Santa’s sleigh bells will be ringing and children gleefully singing thanks to the second annual “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” holiday toy drive benefiting pediatric cancer patients treated at the new Texas Children’s Hospital – West Campus and their siblings. Santa Claus will present the toys, collected in a giant Santa’s Sleigh on display at the Firethorne Visitor Center, to the west Houston-area children at a family holiday party at Firethorne. The community toy drive is accepting donations to purchase holiday gifts now through Tuesday, December 6. For more information, call 281-693-0003. (more…)

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The Katy Area Economic Development Council, Inc. is ready for a slight change of scenery within Katy. Katy Area EDC has signed a new lease with the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union (BVSCU), and will be relocating to a new 3,000-sq. ft. suite in the BVSCU building located at 438 FM 1463 in Katy.

Katy Area EDC will share the building with the BVSCU Credit Union, which has occupied space in the building since 1990. Katy Area EDC expects to launch operations in the new facility in April 2012. (more…)

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The Methodist Cancer Center at West Houston recently offered free prostate screenings to men in the Katy and West Houston communities. More than 120 men participated in the event. (more…)

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ESN Health of Katy is among the top 100 companies named to the 2011 Aggie 100 honoring the fastest-growing companies in the world, owned or operated by Texas A&M University former students. ESN Health was recognized as number 63 on the list with a growth rate of 22.43%. The Aggie 100 honors graduates from across disciplines and is a program created by the Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship in Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. (more…)

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Sixteen state-qualified high school boys bowling teams competed in the Second Annual Kat Cup Tournament this past weekend in College Station sponsored by the Sam Houston State University Bearkats Bowling Team and Track Bowling.  Seven Lakes High School’s team walked away the second place winners. (more…)

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Armeyah Ablola, a student at Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary, entered and won the Raise Your Hand Texas (RYHT) Pick the Pic contest.  The contest ran from Sept.7 – Oct. 7 and required Abola to submit a photo answering the question: “What two things inspire you to achieve success?” (more…)

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This year, like many before, the staff and students of Kids R Kids of Cinco Ranch East rallied together to raise more than $1,100 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The different between this year and previous ones is this year the money wasn’t being donated to a nameless face in the crowd. This year, the beneficiary was close to home. (more…)

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Volunteers are needed to help man the Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) Thrift Store, 11925 Katy Fwy.  Duties would include sorting, display, pricing, cleaning and caring for the house cats that make the CAP Thrift Store their home. (more…)

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The Katy YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch will host the 9th annual Turkey Dash on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2011.  The race has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years to become Katy’s premiere fun run.  Last year over 3,600 participants gathered on race morning to kick off their Holiday season by participating in the Turkey Dash.  (more…)

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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of October, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Floriography, 22758 Westheimer Pkwy., #200; Medifast Weight Control Centers, 22140 Westheimer Pkwy.; and Trebah Village Apartments, 19501 W. Little York Rd. (more…)

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The Goddard School, located in Katy, is reaching out to all Goddard School alumni. The organization has just announced that it will be accepting applications for its fourth annual $10,000 Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship. (more…)

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Members of the WoodCreek Junior High seventh grade cheerleading squad completed a community service project where they performed at two area retirement communities, Spanish Meadows and The Solana. The girls performed a dance, fight song, many cheers, tumbling and then afterwards mingled with residents as well as passed bows that they made out to help decorate for fall.  (more…)

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During the October 24 Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Pat Guseman, president of Population and Survey Analysts (PASA), presented the 2011 Demographic Update, which shows steady growth for Katy ISD at a rate of approximately three percent each year during the next five years. While slightly slower than the rapid growth experienced between 2001 and 2009, the report shows approximately 23,000 additional students moving to the district during the next 10 years. (more…)

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Katy ISD has been named to the Texas Comptroller’s 2011 Texas Honors Circle for earning five stars in the  2011 Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST).  Katy ISD is one of only 46 districts in the state to have earned the highest rating by achieving significant academic growth while keeping spending low.  Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Christine Caskey, and Chief Financial Officer, Bill Moore, were recognized for this achievement by the Katy ISD Board of Trustees during their Oct. 24 meeting. (more…)

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The National Center for Education Achievement recently released the list of 2011 Higher Performing Schools for Texas that includes 13 Katy ISD campuses. Higher Performing Schools are those elementary, middle, and high schools in Texas that have consistently outperformed their peers with similar student populations over a three-year period. NCEA identified the Higher Performing Schools based on one or both of two measures: 1) academic growth of students and/or 2) achievement of students on the TAKS Commended standard. (more…)

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Ashleigh Tremblay of Katy has accepted membership in Golden Key International Honour Society and was recently honored during an induction ceremony at Sam Houston State University. (more…)

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Katy ISD is asking the community to participate in upcoming Attendance Boundary Modification (ABM) discussions by either providing feedback online or by attending an upcoming Public Workshop on Nov. 15. (more…)

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The Seven Lakes High School Spartan Band and Color Guard are competing to win a $50,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Band and color guard members encourage all Katy residents to vote for them daily. (more…)

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Bridgeland’s Howl-O-Ween Fest again proved ‘paw-pular’ with area residents, drawing more than 4,000 to the annual pooch party held Oct. 29.

Event-goers donated more than $1,200 for local pet rescue groups amid several stage shows, performances by the Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club and Dog Gone Fun Agility, the Splash Dogs dock-diving competition and Foundry Church’s fall festival. (more…)

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On November 12 and 19, the Jonathan D. Rozier American Legion Post 164 will be collecting from the community, their unserviceable U.S. Flags. Locations for this community service event will be Krogers’ located at: Grand Parkway at Highland Knolls, and Westheimer Pkwy at Mason Road. The collections will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday at both locations. (more…)

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Three educators with experience in Texas higher education were named this week as finalists for the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Houston-Victoria. (more…)

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Global Arm, Inc. and Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success (TEES) is hosting its first-ever Katy Tween/Teen Talent Showcase Competition on Saturday, December 3 from 1 – 6 p.m. This fundraising event is open to ages 11-18. (more…)

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Katy ISD has learned that the Texas Education Agency has granted the district’s appeal on behalf of Nottingham Country Elementary, resulting in an elevated accountability rating for the campus from Recognized to Exemplary. Katy ISD filed the appeal in August, requesting that the TAKS mathematics commended performance for a specific student sub-population be recalculated. (more…)

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On October 15, splinters flew and broken boards mounded as the afternoon’s exciting annual Board Break-A-Thon event progressed from TaeKwonDo demonstrations to board smashing. Katy TaeKwonDo students, from Tiger Cub pre-schoolers to fifth degree black belts, broke hundreds of pine boards all in an effort to support the Katy TaeKwonDo Academy C3 Booster Club’s community program, “No Artist Left Behind” and the UT Mitochondrial Clinic in honor of Katy TaeKwonDo Academy’s Pohla family. (more…)

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Mayde Creek journalism students had an outstanding showing at the Texas Association of Journalism Education competition last weekend in San Antonio. Two students competing against 700 others received first place for their work.  (more…)

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Morton Ranch High School Senior Felisa Cantu was recently selected as the 2011 Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Gold Medallion winner in the Community Service category of the Houston Region. (more…)

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Fall is here and Halloween tricks and treats are just around the corner. It’s a timeless celebration that gives both kids and adults the excuse to eat lots of sugar and dress up in silly costumes. Those costumes may be fun to us humans, but they can frighten even the most well-behaved pet.  The Houston SPCA encourages pet parents to take the following precautions to make sure their pet stays safe and healthy this Halloween. (more…)

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For a second consecutive year, Bridgeland has won the “Developer of the Year” Grand Award in the Texas Association of Builders’ Texas Star Awards. (more…)

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Senior Aaron Murray and Junior Maria Gonzales won medals at the TAPPS State Championship Cross Country Meet in Waco, Texas this past weekend. Murray, who joined the Pope John cross country team just last year, took home the first place medal for the second time. His 4800-meter course time of 15:30.6 minutes was the fastest time across all divisions. This first place win earned him the title of Boys 4A State Champion for the second year in a row. (more…)

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Caitlin Auffenberg and Austin “Tex” Vinson were named Pope John XXIII High School‘s Homecoming Queen and King. Along with their members of their court, they were presented at the school’s Homecoming game on October 21. (more…)

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The Solana at Cinco Ranch, the senior living community in Katy, recently held a “Vegas Night” themed party to celebrate their second anniversary. The event benefited the National Parkinson’s Foundation and raised over $700 for the cause. (more…)

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Amy Schemidt and Janet Manning Shaw have been named the new co-presidents of the Katy Parents of Gifted and Talented organization. (more…)

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The newly formed Katy ISD Education Foundation recently held its inaugural luncheon for prospective Board of Directors to recruit area community leaders to participate in the organization.  More than 30 guests attended the event, with 25 of those committing to the Board of Directors. (more…)

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The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) recently announced that Joe M. Adams,   president of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees, has been reelected to a one-year term on the TASB Board of Directors, representing Region 4A.  Adams was appointed to the TASB Board in January 2011. (more…)

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The Katy ISD Police Department will join forces with members from the Houston Drug Enforcement Administration during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to collect potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.  This initiative will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center located at 20370 Franz Rd. Patrons may drop off their expired or unwanted prescription drugs for on-site destruction. (more…)

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Golbow Elementary recently won the Safe Kids USA/FedEx Facebook photo contest. Their winning photo was one of 72 entries from across the country. From these entries, program sponsors selected 10 finalists that were voted on using Facebook. For their prize, the campus will soon receive a visit from the Safe Kids Ambassador, Grover from Sesame Street, and a $5,000 check for educational materials. (more…)

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More than 200 fifth grade students participated in Griffin Elementary’s fifth annual Super Bowl. Since the beginning of the school year, Griffin PE coaches have taught students the rules of football, team positions, strategy, and tactics, and on Saturday, Oct. 24 students participated in a school-wide Super Bowl game. (more…)

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The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the October rank exam. (more…)

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The Seven Lakes High School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders attended the UCA cheer camp this summer hosted at Moody Gardens. The JV squad received first place honors for Extreme Routine Dance as well as first place in the cheer category. The squad also received recognition as All around Superior Squad of the Week. (more…)

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The Willowfork Fire Department held its annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 9. Despite the welcome arrival of much needed rain, the event was well attended by the community. Visitors were able to view the various apparatus and get an explanation from the firefighters of how the equipment on the vehicles is used. Tower 11, the newest and largest apparatus, was also available for close inspection.  (more…)

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The Houston Community College Pandora’s Box Film and Speaker Series welcomes concentration camp survivor Walter Kase for an intimate speaking engagement. Kase will present at the HCC Katy Campus Wednesday, October 26 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.  (more…)

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Doctors James Jacobs and Nicolas Manriquez of Your Total Foot Care Specialist announced they will award two $1,500 “Stepping Into The Future” scholarships to 2012 Katy ISD graduating seniors.  (more…)

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Twenty-seven students from WoodCreek Junior High were named to the Texas Music Educators Association Region 23 Honor Choir. Members of this choir will perform Saturday, Nov. 5 at Morton Ranch High School. The choir includes top students from Katy and surrounding area schools.  (more…)

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On October 16, Katy congregations from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) joined with the Brookwood Community for a special bike rally and carnival. The Brookwood Community is a residential facility and vocational program for adults with disabilities.  The bike rally or BW15 provided residents with a fun, inclusive bike ride.  Some Brookwood residents rode tandem bikes with volunteers from the churches. Others rode independently on either regular or specially modified bikes. (more…)

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For a few days this November, the history and the future of Girl Scouts will come together in Houston, Texas for the 2011 National Council Session / 52nd Convention, which will be held Nov. 10-13 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event is also launching a year-long celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Girl Scouting in the United States. (more…)

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Shattering five feet of concrete with one blow from their arms, bending steel bars or breaking baseball bats in half with bare hands is just a small part of Team Impact’s daily job. And in October, their crusade with Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, will be their largest outreach ever done in the United States.  (more…)

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Hutsell Elementary has been awarded the Green Ribbon Schools Award from the Texas Education Agency in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Green Ribbon Schools is an award program that recognizes schools participating in activities that promote and encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly learning environment. (more…)

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Tails are already wagging as Bridgeland embarks on a Fido favorite event: Howl-O-Ween Fest, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Bridgeland’s Oak Meadow Park. (more…)

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Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey spoke last Thursday to a room of more than 100 Katy community members, dignitaries and staff members, during his annual State of the District Address.  Providing a snapshot of key issues and district growth, Frailey encouraged attendees to focus on preparing the students of Katy ISD for overall good citizenship beyond graduation.  Guests also enjoyed a special performance by a Katy High School jazz combo. (more…)

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Last week Morton Ranch High School participated in the Generation Texas College Week.  The counseling staff provided students with multiple exciting opportunities to learn more about college. (more…)

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Pattison Elementary Arts in Education Chair Solveig Kyriakides and Pattison art teachers Valerie Maggitti and Kendra Martin recently hosted the kick off to their PTA Reflections Contest. This year’s theme is “Diversity Means.”  (more…)

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Outdoor artwork, quality hunting firearms and more will be available at the 2011 Katy Ducks Unlimited Fall Banquet Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. The fall dinner and banquet will be held for the first time at Katy Tiger Hall, 811 Avenue D near First St. in Katy. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m. and ticket prices are $45 per person and $75 per couple. Sponsor tables are still available beginning at $500 with seating for eight and other company perks and recognition.  Kids age 17 and under can attend for $15. Prices include all event costs and a DU annual membership. (more…)

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This past Saturday, Katy Youth Football (KYF) players and cheerleaders showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pick socks, mouthpieces, hair bows and other accessories during all KYF football games to help raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the American Cancer Society to help support increased cancer research. There are close to 2,000 football players and cheerleaders in KYF, and the disease has personally affected many of the players and their families. (more…)

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WoodCreek Elementary is excited to implement Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), a nationally recognized program aimed at providing positive male role models for students.  (more…)

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Katy ISD parents and community members are invited to attend an upcoming orientation to learn more about the new State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test that replaces TAKS for grades 3-8, and beginning 9^th grade students this year. The orientation will help parents and community members better understand what to expect with STAAR. (more…)

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Melissa Mozer of Katy was recently presented the Heroes of Children award by the State Board of Education. Mozer has been a volunteer for 12 years at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy ISD. She has served as an executive board member of the CRHS Athletic Booster Club and chaired the club’s scholarship committee, a representative on the Katy PTA Council and has worked with Project Graduation for all four of her children. (more…)

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Christin Vogel, a member of Girl Scout Troop 17229, recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest recognition a Cadette Girl Scout can achieve.  Her project consisted of conducting book drives and creating activity kits. Vogel held two different book drives. (more…)

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Andrew Vogel, a member of Boy Scout Troop 73, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, Vogel resurfaced part of the walking trails of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. (more…)

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It’s been a busy start of the 2011-2012 school year for Pattison Elementary kindergarten students. From hosting a gingerbread man hunt to holding a red day, students are making the most of their first year of school at Pattison. (more…)

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Williams Elementary School kicked off another year of LASSO programs with first graders learning about health and the human body. The children checked their heart rate, measured their lung capacity, studied the bones in their body, learned how to take good care of their teeth, and had a visit from local Firefighters and EMTs.  (more…)

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Katy Tech Entrepreneurs has announced a new series that will feature Austin, Texas-based technical business owners as the speakers. Topics covered during the Speaker Series include:

• “Secret Weapon for Small Business Success – Student Talent” hosted by Nathan Green, Founder of Campus2Careers.com
• “How to Guerilla/Viral Market When You Are Not Sure What You Are Marketing (Yet)” hosted by Elizabeth Quintanilla, Founder of EQ Consultants Group
• “How to Make Money Following Your Passion” hosted by Breanne Hull of educlone.com (more…)

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The newly formed Katy ISD Education Foundation recently held its inaugural luncheon for prospective Board of Directors in an effort to recruit area community leaders to participate in the organization.  More than 30 guests attended the event, with 27 of those committing to the Board of Directors. (more…)

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Katy ISD is celebrating Generation TX Week with multiple opportunities for students and parents to learn about higher-education opportunities. Generation TX Week, formerly known as Education: Go Get it Week, is part of a statewide effort to promote and inform students about the importance of higher-education. (more…)

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Three Katy ISD campuses have been named 2011 Texas Business & Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll Schools. Congratulations to:

• Bonnie Holland Elementary
• Katy Elementary
• Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary (more…)

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Students and community members packed the Morton Ranch High School Performing Arts Center on Sept. 23 during the school’s annual Latin Fest. Guests enjoyed singing, dancing, and cultural showcases that represented every Latin country.  Now in its 7th year, the event has become a favorite among students and staff. (more…)

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Mayde Creek Elementary teacher Wellyna Olivier was one of 1,000 teachers nationwide to be surprised as part of the OfficeMax “A Day Made Better” program that provides school supplies to deserving teachers.  Olivier was nominated by Roy Moore, assistant principal for Mayde Creek Elementary. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s Partners in Education announced the start of their 10^th annual “Food for Families” campaign. The campaign seeks to reach families in the school district in need of support.  Last year more than 250 Katy ISD students and their families received more than $13,000 in assistance. This year’s campaign runs through Dec. 2.  (more…)

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The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy recently recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting Heritage Square in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in a soft pink blush in an event designed to celebrate survivors, inspire those still in treatment, honor those who have lost their battle and remind all women to get appropriate screenings. MD Anderson physicians and staff were on hand during the event to pass out free educational materials and pink glow necklaces to spread the light of breast cancer awareness and hope. (more…)

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Party hats? Check! Birthday cake? Check! Favors? Come check and see! Bridgeland’s fifth anniversary is Oct. 14 and the master-planned community has much to celebrate. (more…)

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James E. Taylor High School’s show choir, Expressions, kicked off their season for the 2011-2012 school year with “Songfest”. This coffee bar musical delight held at the school on Oct. 4.  Audience members enjoyed an evening of ensemble, solo, and duet performances.  (more…)

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On Monday October 31, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), 17555 Katy Fwy., will end a three-month campaign titled “Save More Lives…One Tail at a Time” and complete the ASPCA Challenge. (more…)

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Apricot Lane Boutique at LaCenterra Cinco Ranch is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, support from various brands of clothing, accessories and specialty gift items will lead up to a “Pink Party” in the store, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. C110, on Thursday, October 20 in honor of The Breast Cancer Society. (more…)

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The Taylor High School student council and National Honor Society united to raise money for local wildfire victims. The student organizations sold “Taylor United” T-shirts during lunches and were able to raise $5,000. (more…)

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The 13U Katy Wildcats have reason to celebrate. The baseball team was named champions of the recent Best of the Best Tournament held at Bear Creek Park. The Wildcats scored a total of 65 runs and only allowed 18 runs against them throughout the whole tournament. (more…)

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Students at Kilpatrick Elementary are keeping busy this school year with many educational visits from author and illustrator Vuthy Kuon and Toro, the Houston Texans’ mascot.  (more…)

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The Katy Rice Harvest Parade is one of the kick-off events for the Annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. Sponsored by Remedy Roofing, the parade was held in Historic Downtown Katy Saturday, Oct. 1. The parade judges were Stan Stanley, Cassie Richter, and Tracy Gallimore. (more…)

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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of September, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: First Community Credit Union – Cinco Ranch, 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd.; Good to Go, 23144C Cinco Ranch Blvd.; Learning Rx of Cinco Ranch, 24124 Cinco Village Center Blvd., #20; The Learning Experience, 21418 Kingsland; Fulbrook, 5530 Fulbrook Green, Fulshear; Health One 24 Hour Emergency Care West Campus, 5510 W. Grand Parkway S, Richmond; and Stadia Sports Grill, 20900 Katy Fwy., Ste. N1. (more…)

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The Seven Lakes Spartan Band Percussion Section earned a first place finish at the Foster High School Drumline Contest on Sept.24.  Additionally, the bass drum section was awarded the outstanding bass line at the competition. (more…)

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The 7^th annual Morton Ranch High School Latin Fest was held on Friday, Sept. 23 in the school’s performing arts center. The packed house was welcomed to the annual event by a slide show presentation of famous Hispanic-American achievements and tributes to different Spanish speaking Countries with music by Joe Arroyo and Chayanne. (more…)

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Katy ISD has earned a rating of Superior Achievement under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.  Katy ISD has received this top rating for each of the nine years that Texas districts have been rated through Schools FIRST. (more…)

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Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey, during the Board of Trustees Work Study meeting of Monday, Sept. 19, gave a report regarding the creation of a Katy ISD Education Foundation.  Marcy Canady will lead the Foundation as executive director. (more…)

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The National Merit Scholarship Corporation officials this week announced the names of more than 1,600 Black American high school seniors from across the country who have been designated as Semifinalists in the 48^th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program.  Three of these talented students are from Katy ISD.  As Semifinalists, these students now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth more than $2.4 million to be offered next spring. (more…)

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The Katy Rice Harvest Festival’s Cooking Competition is one of the kick-off events for the annual event. The 2011 Cooking Competition was held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Hasta La Pasta. The competition is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital, and Alan Gunn served as the competition’s chairman. (more…)

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The Katy Rice Harvest Festival Photography Contest is one of the kick-off events for the annual event, and winners were announced Tuesday, September 27. The contest is sponsored by Country Park Portraits.  Sam Schultze served as chairman of the Photo Contest. (more…)

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The Lone Star Symphonic Band is celebrating its 19^th season of performing concerts for Houston-area residents with the first performance scheduled for Sunday, October 16. The concert, titled “Look What I’ve Found!” will be held at Crosspoint Community Church, 700 S. Westgreen in Katy. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. in the main auditorium. Tickets are $5 each if purchased on the band’s website, and will be $10 at the door the day of the concert. (more…)

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Citizens for Animal Protection’s (CAP) Thrift Store, the only Houston-area thrift store benefiting homeless animals, offers customers a vast assortment of designer labels, house wares and unique decorative items. (more…)

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The well-known cable network, Lifetime, is launching the all-new unscripted series America’s SuperNanny, marking the first true U.S. version of the hit global format that will feature an American homegrown nanny. (more…)

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The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Katy’s own Lynn Cardiff, former executive director of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 31^st Annual Rice Harvest Festival.  (more…)

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McMeans Junior High’s National Junior Honor Society recently held a donation drive to help those in need who lost their homes and belongings in the Texas wildfires. Students collected items ranging from clothing, toothbrushes, and water to canned food, school supplies and even pet food. (more…)

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Williams Elementary’s kindergarten class explored “Worms and Dirt” during a Eureka Life Science experiment.  Eureka is a James Williams Elementary PTA-funded science program run by volunteers with teacher support. (more…)

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Katy ISD has been named a Five-Star District in the Texas Comptroller’s Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST).  Katy ISD is one of only 46 districts in Texas to receive the top rating, and one of 23 districts in the state that received this rank last year as well. (more…)

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The Foundation for Music Education has selected the following Katy ISD musical groups as winners in its National Mark of Excellence project: (more…)

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The White House announced this week that the third annual President’s Back-to-School speech will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 12:30 p.m. CDT.  Katy ISD will broadcast the President’s speech live; however, campuses may make their own decisions as to the best time to view the speech in their classrooms.  Parents who do not want their child to view the speech or participate in related activities may complete an opt-out form and return it to their child’s school. (more…)

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The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting Heritage Square in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in a soft pink blush Saturday, October 1 from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s tradition of increasing student participation and strong performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams continues as the district recently learned that each one of its six high school campuses showed an increase in the number of students participating in the exams. In addition, every high school campus exceeded the state and national percentage of AP students making a qualifying score of 3 or better on the exams. (more…)

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Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) announced the 45 Houston area high schools competing in the tenth annual Tommy Tune Awards, including Katy, Taylor and Morton Ranch High Schools. Developed by TUTS in 2002, the Tommy Tune Awards honor musical theatre excellence at the high school level, celebrating outstanding student achievement in 15 categories. (more…)

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Bridgeland is again hosting the Mistletoe Fun Run, set for Sunday, Dec. 4, and benefiting Run Over Cancer. Participants can choose a 10K or 5K run, a 1-mile Family Walk or a half-mile Kids’ Fun Run. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 10K and 5K runs starting at 7:30 a.m. The Family Walk follows at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m.  An activity area will be set up 8-11 a.m. and children are encouraged to bring their holiday wish lists, as Santa is expected to visit. (more…)

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In a ceremony to be held on Wednesday Sept. 21, Kristina Pontious, received the Zonta Club of Houston 2011 Jane M. Klausman Scholarship award and the District 10 award. Pontious is currently a senior in the Mays Business School of Professional Accounting at Texas A&M University where she will earn a BBA in Accounting and Business Honors, as well as a MS in Marketing in 2012. Winning this award also puts her in the running for the international level award for Zonta International.  (more…)

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Bridgeland is registering chili king and queen hopefuls in its 3^rd Annual Chili Cook-Off, set for Dec. 3 at the Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing.  (more…)

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Still looking for a team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 1? Join the Katy Magazine team! Members of our staff will be out at the race bright and early, and we’d love for you to join us. (more…)

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony conducted at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch began with the presentation of the flags by the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and the Mayde Creek High School Navy JROTC. The National Anthem was performed by Katy ISD combined choir. VFW Chaplain Jeb Stickland led the benediction. (more…)

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The worst drought Texans have seen in years has caused some really hard times for many especially those that have been affected by the wildfires that have been ripping through Texas towns. The Morton Ranch FFA wanted to step up and help the hundreds of families that have been left with nothing due to Mother Nature.  (more…)

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If you are looking for quality family entertainment, enrichment and fun, look no further.  The Katy Rice Harvest Festival rolls into Katy on October 8 and 9 and has become known as a first class, affordable quality family event.  This will be the 31^st Anniversary of the Katy Rice Harvest Festival. (more…)

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The Morton Ranch High School Boys’ Cross Country team had a strong performance at the Seven Lakes Showcase on Friday, Sept. 9. The Freshman Boys’ were the team champions out of 10 teams led by James Jones, David Winski, and Chris Winski who finished fifth, sixth, and eighth, respectively, out of 70 runners.  The JV squad finished second overall out of 11 teams and were led by Randy Piwonka, Travis Cernitisch, and Ahmjad Khan who finished sixth, seventh, and fourteenth, respectively, out of 93 runners.  (more…)

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Adam Rojas, 13, of Katy has been named to the 3^rd Annual Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl. Rojas, a tail back for Woodcreek Junior High will join dozens of peers in his age group nationwide in an East meets West clash that is part of a week-long series of events leading up to the nationally televised, 6^th Annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. The event is an all-star football game of similar format showcasing 80 of the top high school seniors in the country.  (more…)

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The Foundation for Music Education has selected the Cinco Ranch High School Symphony Orchestra and McMeans Junior High Orchestra as National Winners in the Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors project. Cinco Ranch won in the Full Orchestra category, and McMeans won in both the Full Orchestra and String categories.  (more…)

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The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy is pleased to announce its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the August rank exam.  (more…)

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Firethorne will host two triathlons in one weekend this October with its first-ever Kiwanis Kids Triathlon Series Race No. 9 for children on Saturday, October 29 at 8 a.m., followed by the 19^th Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30 from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.  (more…)

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The National Merit Scholarship  Corporation today released the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 57^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. A total of 51 of these talented seniors are from Katy ISD.  As Semifinalists, these students now have a chance to compete for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $34 million, that will be offered in spring 2012.  (more…)

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Don and Laurie Abrahamson, parents of WoodCreek Elementary students Hannah and Donnie Abrahamson, handcrafted the new cabin and graciously donated it to the school. The cabin is currently being used daily in the library for the school’s morning announcements. (more…)

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Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 57^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, including 22 students at Cinco Ranch High School. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next spring. (more…)

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The Katy Fire & EMS Association 29^th annual fundraiser dinner and auction is just around the corner. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at the VFW Hall. Food will be served starting at 5 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and raffle drawing. Raffle prizes include a 55 inch Sony 3D, LED TV, $500 Visa gift card, $250 Cinco Ranch Spa gift certificate. (more…)

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Support the Girls, a local organization dedicated to promoting a healthier community – and especially breast cancer awareness, is hosting its first luncheon on October 14. The event will feature keynote speaker Michelle Stephenson of My Pink Vision, as well as inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors, and will offer ideas about other ways attendees can support breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the event will benefit the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Breast Cancer Awareness Fund. (more…)

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The Lambda Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recently presented two future women educators with their Grant-in-Aid award. Seven Lakes graduate Alison Anchors and Morton Ranch graduate Courtney Armstrong were the recipients of the awards. Anchors is currently attending the University of Houston where she is studying music education. Armstrong to attending Baylor where she is studying early childhood education.  (more…)

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Fort Bend County Emergency Services District no. 2 and Willowfork Fire Department are pleased to announce the acquisition of land for an additional fire station.  Station no. 2 will be constructed on Cinco Ranch Boulevard, near the intersection of Katy Gaston, on land made available by Newland Communities. (more…)

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Planning and paying for college or technical school can be overwhelming. This year, Katy families are paying as much as $22,000 to $43,000 annually to send their students to public and private colleges and universities in Texas.  To help keep families well-informed about options when it comes to paying for college, Katy ISD Community Education is hosting several free College Funding Workshops. (more…)

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On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Katy ISD sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) at their home campus. Taking the PSAT can encourage a student to start thinking seriously about college and career goals, and the education needed to reach those goals. Registration opens Sept. 6, and information will be distributed to students at their home campus. (more…)

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Students in fifth grade who are not currently identified for the elementary Challenge program have the opportunity to be screened for Gifted and Talented Program service to begin in the fall of sixth grade. Secondary gifted program options are available in English, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students may be screened in any or all of these content areas. (more…)

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Katy ISD is hosting an all-inclusive open house for community members and local businesses to learn about working with the district. The annual PIE Open House plus annual Local Vendor Initiative will join forces on one day, Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Merrell Center.  Patrons will have a chance to: learn about School-Business Partnerships; reconnect with partner campuses; learn about the district’s Open for Business initiative; and more.  Current and prospective business partners are invited to attend. (more…)

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Sunday marked the 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001.  As we reflect on a day of one of the worst tragedies in our nation’s history, we are called to remember the overwhelming support and coming together of communities across the entire country. Heroes all over the United States joined hands to support relief, rescue and recovery efforts for those affected by the events that unfolded that morning. (more…)

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Katy ISD students and teachers have access to an entirely new level of classroom learning this year through Katy ISD’s Public Wi-Fi, now available on every campus across the district.  With Wi-Fi, and at the teacher’s discretion, students may use their personal devices – such as mobile phones, laptops and iPads – to access Web 2.0 tools used for specific lessons in the classroom.  Parents can also feel secure knowing that Katy ISD’s Wi-Fi network is equipped with the same Internet restrictions as all district student computers and devices. (more…)

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The Seven Lakes High School Band’s inaugural March-a-thon was a rousing success!  On Saturday, Aug. 27, nearly 300 kids and 80 parent volunteers marched a seven-mile route through Grand Lakes, Cinco Ranch and Seven Meadows. (more…)

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A new LearningRx brain training center opening in Katy promises to help anyone get smarter. The training is proven to reduce or eliminate learning problems and owners David and Nicole Midkiff, SLP say they are thrilled to bring this life-changing help to the Cinco Ranch area. (more…)

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It is a new record for the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival! Named one of the Houston area’s top ten festivals, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, produced by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that all vendor booths are sold out for the 2011 event. The festival is held each year around the square in Historic Downtown Katy.  (more…)

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This morning, the concentration of smoke from wildfires to the north has significantly increased and is not expected to subside during the day. Therefore, Katy ISD is taking the following steps to maintain the health and well-being of students and staff: (more…)

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Kilpatrick Elementary celebrated the return of its students, teachers, staff and volunteers with several back to school events.  The students were welcomed back to the school for Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, Aug. 17 where students were not only able to meet their teachers and see their new classrooms, but they were able to purchase spirit wear for the upcoming school year.  This year’s theme in the outback is “OKE On Top of the World…Let the Adventure Begin.”  (more…)

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A fleet of food trucks will join more than 30 restaurants to serve up the second annual Westside Chef’s Throwdown on Saturday Sept. 24 from 1-4 p.m. at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s Community Education offers evening and online classes to adults for fun, enrichment and learning. Classes offered include foreign languages, finance, computer, sewing, dance, music and more. (more…)

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Katy resident Radina Khalid recently completed an internship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston where she classified technical reports, researched ways to improve communication through social media and researched project management. Khalid, a student at James E. Taylor High School, landed a NASA internship through the Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE) program. (more…)

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The Katy Fire Department is collecting the following items for those in Bastrop affected by the wildfires: clothes, toiletries, bedding, pillows, cots, sleeping bags, teddy bears or small toys for children, and dog and cat food. (more…)

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Living Word Lutheran Church recently announced Lisa Jastram of Sugar Land, Texas has joined the staff as a contemporary worship leader. Jastram has performed in many Katy-area churches, libraries and schools with Oasis for Children, her educational entertainment venture. She comes to Living Word at an exciting time in the life of the church as they complete their Envision Project begun less than a year ago.  The church has been installing new lighting, screens, projectors and systems upgrades to maximize possibilities for meaningful and exciting worship. (more…)

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Houston Solari Hospice Care is seeking special individuals to help brighten the lives of terminally ill patients and their loved ones in the Greater Houston community through unique volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can serve in a variety of capacities, including providing smiling companionship to patients, sharing their favorite hobbies (such as reading and playing music), running necessary errands, and offering respite to family caregivers. (more…)

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On Labor Day weekend, hundreds of volunteers will mobilize to collect items at Houston-area grocery stores in support of local food banks, homeless shelters and returning military families for Second Baptist Church’s third annual “Second Helping” food drive. Second Baptist’s west campus is located in Katy. (more…)

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Stan C. Stanley Elementary welcomed back students for the 2011-2012 school year with this year’s theme “Where Growing is a Grand Adventure.”  In its third year of education, Stanley  Elementary is one of the largest elementary schools in Katy ISD.  The Texas Education Agency assigned an Exemplary accountability rating to the school in its first year of qualification.   (more…)

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The Katy ISD Board of Trustees last night approved the proposed budget that includes total revenues of $563 million, and total expenditures of $556 million for the 2011-2012 academic year.  The budget was built on the same tax rate from the previous year at $1.1266 per $100 valuation for the Maintenance & Operations tax rate, and $0.40 per $100 valuation for the Debt Service tax rate. (more…)

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The Lone Star Symphonic Band is celebrating its 19^th season of performing concerts for Houston-area residents with a series of concerts scheduled from October 2011 through July 2012. Season tickets for all five concerts for $25 each are available through the band’s website, lonestarsymphonicband.com. Individual concert tickets are also available for $5.50 each on the website. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the concert for $10 each.  (more…)

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The RoboRangers, a Katy-based robotics team, attended a seminar arranged by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services – Bureau of Consumer Health (HDHHS-BCHS) and Hermann Memorial TMC, providing the team with an invaluable hands-on experience about the importance of food safety. (more…)

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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of August, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Affiliated Bank Mortgage, 2004 S. Mason Rd., Ste. D2; Rita’s Water Ice of Katy, 6825 S. Fry Rd.; and The Art Gallery at Brookwood, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire. (more…)

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The ground has officially been turned for the replacement campus of one of Katy ISD’s oldest elementary campuses, Wolfe Elementary.  The campus, originally built in 1969, was approved for an entirely new building in the 2010 Katy ISD Bond Election. The new campus will serve approximately 500 students in grades K-5, and is expected to be completed in July 2012. (more…)

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The 200-member Katy High School Tigers Marching Band and Trash Can Band kicked off their first-ever Roar Tour at Firethorne last Saturday morning, delighting homeowners with such musical requests as “Awesome Song” and “North Shore.” The band played in exchange for donations made to the marching band to purchase band instruments for the Katy High students. (more…)

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The Katy ISD Board of Trustees last night approved the Superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Sanée Bell, current instructional principal at WoodCreek Junior High, as the new principal of Cimarron Elementary. This comes after Cimarron Elementary Principal Mindy Dickerson accepted the principal position at Beckendorff Junior High. (more…)

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The Katy ISD KEYS (Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success) mentoring program was piloted in 1995-1996 as a way to help students on the brink of success build achievement through a sense of belonging, self-confidence and ultimately academic growth.  KEYS is not a tutoring session, it is an hour outside of the classroom that focuses solely on the belief that a particular student can and will be successful.  (more…)

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EThe Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Katy ISD, will celebrate the founding of their sorority in October. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization for women educators. To be eligible for membership, women must be employed full-time in teaching with at least two years classroom experience, have a degree in education or a teacher certification and receive recommendation from a member. (more…)

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Griffin families raised over $56,000 and contributed an amazing 28,320 volunteer hours last year. The extra cash meant the PTA has been able to purchase a fantastic range of equipment and teacher training ready for the new school year. (more…)

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Katy/West Houston Aggie Moms recently gathered for the annual Texas A&M Howdy Social at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy. The group welcomed incoming freshman students, honored graduating seniors and presented scholarships to deserving students.  (more…)

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Katy ISD has entered into Readiness Level 3 in response to continuing weather forecasts for extreme heat. As such, the District will be taking the following steps to alter school operations to ensure student and staff safety: (more…)

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The Cinco Ranch High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders recently attended the UCA cheer camp at Moody Gardens. The varsity squad received first place camp champions in both extreme dance routine and camp cheer. The junior varsity squad received superior recognition for both their extreme dance routine and camp cheer at their final evaluations, as well as a “most improved” award for their overall performance at camp. The mascots received the Traditions award and the camp champion award. (more…)

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Twenty-four local churches participated in the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston’s annual Baby Bottle Blessings, raising more than $35,000. The event ran from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, during which Katy residents picked up baby bottles at their home church and filled them with change, bills and checks. (more…)

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When Katy resident Dean Brooks began experiencing chest discomfort on Aug. 7, he wasn’t thinking about what type of catheterization he might undergo. Like most patients, he only wanted to know he would get the best care possible. It was fortunate for him that CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy is now offering radial catheterization, a state-of-the-art procedure for diagnosing and treating arterial conditions that is typically available only in major medical centers. The catheterization, performed by cardiologist José G. Díez, MD was the first of its kind performed in the Katy area. (more…)

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Seven Lakes High School’s varsity volleyball team recently placed second at the Remedy Roofing Volleyball Classic. Teams played over two days at Katy ISD high schools. Seven Lakes won their final game against Tomball High School. (more…)

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The 2011 Seven Lakes High School Spartan Band & Guard will hold its inaugural Spartan March-a-thon Parade on Saturday, Aug. 27 with the goal of entertaining local supporters and raising funds for its 2011-2012 season. The parade is set to begin at 9 a.m. at Central Park in Phase III of Grand Lakes (intersection of Rainwood Park Lane and Emily Park Lane). (more…)

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The Greater Katy Alumnae Panhellenic Association (GKAPA) announced the recipients of its 2011 College Scholarships. GKAPA Awards Scholarships to young women from the Greater Katy Area who have attended either public or private schools, and have excelled in academic studies at their respective universities, made great contributions to their communities both here in the greater Katy area as well as for their college communities and have been actively involved in their National Panhellenic Sorority Group. (more…)

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Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) has been tentatively awarded managed care renewed contracts by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The contracts are for the STAR Medicaid and CHIP programs. As part of the contract, Texas Children’s Health Plan will also provide CHIP perinate benefits, which include prenatal care for the unborn children of low-income women who do not qualify for Medicaid. (more…)

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Katy ISD announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children eligible under the federal income guidelines for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. A copy of the policy may be viewed at squaremeals.com. (more…)

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After one of its most successful years ever, Houston’s legendary Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is not resting on its laurels, but is looking to the future with a new management team.  Phil De Vita will join the Pin Oak organization as show manager for 2012, and Pin Oak’s Executive Board voted to promote Roxanne Cook to executive director. (more…)

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Communal living is one of the highlights of the college experience, but it can also be an environment that enables the spread of dangerous illnesses, such as Bacterial Meningitis. Most college-bound students have likely already received many school-required vaccinations, but may not have been immunized with the Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis. Currently, only students living on campus are required to have the Meningococcal vaccine; however, starting January 1, 2012, all college students under the age of 30 will be required to receive the vaccine. (more…)

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Beginning this fall, KUBE-TV Channel 57 will offer Katy ISD high school football fans the chance to watch the game in the comfort of their own home. Seven Lakes, Cinco Ranch, Morton Ranch and Katy high school games will all air on the Houston broadcast channel. (more…)

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Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) kicked off their three-month adoption campaign with a record setting 143 pet adoptions on Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7. The adoption fees were sponsored by West Houston Subaru.  (more…)

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Katy ISD parents can receive free immunizations for their child through an upcoming Care Van Free Immunization opportunity. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center, 20370 Franz Rd. (more…)

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Katy Mayor Don Elder recently signed two proclamations presented by the Star of Destiny Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. (more…)

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The Goddard School, located in Katy, believes in the power of play for learning, as well as the importance of providing a healthy, active lifestyle for all children. In an effort to spread the word to families in their community, the educational preschool will sponsor The Goddard School Block Party event from Monday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept.24. (more…)

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Katy ISD parents will have a chance to earn extra meals for their children during the second annual Meal Pay Bonus Weekend. MealpayPlus will be open for deposits starting Saturday, Aug. 13. During the entire weekend, Aug. 13-14, parents who place funds into their child’s meal or general account will received “Bonus Back” funds that could be worth up to one week of free meals depending on the amount deposited.  The district has also added a Second Chance Bonus Weekend on Aug. 27-28, allowing one more opportunity for parents to receive Bonus Back funds. (more…)

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While shoppers around the state are looking forward to saving money during Texas’s Tax-Free Holiday, Friday, August 19 through Sunday, August 21, what they may not know is that they will save even more at Katy Mills. Plus, families will have even more time to shop and save, as Katy Mills will extend its mall hours to accommodate eager back-to-school shoppers, on Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Regular mall hours will remain on Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (more…)

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Sara Moore, a 2011 graduate from Seven Lakes High School, has been selected to receive a 2010 National Spanish Exam Senior Scholarship.  As a first place winner, she will receive $2,000 for college.  Moore was chosen by a panel of Seven Lakes staff members to represent the campus and compete against students from all over the country. (more…)

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As part of the reductions aimed at making up the $27 million shortfall in state funding in the 2011-12 budget, the district began the process earlier today of notifying approximately 70 non-campus based employees that their positions will be cut. (more…)

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Starting Aug. 15, parents may view their elementary student’s homeroom teacher assignments through Katy ISD’s online Parent Information Center (PIC).  Saving on printing and postage costs, elementary campuses will no longer mail postcards to parents.  Homeroom teacher information will also be available at elementary campus Meet the Teacher events on Aug. 17, as scheduled by each campus.  Parents with email addresses on file will receive the following information on Aug. 8 with specific instructions on accessing a Katy ISD PIC account: (more…)

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Girl Scout Ambassador Erica Tello organized a field day for mentally and physically disabled children to earn the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve. Less than five percent of girls who join Girl Scouts earn this recognition. (more…)

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Final ratings released today by the Texas Education Agency show that outstanding student achievement produced a Recognized accountability rating for Katy ISD for the fourth straight year, even as the state eliminated the Texas Projection Measure (TPM), a controversial formula introduced in 2009-10. The district also achieved its Recognized rating for 2009-10 without the use of TPM and has maintained its Recognized rating for the past four years while the state standards for achievement have continued to increase. (more…)

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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of July, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Preston’s, 26400 FM 1093, #490, Richmond; The Pizza Shoppe, LLC, 5815C Franz Rd.; Edward Jones Investments – David Tucker, 21707 Kingsland Blvd., #102; All Stars Family Grill, 26440 FM 1093, #400, Richmond; and AlphaGraphics of Katy, 20302 Park Row, #800. (more…)

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Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is the only hospital in Katy to be awarded a three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound by the American College of Radiology (ACR).  The hospital was awarded its first ACR ultrasound accreditation in 2008. (more…)

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James E. Taylor High School’s Albert Riley has committed to swim for Texas A&M University. Riley graduated from Taylor High School in May. He was coached by Rick Barker at Taylor and Clayton Cagle at Cypress-Fairbanks Swim Team in Cypress. (more…)

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Katy High School’s junior varsity and varsity cheerleading squads have had a busy and productive summer as they gear up for the 2011-2012 school year. The junior varsity squad recently held their annual Red & White game and the varsity squad won three trophies at the Woodland’s Elite Cheer Camp. (more…)

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During their regular July Board Meeting, the Katy ISD Board of Trustees approved Mindy Dickerson, current principal of Cimarron Elementary, as the new principal of Beckendorff Junior High. This appointment comes after Beckendorff Principal Ted Vierling was appointed to serve as the new principal of Seven Lakes High School. (more…)

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As students return to classes on August 22, teachers across the district will be well prepared to start instruction utilizing a variety of instructional materials, even though some textbooks will not be delivered to the district until sometime in September. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s Maintenance & Operations Department celebrated the hard work and achievements of its nearly 600 team members this summer. In the annual awards ceremony, all were honored and more than 85 individuals and 12 campuses received awards. (more…)

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The National Merit Scholarship Foundation recently released the final names of College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners, which included five students from Katy ISD. This brings the total number of scholarships received from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by Katy ISD students to 18 for the 2010-11 academic year. (more…)

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Russell Morrison, an incoming eighth grade student at Beck Junior High, was selected to compete with 28 other eighth graders from around the county in the National Football Academy’s Quarterback Competition at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. (more…)

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Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recently awarded $750 scholarships to athletic trainers from several local high schools. (more…)

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Seven Katy area families are hosting a total of nine Colombian orphans for three weeks from July 16 to August 8, in hopes of finding “forever families” for them through Orphan Hope International’s Texas Vacation Program. Eight other children are also participating in the program and are hosted by families in Spring, Tomball and Cat Spring. (more…)

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Katy ISD officials announced Friday, July 15 that they would bring to the Board of Trustees at the July 18 work study meeting a proposal to add back to the 2011-12 budget 214 out of 267 teaching positions that were reduced as part of the campus staffing plan approved by the Board of Trustees in April. (more…)

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The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students reaching new milestones and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the June rank exam. (more…)

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Kilpatrick Elementary recently celebrated its own 2011 USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Champions who are headed to the Junior Olympics in Wichita, KS. (more…)

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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital announced cardiologist José G. Díez, MD, FACC, FSCAI has joined the hospital as medical director of cardiovascular programs. Dr. Díez will be the only physician offering a full radial artery diagnostic and interventional program in the Katy area. (more…)

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Katy Girl Scout Kayla Walter is holding a drive to build a media library for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital as part of her Gold Award project. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive, and less than five percent of Girl Scouts receive this recognition. (more…)

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While the start of the 2011-2012 school year is still more than a month away, now it a great time for parents to begin thinking about back-to-school preparations. Midsummer is a great time for parents to make appointments for their student(s) to get their necessary vaccinations and physical to avoid long waits as the school year approaches. (more…)

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M/I Homes is the newest homebuilder to join the builder team at Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-designed residential community located in Katy/Fulshear.  The builder’s 60-foot lot model home will be constructed in the new Firethorne West Model Park. Firethorne is situated 10 and 15 miles west of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor, respectively. (more…)

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Christian Cowart, an incoming senior at Katy High School, was selected to attend the University of Houston’s Step Forward Engineering Program this summer and won first place in roller coaster design. (more…)

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The Goddard School located in Katy believes in the power of play for learning, as well as the importance of providing a healthy, active lifestyle for all children. In an effort to spread the word to families in their community, the educational preschool will sponsor The Goddard School Block Party event from Monday, September 19 through Saturday, September 24.  (more…)

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The National Merit Scholarship Foundation today released the names of College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners.  Five Katy ISD students were named among the winners, bringing the total to 18 Katy ISD students winning scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation this year. (more…)

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Brooks Sports, Inc. recently named Taylor High School Cross Country Coach Amy Pitzel as the nation’s most inspiring coach for 2011. Pitzel was chosen from a nationwide pool of entries representing 46 states. As part of winning the award, Pitzel will receive $5,000 in Brooks gear for the Taylor High School program, $500 in cash for team expenses and a trip for two to the Brooks PR Invitational in 2012. (more…)

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American Heart Association of Northwest Harris County is gearing up for another season of preparation and excitement as they plan for the 2012 Go Red for Women Luncheon, scheduled for February 2012. This empowering event focuses on heart disease and stroke prevention among women by promoting healthy lifestyles and raising funds to support the fight against the No.1 killer of women – heart disease. (more…)

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Seven Lakes High School orchestra director Desiree Overree is one of only 50 people in the country, and one of only two from Texas, to be named a Distinguished Music Educator by the Yale School of Music.  This award recognizes music educators throughout the U.S. for their outstanding accomplishments in teaching music in public schools.  As part of the recognition, Overree received an all-expense paid trip to New Haven, Connecticut, to participate in the Symposium on Music in Schools held at Yale School of Music. (more…)

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While summer might be the most popular season to go camping for many scouts, Girl Scout troops from the Prairie Rose Service Unit have been keeping busy working on badge and award requirements.  (more…)

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AVANCE, a national organization that runs educational programs in 17 locations in Houston and Pasadena visited the city of Katy on Wednesday, June 29 at The Club at Falcon Point and presented its signature Parent & Child program model within leaders in the community, as the agency seeks opportunities to offer this program to Katy residents. (more…)

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Katy Girl Scout Troop #17276 recently participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: In It To End It. The troop was captain of a cheering station in support of Team Franci, named for one of the troop member’s mom who is currently battling breast cancer. (more…)

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Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of June, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Well Pollished, 1428 FM 1463; Pinot’s Palette, 2910 Commercial Center Blvd.; iRealty Group of Texas LLC, 1773 Westborough Dr. #223; Buffalo Wild Wings, 19910 Park Row; and Tropical Diner, 3111 N. Fry Rd. (more…)

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Bridge to Life, Ltd. and LifeGift will present the family of Chad Jones, a young man who gave life to others through the gift of organ and tissue donation, with a framed floragraph that was part of the 2011 Donate Life Rose Parade Float. (more…)

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Temperatures are rising and that only means one thing in Katy: summer is here! Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates (TCPA) encourages parents to be prepared for a variety of summer outings, whether it’s going on vacation or making a trip to the park. Dr. Danny Danziger, a pediatrician with TCPA – Piney Point, recommends putting together a summer safety kit and keeping it in a convenient place so it’s easy to grab when heading out the door. (more…)

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Though fireworks sales have been banned and Fourth of July celebrations in many communities cancelled,  it’s still important to prepare your pet for the snap, sparkle and pop, just in case. (more…)

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