Education briefs for April 20

Contributed Reports
Posted 4/20/23

Education briefs for April 20, 2023.

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Education briefs for April 20

Posted

Katy ISD Community Bond Advisory Committee focuses on specific topics, projects

Katy ISD Community Bond Advisory Committee members continued to vet campus and facility projects, this time using much of their time reviewing issues they identified as needing more information about to make an informed decision about a future school bond, at their April 12 meeting.

The committee selected topics included ballot language, the district’s financial capacity and future tax rate, campus renovations and instructional technology—including a 1:1 districtwide student to device standard the group is considering.

Technology in the classroom was one focal point at the meeting, as campus principals, teachers and students delivered presentations on the benefits of a 1:1 student-device ratio. The 1:1 approach ensures learners have access to district content, resources, software and online testing resources while in class and at home.

“When our school received Title I funds, campus leaders incorporated a 1:1 classroom device access for all students and we immediately noticed a positive impact,” Myriam Morales, McRoberts Elementary special education team leader, said. “The transition was seamless from planned paper to online classroom activities, lessons and assessments. The loss of instructional time also decreased substantially,” added Morales.

McRoberts Elementary and West Memorial Junior High are two of several Katy ISD campuses to incorporate a campus-based 1:1 student to device initiative through grant or Title I state funds.

“My Chromebook is essential for learning,” Maria Paludo, an eighth-grade student at West Memorial Junior High (WMJH), said. “Having that Chromebook makes things easier for me because it has the required calculator and all the programs I need for my homework assignments.”

Paludo’s friend Hannah Aguilar, also an eighth-grader at WMJH, said, “My Chromebook is like a folder that I need every day for school. I remember to always put it in my backpack. The best part of my Chromebook is that it allows me to access my assignments wherever I go.”

Committee members also discussed safety and security improvements. Security fencing, systems management, replacement of vestibule slider doors, security camera upgrades among other items continue to be high priorities. The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) proposed minimum standards for school safety are expected to become law soon. Bond funds would allow Katy ISD to continue to meet and exceed TEA standards.

Christopher J. Smith, the district’s chief financial officer, discussed value growth and financial capacity. The group continued to emphasize their goal to avoid a bottom line that would trigger any type of increase in the school district tax rate.

At the end of their meeting, committee members participated in a mock line-item vote to focus on proposals having the least and greatest support among the group. The committee was expected to take a final vote on proposed projects at its last meeting on April 18.

National Drug Take Back Day set for April 22

The Katy ISD Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to collect unused or expired medication. Collection efforts will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 22 in the lobby of the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center, 20370 Franz Road.

For more information, contact Captain Ivan B. Nelson of the Katy ISD Police Department. His email is ivanbnelsono@katyisd.org. His phone number is 281-237-4039.

Katy ISD Junior High choir camp set for June 12-15

Katy ISD will hold its junior high choir camp from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 12-15, with a concert at 1 p.m. June 15, at Jordan High, 27500 Fulshear Bend Dr.

Cost is $100, made through Katy Pay ‘n Go, and includes a camp shirt, instruction, instructional materials and a lunch on June 15. Registration deadline is May 1. For more information, email annemguess@katyisd.org.

Katy ISD Junior High orchestra camp set for June 12-15 and June 19-22

Katy ISD will hold orchestra camps for students entering grades 7-9 who have completed at least one year of orchestra.

Students can attend one of two camps. The first is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 12-15 at Paetow High, 23111 Stockdick School Road. The second is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 19-22 at Jordan High, 27500 Fulshear Bend Dr.

Both camps feature daily instruction specific technique classes, daily sectional rehearsals, two daily orchestral rehearsals, and a grand finale performance.

Cost is $100, made through Katy Pay ‘n Go. Registration deadline is May 1.

Royal High announces newest National Honor Society inductees

Royal High announced 31 new members were inducted on April 13 into the National Honor Society. Inductees met the required GPA to receive an invitation to apply and then sat through a rigorous interview process before being selected. This is the second largest induction group in school history.

The new inductees are: Donis Addison, Mailyn Aragon, Max Arteaga, Rebeca Arviso, Jermaine Burton, Trevor Davis, Helena Ferro, Elisha Glover, Paola Gonzalez, Victoria Gonzalez, Jennifer Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Rafael Jimenez, Kelsey Jung, Heaven Malveaux, Isaac Martinez, Sara Melendez, Melina Mendonca, Kandace Miller, Shamari Moss, Kimberly Pedraza, Tania Ramirez, Eleanor Recinos, Andrea Rico, Deysi Rivera, Alejandro Rodriguez, Cristian Sosa, Kyla Thomas, Layla Thompson, Areli Valdez and Gabriel Velasquez.

Katy ISD Community Bond Advisory Committee, National Drug Take Back Day, Katy ISD Junior High choir camp, Katy ISD Junior High orchestra camp, Royal High, National Honor Society