Klein District News - Summer 2023

a message from our SUPERINTENDENT DR. JENNY MCGOWN facebook.com /jennymcgownsupt

@jenny_mcgown

@jennymcgownsupt

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.

RECORD-BREAKING SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT $57 Million

BEST COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION 12 Years in a Row

STATE CHAMPIONS 6A UIL Track & Field, Wrestling

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!

Gratefully,

Congratulations to our Award-Winning Superintendent!

Dr. Jenny McGown

North Houston Association Houston Business Journal’s North Star Award Most Admired CEO PG 2

PG 3

SAFETY IS always OUR PRIORITY

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 outside the building, like police activity in the neighborhood.

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

SECURE "Secure the Perimeter" LOCKDOWN "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight"

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.

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.

PG 4

KleinISD.net/keepkleinsafe

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

SECURE

LOCKDOWN

EVACUATE

SHELTER

Hallways are cleared.

External incident, so all students are moved indoors.

All doors are locked.

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

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

Example: Smoke alarm or gas leak

Example: A chemical spill or dangerous weather event

Students remain in classrooms.

Instruction continues.

Example: A medical emergency in the hallway

Classroom lights are turned off.

Students are free to move normally inside the building.

Students and staff hide.

Instruction continues.

Everyone remains quiet.

Example: Police search for burglary suspect in the neighborhood

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

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!

PG 5

PG 6

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 with Spring to 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

PG 7

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.

HOW BONDS AFFECT THE KLEIN ISD TOTAL TAX RATE 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.

HISTORICAL 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.

PG 10

thank you

TO OUR KLEIN ISD COMMUNITY FOR YOUR SUPPORT & APPROVAL OF THE 2022 BOND

2022 BOND PROJECTS at a glance Current plans are for construction tied to the 2022 Bond to take place over the next 5-7 years.

IMPROVE SAFETY & SECURITY Secure vestibules in all schools Doorbell entry at all schools ADDRESS GROWTH & CAPACITY CHALLENGES Klein Cain High School Klein Oak High School

Addressing growth and capacity challenges

Lifecycle replacements and upgrades

UPGRADE ACADEMIC, ARTS & PE/ATHLETIC SPACES Klein Collins High School Doerre Intermediate Kleb Intermediate Klein Intermediate Turf on all high school baseball & softball fields PROVIDE CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY New teacher devices New student devices New classroom technology MODERNIZE AGING SCHOOLS

Upgrades to existing schools

Upgrades to fine arts classrooms

Northampton Elementary Hildebrandt Intermediate

KLEIN ISD FLEX SCHOOL 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.

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.

PG 11

GET involved

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. *All prospective mentors must attend a one-time mandatory training and submit an online district Volunteer Application and Criminal Background Check.

Please contact Jennifer Matus, volunteer mentor program coordinator, at jmatus@kleinisd.net or (832) 249-4725 to get involved.

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

Wunderlich Farm & Historical Museum

Want to volunteer at Wunderlich Farm?

www.kleinhistorical.org

Come HOME for Homecoming!

Friday, Sept. 22

KleinNation is a group for Klein ISD Alumni to stay connected through events, reunions, and celebrations of our alumni, parents, and staff. Every year we host a true 'homecoming' event for our alumni to reconnect and reunite in their home stadium.

Join our Facebook Group

www.facebook.com/KleinNation

PG 12

Thursday, Sept. 28 Friday, Oct. 6 Thursday, Oct. 19 Friday, Oct. 27

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!

SCAN TO JOIN FACEBOOK GROUP

Volunteers!

Invest your time in our #KleinFamily

Senior Citizen KLEIN ISD Benefit GOLD CARD

Gold cards are available for Klein ISD residents, 65 years or older.

Use the card for free admission into school events.

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

We love our volunteers, and we are so grateful for their commitment to investing in students in Klein ISD. 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 PG 13

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@kleinisd.net.

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 PG 14

Intermediate: Breakfast $1.60 Lunch $2.75

High School: Breakfast $1.60 Lunch $3.00

Reduced Meals: Breakfast $0.30 Lunch $0.40

CLEAR BAG GUIDELINES

KLEIN MEMORIAL STADIUM 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:

APPROVED clear bags clear backpacks diaper bags 6" x 9" x 5" bag clear gallon size bag

SCAN FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES

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.

Adult Pregame

$7

plus convenience fee

Student Pregame

$4

plus convenience fee

At the Gate

$8

plus convenience fee

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

kisd.us/hometowntickets

PG 15

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 16 ZIP CODE 78710

Klein Independent School District 7200 Spring Cypress Rd. Klein, TX 77379

ROB ELLIS

KLEIN ISD SCHOOL BOARD

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 Klein ISD Parent & Klein Volunteer Firefighter

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.

CHRIS TODD Trustee

Years of Service: 5 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.