October 7, 2009 – This year Katy ISD implemented a new initiative called Sister Schools.  This campus partnership concept matches up two schools that aren’t necessarily close to one another geographically, but share the common value and goals of all Katy schools; educating our kids in learning, loving environment.
Sister School relationships are unique and based solely on the needs and personalities of their campuses. For example this year some volunteers from Williams Elementary went to sister school Sundown Elementary to teach Junior Achievement. Creech Elementary volunteers went to Sister School Mayde Creek to assist in science lab days for various grade levels, then Mayde Creek volunteers were invited to Creech’s International Day to get ideas on how to implement the same program at their campus next year. PTA members from Alexander Elementary volunteered for Cimarron’s Elementary Field Day activities and also included Cimarron teachers in their fall book drive allowing them access to free books for the classroom.
 
As a district partner In education, ARTreach supports the Katy ISD Sister School Program with an arts-in-education matching outreach program. Whenever one school’s PTA brings a Young Audience or other approved cultural arts program or arts in education presentation to their own school,  ARTreach will fundraise to match the costs of the presentation for their sister school. Sister schools only need to confirm presentations and complete an ARTreach application for assistance. 
www.artreachonline.org
To celebrate the sister schools ARTreach is hosting an ARTparty and Happy Hour at Berryhill on the third Friday, October 16th and November 20th. Sister campuses, teachers and parents are invited to the event to enjoy art, music and great tacos! Berryhill is donating proceeds from the evening to ARTreach to help fund the sister school’s Arts-in-Education Program.
 
The Sister School ARTparty and Happy Hour is Friday, October 16th 5-8 pm at Berryhill Baja Grill located at the Villagio Town Center in Cinco Ranch.