Texas First Responders Day, observed on September 11, honors the bravery and dedication of first responders across the state. It recognizes the vital role of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who risk their lives to protect and serve their communities every day.
9/11 Commemoration Day honors the lives lost and the heroes who emerged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It is a solemn day of remembrance marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflections on unity, resilience, and sacrifice.
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy class of 2025–2026 got underway yesterday afternoon as MISD continues its mission to cultivate leadership from within the district. The academy was launched six years ago to identify, recruit and equip educators with a variety of levels of specializations and broad knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for potential leadership positions in both school and district leadership.
MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt helped kick off this year’s academy in the Central Office boardroom as he welcomed the new participants and spoke on fundamental principles of leadership. The group will gather for four sessions throughout the school year, and participants will complete the academy with certification in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership program. They will also receive training in StrengthsFinder strength-based leadership, hear from both district and campus leaders through panels and presentations, participate in a resume workshop and interview training and more.
McKinney ISD FFA will teach you how to raise and show livestock, and their annual Back to Barn Bash provides an opportunity for students and parents to learn more.
See video: https://youtu.be/7trv_2BR3Cc
See video: https://youtu.be/yapUorvi4n0
Irelyn is a 4-year member of the varsity Bailadoras Dance Team, and a 3-year member of the Bailadoras Elite Team. She was a member of the National Champion Team in 2023 & 2025 and the National Champion Social Officers in 2025. Irelyn was selected as the Spirit Girl of the Week twice, and she was named Outstanding Sophomore. Irelyn currently serves as Senior Lieutenant, and she has served as Social Officer and Line Officer.
Irelyn has taken 4 AP classes, and she earned her Green Cord and Academic Excellence Award.
In her free time, Irelyn is a 15-year student at Pure Movement Dance, and a 13-year member of the Girl Scouts where she has earned the Bronze & Silver Award. She is a member of the Tejas Riders, and she volunteers at St. Judes.
Irelyn is a TVCC Cardette Fast Pass Recipient, and after graduation, she plans to attend Trinity Valley Community College & perform on the Cardettes dance team.
That’s Irelyn Horton from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/_P31_NGr5z8
Danny is a 3-year varsity letterman, and he serves as a captain for the Bulldawg football team. In 2024 Danny was named to the All-District 5A team.
Danny has taken several AP classes, and he currently has GPA of 3.7. He was awarded Academic All-District 3 times.
Danny participates in the PALS Mentorship program at McKinney North.
Next year Danny plans on pursuing a Business and Finance degree.
That’s Danny Forrester from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
National Grandparents Day is a special occasion celebrated to honor and appreciate the love, wisdom, and guidance of grandparents. Observed in many countries, including the United States, on the first Sunday after Labor Day, the day recognizes the vital role grandparents play in families and society. It's a time for grandchildren to express their gratitude through visits, cards, and thoughtful gestures, strengthening the bond between generations and preserving family traditions.
Video: https://youtu.be/DGxJffaPN54
Gabby is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs with the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew.
She is a 4-time runner up in several solo competitions, and she was selected as a solo champion her sophomore year.
Gabby is currently Senior Captain, and she has served as Lieutenant for 2 years.
Gabby currently has a 3.93 GPA, and she is a 2-year member of the National Honor Society.
She has earned 3 green cords through her volunteer hours and 3 Academic Excellence cords.
In her free time, Gabby works part-time at Play Street Museum in Allen as a birthday party host. She also is a member of several Dance World teams at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Gabby plans to continue dancing and attend either the University of Arkansas or Ole Miss to study Elementary Education
That’s Gabby Sanchez, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Calling all passionate business professionals and Community members!
The McKinney ISD Interdisciplinary Studies and Mentorship Program (ISM) is hosting its 11th Annual Business Symposium, and we need YOU to make it a success as a volunteer.
This is your chance to directly impact the future of our community by helping our MISD high school students hone their interview skills and build confidence as they prepare for their careers.
Here's why you should volunteer:
-Shape the Next Generation of Leaders: Guide students through mock interviews, providing valuable feedback that will polish their skills and strategies.
-Invest in Your Community: Network with future business leaders and inspire them while sharing your expertise.
-Make a Lasting Impact: Your insights and encouragement will shape their confidence and set them on the path to success.
Join us on Friday, September 26th, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Collin College Conference Center in McKinney, Texas.
Ready to Be a Volunteer? Click here and sign up today: https://tinyurl.com/44ps6wrv
Space is limited, so don't miss out!
We look forward to partnering with you to make this a truly inspiring event for the students.
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide. On average, more than 290 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each week. Across the country, September has been designated for raising awareness about pediatric cancer, supporting children and families affected by the disease, and funding crucial research for better treatments and cures.
September is also Hydrocephalus Awareness Month – a chance to bring national attention to the one million Americans living with hydrocephalus, a disorder that causes an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Video: https://youtu.be/aqIGubzfBdc
John serves as a captain for the Lions Football team, and he is a two-year varsity starter, along with being a 2024 All-District Selection.
John is an AP Scholar with Honors, and he is enrolled in 11 AP classes with a 4.16 GPA.
John is a member of PALS, and he volunteers for service projects with his McKinney High School football team.
He also owns and operates a landscaping business.
Next year John plans on playing football at the collegiate level while studying Economics or Mechanical Engineering.
That’s John Allen from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McKinney ISD Teacher Spotlight
Yary Lira
The Lion Yearbook Adviser
Journalism & Photojournalism Teacher
McKinney High School
Years in Education: 4
When Yary Lira arrived at McKinney High School in 2022, fresh from UNT, it didn't take her long to stand out. That fall, she was named the December MHS Campus Teacher of the Month, and since then, she has continued to garner recognition locally, at the state level and nationally for her work as a journalism and photojournalism teacher and as The Lion yearbook adviser.
In 2024, Lira was chosen as an MISD Inspirational Teacher, and she received the prestigious Pathfinder Award from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. https://www.taje.org/pathfinder-award/ This year, she has been named a 2025 Rising Star by the Journalism Education Association (JEA)—one of only 12 educators chosen each year from across the country. https://jea.org/news/jea-honors-12-rising-stars-in-2025/
But, more importantly, Lira has helped her students shine, and during her time at MHS, they have collected a truly dizzying array of awards:
—NSPA Pacemaker for The Lion 2024 https://studentpress.org/nspa/2024-yearbook-pacemakers/
—NSPA Critique Service for The Lion 2024 - All-American Rating with five marks of distinction
—NSPA Critique Service for The Lion 2023 - All-American Rating with five marks of distinction
—NSPA Individual Award Finalists 2024 - Design of the Year: Theme Package, Sports Photo of the Year
—CSPA Critique Service for The Lion 2023 - Gold Medalist Rating
—UIL Texas ILPC Gold Star for The Lion 2024, Bronze Star for The Lion 2023
—Walsworth Gallery of Excellence - The Lion 2023, The Lion 2025
—Walsworth Possibilities Book 2023 - Photos and spreads featured from The Lion 2023, Cover photo from The Lion 2023
—JEA Communication: Journalism Education Today Magazine - Featured spreads from The Lion 2023
—NHSJC National Student Media Contests 2023-2025: 12 individual awards, The Lion 2024 5th place Best of Show
—TAJE Fall Fiesta 2022-2024: 31 individual awards, The Lion 2023 3rd place Best of Show, The Lion 2024 3rd place Best of Show
—TAJE Best in Texas 2024: 24 individual awards
—Texas UIL Awards 2023-2025: 29 ILPC individual achievement awards, 3 Tops in Texas awards
—Texas UIL Journalism 2023-2025: 3 regional qualifiers, 1 state qualifier and 5th place medalist
—Association of Texas Photography Instructors 2022-2024: 6 individual awards
Beyond MHS, Lira has served as a Walsworth Summer Workshop instructor and twice as an NSPA Gloria Shields Workshop assistant instructor to share her expertise in yearbook production.
McKinney ISD is proud to shine the spotlight on MHS' Yary Lira!
We hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Episode: https://youtu.be/CxJL_uDQo_I
Mr. Homer has several years of experience in public education, and he was elected to our school board last May. In today's episode Corey tells us about his passion for serving and his enjoyment in the accomplishments of this school district, as well as his hopes to lead with intentional purpose.
McKinney ISD is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in a rigorous and academically challenging curriculum, as well as exposure to the structure and pace of collegiate instruction. Dual Credit is one way that McKinney ISD, through its partnership with Collin College, provides that opportunity.
For more information about Dual Credit visit: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/dual-credit-courses
You can also visit https://www.collin.edu/dual-credit/schools/mckinney-isd for more Dual Credit information from Collin College.
See Podcast: https://youtu.be/trTqbLF05Zk
$17/hour
Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school.
Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
Hi! Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. My name is Lynn Sperry, and I serve as the McKinney ISD School Board Secretary. Each month, after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.
See video: https://youtu.be/n5CPqaD4Zt0
After the invocation and pledges, we started the meeting with recognitions. This is a great time for us to celebrate all the good things happening in McKinney ISD.
We honored Wilmeth Elementary, Minshew Elementary, Eddins Elementary, and Dowell Middle School for receiving the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association Student Leadership Award.
We celebrated Robert Quach , Assistant Principal at McKinney High School, for receiving two honors recently: the Region 10 Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year award and the Texas Association of Journalism Educators 2025 Administrator of the Year distinction.
We had two Fine Arts recognitions at this Board meeting. The Texas Art Education Association named McKinney ISD a District of Distinction for the second year in a row. Additionally, the National Association of Music Merchants named McKinney the Best Community for Music Education for the 10th year in a row.
Superintendent Pratt provided an administrative announcement. We are excited to announce that Amanda Gavin was named the next McKinney ISD Communication and Media Designer. Amanda will oversee the district website and provide support and training for the campus websites, as well as contribute to McKinney ISD's social media presence, graphic design, and broader communication goals and strategies.
The Board then moved to a closed meeting to discuss personnel, safety & security, and a real estate property update.
After the closed session, we held the 25-26 budget and tax rate hearing.
Next up we had several presentations.
Angie Bado, President of McKinney ISD Council of PTAs, provided more information about the Council of PTAs.
Becky Jackson, Director of Data and Analytics, provided a TEA Accountability A-F System Update. McKinney ISD received a high B rating, increasing from an 84 in 2024 to an 88 in 2025. A few important things to note:
• McKinney ISD again exceeded the state and Region on STAAR performance at every grade level in every content.
• 24 of our campuses increased in at least one of the four accountability domains.
• 18 campuses have increased their overall scores from 2024.
• Faubion Middle School received all 7 of the eligible distinctions.
• 7 campuses earned 5 distinctions
• 3 campuses earned 4 distinctions.
• and all three of our high schools received an A rating.
Jennifer Akins, Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer, provided an update on the McKinney Accountability System, also known as MAS.
Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, proposed the creation of a redistribution of boundaries educational facilities alignment committee for the purpose of studying McKinney ISD’s projected student enrollment, campus student capacity and population shifts in McKinney. He then recommended updated attendance boundaries for elementary, middle, and high school. The committee will include representatives from every campus and will meet September through December of this year.
Dr. Michael Winters, Senior Director of Administrative Services, provided the Board with a cell phone policy update based on a cell phone ban that was enacted through House Bill 1481. Dr. Winters also presented the updated student code of conduct. The Board approved both.
Dr. Amber Epperson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, provided an EFB (Local) policy update on instructional resources library materials. The Board approved the motion with a 6-1 vote. Dr. Epperson then presented a proposal to adopt a resolution regarding the local school library advisory council and approve its members. The Board approved the motion.
Julie Blakenship, Director of Health Services, proposed that we approve the School Health Advisory Council members. The Board approved the members.
Marlene Harbeson, Chief Financial Officer, provided information on the proposed tax rates and recommended that the Board adopt the proposed tax rate. The Board approved the tax rate. Next, budget amendments were proposed and approved by the Board. It’s important to note that McKinney ISD now has a balanced budget. There is no longer a deficit. We’d like to thank everyone who has played a role in making this happen for our district.
The Board then approved the monthly written reports, and the meeting concluded with the Board reviewing upcoming events.
Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting.
Thank you for watching, and we are looking forward to a great school year!
See video: https://youtu.be/WkOr-yhHezc
