District Announcements

Katy ISD’s elementary bell schedule is designed to maximize bus routes, minimize service delays, and accommodate for ongoing driver shortages.
 

ACCESS TO 2023 STATE TESTING RESULTS USING THE FAMILY PORTAL   

The STAAR redesign was fully implemented in the spring 2023 for all grades/subjects and courses.  Due to the changes, the reporting of performance standards will be later in the summer.  As in previous years, the state assessment outcomes will provide families with detailed information about their student’s areas of strength, as well as any gaps in learning. Parents can access the state’s Family Portal for assessment results by using their child’s Unique Student Access Code. Parents may utilize the Parent Directions To Access State Testing Results (ENG./SPA.) document located on the Katy ISD Department of Research, Assessment, and Accountability website. Final test results will be available in the Family Portal by the end-of-day listed in the chart below:  

STUDENT DEVICES FOR CHECK-OUT  

Parents may complete the Student Device Checkout Request form for their student to check out a Chromebook for home use. As with other devices with an internet connection, the Chromebook enables students to log in to MyKaty Cloud to access campus resources including Canvas, encyclopedias, informational databases, and other learning tools. 

HOME ACCESS CENTER (HAC)    

As a reminder, parents of elementary and secondary students are asked to check the HAC to stay abreast of their student(s) current six or nine weeks assignment grades and grade average.  HAC reflects the most accurate academic progress of students.     

To ensure secondary students refer to the HAC to verify current grades on assignments and six weeks grade average, the following message is housed on the Canvas homepage: 

2022-2023 DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT  

The 2022-2023 Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct.  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 the Annual Student Update.  

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. 

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.  

#KatyISDSafety: SECURITY DEVICES AT KATY ISD LARGE EVENT VENUES    

Katy ISD, in its continued efforts to ensure student, staff, and patron safety, has purchased security devices to be staged at our four large event venues. These devices are already installed at the entrances of the Leonard Merrell Center (LMC) and the Agricultural Sciences Center. The devices are non-intrusive narrow towers that seamlessly screen visitors for objects prohibited within large event venues. They do not require removal of any personal effects prior to walking through them. Please take a moment to review the District’s guidelines for Clear Bags and Prohibited Items at large event venues. It is anticipated that the security devices will be available for installation at Legacy and Rhodes stadiums within the coming weeks.  

Be SMART for Kids Campaign  

The Katy ISD Office of Emergency Management is teaming up with the Be Smart for Kids campaign to raise awareness and remind all adults how to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. As a community, we can all take action to keep our students safe at home and at school.  

For more information, visit BeSMARTforkids.org 

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.      

STUDENT 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 (Identification (ID) Badges (p. 22).        

KATY SUMMER ACADEMIC TERM (KSAT) 

Eligible elementary students may attend one of the following summer elementary programs.  Elementary campus representatives will be in contact during the spring semester to confirm student eligibility.     

• • • • • ESL/Bilingual Program 
        • English Language Development Program 
        • HB 4545 Accelerated Learning for students in 5th grade

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)     

Grade Point Average (GPA) for 9^th-12^th grade students is available in the Home Access Center (HAC).  

Unofficial rank and quartile for 11^th and 12^th graders are also available in the Home Access Center.  

For detailed instructions, go to: https://help.katyisd.org/help/family-technology-resources-e06dac0-viewing-transcript-in-home-access-center  

Official transcripts are available in Scribbles.  

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST  

 
Current 9th - 11th grade high school students and ALL alumni can request their high school transcript through ScribOrder.     

Current 12^th grade students will request final transcripts via Senior Survey in SchooLinks. Final immunization records will be requested via ScribOrder.           

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.  

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    

FINE ARTS     

District Fine Arts Summer Camps 2023!     
Katy ISD is offering seven fine arts camps for students to participate in this summer including two brand new district camps. The fine arts camps include Elementary Choir Camp (NEW), JH Band Camps, JH Choir Camp, JH Orchestra Camps, and a secondary all-level Jazz Camp (NEW). To register and reserve your student a spot click here to register through Pay N’ Go.     

District JH Cheer Camp 2023          
Tuesday, June 6-Thursday, June 8, 2023 at The Merrell Center. More details will be communicated by each campus coach in April 2023.     

Fine Arts Calendar of events     
To view the district performance calendar or to find specific information regarding the fine arts, please go to the Katy ISD Fine Arts Department website.     

ATHLETICS

Katy Independent School District Sponsored Physical Examinations Physical examinations will only be given to KISD student athletes participating in UIL activities grades 7-12. The UIL physical form will be the only physical form accepted. Although KISD recommends the use of your family doctor for the physical examination, the following mass screenings are available as an economical convenience for its patrons. KISD sponsored physical examinations will be performed by the Medical Colleges of Texas at a nominal fee of $30. All payments will be onsite accepting cash, checks and credit card by phone  

2023-2024 Physical Schedule  

• Tuesday, July 25, 2023 OTHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Wednesday, July 26, 2023 MRHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  

• Thursday, July 27, 2023 KHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Monday, July 31, 2023 THS Gym 4 6:00-6:45pm  
• Tuesday, August 1, 2023 MCHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Wednesday, August 2, 2023 PHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Monday, August 7, 2023 CRHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Wednesday, August 9, 2023 JHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Thursday, August 10, 2023 SLHS Competition Gym 6:00-6:45pm  
• Thursday, August 17, 2023 Legacy Stadium Community Room 5:30pm-6:15pm  
• Friday, August 18, 2023 Legacy Stadium Community Room 5:30pm-6:15pm  

You may download a current blank physical or upload your completed physical for athletics at: katyisd.rankonesport.com

For all schedules, refer to our KISD Athletic Website. 

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (CDL) CERTIFICATION AT RAINES ACADEMY  

 
Beginning next fall, Katy ISD will offer a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Student Training and Licensing Program to rising 12th grade students turning 18 and interested in obtaining a CDL. The Raines Academy CDL program will provide training and licensing for Class A (no additional endorsement) or Class A with a Class B Passenger/School Bus Endorsement. If you would like to apply for or request more information about the Raines CDL program, please complete the application and the college and career facilitator will contact you. https://tinyurl.com/RainesCDL

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. 

ORIGINAL CREDIT- KATY VIRTUAL SCHOOL  

 
Katy Virtual School (KVS) online classes are a way for secondary students to acquire graduation credits and/or expand their learning opportunities through paid, online supplemental high school credit courses during the summer and school year.    

KVS courses:    

• Provide flexibility in scheduling.     
• Allow students to get ahead on credits.    
• Provide opportunities to access courses that are not offered on the home campus.    
• Help students moving into Katy ISD from outside Texas to meet graduation requirements.     
• Courses are developed and taught by Katy ISD teachers.      

KVS offers over 55 approved College Board Advanced Placement (AP), Katy Advanced Program (KAP) and academic level courses. The cost is $200 per semester with reduced or no fees for students identified as economically disadvantaged. Courses are also approved by the NCAA for student initial eligibility. Registration is open for summer 2023, fall 2023 and spring 2024. Questions can be answered through your home campus counselor, Katy Virtual School FAQ, or email katyvirtualschool@katyisd.org.   

CREDIT/COURSE RECOVERY - KATY SUMMER ACADEMIC TERM (KSAT)

Summer school registration for students currently in 6th - 12th grades who need course or credit recovery will open May 1, 2023.  Summer School will offer one summer session from June 5 through June 29. More details will be available soon.      

Save the Date: College and Career Night 2023  

Wednesday, October 11  

6pm-8pm at the Merrell Center  
College and Career Flyer 2023  

 Free Summer College and Career Labs for the Class of 2024 and 2025!  

UPDATED Attention Class of 2024 and 2025

Meet with a College and Career Facilitator and learn about the college application process, college applications and how to research post-secondary options. Both parents and students are welcome to attend. These free meetings will take place at Miller Career Center from 8:30am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday. Reserve a meeting time using the link below: 

https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?event=4390&culture=en 

NEW Class of 2024

The SchooLinks College Application Manager will be available to the Class of 2024 on August 4, 2023. SchooLinks is a tile that students can access in MyKatyCloud.  

Student Resources 

Getting Started with SchooLinks College Application Manager- slide deck for students 
 

College Application Overview for Students 

College for all Texans Website  

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/  

Texas Workforce Commission  

https://www.twc.texas.gov/  

SAT SCHOOL DAY RESULTS     

Students who took the SAT School Day on March 1, 2023 can view their scores and score report in their College Board Account. If students do not have a College Board, they will need to create an account. No paper score reports will be available. Information on how to interpret the details in your score report is found on the College Board website.     

The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy^® to provide free SAT online practice. Students can use their PSAT/NMSQT ® score report to get a personalized SAT study plan and personalized practice from Khan Academy®.     

PSAT/NMSQT^® Results  

Students who took the PSAT/NMSQT^® on October 12, 2022 are able to view their scores and score report in their College Board Account. If students do not have a College Board, they will need to create an account. No paper score reports will be available. Information on how to interpret the details in your score report is found on the College Board website. The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy^® to provide free SAT online practice. Students can use their PSAT/NMSQT^® score report to get a personalized SAT study plan and personalized practice from Khan Academy®. 

STUDENT FEDERAL AID (FAFSA)   

In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 28.0256, seniors graduating in 2022 and thereafter must complete and submit, and show proof of submission, a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TAFSA).   

Seniors who choose to opt out must complete one of the following options:   

1. The student’s parent or other person standing in parental relation submits a signed form indicating that the parent or other person authorizes the student to decline to complete and submit the financial aid application;   
2. The student signs and submits the TEA opt-out form on the student’s own behalf if the student is 18 years of age or older or the student’s disabilities of minority have been removed for general purposes under Chapter 31 (Removal of Disabilities of Minority), Family Code; or   
3. The school counselor authorizes the student to decline to complete and submit the financial aid application for good cause, as determined by the school counselor.   

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2024  

The FAFSA will open in December 2023. This is a change from previous years. More information can be found HERE  

FINANCIAL AID HOTLINE

The Texas Financial Aid Information Center (TFAIC) offers year-round support on any issue related to student financial aid. The center serves as a one-stop resource for schools, students, and families who have questions about financial aid eligibility, the application process, state financial aid programs, education-related tax benefits, and more.  

For help, call 1-888-311-8881. 

COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETE INFORMATION

Are you an aspiring college athlete? Information regarding academic requirements and timelines can be found HERE  

In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. For more information, click here. 

TEXAS FIRST EARLY HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAM    

Senate Bill 1888 (87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021), establishes the Texas First Early High School Completion Program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school and earn a scholarship for one or two semesters at certain Texas universities. Information regarding the program is provided on the Texas First Early High School Completion Program Webpage and Flyer      

TOMORROW READY TEXAS: FREE COLLEGE AND CAREER RESOURCE  

Tomorrow Ready Texas is a new website from Texas OnCourse. It provides customized info related to your teen’s specific needs and aspirations. There are many different options for your teen: four- and two-year colleges, trade schools, military pathways, and more. At Tomorrow Ready Texas, you’ll find personalized step-by-step action plans for all these different options. It includes resources specifically for students with disabilities, and you can also register to receive information for more than one child. Tomorrow Ready Texas will keep you updated on deadlines and to-dos, so you don’t miss opportunities to help your teen succeed. All you need to do is sign up for a free account. Tomorrow Ready Texas is a free state resource available to all parents and guardians in Texas. For more information go HERE  

• Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Compendium 
  Financial Opportunities

• Think for Yourself Scholarship - Let Grow 

Instructional Resources Information/Reviews

Board policies EFA Local - Instructional Materials and EFB Local - Library Materials were recently updated and approved by the Board. More information about instructional resources can be found on the Instructional Resources Information webpage.  

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 

English Language Arts (ELA) classroom libraries offer independent reading material that supports the English Language Arts Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Parental consent is required for secondary students to check out books from their ELA classroom library. Parents may provide consent via the KISD Parent Option Portal located in MyKaty cloud. If parents do not provide consent via the KISD Parent Option Portal, their secondary student will be unable to check out ELA classroom library books. Brief video instructions for accessing the KISD Parent Option Portal in MyKaty cloud can be found here.  

CREDIT BY EXAM INFORMATION  

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. For more information about Credit by Examination (CBE) testing dates and course offering, visit Department of Research, Assessment, and Accountability website.   If you are interested in CBE testing, please contact your child’s campus counselor. 

VOLUNTEERS & RAPTOR REGISTRATION  

Volunteers – Mark Your Calendars for July 1! 

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

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

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.   

KATY ISD IS HIRING!

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

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

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