Katy ISD Welcomes Students Back to School with Tradition and a Focus on Excellence
- 20 hours ago
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Updated: 22 minutes ago
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 12, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD welcomed over 90,000 students back to school this morning. This year the District, which routinely ranks top among Houston area school districts, will focus on ‘Excellence in Action’ and this morning’s return was all about tradition.
Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski, school officials, and media were at Katy Elementary School this morning to launch the new academic year. Katy Elementary is where Katy ISD began in 1898 and today was routed in tradition as the District kicks off the year.
“Today is a beautiful day in the Katy ISD family—it’s the first day of school,” says Board of Trustee Dawn Champagne.
What began in 1898 as a one room school house now holds the strongest sense of tradition in the District. While many locals think of the Katy High School Tigers, the Katy Elementary Tigers came first.
Principal Beth Grimet has been with the District for 32 years and relishes in leading the first school in the District.
“There is just something special about this school,” says Principal Grimet. “This something special exists across all of Katy ISD schools.”
“I had the fortune of being at Katy Elementary shortly after the morning bell rang, and what an exciting place to be! It was wonderful watching Principal Grimet and her staff so happily welcome all of the beautiful students back to school,” says Champagne. “I know that this enthusiasm of welcoming students to the new school year is happening across all of our campuses!”
The City of Katy Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele was also there this morning where he happily read a book to a classroom of first graders at the very school where he once drove his children to.
“Why send your kids to private school when you can send them to Katy Elementary or other Katy ISD schools,” says Mayor Thiele.
Katy Elementary opened in 1898 but had major renovations/editions in 1965, 1995, and then the addition of the second story in 2023.
“All of these projects preserved our history while renovating the school,” says Grimet.
This year, Katy ISD launches their Legacy Virtual High School that currently has over 200 students in its inaugural year. The District has also launched an Open Enrollment Program that allows students outside of the District to come enjoy the benefits of the District. Learn more about both of these programs online.
Do you have questions on the Open Enrollment Program? Read our Q and A.
“Our secret sauce to success at Katy Elementary is our volunteers,” says Grimet. “So many of our volunteers now are grandparents as they have the time now to give back and we are grateful.”
Grimet is at the unique and fulfilling part of her 32-year career where she is hiring staff who were once students at Katy Elementary School. The school has many 6th generation students descended from students that were once in that one classroom school that started it all.
"This school year's theme is 'Excellence in Action.' I love that sentiment because excellence is not something we simply talk about. It's something we do," says Dr. Gregorski. "Excellence isn't reserved for special occasions. It's found in ordinary people doing extraordinary work every single day."
Dr. Gregorski outlined the priorities for the 2026-2027 academic year.
School Safety
Strengthening campus safety through expanded police and armed security personnel, wearable panic alert badges, enhanced security measures and ongoing employee training.
Reinforcing that every employee plays an important role in maintaining safe, secure and supportive learning environments.
Teaching & Learning
Launching the District's Responsible Artificial Intelligence Framework to ensure AI supports instruction while keeping teachers at the center of learning.
Continuing to enhance technology intentionally to bolster learning and preserve high-quality classroom instruction.
Career & Technical Education
Expanding workforce-ready opportunities through new Career and Technical Education pathways, including Underground Utility Location, Water Operations and Real Estate Licensing.
Preparing more students with industry-recognized certifications and real-world experiences that lead to high-demand careers.
Innovative Learning Opportunities
Expanding virtual learning opportunities and the launch of Legacy Virtual High School.
Strengthening Raines Academy and other Innovative Pathways programs that provide flexible options for student success.
Enrollment & Family Choice
Launching High School Limited Open Enrollment to provide eligible students in surrounding communities access to select Katy ISD high schools.
Expanding the Remain-in-Place Transfer option to provide greater stability for students whose families relocate after having already established their educational path in Katy ISD schools.
Adapting to changing enrollment trends while preserving educational excellence and strategically managing campus capacity.
Supporting Employees
Investing in employees through the Board-approved compensation plan, expanded Teacher Incentive Allotment opportunities and leadership development programs.
Facilities & Growth
Strategically investing in facilities, including preparations for Elementary #49 and supporting growth across the District's northwest quadrant.
"Every interaction matters,” says Dr. Gregorski. “Every lesson matters. Every relationship matters. When each of us commits to Excellence in Action, there is no limit to what our students, our schools and our District can achieve."
