Check out more photos at the conclusion of this article!

McKinney, Texas — There are few days in McKinney ISD that carry as much energy and anticipation as the annual Convocation celebration, when Superintendent Shawn Pratt and district leadership officially welcome teachers and staff back to work and set the vision and mission for the coming year. The 2026 edition held on Friday, August 7, was no exception.

As every McKinney ISD teacher, administrator and staff member from across the district converged on McKinney Stadium on Friday, they were greeted by board members, district and campus administrators and the cheerleaders and mascots from Cockrill, Dowell, Evans, Faubion and Scott Johnson Middle School.

The combined drum lines from McKinney Boyd, McKinney High School and McKinney North perform at McKinney ISD Convocation 2026.

Inside the stadium, the theme was "We are McKinney ISD—Game Day" and it truly was a district wide affair, not only bringing together every staff member but also performers, PALS and athletes from around the district.

The program included performances from the McKinney Boyd, McKinney High and McKinney North bands, cheerleaders, drill teams and theatre students as well as middle school theatre students and choir members from every school in the district.

Also featured were Q&A segments with Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year Tommy Gillett from Burks Elementary and McKinney ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Reagan Brannon from Faubion Middle School; recent graduates from Boyd, MHS and North; and members of the Board of Trustees.

McKinney ISD teacher Brooke Hancock won a $500 classroom grant! (Photo: Cason Starnes)

There was a flyover piloted by MISD Aviation students and a new teacher field goal kick challenge with two $500 classroom grants on the line—that was gallantly taken over by the vastly more qualified Broncos and Lions kickers—who put the pigskins through the uprights on behalf of the hopeful educators.

Pratt interviewed Mayor Bill Cox about his experiences growing up in McKinney and attending McKinney ISD, and when he brought the festivities to a close, Pratt shared these final thoughts, "Today was about our game day, and our game day is every day. Every day, when more than 24,000 students walk through our doors with hopes, dreams and unlimited potential. Whether you drive a bus, prepare a meal, teach a lesson, counsel a student, keep our buildings safe or support our campus in countless other ways, you are part of something extraordinary. We don't wear the same jersey because we do the same job—we wear the same jersey because we share the same purpose. That purpose is to provide an unbelievable educational experience for every single one of our students. This year, let's show our students, our families and our community what it means to be one team. We are McKinney ISD. Now, let's go have the best school year yet."

Thank you to Custom Ink for sponsoring our McKinney ISD Spirit Zone!

More Photos from McKinney ISD Convocation 2026!