See video: https://youtu.be/1ZqrqQ5GQs8
Johnny is a senior soccer player for the Bulldogs, and he serves as captain for the varsity team. In 2025 he was awarded the Newcomer of the Year award, and he was selected First Team Midfielder.
Johnny has earned Academic All-District, and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He has taken several AP Classes, including AP Micro Economics.
Johnny is a student athletic trainer, and outside of school he enjoys coaching kids. He also volunteers at his church, and he helps at home with his siblings.
After graduation, Johnny plans to study Kinesiology, and he hopes to continue playing soccer.
That’s Johnny Hagan from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/_MGJ8knGuUM
Mackenzie is in Technical Theatre, and she was elected as the Executive Board Officer for the Broadway Broncos. She has participated in 7 productions, and for The Little Mermaid & Chicago she served as Stage Manager. She has received an International Honor Thespian Award, a Texas Theatre President’s List Scholar Award, the UIL One Act Play Best Technician Award, and she is a National Qualifier for Lighting Design.
Mackenzie currently has a 4.18 GPA with 3 AP classes, and she is a 4-year Academic Excellence Award recipient. She is a member of HOSA and the American Sign Language Honor Society.
In her free time, Mackenzie volunteers at local food pantries, Special Olympics and First McKinney Incredible Kids. She is a member of the St. Gabriel’s High School Youth Ministry, and she is a competitive figure skater with the Dallas Figure Skating Club.
After graduation, Mackenzie plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in either Communication Science Disorders or Kinesiology with a minor in American Sign Language, followed by a Masters in Early Intervention Speech Language Pathology or Occupational Therapy.
That’s Mackenzie Bucl from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Student Council serves as a leadership pathway where students develop essential skills in communication, organization, and goal-setting. Students coordinate a wide array of school and community events, ranging from homecoming and prom to leading campus tours and welcoming new students. The program encourages personal growth and self-direction while bridging the gap between the student body, campus staff, and administration. Ultimately, Student Council empowers students to become active, informed citizens who are prepared to lead both within their current school community and in the future.
McKinney ISD schools and offices will be closed for Spring Break March 16-20. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23.
We hope you have a fantastic Spring Break!
See video: https://youtu.be/Zrt1iYV3IR0
Zalana is a 4-year member of the varsity orchestra, and she has served as the Principle Violist for 3 years. She has earned 1s in District Solo & Ensemble contests, and she earned Sweepstakes in UIL 7 times. Zalana qualified for All-Region Orchestra 3 times, and she has also participated in the Visual Art Scholastic Event where she earned 3 & 4 at Regional and qualified for State.
Zalana currently has a 4.97 GPA with 10 AP credits. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she earned 4s & 5s on her AP exams. Zalana received the Collegeboard National African American Recognition Award and the Collegeboard First Generation Recognition Award.
Zalana is a member of the Stemist Club, and she helped publish a picture book for the WE Service Event. She is a member of the Engineering Club, and she placed 2nd at the Technology Student Association’s Regional Competition in Animatronics.
In her free time, Zalana is 2nd chair in the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra, and she volunteers at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. She also enjoys crocheting & knitting, sewing, embroidery and jewelry-making.
After graduation, Zalana plans to attend college to major in Animation.
That’s Zalana Aguillard, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Burks Elementary students were thrilled to meet Mayor Bill Cox today as he stopped by to read to them and talk about his responsibilities as mayor of McKinney. Students were even more thrilled to learn that Cox spent his own elementary school years as a student at Burks.
Students asked great questions and had thoughtful dialogue with Cox about his experiences at the school. Principal Al Conley and Superintendent Shawn Pratt gave the mayor a tour of the building, stopping by classrooms along the way to say hello.
While much has changed since Cox’s days at Burks, the school’s dedication to its students has remained steadfast, and the visit served as a poignant reminder that the sky is the limit for these Burks Eagles.
"Being able to come to Nell Burks Elementary today to talk to the kids and take a tour of the campus where I went to first grade through fifth grade was really special for me," said Cox. "It was fun to see the changes in the campus and also to see some of the similarities, the things that haven't changed. But, the main thing, my takeaway, is how gracious and how kind the teachers and the students are. It truly is a special campus in McKinney ISD."
See video: https://youtu.be/1OvxhKMegqk
Johnathan is an amazing player for the Bronco soccer team.
During the 2023-2024 season, he served as captain for the JV squad, and he earned the Bronco Way Award. This season, he’s netted five goals as a varsity player.
Johnathan currently ranks 16th in his class with a weighted GPA of 5.1464, and he is an AP Scholar. He has taken 4 AP classes, scoring 4 on each exam, and he received the Academic Excellence award twice.
Johnathan participates in PALS and the Young Men’s Service League,
and he serves on the Principal’s Advisory Council.
Outside of school, Johnathan plays club soccer for Borussia Dortmund, and he is a member of the First McKinney Baptist Church youth group.
Congratulations to Johnathan Podor from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
2026 McKinney ISD Tour Photos!
We had a fantastic Friday on the 2026 McKinney ISD Tour today! About 50 guests joined district leaders, including Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Board Vice President Harvey Oaxaca, for a behind-the-scenes look at Minshew Elementary and McKinney Boyd High School.
The day began at Minshew Elementary, where Minshew Student Council members and Boyd PALS welcomed guests with music and fanfare. In the library, Principal Jennifer Larriviere shared an overview of the school, its history and programs. Student Council members then led tours across campus, where guests saw learning in action in the STEAM classroom, sensory room, indoor recess space and a science lesson. Visitors also enjoyed a student performance explaining the Zones of Regulation.
The tour rolled on to McKinney Boyd High School, where guests were greeted by the Bailadoras, cheerleaders and drum line. After lunch in the library and remarks from Principal David Hodum, Boyd PALS students guided campus tours. Guests enjoyed a performance by the Boyd Jazz Band and visited the recently updated auditorium while learning more about Boyd’s academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Thank you to the students, staff and campus leaders for your hospitality and for making it another great McKinney ISD Tour!
From keeping our campuses running smoothly to responding when our schools need support, their hard work helps make learning possible across the district. We are grateful for the dedication and care they bring to their work every day as they help us fulfill our mission of reaching every student, every day.
Thank you for all you do for McKinney ISD!
Reading is one of our favorite activities in McKinney ISD, so when Read Across America rolls around each year, we couldn't be more excited! Schools across the district have been celebrating this week with special guests—parents, McKinney ISD board members, Central Office administrators and staff and community leaders—stopping by to read to classes and celebrating the joyful adventure of reading!
Congratulations to Cockrill Middle School PE Coach Amanda Nava who was named the Mrs. Baird's Teachers on the Rise middle school winner for February! Representatives from Teachers on the Rise and Market Street presented Coach Nava with gift cards at Cockrill.
Mrs. Baird's and Market Street launched the Teachers on the Rise program in November 2021 to recognize teachers who are going above and beyond for our students. Teachers are selected from nominations submitted by students and families. Seventh grader Isla Davis, who helps with the Partners PE program at Cockrill, nominated Coach Nava for the way that she listens to, challenges and inspires her students. "Thank you Coach Nava, for everything you do for our school, and keep shining your bright light!"
McKinney ISD Leadership Academy!
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy met on Tuesday afternoon for its fourth and final gathering of 2025–2026. This session featured a panel of McKinney ISD campus and district leaders who spoke on core principles and essentials of leadership, gleaned from decades of experience across a vast expanse of roles: Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership Jeff Banner, Glen Oaks Elementary Principal Kristi Andrews, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amber Epperson, Scott Johnson Middle School Principal Holly Rogers, Executive Director of Elementary School Leadership Molly Hovan and Director of Athletics Jennifer Frazier.
The session concluded with discussion and collaboration as participants reflected on their own leadership skills and values. We appreciate the thoughtful engagement of our participants this year and look forward to continuing this leadership development journey in McKinney ISD!
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy was established to identify, recruit, and equip educators with a variety of levels of specializations and broad knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare participants for leadership positions in both campus and district leadership. The academy was started in the 2019-2020 school year to build a pipeline of leaders within McKinney ISD and has now had six cohorts of leaders participate in the yearlong pathway with more than 75 percent of the participants growing into new levels of leadership. Additionally, seven leadership pathways have been added to help grow leaders within our district.
For more information about our leadership academy and leadership pathways, please reach out to Melanie Raleeh, Holly Rogers, or Dr. Shelly Spaulding.
See video: https://youtu.be/Bq-MoDUreKo
Zoe is a 3-year varsity choir member.
Zoe has a 4.36 GPA, and she ranks 40th in her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She participates in the PALS mentorship program, and she plays volleyball.
In her free time, Zoe works at 11/17.
After graduation, Zoe plans on attending Texas Tech University.
That’s Zoe Alsup, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
In McKinney ISD, these experts help identify students' unique learning needs, support teachers and families and ensure every learner has the tools to succeed. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!
Public schools are where the future begins and community thrives. March 2-6 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we’re proud to celebrate the incredible students, educators, families and community members who make McKinney ISD such a special place.
From innovative classrooms and fine arts to athletics, CTE programs and hands-on learning, our students are discovering their passions and preparing for the future.
Thank you to everyone who supports public education and helps us create opportunities for every student, every day. Join us in celebrating Texas public schools!
Cross-Curricular Connection!
Science and literature intersected in a water filtration lab for McKinney ISD sixth graders during a unit exploring natural resources and the plight of the millions worldwide who lack access to clean drinking water. Through the novel "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park, our students encountered the true story of Salva Dut, a "Lost Boy" refugee of Sudan's Second Civil War, and his work to bring safe drinking water to the people of Sudan. In science class, students learned about water filtration methods and explored solutions to implement a simple, low-cost filtration system for communities without access to water treatment facilities. Literature put a face on a real-world crisis; science put problem solving creativity in the hands of our students.
Here are some photos from Evans Middle School and Faubion Middle School...
March 2 is Read Across America Day, a day to celebrate one of our favorite activities! The day was established in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Observed each year on the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, National Read Across America Day is a great opportunity for students, teachers, parents and community members around the nation to come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading!
March is designated as Texas History Month, a time to reflect on and honor the rich heritage, diverse culture and defining events that have shaped our great state. From the courage displayed at the Alamo to the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texas history is marked by resilience, determination and a steadfast commitment to liberty.
We are grateful for the leaders, pioneers, educators, service members and everyday citizens whose contributions have left a lasting impact on our communities and our state. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Texans.
See video: https://youtu.be/rwU--TM-JJE
Kammie is a four-year varsity player on the soccer team, and she has served as team captain for the past 2 years. In 2024 Kammie earned 2nd Team All-District honors, and she was selected 1st Team All-District in 2025. She was named Defensive Player of the Year for McKinney High School.
Kammie is ranked number one in her class! She has taken 17 AP classes, and she is a three-time AP Scholar.
Kammie serves as president of the National Honor Society and Girls in STEM/Girls Who Code. She is also a member of the Engineering Club and Team Fashion Engineering.
Outside of school, Kammie plays USYS Top Soccer, and she volunteers by assisting students with disabilities and autism in playing soccer. She helped start and operate a retail beef business, and she participates in Young Life.
After graduation, Kammie plans to attend the University of Wyoming to play soccer and continue her education.
That’s Kammie Kristufek from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
