Keller ISD a Recognized district
The Keller Independent School District has been rated "Recognized" by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This is the first time that Keller ISD has been rated "Recognized" under the new, more rigorous accountability system. Keller ISD is now one of the largest districts in the state to receive the "Recognized" rating.
"We are very proud of becoming a Recognized District," said Superintendent Dr. James R. Veitenheimer. "This achievement would not have been possible without the commitment of our principals, teachers and staff. It's very rewarding to see how our newly aligned curriculum has helped our students reach a new level of success. We expect to see even better results in the future."
Of Keller ISD's 33 assessed campuses, 27 earned ratings of "Exemplary" or "Recognized" according to accountability ratings. Overall, Keller ISD had 13 "Exemplary" campuses, 14 "Recognized" campuses, and five "Acceptable" campuses.
Nine campuses improved from their 2007 ratings, while 20 others maintained their standing.
The ratings reflect Keller ISD's performance for the 2007-08 school year. The performance indicators include the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills exam, the completion rate for students in grades 9-12 and annual dropout rate for grades seven and eight.
A full list of the individual campus ratings can be found here.
For a public release of the 2008 TEA Accountability Ratings for all Texas districts and campuses, see the agency's website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/.
from Keller ISD website.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
GETTING INVOLVED AT YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL
Whether your child is just starting kindergarten, entering the final year of high school, or is somewhere in between, there are many good reasons and opportunities for you to volunteer at school. It's a great way to show your child that you take an interest in his or her education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.
Many schools now have to raise their own funds for activities and supplies that would once have been considered basic necessities, and parent volunteers are essential in helping to organize and chaperone these fundraising events, as well as to participate in other school activities.
Why Should I Get Involved?
Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community while showing their kids the importance of participating in the larger community.
The school isn't the only one to reap the benefits of your involvement. By offering some of your time to the school, and by interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents on a regular basis, you can gain a first-hand understanding of your child's daily activities and some insight into the trends and fads of school life that will help you communicate with your child as he or she grows and changes (all without intruding on your child's privacy or personal space).
Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's never too late to start; in fact, it may be more important than ever to get involved when your child reaches secondary school. However, some parents may experience "volunteer burnout" by the time their children enter high school or may decide that the schools don't need them as much when the child leaves the primary grades. But many parents who volunteered a lot of time during their children's elementary years may have returned to full-time careers by the time their children reach their teens, so there's often a shortage in the secondary schools.
Finding the Right Opportunity
One of the best starting points for getting involved is a parent-teacher conference or open house - these are usually scheduled early in each school year, and they provide a great opportunity to approach your child's teacher or principal about volunteer involvement. If you have something to offer, or if you just want to help out in whatever way you can, discuss the possibilities with your child's teacher. The teacher may arrange something with you personally or direct you to a department head or administrator who can answer your questions and make suggestions. It's also a good idea to join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or parents' advisory council.
Here are just some of the things your child's teacher and/or the PTA can help you to do as a school volunteer:
act as a classroom helper
mentor or tutor students
help children with special needs
volunteer in a school computer lab
help organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes
act as a lunchroom or playground monitor
help to plan and chaperone field trips, track meets, and other events that take place away from the school
help to plan and chaperone in-school events (i.e., dances, proms, or graduation ceremonies)
organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if you have an interest in an activity that isn't currently available to students, offer to help get a group started - for example, a chess club or cycling team)
assist coaches and gym teachers with sports and fitness programs or work in the school concession stand at sporting events
help the school administrators prepare grant proposals, letter-writing campaigns, or press releases or provide other administrative assistance
attend school board meetings
work as a library assistant or offer to help with story time or reading assistance in the school library
sew costumes or build sets for theatrical and musical productions
work with the school band or orchestra or coach music students individually
help out with visual arts, crafts, and design courses and projects
hold a workshop for students in trade or technical programs
spend some time with a specific club or interest group (approach the teacher who sponsors the group)
volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day, if you have a field of expertise that you'd like to share
supervise or judge experiments at a science fair
Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of involvement - you may have to "try on" a number of different activities before you find something that feels right. If you're at a loss for how you can help, just ask your child's teacher, who will likely be glad to help you think of something!
Questions to Ask
When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time commitment you'll be expected to contribute, and if you'll be expected to help out on an ongoing basis. Are you going to repair the costumes for the spring musical, or will you be expected to keep the drama department's supplies in good condition year-round? Are you chaperoning the track meet or coaching the whole season?
Be sure to ask if there are any financial costs associated with your volunteer activities. If you're chaperoning a field trip, for example, find out if you'll be required to pay for transportation and admissions costs. Find out if you'll need to transport students in your own vehicle or if a school bus will be provided. If you're organizing or helping out with an activity that will take place off the school grounds, be sure to find out if there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind or any liability issues you should consider.
Getting Started
Here are a few tips to keep in mind once you've signed up for the volunteer opportunities of your choice:
Make it clear before you begin just how much time you're willing to volunteer. Even stay-at-home parents don't have an unlimited amount of time to volunteer at their child's school - many parents have other activities and interests, as well as other children to care for. Don't be afraid to say no if you're being asked to do more than you feel comfortable with - just try to say it early enough so that someone else can be found to take your place, because many trips and activities can't be taken unless the school has a certain number of chaperones or supervisors.
Start small. Don't offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band recital, and a swim meet all at once! If you've taken on too much, find out if you can delegate some duties to other interested parents.
Don't give your child special treatment or extra attention when you're volunteering at the school. Follow your child's cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if your child seems uncomfortable with your presence at the school or with your involvement in a favorite activity, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren't there to check up on him or her - you're just trying to help out the school.
Get frequent feedback from the teachers and students you're working with. Find out what's most and least helpful to them, and get suggestions about what you can do to make the most of the time you spend on school activities. It's important to keep the lines of communication open among teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers, and to be flexible and responsive as the needs of the students and the school change.
When volunteering at your child's school, remember that the work you do not only benefits your child, but will enrich the classroom, the whole school, and the entire community by providing students with positive interaction, support, and encouragement. And don't underestimate the students - you may feel that what you have to offer might not interest them or might be above their heads, but you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. You'll be helping to build skills, confidence, and self-esteem that will last beyond their school days.
Updated and reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007
From:Kid's Health For Parents
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/school.html
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Keller ISD - New Principals
Keller ISD announces principals for two new schools
The Keller Independent School District is pleased to announce the names of the two individuals approved for principal at Elementary #20 (on Timberland) and Elementary #21 (on Sandshell).
The district and community interview committees strongly recommended Angie Nayfa as the principal of Elementary School #20 (Timberland).
Nayfa is currently the assistant principal at Independence Elementary. After two successful years at North Riverside as an assistant principal, Nayfa was selected to assist Kathleen Vaghy in opening Independence Elementary in order to prepare her for future new school opportunities.
"Angie has proven her ability to work with parents, students and staff in bringing together diverse populations and creating a sense of family and pride in a new school," said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Penny Benz.
Prior to North Riverside Elementary, Nayfa served one year as the administrative assistant at Bear Creek Intermediate and has five years experience as a classroom teacher in the Keller ISD.
She was the North Riverside Teacher of the Year and district Teacher of the Year finalist in 2003. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Midwestern State University and a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of North Texas.
Tony Johnson was approved as the principal at Elementary School #21 (on Sandshell).
Johnson is currently in his second year as the assistant principal at South Keller Intermediate.
"Mr. Johnson has been directly involved in the development and implementation of the aligned curriculum both at SKI and in the KHS vertical team. In the past two years he has developed a deep knowledge of what kids in Keller ISD have to know to be successful at the intermediate level," stated Ms. Benz.
Tony was selected as an assistant principal at South Keller Intermediate because of his experience of four years as the assistant principal at John Good Elementary in Irving ISD. Tony's experiences at John Good Elementary prepared him for leadership of diverse populations and for working with at-risk students. He spent six years teaching an integrated curriculum of physical education to students PK-6th grade.
He holds a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and bachelor's and master's degrees in kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 March 2008 )
The Keller Independent School District is pleased to announce the names of the two individuals approved for principal at Elementary #20 (on Timberland) and Elementary #21 (on Sandshell).
The district and community interview committees strongly recommended Angie Nayfa as the principal of Elementary School #20 (Timberland).
Nayfa is currently the assistant principal at Independence Elementary. After two successful years at North Riverside as an assistant principal, Nayfa was selected to assist Kathleen Vaghy in opening Independence Elementary in order to prepare her for future new school opportunities.
"Angie has proven her ability to work with parents, students and staff in bringing together diverse populations and creating a sense of family and pride in a new school," said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Penny Benz.
Prior to North Riverside Elementary, Nayfa served one year as the administrative assistant at Bear Creek Intermediate and has five years experience as a classroom teacher in the Keller ISD.
She was the North Riverside Teacher of the Year and district Teacher of the Year finalist in 2003. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Midwestern State University and a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of North Texas.
Tony Johnson was approved as the principal at Elementary School #21 (on Sandshell).
Johnson is currently in his second year as the assistant principal at South Keller Intermediate.
"Mr. Johnson has been directly involved in the development and implementation of the aligned curriculum both at SKI and in the KHS vertical team. In the past two years he has developed a deep knowledge of what kids in Keller ISD have to know to be successful at the intermediate level," stated Ms. Benz.
Tony was selected as an assistant principal at South Keller Intermediate because of his experience of four years as the assistant principal at John Good Elementary in Irving ISD. Tony's experiences at John Good Elementary prepared him for leadership of diverse populations and for working with at-risk students. He spent six years teaching an integrated curriculum of physical education to students PK-6th grade.
He holds a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and bachelor's and master's degrees in kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 March 2008 )
Barnett Shale
City of Keller, Texas • Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy • 817-743-4000
Gas Well Information
Barnett Shale Energy Education Council: The Barnett Shale Energy Education Council (BSEEC) is a community resource that provides information to the public about gas drilling and production in the Barnett Shale region. In November 2006, eight of the leading energy companies operating in the Barnett Shale joined forces to become the founding members of the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council. As founding members, these companies are dedicated to promoting energy education and best practices as they relate to oil and gas leasing, drilling, production, transportation, and marketing in the Barnett Shale. Visit the BSEEC Web site »
Blogging the Barnett Shale: A gas well related Blog, hosted by the Star-Telegram. The City of Keller is not involved with the content, responses, or maintenance of this Web site. The City is only proving this link as a convenience for citizens to obtain more information related to regional gas well issues. Visit the Blogging the Barnett Shale site »
City of Keller Gas Well Drilling Ordinance: On March 21, 2006, the Keller City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1316 which regulates the drilling and production of gas wells within the Keller city limits. Click to Download the Signed Gas Well Drilling Ordinance »
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Mayor's Weekly Update - Maech 7, 2008
Office of Mayor Pat McGrail
Mayor's Weekly Update - March 7, 2008
Greetings!
Welcome to the Mayor's Weekly Update!
This newsletter is designed to provide you with up-to-date information, news, and events about the City of Keller.
City receives $79,000 Grant.
The City Council approved the receipt of a $79,000 grant from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation during the regular meeting held Tuesday, March 4. The grant funds will be used for a new Parks & Recreation youth program focused on introducing children to new arts, sports, science, and entertainment activities. The program's "Get Up and Get Out" nine-month series will begin this June and will conclude with a two-day festival, Keller Kidsfest, in March 2009. This is a great opportunity to bring additional recreational experiences to Keller's youth and families while also encouraging them to be more active.
The Hudson Foundation was established in 1991 to further the Hudsons' life-long interest in improving the human condition and supporting education, medical research, children's issues and the arts. M.R. Hudson was the founder of Hudson Oil Co. and later Fisca Oil Co.
We are grateful to the Trustees of the Hudson Foundation for their generous support to youth recreational activities in the community. The funds provided by the Hudson Foundation will directly advance our goals to improve the quality of life for Keller residents.
Crews prepared City for this week's snow storm
Part of the regular schedule for the Public Works department is to be prepared for all types of weather and storms. Typically, the department starts planning at least one day before any severe or inclement weather is predicted to make sure the City has enough sand and deicer products on hand. When conditions warrant, city crews then go out and apply the sand and deicer products on critical areas such as bridges, steep slopes, and major intersections as necessary. The city workers are either held over to accommodate the evening rush hour or are brought in early before the morning rush hour. Crews from the Parks Maintenance Division apply sand and deicer products around entrances to all city facilities during severe or inclement weather conditions.
Public Works crews began preparing for this week's snow storm early yesterday. Crews began applying sand and deicing products yesterday afternoon on critical areas throughout Keller. Employees continued to work until midnight last night and started again at 3:30 this morning to improve road conditions in high risk areas.
On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank these departments for their efforts in overseeing the general safety and welfare of residents and motorists in Keller during our recent snow conditions.
Keller Named A Tree City USA Community
Keller has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the fifteenth year Keller has received this national recognition.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the national Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Keller has met the following four standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.
The Texas Forest Service will present the a Tree City USA award to the City at the TREE-mendous Spring Egg Scramble, on Saturday, March 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Bear Creek Park. During the event, residents may pick up a free tree ready for planting (while supplies last) in celebration of the upcoming National Arbor Day.
Congressman Michael Burgess sends congratulations
2007 Volunteers of the Year
Keller Parks and Recreation received 2752 hours from volunteers for help during their special events held in 2007 and recently announced the following top volunteers at their annual appreciation event honoring their help and support:
Volunteer Organization for the Year for 2007
Indian Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society, totaling 428 hours
The Indian Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society had over 50 students volunteer at our Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Ball, Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle, Haunted Trails and Holly Days at Keller Town Center events.
Volunteer of the Year for 2007
Tom Snyder, totaling 31 hours
Tom braves the very cold weather at our January and February Fishing for Fun events and the very hot weather during our June fishing event. He ran games at our TREE-mendous Spring Egg Scramble, rode and monitored hayrides during Haunted Trails, then got up the very next day and passed out candy to all the trick-or-treaters at Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle. At Holly Days at Keller Town Center, Tom took over 50 surveys from event participants.
Keller Senior Activities Center Volunteer of the Year of 2007
Tom Wright, totaling 88 hours
Every week Tom volunteers for Bingo game activities and picks up donated items for distributing to center participants. He has also been instrumental in the coordination of the center's new "Texas Hold'em" group and is now serving as the Vice-President on the Keller Senior Activities Center Advisory Council.
In the City of Keller we enjoy an excellent quality of life. Not only do we have talented, dedicated, and hard-working staff and volunteers, but our neighborhoods are filled with citizens that care about their neighbors and demonstrate a real sense of community every day. This is what makes Keller your city to call home.
Sincerely,
Mayor Pat McGrail
City of Keller
Email Marketing by
City of Keller, Texas Keller Town Hall 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy. P.O. Box 770 Keller TX 76244
Mayor's Weekly Update - March 7, 2008
Greetings!
Welcome to the Mayor's Weekly Update!
This newsletter is designed to provide you with up-to-date information, news, and events about the City of Keller.
City receives $79,000 Grant.
The City Council approved the receipt of a $79,000 grant from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation during the regular meeting held Tuesday, March 4. The grant funds will be used for a new Parks & Recreation youth program focused on introducing children to new arts, sports, science, and entertainment activities. The program's "Get Up and Get Out" nine-month series will begin this June and will conclude with a two-day festival, Keller Kidsfest, in March 2009. This is a great opportunity to bring additional recreational experiences to Keller's youth and families while also encouraging them to be more active.
The Hudson Foundation was established in 1991 to further the Hudsons' life-long interest in improving the human condition and supporting education, medical research, children's issues and the arts. M.R. Hudson was the founder of Hudson Oil Co. and later Fisca Oil Co.
We are grateful to the Trustees of the Hudson Foundation for their generous support to youth recreational activities in the community. The funds provided by the Hudson Foundation will directly advance our goals to improve the quality of life for Keller residents.
Crews prepared City for this week's snow storm
Part of the regular schedule for the Public Works department is to be prepared for all types of weather and storms. Typically, the department starts planning at least one day before any severe or inclement weather is predicted to make sure the City has enough sand and deicer products on hand. When conditions warrant, city crews then go out and apply the sand and deicer products on critical areas such as bridges, steep slopes, and major intersections as necessary. The city workers are either held over to accommodate the evening rush hour or are brought in early before the morning rush hour. Crews from the Parks Maintenance Division apply sand and deicer products around entrances to all city facilities during severe or inclement weather conditions.
Public Works crews began preparing for this week's snow storm early yesterday. Crews began applying sand and deicing products yesterday afternoon on critical areas throughout Keller. Employees continued to work until midnight last night and started again at 3:30 this morning to improve road conditions in high risk areas.
On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank these departments for their efforts in overseeing the general safety and welfare of residents and motorists in Keller during our recent snow conditions.
Keller Named A Tree City USA Community
Keller has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the fifteenth year Keller has received this national recognition.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the national Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Keller has met the following four standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.
The Texas Forest Service will present the a Tree City USA award to the City at the TREE-mendous Spring Egg Scramble, on Saturday, March 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Bear Creek Park. During the event, residents may pick up a free tree ready for planting (while supplies last) in celebration of the upcoming National Arbor Day.
Congressman Michael Burgess sends congratulations
2007 Volunteers of the Year
Keller Parks and Recreation received 2752 hours from volunteers for help during their special events held in 2007 and recently announced the following top volunteers at their annual appreciation event honoring their help and support:
Volunteer Organization for the Year for 2007
Indian Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society, totaling 428 hours
The Indian Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society had over 50 students volunteer at our Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Ball, Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle, Haunted Trails and Holly Days at Keller Town Center events.
Volunteer of the Year for 2007
Tom Snyder, totaling 31 hours
Tom braves the very cold weather at our January and February Fishing for Fun events and the very hot weather during our June fishing event. He ran games at our TREE-mendous Spring Egg Scramble, rode and monitored hayrides during Haunted Trails, then got up the very next day and passed out candy to all the trick-or-treaters at Spooky Kooky Keller Kastle. At Holly Days at Keller Town Center, Tom took over 50 surveys from event participants.
Keller Senior Activities Center Volunteer of the Year of 2007
Tom Wright, totaling 88 hours
Every week Tom volunteers for Bingo game activities and picks up donated items for distributing to center participants. He has also been instrumental in the coordination of the center's new "Texas Hold'em" group and is now serving as the Vice-President on the Keller Senior Activities Center Advisory Council.
In the City of Keller we enjoy an excellent quality of life. Not only do we have talented, dedicated, and hard-working staff and volunteers, but our neighborhoods are filled with citizens that care about their neighbors and demonstrate a real sense of community every day. This is what makes Keller your city to call home.
Sincerely,
Mayor Pat McGrail
City of Keller
Email Marketing by
City of Keller, Texas Keller Town Hall 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy. P.O. Box 770 Keller TX 76244
Monday, March 3, 2008
BILL OFFER FIXES TO HOME-LOAN CRISES
Congress is considering several proposals to improve prospects for the housing market.A bill likely to be debated on the Senate floor Tuesday includes a proposed revision to the U.S. bankruptcy code that would allow judges to cut interest rates and reduce what is owed on troubled borrowers' mortgages. Lenders and many Republicans fiercely oppose the measure. The proposal also includes $200 million for foreclosure-prevention counseling services and an allowance for states to issue more tax-exempt bonds so housing agencies can help home owners refinance.Other bills under consideration include a proposal to create a federal corporation, funded with $20 billion, to buy distressed mortgages and help home owners refinance. Another measure would shield banks from lawsuits brought by investors whose holdings of mortgage securities are negatively affected by changes in loan terms or other measures intended to help at-risk borrowers.The federal Office of Thrift Supervision has proposed a plan that would help 8 million home owners with “upside-down” mortgages to refinance into government-backed loans covering the home’s current value. To make up the difference, lenders would receive a special certificate equivalent to the remainder of the balance owed that they could redeem if the home is sold at a higher price.Source: Dow Jones International News (02/25/08)
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