This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Kaeler Impelman from McKinney North High School, a junior who excels both on and off the court.

See video: https://youtu.be/EQ8AEjOdAM4

Kaeler serves as team captain this season, and last year he was selected 2nd Team All-District and he earned Academic All-District as well.

Kaeler currently maintains a 3.5 GPA while taking AP English and AP World History, and he has earned an Academic Excellence award twice.

Kaeler gives back to his community by volunteering at Creekwood United Methodist Church’s “Open Door” respite programs for adults with specials needs, and he helps youth as a basketball trainer. He also participates in the Young Men’s Service League, Partners PE class and the Hope Fellowship Youth Group.

With aspirations to play basketball in college, Kaeler truly embodies the scholar-athlete ideal.

Congratulations to Kaeler Impelman from McKinney North High School our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
12 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Kaeler Impelman from McKinney North High School

McKinney ISD’s dance program offers an expansive and welcoming entry point for students of all experience levels. All high school students can enroll in a dance class and earn physical education credit while exploring styles such as aerobic dance, jazz, and hip hop. These classes focus on building confidence, coordination, strength, and artistry, making them an excellent option for emerging dancers or students whose schedules may not allow for drill team competition.

For students seeking advanced performance opportunities, the Varsity and Junior Varsity Drill Teams at all three McKinney ISD high schools are among the best in the nation. These award-winning teams consistently earn national and grand national titles, along with numerous honors for full team routines, elite ensembles, officer groups, and individual performances. Drill teams are a celebrated presence on the football field in the fall and take center stage during winter and spring competitions and showcases. Through dedication, teamwork, and excellence, McKinney ISD drill team members represent the district with pride throughout the community.

For more information about specific dance courses, please visit the 26-27 Academic Planning Guides on the McKinney ISD website.

Details regarding drill team auditions for the 26-27 school year can be found by visiting the website for each high school dance program.

Tickets for the annual MISD Showcase of Dance on January 22nd at McKinney High School can be found by visiting Ticketleap.


McKinney High School Marquettes 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MHSTryouts26


McKinney North High School North Stars 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MNHSTryouts26


McKinney Boyd High School Bailadoras 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MBHSTryouts

16 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
program spotlight dance
The MISD Child Care Department is seeking part-time staff to work afternoons in its preschool programs!
$17/hour
Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school.
Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
16 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
McKinney ISD Child Care Programs logo on navy background

McKinney ISD GT 5th, 6th and 8th Grade Guardians,

As your child prepares to embark on the exciting journey into middle or high school for the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to join us for "Navigating New Horizons: Transitioning to Secondary Advanced Academics" virtual presentation on January 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Microsoft TEAMS platform. This session is designed to explore the "next chapters" of Advanced Academics on the secondary level and the diverse pathways available for your student.

Whether your child is moving into 6th or 9th grade, this presentation will provide the roadmap you need to support their advanced academic success.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Platform: Microsoft TEAMS — You can download the Microsoft TEAMS app or access the online version using the following link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Please Note: MISD 5th, 6th and 8th grade families will receive an email with the TEAMS meeting code and password to join on the Microsoft Teams platform. We look forward to supporting your family during this exciting transition.

16 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Graphic that reads MCKINNEY ISD ADVANCED ACADEMICS & COLLEGIATE PARTNERSHIPS & MCKINNEY ISD GIFTED AND TALENTED NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS: TRANSITIONING TO SECONDARY ADVANCED ACADEMICS, When: January 20th 2026, Time: 6:00pm-7:00 pm, Location: Microsoft TEAMS, Open to current 5th and 8th grade GT students in MISD & newly enrolled 6th grade MISD students, JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL PRESENTATION FILLED WITH VALUABLE INSIGHT, TIPS & AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT IN NAVIGATING MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED ACADEMICS! MEETING PLATFORM: MICROSOFT TEAMS, MEETING ID & PASSCODE WILL BE EMAILED TO MISD 5TH, 6TH & 8TH GRADE FAMILIES, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE MICROSOFT TEAMS APP OR ACCESS THE ONLINE VERSION USING THE FOLLOWING LINK: НTTP://BIT.LY/MISDAAGT110
Parenting the Digital Generation and Understanding Online Extremists

March 25 | 6:00 -7:30 PM
Community Event Center
4201 S. Hardin Blvd. McKinney, TX 75070

Who should attend? Parents with students of any age with technology in the home.

This is a parent only event. The content is not appropriate for students. Childcare IS NOT provided.

We'll talk about:

4 big risks for children online
Conversations parents need to have with children about being online
Utilizing technology to better protect your children
Online extremist activities and how they target your children

Brought to you by: McKinney Police Department, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
16 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
parenting the digital generation
McKinney ISD will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 20. We hope you have a great weekend!
17 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Graphic with photo of MLK and text that reads "In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, McKinney ISD will be closed January 19, 2026"
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Caleb McCoulskey from McKinney Boyd High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/s-dhQZ79aOc

Caleb currently serves as the vice president of the choir, and he is a 2-year member of Fusion, and a 3-year member of the Acapella Choir. He is an Aria Competition Finalist, and for the past 3 years he was a UIL Superior Soloist. He was selected for the All-Region Choir 3 times and for the District Honors Recital 2 times.

Caleb currently has a 4.61 GPA with 9 AP credits. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a 2-year member of the National Honor Society as well as a green cord recipient.

In his free time, Caleb enjoys working at Chick-fil-A and participating in the Young Men’s Service League. And he is a Worship Leader for the Youth Group at First McKinney.

After graduation, Caleb plans to study Church Music and pursue a career in Worship Ministry.

That’s Caleb McCoulskey, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
18 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Caleb McCoulskey from McKinney Boyd High School
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.
19 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Cole Wakefield from McKinney Boyd High School

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

23 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee
1st Place- Helen Bamanga, Faubion Middle School
 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee
 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee
 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee
 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee
1st Place- Helen Bamanga, Faubion Middle School
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!
23 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with Texas and American flags that reads "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9" and repeats the text in the post
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.
25 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Leo Ziman from McKinney High School
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.
26 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with American flag, Texas Flag and MISD logo that repeats the text from the post
McKinney ISD classes resume tomorrow—Tuesday, January 6! We hope that you had a wonderful break, and we can't wait to see you!
27 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
collage of pictures with MISD logo and the text "McKinney ISD Classes Resume Tuesday, January 6! 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!
27 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School
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!
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic with logo and blue and white lights that says Happy Holidays from McKinney ISD. Winter break: Dec 22 - Jan 2. Students return to school Jan 6
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!
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Group photo of all three MISD high school STUCO groups
students waiting with large bags as other students load them with frozen turkeys
MHS student loading food items into bag held by Boyd student
teacher with microphone giving instructions to group
two girls from Boyd arranging a table filled with cans of corn
North coach surrounded by large paper bags placing a frozen turkey in a bag
Girl from North handing out grocery bags and smiling
girl from Boyd placing food item in bag
hundreds of large bags waiting to be filled
students and teachers loading filled bags into back of pickup truck

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

about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Harding players walking in and waving
Ferris State players walking in and interacting with students who are cheering for them
two Harding players smiling for the camera
group of students in front of Ferris State team with one student raising his hand in the foreground
team shot of Harding at Slaughter Elementary
Ferris State player pointing at a student as they play a game
Harding player smiling and clapping as he does art at a table with young students
Ferris state player smiling at a student as he plays a game with a group
A Harding player reaches out to fist bump a student as the group enters the school
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!
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Graphic that reads Feliz Navidad from Caldwell Dual Language Academy
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!
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
group holding their noses as they sing Grinch song
three boys in the choir smiling and one is looking toward the side and smiling
male and female singers leaning to the side as they sing the Grinch song
Director in front of the group conducting as they look at her
male and female choir members waiting to start and one has an exaggerated smile
male and female choir members singing a long note
assistant director seated and smiling and gesturing with excitement
male choir members singing and gesturing with their fists extended
female choir member singing a solo as the rest look on
group on central office front steps
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.
about 2 months ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Katelyn Todd from McKinney North High School