KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 22, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
Although Katy ISD schools will not open until April 13, at the earliest, the District has initiated several plans to serve the students in the community. Tomorrow, Katy ISD students will begin their online instruction, and the District will continue to offer drive-through breakfast and lunch service from several campuses.
Coronavirus Disrupts Everyday Life, Including School
The coronavirus has disrupted everyday activities, work and schooling throughout the world. Locally, Katy ISD has considered the needs of many in the community, by offering free, balanced meals. The district has set up drive-through meal pick-ups at several of its schools. The meals are available to any student up to 18 years old.
Over 33,000 Meals Served
The program began on Monday, March 16. In first week, District workers served over 33,000 meals to families dealing with the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During this closure we want students to continue receiving their meals as well as the nutrients they need to stay healthy,” said Katy ISD Executive Director of Nutrition and Food Services, Donna Pittenger. “Children do not need to be enrolled in a Katy ISD school to receive the meals. We simply ask parents and children to come to one of our Grab and Go locations. Individuals will not be asked for proof of residency nor identification,” added Pittenger.
For this upcoming week, Katy ISD will transition one meal distribution site and add an additional location to expand its services to the community. The District will also provide a hot entrée in the lunch meal, beginning Tuesday, March 24.
Families Praise District Efforts
The program has been met with overwhelming praise as families take to social media to offer their thanks.
“God bless you for thinking of the children,” writes Mirella Flores.
Guidelines for Pick-up
Katy ISD students are requested to be present with their families at pick-up so that the district can ensure they are meeting USDA guidelines.
Many families have inquired about volunteering to help the program. However, due to the importance of maintaining the needed self-distancing, Katy ISD cannot accept any volunteers.
Grab and Go breakfast and lunches will be served at campuses (see below) in a drive-thru set up Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meal “Grab and Go” Locations
· Bear Creek Elementary: 4815 Hickory Downs Dr., Houston, TX 77084
· Golbow Elementary: 3535 Lakes of Bridgewater Dr., Katy, TX 77449
· Hutsell Elementary: 5360 Franz Rd., Katy, TX 77493
· Mayde Creek Elementary: 2698 Greenhouse Rd., Houston, TX 77084
· Memorial Parkway Elementary: 21603 Park Tree Ln., Katy, TX 77450
· Paetow High School: 23111 Stockdick School Rd., Katy, TX 77493
· Schmalz Elementary*: 18605 Green Land Way, Houston, TX 77084
· Sundown Elementary: 20100 Saums Rd., Katy, TX 77449
· West Memorial Elementary: 22605 Provincial Blvd., Katy, TX 77450
· Williams Elementary: 3900 S. Peek Rd., Katy, TX 77450
· Tompkins High School: 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd., Katy, TX 77494
* On Wednesday, March 25, Schmalz Elementary will begin distributing “Grab and Go” meals.
Katy ISD Virtual School
This Monday, March 23, Katy ISD will launch their online virtual learning program so that students may resume lessons despite the campuses being closed through April 13.
Katy ISD families should have received instruction from the District last Friday on how each grade would handle the new online format.
Learn more about online learning for Elementary and Secondary students. The District is also working to accommodate both 504 and SPED students and will be in touch with families as this new way of instruction begins.
Community Invited to Watch Board of Trustees Meeting
The Katy ISD Board of Trustees will stream their Monday, March 23 meeting for all parents and community to see starting at 5:30 p.m.