Katherine Parris
katherineparris1@gmail.com
(843) 957-2191
I am so grateful that you are here! Thank you for hearing my story, and for your love and kindness in the years knowing you all. I am resting, healing, and feeling better, and will update you as soon as I know more about my condition!
If you click my logo, it will take you to the homepage of this website. It was intended for art workshops, and will be used as such when I am cleared by my neurologist.
I am in awe at the community standing with me. I have the best support system in the world!
I am completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity pouring in. I never imagined so many people would step up to support me like this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart—your kindness is lifting me in ways I can’t even express. Every donation, every message, and every prayer means the world to me. I am so, so grateful. 🤍✨
To my donors, I will create a way for you to input your information for communication about classes. This is truly the most encouraged I have felt in the last 2 months. Thank you for all that have spoken on my behalf. It is life changing.
I am working on a Google form, but all of the energy and reading from everyone has caused great joy but also great headaches. I tried painting and just the decision making to express myself in abstraction caused a severe migraine.
Thank you for your continued generosity, prayers, and letters. This community truly feels like family. Resting now. 🤍
Hello Parents!
I hope you’re all doing well! I miss seeing you and all of your amazing children every day. I’m reaching out because I need your help.
As you may be aware, I experienced a serious head injury at school on December 2 when a student unexpectedly threw and struck me with a ruler. Since then, I was diagnosed with a concussion and have been facing concerning neurological symptoms, pain, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties.
On February 10, I received an update from the schools insurance team: Further neurological evaluation is required to assess the percentage of damage. This means additional testing, further medical costs, and continued uncertainty about my recovery.
Unfortunately, the district has not provided financial assistance for my care (MRI tests, Neuropsychological testing and whatever other treatments my neurologist prescribes) despite the injury occurring at school. Due to delays in receiving care, I was left with no choice but to seek my own treatment and resign.
I am incredibly grateful that a kind parent donated toward my neuropsychological test, which is now scheduled. I cannot express how much this generosity means to me.
I paid for my MRIs out-of-pocket under my own medical insurance on February 4, after being unable to receive district assistance. Below is one of the ~1,000 scans taken:
Note the asymmetry in the peak of my brain where the injury occurred, with a visible difference in shape and size. This remains two months post-injury. (Note: In the image, your right side corresponds to the left side of my brain.) I was seen March 3, and they also noticed irregularities… unfortunately my neurologist was unavailable so I met with his NP, but I will see him in 6 weeks.
🚨 The Most Important Way You Can Help: Letters of Support
We only have 3 business days to submit letters to the district to seek answers and accountability.
These letters will:
✅ Request accountability for how this situation was handled.
✅ Support my case to ensure this never happens to another teacher, staff member, or student.
✅ Ask why I was required to return to work despite medical concerns.
If you’re willing to write a letter, I can provide a template to make it easy but a written letter from your heart is always the best. Even a few sentences can make a huge difference.
📩 Where to Send the Letters:
📧 Email Subject: “Urgent Concern – Ms. Parris’ Case & Teacher Safety“
📨 Send your letter to:
Deputy Superintendent, Todd Fouche – fouchet@friscoisd.org
Principal, Jamie Peden – PedenJ@friscoisd.org
HR Representative, Eugene Yarbino – yarrobinoe@friscoisd.org
📌 For Maximum Impact, Please CC:
Superintendent, Dr. Mike Waldrip –his assistant – ArellanoM@friscoisd.org
School Board Contact – leaders@friscoisd.org
(Parents can also CC all emails in one message for greater effect.)
💜 For Those Who Want to Provide Financial Support
While my priority is letters of support, I have also received questions about how to help with medical costs. I no longer have an income since being forced to leave my position to receive care. If anyone would like to donate toward my ongoing medical testing, I would be deeply grateful.
💜 Zelle: (843) 957-2191
💡 As a thank you, anyone who donates $25 or more will receive a free art class once I resume teaching. If you’d like to participate, please leave your student’s name and grade in the memo line when sending.
📢 Other Ways to Help
✅ Spread the word – If you know other parents who would be willing to write a letter or help, please share this message with them.
This is our chance to ask for answers before it’s too late.
Thank you all so much for your support—it truly means the world to me. I miss you all dearly, and once I am healed, I will be teaching art again. While I will not be returning to the school, I have exciting plans for the future. Right now, I just need to focus on recovery—and soon, we will be creating together again.
With love and gratitude,
Ms. Parris