This week's Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Cole Wakefield from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/tMxoT6t2g3U
Cole is a senior, and he plays on the Bronco tennis team. He received the Tennis Sportsmanship award 3 times, and he qualified for varsity tennis playoffs twice.
Cole is ranked first in his class of nearly 600 students, and he is a National Merit Semifinalist. Cole is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honor. He has completed 14 AP classes, and he serves as president of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Cole is a state competition finalist with Texas DECA, and he volunteers with the Young Men’s Service League and the Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter.
After graduation, Cole plans to attend college to major in Accounting & Finance or Mathematics.
That's Cole Wakefield from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/tMxoT6t2g3U
Cole is a senior, and he plays on the Bronco tennis team. He received the Tennis Sportsmanship award 3 times, and he qualified for varsity tennis playoffs twice.
Cole is ranked first in his class of nearly 600 students, and he is a National Merit Semifinalist. Cole is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honor. He has completed 14 AP classes, and he serves as president of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Cole is a state competition finalist with Texas DECA, and he volunteers with the Young Men’s Service League and the Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter.
After graduation, Cole plans to attend college to major in Accounting & Finance or Mathematics.
That's Cole Wakefield from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
The 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee was held last night at Faubion Middle School. Nineteen students participated in the bee. Congratulations to our six winners! They now advance to the Collin County Spelling Bee.
1st Place- Helen Bamanga, Faubion Middle School
2nd Place-Avyaan Rai, Frazier Elementary
3rd Place-Daniel Rhee, Evans Middle School
4th Place-Julia Keo, Cockrill Middle School
5th Place-Lydia Knoernschild, Caldwell Dual Language Academy
6th Place-Carissa Pathy, Press Elementary
January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and McKinney ISD offers its heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the officers who serve our community every day — building relationships, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and showing up when it matters most.
We are grateful for our School Resource Officers and Armed Security Officers who help keep our schools safe and support our students and staff with care and dedication. Your commitment to our community does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all that you do!
We are grateful for our School Resource Officers and Armed Security Officers who help keep our schools safe and support our students and staff with care and dedication. Your commitment to our community does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all that you do!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Leo Ziman from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/KwtSUPwR040
Leo is a 4-year member of the Royal Pride marching band and varsity wind ensemble. He has also played in the full orchestra and pit orchestra. Leo has been recognized as Outstanding Soloist in 2025, and he earned 1st Division Superior Rating at Solo Contest for the past 3 years. He was selected as a TMEA All-Region Clarinetist and a TMEA Area J Qualifier.
Leo is currently ranked 5th in his class with a 4.96 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in 6 additional AP classes. Leo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he is qualified to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was also awarded National Top School Recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program.
In his free time, Leo has served in RPB Prime Time Tutoring, the Color Guard Crew and the WE Service Project. He also volunteers in his community through the Dog Agility Fun Match, McKinney Marching Invitational, DCI, and RPB Rotary Flag Program. Leo performs with the Custer Road United Methodist Church String & Woodwind Ensemble.
After graduation, Leo plans to major in Applied Math and minor in Computer Science.
That’s Leo Ziman, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/KwtSUPwR040
Leo is a 4-year member of the Royal Pride marching band and varsity wind ensemble. He has also played in the full orchestra and pit orchestra. Leo has been recognized as Outstanding Soloist in 2025, and he earned 1st Division Superior Rating at Solo Contest for the past 3 years. He was selected as a TMEA All-Region Clarinetist and a TMEA Area J Qualifier.
Leo is currently ranked 5th in his class with a 4.96 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in 6 additional AP classes. Leo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he is qualified to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was also awarded National Top School Recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program.
In his free time, Leo has served in RPB Prime Time Tutoring, the Color Guard Crew and the WE Service Project. He also volunteers in his community through the Dog Agility Fun Match, McKinney Marching Invitational, DCI, and RPB Rotary Flag Program. Leo performs with the Custer Road United Methodist Church String & Woodwind Ensemble.
After graduation, Leo plans to major in Applied Math and minor in Computer Science.
That’s Leo Ziman, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Sam Rayburn Day 2026
Today we celebrate Sam Rayburn Day, honoring the legacy of one of Texas’ most influential leaders. As the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn dedicated his life to public service, integrity, and putting people over politics.
His commitment to democracy, bipartisanship, and rural America continues to inspire generations. On this day, we remember his leadership and the values he stood for—fairness, humility, and service above self.
Today we celebrate Sam Rayburn Day, honoring the legacy of one of Texas’ most influential leaders. As the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn dedicated his life to public service, integrity, and putting people over politics.
His commitment to democracy, bipartisanship, and rural America continues to inspire generations. On this day, we remember his leadership and the values he stood for—fairness, humility, and service above self.
McKinney ISD classes resume tomorrow—Tuesday, January 6! We hope that you had a wonderful break, and we can't wait to see you!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/dFvtBy8ds_0
Abbi is a junior and a standout basketball player for the Lions.
On the court, Abbi is a proven competitor, earning 2nd Team All-District honors this past season and back-to-back Academic All-District recognition.
In the classroom, Abbi is truly outstanding. Shas already tackled five AP classes, and she is currently challenging herself with three more AP courses.
Abbi is a member of the National Honor Society, and with a phenomenal 5.0964 GPA and a class rank of 15 out of 685, she sets the standard for student excellence.
Abbi is an active member of the Cotton Wood Creek Church.
Congratulations to Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/dFvtBy8ds_0
Abbi is a junior and a standout basketball player for the Lions.
On the court, Abbi is a proven competitor, earning 2nd Team All-District honors this past season and back-to-back Academic All-District recognition.
In the classroom, Abbi is truly outstanding. Shas already tackled five AP classes, and she is currently challenging herself with three more AP courses.
Abbi is a member of the National Honor Society, and with a phenomenal 5.0964 GPA and a class rank of 15 out of 685, she sets the standard for student excellence.
Abbi is an active member of the Cotton Wood Creek Church.
Congratulations to Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
McKinney ISD will be closed for Winter Break Monday, December 22 – Friday, January 2. On the district calendar, Monday, January 5, is also designated as a student holiday. Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 6.
We hope that you have a wonderful break and a joyful holiday season!
We hope that you have a wonderful break and a joyful holiday season!
MacTown Miracles 2025!
Once again, the student councils at McKinney North, MHS and McKinney Boyd joined forces to put together the annual MacTown Miracles holiday food drive that provides holiday meals to local families in need. This afternoon, with the help of athletes from all three high schools, they packed more than 800 complete holiday turkey dinners! MacTown Miracles is truly a district wide effort with many groups and campuses contributing to the effort!
Once again, the student councils at McKinney North, MHS and McKinney Boyd joined forces to put together the annual MacTown Miracles holiday food drive that provides holiday meals to local families in need. This afternoon, with the help of athletes from all three high schools, they packed more than 800 complete holiday turkey dinners! MacTown Miracles is truly a district wide effort with many groups and campuses contributing to the effort!
NCAA Div II National Football Championship Teams Visit McKinney ISD!
It was a hero's welcome for the #2 ranked Harding University Bisons and the #1 ranked Ferris State University Bulldogs as they made stops on their McKinney ISD goodwill tour at Eddins, McClure, Slaughter and Vega Elementary. The two powerhouse teams will collide in the NCAA Div. II National Football Championship on Saturday, Dec. 20, at MISD Stadium, but this morning it was all smiles and high fives as they visited classrooms, played games, read to students and won the hearts of some new fans!
Thanks to both teams for making the final day of the semester one that our students will never forget! We wish you all the best in the game tomorrow and for a safe and happy holiday season!
For NCAA Div II National Football Championship ticket information, visit: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/mckinneyisd/entity/schools/35
Feliz Navidad from Caldwell Dual Language Academy!
See video: https://youtu.be/55d8zqc7VmM
Students, staff and parents from Caldwell Dual Language Academy came together on this last day before our holiday break in McKinney ISD to honor accomplishments and spread a little merriment. Here’s a festive, bilingual sing-a-long: Feliz Navidad!
See video: https://youtu.be/55d8zqc7VmM
Students, staff and parents from Caldwell Dual Language Academy came together on this last day before our holiday break in McKinney ISD to honor accomplishments and spread a little merriment. Here’s a festive, bilingual sing-a-long: Feliz Navidad!
Our thanks to the Faubion Middle School Synergy Pop Choir, Director Bridgette Pineau and Assistant Director Amanda Barber, who stopped by Central Office today as they made their rounds spreading holiday cheer through song. We were reminded, once again, that McKinney ISD has the best fine arts teachers and students anywhere!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Katelyn Todd from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/D4qX6QhrjTA
Katelyn is a 2-year varsity choir member and a 1-year True North Choir member. Katelyn also excels in the art program. She is in AP Drawing and has received the highest score of 4 on two of her pieces at the region 10 VASE Competitions.
Katelyn is an AP Scholar, and she currently maintains a 4.33 GPA with 7 AP credits and ranks in the top 10% of her class. She is CPR certified and participates in the Sports Medicine Program and works as a Student Athletic Trainer.
In her free time, Katelyn enjoys attending Bible Study every week where she sometimes leads the study. She is the music coordinator for her church’s harvest festival, and she enjoys helping her family by shopping and preparing dinner each night.
After graduation, Katelyn plans to attend college to earn her Bachelors Degree. She is currently undecided on a major, but she is considering the HR field.
That’s Katelyn Todd, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/D4qX6QhrjTA
Katelyn is a 2-year varsity choir member and a 1-year True North Choir member. Katelyn also excels in the art program. She is in AP Drawing and has received the highest score of 4 on two of her pieces at the region 10 VASE Competitions.
Katelyn is an AP Scholar, and she currently maintains a 4.33 GPA with 7 AP credits and ranks in the top 10% of her class. She is CPR certified and participates in the Sports Medicine Program and works as a Student Athletic Trainer.
In her free time, Katelyn enjoys attending Bible Study every week where she sometimes leads the study. She is the music coordinator for her church’s harvest festival, and she enjoys helping her family by shopping and preparing dinner each night.
After graduation, Katelyn plans to attend college to earn her Bachelors Degree. She is currently undecided on a major, but she is considering the HR field.
That’s Katelyn Todd, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
McKinney ISD School Board Summary for the December 15th Meeting
See video: https://youtu.be/3maUdlJG6tU
Hello! My name is Amy Dankel, and I serve as president for the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. Each month, after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board member Harvey Oaxaca.
Then we celebrated a variety of recognitions for notable accomplishments from our students and staff.
We paid tribute to our Holiday Card Art Contest Winners. Congratulations to our elementary holiday card designers: Sam Jamiligiri, a 4th grader from Frazier Elementary, Parnika Dalavai, a 3rd grader from Frazier Elementary, Barrett Cavanaugh, a 5th grader from Walker Elementary and Joseph Ryu, 4th grader from Minshew Elementary. Congratulations to our middle school holiday card designers: 7th grader Evan Lee from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Bella De La Rocha from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Hannah Nichol from Cockrill Middle School and 6th grader Cear Wais from Cockrill Middle School. Congratulations to our high school holiday card designers: Miraa Shree Prathap, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School, Ava Gonzalez, a 10th grader from McKinney North High School, Sienna Vargas, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School and Charlene Emerson, a 12th grader from McKinney North High School.
Next we recognized Scott Johnson Middle School for their leadership, as they were redesignated as a Texas Schools to Watch campus. Congratulations to Principal Holly Rogers, her leadership team, her staff, and her students on this incredible accomplishment.
Following the recognitions, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items, and then the Board entered closed session.
After reconvening, the Board moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting. They heard, considered, and took action to approve the recommended realignment of district attendance zones for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board decided to approve elementary map #4, middle school map #5, and high school map #4. More information about the district attendance zones can be found on our McKinney ISD website.
Following a short recess, the Board then considered and approved the consent agenda.
We also heard from Russel May, our Senior Director of Safety and Security, as he presented the findings for an intruder detection audit report.
The Trustees also reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and also bond, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, health services, guidance and counseling, and third quarter demographic reports.
Upcoming district events include our regularly scheduled Board meeting on January 20th at 6 PM.
The meeting was adjourned following these items of business.
Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for your interest in McKinney ISD and the great work that is happening within our district! We want to wish all of our community a very happy holiday season.
See video: https://youtu.be/3maUdlJG6tU
Hello! My name is Amy Dankel, and I serve as president for the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. Each month, after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board member Harvey Oaxaca.
Then we celebrated a variety of recognitions for notable accomplishments from our students and staff.
We paid tribute to our Holiday Card Art Contest Winners. Congratulations to our elementary holiday card designers: Sam Jamiligiri, a 4th grader from Frazier Elementary, Parnika Dalavai, a 3rd grader from Frazier Elementary, Barrett Cavanaugh, a 5th grader from Walker Elementary and Joseph Ryu, 4th grader from Minshew Elementary. Congratulations to our middle school holiday card designers: 7th grader Evan Lee from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Bella De La Rocha from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Hannah Nichol from Cockrill Middle School and 6th grader Cear Wais from Cockrill Middle School. Congratulations to our high school holiday card designers: Miraa Shree Prathap, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School, Ava Gonzalez, a 10th grader from McKinney North High School, Sienna Vargas, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School and Charlene Emerson, a 12th grader from McKinney North High School.
Next we recognized Scott Johnson Middle School for their leadership, as they were redesignated as a Texas Schools to Watch campus. Congratulations to Principal Holly Rogers, her leadership team, her staff, and her students on this incredible accomplishment.
Following the recognitions, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items, and then the Board entered closed session.
After reconvening, the Board moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting. They heard, considered, and took action to approve the recommended realignment of district attendance zones for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board decided to approve elementary map #4, middle school map #5, and high school map #4. More information about the district attendance zones can be found on our McKinney ISD website.
Following a short recess, the Board then considered and approved the consent agenda.
We also heard from Russel May, our Senior Director of Safety and Security, as he presented the findings for an intruder detection audit report.
The Trustees also reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and also bond, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, health services, guidance and counseling, and third quarter demographic reports.
Upcoming district events include our regularly scheduled Board meeting on January 20th at 6 PM.
The meeting was adjourned following these items of business.
Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for your interest in McKinney ISD and the great work that is happening within our district! We want to wish all of our community a very happy holiday season.
Congratulations to our MEF Grant Recipients!
See video: https://youtu.be/1uUryKyFJZ4
Officials from the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF) and McKinney ISD gathered for one of their favorite days of the year — MEF teacher grant delivery day! Eight teams fanned out across the district to deliver a total of $172,487.87 in teacher grants. The funds will be used for specific classroom needs that will directly impact learning. Teachers applied for the grants, which were funded by voluntary teacher payroll donations and community support.
See video: https://youtu.be/1uUryKyFJZ4
Officials from the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF) and McKinney ISD gathered for one of their favorite days of the year — MEF teacher grant delivery day! Eight teams fanned out across the district to deliver a total of $172,487.87 in teacher grants. The funds will be used for specific classroom needs that will directly impact learning. Teachers applied for the grants, which were funded by voluntary teacher payroll donations and community support.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Anoushka Menon, a senior from McKinney Boyd High School.
Video: https://youtu.be/zjQR-zKmB_I
Anoushka is a 4-year varsity letterman, 3-time regional qualifier, and 2-year varsity captain. She has earned multiple Academic All-District honors and the High Point Award.
Anoushka is an AP Scholar award winner. She has taken 10 AP classes, and she is as a member of the National Honor Society.
Beyond academics and athletics, Anoushka contributes to the Art Club and National Art Honor Society. She volunteers at Gracebridge, and she teaches swimming at the British Swim School.
After graduation, Anoushka plans to major in Political Science, minor in Economics, and pursue law school.
Congratulations to Anoushka Menon from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Video: https://youtu.be/zjQR-zKmB_I
Anoushka is a 4-year varsity letterman, 3-time regional qualifier, and 2-year varsity captain. She has earned multiple Academic All-District honors and the High Point Award.
Anoushka is an AP Scholar award winner. She has taken 10 AP classes, and she is as a member of the National Honor Society.
Beyond academics and athletics, Anoushka contributes to the Art Club and National Art Honor Society. She volunteers at Gracebridge, and she teaches swimming at the British Swim School.
After graduation, Anoushka plans to major in Political Science, minor in Economics, and pursue law school.
Congratulations to Anoushka Menon from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
The McKinney Boyd Fusion Choir brought holiday harmonies to Central Office today and reminded everyone what a fantastic job our fine arts students and teachers do! Thank you to Director Amy Herrington, Associate Director Jeremy Brown and the entire ensemble!
Fundraising and the Fast Track with Frazier and Webb
See video: https://youtu.be/67pIr659KqE
A promise is a promise! Amy Holderman and Karime Terrazas have done it again. The Frazier Elementary principal and Webb Elementary principal challenged their campuses to raise a certain amount of money, and each school’s community surpassed the goal. So, Amy and Karime kept their promise and got strapped into a race car at Texas Motor Speedway!
See video: https://youtu.be/67pIr659KqE
A promise is a promise! Amy Holderman and Karime Terrazas have done it again. The Frazier Elementary principal and Webb Elementary principal challenged their campuses to raise a certain amount of money, and each school’s community surpassed the goal. So, Amy and Karime kept their promise and got strapped into a race car at Texas Motor Speedway!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Andrea Dingui from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/Kuiy8XXc6p0
Andrea plays trumpet in the Bronco Marching Band and Jazz Band. She has also performed in the pit orchestra and full orchestra. Andrea’s achievements include: Marching Show Soloist for 3 years, All-Region Symphonic Band, All-Region Wind Symphony, Region & Area Jazz Band, 1st Division Solo Contest, 1st Division Ensemble, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Ensemble and UTA Jazz Festival Outstanding Musicianship.
Andrea has a 3.6 GPA with Dual Credit Classes, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Andrea participates in photojournalism, and she volunteers with Community Garden. She is a Sunday school teacher at her church, and she is also a member of the Sunday worship team and youth worship team.
After graduation, Andrea plans to attend Collin College to major in Paralegal Studies and potentially minor in Music Performance.
That’s Andrea Dingui, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/Kuiy8XXc6p0
Andrea plays trumpet in the Bronco Marching Band and Jazz Band. She has also performed in the pit orchestra and full orchestra. Andrea’s achievements include: Marching Show Soloist for 3 years, All-Region Symphonic Band, All-Region Wind Symphony, Region & Area Jazz Band, 1st Division Solo Contest, 1st Division Ensemble, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Ensemble and UTA Jazz Festival Outstanding Musicianship.
Andrea has a 3.6 GPA with Dual Credit Classes, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Andrea participates in photojournalism, and she volunteers with Community Garden. She is a Sunday school teacher at her church, and she is also a member of the Sunday worship team and youth worship team.
After graduation, Andrea plans to attend Collin College to major in Paralegal Studies and potentially minor in Music Performance.
That’s Andrea Dingui, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
2025 has been a great year in McKinney ISD! Here are some fun facts from the past 12 months!
Did you know...
Did you know...
