Timber Creek High School

November 9
Staff Development/Student Holiday
November 23
Staff Equivalency/Student Holiday
November 24-27
Thanksgiving Holiday Break
December 18
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
December 21 – January 1
Holiday Break
January 4
Back to School
January 12, 13, 14
Early Release, 9-12 Students Only
January 15
Teacher Prep/Student Holiday
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
February 5
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
COMING UP
November 19, 2009 – North Riverside Elementary
January 21, 2010 – Eagle Ridge Elementary
February 18, 2010 – Liberty Elementary
March 25, 2010 – Parkview Elementary
April 15, 2010 – Central High School
May 13, 2010 – Shady Grove Elementary
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 1
Timber Creek, the district’s fourth high school,
opened its doors to more than 850 freshmen
and sophomores on August 24. Serving the
northwest portion of the school district, Timber
Videos were shown during the ceremony of
both students and staff committing to making
Timber Creek a special and unique place of
learning. Student Body President Courtney
Lescovensky echoed these sentiments telling
those in attendance that TCHS students have
the opportunity to begin brand new, unique
traditions, and can make Timber Creek a high
school unlike any other that have come before it.
Keller ISD Superintendent James Veitenheimer
spoke, thanking those district administrators
and Board of Trustee members who had helped
make the district’s fourth high school a reality.
Board President Cindy Lotton, supported by
other Board Members, presented TCHS Principal
Todd Tunnell with a plaque and officially
dedicated the building.
Timber Creek High School students, teachers
and staff welcomed parents, Keller ISD
administrators, local elected officials and
the community for the dedication of the new
campus on October 11.
UPCOMING LUNCHES
Timber Creek has several “green” features,
chief among which is the large detention pond
that sits between the campus and Timberland
Boulevard. All of the runoff from the campus’
property collects and flows into the pond. That
water is then recycled and used in the irrigation
of the TCHS grounds. Energy costs are also
kept down with an abundance of natural light
throughout the campus.
Two years ago, students in TCHS feeder schools
voted and selected Falcons as the school’s
mascot and purple and gold as the school
colors – gold being the shared color of all four
KISD high schools. With just freshmen and
sophomores, Timber Creek won’t participate in
varsity sports in the 2009-10 school year, but
will have a full slate of junior varsity contests to
break in the campus’ facilities.
Creek is the result of the public’s support for
the 2006 Bond Package. TCHS is located off
of Timberland Boulevard just east of Interstate
35W, and came together over four years thanks
to the cooperation of KISD administration,
faculties, staffs and citizens.
Timber Creek High School
Please join us for Brown Bag Lunches
with Superintendent James R.
Veitenheimer! Parents and community
members are invited to sit down with
Dr. Veitenheimer to discuss hot topics
and district events, share important
information and ask questions.
Lunches are held at noon on
Thursdays in the designated school’s
library. We hope to see you there!
K I S D D edicates
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
KEY
FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT
A New Journey
“A vision without a
task is only a dream. A
task without a vision is
drudgery. But vision with a
task is a dream fulfilled.”
Welcome Back! I hope you’ve had a great start to the new
school year and are well-immersed in your classes and
extra-curricular activities. Keller ISD hit the ground running
this year with 31,500 students grades Pre-Kindergarten
through 12. The district also began its full-day Kindergarten
program on 19 campuses. In addition, construction work on
both the 5-8 Campus and the Multipurpose-Early Childhood
Instructional Facility is well underway. Not only that, but Keller
ISD proudly opened its fourth high school – Timber Creek –
to approximately 850 freshman and sophomores. What an
exciting start!
As Keller ISD strives to be Intentionally Exceptional, it’s
important to remember that everyone in this district – from
parents to administrators – play an integral part in our success.
In order to be the best, we must continue to work hard, set high
goals and be held accountable for our actions on a daily basis.
Student success has always been and will continue to be our
top priority. That is why Keller ISD will embark on a districtwide Strategic Planning effort. Administrators, principals and
teachers will come together to define the future of Keller ISD.
We will determine who we are and where we want to be in five
years, set goals and objectives to achieve optimal performance,
establish action plans, and determine key strategic measures
to evaluate progress. Initial meetings began in October.
THE
FALL 2009
Keller ISD lives by our Core Documents – our Mission, Vision,
Beliefs, Goals, Values and Expectations. Not only are they are
behind the daily decisions we make, both small and large,
but their review and refinement will be an integral part of this
important Strategic Planning effort as well. To view our Core
Documents, please visit www.KellerISD.net and click on the
“Intentionally Exceptional” logo at the bottom of the home page.
Getting
‘Greener’
Brown Bag Lunches
I’m looking forward to the changes to come as we set out on
this new journey to continue to improve our district and the
quality of education for our outstanding students. The year has
just begun and I am excited about the exceptional possibilities
ahead.
350 Keller Parkway • Keller, TX 76248 • 817-744-1000 • www.kellerisd.net
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FORT WORTH, TX
PERMIT NO. 3148
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
The ceremony included visits from Texas State
Representative Vicki Truitt and Brooke Hambrick,
a representative from the office of State Senator
Jane Nelson. Truitt read a resolution that will be
presented to the State House of Representatives
congratulating the campus on its inaugural year,
and Hambrick presented the school with a Texas
State Flag.
Would you like to receive information on campus stories, events, and activities happening in
our district? Sign up for E-News, KISD’s weekly electronic newsletter, at www.kellerisd.net.
Visit the KISD Film Festival Web page for more information.
This fun event gives participants the chance to see their films
featured on the district cable channel, website, and maybe even
honored at an Awards Ceremony in March 2010.
This year’s festival is currently running now through December
18. The festival is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the
creative talents and accomplishments of students in Keller ISD
through the medium of the moving image.
Every great movie deserves a sequel! The Keller ISD Film Festival
is back for its second year and is looking for even more great,
student-created films.
Student Film Festival
K I S D L aunches 2 nd annual
K eller I S D
KISD Board Meetings
w ith ne w
recyclin g initiati v e
Keller ISD is launching a new single stream recycling program, another
step in becoming a “green” district.
The district is joining forces with Republic Services to recycle cardboard,
plastic, aluminum and steel in addition to paper products which KISD
currently recycles. Keller ISD had been participating in a paper recycling
program through Abitibi-Consolidated. Single stream recycling allows all of
these materials to be disposed of in the same receptacles to be sorted at a
Republic material recovery facility.
Keller ISD is a proponent of recycling which saves natural resources,
conserves energy, produces fewer air emissions and prolongs the life of
our local landfills. It also presents an opportunity to teach students about
environmental responsibility.
There are also financial benefits associated with the recycling program.
The district is projected to save at least $100,000 in waste disposal costs
through the first year of the program.
“While we’re excited we were able to find a way for the district to save
some significant money, the true benefit is the ability to teach future
generations how to live in an environmentally responsible manner,” said
Frank Di Nella, KISD Director of Operations.
Republic Services is one of the nation’s largest providers of environmental
services, owning and operating 79 material recovery facilities, 213 landfills
and more than 70 landfill gas-to-energy plants. They also have the
largest truck fleet and broadest service offering in the Dallas-Fort Worth
marketplace.
Keller ISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department in partnership with Sodexo
is also getting in on the “going green” act by transitioning from the use of
disposable to reusable trays. Starting this fall, four campuses will move to
reusable trays with additional schools following next spring.
Utilizing reusable trays will lessen the district’s waste output, and
the savings from the purchase of the new trays is projected to be
approximately half of what the purchase of Styrofoam trays would
have cost. The district took advantage of a promotion from Cambro
Manufacturing Company which allowed the Child Nutrition Department to
receive a free case of trays for every three purchased.
“These ‘green’ initiatives are further proof of our district’s commitment to
environmental and fiscal responsibility,” KISD Superintendent Dr. James
Veitenheimer said.
The Keller ISD Board of Trustees meets regularly
every second and fourth Thursday of each month
at the KISD Education Center, 350 Keller Parkway,
unless otherwise noted. Open session follows
immediately after executive session, which
begins at 6:30 p.m. A time is allotted during
each meeting for an audience with individuals,
and citizens may address Trustees at that time.
Citizens interested in speaking at the meetings
should arrive before 6:30 p.m. to sign up. The
Open Meeting Law prohibits Board action on any
items not already posted on that night’s agenda.
Board of Trustees
Cindy Lotton (Place 3), President
Kevin Stevenson (Place 2), Vice President
Lara Lee Hogg (Place 5), Secretary
Jason Wylie (Place 1), Member
Craig Allen (Place 4), Member
Melody Kohout (Place 7), Member
Wendy Collins (Place 6), Member
Administrative Leadership
Dr. James R. Veitenheimer
Superintendent of Schools
R. Mark Youngs
Deputy Superintendent
Deana Lopez
Assistant Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Vicki Burris
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Penny Benz
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Karin Holacka
Executive Director of Elementary Administration
Charlie Carroll
Executive Director of
Intermediate/Middle Administration
Mark Smith
Executive Director of Secondary Administration
Kent Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
Amanda Bigbee
General Counsel
Shellie Johnson
Director of Communications
Health Watch
At Keller ISD, creating and maintaining a
safe and healthy learning environment for
your student is one of our top priorities.
The flu is spread through respiratory
droplets produced when someone sneezes
or coughs as well as contact with a surface
or object contaminated with the virus and
then touching the nose or mouth. Typical
symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills
and fatigue and typically last 4 to 7 days.
Children and adults with certain health
conditions, including asthma, diabetes,
and pregnancy are more likely to get
complications from the flu. Contact your
healthcare provider to discuss medication
options to prevent illness or lessen the
severity of symptoms. Medication against
the virus is most effective if given within two
days of feeling ill.
Ways to prevent the spread of the flu:
• Get vaccinated against seasonal and the
2009 H1N1 flu
• Wash hands often especially after
covering a cough or sneeze
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the
sleeve of your shirt or a tissue
• If your child becomes ill, please keep him/
her out of child care at least 24 hours
until he/she no longer has a fever without
fever reducing medication
Keller ISD currently is recommending
the following procedures:
• Students and staff with a temperature
of 100 degrees or greater are asked to
stay home for at least 24 hours after they
no longer have a fever – or signs of a
fever – without the use of fever-reducing
medication. These individuals should
stay home even if they are using antiviral
medications.
• Students and staff with ill household
members should stay home for five days
from the day the first household member
got sick. This is the time they are most
likely to become sick themselves.
The district will continue to take the
following actions:
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in every
KISD classroom.
• Masks are being distributed to be used as
needed during the critical care of students
with flu-like symptoms.
• Students with a temperature of 100
degrees or greater will be sent home.
Please be prepared to pick up your child
immediately should he/she come down
with flu-like symptoms while at school.
• Encouraging the following prevention
measures: frequent hand-washing,
covering nose and mouth with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing, or if a tissue
is not available, coughing/sneezing into
your shirt sleeve or elbow.
• Cleaning crews will continue to give
special attention to all touch surfaces at
campuses and on buses.
We appreciate your continued support
and assistance, and would ask for your
help in the following ways:
• Do not send your child to school if he/
she is sick. Absences due to flu illness are
recognized and will be considered as such
by campus attendance committees should
violations of the 90 percent rule occur.
• Plan for childcare at home if your child
gets sick or in the event that school is
dismissed.
• Plan to monitor the health of the sick child
and any other children by checking for
fever and other symptoms of the flu.
For additional resources, information and updates, click on “H1N1 Flu Info” under Hot
Topics on the front page of KellerISD.net. You can also visit the KISD Health Services
Web page, www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov, or www.Texasflu.org which allows you to monitor
H1N1 activity in your community. You can also consult your personal physician if you
have any further questions.
Other “green” initiatives Keller ISD is involved in include harnessing
geothermal energy and using eco-friendly cleaning products. The new
Timber Creek High School also features a detention pond which collects
runoff from across the campus site and then reuses it for on-site irrigation.
2 | T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 3
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 1
Timber Creek, the district’s fourth high school,
opened its doors to more than 850 freshmen
and sophomores on August 24. Serving the
northwest portion of the school district, Timber
350 Keller Parkway • Keller, TX 76248 • 817-744-1000 • www.kellerisd.net
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FORT WORTH, TX
PERMIT NO. 3148
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Would you like to receive information on campus stories, events, and activities happening in
our district? Sign up for E-News, KISD’s weekly electronic newsletter, at www.kellerisd.net.
K I S D D edicates
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
FALL 2009
2 | T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9
Brown Bag Lunches
KEY
I’m looking forward to the changes to come as we set out on
this new journey to continue to improve our district and the
quality of education for our outstanding students. The year has
just begun and I am excited about the exceptional possibilities
ahead.
THE
Keller ISD lives by our Core Documents – our Mission, Vision,
Beliefs, Goals, Values and Expectations. Not only are they are
behind the daily decisions we make, both small and large,
but their review and refinement will be an integral part of this
important Strategic Planning effort as well. To view our Core
Documents, please visit www.KellerISD.net and click on the
“Intentionally Exceptional” logo at the bottom of the home page.
K eller I S D
KISD Board Meetings
The Keller ISD Board of Trustees meets regularly
every second and fourth Thursday of each month
at the KISD Education Center, 350 Keller Parkway,
unless otherwise noted. Open session follows
immediately after executive session, which
begins at 6:30 p.m. A time is allotted during
each meeting for an audience with individuals,
and citizens may address Trustees at that time.
Citizens interested in speaking at the meetings
should arrive before 6:30 p.m. to sign up. The
Open Meeting Law prohibits Board action on any
items not already posted on that night’s agenda.
Board of Trustees
Cindy Lotton (Place 3), President
Kevin Stevenson (Place 2), Vice President
Keller ISD is a proponent of recycling which saves natural resources,
conserves energy, produces fewer air emissions and prolongs the life of
our local landfills. It also presents an opportunity to teach students about
environmental responsibility.
Lara Lee Hogg (Place 5), Secretary
There are also financial benefits associated with the recycling program.
The district is projected to save at least $100,000 in waste disposal costs
through the first year of the program.
Wendy Collins (Place 6), Member
“While we’re excited we were able to find a way for the district to save
some significant money, the true benefit is the ability to teach future
generations how to live in an environmentally responsible manner,” said
Frank Di Nella, KISD Director of Operations.
Republic Services is one of the nation’s largest providers of environmental
services, owning and operating 79 material recovery facilities, 213 landfills
and more than 70 landfill gas-to-energy plants. They also have the
largest truck fleet and broadest service offering in the Dallas-Fort Worth
marketplace.
Keller ISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department in partnership with Sodexo
is also getting in on the “going green” act by transitioning from the use of
disposable to reusable trays. Starting this fall, four campuses will move to
reusable trays with additional schools following next spring.
Utilizing reusable trays will lessen the district’s waste output, and
the savings from the purchase of the new trays is projected to be
approximately half of what the purchase of Styrofoam trays would
have cost. The district took advantage of a promotion from Cambro
Manufacturing Company which allowed the Child Nutrition Department to
receive a free case of trays for every three purchased.
“These ‘green’ initiatives are further proof of our district’s commitment to
environmental and fiscal responsibility,” KISD Superintendent Dr. James
Veitenheimer said.
Other “green” initiatives Keller ISD is involved in include harnessing
geothermal energy and using eco-friendly cleaning products. The new
Timber Creek High School also features a detention pond which collects
runoff from across the campus site and then reuses it for on-site irrigation.
K I S D L aunches 2 nd annual
Timber Creek High School
Student success has always been and will continue to be our
top priority. That is why Keller ISD will embark on a districtwide Strategic Planning effort. Administrators, principals and
teachers will come together to define the future of Keller ISD.
We will determine who we are and where we want to be in five
years, set goals and objectives to achieve optimal performance,
establish action plans, and determine key strategic measures
to evaluate progress. Initial meetings began in October.
The district is joining forces with Republic Services to recycle cardboard,
plastic, aluminum and steel in addition to paper products which KISD
currently recycles. Keller ISD had been participating in a paper recycling
program through Abitibi-Consolidated. Single stream recycling allows all of
these materials to be disposed of in the same receptacles to be sorted at a
Republic material recovery facility.
Student Film Festival
Timber Creek High School students, teachers
and staff welcomed parents, Keller ISD
administrators, local elected officials and
the community for the dedication of the new
campus on October 11.
Creek is the result of the public’s support for
the 2006 Bond Package. TCHS is located off
of Timberland Boulevard just east of Interstate
35W, and came together over four years thanks
to the cooperation of KISD administration,
faculties, staffs and citizens.
As Keller ISD strives to be Intentionally Exceptional, it’s
important to remember that everyone in this district – from
parents to administrators – play an integral part in our success.
In order to be the best, we must continue to work hard, set high
goals and be held accountable for our actions on a daily basis.
Keller ISD is launching a new single stream recycling program, another
step in becoming a “green” district.
Every great movie deserves a sequel! The Keller ISD Film Festival
is back for its second year and is looking for even more great,
student-created films.
Please join us for Brown Bag Lunches
with Superintendent James R.
Veitenheimer! Parents and community
members are invited to sit down with
Dr. Veitenheimer to discuss hot topics
and district events, share important
information and ask questions.
Lunches are held at noon on
Thursdays in the designated school’s
library. We hope to see you there!
The ceremony included visits from Texas State
Representative Vicki Truitt and Brooke Hambrick,
a representative from the office of State Senator
Jane Nelson. Truitt read a resolution that will be
presented to the State House of Representatives
congratulating the campus on its inaugural year,
and Hambrick presented the school with a Texas
State Flag.
Two years ago, students in TCHS feeder schools
voted and selected Falcons as the school’s
mascot and purple and gold as the school
colors – gold being the shared color of all four
KISD high schools. With just freshmen and
sophomores, Timber Creek won’t participate in
varsity sports in the 2009-10 school year, but
will have a full slate of junior varsity contests to
break in the campus’ facilities.
Welcome Back! I hope you’ve had a great start to the new
school year and are well-immersed in your classes and
extra-curricular activities. Keller ISD hit the ground running
this year with 31,500 students grades Pre-Kindergarten
through 12. The district also began its full-day Kindergarten
program on 19 campuses. In addition, construction work on
both the 5-8 Campus and the Multipurpose-Early Childhood
Instructional Facility is well underway. Not only that, but Keller
ISD proudly opened its fourth high school – Timber Creek –
to approximately 850 freshman and sophomores. What an
exciting start!
w ith ne w
recyclin g initiati v e
This year’s festival is currently running now through December
18. The festival is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the
creative talents and accomplishments of students in Keller ISD
through the medium of the moving image.
UPCOMING LUNCHES
Keller ISD Superintendent James Veitenheimer
spoke, thanking those district administrators
and Board of Trustee members who had helped
make the district’s fourth high school a reality.
Board President Cindy Lotton, supported by
other Board Members, presented TCHS Principal
Todd Tunnell with a plaque and officially
dedicated the building.
Timber Creek has several “green” features,
chief among which is the large detention pond
that sits between the campus and Timberland
Boulevard. All of the runoff from the campus’
property collects and flows into the pond. That
water is then recycled and used in the irrigation
of the TCHS grounds. Energy costs are also
kept down with an abundance of natural light
throughout the campus.
“A vision without a
task is only a dream. A
task without a vision is
drudgery. But vision with a
task is a dream fulfilled.”
This fun event gives participants the chance to see their films
featured on the district cable channel, website, and maybe even
honored at an Awards Ceremony in March 2010.
COMING UP
Videos were shown during the ceremony of
both students and staff committing to making
Timber Creek a special and unique place of
learning. Student Body President Courtney
Lescovensky echoed these sentiments telling
those in attendance that TCHS students have
the opportunity to begin brand new, unique
traditions, and can make Timber Creek a high
school unlike any other that have come before it.
A New Journey
Getting
‘Greener’
Visit the KISD Film Festival Web page for more information.
November 19, 2009 – North Riverside Elementary
January 21, 2010 – Eagle Ridge Elementary
February 18, 2010 – Liberty Elementary
March 25, 2010 – Parkview Elementary
April 15, 2010 – Central High School
May 13, 2010 – Shady Grove Elementary
November 9
Staff Development/Student Holiday
November 23
Staff Equivalency/Student Holiday
November 24-27
Thanksgiving Holiday Break
December 18
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
December 21 – January 1
Holiday Break
January 4
Back to School
January 12, 13, 14
Early Release, 9-12 Students Only
January 15
Teacher Prep/Student Holiday
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
February 5
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT
Jason Wylie (Place 1), Member
Craig Allen (Place 4), Member
Melody Kohout (Place 7), Member
Administrative Leadership
Dr. James R. Veitenheimer
Superintendent of Schools
R. Mark Youngs
Deputy Superintendent
Deana Lopez
Assistant Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Vicki Burris
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Penny Benz
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Karin Holacka
Executive Director of Elementary Administration
Charlie Carroll
Executive Director of
Intermediate/Middle Administration
Mark Smith
Executive Director of Secondary Administration
Kent Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
Amanda Bigbee
General Counsel
Shellie Johnson
Director of Communications
Health Watch
At Keller ISD, creating and maintaining a
safe and healthy learning environment for
your student is one of our top priorities.
The flu is spread through respiratory
droplets produced when someone sneezes
or coughs as well as contact with a surface
or object contaminated with the virus and
then touching the nose or mouth. Typical
symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills
and fatigue and typically last 4 to 7 days.
Children and adults with certain health
conditions, including asthma, diabetes,
and pregnancy are more likely to get
complications from the flu. Contact your
healthcare provider to discuss medication
options to prevent illness or lessen the
severity of symptoms. Medication against
the virus is most effective if given within two
days of feeling ill.
Ways to prevent the spread of the flu:
• Get vaccinated against seasonal and the
2009 H1N1 flu
• Wash hands often especially after
covering a cough or sneeze
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the
sleeve of your shirt or a tissue
• If your child becomes ill, please keep him/
her out of child care at least 24 hours
until he/she no longer has a fever without
fever reducing medication
Keller ISD currently is recommending
the following procedures:
• Students and staff with a temperature
of 100 degrees or greater are asked to
stay home for at least 24 hours after they
no longer have a fever – or signs of a
fever – without the use of fever-reducing
medication. These individuals should
stay home even if they are using antiviral
medications.
• Students and staff with ill household
members should stay home for five days
from the day the first household member
got sick. This is the time they are most
likely to become sick themselves.
The district will continue to take the
following actions:
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in every
KISD classroom.
• Masks are being distributed to be used as
needed during the critical care of students
with flu-like symptoms.
• Students with a temperature of 100
degrees or greater will be sent home.
Please be prepared to pick up your child
immediately should he/she come down
with flu-like symptoms while at school.
• Encouraging the following prevention
measures: frequent hand-washing,
covering nose and mouth with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing, or if a tissue
is not available, coughing/sneezing into
your shirt sleeve or elbow.
• Cleaning crews will continue to give
special attention to all touch surfaces at
campuses and on buses.
We appreciate your continued support
and assistance, and would ask for your
help in the following ways:
• Do not send your child to school if he/
she is sick. Absences due to flu illness are
recognized and will be considered as such
by campus attendance committees should
violations of the 90 percent rule occur.
• Plan for childcare at home if your child
gets sick or in the event that school is
dismissed.
• Plan to monitor the health of the sick child
and any other children by checking for
fever and other symptoms of the flu.
For additional resources, information and updates, click on “H1N1 Flu Info” under Hot
Topics on the front page of KellerISD.net. You can also visit the KISD Health Services
Web page, www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov, or www.Texasflu.org which allows you to monitor
H1N1 activity in your community. You can also consult your personal physician if you
have any further questions.
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 3
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 1
Timber Creek, the district’s fourth high school,
opened its doors to more than 850 freshmen
and sophomores on August 24. Serving the
northwest portion of the school district, Timber
350 Keller Parkway • Keller, TX 76248 • 817-744-1000 • www.kellerisd.net
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FORT WORTH, TX
PERMIT NO. 3148
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Would you like to receive information on campus stories, events, and activities happening in
our district? Sign up for E-News, KISD’s weekly electronic newsletter, at www.kellerisd.net.
K I S D D edicates
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
FALL 2009
2 | T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9
Brown Bag Lunches
KEY
I’m looking forward to the changes to come as we set out on
this new journey to continue to improve our district and the
quality of education for our outstanding students. The year has
just begun and I am excited about the exceptional possibilities
ahead.
THE
Keller ISD lives by our Core Documents – our Mission, Vision,
Beliefs, Goals, Values and Expectations. Not only are they are
behind the daily decisions we make, both small and large,
but their review and refinement will be an integral part of this
important Strategic Planning effort as well. To view our Core
Documents, please visit www.KellerISD.net and click on the
“Intentionally Exceptional” logo at the bottom of the home page.
K eller I S D
KISD Board Meetings
The Keller ISD Board of Trustees meets regularly
every second and fourth Thursday of each month
at the KISD Education Center, 350 Keller Parkway,
unless otherwise noted. Open session follows
immediately after executive session, which
begins at 6:30 p.m. A time is allotted during
each meeting for an audience with individuals,
and citizens may address Trustees at that time.
Citizens interested in speaking at the meetings
should arrive before 6:30 p.m. to sign up. The
Open Meeting Law prohibits Board action on any
items not already posted on that night’s agenda.
Board of Trustees
Cindy Lotton (Place 3), President
Kevin Stevenson (Place 2), Vice President
Keller ISD is a proponent of recycling which saves natural resources,
conserves energy, produces fewer air emissions and prolongs the life of
our local landfills. It also presents an opportunity to teach students about
environmental responsibility.
Lara Lee Hogg (Place 5), Secretary
There are also financial benefits associated with the recycling program.
The district is projected to save at least $100,000 in waste disposal costs
through the first year of the program.
Wendy Collins (Place 6), Member
“While we’re excited we were able to find a way for the district to save
some significant money, the true benefit is the ability to teach future
generations how to live in an environmentally responsible manner,” said
Frank Di Nella, KISD Director of Operations.
Republic Services is one of the nation’s largest providers of environmental
services, owning and operating 79 material recovery facilities, 213 landfills
and more than 70 landfill gas-to-energy plants. They also have the
largest truck fleet and broadest service offering in the Dallas-Fort Worth
marketplace.
Keller ISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department in partnership with Sodexo
is also getting in on the “going green” act by transitioning from the use of
disposable to reusable trays. Starting this fall, four campuses will move to
reusable trays with additional schools following next spring.
Utilizing reusable trays will lessen the district’s waste output, and
the savings from the purchase of the new trays is projected to be
approximately half of what the purchase of Styrofoam trays would
have cost. The district took advantage of a promotion from Cambro
Manufacturing Company which allowed the Child Nutrition Department to
receive a free case of trays for every three purchased.
“These ‘green’ initiatives are further proof of our district’s commitment to
environmental and fiscal responsibility,” KISD Superintendent Dr. James
Veitenheimer said.
Other “green” initiatives Keller ISD is involved in include harnessing
geothermal energy and using eco-friendly cleaning products. The new
Timber Creek High School also features a detention pond which collects
runoff from across the campus site and then reuses it for on-site irrigation.
K I S D L aunches 2 nd annual
Timber Creek High School
Student success has always been and will continue to be our
top priority. That is why Keller ISD will embark on a districtwide Strategic Planning effort. Administrators, principals and
teachers will come together to define the future of Keller ISD.
We will determine who we are and where we want to be in five
years, set goals and objectives to achieve optimal performance,
establish action plans, and determine key strategic measures
to evaluate progress. Initial meetings began in October.
The district is joining forces with Republic Services to recycle cardboard,
plastic, aluminum and steel in addition to paper products which KISD
currently recycles. Keller ISD had been participating in a paper recycling
program through Abitibi-Consolidated. Single stream recycling allows all of
these materials to be disposed of in the same receptacles to be sorted at a
Republic material recovery facility.
Student Film Festival
Timber Creek High School students, teachers
and staff welcomed parents, Keller ISD
administrators, local elected officials and
the community for the dedication of the new
campus on October 11.
Creek is the result of the public’s support for
the 2006 Bond Package. TCHS is located off
of Timberland Boulevard just east of Interstate
35W, and came together over four years thanks
to the cooperation of KISD administration,
faculties, staffs and citizens.
As Keller ISD strives to be Intentionally Exceptional, it’s
important to remember that everyone in this district – from
parents to administrators – play an integral part in our success.
In order to be the best, we must continue to work hard, set high
goals and be held accountable for our actions on a daily basis.
Keller ISD is launching a new single stream recycling program, another
step in becoming a “green” district.
Every great movie deserves a sequel! The Keller ISD Film Festival
is back for its second year and is looking for even more great,
student-created films.
Please join us for Brown Bag Lunches
with Superintendent James R.
Veitenheimer! Parents and community
members are invited to sit down with
Dr. Veitenheimer to discuss hot topics
and district events, share important
information and ask questions.
Lunches are held at noon on
Thursdays in the designated school’s
library. We hope to see you there!
The ceremony included visits from Texas State
Representative Vicki Truitt and Brooke Hambrick,
a representative from the office of State Senator
Jane Nelson. Truitt read a resolution that will be
presented to the State House of Representatives
congratulating the campus on its inaugural year,
and Hambrick presented the school with a Texas
State Flag.
Two years ago, students in TCHS feeder schools
voted and selected Falcons as the school’s
mascot and purple and gold as the school
colors – gold being the shared color of all four
KISD high schools. With just freshmen and
sophomores, Timber Creek won’t participate in
varsity sports in the 2009-10 school year, but
will have a full slate of junior varsity contests to
break in the campus’ facilities.
Welcome Back! I hope you’ve had a great start to the new
school year and are well-immersed in your classes and
extra-curricular activities. Keller ISD hit the ground running
this year with 31,500 students grades Pre-Kindergarten
through 12. The district also began its full-day Kindergarten
program on 19 campuses. In addition, construction work on
both the 5-8 Campus and the Multipurpose-Early Childhood
Instructional Facility is well underway. Not only that, but Keller
ISD proudly opened its fourth high school – Timber Creek –
to approximately 850 freshman and sophomores. What an
exciting start!
w ith ne w
recyclin g initiati v e
This year’s festival is currently running now through December
18. The festival is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the
creative talents and accomplishments of students in Keller ISD
through the medium of the moving image.
UPCOMING LUNCHES
Keller ISD Superintendent James Veitenheimer
spoke, thanking those district administrators
and Board of Trustee members who had helped
make the district’s fourth high school a reality.
Board President Cindy Lotton, supported by
other Board Members, presented TCHS Principal
Todd Tunnell with a plaque and officially
dedicated the building.
Timber Creek has several “green” features,
chief among which is the large detention pond
that sits between the campus and Timberland
Boulevard. All of the runoff from the campus’
property collects and flows into the pond. That
water is then recycled and used in the irrigation
of the TCHS grounds. Energy costs are also
kept down with an abundance of natural light
throughout the campus.
“A vision without a
task is only a dream. A
task without a vision is
drudgery. But vision with a
task is a dream fulfilled.”
This fun event gives participants the chance to see their films
featured on the district cable channel, website, and maybe even
honored at an Awards Ceremony in March 2010.
COMING UP
Videos were shown during the ceremony of
both students and staff committing to making
Timber Creek a special and unique place of
learning. Student Body President Courtney
Lescovensky echoed these sentiments telling
those in attendance that TCHS students have
the opportunity to begin brand new, unique
traditions, and can make Timber Creek a high
school unlike any other that have come before it.
A New Journey
Getting
‘Greener’
Visit the KISD Film Festival Web page for more information.
November 19, 2009 – North Riverside Elementary
January 21, 2010 – Eagle Ridge Elementary
February 18, 2010 – Liberty Elementary
March 25, 2010 – Parkview Elementary
April 15, 2010 – Central High School
May 13, 2010 – Shady Grove Elementary
November 9
Staff Development/Student Holiday
November 23
Staff Equivalency/Student Holiday
November 24-27
Thanksgiving Holiday Break
December 18
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
December 21 – January 1
Holiday Break
January 4
Back to School
January 12, 13, 14
Early Release, 9-12 Students Only
January 15
Teacher Prep/Student Holiday
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
February 5
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT
Jason Wylie (Place 1), Member
Craig Allen (Place 4), Member
Melody Kohout (Place 7), Member
Administrative Leadership
Dr. James R. Veitenheimer
Superintendent of Schools
R. Mark Youngs
Deputy Superintendent
Deana Lopez
Assistant Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Vicki Burris
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Penny Benz
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Karin Holacka
Executive Director of Elementary Administration
Charlie Carroll
Executive Director of
Intermediate/Middle Administration
Mark Smith
Executive Director of Secondary Administration
Kent Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
Amanda Bigbee
General Counsel
Shellie Johnson
Director of Communications
Health Watch
At Keller ISD, creating and maintaining a
safe and healthy learning environment for
your student is one of our top priorities.
The flu is spread through respiratory
droplets produced when someone sneezes
or coughs as well as contact with a surface
or object contaminated with the virus and
then touching the nose or mouth. Typical
symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills
and fatigue and typically last 4 to 7 days.
Children and adults with certain health
conditions, including asthma, diabetes,
and pregnancy are more likely to get
complications from the flu. Contact your
healthcare provider to discuss medication
options to prevent illness or lessen the
severity of symptoms. Medication against
the virus is most effective if given within two
days of feeling ill.
Ways to prevent the spread of the flu:
• Get vaccinated against seasonal and the
2009 H1N1 flu
• Wash hands often especially after
covering a cough or sneeze
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the
sleeve of your shirt or a tissue
• If your child becomes ill, please keep him/
her out of child care at least 24 hours
until he/she no longer has a fever without
fever reducing medication
Keller ISD currently is recommending
the following procedures:
• Students and staff with a temperature
of 100 degrees or greater are asked to
stay home for at least 24 hours after they
no longer have a fever – or signs of a
fever – without the use of fever-reducing
medication. These individuals should
stay home even if they are using antiviral
medications.
• Students and staff with ill household
members should stay home for five days
from the day the first household member
got sick. This is the time they are most
likely to become sick themselves.
The district will continue to take the
following actions:
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in every
KISD classroom.
• Masks are being distributed to be used as
needed during the critical care of students
with flu-like symptoms.
• Students with a temperature of 100
degrees or greater will be sent home.
Please be prepared to pick up your child
immediately should he/she come down
with flu-like symptoms while at school.
• Encouraging the following prevention
measures: frequent hand-washing,
covering nose and mouth with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing, or if a tissue
is not available, coughing/sneezing into
your shirt sleeve or elbow.
• Cleaning crews will continue to give
special attention to all touch surfaces at
campuses and on buses.
We appreciate your continued support
and assistance, and would ask for your
help in the following ways:
• Do not send your child to school if he/
she is sick. Absences due to flu illness are
recognized and will be considered as such
by campus attendance committees should
violations of the 90 percent rule occur.
• Plan for childcare at home if your child
gets sick or in the event that school is
dismissed.
• Plan to monitor the health of the sick child
and any other children by checking for
fever and other symptoms of the flu.
For additional resources, information and updates, click on “H1N1 Flu Info” under Hot
Topics on the front page of KellerISD.net. You can also visit the KISD Health Services
Web page, www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov, or www.Texasflu.org which allows you to monitor
H1N1 activity in your community. You can also consult your personal physician if you
have any further questions.
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 3
KEY
CONNECTIONS
Monthly
Letter
from the B oard
The Keller ISD Board of Trustees,
which is made up of seven
elected community members, is
the governing body that provides
leadership and vision for one of
the fastest growing school districts
in the state of Texas. The Board
is committed to open and honest
communication with all of its
stakeholders.
Please visit the Board of Trustees
page on the KISD website to view the
monthly letters to the community by
Board President Cindy Lotton (August
& October) and Board Vice President
Kevin Stevenson (September).
KELLER ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES
2009-10 Operating Budget, Tax Rate
In August, Keller ISD’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to
approve a balanced 2009-10 KISD budget.
“The Board was adamant that it wanted to show its
appreciation to everyone in the district for their hard work,”
Superintendent Dr. James Veitenheimer said. “The Board
showed concern for upcoming years and instructed us to
prepare scenarios for the future and educate the public on
the financial challenges we continue to face. That includes
communicating with government officials regarding state
funding formula issues.” The district continues to operate on
the same funds available from the state since 2006.
Notes on the 2009-10 KISD budget:
• Board approved a $200 million balanced budget which
included $8 million in reductions.
• The approved option included a $318,000 shortfall that will
be covered by a $750,000 insurance adjustment to avoid the
need to dip into the KISD fund balance (savings).
• Budget the result of months of work by KISD administrators
and staff with input and guidance from the Board.
• Includes significant cuts in budgets district-wide such as no
KEY
special allocations this year for:
• Additional field trips
• New library books
• Vehicle purchases
and administration commit to exploring additional revenue
sources for the future.”
The Board also approved the KISD school tax rate for 2009-10
at $1.4863 per $100 of appraised property value.
• Includes a pay raise for all KISD employees
• 2.7 percent for teachers as mandated by the state
• 2 percent for all eligible employees not receiving state mandated 2.7 percent raise
Notes on the tax rate:
• Trustees acknowledged that budget could not be cut any
further without interrupting educational opportunities.
• M&O remains at $1.04 per $100 of appraised property value.
• This is the third straight year for the rate to remain the same
• The M&O is set at the state maximum and cannot be raised without a rollback election.
• I&S rate set at $.4463 per $100 of appraised property.
• This is an increase from 2008-09’s rate of $0.3769
• The increase is due to the KISD voter-approved sale of bonds.
• The tax rate is actually $.0106 less than what was
presented to voters in the November 2008 bond election.
• Trustees said they are committed to working with local and
state governments to take a look at adjustments in state
funding formula.
• All additional revenue savings opportunities will be explored.
• New revenues as approved by the KISD community will be researched.
• Budget passed with a 6-0 vote.
• Trustee Jason Wylie was not in attendance, but Board President Cindy Lotton reported that, “Wylie gave the passing of the budget his blessing, provided the Board
• School tax rates are comprised of maintenance and operation (M&O) and interest and sinking (I&S) rates.
ACHIEVEMENTS
KISD Students Named Semifinalists
in the 2 0 1 0 N ational M erit S cholarship P ro g ram
®
Seven seniors from Keller and Central high schools have been recognized as Semifinalists in the prestigious 55th annual
National Merit Scholarship Program. More than 1.5 million juniors in over 22,000 high schools entered the 2010 National
Merit Program by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which
served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one
percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in
a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. These academically talented
high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth
more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring. Congratulations to these outstanding students.
Keller High School
Rachel Engelland
Rachel Gartman
Katherine Gayon
Matthew Saul
Alicia Seagraves
Katrina Williamson
Central High School
Forrest Ripley
KISD Art Students
Central, Keller
Raise $20,000
durin g
‘ P lay for the C ure ’
Central and Keller High schools put aside their rivalry for the 2nd Annual Play for a Cure game on October 2 and raised
$20,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
During half time of the game at the Keller ISD Athletic Complex, cheerleaders from both schools presented a check to
representatives from Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Prior to the game, Keller and Central cheerleaders sold pink t-shirts, as well as additional “pink” items, to “Pink Out” the
stands for the game and raise money for breast cancer research. While football fans and supporters donned pink in the
stands, players and coaches wore pink accents and referees used pink whistles, all in an effort to raise awareness and
support the cause.
The schools raised $13,000 last year and set a goal for $16,000 this year, which they more than surpassed.
Participated in A rt E xhibition in H ouston
In October, eight Keller ISD students had their artwork displayed at the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the Texas Association of School
Administrators (TASA) Art Exhibition at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Each year, the Texas Art Educators Association (TAEA) sponsors an art exhibit for this event. School districts are each allowed to submit eight entries. A total of 148
pieces of art are selected from those entries to be on display. All eight of Keller ISD’s entries were selected for this year’s exhibit! Congratulations to the following
talented students:
2008-09 KISD
Accountability Ratings
Of Keller ISD’s 34 assessed campuses, 32 earned ratings of “Exemplary” or “Recognized” according to
accountability ratings by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Overall, Keller ISD had 17 “Exemplary” campuses, 15 “Recognized” campuses, two “Acceptable” campuses,
and one “AEA: Acceptable” campus. Seven campuses improved from their 2007-08 ratings, while 26 others
maintained their standing. As a district, Keller ISD is currently rated “Academically Acceptable” by the Texas
Education Agency.
Fossil Ridge HS
“My Favorite Pastime” by Jae Baik
Art Teacher: Camille Kerr
Keller-Harvel Elementary
“The Jungle” by Paige Wilson
Art teacher: Leslie Bacak
Fossil Ridge HS
“Welsh Pride” by Glesni Smith
Art teacher: Camille Kerr
Fossil Ridge HS
“Texas House” by Crystal Knorpp
Art Teacher: Camille Kerr
Keller-Harvel Elementary
“Birch Trees” by Amaris Crawford
Art Teacher: Leslie Bacak
Trinity Springs MS
“Self Portrait” by Leandra Loeb
Art teacher: Marcy Gardner
Heritage Elementary
“Winter Scene” by Brenna Brown
Art Teacher: Steve Novy
4 | T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9
Fossil Ridge HS
“The Look” by Geneva Rodriguez
Art Teacher: Camille Kerr
It is important to note that Keller ISD met or exceeded the criteria to receive an overall “Recognized” rating for
2008-09 in all but a single demographic of a single category. The district has appealed to the TEA claiming that
at least two students were incorrectly identified as having dropped out of school. If either student situation is
confirmed, the district will receive a “Recognized” rating.
Campus
Basswood Elementary
Bette Perot Elementary
Bluebonnet Elementary
Caprock Elementary
Eagle Ridge Elementary
Florence Elementary
Freedom Elementary
Friendship Elementary
Heritage Elementary
Hidden Lakes Elementary
Independence Elementary
Keller Harvel Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Lone Star Elementary
North Riverside Elementary
Park Glen Elementary
Parkview Elementary
Shady Grove Elementary
Whitley Road Elementary
Willis Lane Elementary
Woodland Springs Elementary
2008-09 Rating
Acceptable
Exemplary
Exemplary
Recognized
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Recognized
Recognized
Exemplary
Recognized
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Exemplary
Recognized
Exemplary
Recognized
Campus
Bear Creek Intermediate
Chisholm Trail Intermediate
Parkwood Hill Intermediate
South Keller Intermediate
Trinity Meadows Intermediate
Fossil Hill Middle
Hillwood Middle
Indian Springs Middle
Keller Middle
Trinity Springs Middle
Central High
Fossil Ridge High
Keller High
New Directions Learning Center
2008-09 Rating
Exemplary
Recognized
Recognized
Exemplary
Recognized
Recognized
Recognized
Recognized
Exemplary
Acceptable
Recognized
Recognized
Recognized
AEA: Acceptable
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 5
November 9
Staff Development/Student Holiday
November 23
Staff Equivalency/Student Holiday
November 24-27
Thanksgiving Holiday Break
December 18
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
December 21 – January 1
Holiday Break
January 4
Back to School
January 12, 13, 14
Early Release, 9-12 Students Only
January 15
Teacher Prep/Student Holiday
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
February 5
Early Release, K-8 Students Only
COMING UP
November 19, 2009 – North Riverside Elementary
January 21, 2010 – Eagle Ridge Elementary
February 18, 2010 – Liberty Elementary
March 25, 2010 – Parkview Elementary
April 15, 2010 – Central High School
May 13, 2010 – Shady Grove Elementary
T H E K E Y FA L L 2 0 0 9 | 1
Timber Creek, the district’s fourth high school,
opened its doors to more than 850 freshmen
and sophomores on August 24. Serving the
northwest portion of the school district, Timber
Videos were shown during the ceremony of
both students and staff committing to making
Timber Creek a special and unique place of
learning. Student Body President Courtney
Lescovensky echoed these sentiments telling
those in attendance that TCHS students have
the opportunity to begin brand new, unique
traditions, and can make Timber Creek a high
school unlike any other that have come before it.
Keller ISD Superintendent James Veitenheimer
spoke, thanking those district administrators
and Board of Trustee members who had helped
make the district’s fourth high school a reality.
Board President Cindy Lotton, supported by
other Board Members, presented TCHS Principal
Todd Tunnell with a plaque and officially
dedicated the building.
Timber Creek High School students, teachers
and staff welcomed parents, Keller ISD
administrators, local elected officials and
the community for the dedication of the new
campus on October 11.
UPCOMING LUNCHES
Timber Creek has several “green” features,
chief among which is the large detention pond
that sits between the campus and Timberland
Boulevard. All of the runoff from the campus’
property collects and flows into the pond. That
water is then recycled and used in the irrigation
of the TCHS grounds. Energy costs are also
kept down with an abundance of natural light
throughout the campus.
Two years ago, students in TCHS feeder schools
voted and selected Falcons as the school’s
mascot and purple and gold as the school
colors – gold being the shared color of all four
KISD high schools. With just freshmen and
sophomores, Timber Creek won’t participate in
varsity sports in the 2009-10 school year, but
will have a full slate of junior varsity contests to
break in the campus’ facilities.
Creek is the result of the public’s support for
the 2006 Bond Package. TCHS is located off
of Timberland Boulevard just east of Interstate
35W, and came together over four years thanks
to the cooperation of KISD administration,
faculties, staffs and citizens.
Timber Creek High School
Please join us for Brown Bag Lunches
with Superintendent James R.
Veitenheimer! Parents and community
members are invited to sit down with
Dr. Veitenheimer to discuss hot topics
and district events, share important
information and ask questions.
Lunches are held at noon on
Thursdays in the designated school’s
library. We hope to see you there!
K I S D D edicates
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE KELLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
KEY
FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT
A New Journey
“A vision without a
task is only a dream. A
task without a vision is
drudgery. But vision with a
task is a dream fulfilled.”
Welcome Back! I hope you’ve had a great start to the new
school year and are well-immersed in your classes and
extra-curricular activities. Keller ISD hit the ground running
this year with 31,500 students grades Pre-Kindergarten
through 12. The district also began its full-day Kindergarten
program on 19 campuses. In addition, construction work on
both the 5-8 Campus and the Multipurpose-Early Childhood
Instructional Facility is well underway. Not only that, but Keller
ISD proudly opened its fourth high school – Timber Creek –
to approximately 850 freshman and sophomores. What an
exciting start!
As Keller ISD strives to be Intentionally Exceptional, it’s
important to remember that everyone in this district – from
parents to administrators – play an integral part in our success.
In order to be the best, we must continue to work hard, set high
goals and be held accountable for our actions on a daily basis.
Student success has always been and will continue to be our
top priority. That is why Keller ISD will embark on a districtwide Strategic Planning effort. Administrators, principals and
teachers will come together to define the future of Keller ISD.
We will determine who we are and where we want to be in five
years, set goals and objectives to achieve optimal performance,
establish action plans, and determine key strategic measures
to evaluate progress. Initial meetings began in October.
THE
FALL 2009
Keller ISD lives by our Core Documents – our Mission, Vision,
Beliefs, Goals, Values and Expectations. Not only are they are
behind the daily decisions we make, both small and large,
but their review and refinement will be an integral part of this
important Strategic Planning effort as well. To view our Core
Documents, please visit www.KellerISD.net and click on the
“Intentionally Exceptional” logo at the bottom of the home page.
Getting
‘Greener’
Brown Bag Lunches
I’m looking forward to the changes to come as we set out on
this new journey to continue to improve our district and the
quality of education for our outstanding students. The year has
just begun and I am excited about the exceptional possibilities
ahead.
350 Keller Parkway • Keller, TX 76248 • 817-744-1000 • www.kellerisd.net
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FORT WORTH, TX
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NON-PROFIT
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The ceremony included visits from Texas State
Representative Vicki Truitt and Brooke Hambrick,
a representative from the office of State Senator
Jane Nelson. Truitt read a resolution that will be
presented to the State House of Representatives
congratulating the campus on its inaugural year,
and Hambrick presented the school with a Texas
State Flag.
Would you like to receive information on campus stories, events, and activities happening in
our district? Sign up for E-News, KISD’s weekly electronic newsletter, at www.kellerisd.net.
Visit the KISD Film Festival Web page for more information.
This fun event gives participants the chance to see their films
featured on the district cable channel, website, and maybe even
honored at an Awards Ceremony in March 2010.
This year’s festival is currently running now through December
18. The festival is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the
creative talents and accomplishments of students in Keller ISD
through the medium of the moving image.
Every great movie deserves a sequel! The Keller ISD Film Festival
is back for its second year and is looking for even more great,
student-created films.
Student Film Festival
K I S D L aunches 2 nd annual
K eller I S D
KISD Board Meetings
w ith ne w
recyclin g initiati v e
Keller ISD is launching a new single stream recycling program, another
step in becoming a “green” district.
The district is joining forces with Republic Services to recycle cardboard,
plastic, aluminum and steel in addition to paper products which KISD
currently recycles. Keller ISD had been participating in a paper recycling
program through Abitibi-Consolidated. Single stream recycling allows all of
these materials to be disposed of in the same receptacles to be sorted at a
Republic material recovery facility.
Keller ISD is a proponent of recycling which saves natural resources,
conserves energy, produces fewer air emissions and prolongs the life of
our local landfills. It also presents an opportunity to teach students about
environmental responsibility.
There are also financial benefits associated with the recycling program.
The district is projected to save at least $100,000 in waste disposal costs
through the first year of the program.
“While we’re excited we were able to find a way for the district to save
some significant money, the true benefit is the ability to teach future
generations how to live in an environmentally responsible manner,” said
Frank Di Nella, KISD Director of Operations.
Republic Services is one of the nation’s largest providers of environmental
services, owning and operating 79 material recovery facilities, 213 landfills
and more than 70 landfill gas-to-energy plants. They also have the
largest truck fleet and broadest service offering in the Dallas-Fort Worth
marketplace.
Keller ISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department in partnership with Sodexo
is also getting in on the “going green” act by transitioning from the use of
disposable to reusable trays. Starting this fall, four campuses will move to
reusable trays with additional schools following next spring.
Utilizing reusable trays will lessen the district’s waste output, and
the savings from the purchase of the new trays is projected to be
approximately half of what the purchase of Styrofoam trays would
have cost. The district took advantage of a promotion from Cambro
Manufacturing Company which allowed the Child Nutrition Department to
receive a free case of trays for every three purchased.
“These ‘green’ initiatives are further proof of our district’s commitment to
environmental and fiscal responsibility,” KISD Superintendent Dr. James
Veitenheimer said.
The Keller ISD Board of Trustees meets regularly
every second and fourth Thursday of each month
at the KISD Education Center, 350 Keller Parkway,
unless otherwise noted. Open session follows
immediately after executive session, which
begins at 6:30 p.m. A time is allotted during
each meeting for an audience with individuals,
and citizens may address Trustees at that time.
Citizens interested in speaking at the meetings
should arrive before 6:30 p.m. to sign up. The
Open Meeting Law prohibits Board action on any
items not already posted on that night’s agenda.
Board of Trustees
Cindy Lotton (Place 3), President
Kevin Stevenson (Place 2), Vice President
Lara Lee Hogg (Place 5), Secretary
Jason Wylie (Place 1), Member
Craig Allen (Place 4), Member
Melody Kohout (Place 7), Member
Wendy Collins (Place 6), Member
Administrative Leadership
Dr. James R. Veitenheimer
Superintendent of Schools
R. Mark Youngs
Deputy Superintendent
Deana Lopez
Assistant Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Vicki Burris
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Penny Benz
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Karin Holacka
Executive Director of Elementary Administration
Charlie Carroll
Executive Director of
Intermediate/Middle Administration
Mark Smith
Executive Director of Secondary Administration
Kent Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
Amanda Bigbee
General Counsel
Shellie Johnson
Director of Communications
Health Watch
At Keller ISD, creating and maintaining a
safe and healthy learning environment for
your student is one of our top priorities.
The flu is spread through respiratory
droplets produced when someone sneezes
or coughs as well as contact with a surface
or object contaminated with the virus and
then touching the nose or mouth. Typical
symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills
and fatigue and typically last 4 to 7 days.
Children and adults with certain health
conditions, including asthma, diabetes,
and pregnancy are more likely to get
complications from the flu. Contact your
healthcare provider to discuss medication
options to prevent illness or lessen the
severity of symptoms. Medication against
the virus is most effective if given within two
days of feeling ill.
Ways to prevent the spread of the flu:
• Get vaccinated against seasonal and the
2009 H1N1 flu
• Wash hands often especially after
covering a cough or sneeze
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the
sleeve of your shirt or a tissue
• If your child becomes ill, please keep him/
her out of child care at least 24 hours
until he/she no longer has a fever without
fever reducing medication
Keller ISD currently is recommending
the following procedures:
• Students and staff with a temperature
of 100 degrees or greater are asked to
stay home for at least 24 hours after they
no longer have a fever – or signs of a
fever – without the use of fever-reducing
medication. These individuals should
stay home even if they are using antiviral
medications.
• Students and staff with ill household
members should stay home for five days
from the day the first household member
got sick. This is the time they are most
likely to become sick themselves.
The district will continue to take the
following actions:
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in every
KISD classroom.
• Masks are being distributed to be used as
needed during the critical care of students
with flu-like symptoms.
• Students with a temperature of 100
degrees or greater will be sent home.
Please be prepared to pick up your child
immediately should he/she come down
with flu-like symptoms while at school.
• Encouraging the following prevention
measures: frequent hand-washing,
covering nose and mouth with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing, or if a tissue
is not available, coughing/sneezing into
your shirt sleeve or elbow.
• Cleaning crews will continue to give
special attention to all touch surfaces at
campuses and on buses.
We appreciate your continued support
and assistance, and would ask for your
help in the following ways:
• Do not send your child to school if he/
she is sick. Absences due to flu illness are
recognized and will be considered as such
by campus attendance committees should
violations of the 90 percent rule occur.
• Plan for childcare at home if your child
gets sick or in the event that school is
dismissed.
• Plan to monitor the health of the sick child
and any other children by checking for
fever and other symptoms of the flu.
For additional resources, information and updates, click on “H1N1 Flu Info” under Hot
Topics on the front page of KellerISD.net. You can also visit the KISD Health Services
Web page, www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov, or www.Texasflu.org which allows you to monitor
H1N1 activity in your community. You can also consult your personal physician if you
have any further questions.
Other “green” initiatives Keller ISD is involved in include harnessing
geothermal energy and using eco-friendly cleaning products. The new
Timber Creek High School also features a detention pond which collects
runoff from across the campus site and then reuses it for on-site irrigation.
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