Golbow Elementary School was recently awarded $5,000 by Safe Kids Worldwide, with Sesame Street’s Grover, members of Safe Kids Greater Houston, and volunteers from FedEx Express attending the ceremony. In October 2011, Safe Kids hosted a photo contest on Facebook for schools that participated in Walk to School Day, an annual day dedicated to raising awareness about pedestrian safety. Schools that held Walk to School Day events were eligible to win a $5,000 prize and a visit from Grover as part of the Safe Kids Walk This Way program. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Members of the Civil Air Patrol recently staged a search-and-rescue exercise training program at West Houston Airport. The training session was hosted by the Thunderbird Composite Squadron, which has cutting edge communications equipment ready to put into use in the event of a local disaster. Approximately 50 members attended the event, sharpening their skills and flying a total of six aircraft. All of the activities practiced were based on FEMA directives and procedures. Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, which regularly participates in search-and-rescue missions nationwide. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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The author and illustrator of Fancy Nancy, one of the most popular children’s picture book series, recently visited Stan C. Stanley Elementary School. Students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade met author Jane O’Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. The Fancy Nancy book series is based on a little girl named Nancy, who believes that more is always better when it comes to being fancy. The talented duo of O’Connor and Glasser have written and illustrated numerous best-selling books. This author visit was made possible by Blue Willow Bookshops. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Cinco Ranch High School graduate Kate Murphy recently competed on the Texas Tech School of Law’s mock trial advocacy team in the American Bar Association’s National Arbitration Competition in Chicago. Murphy’s team took top honors, winning the competition. The team is coached by Shery Kime-Goodwin and includes team members Murphy, Wade Iverson, Jared Mullowney, and Meredith Mills. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Beckendorff Junior High School recently announced it will host the Katy Regional Science Olympiad Tournament on March 3, welcoming over 1,000 junior high and high school students from all over Texas.

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Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus recently announced the expansion of outpatient services to include a new Sports Medicine Program dedicated to treating children for all types of sports-related injuries.

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Faith West Academy Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders National Championships in Orlando, FL. Competing with teams from across the country, they earned fourth place in their division in the finals. In addition to competing and cheering at team events and pep rallies, cheerleaders also volunteer many hours serving the Katy community. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Many families in Bastrop, Waller, Montgomery, and Grimes counties are still struggling after losing their homes to last year’s devastating wildfires. While it will take months and even years to fully recover, the students and staff at Katy Elementary have stepped up to help.
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McMeans Jr. High students involved in the No Place for Hate program recently participated in National No Name Calling Week by making posters for the hallways. The group also designed their T-shirts. All students were given pledge cards for the week and earned rewards for upholding the pledge all week long. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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American Legion Post 164 of Katy recently presented Katy Elks Lodge #2628 with a new POW/MIA flag to fly from their flag pole. The Elks Lodge, which generously donates meeting space to the American Legion for their monthly meetings, has formed an alliance of sorts with Post 164. They participate together in patriotic events in the community, such as the Katy Elks Flag Day Ceremony and Veterans Day ceremonies at the Oaks of Brookshire Nursing Home. “It’s just a small token of appreciation toward the Katy Elks Lodge 2628 that we donate this flag,” says financial officer Wallace Klekar. Commander Cormier of Post 164 presented the flag to Ron Gaul, Exalted Ruler of Katy Elks Lodge 2628. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Faith West Academy softball pitcher Valerie Shearer recently signed a national letter of intent to play for Johnson County Community College’s women’s softball team. Shearer was was named to the All-District team from 2007 to 2011 and the Academic All-State team, received an honorable mention at the All-State for 3-A TAPPS competition, and was named team captain in 2011. In the summer months she plays for Envy Gold, a select team in Waller. After six years of pitching, she has developed a screwball that will hit 57 miles per hour and a change-up at 38 miles per hour that keeps a low ERA.

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Six Cinco Ranch High School choir students, along with two alternates, recently advanced through the rigorous selection process to receive placement in the prestigious All-State Choir, earning the opportunity to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention in San Antonio in February. Directors Dorothy Wilson and David Lee are proud of these hard-working, talented students, as well as all of the other students who advanced through various stages of the process. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related disease and death among women worldwide. However, the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths has decreased significantly. This decline largely is the result of many women getting regular Pap tests, which can detect cervical precancerous cells before they turn into cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s most recent statistics, about 12,710 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed and about 4,290 women will die from cervical cancer. (more…)

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Katyite Robert McArthur signed his letter of intent with MAC College Cardinals on Sunday, Jan. 15. McArthur currently plays select ball for the Texas Twins, a team based out of Katy High School and Foster High School in Richmond.  (more…)

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Painting with a Twist studios located in Cypress, Katy and Sugar Land, Texas will welcome guests on Sunday, February 19th 2-5PM at a special Painting with a Purpose paint class to raise funds for breast cancer research. The studio will offer refreshments and a give-away during the paint pARTy.  The fundraiser will benefit Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. (more…)

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Junior high youth and volunteers held a packing session at Living Word Lutheran Church to assemble 100 Newborn Kits. The kits consist of items used by a midwife to bathe and clothe a baby born under primitive conditions. They were shipped to the Global Health Ministries warehouse and will be delivered to The Emmanuel Clinic in a sister synod in the Central African Republic. (more…)

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Members of the junior high youth group at Living Word Lutheran Church are learning to tie knots in baby quilts. The quilts were assembled by the Piecemakers quilting group, and the teens have been recruited to tie the knots to complete the quilts. Baby care kits will then be filled with quilts, baby clothes, and diapers, and sent to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse. (more…)

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David Bjerkaas recently achieved his Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Boy Scouting.  Bjerkaas is a member of Boy Scout Troop 584 in Katy, which is sponsored by the Fellowship of Cinco Ranch. (more…)

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JG Entertainment is excited to announce the CD release party and red carpet event for Katy native Macy Medford’s debut album, Crazy ‘Bout You, on Saturday, Jan. 28. (more…)

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Star of Destiny Chapter, NSDAR, recently named Kelley Kerlick, a seventh grade Texas history and eighth grade U.S. history teacher at Cinco Ranch Junior High, Outstanding Teacher of American History. Seven Lakes High School senior Phillip Powell received the Certificate of Appreciation for his American flag service. (more…)

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Members of the McMeans Junior High School choir recently performed at a Houston Rockets basketball game. Students treated Rockets fans to a beautiful version of “The National Anthem” to kick off the game. (more…)

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Katy ISD will hold a hearing for public discussion of the 2010-11 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) annual report released by the Texas Education Agency.  The joint public hearing for the Board of Trustees and Katy Improvement Council will take place at approximately 6:45 p.m., Monday, January 23, in the board room at the Katy ISD Education Support Complex located at 6301 S. Stadium Lane.  Annual AEIS reports provide information on student/school performance, as well as information about staff, district finances and programs for the 2010-2011. (more…)

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Katy ISD joins districts across the state to thank its Board of Trustees for voluntarily tackling the enormous job of governing local school districts. January has been proclaimed School Board Recognition Month by the Governor, to help highlight the contributions of dedicated men and women who take the time to care about our local schools. (more…)

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Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union (BVSCU) has committed to supporting Katy ISD students by becoming a 2012 KEYS Scholarship Platinum Sponsor.  As a KEYS sponsor, BVSCU is helping to create scholarships for students who have participated in KEYS through their senior year.  One-hundred percent of their contribution will go directly to KEYS Scholarships. (more…)

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Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey announced principal reassignments during the December Board of Trustees work study meeting. These reassignments come in preparation for four new campuses that will open in fall 2012. (more…)

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Students who have not received a high school diploma because they did not meet the passing standard on sections of the Exit Level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) will have the opportunity to retake the necessary subject area tests in March 2012. The TAAS test is no longer being offered; however, individuals eligible to take TAAS will take Exit Level ELA and/or Mathematics, and the TAKS scores will be matched to the appropriate TAAS passing standard. (more…)

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The Texas Comptroller’s Office recently awarded the GOLD Leadership Circle Award to Katy ISD for the second consecutive year, recognizing the district’s transparency in financial reporting.  Katy ISD scored a total of 18 out of 20 possible points on the 2011 ratings criteria. This award is valid for one year and will be added to the district’s listing on the Texas Transparency website. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s Diane Winborn Elementary is among 13 public schools in Texas to receive the “High Performing Schools” nomination for the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition.  A total of 26 Texas public school nominees were announced by Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott this week.  These schools serve as models of best practices for schools across the state. (more…)

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Nine students from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas, including Adam Su of Katy, have been named semifinalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search. (more…)

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The Lone Star Symphonic Band, based in the West Houston/Katy area, is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction as a fundraiser to acquire several large scale percussion instruments.   This special event is open to the public, with tickets available on the Band’s website, lonestarsymphonicband.com, for $25 each.  The dinner will be held at Westland Baptist Church, 1407 W. Grand Pkwy., on Saturday, Feb.4at 7 p.m. (more…)

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Nick Christoffersen has earned his Eagle Scout Award, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting.  Nick is a scout in Katy’s Boy Scout Troop 557 of the Texas Skies District.  He has been involved in scouting for 11 years.  He began as a Tiger Cub in the 1st grade.  Nick has attended National Youth Leadership training in 2007 and again in 2010 as a staff member.  He has taken on many leadership roles over the years including Den Chief of pack 557 and assistant patrol leader of Troop 557.  He has sealed his membership in the Order of the Arrow with his brotherhood. (more…)

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Students at Memorial Parkway Elementary School recently enjoyed a visit from Author/Illustrator Woody Kuon who has published more than 80 books. Students enjoyed watching Kuon use his artistic talent to turn their teachers into book characters. (more…)

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Students in the Seven Lakes High School fashion design classes put their skills to good use recently. Students were assigned to create lap quilts for a class project and donated eight completed quilts to Texas Children’s Hospital’s West Campus in Katy. Teacher Kathy Bassila plans to continue the project with future classes. (more…)

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Outbacker of the Month is the most prestigious award earned at Kilpatrick Elementary. Kilpatrick Outbackers exhibit “Koalaty” character continuously. Outbackers are those that always lend a helping hand, always have a smile on their face, serve as role models, and go above and beyond to make OKE the exemplary school that it is. One student, staff member, volunteer, and Partner in Education is chosen every month to be “Outbacker of the Month.” (more…)

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Energy Corridor Vacancy Rate at 13% in 3rd Quarter, New Office Buildings Being Planned
With BP North America leasing 300,000+ sq. ft. at Three Eldridge Place in the Energy Corridor, some developers are developing plans to construct new Class A office buildings in the Energy Corridor including Lincoln Property Company. Lincoln owns Energy Crossing, which is located at Highway 6 and I-10. Their plans are to construct a 240,000 sq. ft. Class A office building next to the existing 190,000 sq. ft. building. Lincoln intends to break ground when they secure a major tenant. (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. (more…)

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Cotton Companies co-owners Pete Bell and Daryn Ebrecht recently presented their consolidation and expansion plans at the October EDC General Assembly Meeting. Both owners are Katy natives and detailed their plan to move all their operations from Houston to the 33-acre Katy headquarters and charitable foundation campus located at the Katy Hockley cut-off road. (more…)

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TISA, an Argentine software engineering company, has signed a lease to move into office space at 16360 Park Ten Pl., which is located in the Energy Corridor and Katy area according to the Katy Economic Development Council. TISA provides expertise for construction of applications and products from its locations in Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as the Houston area. TISA’s project expertise includes main programming languages, development frameworks, mobile platforms, databases, analysis methodologies, and other technologies and tools. (more…)

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Commissioner Steve Radack’s new senior center, The Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center at 16600 Pine Forest Ln. near Hwy. 6 and Clay Rd., is seeking volunteers to teach basic computer skills to local seniors. Seniors age 55 and better are able to take free computer classes, Internet safety and email classes, and enjoy free lectures such as “Wills and Probate”, “Brain Growth and Repair”, and much more. (more…)

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The Cinco Ranch High School Robotics Team 624 “CRyptonite” is pleased to report the successful completion of their inaugural FIRST LEGO League (FLL^®) robotics tournament.  Twenty-four teams from all over the Houston metro area competed in the tournament.  FLL teams of six to 10 students from fourth to eighth grade work alongside adult mentors to design, build, and program autonomous robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS^® NXT technologies, and create an innovative solution to a problem as part of a research project.  This year’s competition is the FOOD FACTOR^™ Challenge. Can FIRST LEGO League teams improve the quality of food by finding ways to prevent food contamination?  (more…)

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The combined choirs of Epiphany Catholic Church and the Katy Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Epiphany Catholic Church. This marked the 18^th annual Christmas combined concert. (more…)

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Answering the demand for additional corporate hangar space, Houston Executive Airport (KTME), located west of Katy in Brookshire, announced the opening of another 12,000 square-foot hangar. This will bring the airport’s hangar lease space to over 102,000 square feet. (more…)

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Students at the Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music recently performed holiday recitals for their friends and family. Students at Cinco Ranch Conservatory of Music take private lessons to learn a wide variety of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, percussion, and more. (more…)

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Houston based developer Vista Equities Group (VEG) welcomes Peloton Computer Enterprises, Inc. to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Katy. The global drilling and well data software company has leased 10,800 square feet of office space for its new Houston headquarters. (more…)

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The Stephens Elementary fifth grade student council recently completed a warm clothing drive. The 12-member Council organized the drive, distributed flyers throughout the school, and collected the items over a period of two weeks. Almost 400 items of warm winter clothing were collected and distributed through the Salvation Army, including blankets, coats,  gloves, and hats. (more…)

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Construction is continuing on a new portion of the Grand Parkway that stretches from Interstate 10 north to U.S. 290. The 15.2-mile segment, which is expected to open in late 2013, will be a major thoroughfare through the 11,400-acre Bridgeland community. Work crews began construction on the four-lane toll road in September. (more…)

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Kilpatrick Elementary recently celebrated spelling bee winners following its annual school-wide spelling bee, open to fourth and fifth grade students. Nineteen students qualified for the bee, and Sid Puranik was crowned the champion after spelling the word “battalion”. Kalyanee Nanaware was named first runner up.  Puranik will participate in the district-wide spelling bee in February.   We are proud of all of the students that participated. (more…)

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WoodCreek Junior High seventh grade cheerleaders held a week-long DVD drive benefitting Texas Children’s Hospital in Katy.  They collected 380 DVDs from staff, students, and the community to donate to the hospital for use in their media and chemo rooms. (more…)

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Ten Cinco Ranch High School students, and two alternates, recently advanced through the rigorous selection process and were selected as Area Candidates for the TMEA All-State Choir. They will compete in the Area F Area Audition on Jan. 7, 2012 at Deer Park High School. (more…)

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Members of Studio VII at Seven Lakes High School recently competed at the Texas Thespian Convention, held in Houston.  Keeping with their award winning tradition, Studio VII students proudly produced several outstanding performances. (more…)

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Members of the Mayde Creek High School National Honor Society recently held a book drive to collect fiction and non-fiction books for the Jamali English School in Nagpur, India. The books were collected during lunch at the school. (more…)

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Scott Bissell has been named as Compassion Katy’s 2011 Volunteer of the year. Bissell has been active with Compassion Katy for more than five years, leading many projects, and is a huge asset to the organization’s annual Katy ServeFest. (more…)

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Students at Taylor High School participated in a city-wide pajama day on Dec. 9 to raise money for Easter Seals, an organization dedicated to assisting children and adults with autism and other disabilities and special needs. Students could either donate a pair of pajamas or pay $5 to wear their own, with all donations going to Easter Seals Greater Houston. Students raised approximately $1,500. (more…)

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The James E. Taylor swimming and diving team recently participated in the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Gulf Zone Championships at the Conroe ISD Natatorium. The men’s team took fifth place and the women’s team took ninth place out of 37 teams. (more…)

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Students at Hayes Elementary School have been keeping busy this holiday season by focusing on giving back to others in the Katy community. (more…)

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The Katy ISD Board of Trustees recently recognized several Katy ISD staff members and students for a variety of achievements at their November meeting. (more…)

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Katy ISD’s 2011 Teachers of the Year were recently honored by the Katy Heritage Society. Each teacher’s name was etched into commemorative bricks, now on display in the patio of Katy Heritage Park. (more…)

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The KEYS mentor program brings adult role models into the lives of children on the brink of success. To date, the majority of Katy ISD’s KEYS mentors are women, yet there are so many male students in need of support. (more…)

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Bonnie Holland Elementary art teachers Judy Rounds and Debra Sweeney were recently published in the December edition of Arts and Activities Magazine. Their article, titled “Winter Birch Trees” after their lesson of the same name, explains how the teachers created an art activity inspired by the natural beauty of Birch trees. (more…)

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Alex Patrick Ludowig, son of Richard and Brenda Ludowig of Katy, was recently offered an appointment to the U.S. Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Congressman Ron Paul nominated Ludowig to the academy late last month. (more…)

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CEO of Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Beryl Ramsey, returns to Chair the Go Red For Women Luncheon in partnership with CEO of Methodist West Houston Hospital, Wayne Voss. Together, Ramsey and Voss will serve as Co-Chairs and lead efforts to raise awareness that heart disease remains the number one killer of women, but is often preventable with healthy lifestyle choices. (more…)

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The Taylor High School varsity boys golf team recently won second place in Division II at the Dick Harmon Memorial Golf Tournament held at Redstone. Team members are: Taylor MacKay, Thomas Reilly, Ben Stephens, Ryan Miller, and Austin Partin. (more…)

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Students at Pattison Elementary Student Council recently collected money to buy gift items for the Katy ISD Police Santa Cops Program.  The school collected enough money to sponsor 10 children.  On Dec. 3, students met at Target and purchased one outfit for each child (pants, shirt, shoes, jacket) and spent the rest of their funds on fun items for the kids.  All gifts were wrapped and delivered to the Katy ISD police station for pick up by parents. (more…)

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Community members from Katy and the surrounding area recently stopped what they were doing to read students in more than 356 classes as part of Katy ISD’s 14^th annual Promise to Read program.  Through Promise to Read, volunteers promise to spend 30 minutes reading to an elementary classroom during one week in November. (more…)

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The mercury is dropping, and the National Weather Service has predicted that there will be widespread freezing temperatures by Thursday morning.  This winter chill is expected to bring in cold overnight temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the lower 30s. It’s important to remember that a pet’s age, breed or illness may affect how he or she tolerates the cold winter months. The Houston SPCA advises that it is best that all pets live indoors due to these unpredictable weather conditions. (more…)

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Global Arm, Inc. and Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success (T.E.E.S.) hosted the inaugural Katy Tween Teen Talent Showcase Competition on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Zo-ca-lo Lounge. Contestants from Katy ISD and Fort Bend ISD entered the competition. Along with their parents, they networked with many recording industry professionals and received valuable advice on career paths, personality, stage presence and business matters. (more…)

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It’s that time of the year again for friends and family gatherings, overcrowding in the kitchen, growing wish lists and adventurous parking at the grocery store and mall. The holidays are meant to be a joyful time when families come together to reflect on all the great things that everyone should be thankful for. However, at times, the holidays can bring out unwanted stress resulting in anxiety, frustration and mood change. (more…)

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Bridgeland is one of five developments across the nation named Community of the Year in The Nationals 2012 Silver Awards. The community, which most recently won the Developer of the Year Grand Award in the Texas Association of Builders’ Texas Star Awards, also won four other Silver Awards: Print Campaign, Special Promotion, Signage and Graphic Continuity. It was the third time Bridgeland has won a Silver Award for Community of the Year. (more…)

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Students at Williams Elementary School have been keeping busy with fall with their exciting New Wrangler Café and LASSO programs. (more…)

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Veterans who need legal advice or legal assistance can visit a free legal clinic scheduled in Katy/Waller County on Saturday, December 10, 2011, in conjunction with the new Veterans Legal Initiative, a coalition of local bar associations to provide pro bono legal services to U.S. veterans in 14 counties in Southeast Texas. (more…)

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The first ten students to complete the eight-course Bible Certificate program offered by The Bible Seminary will be recognized during Sunday morning worship services at Grace Fellowship UMC, 2655 S. Mason Rd. in Katy on Sunday, Dec. 18. (more…)

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Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) will present the 14th Annual Student Visual Art Contest sponsored by Wells Fargo. This art contest offers all kindergarten through 12th grade students in the greater Houston area and beyond a chance to showcase their talents and win prizes, while learning more about the performing arts. The deadline for all entries is Friday, Feb. 17, 2012. (more…)

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Do you know a great teacher or principal who deserves recognition? If so, nominate them for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards recognize dedicated public school educators who go above and beyond to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their full potential. More than $600,000 in prizes will be awarded to deserving educators. (more…)

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Members of all three eighth grade volleyball teams at Cinco Ranch Junior High swept the district championship for the first time ever is school history. Girls on the A, B, and C teams all earned spots to compete in the district championship, held Oct. 29. (more…)

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An aide from U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul’s office will be present from 2:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30th, at Congressman McCaul’s Houston / Katy area Congressional Office to listen to individual constituent comments and concerns regarding federal issues.  Please note that Congressman McCaul will not be present. (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 November, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: The Jaggers Group LLC, 24044 Cinco Village Center Blvd., #100; Multiplicity, 1306 Ave. A; Amerejuve Medspa, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. C200; Heritage Texas Properties, 23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., #200; Verizon Wireless – Katy Main Street, 25705 Katy Fwy.; Another Round, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. D130; and Tilt Studio – Katy Mills, 5000 Katy Mills Cir., #100. (more…)

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Families kindly donated a record 2,608 items to the Annual Griffin Elementary Food Drive in aid of Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) Food Pantry. Every day for the past week, students have hauled in bags brimming with generosity and canned goods. As a result, Griffin collected 300 items more than last year’s total. The donations will help KCM provide local people in need with three nutritionally balanced meals each day. (more…)

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A 40-year old mother of six traveled to Houston from Lehi, Utah to undergo robotic removal of the thymus gland at Methodist West Houston Hospital, returning home just three days later.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gomez performed the thymectomy surgery with a surgical robot, removing Rebecca Vicchrilli’s thymus gland. Vicchrilli has myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and pain in the voluntary muscles.  The prevalence of MG in the U.S. is estimated to be 20 out of every 100,000 individuals. (more…)

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Beginning in November, parents of Katy ISD students in grades 1-4 and 6-11 can be referred for screening for the 2012-2013 gifted and talented program. To initiate a referral, parents must complete a Parent Checklist. Checklists may be obtained at all elementary, junior high and high school campuses or from the Katy ISD website at katyisd.org/GT.  Parents of students in grades 1-4 must complete the Elementary Parent Checklist.  Parents of students in grades 6-11 must complete the Secondary Parent Checklist. (more…)

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Willowfork Fire Department is again teaming with the United States Marine Corps to sponsor the “Toys for Tots” Drive in the Katy area. This is the sixth year the Department has participated in this event.  And, thanks to the caring and generous people in the Department’s service area, it has been an incredible success. (more…)

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Katy area Eagle Scouts Stan Stanley, local business owner and Scouting commissioner; Stan Kitzman, Waller County commissioner; and Paul Huttenhoff and Brian Foster, leaders of BSA Troop 424 at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy are co-hosting an Eagle Scout Meet-Up at La Finca Mexican Restaurant, 23930 Westheimer Pkwy. in Cinco Ranch, on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 6 – 7 p.m. Open networking begins at 5:30 p.m. (more…)

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Former Morton Ranch High School graduate, Vangelic Parker, taught English to Spanish speaking immigrants in the Austin area. Parker now attends Texas State University – San Marcos where she joined the McCoy College of Business student organization Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), which has partnered with the organization El Buen Samaritano in Austin. (more…)

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Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary recently celebrated its October and November Outbackers. Students from each grade level, a staff member, volunteer and business partner are selected each month based on their outstanding citizenship and positive contribution to Kilpatrick Elementary.  (more…)

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Hundreds of gifted and talented elementary students enjoyed getting together at the Katy Parents of Gifted & Talented (KPGT) GT Create Date to make puppets out of recyclable materials. Students and parents let their imaginations loose as they turned trash to treasure at this fun event co-sponsored by KPGT and KISD. Led by professional puppeteer Greg Ruhe from Puppet Pizzazz and professional artist Taylor Perry, the children enjoyed an inspiring and hilarious puppet show before launching into their own creations. (more…)

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Katy ISD junior high band students recently competed in head-to-head auditions seeking a position in one of the two TMEA Region 23 All-Region Junior High Bands.  At the end of the auditions, results revealed Katy ISD had 137 students earning membership to these prestigious ensembles.  This represents over 86% of the total membership in these two select groups:  All-Region Symphonic Band, All-Region Concert Band.  Every junior high in Katy ISD had students earning positions in the All-Region Band. (more…)

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Mayde Creek High School students recently competed in the Texas Association of Journalism Education competition in San Antonio.   Students Corissa Ayala and Dinora Rodriguez took Superior/first place ranks in Photography.  They competed against more than 700 high school photographers. (more…)

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Seven Lakes High School student Samantha Loos-Polk recently won the Heart in Art Award at Culture Shapers’ Annual Award Ceremony in Houston.  This award is distributed annually to students who are nominated by their teachers and peers.  (more…)

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How does your garden grow? With lantana, snapdragons and Brussels sprouts at Morton Ranch Elementary as students recently planted a garden that may soon grow vegetables for the entire campus to enjoy.  In a project led by Kimberly Czubara, science coordinator at Morton Ranch Elementary, students from all grade levels planted herbs and vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, collard greens, cauliflower, parsley, rosemary and mint to name a few.  The garden will serve as an extension to science classrooms for the entire campus, while adding an aesthetic appeal as well.  The campus hopes to soon have a fully functional vegetable garden. (more…)

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The holiday season is in full swing in Katy.  From traditional foods to that cozy fireplace, there are many unsuspecting hazards which can pose a potential threat to our pets.  The Houston SPCA has a few tips to help keep your furry friend safe and happy over the holidays. (more…)

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CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is proud to announce that Katie Cross, MSN and Barbara Lazor, BSN, MBA were honored at the 21^st annual Nursing Celebration ceremony on Thursday, November 10^th as an Outstanding Nurse in 2011. The annual Nursing Celebration ceremony recognizes Houston area’s 20 Outstanding Nurses. (more…)

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Firethorne has committed to Katy ISD’s Partners in Education (PIE) as the first KEYS Scholarship Platinum Sponsor for 2011. As a KEYS sponsor, Firethorne is helping to create scholarships for students who have participated in KEYS through their senior year.  This is the first year that PIE has opened sponsorship levels for KEYS, with 100 percent of the sponsorship dollars going directly to KEYS Scholarships.  Former KEYS student Eduardo Reyes and his KEYS mentor Jim Burns visited Firethorne representatives last week to thank them for their generous support. (more…)

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The Lone Star Symphonic Band, a Houston-area nonprofit community band, will have as guest performers the James E. Williams Elementary School Wrangler Chorale from Katy ISD. The Band’s annual Holiday-themed concert, titled “…Good Tidings of Great Joy,” will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at CrossPoint Community Church, 700 S. Westgreen Blvd. Tickets for the concert are available on the Band’s website, lonestarsymphonicband.com, for $5.50 each and will be available at the door the day of the concert for $10 each.  (more…)

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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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