Katy ISD Addresses Tik Tok Challenge; Takes Precautions on Last School Day of the Year

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

December 17, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy ISD addressed the latest Tik Tok school-related challenge in an email last night. Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski stressed that no Katy campus has received a threat of gun violence, as the challenge encourages on this day, but the District is taking precautions.

Haskett Junior High is Katy's newest secondary school. Photo credit: Natalie Cook Clark

Katy ISD Addresses Latest Tik Tok Challenge

Tik Tok has caused havoc on school districts across the nation this year from challenges on bathroom amenity theft to now encouraging students to threaten gun violence on Friday, December 17, 2021. Today is the last day of school before Winter Break.

All Campuses are Alert, Taking Precautions

“While no Katy ISD campus or facility has received such a threat, I do want you to know that our campus administrators and Katy ISD Police are on alert and are actively monitoring social media and tips for any information that may relate to the challenge and our schools,” says Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski in an email addressed to Katy ISD parents/guardians and staff.

Leave Backpacks at Home

The District requests that all secondary students (grades 6-12) leave their backpacks at home on Friday. This is explained to help “minimize disruptions and potential concerns.”

Dr. Gregorski says that additional police have assigned to patrol Katy ISD junior high and high school campuses tomorrow.

“Any student found to be engaged in such activity would face disciplinary consequences in accordance with state and local law enforcement and the Katy ISD Discipline Management and Student Code of Conduct,” says Dr. Gregorski.

Recently, a student at Cinco Ranch High School brought an unloaded firearm to school. The student and the gun were quickly removed, and no actual threat was made. Read more on the incident here.

The District reminds the community of their SpeakUp app, an anonymous reporting system after the incident.

SpeakUp is a free app that allows students, parents, staff, and community members to report anonymously any tips or dangerous situations that could pose a threat to Katy students and campuses. This real-time information allows Katy ISD to respond faster and more efficiently.

Download and learn more about SpeakUp here.

Today is the last day of school before Winter Break. Katy ISD will resume classes on January 4, 2022.

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