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Happy Tuesday, Katy 🤠
Well, the back-to-school buzz is officially in the air – buses are rolling, cleats are hitting the field, and that first whiff of Friday-night football is right around the corner. The August heat is still doing its thing, so I hope you've got a cold something nearby and the AC working overtime.
On a quick personal note, my family has experienced some medical issues and hospitalizations this week, so I wanted to apologize that this edition is a little less polished and the events section is a bit lighter than I normally try to do, but hoping it should be back to normal in the next week or two!
Now, grab your iced beverage of choice and settle in, because we've got a great one for you this week.
Now, in today's edition:
Fulshear cracks Texas's Top 10 safest cities
How Katy ISD is updating AI policies this fall
A Filipino gem hiding in Katy Grand
30+ events & more
— Grant Hamilton
Community News
Fulshear Just Made Texas's Top 10 Safest Cities 🎉
Big news for our neighbors just west of Houston: Fulshear landed at #8 on SafeWise's list of the safest cities in all of Texas for 2026. Out of 343 Texas cities that qualified, Fulshear cracked the top 10 – and it's one of only two Houston-area communities to pull it off.
Here's what to know:
It's a competitive list. SafeWise looked at 343 qualifying Texas cities, using the latest FBI crime data adjusted for population. This is their 12th year ranking them.
Fulshear stood out. The report noted that no motor vehicle thefts were reported in Fulshear during the ranking period.
It's a Houston-area rarity. Most of the top 10 were Dallas–Fort Worth suburbs, so having two of our own on the list (hello, Memorial Villages at #3) is something special.
Residents already feel it. One local review called Fulshear "a close-knit community where people support each other."
If you've been thinking Fulshear feels like a calm, welcoming place to put down roots – turns out the data agrees. 💛
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City Updates
AI Comes to Katy ISD – But Teachers Stay in Charge 🍎
If you've wondered how our schools plan to handle artificial intelligence, Katy ISD has an answer. At its July 20 board meeting, the district rolled out a brand-new AI framework that starts this fall – and the big theme is "slow and thoughtful."
Here are the main details:
Teachers come first. District leaders were clear: AI is a tool, not a replacement for teachers. Educators still plan the lessons, do the grading, and build the relationships.
It's age-based. Our youngest students (K–6) won't use chatbots at all – just a few approved reading and writing helpers, always with a teacher watching. Older students (grades 7–12) can use approved tools only with permission.
Safety is built in. Every approved tool must meet strict federal privacy laws before a single student uses it.
Who's behind it: Dr. Sanée Bell, the district's Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, led the plan.
As Dr. Bell put it, the goal is to prepare students "to use these tools thoughtfully" while protecting "the critical thinking, creativity and meaningful relationships that only educators can provide." A parent tool list is coming to the district website – worth a bookmark.
Local Restaurant Spotlight 🍽️
A Taste of the Philippines, Made with Love in Katy
When Mike and Marit Gabriel opened Patis & Toyo in Katy's Grand shopping center, they were finally living out a long-held dream – they'd always wanted to open a Filipino restaurant. They named it after the two things you'll find on every Filipino family's table: patis (fish sauce) and toyo (soy sauce). It's a sweet little nod to home, and it tells you everything about their approach.
Here's what makes it special:
It's a rare find. Dedicated sit-down Filipino restaurants are hard to come by around Katy – and this one's earned a devoted following.
The setting is lovely. Mike and Marit set out to create a "clean and modern Filipiniana" space, and diners feel it – one review said you're "transported to upscale restaurants of the Philippines."
The plates are stunning. An OpenTable reviewer called the presentation "Michelin-level." Regulars rave about the crispy pata, sizzling sisig, kare-kare, and chicken BBQ skewers.
Save room for dessert. Think halo-halo (if you haven’t heard of it, you have to give it a try!) and a showstopping sizzling cassava cake.
📍 23220 Grand Circle Blvd, Ste 160 · Open daily from 11 AM. Bring the whole family – and come hungry.
P.S. Been to Patis & Toyo? Hit reply and tell me your order – I'm building a must-try list. 🍽️
Events coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
Family Fun 🐣
Practice Reading with PAWS Therapy Dogs | 10:30–11:30 AM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Cinco Ranch Branch Library
Description: New readers practice their skills with patient, friendly therapy dogs. Probably the most low-pressure audience your kid will ever read aloud to. For children grades 1-5.
Junior Gordon Band at Typhoon Texas Waterpark | 3:30 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Typhoon Texas
Description: Live country/Americana band poolside as part of the waterpark's summer concert series. A fun way to close out the summer swim season without leaving the lazy river.
Kids Markets at Back To School Bash | 12:00–2:00 PM, Sunday, August 23 | Tickets
Location: Venture Christian Church, 5425 Morton Rd., Katy, TX 77493
Description: A vendor market run entirely by kids ages 5–17, selling handmade goods to fund their school-year projects. Check-in for kid vendors is Saturday Aug 22, 6–7 PM. A sweet community event as the new year kicks off.
Sports & Fitness 🏃
Sugar Land Space Cowboys vs. Oklahoma City Comets (Home Series) | 7:05 PM most nights, Tuesday, August 18 – Sunday, August 23 | Tickets
Location: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land
Description: Six straight nights of Triple-A baseball with a stacked promo schedule – Dollar Dog Wednesday and Waggin' Wednesday (Aug 19), Books at the Ballpark (Aug 20), Harry Potter Night with a themed jersey giveaway for the first 2,000 fans (Aug 21), Augtoberfest with a $25 stein-and-tastings bundle (Aug 22), and Orion's Kids Day plus Sunday Family Four Packs (Aug 23). Something for everyone in the family.
2nd Annual Run & Brews Fun Run | 7:45 AM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Katy Beer Garden, 5345 E. 3rd Street, Katy
Description: Lace up for an early-morning 5K, 10K, or family 1K, then stick around for brews, a DJ, and a photo booth. Walkers, dogs, and strollers all welcome – and every runner scores a shirt and medal. Rain-or-shine, so no weather excuses! Registration closes 6:30 PM Aug 21.
Katy ISD Football – Season Opener | Kickoffs 6:30 & 7:00 PM, Thursday–Saturday, August 27–29 | Varsity Football 2026 Schedule for all Katy ISD High Schools
Location: Legacy Stadium & Rhodes Stadium, Katy (plus away games)
Description: Friday-night lights are back! All nine district high schools open their seasons this week. Grab your team's colors and settle in – football season is a great season in Katy. This pdf schedule is decent (at the link above), but I’m wondering if it’s hard to read; hit reply and tell me if it would be helpful for you if I made a better version!
Live Music & Entertainment 🎸
Gathering Grace | 7:30–9:00 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: Community worship band plays an outdoor evening set on the green. Bring lawn chairs and blankets – family-friendly and low-key.
Bollywood Night | 7:00–9:00 PM, Saturday, August 29 | Details
Location: Central Green at LaCenterra
Description: A vibrant, free evening of Bollywood music and dance under the stars. Family-friendly and always a lively crowd – the kind of night that's impossible not to smile through.
Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern Tour | 7:30 PM (doors 6:30), Sunday & Monday, August 30–31 | Tickets
Location: Smart Financial Center, Sugar Land
Description: The Grammy-winning soul icon brings two nights of neo-soul, R&B, and spoken word, with special guest Akeem Ali. Heads up: this is a phone-free show – devices go in Yondr pouches until the end. Check the link for current pricing.
Community & Culture 🏛️
Rock the Block on the Square | 7:00–10:00 PM, Saturday, August 22 | Details
Location: Historic Downtown Katy Town Square, Avenue C, Katy
Description: Free outdoor evening block party on Katy's newly redesigned Town Square – live music, dancing, food and drinks nearby, plus a mechanical bull, photobooths, and kids' attractions this year. Bring the whole crew.
Friends of the Maud Marks Library Book Sale | Members' pre-sale Friday August 28, 4:00–5:30 PM · Public sale Saturday, August 29, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Details
Location: Maud Smith Marks Branch Library
Description: Fill a bag with gently used hardbacks, children's books, paperbacks, and hidden gems at rock-bottom prices. Cash, check, or Zelle – and you can join the Friends at the door for $10 to get in early.
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
Story Time with Ms. Najia | 10–11 AM, Third Monday Each Month, Next is September 21 | Details
No Label Run Club | 5:30–6:30 PM, Monday | Details
Walking Group at Mary Jo Peckham Park | Tuesdays, 8 AM | Details
Fleet Feet Tuesday Run | Tuesdays, 6 PM | Details
Yoga on the Green | Wednesdays & Fridays, ~8 AM | Details
Knotty and Nice Knitting Club | Every Wednesday 1 PM - 3 PM | Details
No Label Ruck Club | Wednesdays, 5 PM | Details
Bird Walk | Thursdays, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Details
Totally Toddler Time | Thursdays, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM and 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Details
Adult Watercolor Art Club | Every Other Thursday, Next is Aug 20 | Details
Story Time with Ms. Maria | First Thursday of Each Month, 10 AM - 11 AM, Next is September 3rd | Details
Adult Coloring Hour | Thursdays, 6 PM | Details
Music Bingo at The Social Pub & Grill | Thursdays, 7 PM – 9 PM | Details
Katy Garden Club | Second Thursday of Each Month, Next is September 10 | Details
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway | Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM | Details
Farmers Market at The Dryer | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
Fulshear Farmers Market | Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM | Details
George Ranch Historical Park | Saturdays, 9 AM – 5 PM | Tickets
Breakfast with Our Veterans at Katy Elks Lodge | First Saturday monthly, 7 AM – 10 AM | Details
Farmers Market at LaCenterra | Sundays (Starting September 6th), 11 AM – 3 PM | Details
That's it for today!
Thanks for reading The Katy Dispatch this week! See you next Tuesday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of Katy locals? Email us at [email protected].