Two more Katy ISD campuses celebrated special anniversaries during January.

Robert E. King Elementary at 1901 Charlton House Lane in Katy, near the intersection of Franz Road the Grand Parkway, hosted a special event on January 22, commemorating its 25th year. With a theme of “Reigning for 25 Years,” former Lions and their families as well as staff members returned to the campus to enjoy special performances, witness the opening of a time capsule and hear remarks from former principals.

The school is named for former KISD principal Robert E. King, who taught math at Katy Junior High until 1965 when he was promoted to principal of Katy Elementary. In 1978, Robert King was asked to open the new Hutsell Elementary. He retired in 1980.

The school is now led by Prinicipal LaTwanda Wilson. As of the 2023-2024 school year, it had 965 students, according to data from the Texas Tribune. Over 66 percent of students were considered at risk of dropping out of school; 42.1 percent of students were enrolled in bilingual and English language learning programs, and 22.3 percent are served through special education.

Michael L. Griffin Elementary, led by Principal Jacki Keithan, celebrated its 20th anniversary with “Roaring ‘20’s – The Great Grizzlies!” event on January 16 at the campus at 7800 S. Fry Road in Katy, with remarks from its namesake and a special performance by the school choir. As of the 2023-2024 school year, the had 753 students, of whom 41.7% of students were considered at risk of dropping out of school, 27.9% of students were enrolled in bilingual and English language learning programs, and 22 percent of the students served through special education, according to data from the Texas Tribune.

Michael Griffin is a Katy High School alumnus whose career ranged from classroom teacher to interim superintendent. Griffin devoted 30 years of service to the Katy Independent School District, earning a reputation as one of the most respected administrators during his tenure.