| Katy ISD Announces New Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Support | Katy ISD Announces New Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Support | | <div class="ExternalClassF49EB852483C42C59C595BA44BD9DEDF"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Today Katy Independent School District Superintendent Ken Gregorski appointed Ronnie Edwards as the District's new Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Support. Prior to accepting this new role, Edwards was the principal of Mayde Creek High School, a position he has held for the past five years. He will be replacing Dr. Freda Creech who is pl</span><span style="text-align:justify;">anning for retirement this summer.</span><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It is an honor for me to be part of a thriving school district where our goal is to ensure every student excels in a supportive academic environment, from their first day of school up to the last day of their senior year," said Ronnie Edwards, Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Support. “As a former principal, I can relate with the struggles and strengths of campus leaders. I look forward to working with them and staff from across the district to ensure this growing school district continues providing an A+ education," added Edwards.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Edwards began his career in education as an English teacher and coach at Santa Fe Independent School District in 1991. A year later, he accepted a head coaching position in Van Vleck Independent School District. Known for his passion in the classroom as well as in athletics, in 1994, Edwards decided to move closer to his hometown where he began coaching and teaching in Abilene Independent School District. But a few years later, South Texas was calling him back, this time to join Brazosport ISD as head basketball coach and English teacher. It wasn't until 1999 that Edwards joined the Katy ISD family after accepting a head basketball and physical education (PE) teacher position at Katy High School. Five years later, he accepted a position at Fort Bend Independent School District at Kempner High School as a head coach and English teacher. In 2009, Edwards moved into administration at Fort Bend ISD at Clements High School as an Assistant Principal. He remained there until 2011. That year, he accepted the Associate Principal position at William B. Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD. In 2013, he was named Principal at John Foster Dulles High School. Yet throughout his educational career, Katy ISD always held a special place in his heart. In 2016, Edwards returned to Katy ISD as Principal of Mayde Creek High School, a position he has held until today when he was appointed into his new role with the district leadership team. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in English from Tarleton State University and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston – Victoria. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/061421_Ronnie%20Edwards.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:533px;" /><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Ronnie Edwards</em><br><em> Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Support</em><br></p></div> |
| Katy ISD Students Awarded $20,000 Scholarships from Texas FFA Association | Katy ISD Students Awarded $20,000 Scholarships from Texas FFA Association | | <div class="ExternalClass4AE2C65CD18E4F4D8B4F9C3DD8CFEBAD"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Three Katy Independent School District FFA students just recently earned some extra college financial assistance as they head off to their post-secondary experiences. Katy High School students, Camryn Wilder and Skyler Weathers, along with Taylor High School Chloe LaBard recently learned that they are recipients of a $20,000 scholarship from the Texas FFA Association, an award sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). Last week, the three deserving students traveled to Stephenville, Texas to the State FFA Degree and Scholarship Event to interview for this prestigious scholarship opportunity. In Texas, there are currently over 115,000 FFA members and each year 140 scholarships (ranging in dollar amounts) are awarded by various donors, from all over Texas, to students who demonstrate leadership and a passion for agriculture.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“These students have worked extremely hard in their four years of FFA at Katy ISD. All three of them are FFA State Champions in Poultry Judging, which is a very challenging and unique FFA Career Development Event (CDE) Contest. Camryn and Skyler are National FFA Poultry Judging Champions and Chloe will compete at the National FFA Poultry contest this year," said Ashlee Laird, Career and Technology Education (CTE) Instructional Specialist. “Receiving a Texas FFA scholarship is a huge honor, that many students strive to earn each year. This scholarship is unique in that it is buildable, they can renew it after their first year enrolled in college and get an additional $20,000! We are so proud of their accomplishments," added Laird. </p><p>To be eligible to apply for the college scholarship, an applicant must be an active member of the Texas FFA Association for the current year and at least two of the three previous years. They should be listed on the State FFA Roster and be in good standing with the Texas FFA Association and they must declare intent to attend a Texas college or university in the fall semester of the application year. Upon graduation, the student should have completed at least three academic calendar years and at least five different semesters of instruction on agriculture, food and natural resources, during their 9<sup>th</sup> through 12<sup>th</sup>-grade years. Additionally, to be considered for a scholarship the student must score at least 1000 on the SAT, or at least 19 on the ACT and be in the upper half of his/her graduating class, based on scholastic rank, for the first three and half years of high school. Aside from academic requirements, interview presentation is a contributing factor to be selected for the coveted scholarship. Official FFA attire is required for all scholarship interviews, whether at district, area or state competitions. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Wilder and Weathers will be attending Texas A&M University to study Poultry Science while LaBard will be attending Texas A&M University to study Animal Science & Agriculture Business.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> <img src="/PublishingImages/Camryn%20Wilder.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><br></p><img src="file:///C:/Users/C1660359/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg" alt="" style="width:329px;margin:5px;" /><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Camryn Wilder</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> Katy High School FFA Student</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><img src="/PublishingImages/Sklyer%20Weathers.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:547px;" /><br><br></em><em>Skyler Weathers</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> Katy High School FFA Student</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p><img src="file:///C:/Users/C1660359/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.jpg" alt="" style="width:245px;margin:5px;" /><p style="text-align:center;"><em><img src="/PublishingImages/Chloe%20LaBard.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:534px;" /><br><br>Chloe LaBard</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Taylor High School FFA Student</em></p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><p><br><br></p></div> |
| Katy ISD Names New Principals for Bethke and Winborn Elementary Schools | Katy ISD Names New Principals for Bethke and Winborn Elementary Schools | | <div class="ExternalClassB96EF4157E3A423CBC2762A196A4732D"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">When school resumes on Wednesday, August 18, students and staff members at two Katy Independent School District elementary schools will be beginning their academic year with a new pri</span><span style="text-align:justify;">ncipal. This week, Superintendent of Schools</span><span style="text-align:justify;">,</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> Dr. Ken Gregorski appointed Kara Morgan as the new principal of Bethke Elementary and Lisa Frison as the new leader for Winborn Elementary. Both educators hold over 20 years of experience in education and are familiar faces within Katy ISD.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Kara Morgan has had the unique opportunity of educating students of all levels and demographics ranging from 3<sup>rd</sup> through 12<sup>th</sup> grades. She began her career in education in 2001 at Sutton Elementary, just east of Katy ISD, at Houston Independent School District where she was a team leader for fifth-graders in addition to facilitating English as a Second Language (ESL) interventions for third through fifth-graders. Morgan's dedication to improving her teaching skills moved her to teach sixth-graders in Fort Bend Independent School District in 2006. While there, in 2007, she moved into administration to serve as assistant principal at First Colony Middle School (2007-2010) and then Associate Principal at Bowie Middle School and Sugar Land Middle School between 2011 and 2017. She joined Katy ISD in 2017 as an Assistant Principal at Tompkins High School. Most recently, Morgan was given the opportunity to establish a new campus at Katy ISD in 2020, when she opened Jordan High School as the sophomore Assistant Principal. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Master of Science in Educational Management from the University of Houston in Clear Lake.</p><p>“I would like to express how much of an honor it is to become a part of the Bethke family of educators and community members," said Kara Morgan, Principal of Bethke Elementary. “My passion has always been working with students in their young transition years and growing their knowledge base with life experiences and a solid foundation. It is already evident to me that Bethke is a very special place to be and I look forward to continuing our partnerships," added Morgan. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Lisa Frison has 27 years of exceptional teaching and leading experience, 15 of which have been with Katy ISD. Her passion for teaching students began in 1994 when she joined Blue Valley Unified School District, found within the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, as a sixth-grade math teacher. Two years later she moved to Texas when she took on the role of a third-grade and a fifth-grade teacher at Hunters Creek Elementary in Spring Branch Independent School District. In 2006, Frison joined the Katy ISD family at Griffin Elementary where she spearheaded multiple roles, within the next 10 years of her career, including instructional coordinator, instructional coach, math liaison and fourth and fifth-grade math and science teacher. In 2016, with a desire to continue growing professionally, and her love for helping students and teachers reach their full potential, she made a career move to Beck Junior High as the school's new Assistant Principal. As Katy ISD continued to see an influx of student growth, Frison joined the Adams Junior High family as the campus's Assistant Principal where she assisted in the hiring process, the school's logo and branding initiative and ultimately the opening of the newest campus in Katy ISD. Frison holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Educational Management with Principal Certification from the University of Houston in Clear Lake.<br></p><p>“Being named Principal of Winborn Elementary is the highlight of my career," said Lisa Frison, Principal of Winborn Elementary. “I am excited to collaborate with staff, students, and parents as we continue to support the legacy of excellence in the Winborn community," added Frison. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Both educators are beginning their roles as principals this summer in preparation for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.<br></p><p style="text-align:center;"> <img src="/PublishingImages/060921_CBE_Kara%20Morgan%20Profile%20Picture.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:467px;" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Kara Morgan</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Principal of Bethke Elementary</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/060921_DWE_Lisa%20Frison%20Profile%20Picture.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:533px;" /><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lisa Frison</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Principal of Winborn Elementary</em><br></p><p><br></p></div> |
| Powering Up for Back to School | Powering Up for Back to School | | <div class="ExternalClassC3B35BCB351445038F60DA5D0588FBA2"><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="/PublishingImages/Slideviewer.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:155px;" /><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Katy ISD is <em>Powering Up for Back to School </em>with<em> </em>PowerSchool Enrollment!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This fall, the District will welcome over 85,000 students when school starts on <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Wednesday, August 18.</span> Resuming today, parents of new students* can pre-register for the 2021-22 Katy ISD fall semester through the <a href="/registration/Pages/default.aspx">PowerSchool Enrollment webpage</a>. Parents of current Katy ISD students may update their child’s information in <a href="/registration/Pages/default.aspx">PowerSchool Enrollment</a> beginning August 2.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark your calendar for these important dates:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Monday, June 7 to Wednesday, June 30 (until midnight)</span></strong>– New student online pre-registration and enrollment resumes</span> </li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Monday, July 26</span></strong>– New student enrollment re-opens following the <span style="text-decoration:underline;">June 30</span> close date (2<sup>nd</sup> opportunity)</span> </li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Monday, August 2</span></strong>– Annual student update begins (for current Katy ISD students) </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">*A new student is defined as a K-12 learner who has never attended a school within Katy ISD, or a previous Katy ISD student who withdrew and is re-enrolling. A current student is defined as any student who was actively enrolled during the 2020-21 school year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">All new and current Katy ISD students are required to use PowerSchool Enrollment to submit a new student registration or their annual student update.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to submit a parent inquiry through the <a href="/Parent-Student-Tech-Support">Parent/Guardian & Student Technology Support Center</a> or email <a href="mailto:centralregistration@katyisd.org">centralregistration@katyisd.org</a>.</span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p><br></p></div> |
| Update to Katy Virtual High School #2 | Update to Katy Virtual High School #2 | | <div class="ExternalClassBBC313FDC7EB434692ED62807723EC52"><p>Following the close of the regular Texas Legislature session on May 31, Texas school districts learned that the state did not pass legislation that would have provided funding for public school districts to offer virtual learning.<br> <br>In result, Katy ISD, like many school districts across the state, is unable to offer a standalone Katy Virtual School (KVS) High School during the 2021-22 school year. We look forward to welcoming all Katy ISD students back to in-person learning on Wednesday, August 18. <br><br>Katy ISD, however, continues to offer supplemental paid online course programs through <a href="/dept/technology/instructionaltechnology/katyonline/Pages/Katy-Virtual-School.aspx">Katy Virtual School </a>for students interested in pursuing on-line course work outside of the regular school day.<br><br>Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated as we awaited further guidance and legislation regarding the future of virtual learning in Texas.<br> <br>In the meantime, enjoy your summer break, and take a moment to check out the <a href="/dept/ci/Pages/Enrichment.aspx">Summer Enrichment Activities</a> webpage for other fun and educational activities for students and families this summer.<br></p><p><br></p></div> |
| Katy ISD Hosts Fine Arts Signing Day | Katy ISD Hosts Fine Arts Signing Day | | <div class="ExternalClassB080720278644E78A746DC511A3154EF"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">Signing Day includes more than just athletics! This past May, </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Mayde Creek High School (MCHS) hosted a collegiate fine arts signing day in recognition of their students who are committing to continue their Visual and Performing Arts careers at colleges across the country. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Family and friends of Trey Serrano, Leo Rosebure and Victoria Taylor cheered on these students who will be continuing their education in various areas of fine arts with the assistance of scholarship funding. Serrano will be studying music education at Temple College, while Rosebure will concentrate on commercial music at Tennessee State University, and Taylor will be focusing on theatre at Sam Houston State University. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“These students are paving the way for other fine arts students. Their work and contributions emphasize the importance of artists not only in the Katy area, but all over the world," said Damon Archer, Executive Director of the Fine Arts Department. “We are proud of them for aspiring to 'create a legacy' in the world of fine arts," added Archer. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Students signed letters of intent during the event and will be attending their respective colleges this upcoming fall. <br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/MCHS%20Fine%20Arts%20Signing%20Day%20(1).jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:533px;" /><em></em><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Leo Rosebure</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Tennessee State University</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em></em><img src="/PublishingImages/MCHS%20Fine%20Arts%20Signing%20Day%20(2).jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:533px;" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Trey Serrano</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Temple College</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/PublishingImages/MCHS%20Fine%20Arts%20Signing%20Day%20(5).jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:533px;" /> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Victoria Taylor</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Sam Houston State University</em><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p><br></p></div> |