Back to School in Katy

Back to School in Katy

After a fun summer break families are refocusing on back to school preparations. From school supplies to immunizations, there are resources available to help families navigate through the requirements.

School supply shopping is always high on the to-do list.  A complete list of grade-appropriate Katy ISD school supplies can be downloaded at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/SchoolSupply.aspx. A few PTA or PTOs may offer prepackaged and reasonably-priced school supply bundles. Check with your child’s campus to see if these convenient packages are available. Also, be sure to look for flyers from stores like Walgreens, CVS, Office Max and Office Depot offering promotions on every thing from loose leaf paper to glue to erasers. Walmart will offer their usual deeply discounted notebooks, binders, pencils and everything else on your list.

This year Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller, announced that our annual back to school tax-free weekend falls on August 19, 20 and 21 and can save shoppers around $8 on every $100 they spend. Check out the supplies, backpacks, lunch kits, clothing and shoes that fall under the sales tax exemption at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.  August often ushers in a mecca of clothing sales that coincide with the tax-free holiday. The malls from Memorial City to Katy Mills, as well as local boutiques, will be crowded. But savings await if you can tolerate the lines. For devoted bargain hunters, Plato’s Closet, The Children’s Carousel, and other used or consignment stores offer deeply discounted apparel that may just suit your picky shopper.

Are you new to the area? The required school enrollment paperwork can seem daunting, but check out Katy ISD’s information page at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/NewToKaty.aspx for zoning, campus, busing and so much more. This link covers food services and Special Education, as well.  Registration dates and time can be found at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/Registration.aspx.  Registration can be done online, although parents must still attend the August campus registration events in person.  Scroll down the registration website page to find Immunization requirements.

Have a budding athlete? Katy ISD has a variety of vibrant athletics programs. For a list of athletic directors and coaches (and the sports they sponsor) go to www.katyisd.org/athletics/Pages/AthleticStaff.aspx.

Many families are interested in enrolling their children in local charter or private schools.  The following websites offer school bios, registration information and applicable tuition:

Pope John XXIII High School – www.pj23.org

Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy – www.westlakeprep.org

Faith West Academy – www.faithwest.org

Katy Adventist Christian School  – www.katyadventistschool.com

Aristoi Classical (formerly West Houston Charter) – www.aristoiclassical.org

Calvin Nelms Charter School – www.cnchs.net

For home schoolers, Katy is has a local group that networks together. Contact www.katytexashomeschoolinggroup.ning.com to connect with other home schooling families and find out about curriculum options and outings.

All in all, the school year is upon us and we look forward to another year of learning. Whether your child is in public, private, charter or home school, the staff of Katy Christian Magazine is prayerfully asking God’s favor for an enriching 2011/2012. Don’t forget – we love to profile Christian students in all our issues.  Do you have a Christian son or daughter who would like to share their bio, favorite scripture, and a picture?  If so, contact the publisher at joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com.

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Joseph Menslage

As the President and Publisher of Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines, Joe Menslage is committed to covering social and political news from a Christian worldview. He founded Katy Christian Magazine in 2005, which swept the greater Houston and Katy areas like a storm. That’s when Joe realized the urgent need for publications willing to give voices to the voiceless, without political correctness or censorship. Joe Menslage founded sister-publication Fort Bend Christian Magazine in 2014. Prior to creating Katy Christian Magazine, Joe Menslage led a colorful life. He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, spent a great deal of his childhood in Colorado, and lived in a couple of other states before he moved to Houston in 1981. Joe was God-gifted with an entrepreneurial mind, and self-started other business ventures before he found his calling. In Joe’s words, our innate talents are given by the Lord, and are meant to be used to serve the Lord. Aside from being a President and Publisher, Joe Menslage is also the co-founder of Katy Christian Chamber of Commerce, where Christians can network, build business connections, listen to passionate speakers, and enjoy monthly breakfasts and lunches. Joe Menslage also hosts a weekly political satire YouTube channel. Joe Menslage has four children. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, watching zombie movies and K dramas, ax-throwing and Krav Maga.