Club Baseball Tryouts at Lone Star College-Montgomery

Lone Star College-Montgomery will have open tryouts for the club baseball team on Wednesday, September 7, at 3:30 p.m., on campus at the baseball practice field.

As part of the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA), the LSC-Montgomery baseball team—the LSC-Montgomery Mavericks—plays during both the fall and spring semesters. Opponents include other Lone Star College System teams, Victoria College, Sam Houston State University, University of Houston-Downtown, Texas A & M University, Texas State University, Tyler Junior College, Rice University, and San Antonio College.

Under the leadership of the team’s coach, Scott Hankosky, the LSC-Montgomery Mavericks were ranked number 10 in the NCBA Division II during the middle of the 2011 season.

For more information, visit www.LoneStar.edu/13056, or contact Scott Hankosky at (936) 273-7097 or hankosky@LoneStar.edu.

Lone Star College-Tomball president named to national commission

HOUSTON (Aug. 30, 2011) – Dr. Susan Karr, president of Lone Star College-Tomball, has been named as a member of the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity as part of the American Association of Community Colleges.

AACC is the national advocacy voice for community colleges and commission members act in an advisory capacity to the AACC Board of Directors.

Karr has been named to a three-year term to this commission, which will concentrate on issues on community college campuses such as affirmative action, civil rights, cultural competency, faculty recruitment/development, students with disabilities, and more.

“I’m excited to represent Lone Star College as a member of this national advisory group,” said Karr.

As president of LSC-Tomball for the past two years, Karr is also a member of LSCS Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter’s Executive Council. She came to LSCS from Ouachita Technical College in Malvern, AR., where she had served as vice president of instruction for 16 years. She holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland, a master’s in human services management from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in education administration from the University of Texas at Austin Community College Leadership Program.

There are six commissions authorized by the AACC Board of directors covering a number issues and topics. The commissions were established to provide advice to the AACC Board and staff; encourage collaboration among community college entities and organizations; and provide a forum for focused conversation about the important community college issues and priorities of the
day. Members meet twice each year.

The AACC is the leading proponent and the national voice for community colleges. AACC represents nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree–granting institutions and more than 12 million students, as well as a growing number of international members in Puerto Rico, Japan, Great Britain, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.  These colleges are the largest and fastest-growing sector of U.S. higher education, enrolling close to half of all U.S. undergraduates.

Houston Texans Recognize Schindewolf Teacher

Special education student and family praise Klein ISD educator

 

Spring, Texas — “…My mom tells me that I have the best teacher in the whole wide world. Even with all my disabilities, Ms. Heather makes me feel like I am perfect. She treats me with respect, shows me love, and most of all accepts me for the little boy that I am.”

This letter written on behalf of special needs student Jonathan Charo made the Houston Texans and First Community Credit Union (FCCU) take notice. Being non-verbal is one of Jonathan’s many limitations, prompting
his mother to submit nomination for him. The letter resulted in Schindewolf Intermediate special education teacher Heather Williams being selected as a “Star in the Classroom”. Only in her third year teaching in Klein ISD, Williams was surprised when she heard the news.

“I was in shock. It was a true honor, and to know that a parent nominated me on behalf of their child was very heartwarming,” she recalled. “This was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. I had been to a
game when I was younger, but this time knowing I was there for a reason, a good reason, made it all that much more special.”

The Texans recognized Williams during a game at Reliant Stadium on August 20. She received four sideline tickets, a Texans jersey, and an invitation to the Texans and FCCU banquet at the end of the season. Additionally, a Texans player will visit Williams and her classroom this fall.

“She is awesome! For her to care the way she does for these kids, you can tell it’s not just a job for her but rather it’s her passion,” expressed Mrs. Charo, who jumped at the opportunity to nominate Williams for
the award. “I can’t say enough about Ms. Williams and her outstanding staff. As a mom of a kid with special needs, it is such a relief to know I can trust her and the school to take care of my son.”

Schindewolf Principal Debbie Hamilton could not agree more.

“We are thrilled that Ms. Williams has been recognized formthe outstanding work she is doing in the classroom,” said Hamilton. “We are as equally pleased to see that our community and parents are taking notice of the good things happening on our campuses every single day.”

For Williams, working in Klein ISD is a family affair. Not only did she attend school here, but also both parents work in the district. She attributes her passion to teach to both her family and coworkers.

“I get to come to work every day with such a great support system,” said Williams. “Being here, teaching these kids, and seeing the smile on their faces is a dream come true.”

ICI Construction Coordinates $4,000 School Supply Donation

Houston – Aug. 29, 2011 – ICI Construction has had a long tradition of teaming up with business partners to help school districts where they have completed construction projects together. This help came to Spring ISD this year in the form of a $4,000 donation of school supplies for children who could not afford to purchase supplies for themselves. The 237 school supply packs will be divided between 15 Spring ISD elementary schools.

“ICI’s motivation is to give back to the communities who trust us to build their schools.  We are excited at the opportunity to help area students acquire the tools to succeed in getting a great education,” said Bart Cobb, ICI Construction vice president and project manager.

ICI Construction and its business partners who shared in this donation, Big 4 Steel Services LP and Premium Roofing Systems LLC, recently completed work on  the Spring ISD Child Nutrition and Training Center.

Lone Star College System Trustees to hold regular meeting on Sept. 1

HOUSTON (Aug. 29, 2011) – The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees will hold its workshop and regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 at 5 p.m. in the board room of the Lone Star College Training and Development Center, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX  77381.

The link for the board agenda is available on line at http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/boardthe Monday prior to the meeting. For more information, contact Jed Young, Executive Director of Communications, at 832.813.6521.

 

This notice is given pursuant
to Section 551.001 et seq. of the Texas Government Code.

Klein ISD News Briefs – August 23, 2011

2011 Klein Oak Graduates Excel on International Baccalaureate Exams

 

Klein Oak High School had 37 students pass the International Baccalaureate (IB) from the Class of 2011. The 95 percent passing exceeded the 2009-10 mark of 93, and Klein Oak ranked fourth statewide out of 40 IB schools. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), a total of 2,805 Texas public school students in Grades 11 and 12 took more than 8,000 IB exams in 2009-10. Nearly 88 percent of Texas public school students scored high enough to earn college credit.

KlSD’s Susan Borg Published in Journal for Higher Education

 

Susan Borg, Ed.D., associate superintendent for instruction and student services in Klein ISD, will be featured in the Fall 2011 edition of Enrollment Management Journal. With contributions from three co-authors at Sam Houston State, Dr. Borg’s dissertation titled “Hispanic Student Access to Advanced Placement Courses” will be published in this higher education periodical.

 

Photo Copy: Susan Borg, Ed.D. to be featured in Enrollment Management Journal.

 

 

CTE Director Dubbed Outstanding Administrator for Texas

 

Janelle Watson, former Career and Technical Education (CTE) director in Klein, was honored as the Outstanding Administrator for Texas at the annual CTE Conference in July. Watson worked in Klein ISD for 40 years before retiring this summer. She will advance to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region IV Conference held in April 2012 in New Mexico. Watson will represent KISD and Texas against representatives from Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The regional winner will advance to the National ACTE Conference held in November 2012 in Atlanta.

 

Photo Copy: Janelle Watson (right) honored by Mary Maddox (left), president of CTAT, as the 2010-2011 Texas Outstanding Administrator.

Spring ISD Asks the Community to Exercise Caution in Neighborhoods and School Zones as More Students Walk and Ride Bikes to School

Spring – Aug. 19, 2011 – With students heading back-to-school Wednesday, Aug. 24, the Spring ISD administration is asking the community to show extra caution when driving through neighborhoods, especially during the times when students will be traveling to and from school.

“With the reduction in bus transportation to the two-mile state limit like neighboring districts, we expect more of our students will be walking and riding bikes to school than ever before. We want to enlist the support of our community in helping to keep our children safe,” said Dr. Ralph H. Draper, superintendent.

Due to the state’s reduction in school funding, the decision was made to reduce bus transportation to the two-mile state limit, which is projected to save the district $1.5 million. Spring ISD is one of the last in the Houston area to change to the two-mile limit.

The change in transportation also made it necessary to change the arrival and dismissal schedule for schools. Elementary schools will be in session from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and middle schools from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. High schools will be in session from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. except for Thursdays when the starting time will be 9:30 a.m. to allow for Extended Professional Learning Time for staff. The new schedule will extend the regular day at high schools by 35 minutes and at middle schools by 15 minutes.

“We need community members to be aware of the change in school schedules and plan their own travel time accordingly. They might want to allow extra drive time if their schedule coincides with before-and-after school schedules,” said Chief Alan Bragg, Spring ISD police department.

Bragg said community members should also be reminded that school zone speed limits will be in effect and using cell phones in a school zone is prohibited. In addition, although bus transportation has been reduced, the district will still have school buses on the streets and drivers are asked to be aware of traffic laws regarding school buses.

“Drivers should pay close attention when red lights are flashing on a school bus. Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop unless there is a median dividing the street. On streets with medians, only vehicles traveling the same direction as the bus are required to stop,” Bragg said.

During the first week of school, the Spring ISD Police Department will have officers directing traffic at each campus, and campus staff members are also trained to assist during student arrival and dismissal times.

“With the change in bus transportation, we expect there will be more parents dropping their children off at school this year. We ask parents to be patient and help us make this transition as smooth as possible,” said Bragg.

A crossing-guard program is being developed, primarily for elementary schools, to assist walkers and bike riders at off-site locations and will be implemented soon. More information will be provided to parents as this new program becomes operational.

“We are preparing for a safe and orderly start to the new school year, which is always a priority, and looking forward to working with parents and the community to ensure our students’ safety throughout the year,” said Draper.

For  more information about hazardous walking routes, contact the safety and risk management department at 281-891-6440; bus transportation, contact the transportation department at 281-891-6490; and the crossing guard program, contact the police department at 281-891-6911.

Klein ISD Employee Makes Summer Learning Possible

Hassler Elementary aide organizes education program for area students

 

Local students participate in inaugural Summer Lunch and Learn program

Spring, TX. — Peggy Winters, a former parent and now educator in Klein ISD, has witnessed first-hand the impact of a good education. Although not a classroom teacher, she enters her 11^th year working in Klein and has spent five of which as an educational aide at Hassler Elementary. When school came to an end last year, she felt as if her work helping the children was unfinished.

“Throughout the year, the teachers show such dedication and passion for their students, and the kids in return show great enthusiasm and desire to learn,” said Winters. “Unfortunately, in the summer there are groups of students that lose that connection to their education.”

Winters initiated Summer Lunch and Learn; an eight-week program held on Tuesdays during the summer at Northwood Assembly Church, which offered the facility without hesitation. She and her colleagues identified students in the area who could most benefit from the program.

“I wanted the students to know that their well-being and their education are important to us all year long, not just during the school year,” said Winters.

More than 25 teachers and staff from Hassler and the KISD community jumped at the chance to help the 30 students whose parents were encouraged by the opportunity. Teachers donated materials, supplies and their time to help these students, and Ruben Gonzales, a bus driver in KISD, even offered transportation to those kids who needed rides.

Each day a local business treated students to lunch. Afterwards, they spent an hour learning math and reading lessons designed by the teachers specific to their grade levels. Winters’ favorite memory was the “Step-up to the Next Grade Level Day” where students could see what they would be learning in the upcoming year.

“It was great to see the students’ reactions when they realized they understood the material, and for some it sparked an interest in something new,” she said. “I cannot express how enthused the kids were. They were up for any challenge we gave them, and they really wanted to learn.”

Cindy Williams, a sixth grade math teacher at Doerre Intermediate, surprised the group when she offered to teach. Not only did she take the students preparing for sixth grade through a lesson, but also she brought Doerre t-shirts, new student packets, a map of the school, and a voucher for free school supplies donated by Champion Forest Baptist Church. Williams also spoke about the resources at Doerre, bullying initiatives, and what to expect in the upcoming school year.

Winters plans on continuing this program next summer and has already started brainstorming with teachers and community members on how to expand the program. Her goal is to one day see the Summer Lunch and Learn program take off throughout Klein with campuses across the district joining.

“This whole experience has really taken me by surprise. I could not believe the amazing reception and support I got for this program,” she commented. “I definitely plan on continuing this in the future!”

Klein ISD News Briefs – Luau at Klein Forest, Touchdown Club Watch List, & Eiland Pride Ride

Klein ISD News Briefs

August 17, 2011

 School Nurses Luau at Klein Forest for
Annual Belle Blackwell Conference

 

More than 400 school nurses within Region 4 attended the 33^rd Annual Belle Blackwell Conference hosted by the KISD nursing staff at Klein
Forest High School. This year’s professional development conference had a Hawaiian feel with the theme being “Don’t worry, be healthy.”

Special thanks to Dr. Jim Cain, KISD Health Services staff and retirees, the Klein Forest administration, food services and staff, KISD warehouse staff, and all National Honor Society (NHS) and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) student volunteers from both Klein Forest and Klein Oak. This conference would not have been such a success without their efforts.

Klein ISD Has Four Named to the Touchdown
Club Preseason Watch List

 

The Touchdown Club of Houston named a student-athlete from all four Klein ISD high schools to its 2011 Preseason All-Greater Houston High
School Football Team. Quarterback Nicky Baratti (Klein Oak), quarterback Matt Davis (Klein Forest), defensive back Ryan Santos (Klein Collins) and linebacker Ben Weaver (Klein High) were tabbed on this year’s watch list. The winner will be announced at the end of the 2011 season, with one offensive and one defensive player chosen among the field of 30. Last year David Santos from Klein Collins won the Defensive Player of the Year accolade.

Eiland Pride Ride Scheduled for August 20

 

Eiland Elementary hosts its second annual Eiland Pride Ride at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 20. The Klein Reading Express Bus, a Klein ISD police car, the Northwest Volunteer Fire Department, and the Eiland Cub Scout pack will join staff for this exciting kick off to the new school year.

The Pride Ride will caravan through the Eiland neighborhoods playing the school song to build enthusiasm and excitement about the start of
the new year, while creating a fun community event. Families are encouraged to join the ride, or meet back on campus for the uniform exchange, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, and fun!

Home School Classes at the YMCA Register Now for Fall Semester

The South Montgomery County YMCA will be once again be offering “The Way ”, a Home School PE Class for the Fall semester. “The Way” is
a quality physical education program for home schooled youth, ages 3 – 16.

The class will meet once a week on Tuesday afternoon, 1:00 – 2:30pm at the Shadowbend YMCA location in The Woodlands.  The Fall session dates are September 6 – November 15. Students will rotate through a variety of age appropriate sports and training disciplines with focus on fundamental skills and team building. The program curriculum will include aerobics, tumbling, climbing wall, sports, aquatics, strength and conditioning and
Presidential fitness testing and training.

In addition to the PE class, the YMCA also offers Eco Quest, an Outdoor Environmental Education class for Home School students, grades K-8^th grade. Eco Quest is offered at the Creekside Y Outdoor Adventure Center. Class meets on Monday, 11am – 1pm. The fall session begins Sept. 12. For more information please call Curtis, 832-698-1283.

To register, please stop by the South Montgomery County YMCAs located at 6145 Shadowbend Place, 8100 Ashlane Way and 6464 Creekside Forest in the Woodlands. For more information please call 281-367-YMCA or visit www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county.