This week's Staff Spotlight shines on Ms. Valencia Barrett, one of our new special education in-class support teachers who proves that sometimes the best paths in life are the ones we don't initially plan!
Coming from a family of educators (her mom was even a middle school teacher!), Ms. Barrett thought she'd break the mold and become a psychologist. Plot twist: she still ended up making a profound impact on kids' lives and connecting with them in meaningful ways, just through a different path! After earning her Biology degree with a minor in education from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, Ms. Barrett embarked on an educational journey that became a beautiful adventure of discovery.
Ms. Barrett's career path has been delightfully winding! She student-taught 7th grade science, earned her master's from Grand Canyon University, and tried on different hats along the way: high school science teacher in Pflugerville, biology teacher in Austin, and substitute across multiple grade levels, as she searched for her true passion in education. But it was during her time tutoring K-12 students in math intervention, reading intervention, and "everything in between" that she found her true calling: helping students with their specific needs in small group settings. That lightbulb moment led her to pursue her special education certification, and we're so grateful it did!
Now in her 5th year of education, Ms. Barrett chose Klein ISD intentionally. She wanted to be closer to home AND work for one of the top districts in the state. She especially loves the AAA (Academics, Athletics, and Arts) we offer our students, showing her commitment to meeting learners exactly where they are.
When she's not changing lives in the classroom, you might find Ms. Barrett jet-setting on girls' trips with her mom to casinos across the country, paintings on canvas, or whipping up culinary masterpieces as she explores recipes from cultures around the world.
Ms. Barrett, thank you for bringing your passion, creativity, and heart to our students every single day. Your journey to special education wasn't a detour, it was destiny!
Coming from a family of educators (her mom was even a middle school teacher!), Ms. Barrett thought she'd break the mold and become a psychologist. Plot twist: she still ended up making a profound impact on kids' lives and connecting with them in meaningful ways, just through a different path! After earning her Biology degree with a minor in education from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, Ms. Barrett embarked on an educational journey that became a beautiful adventure of discovery.
Ms. Barrett's career path has been delightfully winding! She student-taught 7th grade science, earned her master's from Grand Canyon University, and tried on different hats along the way: high school science teacher in Pflugerville, biology teacher in Austin, and substitute across multiple grade levels, as she searched for her true passion in education. But it was during her time tutoring K-12 students in math intervention, reading intervention, and "everything in between" that she found her true calling: helping students with their specific needs in small group settings. That lightbulb moment led her to pursue her special education certification, and we're so grateful it did!
Now in her 5th year of education, Ms. Barrett chose Klein ISD intentionally. She wanted to be closer to home AND work for one of the top districts in the state. She especially loves the AAA (Academics, Athletics, and Arts) we offer our students, showing her commitment to meeting learners exactly where they are.
When she's not changing lives in the classroom, you might find Ms. Barrett jet-setting on girls' trips with her mom to casinos across the country, paintings on canvas, or whipping up culinary masterpieces as she explores recipes from cultures around the world.
Ms. Barrett, thank you for bringing your passion, creativity, and heart to our students every single day. Your journey to special education wasn't a detour, it was destiny!
Klein ISD Community Flyer - 20th Annual KISD FFA Fall Festival, Friday October 30 5PM-8PM - ONLY CASH $5 per child/Adults FREE - Klein Multipurpose Center 7500 FM 2029, Klein, TX 77379
Games - Trick or Treating - Haunted Hay Ride - Carnival Games - Costume Content & More - Presented by The Klein ISD FFA Chapters
***Public Initiative: Please consider bringing an item or two to help local families - Canned: Corn, Green Beans, Sweet Peas, Yams, Cranberries Boxed: Mashed Potatoes, Cake Mixes, Stuffing, Corn Muffin Mix, Gravy Mix, Rice and Beans
KISD Community Flyers: Muse Mantra School of Music & Arts – New Spring/Klein Location Fun Private Music Lessons for Kids and Teens Muse Mantra is now enrolling students at our new Spring/Klein location. Call or Text: (281) 205-7557 musemantraspring.com
Back-to-School Special: First month of private 1-on-1 music lessons for $99. Muse Mantra has been trusted by more than 4,000 families since 2020 and provides private, personalized music instruction designed to make learning enjoyable and encouraging. Music lessons offered include: Piano, Voice, Guitar, Drums, Violin, Flute And more
Benefits of music lessons: Build confidence on and off the stage Develop focus, creativity, and discipline Now Enrolling
Location: Muse Mantra School of Music & Arts 7827 Spring Cypress Rd Spring, TX 77379 Call or Text: (281) 205-7557 Website: musemantraspring.com
How to Sign Up: Visit musemantraspring.com, select the Sign Up/Enroll option, and complete the online enrollment form. A Muse Mantra team member will help you choose the appropriate instrument, teacher, and available lesson time.
Klein ISD Disclaimer: The Klein Independent School District has approved the distribution of this flyer as a community service. No endorsement of the products or services, however, is stated or implied.
Congratulations to our Bearcubs of the Week!
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-8
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-7
Congratulations to our Bearcubs of the Week!
This week's Staff Spotlight shines bright on Christian Armas, one of our incredible grade-level administrative assistants who brings sunshine, rhythm, and endless patience to Kleb every single day!
Mr. Armas' journey is a true Klein storyc. He may have been born and raised in Anaheim, California, but he became a Klein kid when he moved here in 7th grade, attending Hildebrant Intermediate before splitting his high school years between Klein Oak for his first two and a half years (panther at heart!) and Collins for his second semester junior year through graduation (tiger graduate!). Talk about Klein pride running deep. He's a Klein alumni through and through!
Before joining the Kleb Family in 2024, Mr. Armas began his career in education at Kids R Kids daycare, where his talent quickly propelled him from the classroom to management and ultimately to directorship before his heart called him to the school system. We are SO lucky it led him here! Mr. Armas says his time at Kleb has been amazing, and honestly, the feeling is mutual! He's loved working with kids at all levels, but what he treasures most? The fact that every single day working with students teaches him something new. He believes it builds your character and that you become a better person every day by working with our kids. With the patience of a saint, he's already pretty remarkable!
When he's not making magic happen at Kleb, you might find Mr. Armasplaying the drums, actively serving on his church's praise and worship team, belting out songs in both English AND Spanish (yes, he's bilingual and fluent in both languages!), or taking center stage in every church play possible. As a youth mentor and leader at his church, Christian's impact extends far beyond our halls.
And here's the fun part: growing up in Anaheim, Mr. Armas is naturally a Disney adult. After all, the parks were practically in his backyard! He loves visiting Disney, and his favorite thing to do is plan vacations and have something to look forward to. When he's not dreaming of his next adventure, you'll find him in the kitchen cooking and making new things that pique his interest, or spending quality time with his siblings and parents who live close by.
Mr. Armas, thank you for bringing your whole heart, your incredible talents, and your amazing spirit to Kleb. We're better because you're here! ✨
Mr. Armas' journey is a true Klein storyc. He may have been born and raised in Anaheim, California, but he became a Klein kid when he moved here in 7th grade, attending Hildebrant Intermediate before splitting his high school years between Klein Oak for his first two and a half years (panther at heart!) and Collins for his second semester junior year through graduation (tiger graduate!). Talk about Klein pride running deep. He's a Klein alumni through and through!
Before joining the Kleb Family in 2024, Mr. Armas began his career in education at Kids R Kids daycare, where his talent quickly propelled him from the classroom to management and ultimately to directorship before his heart called him to the school system. We are SO lucky it led him here! Mr. Armas says his time at Kleb has been amazing, and honestly, the feeling is mutual! He's loved working with kids at all levels, but what he treasures most? The fact that every single day working with students teaches him something new. He believes it builds your character and that you become a better person every day by working with our kids. With the patience of a saint, he's already pretty remarkable!
When he's not making magic happen at Kleb, you might find Mr. Armasplaying the drums, actively serving on his church's praise and worship team, belting out songs in both English AND Spanish (yes, he's bilingual and fluent in both languages!), or taking center stage in every church play possible. As a youth mentor and leader at his church, Christian's impact extends far beyond our halls.
And here's the fun part: growing up in Anaheim, Mr. Armas is naturally a Disney adult. After all, the parks were practically in his backyard! He loves visiting Disney, and his favorite thing to do is plan vacations and have something to look forward to. When he's not dreaming of his next adventure, you'll find him in the kitchen cooking and making new things that pique his interest, or spending quality time with his siblings and parents who live close by.
Mr. Armas, thank you for bringing your whole heart, your incredible talents, and your amazing spirit to Kleb. We're better because you're here! ✨
Congratulations to our Bearcubs of the Week!
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-6
This week's Staff Spotlight shines on Kurt Graber—a man who proves that the best careers aren't always linear, they're legendary! 🌟
With a criminal justice degree in hand, Mr. Graber spent 20 years building a successful IT career at Intel before answering a different calling—trading code for compassion as an ER nurse, then a school nurse, and now a beloved Special Education extraordinaire.
But let's back up to the beginning. Mr. Graber never intended to work a desk job with that criminal justice degree, but life had other plans. After meeting his wife Mary (together 28 years, married 25!), he followed her to her dream job and discovered his own love of computers along the way. Two decades of application development at Intel later, Mr. Graber felt the pull toward his true passion: helping people. So he went back to school, earned his nursing degree, and dove headfirst into the intense world of ER nursing.
It didn't take long for Mr. Graber to realize that working with kids was where his heart belonged. School nursing became the perfect sweet spot, combining his healthcare expertise with his passion for students while making time for his beloved family. When Mr. Graber first joined Kleb as our school nurse, he didn't just show up, he became part of the culture. His daughter was even a student here at the time! After a brief hiatus, the pull of Kleb was too strong to resist. Lucky for us, he's back and bringing all that passion to our Special Education team!
Mr. Graber's family is his pride and joy. His son is a former Klein High graduate who just completed college at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), and his daughter is currently at Klein High and highly involved in volleyball. When he's not changing lives at school, you'll find this 13-year Klein resident with a fishing rod in hand, manning the grill for family BBQs, or being the world's most enthusiastic volleyball dad. His crew includes two dogs, one cat, and a whole lot of heart.
Kurt Graber: proof that following your heart and helping others always leads you exactly where you're meant to be. Welcome home, Mr. Graber! 💙
Congratulations to our Bearcubs of the Week!
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-5
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-4
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-3
This week's Staff Spotlight shines brightly on Mrs. Jen Scheffer, a sixth-grade ELA extraordinaire who's bringing three decades of teaching magic to Kleb!
With an impressive 33 years in education under her belt, Mrs. Scheffer has taught it all—from elementary explorers to high school scholars—but she's spent most of her career (21 years!) perfecting the art of teaching middle schoolers. And here's the heartwarming twist: Kleb isn't just another school for her. It's home. Her daughter Eliza walked these very halls, creating cherished memories that now make Mrs. Scheffer's first year at Kleb extra special. Eliza went on to graduate from Klein High School and is now making her own mark at the University of Kansas, studying political science and communications. Talk about coming full circle!
Born and raised in El Paso and a proud Texas Tech graduate, Mrs. Scheffer traded the West Texas winds of Lubbock for Houston's vibrant arts scene—because who can resist world-class theater, ballet, museums, and sports? She and her husband, Steve, married 19 years ago and chose Klein for its outstanding schools. Mrs. Scheffer knew from the start she wanted to teach in the community she loved. Now in her 14th year with Klein ISD, she's finally teaching where her heart has always been.
Ask Mrs. Scheffer about her favorite part of teaching, and her answer will warm your heart: watching a student's eyes light up when they realize they're learning, growing, and truly comprehending. After 33 years, that magical moment still fuels her passion for education—and that's what makes a legendary teacher!
When she's not inspiring young readers and writers, you'll find Mrs. Scheffer curled up with a good book or movie, enjoying quality time with her husband, and snuggling with her adorable rescue pup, Carole—named after the legendary Carole King. Following in the paw prints of their former dogs, Bob Dylan and Joni (yes, those icons!), Carole is living the rockstar life. The Scheffers are looking to adopt dog number two soon: Will it be Stevie? Dolly? Elton? Your guess is as good as ours!
Welcome to the Kleb family, Mrs. Scheffer—we're so lucky to have you! 🎉📚🐾
Check out this week's Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-2
This week's Staff Spotlight shines on Christopher Gonzales, Kleb's maestro of musical excellence! 🎺🎷✨
For nine years, Mr. Gonzales has been the heartbeat of Kleb's band program, and with 14 years of experience in another district before that, he's been shaping young musicians for over two decades! As a woodwind specialist who mastered both clarinet and saxophone, he knows his way around a reed like nobody's business.
But here's where things get really impressive: Mr. Gonzales isn't just teaching kids—he's teaching teachers. This sought-after clinician has presented at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and even nationwide for national band organizations. His passion? Ensuring every student gets equitable access to quality music education, especially in Title I schools. Talk about making a difference!
Under his baton, the Kleb Bands have become a powerhouse of achievement—earning superior UIL ratings, Grand Champion titles, Best in Class awards, and national recognition that most programs only dream about. The Kleb Symphonic Band will perform at the 2025 Music for All National Concert Festival in Indianapolis, was named a State Finalist for the 2026 TMEA CCC Honor Band Contest, and has been selected for the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago in December 2026. Not too shabby!
When he's not conducting or presenting clinics, Mr. Gonzales dedicates his summers to the Stone of Hope Youth Organization in Salt Lake City, mentoring at-risk children. Because apparently, transforming lives through music during the school year isn't enough—he does it year-round!
Music truly runs in the Gonzales family. His wife, Kim, is the music teacher at Mahaffey, making them Klein ISD's ultimate musical power couple! Their oldest, Evan, was All-State in both French Horn AND Jazz Trumpet at Klein High and is now pursuing music at SHSU (Go Bearkats!). Daughter Aubrie is rocking the flute at Klein High while also exploring her creative side in the cosmetology program. And youngest daughter Elise is keeping the family's musical legacy alive on trumpet.
When he finally gets a moment to himself, you'll find Mr. Gonzales with a book, exploring new cuisine, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Mr. Gonzales, thank you for orchestrating excellence at Kleb and inspiring the next generation of musicians—both in our hallways and across the nation! 🎶👏
Check out the Week 1 Bearcub Bulletin! https://kleinisd.edurooms.com/newsletters/kleb-intermediate/newsletters/26-27-bearcub-bulletin-week-1
Tomorrow (Friday, 8/7) is Technology Pick Up Day! Students in grades 6-8 can pick up their Chromebook & student ID from 9 AM-12 PM or 1-4 PM. Enter through the cafeteria.
IMPORTANT: The ADP Chromebook fee must be paid BEFORE receiving the Chromebook. Be sure to pick up your student ID first. It's REQUIRED to get the Chromebook.
Can't make it? No worries! All items will be available on the first day of school.
