As an update to our blog about the new schools coming to Katy, The KISD Naming Selection Committee recently announced its proposed names for three schools that will be opening in the fall of 2016.
A public forum was held in mid- February to allow members of the community to speak about the proposed names. Then, the school naming committee reviewed the public’s input and provide its recommendation to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees.
Katy ISD’s proposed namesakes are award winning, community-minded individuals, not just nominees with educational experience. These namesakes participate in community projects, volunteer and offer their time and resources to continue to make Katy ISD the leader in educational excellence. Below are the three namesakes for Junior High School #14 and Elementary Schools #38 & #39.
Junior High School #14
26721Hawks Prairie Blvd.
Principal: Dr. Kris Mitzner
Proposed School Name: James and Sharon Tays Junior High School
With nearly 60 years of combined service, the Tays represent a lifelong commitment to the education of Katy ISD students. As individuals and as a couple, they significantly and positively impacted the lives of thousands of Katy ISD students and colleagues. To view full story on the Tays, click here.
Elementary School #38
27602 Westridge Creek Ln.
Principal: Troy Kemp
Proposed School Name: MayDell Jenks Elementary School
MayDell Jenks devoted her entire 43-year professional career focused on teaching students languages. Jenks holds a Bachelor of Arts in German and English from Sam Houston State University, a Masters of Education in Guidance & Counseling from Prairie View A&M University and a Mid- Management Certificate from Texas A&M University. She even developed educational centers that offered second language instruction for parents, along with assisting students navigate the requirements of each grade level. To view Jenks full story click here.
Elementary School #39
4535 E. Ventana Pkwy. Principal: Carrie Lowery
Proposed School Name: Catherine (Gigi) Bethke Elementary School
Catherine (Gigi) Bethke began her 31-year career in Katy ISD as a Kinder and first grade teacher at the original Williamsburg Settlement Elementary School, also maintaining positions at the openings of Winborn Elementary, Alexander Elementary and Creech Elementary. Due to Bethke’s passion for literacy, she became a REACH teacher where she worked with students who struggled with reading, taught PRIDE, served as an Academic Support teacher, and created and piloted a reading fluency program. To view Bethke’s full story click here.