Ordinarily, I reserve my blog for tech related content, but I just got this from KISD and wanted to share for those who may have kids in the district but don’t receive these messages.

Updated @ 12pm:

This morning, the concentration of smoke from wildfires to our north has significantly increased and is not expected to subside during the day. Therefore, the district is taking the following steps to maintain the health and wellbeing of students and staff:

There will be no outdoor PE or recess activities for the remainder of the day.
There will be no outdoor athletic or fine arts practices. Athletic and fine arts after school practices will be held indoors if possible. Students should check with their coaches/sponsors for exact details as to the status/location of their practice.
Campuses will work to load students on buses quickly to minimize time outdoors.
District officials will continue to monitor the situation closely for possible impact on operations for Friday. By noon Friday, district officials will make an announcement as to what, if any impact, the air quality may have on Friday night athletic events.

Please continue to monitor the Katy ISD website for more information about this situation as it becomes available.

Original:

The Katy ISD Office of Emergency Management has been monitoring the situation regarding the wildfires north of our area. These fires, located in the Montgomery, Grimes and Waller County area continue to burn and produce smoke that continues to cover the Katy area.

This morning, the concentration of smoke in our area has significantly increased. Therefore, the district is limiting outdoor activity for all students until noon. In addition, we are closing the outside air intakes on our HVAC systems to help maintain the air quality in the buildings. District officials will continue to monitor the situation and will make a decision later this morning as to whether or not to restrict after school outdoor activities, such as athletic and band practices.

Teachers and school nurses will continue to monitor those students who are asthmatic and those with other respiratory conditions. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, “Common symptoms of smoke exposure include coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes and runny nose.” If a teacher sees a student with an increase in these symptoms, the student will be directed to the school nurse.

Please continue to monitor the Katy ISD website for more information about this situation as it becomes available.