase where I wanted to be a pop star. That obviously didn’t work out!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I love spending time with my husband and six kids, serving at my church as a youth leader, going on adventures, and living life to the fullest.

IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO THE STUDENTS OF KELLER ISD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Take some time to look up and notice others around you and offer a smile or a word of encouragement. You never know what a small act of kindness can do for someone who is having a tough day.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT KELLER ISD?

I love how Keller ISD encourages and develops each student’s unique talents and diverse strengths. Keller ISD is an excellent district with amazing teachers and staff that truly care for each student. I’m so thankful my kids and others are receiving an education from Keller ISD. to the fullest.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?

I loved Creative Writing and Spanish, mainly due to my amazing teachers at Garland High.

STUDENT SOUND-OFF

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

What is your favorite thing about coming to school?

I’d have superpowers to know all the answers all the time really fast!

My teacher, Ms. Isberg, because she’s amazing and she loves me!

Super strength so I can be as strong as my dad.

Math class, it’s very entertaining.

I would love to be able to fly.

If I could have one super power I would choose to be invisible.

I love reading so much, so I love to come to school to learn about reading.

My favorite thing about coming to school is hanging with friends.

Caroline Ries 1st Grader Woodland Springs Elementary

Landon Neiswender

3rd Grader Liberty Elementary

Makenna Cooper

4th grade Freedom Elementary

Kamareay Cain 5th Grader Heritage Elementary

What is the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?

That I’ve done Math like more and less, and 10 more and 10 less, and adding and subtracting.

What do you like to do outside?

If you could be an animal for a day, what would you choose?

Playing at recess and hugging my friends

Ooooh… a cheetah so I can run fast!

Division. Dividing numbers into groups is fun!

Run and play with my friends.

An Alpaca, they are so cute and fluffy!

Learning how to do long division. It makes it so much faster than having to draw pictures like we did in third grade.

Volleyball is my heart and my soul.

Llama, they are very sweet and soft.

The coolest thing I’ve learned this year is how the earth rotates.

My favorite outdoor activity is playing basketball.

If I could be an animal for one day I would be a cheetah.

Keller ISD has named Isabella Mora, a special education teacher at Heritage Elementary, as its 2022-23 Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Ann Accas, fine arts teacher at the Keller Compass Center, as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mora and Accas will now represent Keller ISD in the Region 11 Teacher of the Year contest.

The District celebrated all Campus Teachers of the Year at a special event on April 13. Each of Keller ISD’s 42 campuses named a Teacher of the Year for their school, and after an application review process, five elementary (PreK-6) and five secondary (7-12) teachers were named Finalists and announced through individual surprise campus visits on March 3. The District Teachers of the Year were selected after an interview process with District administrators and past honorees.

Isabella Mora has taught for five years, having served in Keller ISD since 2018. She is a Registered Behavior Technician, a Heritage Elementary C3 PLC Culture Committee facilitator, and a Keller ISD Alternate Curriculum (Unique Learning Systems) Coach. In addition, she developed the Pride Ambassador program, which empowers fifth-grade students to become campus leaders and mentors, participating in reverse inclusion programs with students who receive special education services. Mora believes all students deserve an education that supports their needs and encourages inclusion.

KELLER ISD NAMES HES, KCC TEACHERS THE 2022-23 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

ISABELLA MORA & ANN ACCAS

“As educators, it is our responsibility to recognize and nurture the potential of all students,” Mora said. “To this end, I work tirelessly to provide my students with opportunities to participate in field trips, eat lunch with their peers, and play freely at recess. I believe that by creating these opportunities, I can foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels seen and valued.”

Ann Accas has 24 years of experience teaching fine arts, serving the past 17 years in Keller ISD. She is earning her principal certification, participates in the Keller ISD Leadership Development Academy, and serves as the Professional Development facilitator and lead teacher at the Keller Compass Center. In addition, Accas created a program to support students passing their end-of-course exams, finally clearing the last obstacle standing in the way of graduating. Her message as the Teacher of the Year is to encourage educators to slow down despite all the pressure and take the necessary moments to build lasting relationships with students.

“As a fine arts educator, the connection between content and life application is unparalleled,” Accas said. “We have the amazing opportunity to bridge the gap life has created and replace it with valuable lessons to help students navigate through life. Problem-solving, self awareness, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management, receptiveness to criticism, and relationship management are all skills taught in fine arts classes.”

Isabella Mora

Sarah Gonzales

Jennifer Logan

Chuck Fongsamouth

Michael Benson Ann Accas

Courtney Harris

Paige Davis

Lindsey Potocki

Dee Miles

Parkwood Hill Intermediate

Keller Compass Center

Fossil Hill Middle School

Timber Creek High School

Keller Collegiate Academy

Keller High School

Ridgeview Elementary Trinity Meadows Intermediate Heritage Elementary

Early Learning Center South

ELEMENTARY FINALISTS (PREK - 6TH GRADE)

SECONDARY FINALISTS (7TH - 12TH GRADE)

DID YOU KNOW?

CLASS OF 2023 CLASS OF 2023

GRADUATION

MAY 29, 2023 DICKIES ARENA FORT WORTH, TEXAS

KELLER COMPASS CENTER'S NEW DIRECTION HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WILL BE HONORED AT 6 P.M. THURSDAY, MAY 25, AT THE BOWDEN EVENTS CENTER IN KELLER.

KELLER ISD OPENS THE NEW AGRISCIENCE LEARNING CENTER

In 2019, the Keller ISD voters approved a $315 million bond for capital improvement projects. The Agriscience Learning Center (ALC), included in the bond, provides Keller ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) the opportunity to expand its current agriculture education programs. On February 8, 2023, the Board of Trustees, local and state leaders, and the community officially opened the ALC. With this new facility, Keller Center for Advanced Learning (KCAL), Future Farmers of America (FFA), and CTE students have greater opportunities to learn about agriculture, natural resources, and land management. We are excited to see the endless amount of practical, hands-on learning the ALC will provide students for the years to come.

2023-24 STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Online Enrollment Confirmation for the 2023-24 school year will open the week of July 10, 2023. District-wide notifications will be sent to families Monday, July 10, 2023 through Thursday, July 13, 2023. Notifications will be sent to the primary parent or guardian of the students who were enrolled on the last day of the 2022-23 school year. For additional information, please visit www.KellerISD.net/Enroll.

Families that have students entering Keller ISD for the first time beginning next fall can now begin enrolling their students. Children who will be five years old by September 1, 2023, will be eligible to enroll in Kindergarten. Visit www.KellerISD.net/Enroll/New23-24 for enrollment information.

Children who will be four years old by September 1, 2023, and meet one of the pre-determined eligibility requirements, can enroll in Keller ISD’s Pre-Kindergarten programs. Families intending to enroll their students in Pre-K can visit www.KellerISD.net/Enroll/PreK.

THE KELLER COMPASS CENTER FINDS NEW WAYS TO UNLOCK STUDENT POTENTIAL

It’s not uncommon for students to fall behind in school at some point during their academic journey. However, falling behind doesn’t mean that success is out of reach. With the proper support and resources, students who are behind in school can still achieve their goals and thrive academically.

Nestled in the heart of Keller ISD, as a relatively small and unassuming building, is the Keller Compass Center, where a small but mighty team of teachers and support staff are giving hope to students who have fallen behind by offering extra support and resources.

When a student has exhausted all the resources available through a traditional campus, administrators, parents, and students can turn to the Keller Compass Center for alternative services to better suit their needs. This unique campus serves students from every campus across all four feeder patterns, and is home to New Direction High School and the District’s Discipline Alternative Education Program (DEAP).

“The campus is under one roof, but essentially functions as two separate campuses,” said Keller Compass Center Principal Lee Parker. “There is an application process for students wishing to attend New Direction High School. While we accept students in all situations, to manage our drop-out recovery campus status, we must maintain that over 50 percent of our students are juniors and seniors.”

“The goal for each student is graduation, but the path to crossing the stage looks different for each of them,” Parker said.

By offering an individualized path to success, students can receive the support and resources they need to overcome their specific challenges and reach their full potential. KCC teachers work hard to personalize instruction, accommodate learning differences, and provide targeted interventions.

“Our entire student population is labeled at-risk,” Ann Accas, KCC fine arts teacher, said. “They have experienced something in their lives, making attending a traditional or comprehensive high school a challenge. They need an alternative setting where everyone on campus is rooting for their success.”

KCC teachers and staff work diligently and with great compassion to break down the barriers that hold a student back from graduating. They know that the possibilities are endless when students feel safe and supported.

“They quickly realize that they are immersed in a welcoming, encouraging, and loving environment,” Accas said. “When a student knows they have a team of teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff meeting them where they are at and who refuse to give up, students know they have found their safe place.”

At KCC, students can complete an entire semester in an accelerated nine-week plan, earning two years’ worth of credits in one year. In addition, teachers are implementing a blended learning plan, which has seen a great amount of success as well.

“If expectations are set high, the students will rise to the occasion,” Parker added. “That is exactly where we start. We set clear attendance, academic, and behavioral goals tailored for each student.”

One significant barrier that stands in the way of these students academically, while also hindering motivation, is the STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams. Students must pass five EOC exams to earn graduation status in the State of Texas. In order to combat this, KCC created a method to help students pass these mandatory exams once and for all, and it’s working! Students receive test-taking strategies with specific time set aside each day to work with staff to address specific knowledge gaps.

“We had some of our fifth-year seniors graduate and 55 percent of students who took the STAAR EOC in December passed,” Parker exclaimed. “Some of these students have taken the same test four and five times, so this is a huge accomplishment!”

No two students have the same academic experience, so success is to be measured differently. Keller ISD teachers are exceptional at seeing each student as an individual and finding new and innovative ways to partner with them.

“Our students typically have been dealt a difficult hand in life or are currently facing hardships,” Accas reflected. “We pride ourselves on supporting their journey at KCC, but they know from the beginning that they will be held accountable. We’re there every step of the way to equip them with the skills they need so they can walk confidently down their own life path.”

The Keller Compass Center is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Thirteen Keller ISD students have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists. Officials of the NMSC have announced approximately 15,000 Finalists nationwide in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $28 million that will be offered this spring.

Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. KELLER ISD’S 2023 NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS ARE:

John Carlson Keller HS

Mackenzie Kang Keller HS

Andrew Nguyen Keller HS

Arthur Fryzond Timber Creek HS

Victoria Lee Timber Creek HS

Kiera Shepperd Keller HS

Meredith Herderson Keller HS

Crystal Lerner Keller HS

Tin Vu Fossil Ridge HS

Jacob Holzberger Keller HS

Elijah Mhrous Central HS

Hayden Whitehead Keller HS

Virgina Wright Keller HS

#CelebrateKISD

Caprock Elementary hosted educators from across the country as part of the Leader in Me Symposium. Educators stopped by CES to see how they are achieving success in leadership, culture, and academics.

Fossil Ridge High School Cheer earned the title of NCA National Champion as well as UIL State Spirit Coed Team Champion for the fourth consecutive year. They also claimed first place for the third year at the National Cheerleaders Association State competition and won the UCA North Texas Regional Competition for the fifth connsecutive year.

The Heritage Elementary Parade of Nations celebrates the diversity of countries and cultures represented on its campus. Students proudly walked through the halls carrying flags from 33 nations and adorned in clothes honoring their heritage.

The Florence Elementary Annual Science Fair and STEM Night was a success with more than 100 impressive science project entries and 16 STEM vendors offering engaging, hands-on activities – the smiles were endless, and the energy on campus was electric!

Lone Star Elementary celebrated the 100th day of school by showing off their counting skills!

The Keller ISD Education Foundation generously gifted more than $55,000 in grants to 31 Keller ISD educators at 19 campuses across the District. The awards fund innovative educational projects, programs, and professional development.

Central High School had the honor of opening the first of KISD’s four high school indoor extracurricular facilities. This new building will provide greater opportunities for students in all feeder patterns – especially student-athletes and performers.

Fossil Hill Middle School was decked out for “Go Red” day to show support for heart health and the American Heart Association.

Parkview Elementary staff, students, and families celebrated the Lunar New Year with music and dance performances honoring this sacred holiday.

Bear Creek Intermediate fifth-grader Brihasa Veduru won the Texas Christian University Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on March 7 to earn a spot in the Scripps National Bee.

Bluebonnet Elementary school nurse Emma West hosted a donation drive benefiting the Keller ISD clothing closet, and through her hard work, she collected a sizable amount of donations.

ELLER ISD