District Announcements

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS REVIEW COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS 

Katy ISD is looking for parent volunteers to serve on committees to review and select new instructional materials to be implemented during the 2024-2025 school year. The subject areas and meeting dates are located on the Katy ISD Federal Programs and External Funding website. If you would like to be a part of one of the review committees, complete the interest form by TODAY, November 17, to be considered for participation on the selection committee. Keep in mind that not all volunteers may be selected to serve on a committee. 

HOME ACCESS CENTER – PARENT-DEFINED GRADE NOTIFICATIONS 

Katy ISD Parents and/or Guardians can view their child’s grades in the Home Access Center at any time. On the Grades page, you can access your child’s most recent progress report (IPR) and report card grades. On the Classwork page, you can setup personalized alerts for your child’s class averages. Based on the parent-defined percentage (%), you will receive an alert when your child’s average falls below or rises above a certain threshold. Select here to locate Instructions on how to setup grade alerts. 

SAFE FIREARM STORAGE RESOURCES

House Bill 3, (88th Texas Legislature) requires the Texas School Safety Center, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), to provide school districts information and other resources regarding the safe storage of firearms, including information on section 46.13 of the Texas Penal Code, for distribution to parents/guardians and community.  

The Texas DPS has created a public relations campaign – Keep ’Em Safe Texas – that offers free downloadable resources to promote safe gun storage. Below you will find links to resources in English and Spanish.   

Program Overview 8.5 × 11 Flyer: English / Spanish 
12 × 18 Poster: English / Spanish 
How to Talk to Others About Gun Safety 8.5 × 11 Flyer: English / Spanish 
Ways to Safely Store Guns (Devices) 8.5 × 11 Flyer: English / Spanish 

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION/REVIEWS

Board policies EFA Local - Instructional Materials and EFB Local - Library Materials were updated and approved by the Board on July 31, 2023.

Important Forms and Information:

The Formal Request to Review an Instructional Resource can be found here.

• The Checklist for Reconsideration of Instructional Resources and Instructional Materials can be found here.
• The Checklist for Reconsideration of Instructional Resources- Library Materials can be found here.
• The Removed Instructional Resources list can be found here.
• The Retained Instructional Resources (i.e., resources challenged, reviewed, and outcome was remain in circulation and accessible) list can be found here.

LIBRARY BOOK NOTIFICATIONS

In alignment with Board policy EFB Local - Library Materials the District emails all parents/guardians on file each time their student checks out a library book. Parents may opt-out of these notifications by accessing the KISD Parent Option Portal in MyKaty cloud. Brief video instructions for accessing the KISD Parent Option Portal in MyKaty cloud can be found here.  

SECONDARY ELA CLASSROOM LIBRARIES

In alignment with Board policy EFB Local - Library Materials the District emails all parents/guardians on file each time their student checks out a library book. Parents may opt-out of these notifications by accessing the KISD Parent Option Portal in MyKaty cloud. Brief video instructions for accessing the KISD Parent Option Portal in MyKaty cloud can be found here.  

POWERSCHOOL 

All Katy ISD parents of returning students are asked to complete the Annual Student Update.  

Parents/guardians of current Katy ISD students have been notified by email when each child’s Annual Student Update form is available. Parents with multiple students received an email for each child.  Parents are asked to please complete the Annual Student Update for each enrolled child prior to the start of school on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

The 2022-2023 Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct can be found here.  Significant changes include moving information from the Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct to the Student Handbook. Electronic acknowledgment of both handbooks are included with Annual Student Update.   

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to submit a parent inquiry through the corresponding registration email found on the Katy ISD Online Enrollment webpage. 

MEALS CHARGE POLICY   

District charge policy allows students without meal money to receive the menu meal choice for a limited time with the expectation the parent will reimburse all meals charged. 

Parents will be alerted when their child charges for a meal by receiving a courtesy call and/or email through the district automated call out system, if the district parent information is correct and up to date. Parents are responsible for monitoring the amount of money in their child’s account and paying back any borrowed money in a timely manner. If a student owes money on his/her account, he/she will be allowed to purchase snacks and/or a la carte only with cash in hand for that purchase, or once the student’s negative account is paid in full and funds are available to cover additional purchases.   

SMART TAG ID SYSTEM- 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

This school year, a new SMART Tag bus rider ID system will be rolled out across Katy ISD school buses to help monitor the ridership of eligible bus riders. The system will enable parents, bus drivers, and school administrators, to review in real time, when and where a student is picked up or dropped off by a school bus. Student identification (ID) cards for eligible riders will include the SMART Tag ID information. Buses will be equipped with a tablet that will read each student’s ID every time they enter and exit their bus. Parents and guardians will also have access to the SMART Tag Parent Web Portal — a cloud-based platform that will enable them to monitor their student’s ridership and bus route. Parents and guardians of eligible bus riders will receive additional information about the Smart Tag ID system via the email address they have on file with the district. The Smart Tag ID system replaces Katy ISD’s Edulog Lite App.

DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES  

 
The 2023-2024 Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct was approved by the Board of Trustees on Monday, July 31^st.   

Important changes include:   

• Mandatory disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) placements for first-time offenses of e-cigarettes or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). (Students are no longer sent to the DAEP “on the subsequent vaping infraction” due to legislative changes in HB 114 that add e-cigarettes and THC as specific mandatory placements.)  
• Added permissive placements to the DAEP for:  
• Engaging in multiple assaults,  
• Engaging in a significant health or safety hazard, or   
• Violating the District’s safety and security expectations.  
• Dress for Success visual to assist students, parents and staff in understanding dress code expectations.  

Parents and students should review the Discipline Management Plan to be aware of the campus and District behavior expectations as well as the potential consequences.  

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

This resource directory was compiled as an aid to our Katy ISD students, parents and community members in locating local resources. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of services by district. This directory includes the most commonly used nonprofit, private, local, state and government resources available and is not intended to be complete. Directory information is rapidly changing and can become outdated. If you find any errors or have information on new resources for consideration, please feel free to contact KatyISDconcerns@katyisd.org.

Community Resource Guide- English/ Community Resource Guide- Spanish

KATY ISD DRESS CODE

The DRESS for Success visual is provided to assist students, parents and staff in understanding dress code expectations. Parents and students should review the Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct to be aware of the campus and District behavior expectations as well as the potential consequences. 

ATTEND TODAY, ACHIEVE TOMORROW 

Did you know?

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT                             

Family Technology Resources & Support - Great information and orientation for district technology and how to receive support. 
Password Self Service Tool - Using this tool, you can retrieve your username and/or reset your password using a verification code. 
MyKaty Cloud - Portal for all district applications including HAC and Canvas. 

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AND REQUIREMENTS 

All students enrolled in Katy ISD must be in compliance with state required immunizations. Immunization requirements can be found on the Katy ISD Health Services Immunizations page.     

Texas Vaccine Institute will be offering the following dates and times for any student enrolled in Katy ISD, insured or uninsured, to receive the necessary required immunizations for school entry:  

DATES:                     December 7, 2023
TIMES:                       2:00PM – 5;00PM  

LOCATION:                Professional Development Annex 
                                    6361 South Stadium Lane Katy, TX 77494  
                                    NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY  

COST:                          1 VACCINE $15 
                                     2 VACCINES $25 
                                     3 VACCINES OR MORE $30  
                                     Accepting credit/debit cards or cash  

BRING: Personal immunization record and insurance card if you have insurance. 
Parent Notification of Immunization Due form completed by your campus nurse. 
For additional information you may contact the Health Services Department at 281-396-2629. 

SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) PROGRAM  

SSI provides monthly cash payments to help meet the basic needs of children who have a physical or mental disability. Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and there is limited income and resources in the household. Information about SSI is available here.  

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (ID) BADGES

REMINDER: Every student ID badge includes a unique student ID number that is used to check out library books and textbooks, to purchase food items in the cafeteria, to permit passage to certain club meetings, and to provide easy identification of students in common areas of the school. Secondary students must wear their ID badges at all times during school hours, while on school property. If a student loses the ID, a replacement must be purchased promptly from the designated school office/location. Failure to follow these procedures may be considered a violation of the Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct. For more information regarding student ID badges, please review the Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct. 

STUDENT ID INFORMATION

If you are looking for your student’s Katy ID, their ID and other pertinent information can be found on the student’s ID badge. It is located under the bar code and begins with an alpha character. Additionally, the Katy ID can also be found by logging into Home Access Center (HAC). Click on the Registration icon – Demographic Tab and locate the field called Student ID.   

SPEAKUP ANONYMOUS REPORTING APP     

             
SpeakUP is the anonymous reporting platform that students, parents, and patrons can use to report safety concerns, bullying, threats of violence, drug use, as well as any other concerns related to student physical or mental health. SpeakUP is available for download in the Apple Store or Google Play. It is also available on all District websites, computers and District devices. SpeakUP provides an opportunity for the Katy ISD community to anonymously provide valuable information to District administration and law enforcement that will help keep our students safe.            

#KatyISDSafety: CAMPUS EXTERIOR DOORS SAFETY SIGNAGE 

All campuses' exterior doors have safety signage indicating that exterior doors must remain closed and locked. The purpose of the signage is to reinforce and remind all staff and students to take the extra precaution of ensuring that doors are closed and locked at all times, and to not open a door for anyone trying to enter. All campus exterior doors already have signage directing all visitors to utilize the main entrance for access to campuses and not side entrances.  These stickers should be left in place, with the new yellow sticker above placed inside over this sticker, allowing the external message to remain outward.  All staff and students should avoid allowing anyone without a district identification badge to “tailgating” or following them into a district facility.  

CHILD FIND

Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate, and evaluate individuals from birth to 21 years of age who may need special education and related services. If you are concerned that your child may have a disability, contact your student’s school for more information about the Child Find process or click on the following link: Katy ISD Child Find Information Page

NATIONAL CHILD ID PROGRAM

During the last legislative session, Senate Bill 2158 was passed, which requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide parents with an inkless, in-home child fingerprint and DNA identification card for children in grades K-8.  If ever needed, parents may submit this kit to federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement to help locate and return a missing or trafficked child. On behalf of the State of Texas, Katy ISD has distributed these in-home child identification kits to junior high and elementary campuses. Please understand that there is no obligation to use the kit, but if you choose, this will allow you to have a set of fingerprints and DNA for your child that you can keep at home and turn over to law enforcement in case of an emergency. Please do not return the kits (used or unused) to your child’s school.   

PARENT COMMUNITY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

In partnership with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Crime Stoppers Houston hosts the webinar series: S.A.V.E. (Safety Awareness. Valuable Education). This series serves as a platform for discussion on many topics that concern the safety of our schools and community.  These topics include: mental health, human trafficking, social media and internet safety. Please see the link for upcoming webinars available. S.A.V.E. Webinar Series

2023-2024 STATE TESTING CALENDAR 

STAAR testing dates are posted on the Department of Research, Assessment, and Accountability website. For questions regarding local and state assessments, contact your Campus Testing Coordinator. 

CREDIT BY EXAM (CBE) TESTING

Katy ISD offers Credit by Examination for acceleration at every grade level and subject area offered in accordance with the Texas State Board of Education rules. A student is allowed to advance one grade level or one course per subject per academic year. Katy ISD offers four Credit by Examination testing windows throughout the year. Credit By Exam test results are entered in the Home Access Center (HAC) under the testing tab within six weeks of testing.   

2023-2024 KATY ISD SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS  

Semester exam exemptions will be offered during Fall & Spring Semesters for the 2023 – 2024 school year.  Below are the required semester exemption requirements. In KISD, Semester Exam Exemptions are offered as attendance and behavior incentives for students. Exemptions are determined by course.   

To qualify for an exam exemption in a course, a student must have met the following criteria per semester, per course:  

1. An average of 80 or higher for the semester.  

2. No more than FIVE (5) non-school related absences (see note below).  

3. No more than TEN (10) tardies; 

4. No N in conduct for the course and no U in conduct for any 

5. No ISS, OSS, OAC/DAEP Placement, or JJAEP Placement.   

6. No outstanding fees or fines.   

7. Must have been enrolled in the course by the 10^th day of instruction; and  

8. Meet campus specific requirements related to exemption submission deadlines and verification procedures for securing their exemptions.    

The number of available exemptions per grade level is as follows:  
 
Please note: The following absence codes do NOT count toward the five (5) allowable excused & unexcused absences:  

• P:  Present but not in class   
• S:  School-sponsored curricular and extra-curricular activity that is not UIL related  
• V:  UIL and other competitive activity   

Final Exam Exemption Clarifications:  

• Except for seniors, students may not exempt the same course final for both the fall and spring semesters.  
• Advanced Placement (AP) Exams:  
• Students enrolled in an AP course who successfully sit for the AP exam for that course may elect to exempt the final exam in the Spring semester.    
• The final exam exemption for an AP exam does not count toward the maximum number of exemptions for that student’s grade level.  

HCC Dual Credit & College Prep courses CANNOT be exempted.  

ADVANCED ACADEMICS    

The Katy Advanced Program (KAP) provides students with an opportunity to engage in above-grade level coursework in the areas of math, science, language arts, and social studies. KAP courses are available beginning in 6th grade and are open to all students. Every student is encouraged to take at least one advanced level course in an area of interest. Additional information can be found on the  Gifted/Talented & Advanced Academics Website    

CAREER EXPLORATION FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS MATH AND ACCOUNTING ACTIVITIES  

2024 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TESTING – REGISTRATION OPENING SOON     

The 2024 AP exams are scheduled for the weeks of May 6-10, 2024, and May 13-17, 2024. Students who are enrolled in an AP class during the fall semester (for yearlong or fall semester only classes) and/or want to take the AP exam for that specific class MUST register during the fall registration timeline.  The Fall registration includes students who completed an AP course in the summer and want to register for an AP exam only assessment.  Also, students who are taking an AP course at MCTC or KVS must also register for the exam on their home campus by the deadline.  

Registration & Payment begins on September 25, 2023, at 7:00 am and ends on October 25, 2023, at 10:59 pm. October 25, 2023, at 10:59 PM - Deadline to submit minimum payment of $40 per AP exam. Questions about AP testing can be directed to your campus AP Testing Coordinator.  

PSAT/NMSQT IS NOW DIGITAL!  

Katy ISD Administration Dates:    
10^th grade: Wednesday, October 11, 2023    
11^th grade: See below chart for specific campus testing date. 

The PSAT/NMSQT™ is a standardized test administered by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It measures the reading, math, and writing skills needed for college and career success in today's world. The PSAT/NMSQT™ provides valuable information to parents and students on student potential for advanced academics in high school. Juniors who score well may qualify for National Merit Recognition and Scholarships.   

Beginning in the fall of 2023, the PSAT/NMSQT will be making a full transition from a paper/pencil exam to a digital exam. The PSAT/NMSQT digital test is shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in DESMOS graphing calculator. Sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT^® at their home campus free of charge. Students can prepare for this exam by reviewing the information at Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT and reviewing the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide. The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy^® to provide free SAT online practice. Additional parent and student information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found on the Katy ISD website.  

Listed are the PSAT/NMSQT Campus Testing Dates. 

SECONDARY IPR (Interim Progress Report) and Report Card Dates 

To view your student’s IPR/ Report Card, login to MyKaty Cloud and select the Home Access (HAC) tile: 

Select the “Grades” icon – IPR or Report Card Tab 

GPA EXEMPT COURSE INFORMATION

High school students are encouraged to pursue their areas of special talents and interest to enrich their academic experience. Students are encouraged to continue in their Fine Art, Athletic, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as they continue to excel in their academic and extra/co-curricular endeavors. Once approved, students will receive credit for the GPA exempt course but will have their grade excluded from the GPA and class rank computation. Students must have a 4.0 or above GPA and maintain a B average in the GPA exempt course to qualify and maintain eligibility. This option is available to students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th full year. View the GPA Exempt Course Information for a list of courses identified as GPA-exempt eligible for this school year:

**GPA Exempt Tile opens on August 16^th in My Katy Cloud and closes September 21^st

2023 – 2024 GPA Exempt Courses and Information and GPA Online Exempt Application

The GPA Exempt Courses Information and Online Application are located within the GPA Exempt tile on MyKaty Cloud.

Students interested in taking one of the GPA Exempt courses must discuss this option with their counselor at the beginning of the course. If the student meets all of the criteria, they must:

1. Complete the online GPA Exempt application located in MyKaty Cloud.
2. Submit the application no later than the determined deadline. At this time, if all criteria are met, it will be approved, and a course change will be made to reflect enrollment in a GPA Exempt course.
3. Once the student makes the decision to take a course as GPA-exempt, the decision is final and cannot be changed.
4. Students enrolled in full-year courses do not need to reapply during the second semester.
5. Students, including move-in students, who miss the deadline for application for the first semester, may apply for exemption for the second semester if they meet the criteria.

*Note: Parents and Teachers will be notified throughout the process.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)     

High school students are encouraged to pursue their areas of special talents and interest to enrich their academic experience. Students are encouraged to continue in their Fine Art, Athletic, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as they continue to excel in their academic and extra/co-curricular endeavors. Once approved, students will receive credit for the GPA exempt course but will have their grade excluded from the GPA and class rank computation. Students must have a 4.0 or above GPA and maintain a B average in the GPA exempt course to qualify and maintain eligibility. This option is available to students in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th full year. View the GPA Exempt Course Information for a list of courses identified as GPA-exempt eligible for this school year:

**GPA Exempt Tile opens on August 16^th in My Katy Cloud and closes September 21^st

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

Current 9^th – 12^th grade and ALL alumni students will request high school transcripts through SchooLinks Transcript Request.  

Immunization records for the class of 2022 and 2023 can be requested via Schoolinks 

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (CDL) CERTIFICATION AT RAINES ACADEMY  

COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM – INFORMATIONAL MEETING

STUDENT WORK PROGRAM 

Students attending Raines Academy may take advantage of the flexible school day scheduling to also obtain employment with Katy ISD as a temporary student worker in either the Communications, Technology or Operations departments. Students taking advantage of this paid, employment opportunity will have access to transportation to their work location, a work schedule that is designed around their class schedule and the skills and experience to be a top candidate for full-time employment with Katy ISD following high school graduation. For more information about this exciting program, Raines students may contact the College and Career Facilitator, Norma White normajwhite@katyisd.org who coordinates the Student Work Program.   

FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP(S) OF THE WEEK

ATHLETICS

Athletics Calendar of events    

FINE ARTS   

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

 
Katy ISD Community Education is officially open for Fall 2023 registration. Our diverse array of classes, housed at Cinco Ranch and Taylor High Schools, includes offerings in art, dance, music, culinary arts, health & wellness, gardening, business, finance, retirement & long-term planning, computer skills, personal safety, and Spanish. Classes are open to adult learners in our community. Discover the possibilities by browsing our course catalog and register through the Katy ISD Pay-N-Go system.

ELEMENTARY PARENT NOTIFICATION OF HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION

Elementary students in 4th & 5th grades will receive instruction related to human growth and development during the spring semester. This information is being presented to bring an understanding of the developmental changes your child can expect as a normal part of growing up. This content is intended to initiate conversations between you and your child about the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during adolescence.  We encourage you to talk with your child about the content and incorporate your own values. All lessons are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and meet the requirements that are mandated by the state. Parents are welcome to preview the film that will be presented to your child by contacting your home campus. Parents must give permission for their student to participate in the human growth and development instruction. A permission form will be sent home with your student at least 14 days prior to the instruction being introduced to students. 

JUNIOR HIGH PARENT NOTIFICATION OF HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION

Students enrolled in junior high physical education (PE) or Athletics will receive instruction in Human Growth and Development during the fifth six-weeks.  Topics will include the physical changes resulting from puberty, as well as personal hygiene, abuse, abstinence, and prevention of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.  The purpose of the curriculum is to provide students with information about how to deal with the challenges of early adolescence and to supplement the efforts of parents as they educate and support their teens. We encourage you to talk with your child about the content and incorporate your own values. All lessons are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and meet the requirements that are mandated by the state. Texas Health Skills for Middle School by Goodheart-Wilcox is the Katy ISD approved curriculum resource. Parents can review the health curriculum materials on each individual campus by request. Parents must give permission for their student to participate in the human growth and development instruction. A permission form will be sent home with your student at least 14 days prior to the instruction being introduced to students. 

HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NOTIFICATION OF HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION

Students enrolled in high school health will receive instruction in Human Growth and Development during the third six weeks for students earning credit during the fall semester or the sixth six weeks for students earning credit during the spring semester.  Topics will include the physical changes resulting from puberty, as well as personal hygiene, abuse, abstinence, and prevention of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.  The purpose of the curriculum is to provide students with information about how to deal with the challenges of adolescence and to supplement the efforts of parents as they educate and support their teens. We encourage you to talk with your child about the content and incorporate your own values. 

All lessons are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and meet the requirements that are mandated by the state. Texas Health Skills for High School by Goodheart-Wilcox is the Katy ISD approved curriculum resource. Parents can review the health curriculum materials on each individual campus by request. Parents must give permission for their student to participate in the human growth and development instruction. A permission form will be sent home with your student at least 14 days prior to the instruction being introduced to students.

ELEMENTARY PARENT NOTIFICATION OF PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTION    

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) of the 87th Texas Legislative Session requires school districts to educate students in the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking.  Texas Education Knowledge and Skills for Health Education also includes topics related to abuse and violence prevention. To meet the SB 9 requirement, Katy ISD elementary school counselors will teach the required health TEKS specific to abuse and violence to students in grades 5^th grade. These TEKS will be taught during the 4th nine-week grading period for eligible elementary students.   

School counselors will teach the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) approved curriculum. Lessons regarding the new health TEKS are age-appropriate, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and meet the state's mandated requirements. Parents may review the planned health curriculum and resources on the district website beginning January 3, 2024.    

Before a student may receive child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking instruction, Katy ISD is required to obtain written consent from the student's parent/guardian. During the spring semester and at least 14 days prior to the instruction about abuse and violence prevention, the district will share information regarding parent education opportunities, dates of the scheduled lessons, and the procedure to opt-in your student for the scheduled lessons.  

Awareness and education on abuse and violence are key to prevention and intervention. The content is intended to facilitate dialogue between children and their parents or guardians about personal safety concerns. It is a priority for Katy ISD to partner with our families and community to create a safety net for our students.    

JUNIOR HIGH PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ABUSE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION INSTRUCTION    

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) of the 87th Texas Legislative Session requires school districts to educate students in the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking.  This instruction must be given at least once in middle school and again in high school. Texas Education Knowledge and Skills for Health Education also includes topics related to abuse and violence prevention. To meet the SB 9 requirement, Katy ISD junior high school counselors will teach the required health TEKS specific to abuse and violence to students in grades 6^th through 8^th. Instruction of these TEKS will occur during the 5^th and 6^th six weeks grading period for eligible junior high students.    

School counselors will teach the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) approved curriculum. Lessons regarding the new health TEKS are age-appropriate, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and meet the state's mandated requirements. Parents may review the planned health curriculum and resources on the district website beginning January 3, 2024.    

Before a student may receive child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking instruction, Katy ISD is required to obtain written consent from the student's parent/guardian. During the spring semester and at least 14 days prior to the instruction about abuse and violence prevention, the district will share information regarding parent education opportunities, dates of the scheduled lessons, and the procedure to opt-in your student for the scheduled lessons.    

Awareness and education on abuse and violence are key to prevention and intervention. The content is intended to facilitate dialogue between children and their parents or guardians about personal safety concerns. It is a priority for Katy ISD to partner with our families and community to create a safety net for our students.    

HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ABUSE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION INSTRUCTION    

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) of the 87th Texas Legislative Session requires school districts to educate students in the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking.  This instruction must be given at least once in middle school and again in high school. The Texas Education Knowledge and Skills for Health Education also includes topics related to abuse and violence prevention.   

Katy ISD high school students are required to complete one semester of health to fulfill their graduation requirements. Instruction on these TEKS will occur during the semester in which the student is enrolled in the high school health course.     

All lessons are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and meet the state’s mandated requirements. Texas Health Skills for High School by Goodheart-Wilcox is the Katy ISD-approved curriculum resource. Parents can review the health curriculum materials on each individual campus by request. Parents must give permission for their student to participate in the instruction on child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. The district will share information regarding parent education opportunities, dates of the scheduled lessons, and the procedure to opt-in your student for the scheduled lessons at least 14 days prior to instruction.      

Awareness and education on abuse and violence are key to prevention and intervention. The content is intended to facilitate dialogue between children and their parents or guardians about personal safety concerns. It is a priority for Katy ISD to partner with our families and community to create a safety net for our students.  

VOLUNTEERS & RAPTOR REGISTRATION  

Katy ISD’s Raptor safety protocol requires volunteers to register (or re-register) annually thus creating a new volunteer profile each year. Our 2023-2024 school year volunteer registration process launched on July 1. The link is included in the district’s PowerSchool student enrollment and is readily available via campus eNews and on district and campus websites.   

 Learn more about the Raptor Volunteer Initiative on the district’s website. 

KATY ISD IS HIRING!

Bus drivers, food service, custodial, repair teams, teachers, aides and more! bit.ly/ApplyKatyISD