What Katy ISD Parents Need to Know Ahead of the First Day of School
- ncookclark
- Aug 12, 2025
- 4 min read
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 12, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD welcomes 97,000 students back to class tomorrow to over 100 campuses and support facilities. The District has shared important information for families to understand changes and plan for a successful year.
As Katy ISD students return to school tomorrow, August 13, 2025, the District continues to work to educate families of changes and information to help them plan for a successful year. With school starting tomorrow for Katy ISD, safety always takes a priority.
Katy ISD released a statement reminding all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert and use cautions near schools.
“Bikers need to stop and only cross when it is safe to do so,” says Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell. “We see too many that just shoot across. Drivers are reminded cell phone use is prohibited in school zones.”
No Personal Communication Devices Allowed
As usual, technology plays a large role in education and this academic year is no different.
A major change this year is the new Texas state law House Bill 1481 that strictly restricts the use of student personal communication devices, such as cell phones, during the instructional day. All devices, except for the District issued Chromebook, must be out of sight from first bell until dismissal.
Students with documented health or learning needs that utilize personal communication devices can reach out to their campuses to receive appropriate accommodations.
Chromebook Device Insurance
When completing the annual student, parents can opt-in for accidental insurance for the Chromebook. Insurance must be paid within 30 days after the student’s first day of attendance and will not cover intentional damage. Fees will be paid through Pay ‘N’ Go and coverage will not begin until payment has been made. Failure to opt-in within the first 30 days of school will result in not being covered for the entire year.
The cost for insurance is $20 per student and covers the cost of two repairs or one replacement device. Lost chargers and broken Chromebook cases are not covered.
Katy ISD families have access to several programs. It’s important to know and understand each of them.
Programs to Know
Home Access Center (HAC): This will be your main form of communication is accessing student schedules, grades, report cards, and more.
CANVAS: This is the parent and student guide to their year inside and outside of the classroom. This is important to understand and learn well to prepare for a successful year.
Student District Emails: Each Katy student has access to their own District email. This is how they will handle school related communication. Parents and students can access this through My Katy Cloud. If you have trouble logging in, contact your home campus.
Tech Support: Having trouble? Katy ISD offers Technology Support to assist families as we begin a new school year. Find support online.
SMART Tag App Helps Families Better Track Bus Riders
Katy ISD offers families of bus riders an easy way to track their student through the SMART Tag app.
This app sends push notifications to registered mobile devices and tablets, providing parents with instant updates about delays, route alterations, or emergencies.
Every Katy ISD bus is equipped with a tablet that reads the ID cards of student riders when they board and exit a bus. The system also helps drivers to verify the identity and bus route of each rider.
Katy ISD also offers a District app for all families to easily stay informed.
Parents may download the Katy ISD app and/or the SMART Tag app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Also new this year, are new health related services that are available to all students because of Texas Senate Bill 12. These services include:
Katy ISD Health-Related Services Available:
Nursing services (first aid, medication administration, chronic disease management)
Emergency services (use of AED and other lifesaving equipment and medications)
Health Screenings: Vision, Hearing, Scoliosis, Acanthosis Nigricans (as required at state mandated grade levels or as needed to ensure optimal learning)
Health and wellness education
School counseling services (academic, career, personal/social)
Social work services
Crisis response and trauma-informed care
Referrals to community-based health providers (upon request)
Additional Health-Related Services Available as Needed (Parental Consent Required):
Psychological services
Small group counseling (availability and topics vary by campus)
Referrals to district mental health partners:
TCHATT – all campuses
Parents have the right to decline any health-related service provided by the District. If you prefer for your student to not participate in some or any of the services, contact your campuses nurse.
On a health note, Texas requires certain immunizations to protect against diseases, but families can submit required documentation for an exemption. Learn more about the requirements online.
Students needed vaccinations can still get them from the District today and tomorrow (August 12 and 13.)
Go to the Professional Development Anex (6361 S. Stadium Lane) from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 2:00p.m.-5:00 p.m. 1 vaccine is $15, 2 is $25 and 3 is $35.
They accept cash, credit and debit cards for payments. No appointment is necessary.
For information about Katy ISD and back to school preparations visit their website.