I am truly appreciative of our school community’s commitment to supporting student learning, while protecting the health and safety of Katy ISD children and staff.”

Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski

The safety of our staff and students remains our number one priority, and we are committed to ensuring healthy learning environments across the district.”

Royal ISD Superintendent Sacy Ackley

While the rest of the state is on track to open back up over time under recent orders from Tex. Gov. Greg Abbott, both Katy and Royal ISDs announced the closure of all of their campuses in compliance with Abbott’s proclamation April. 17. Officials from both ISDs said online instruction would continue to be provided to their respective student bodies.

“Understandably, many of our families and students have questions about what this may mean for graduations, summer programs, items left on campuses, athletics, fine arts and other activities. With the evolving guidance and information surrounding COVID-19 in our area, it is anticipated that established dates and procedures will inevitably be subject to future adjustment,” stated Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski. 

Katy ISD

Katy ISD’s website (www.katyisd.org) offers resources for students, including those that may have fallen behind. Missed assignments may be made up and report cards were posted online April 9.

Students that do not have a device to access online learning may visit the district’s Technology Department website and complete a campus device checkout form for assistance in obtaining a device. Once parents complete the form, an appointment for the following Wednesday will be set up to pick up the device.

The graduating class of 2020 will be able to graduate, but missed assignments must be made up no later than April 24 in order to students’ incompletes and for updated GPAs and class rankings to be issued May 4.

May 2020 graduation ceremonies are currently on schedule; however, Katy ISD is planning contingency dates for graduations in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated orders are extended through the May ceremony timeframes. If necessary, graduations would be rescheduled for June 10-18, rather than May 16-22.

Katy ISD seniors should keep their prom dresses and consider rescheduling tux rentals as well. Proms have been rescheduled for June 10-18. The new dates would not require a ticket to the dance, a statement on the district’s website said.

Katy ISD also advises that transcripts for seniors are still being mailed out each Tuesday during the month of April. Parents or students with questions should reach out to their campus registrar for more information.

Royal ISD

Royal ISD schools will continue distance instruction through the remainder of the regular 2019-2020 school year, a statement from the district said. Online materials will continue to be provided each week to students via online coursework provided by teachers.

Royal ISD is offering resources through its website including counseling for students in need of assistance, details on drive-thru meals, information on the new coronavirus from government agencies, and technical support to support online instruction. Information is available at www.royal-isd.net.

Additionally, the district is asking parents with students who have been issued a Chromebook by the district to get close enough to connect to district WiFi and update their students’ assignment information using the district’s wireless network. Students with their own devices and internet connections may utilize them to complete assignments.

Students in need of a device for online learning may contact the school district to schedule a time to pick one up, Royal ISD Spokesperson Christi Ginn said.

Details on graduation and a possible summer prom reschedule are expected to be addressed later this week, Ginn said.

Consolidated Communications and Spectrum Internet are both providing internet at no cost to students for a limited time during the crisis. Contact information and details may be found at https://www.royal-isd.net/article/216654?org=royal-isd.

“RISD is committed to staying connected with our families; we will get through this together and be stronger when it’s all over,” a statement from RISD spokesperson Christi Ginn read.

Administration in both schools offered words of appreciation and support for their students, parents, faculty and staff.

“I am truly appreciative of our school community’s commitment to supporting student learning, while protecting the health and safety of Katy ISD children and staff,” Gregorski said.

“The safety of our staff and students remains our number one priority, and we are committed to ensuring healthy learning environments across the district,” a statement from RISD Superintendent Stacy Ackley said.