April 2012

Klein High School Underclassmen Defy Disabilities

Dr.

Cain

’s Co

rner

What a difference a year makes! We spent much of last spring figuring out how best to address potential State cuts. I am happy to report that although we lost $17 million this school year, we will get $12 million back next year, putting the overall loss at $5 million over the two year period. We handled last year’s budget deficit very well, and we appreciate the support from our employees, the community and the Board of Trustees. We are optimistic that the following will occur next year: re-launch of the elementary art program roll-out, a pay raise for employees, additional staff hired to supplement growth, and the ability to keep all current positions. The Board also approved to pay a larger share of your insurance premiums and increase your Flexible Spending Account next year. Being wise stewards of district funds is a priority in the Klein ISD, as we believe that the glass is always half full.

Dr. Jim Cain, KISD Superintendent

“May today mark the beginning of many new joys and accomplishments...and a continuation of all of the good things that you have already achieved.” ~Unknown

Klein C nnects a monthly publication for Klein ISD employees

Klein C nnects

Beginning a new school in a new country can be overwhelming for any student. Learning a new language and a new educational system, transitioning to high school, adjusting from a student population of 250 to more than 3,200, and navigating the obstacles of a campus under construction are just some of the challenges freshman Oswaldo Guzman faced. But, these were not a problem for this scholar who has been overcoming obstacles his whole life.

Even though he is wheelchair bound and is a student with special needs, Oswaldo feels no different than any other teenager. He moved to the

U.S. last year with his family from Venezuela because his dad got a new job as a chef at a local restaurant. Despite the distance from his family and home, Oswaldo felt the move couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I was excited to move here because it wasn’t safe where I grew up and it was harder for those with disabilities to get around. Here in the States, however, there are a lot more opportunities and accommodations for me and my family, and it was a chance for a new start for us,” he said.

Oswaldo may look different on the outside, but it is his positive attitude and thirst for knowledge that sets him apart. According to Limited English Proficient (LEP) teacher Michael Votsmeir, Oswaldo is unlike any other student he has ever taught.

“He’s an extremely articulate and sharp student,” said Votsmeir. “He is passionate for topics like government and politics, and he sees and understands things in such a unique way. The other students have also embraced him as an equal, and it has become an advantage to all of us to have him in the class.

“Being a student with disabilities hasn’t really affected him either. It actually pushes him to work harder I think,” he added. “Often people in his situation would just give up or settle for mediocrity, but not Oswaldo. He’s aiming for the top and there is nothing that is going to get in his way.”

According to Principal Larry Whitehead, students like Oswaldo and his teachers have become the models of good citizenship and character at Klein High. “Although physical handicaps exist, Oswaldo never uses that as an excuse,” said Whitehead. “I know the exceptional caliber of students and teachers we have here at Klein High, and I commend Oswaldo and have the upmost admiration for the fact that he is able to adjust to the atmosphere of the school and the challenges we all face daily.”

Yuri Day is another student at KHS overcoming the odds. For any incoming freshman, being new on campus can be intimidating. Imagine, however, navigating a new school more than 687,000 square feet in size, ongoing construction obstacles, a vast student population, and, all on a prosthetic leg. For Klein High School freshman Jonathan “Yuri” Day, that is just a typical school day.Yuri, like most students, walks more than a mile daily as he travels back and forth across the vast Klein High campus. Despite his obvious physical impairments, it hasn’t slowed him down as he has never been tardy for class. Yuri is working hard academically and is enrolled in several Pre-AP courses and strives to maintain good grades. Even though Yuri attempts to be an ordinary teen, he has become renowned on campus for accomplishing extraordinary feats as he only has one limb. As a member of the concert band he taught himself to play the trumpet using three toes, and also plays percussion for the Klein High marching band and competes on the Spring Creek Oaks swim team. “He is an inspiration for all of us,” said David Gresens, KHS band and fine arts teacher. “His attitude is tremendous because he never complains and often does tasks without having to be asked. I wish I had 100 more students like Yuri.”Klein High music instructor Brian Towner and Gresens also noted that Yuri’s character as an underclassman is truly admirable. During the humid and hot days in August, Towner said Yuri made light work of moving percussion drums and instruments to and from the practice lot to the band building, which is more than 200 yards each way. Yuri has worked with several music teachers over the years to learn how to successfully play the trumpet. Beginning in sixth grade Tony Yarborough, fine arts teacher at Hildebrandt Intermediate, came together with Gresens and Towner at KHS to strategize a way to get Yuri involved in the band and choir groups. Their efforts, Gresens noted, were minimal compared to the time and dedication put in by Yuri.“The fact that he has come up with a way to play the trumpet and can compete on the same level as those who don’t have disabilities is truly remarkable,” expressed Gresens. Several others on campus have also noticed Yuri, and how he has excelled beyond his physical challenges. “Yuri is a great example of good character,” said KHS principal Larry Whitehead. “He not only challenges himself academically, but also instead of living a life of excuses he finds ways to excel and make things happen. There should be more problem solvers like Yuri.”

To read both of these incredible stories in depth, visit www.kleinisd.net/news.

Klein ISD By the Numbers...It takes multiple departments and people working together to provide an exceptional education for students. Listed below are some numbers on how employees and volunteers help support the district:

20,000 students transported safely to and from school each day 129,500 hours volunteered by KISD community members in 2010-11 4.3 million lunches distributed by the food service department annually 7.3 million square feet/1,150 acres cared for by the maintenance department 890,000 items checked out to students and teachers by library services 38,000 computers, 11,000 PC student tablets supported by the information technology department

Great job to all employees for making the Klein ISD a productive environment for our students and community!

April 8-14: National Library WeekApril 12: Unite for Understanding CouncilApril 17: Tax DayApril 18: Key CommunicatorsApril 22: Earth DayApril 23-27: Admin. Professionals WeekApril 27: Arbor DayApril 28: Family Fitness Fair One Mile Run/Walk KISD Family ReunionApril 30-May 4: National P.E./Sports WeekMay 8: Teacher Appreciation Day

KISD activity calendar, click here

What’s New...

Did You Know?

Employee Spotlight

Craig Gentry is a product of the Klein ISD. He graduated from Klein High and began his KISD career more than 19 years ago in an entry-level maintenance position, and eventually advanced to network manager for the district.

“I love working with technology,” he said, “I also really enjoy working with the people here in Klein and appreciate the professionalism of those around me.”

He received the KISD Propeller Head Award, an honor for those with innovative ideas that benefit the district, and also recently was awarded the 2012 Technical Support Person of the Year by the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA). To read more about Gentry and this prestigious honor, click here.

Craig GentryNetwork Manager • KISD Technology Dept.

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Beverly McGlasson grew up as a military brat she said. Growing up she and her family lived in 11 states and one foreign country. She moved to Klein with her husband, Doug, and son, Bradley, 19 years ago. Her son attended school in the KISD, and graduated from Klein Collins.

She has held many capacities for the district. She started as a secretary for student services, was the first KISD webmaster, and is currently the administrative assistant for Dr. Cain and the Board of Trustees. In her present position, she helps prepare for board meetings, answers inquiries from parents, monitors budgets, and liaises on the superintendent’s executive team.

“It is my joy to come to work every day in the best school district with the best leadership and the best employees,” she expressed!

Beverly McGlassonAdministrative Assistant • KISD Central Office

UpcomingEvents

EmployeeDiscounts

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

The first 100 KISD employees to open a Your Choice Checking Account with direct deposit get $50 and the bank will donate $50 to a school of their choice. Click here.

InvestTex Credit Union is a business partner of the Klein ISD. Click here or call for exclusive offers to KISD employees.

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

Kleinwell Family Fitness Fair & One Mile Run/WalkThe KISD wellness program hosts its first ever Family Fitness Fair and One Mile Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m. on Sat., April 28, 2012. For more information, please click on the fliers.

Do you have good news or a story about a student, teacher, administrator, school program or community member in the Klein ISD that deserves recognition? Share your story with the district, click here.

Got Good News?

Don’t Forget to Vote!It’s your voice. It’s your vote. To download a voter registration form and see important dates, locations and deadlines from the Texas Secretary of State, click here.