Mrs. MayDell Jenks​

May 6, 1947 - August 29, 2023

MayDell Jenks devoted her entire 43-year professional career focusing on teaching students languages. She majored in education at Sam Houston State University and took her first job teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Cy-Fair ISD. In 1981, Jenks began her career in Katy ISD teaching German at Taylor High School. For the next 31 years, she would serve the student language population in Katy ISD.

In 1985, Jenks began her administrative career when she was hired as the first District Coordinator for ESL, Bilingual and Foreign Languages. Since then, the Department of Other Languages has grown.

During her career, the programs she created or implemented across the District include: K-5 bilingual program, Newcomer Centers, District ELL Testing Center, Two-Way Immersion and multiple foreign language programs at the elementary and secondary levels.

MayDell Jenks holds a Bachelor of Arts in German and English from Sam Houston State University, a Masters of Education in Guidance & Counseling from Prairie View A&M University and a Mid-Management Certificate from Texas A&M University. She has also held various offices in professional language organizations. Jenks continues to serve on the board of the Texas Foreign Language Association, is an active Delta Kappa Gamma Katy Chapter Member and continues to volunteer time with various Katy area endeavors.

Over the years, Jenks’ service was filled with her passion for students, especially language learners. Yet she always recognized the need for community involvement. It went so far as to develop parent centers that offered second language instruction for parents along with assisting students navigate the requirements of each grade level. Her philosophy remained that the more parents and family were involved, the more successful the students would be.