Klein District News - Summer 2023

a message from our

Dear Klein Family and Community,

The countdown for the first day of school has started, and I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you as we approach the 2023-2024 school year in Klein ISD!

We are kicking off the new year so proud that our ‘Triple A’ tradition of excellence in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics continues to thrive, with a new record set for student scholarships earned, new State athletic titles and champions, and national recognition for the 12th straight year as a top-performing district in the Arts.

Our continued success is built on the strong foundation of our dedicated staff, supportive Klein ISD parents and families, and our entire Klein, Texas community working together for our kids For example, thanks to the successful passage of the May 2022 Bond, our outstanding Klein ISD School Board has approved numerous important projects already complete or currently underway that enhance safety and security measures in our schools, modernize our aging schools, and provide teachers with needed technology updates Your generous support is a testament to your continued investment in our Klein community, and it will undoubtedly benefit our students and schools in Klein ISD for many years to come.

As we look ahead to the upcoming year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication and contributions to making Klein ISD the warm, caring community that it is. Your support, partnership, and commitment to our students is truly invaluable Thank you for all that you do to make Klein, Texas such a wonderful place to call home!

I look forward to seeing your family’s #KleinFirstDay photos online soon and hope to shake your hand in person as our students return to our schools to learn, compete, perform, and succeed!

Congratulations

Dr Jenny McGown

Gratefully,

SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY always

Safety is Klein ISD’s top priority. During times of crisis or emergency, it’s crucial that we communicate clearly. We use the Standard Response Protocol to provide a common safety language in our schools Students and staff drill and train using these terms

There are 5 key terms to the Standard Response Protocol: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

For families, it’s important to distinguish between Secure and Lockdown A "Secure" situation is less serious than a "Lockdown"

Secure means we "secure" the perimeter of a school when there is a threat the building, like police activity in the neighborhood.

A Lockdown refers to a serious threat of a school building.

SECURE "Secure the Perimeter"

LOCKDOWN "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"

All schools use the Standard Response Protocol.

All schools feature secured entry points. All exterior doors are locked.

All students and staff have ID badges so individuals are easy to identify.

Klein ISD is committed to the safety and security of all students, staff, and welcomed visitors The Klein ISD Police Department is always there when you need them 24/7 Submit tips online or by phone Fill out the form at KleinISD.net/keepkleinsafe, or call (832) 249-4266

In the event of an emergency at your child’s school, Klein ISD will communicate to you using 1 of our 5 Emergency Response Protocol terms.

HOLD

Hallways are cleared. Students remain in classrooms.

Instruction continues.

Example: A medical emergency in the hallway

SECURE

External incident, so all students are moved indoors. Students are free to move normally inside the building.

Instruction continues.

LOCKDOWN

All doors are locked.

Classroom lights are turned off.

Students and staff hide.

Everyone remains quiet.

EVACUATE

Students and staff are required to leave the school building immediately.

SHELTER

A natural or manmade event requiring students and staff to take shelter indoors.

Example: Police search for burglary suspect in the neighborhood

Example: Any event that poses a threat to life inside the building

Example: Smoke alarm or gas leak

Example: Achemical spillor dangerous weatherevent

IN CASE OF A SCHOOL EMERGENCY

DO keep your phone nearby to receive updates from the district In an emergency, official communication will be delivered directly to you via the phone number you have on record with the district.

DO pay close attention to official information on how to reunite with your child in case of emergency

DO NOT call your child's school. In an emergency, staff are trained to keep phone lines open for first responders

DO NOT rush to your child's school You will not be allowed entry into the school, and your presence could slow first responders.

Thank you for helping us Keep Klein Safe!

Klein Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Update Mailing Addresses

When you brag about your Klein community and its wonderful amenities, be sure to call it Klein, Texas. While you’re at it, use Klein, TX as your address as well.

In 1977, the Texas State Legislature passed, and the then Governor of Texas signed into law Senate Bill 1283, which designates the portion of Harris County that comprises Klein ISD as the community of Klein, Texas

In 2016, the Klein ISD Board of Trustees passed a resolution reaffirming the Texas State Legislature’s move to designate the 88 square miles encompassing Klein ISD as Klein, Texas, allowing all residents and businesses to use Klein, TX as their mailing and official addresses.

The Klein ISD School Board resolution includes the following: 1) recommends that residents living within the district boundaries refer to their community as Klein, Texas; 2) recommends that all citizens and businesses inside Klein ISD use Klein, TX as their address; and 3) directs that all Klein ISD buildings and facilities be identified as being in Klein, TX

This move is actually steeped in history In 1938, the school district was renamed the Klein Independent School District after Adam Klein, one of the area’s earliest settlers and the community’s namesake. If you have lived in

Klein ISD long, you will notice that many schools are named after the settlers who once toiled the land. As far back as the 1970s, the district has honored the community’s forefathers by naming schools after original families from our area.

Klein, Texas is a special place, rooted in community pride and rich in history. With outstanding schools offering innovative and excellent learning experiences and thriving businesses, generations of families happily call Klein their home

So let’s make it official: update your addresses to show your Klein, Texas pride! It’s as easy as using “Klein, TX” on your official mailing and shipping correspondence. Together we can define our amazing Klein community and forever keep Klein, Texas on the map!

When I moved to Klein almost 20 years ago, my dad told me to do this. He mailed me two letters, one with Klein and one

Spring

prove I could do it. I've proudly put Klein as my address since. – Bonny Wunderlich Yokeley

It’s time to give our area a true identity. I don’t really identify as being in Cypress, Spring, Tomball, or even Houston. As a realtor, this move to brand ourselves as Klein is super smart! – Trissa Fontenot Rosette

I'm thrilled to know the history and proud to say I live in Klein, TX! I'm spreading the news! – Sheri Peddy

with

to

On May 7, 2022, Klein ISD voters approved an unprecedented $895,350,000 in bond funding The 2022 Bond, which the Klein ISD School Board voted unanimously in February 2022 to place on the ballot, is the largest bond in district history

The approval of the 2022 Bond followed increased voter turnout compared to the 2015 Bond, with over 18,000 votes cast for the 2022 Bond, representing a threefold increase

2022 Bond funds are already being used to enhance safety and security, address growth and capacity issues, modernize aging schools, renovate schools, upgrade academic, athletic, and arts spaces, and purchase new technology for classroom learning.

Despite supply chain delays and historic inflation in project costs, Klein ISD continues to move forward with our work as efficiently and effectively as possible to make improvements for our students, staff, and community.

We are very grateful to our community for their support of the 2022 Bond. Join Klein ISD's Facebook page for behind-the-scenes photo updates from our projects

Klein ISD has a strong tradition of making fiscally conservative projections on how a bond will affect the total tax rate and then outperforming those projections The 2004, 2008, and 2015 bond referendums all came in under the projected maximum total tax rate

REDUCING THE TOTAL TAX RATE

Through our School Board's conservative fiscal management, Klein ISD has been able to reduce the total tax rate by seven cents even after voters approved the largest bond in our District's history

thank you

TOOURKLEINISDCOMMUNITY FOR YOUR SUPPORT & APPROVAL OF THE 2022 BOND

at a glance 2022 BOND PROJECTS

Current plans are for construction tied to the 2022 Bond to take place over the next 5-7 years

ecycle replacements and upgrades

Upgrades to existing schools

Upgrades to fine arts classrooms

KLEIN ISD FLEX SCHOOL

cure vestibules in all schools orbell entry at all schools

RESS GROWTH & CAPACITY CHALLENGES

ROVE SAFETY & SECURITY in Cain High School in Oak High School

GRADE ACADEMIC, ARTS & PE/ATHLETIC SPACES

in Collins High School

erre Intermediate

b Intermediate

mediate

gh school

oftball fields

E CLASSROOM HNOLOGY

r devices

t devices

om technology

E AGING SCHOOLS

on Elementary Intermediate

The Flex School will include fullyequipped classrooms with all instructional teaching and learning resources, a fully-stocked library, technology, security, playgrounds, a cafeteria, PE, Art, Music, and a parent room. All learning spaces in the current school are included in the Flex School

The Klein ISD Flex School will be used for at least the next decade as our older elementary schools undergo comprehensive renovations.

Klein ISD Flex School will host Northampton Elementary for the 2023-2024 school year. Epps Island, Greenwood Forest, Haude, & Theiss will be housed at the Flex School during this Bond building program.

GETinvolved

Invest in a Klein ISD Student, Become a Mentor

With a small investment of time each week, you can make a big difference in the life of a young person in Klein ISD. All you need to do is listen, show that you care, and be there to build a positive relationship. It’s the little things that make a big impact, and volunteering in the Klein ISD Mentor Program is the perfect way to pass along encouragement and support to our students

Farm & Historical Museum

The farmhouse still stands where it was first built in 1891 by Peter Wunderlich!

Experience history, stroll through the Farmer's Market, and learn what makes Klein, TX a special place to live! The Wunderlich Farm & Historical Museum is a place that your whole family can enjoy!

Located adjacent to Doerre Intermediate

Want to volunteer at Wunderlich Farm? www.kleinhistorical.org

Wunderlich

We have a new Facebook Group for our Seniors!

At Klein ISD, we care deeply about our community and want to engage every generation in the excellence happening in our schools. Join this group to learn more about volunteer and mentorship opportunities, upcoming district events, and to share why you love this incredible community!

Senior Citizen Benefit free

Invest

We love our volunteers, and we are so grateful for their commitment to investing in students in Klein ISD.

admission

Gold cards are available for Klein ISD residents, 65 years or older. Use the card for into school events

Apply online: kleinisd.net/gold or call (832) 249-4000

The dedication of our volunteers makes a positive difference each day in our schools, playing a vital role in our district’s shared vision Getting started is simple by utilizing our newly streamlined volunteer and background check application. Apply now to serve in our schools!

kleinisd.net/volunteers

BACK-TO-SCHOOL reminders

PARENT PARTNERSHIP Q&A

As a state-recognized Model District for Family Engagement, we always have and always will value the input and perspective of our parents. We want to work in partnership with families to meet our over 54,000 students’ diverse educational passions and needs.

What do I do if I have a question or concern about something at school?

Go directly to your child’s teacher, counselor, or principal immediately. All contact information for all Klein ISD staff can be easily located on the Klein ISD website.

If your concern is safety-related, you can also use our anonymous tip line monitored by our Klein ISD Police Department 24 hours a day at Keep Klein Safe: https://www.kleinisd.net/keepkleinsafe

I’ve heard some buzz about “obscene” or “vulgar” books or instructional materials in some Texas schools. What’s Klein ISD’s position on this?

The Klein ISD School Board, leadership, and educators are committed to ensuring our schools do not contain obscene or vulgar instructional materials

Our School Board updated Klein ISD’s Instructional Resources Policy in 2021, allowing for ongoing district-initiated reviews and a process for formal challenges to any instructional materials At this time, our district has received zero formal challenges to any instructional materials

Klein ISD is in an ongoing review of the 660,000+ books in our collection, and to ensure the highest level of transparency, the current library collection is available online Parents are also automatically notified via email when their child checks out any book from the school library

As always, if a parent is concerned about a book or instructional material for any reason, the parent should immediately contact their child’s teacher or principal If you feel the concern cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, an alternate assignment or book for your child may be provided

I heard something about the Texas Education Agency changing the STAAR tests, passing scores, and the way the A-F School Ratings are calculated. What do I need to know?

The Texas Education Agency made many changes to the STAAR Test and the A-F School Rating System that will greatly, and in most cases, negatively impact letter-grade ratings for schools and districts This means that students and schools can perform better academically in 2023, yet they could receive a lower rating than they did in 2022, creating the misconception that high-performing schools and districts are drastically declining, even if their performance actually improved If you have questions about your school rating or your child’s scores, please contact your school principal or feedback@kleinisdnet

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

If you think that your child may qualify for federal meal benefits, we encourage you to fill out an application for free or reduced-cost meals This application can be filled out electronically at: kisd.us/frmealapp

Elementary: Breakfast $1.50

Lunch $2.50

Intermediate: Breakfast $1.60 Lunch $2.75

High School: Breakfast $1.60 Lunch $3.00

Reduced Meals: Breakfast $0.30

Lunch $0.40

KLEIN MEMORIAL STADIUM CLEAR BAG GUIDELINES

To provide a safer environment for guests and to expedite entry, all bags brought into Klein Memorial Stadium are subject to visual inspection Guests are encouraged to enter the facility carrying the fewest possible items If a guest elects to bring a bag, the following guidelines must be followed:

Online Ticketing System for HS & Int. Sports

Season ticket holders from the 2022 season may renew their tickets for the 2023-2024 school year from July 9 to July 23. Season ticket holders will receive an email on July 2 from HomeTown Ticketing with instructions on how to renew. Starting July 30, all season tickets not renewed will be open to the public for purchase online through August 13. Sales starting August 21 will be weekly sales only.

REMINDER: Credit cards are accepted at Klein Memorial Stadium Concessions. All sports (high school & intermediate) ticketing will be online

kisd.us/hometowntickets

SCAN FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES

Klein Independent School District

7200 Spring Cypress Rd Klein, TX 77379

ROB ELLIS

President

Years of Service: 4

Klein ISD Alum, Klein ISD Parent & 2nd-Generation Board Member

Rob is a parent of current Klein ISD students He is the proud son of a former Klein ISD board member He graduated from Harvard Law School and the University of Cambridge and clerked for the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Rob is currently Assistant General Counsel at Southwestern Energy

CATHY M. ARELLANO

Vice President

Years of Service: 7

Klein ISD Retired Educator & Parent of Klein ISD Grad

Cathy served at Klein Oak as a teacher, assistant principal, and associate principal before retiring after 40 years in education. Cathy graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Education Her son is a Klein Oak grad and employee

DUSTIN CREAGER

Secretary

Years of Service: 2

KleinISDParent &KleinVolunteerFirefighter

Dustin has two children, both who attend Klein ISD schools He works as a financial advisor Dustin also serves on the Board of the Kailee Mills Foundation and as a volunteer with the Klein Fire Department

RONNIE K. ANDERSON

Trustee

Years of Service: 14

Klein High Alum & Parent of Klein ISD Grads

Ronnie is an alumnus of Klein High He earned his degree in Sports Management from Texas A&M and is a Senior Vice President of Risk Management at Holt Lunsford Commercial. He is as a youth Bible study leader at Faithbridge Church.

DOUG JAMES

Trustee

Years of Service: 6

Parent of Klein ISD Grads & Klein ISD Grandparent

Doug has lived in the district for more than 30 years. His three children are graduates of Klein Forest Doug's granddaughter is a current Klein ISD student and his daughters are educators in Klein ISD

GEORGAN REITMEIER

Trustee

Years of Service: 18

Retired Klein ISD Educator & Parent of Klein ISD Grads

Georgan has lived in the district for more than 40 years. Her two children graduated from Klein Forest Georgan has served Klein ISD for more than 30 years as a parent volunteer and special education program director

Years of Service: 5 K L E I N I S D S C H O O L B O A R D

CHRIS TODD

Trustee

Klein Oak Alum & Klein ISD Parent

Chris is the father of a Klein Oak grad & current Klein ISD student. A graduate of Klein Oak, Chris graduated from the University of Houston with a Political Science degree He is the Church Operations Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church