As Katy ISD opened its doors to start a the new school year, students and parents met with the implementation of a divisive new cell phone policy. According to a report by ABC13, the district which now serves over 96,000 students, is enforcing a ban on cell phones in classrooms for students from third through twelfth grades. The move is expected to eliminate distractions and foster a more focused educational environment.
Superintendent Ken Gregorski welcomed students in person at Nelson Junior High, Katy ISD's newest campus, and shared insights into the policy changes. "I think it's a pretty fantastic rule," Gregorski told The Houston Chronicle. He explained that the district will start off with gentle reminders for students caught using phones, before escalating to confiscation. Gregorski hopes these measures will help students engage more actively in learning.
Despite the optimism from the district's board, certain parents expressed concern to ABC13, particularly regarding emergency contact with their children. On the flipside, supporters of the policy believe the exclusion of personal devices from classrooms will help keep students' attention on their studies. The policy restricts elementary students from using cell phones entirely, while junior high students will not use them during passing periods. High school students are afforded some leniency, being allowed to use devices outside of the classroom at their respective schools' discretion.
The introduction of Chromebooks for all students from the third grade up is a critical part of the district's technology overhaul. As part of the "1:1 rollout" initiative, students are receiving grade-customized Chromebooks, programmed with necessary applications for the year. "What's really exciting for me is that the Chromebooks are getting customized by grade level," Gregorski explained to the Houston Chronicle. Katy ISD officials believe this standardization will streamline technological resources and maximize quality instruction time.
New facilities also greeted Katy ISD scholars, with Freeman High School and Nelson Junior High opening this year. Nelson Junior High, addressed by Gregorski during his visit, is designed to accommodate the burgeoning student population in northwestern Katy, with a capacity of 1,400 students, even though Principal Kara Morgan stated the current enrollment stands at 904.
