Shafer Elementary hosts open house

One of the four new Katy Independent School District schools celebrated its opening by inviting the Katy community to tour the campus.   The evening at Shafer Elementary School was complete with cheerleaders, the school's namesakes and a Chick-fil-A Cow donning knight attire. The open house unveiled the newly completed building and allowed the community to meet with the school's staff, including Principal Cheryl Rankin.   To honor the school's mascot, the Silver Knights, Chick-fil-A donated two seven-foot silver knights and two large dragon paintings to decorate the school's library.   With more than 73 years in education combined, the school's namesakes, Fred and Patti Shafer, have impacted the lives of many students, staff and the community. Patti joined Katy ISD as an assistant principal at McDonald Junior High and in 2008 and opened WoodCreek Junior High as principal, where she stayed until retirement.   Fred Shafer joined Katy ISD as the director of special education. He oversaw the preschool programs for children with disabilities and established researched-based programs for students with autism at all levels. He received the TCASE Hall of Honor Award for distinguished services and was nominated for Special Education Director of the Year.   The new elementary school is located at 5150 Ranch Point Drive in Katy. For more information, visit katyisd.org.