It’s back to school for Katy ISD, Royal ISD and Lamar CISD teachers, students and families – but not for the more than 330 retired educators who are members of KARE (Katy Area Retired Educators).

KARE members played hooky on August 13, the first day of school for KISD, and celebrated “Hooky Day” at the Legacy Stadium Community Rooms at 1830 Katyland Drive in Katy. The lively event was a celebration of the beginning of the organization’s 25th year. A huge birthday celebration is planned for November.

New president Cheryl Glasser outlined goals for the group for this year: to increase membership from the current level of 330 to 350; to increase service hours and to continue to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in education. She said the group would be adding more social events this year, including some breakfast meetings and a “picnic in the park.” New officers were also introduced.

A group of KARE volunteers performed the national anthem, which they would sing later in the day, at the Houston Astros game in Daikin Park. At that event, the KARE members were joined by other Houston-area educators to form a choir which performed the anthem.

Katy Area Retired Educators is made up of retired teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, and other former school district employees. It is the local chapter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. KARE supports present day teachers and public education throughout the greater Katy area by mentoring students, substitute teaching, tutoring, providing books and educational supplies, and volunteering on campuses. The organization works diligently and actively to assist retired educators (many on a small, fixed teacher retirement income) in their needs, home, and health.