With her wealth of experience and dedication to education, she will be a valuable addition to our school community. We extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Papa and look forward to her contributions.

Mrs. Papa hails from Colombia, bringing with her a rich cultural perspective. She is married and has a daughter, who, like her father, is a Civil Engineer. The Papa family has spent most of their time in the Kingwood area, and they currently reside in Cypress, where they enjoy spending time with their dog, Cinnamon, and their grandchildren. Mrs. Papa's academic journey was diverse. She earned her doctorate in Dental Science from Colombia Dental University and practiced Dentistry in Colombia. She has a master's in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas at Brownsville. In 2015, she completed the principal certification with Lamar University.

Mrs. Papa has an unusual experience in education. She started her teaching career as a Dental Professor in her native country. Then, she worked for New Caney ISD as an elementary teacher for 11 years. In 2017, she joined Spring Branch ISD as a TIPPS grant manager and a Campus Assessment and Instruction Specialist, where she helped an improvement required school to reach a proficient school status. In 2021, Mrs. Papa started working with Katy ISD as an Assistant Principal at Rylander Elementary. Mrs. Papa will be the kindergarten, second, and fourth-grade AP this year.

We are so excited to have Mrs.Papa join our team!

I hope this message finds you well. As we gear up for the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news with you. I am thrilled about the upcoming school year and eager to welcome both staff and students back to our school building. Over the summer, we have been busy with a significant project to enhance our school environment. I am delighted to inform you that we have completed a new flooring project throughout the building. The new tile and carpet look amazing, and I am confident you will be as impressed as I am when you see it. I believe these improvements will contribute positively to the learning environment for our students and create a more welcoming space for everyone in our school community.

I am also excited to announce that this year, our school will be opening its doors at 7:30 AM for students to enjoy breakfast before classes begin. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 AM to 8:10 AM. This will provide our students with a nutritious start to their day and ensure they are ready for learning when the tardy bell rings at 8:10 AM.

*Please note that breakfast (and lunch) are FREE for all students at Morton Ranch Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year.

We have adjusted our drop-off and pick-up procedures, particularly for our kindergarten driveway on Mason Manor Dr. Moving forward, all Pre-K through 5th grade car riders will be dropped off and picked up from the south parking lot (staff parking lot near the gym/cafeteria). We will share important details regarding this route in upcoming newsletters in order to ensure smooth and safe procedures for arrival and dismissal. The newsletters are sent out via e-mail to parents/guardians every Tuesday and will be titled "Morton Ranch Elementary E-News."

Thank you for your attention to these updates. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please contact us at 281-234-0306. We are committed to making this school year a positive and successful experience for every student.

State law requires students in Texas schools to be immunized against certain vaccine preventable diseases or submit required documentation for an exemption. Information below, provided by the Katy ISD Health Services Department, offering an opportunity for students needing to receive the necessary vaccines for school entry.

Vaccines will be provided by Texas Vaccine Institute

When: August 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14
Where: Katy ISD – Professional Development Annex Building
6361 South Stadium Lane

Time: 9:00AM – 11:00AM and 2:00PM – 5:00PM

Cost: 1 Vaccine $15; 2 Vaccines $25; 3 Vaccines or more $35

TVI will accept cash, Credit and Debit Card for payment.

Bring: Parent Notification of Immunization Due form (provided to you by your campus nurse)

Personal Immunization Record

Insurance Card (if insured)

If there are any questions regarding state required immunizations, you may consult with your campus nurse or call the Katy ISD Health Services Department at 281-396—2629 for assistance.

This school year, the SMART Tag web-based Parent Portal will be replaced by the Smart Tag app. Parents may download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The SMART Tag app notifies parents when their child’s bus is on its way to pick up, or drop off, at the student’s designated stop. It also provides instant updates about delays, route alterations, or emergencies.

Parents who already have a Smart tag account will be able to use that same login information to access the app.

Katy ISD

Save the date and be sure to bring your sweet tooth for some cold, delicious treats!

Stop in to say hello to Mrs. Maurer, Mrs. Martinez and Mrs. Papa while catching up with old friends and making new ones. Please join the MRE PTA for this fun annual event!

Thursday, August 8th

5:00-6:00 p.m.

MRE GYM (please enter through gym doors)

It's almost time to meet your child's new teacher! Please make sure to join us on August 12th at MRE. This is a "come and go" event...come when you can during that time frame.

Don't know the name and room number for your child's new teacher?

That is OKAY! Please stop by during the event! We will have LOTS of helpers all throughout the campus to help you find your child's new teacher as well as locate their classroom. All we need is their first and last name and you will be on your way to meet the teacher!

• Meet & Greet MRE Teachers and Staff
• Visit your child’s classroom...families are welcomed!
• Bring & Drop-Off (Store Bought) School Supplies
• Pre-Ordered Supplies Delivered to Your Child’s Classroom (From EPI)
• Drop-Off Student Medications in the MRE Clinic
• Join PTA, Purchase Spirit Wear, and more!

Important: Please let your child's teacher know how your child will go home on the FIRST day of school as well as the rest of the school year.

Please be prepared to provide your child's teacher with as much information as possible regarding their dismissal.

Our students dismiss to various areas with staff supervision:

• Walkers
• Car Riders
• YMCA at MRE (on campus in the cafeteria)
• Bus Riders *students enrolled in pre-k are not eligible to ride KISD buses
• Daycare buses, shuttles, vans
• Special Education Transportation
• MRE "Staff Kids" that stay ON campus
  
• "Staff Kids" that travel to another KISD campus afterschool

The vision shared by these Maverick-Educators has always been focused on three things: Strong Relationships, Authentic Experiences for Children, and a Quest for Lifelong Learning instilled within each and every Maverick. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Website: https://www.katyisd.org/campus/MRE/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 2502 North Mason Road, Katy, TX, USA
Phone: 281-234-0330
Twitter (X): @MREMavs