District Recognized for Family Engagement Program
Klein ISD named a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Model School District for Family Engagement, one of only three districts in the State to receive this designation.
In 2017, Klein ISD developed a strategic plan, and it was immediately evident how important students’ families and our community are in continuing to make our shared vision of Promise2Purpose a reality for EVERY student. This resulted in “Build Community” as one of our three strategic priorities and a deep commitment to:
- Relationships, Mentoring & Partnerships
- Engaging, Educating & Equipping Families
- Cultural Responsiveness
An instrumental part of the success of our Build Community priority has been the Family Engagement Program under the leadership of coordinator, Maria Ovalle Lopez. As a direct result of her vision and dedication, Klein ISD was announced as a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Model School District for Family Engagement, one of only three districts in the State to receive this designation.
“The Family Engagement Program empowers families to work collaboratively with campus staff and support their children from Promise to Purpose,” said Lopez.
As part of the Build Community strategic priority, the program aligns with the Dual Capacity Family Engagement Framework which focuses on effective home-school partnership strategies and forming strong relationships. To gain a better understanding, Klein ISD educators have learned directly from the co-creator of the framework and help build capacity in the district by sharing their new learning with colleagues. Partnering with other districts to offer additional professional learning opportunities has also been implemented.
Engaging, educating, and equipping families is crucial as we Build Community in our district. Family Engagement staff members utilize evidence-based curriculum to offer a variety of resources to parents and caregivers. These include classes for parenting skills, health and wellness, and more. One of the most significant opportunities is Parent University, a program in which parents walk across a graduation stage after attending at least five family sessions during the school year. The May 2018 ceremony set a graduation record with more than 230 graduates. Family Engagement also collaborates with several community partners, including Harris County Department of Education and Lone Star to provide Adult ESL education and faith-based organizations, such as, Champions Forest Baptist Church and Bridging for Tomorrow to create networks of support for families.
To serve as many families as possible, the Family Engagement Program continues to grow. The program originated within the Klein Forest Family of Schools but has expanded to nine more campuses this year as they deepen their efforts to continue building community.
“We will continue celebrating the progress of the schools where the program is already established, and look forward to continuously improving and growing,” said Lopez.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
Help Us Share Your Story
There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
