Education summaries for April 20

Contribution reports

The Katy ISD Community Bond Advisory Committee focuses on specific topics and projects

Members of the Katy ISD Community Bond Advisory Committee continued to examine campus and facility projects, this time using much of their time reviewing issues they identified as needing more information about making an informed decision about future school bonds, at their April 12 meeting.

The panel selected topics that included polling language, district financial capacity, future tax rate, campus renovations, and educational technology—including a district-wide student to device standard the group is considering.

Technology in the classroom was one focal point of the meeting, as campus administrators, teachers, and students gave presentations on the benefits of a 1:1 student device ratio. A 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 1 funding, campus leaders integrated 1:1 classroom device access for all students and we immediately noticed a positive impact,” said Miriam Morales, Elementary Special Education Team Leader at MacRoberts. “The transition has been seamless from planned paper to classroom activities and online lessons and assessments. The time lost to education has also been significantly reduced,” Morales added.

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

“My Chromebook is essential for learning,” said Maria Paludo, an eighth grader at West Memorial Junior High School (WMJH). “Having this Chromebook makes things easier for me because it has the required calculator and all the software I need to do my homework.”

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

Committee members also discussed safety and security improvements. Security fences, systems management, vestibule sliding door replacements, and security camera upgrades among other items continue to be top priorities. The proposed minimum standards for school safety by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) are expected to become law soon. The bond funds will allow Katy ISD to continue to meet and exceed TEA standards.

Discuss Christopher J. Smith, area chief financial officer, value growth and financial ability. The group has continued to stress its goal of avoiding a bottom line that would lead to any kind of increase in the school district’s tax rate.

At the end of their meeting, the committee members participated in a mock clause vote to focus on which proposals had the least and most support among the group. The committee was expected to make a final vote on the proposed projects at its last meeting on April 18.

National Drug Take-back Day is set for April 22

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

For more information, contact Capt. Ivan B. Nelson of the Katy ISD Police Department. His email is [email protected]. His phone number is 281-237-4039.

Katy’s ISD Junior High Choir Camp is set for June 12-15

Katy ISD will be holding its Prep Choir Camp from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 12-15, with a concert at 1 p.m. June 15, at Jordan High, 27500 Fulshear Bend Dr.

The cost is $100, made through Katy Pay ‘n Go, and includes a camp shirt, instructions, educational materials, and lunch on June 15th. The registration deadline is May 1. For more information, email [email protected].

The Katy ISD Junior High Orchestra Camp is set for June 12-15 and June 19-22.

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

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

Both camps feature specific technique classes for daily instruction, daily section rehearsals, two orchestra rehearsals per day, and a grand closing performance.

The cost is $100, through Katy Pay ‘n Go. The deadline for registration is May 1.

Royal High announces the newest members of the National Honor Society

Royal High announced that 31 new members were inducted on April 13 into the National Honor Society. Recruits 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 the school’s history.

Newly included: Donis Addison, Mylene Aragon, Max Artega, Rebecca Arviso, Jermaine Burton, Trevor Davis, Helena Ferro, Elisha Glover, Paola Gonzalez, Victoria Gonzalez, Jennifer Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Rafael Jimenez, Kelsey Young, Heaven. Isaac Martinez, Sara Melendez, Melina Mendonca, Candice Miller, Shamari Moss, Kimberly Pedraza, Tania Ramirez, Eleanor Recinos, Andrea Rico, Desi Rivera, Alejandro Rodriguez, Cristian Sosa, Kyla Thomas, Laila Thompson, Ariely Valdez and Gabriel Velazquez.