May 2012

Klein Oak Senior Samantha BeasleyTriumphs Despite Hardship

Dr.

Cain

’s Co

rner

It has been a remarkable year! We began this school year with about 150 fewer employees than last year, but each one of you have picked up the slack when and where needed. I genuinely appreciate the way that each one of you pulled together to make the year such a success. It doesn’t surprise me, however, because I know that there are caring, passionate and dedicated employees in the Klein ISD. As you might be aware, next year the district will receive additional state funding to help us offset most of the losses incurred from last year. This will result in a pay raise for all employees for next school year. The new STAAR and EOC tests also launched this year, but in true Klein style, you all forged into this new testing arena like troopers and I am confident our students will excel. Best wishes to all for a wonderful and relaxing summer break spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Jim Cain, KISD Superintendent

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” ~Sydney J. Harris

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Samantha Beasley, an 18-year-old senior at Klein Oak High School, has had many challenges in her life. Samantha grew up in a poor area in south Texas, lived in an abusive home as a child, was taken from her mother and family and placed in foster care at age 15, experienced extreme depression, was moved to Houston her freshman year to live with her father, and was in and out of therapy and psychiatric hospitals as a teen.

“I didn’t know anyone and didn’t want to know anyone. I had the worst attitude ever and didn’t care about school, and never really did. I was also constantly told that I couldn’t do anything in life, so I never tried,” recalled Samantha.

After several years of therapy and with help from her father and support from teachers and social workers at Klein Oak, Samantha made a change for the better.

“My dad, Ms. Beguesse and Ms. Marquardt helped me get my mind in the right direction and begin to make wise and rational decisions in my life, and really helped me start over,” she said. “It took me a while to get to this point because I thought everyone was against me. My dad, who I really didn’t know growing up, was hard on me and as a teenager I didn’t understand. But now, I appreciate everything he did because it has made me a stronger, more focused person.”

Although she had missed a lot of school in her first two years, she managed to catch up and complete most of her coursework from home. Samantha attributes her counselors at Klein Oak for helping her stay on track, and for giving her the encouragement she needed to make positive change.

“Samantha has been a joy to work with,” said Kia Beguesse, counselor at KOHS. “When she first arrived on campus, she was hesitant about her new surroundings. But, I have seen her blossom over time and really come out of her shell. She has a new light about her, and to know she has overcome so many obstacles is a testament for her and for others.”

Although Samantha barely passed her first two years of high school, with hard work and a full class schedule as a junior, her GPA jumped from a 3.0 to 3.75 entering her senior year.

“Sometimes I think that if I wouldn’t have gone through all those struggles in my life, especially during my first two years of high school that I would be at a 4.0 now as a senior,” said Samantha. “But, I like to think everything happens for a reason, and all I can do is to be proud for what I have achieved and keep on the right path.”

Samantha became very active on campus. She is a co-vice president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a member of student council, and was captain of the Standleaders at Klein Oak this past year. In HOSA, she helped organize and design shirts for an Autism Speaks Walk, and recently won a $5,000 scholarship from the Children’s Defense Fund for its Beat the Odds program. Diane Marquardt, counselor and community youth service (CYS) worker at KOHS, helped Samantha apply for this award and also wrote a letter for a Child Protective Services publication telling of Samantha’s accomplishments.

“Samantha has weathered and continues to work past all the challenges she has faced already in her life,” said Marquardt. “This award is a culmination for all the progress she has made and a tribute to the excellent student that she is today.”

Samantha will join the Klein Oak Class of 2012 on June 2 as she walks across the stage at Reliant Stadium with diploma in hand. She was also accepted into Baylor University in the fall to major in psychology, and hopes one day to work with children like her. Baylor also awarded Samantha with a $40,000 academic scholarship to assist with tuition over four years. With a new outlook on life, Samantha said she anxiously awaits the new chapter in her life to begin.

“I unfortunately know how it feels to hurt, but I am not a victim anymore,” exclaimed Samantha. “I want to help kids like myself know that it is ok to speak up and there is hope out there and people who care. I know I can’t save everyone, but I can make a difference.”

Klein ISD Fraud LineWhat is fraud?Fraud is the intentional false representation or concealment of a material fact that causes a person or business to suffer damages, often in the form of monetary or non-monetary loss.

How fraud is identified? 46.2% - tips from employees/others 30.1% - audits conducted23.7% - accidental discovery

How can you assist?Help the district stop fraud by making an anonymous report and call the district Fraud Line at 1.888.703.0083.

May 14-18: National Police WeekMay 19: KCHS & KFHS PromsMay 21-25: Paint the Community with PeaceMay 28: Memorial Day HolidayMay 31: Last Day of SchoolJune 2: High School GraduationJune 11: Board of Trustees MeetingJuly 9: Board of Trustees MeetingAug. 21-24: Staff Development DaysAug. 25: Summer HS GraduationAug. 27: First Day of Classes

KISD activity calendar, click here2012-13 School Calendar, click here

What’s New...

Did You Know?

Employee Spotlight

Murphy was one of three Houston-area educators chosen to receive the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL’s) 2012 Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Award.

The award pays tribute to Holocaust survivor Walter Kase, and acknowledges educators for their outstanding efforts to create an atmosphere at their school that rejects prejudice and for promoting respect of diversity.

As the head counselor and coordinator of the No Place for Hate® program at Mueller, Murphy has implemented several unique character programs and initiatives to target the entire student population and get them involved. Click here to read how she and her staff are helping make the campus a shining example of what it means to be No Place for Hate.

Devota “Dee Dee” MurphyCounselor • Mueller Elementary

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DeShana Defferari respects the commitment level it takes to be a first responder. This admiration is why she serves as support personnel in the KISD Police Department. She assists three officers responsible for the Stay in School program which works to prevent student truancy.

“Being able to assist them with any office needs, allows them to be utilized where they may be needed,” expressed DeShana. “I live to give back any way I can.”

The 2011-12 Employee of the Year for the department has extensive background in law enforcement with other agencies, and her prior experience has proven valuable to the police department. “I love the fact that people in the department respect each other,” she said. “Everybody is very friendly and supportive, and I love the community aspect of my job and working with the officers.”

DeShana DefferariSupport Personnel • KISD Police Department

UpcomingEvents

EmployeeDiscounts

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

GAMESplus Teachers Appreciation Program: In recognition and appreciation for all that you do in educating our children, GAMESPlus is pleased to offer teachers, and all staff members 10% off used games and movies. Present your official district ID badge. Click here.

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.

Webpages Now Available!All Klein ISD campuses will receive the No Place for Hate designation from the Anti-Defamation League

(ADL) in Houston. The ADL created No Place for Hate to empower the entire school community – teachers and students, administrators and parents to tackle prejudice, bullying and intergroup conflict. Each KISD school held activities in support of creating an atmosphere of respect at their campus, through events, videos, etc. Learn more at www.kleinisd.net/nohate.

Congratulations to all the campus and district winners of the Kleinwell 2012 Spring into Fitness Challenge. Click here to view.

Pictured: Central Office team of Sharon Merkt and Margaret Westmoreland, Tracy Andrews, Julie Carraway and wellness coordinator Winni Attaway.

Kleinwell Spring Into Fitness Winners

School Cash OnlineBenignus Elementary, Hassler Elementary, Krimmel Intermediate and Klein Forest High School were selected to pilot the Klein ISD School Cash online program. The program provides a convenient, fee payment option that saves time, reduces paper, maintains a focus on instruction in the classroom, and limits cash and checks received by campuses. All Klein ISD campuses will participate in the program beginning in the 2012-13 school year, with notifications to parents sent as schools go online. To view the School Cash secure website, click here.