McKinney ISD kicked off its 2025-2026 McKinney Community Action Network (CAN) series on Wednesday, October 8, with a fantastic turnout of parents and community members at Scott Johnson Middle School!

The guests were greeted by cheerleaders, a drum line and Principal Holly Rogers before MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Womack spoke about current happenings in McKinney ISD, including legislative updates, school finance and the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee (EFAC).

Afterwards, Rogers and her team led the group on a tour of SJMS classrooms—that included the newly refreshed band hall and science lab—where they had the opportunity to observe lessons and interact with teachers and students.

McKinney CAN meets four times a year at different schools to provide participants with in-depth knowledge about the vision, goals, and operations of McKinney ISD. The program aims to ‘pull the curtain back’ on public education and McKinney ISD and to show our stakeholders how each department works to support campuses and our students.

Thanks to Principal Holly Rogers and the students of Scott Johnson Middle School for their hospitality!
26 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
female guest arriving as cheerleaders line the walk with poms raised over their heads
cheerleader smiling at camera while shaking pink poms
Shawn Pratt speaking to the group in the library
girls in a group high fiving one another
table of snacks with Scott Johnson Middle School and PRIDE logo across the front of the table cloth
guest arriving and walking past the drum line toward the building
members of the drum line performing as guests arrive
guest talking and laughing with girls who are painting a pumpkin
boys painting a pumpkin
band members receiving instruction in the band hall
October 10 is McKinney ISD Pink Out Day!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. McKinney ISD has designated Friday, October 10, as McKinney ISD Pink Out Day. Wear pink to help raise awareness and show your support for all of those impacted by breast cancer.
27 days ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that reads, "McKinney ISD Pink Out Day Breast Cancer Awareness October 10, 2025" and has the text from the post on it
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is William Ruthardt from McKinney North High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/1GiDEqOlBu4

William plays trumpet in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band, symphony orchestra and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-State Jazz 1 Member, a TMEA All-Area member and a McKinney ISD Concerto Competition Participant. William earned the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award, the Outstanding Honors Band Member and the Outstanding Soloist Award.

William currently maintains a 3.74 GPA with 7 AP credits. He is a member of the Finance Club and the McKinney North Jazz Combo 1.

In his free time, William works at the El Dorado Country Club, and he performs with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra.

After graduation, William plans to attend Texas Tech or the University of North Texas to study Jazz Performance.

That’s William Ruthardt, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
28 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of William Ruthardt from McKinney North High School
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Keira Bose from McKinney Boyd High School.

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

Keira is a 3-year varsity letterman on the Lady Bronco volleyball team, and she was selected for the 2nd team All-District.

Keira is ranked 3rd in her class with a 5.02 GPA, and she is an AP Scholar. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she currently serves as the Vice President.

Keira volunteers at the Community Garden Kitchen, Baylor Scott & White and the McKinney Food Pantry. She also participates in the Young Life youth group.

Keira plans on attending college next year to study biochemistry.

That’s Keira Bose from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
30 days ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Keira Bose from McKinney Boyd High School
No Cell Phones / No Problem

See video: https://youtu.be/wXMTArru-qs

Texas House Bill 1481 requires all school systems in Texas to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day. This bill passed during the last legislative session and went into effect this school year in McKinney ISD. Reactions to the policy varied, with teachers and staff applauding the reductions in distractions, while students were left feeling unconnected from their former way of a wireless life at school. All in all, though, the transition has gone well.
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of McKinney North High School hallway
2024 McKinney ISD alum Campbell Chase earned a National ROTC scholarship her senior year at McKinney High School through the MHS Marine Corps JROTC program. Now, Campbell is at the University of North Georgia—known as The Military College of Georgia—continuing her path toward a degree in strategic and security studies and military service.

She was named Honor Graduate from her class of roughly 200 in UNG's Cadet Basic Leadership Course held in May 2025 and was recently featured in this spotlight article from UNG: https://ung.edu/news/articles/2025/09/cadet-embraces-growth-as-leader-in-corps.php

Well done, Campbell!

(Photo courtesy of University of North Georgia)
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Campbell Chase in uniform between two flags

Did You Know?

McKinney ISD is proud to offer one of the most distinguished Fine Arts programs in Texas! Here are a few of their recent accomplishments...

  • In 2025, the Texas Art Education Association named McKinney ISD a District of Distinction for the second time—an honor awarded to only the top 7% of districts statewide.



  • For the tenth consecutive year, the district was recognized as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.

McKinney ISD stands out as one of the few districts in Texas to send honor ensembles from every level—elementary, middle school, and high school—to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association conference and other prestigious events. That legacy continued to thrive in the 2024–2025 school year:

  • The McKinney High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the Music For All Festival in Bloomington, Indiana.

  • Faubion Middle School’s Honors Orchestra and Honors Band were named TMEA State Finalists.

  • The McKinney North Bulldog Band qualified for the 5A UIL Marching Band Championships, earning 10th place in the state—a school record.

  • The McKinney Boyd High School Cadenza Quartet placed 16th at the state UIL Small Ensemble Contest.

  • In visual arts, 19 students qualified for the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event, with eight earning medals and two receiving the elite Gold Seal.

  • In theatre, the McKinney North Drama Dawgs were selected to perform on the Main Stage of both the Texas Thespian Festival and the International Thespian Festival.

  • Meanwhile, dance teams from McKinney High School, McKinney Boyd High School, and McKinney North excelled at nationals, earning multiple individual and team titles.

This continued success is a direct result of the exceptional educators across our elementary, middle, and high schools, who consistently raise the bar and deliver the highest quality Fine Arts education possible.

about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that reads, "Do You Know?" on a navy background with light images of fine arts students in the background and an MISD logo
Collage of group photos of the groups mentioned in the text at board meetings
The MISD Childcare Department is seeking part-time staff to work in its preschool programs this fall!

$17/hour

Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school. Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
childcare programs logo on navy blue background
Custodians are an essential part of our school family. Every day, they work with care and dedication to create clean, safe, and welcoming environments where students and staff can learn and thrive. Their efforts—often carried out quietly in the background—make a real difference on our campuses and in our daily lives.

That’s why we’re proud to celebrate National Custodian Day. It’s a chance to honor the hard work, commitment, and positive impact custodians bring to our schools and workplaces.

Be sure to take a moment today to thank the custodians who keep your school or office running smoothly!
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
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October is National Principals Month! Thank you to our incredible McKinney ISD principals who lead and inspire our students and teachers every day. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in shaping our students’ futures and the trajectory of our district. Visit principalsmonth.org for ideas on how to celebrate and show appreciation!

Let’s celebrate the extraordinary individuals leading our schools and the difference they make every day in the lives of our students!

Bennett Elementary — Kassie Halpin
Burks Elementary - Al Conley
Caldwell Elementary - Karla Massey
Eddins Elementary - Cari Owens
Finch Elementary - Erika Echegaray
Frazier Elementary - Amy Holderman
Glen Oaks Elementary - Kristi Andrews
Reuben Johnson Elementary - Kristen Patterson
Lawson Early Childhood School - Susie Towber
Malvern Elementary - Inetra Nelson
McClure Elementary - Kristin Ellis
McGowen Elementary - Kim Luyster
McNeil Elementary - Tracy Meador
Minshew Elementary - Jennifer Larriviere
Press Elementary - Rachel Corbin
Slaughter Elementary - Cyndy Bice
Valley Creek Elementary - Dr. Ebonee King
Vega Elementary - Mike Forsyth
Walker Elementary - Michelle Baumann
Webb Elementary - Karime Terrazas
Wilmeth Elementary - Grace Roberts
Wolford Elementary - Maria Hafner

Cockrill Middle School - Jenny Zornes
Dowell Middle School - Melanie Machost
Evans Middle School - Melissa Hernandez
Faubion Middle School - Mitch VandenBoom
Scott Johnson Middle School - Holly Rogers

McKinney Boyd High School - David Hodum
McKinney High School - Dr. Paula Kent
McKinney North High School - Justin Penio
DAEP/CRC/JJAEP - Kyle Luthi
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
graphic that reads, "October is National Principals Month!" with #ThankAPrincipal and a portrait of each MISD principal
—The State of Texas has established the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses. Students and families need to know that other drugs may contain a deadly level of fentanyl. You cannot see, taste, or smell it, and it is almost impossible to tell if another drug is laced with fentanyl unless tested. “One Pill Kills” is set up across the state to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisoning: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/fentanyl-one-pill-kills

—Held during the month of October, National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign founded in 2006 to connect communities around the world to help prevent bullying. It is more important than ever to join together in creating a world that is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive. For more information and resources on bullying: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/bullying
about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
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This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/l_dgRnd3whc?si=6jMYpIq3uOorIGlU

Addison is a 4-year member of the varsity Bailadoras Dance Team, and a 4-year member of the Bailadoras Elite Team. She currently serves as captain for the team, and she has served as Lieutenant for the past 2 years. Addison was a member of the National Champion Team in 2023 & 2025 and the National Champion Officers in 2025. She was Regional Solo Winner for the past 3 years, and she was a National Top 5 Soloist in 2023 & 2025.

Addison has earned an Academic Excellence Award, and she is a 2-year member of PALS.

In her free time, Addison is a member of the Dance FX Studio’s Senior Competitive Team and a member of the Teen Competitive Company at Prodigy Dance & Performing Arts Center.

She participates in the National Charity League where she has volunteered over 300 hours, and she served as president in 2022-2023.
Addison is a “Mother Daughter Service” award recipient, and she works as a lifeguard for the City of McKinney.

After graduation, Addison plans to continue dancing and attend college.

That’s Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior William Cody Seidel from McKinney North High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/-1yC2MuO5kY

William competed at the State 5A cross country meet last fall, and he was selected as the Most Improved Male Runner for his team last year. William is a 4-year member of the cross-country team, and he received the Academic All-District Award in 2023 and 2024.

William is currently ranked 56th in his class with a 4.28 GPA, and he has completed several AP classes.

William participated in the PALS mentorship program during his junior and senior years.

William is an Eagle Scout, and he works at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café.

Next year William plans on going to college to major in Biology and Pre-Med. He would like to serve in the military, then go to med-school and study to be a surgeon in either the neuro division or trauma division.

That’s William Cody Seidel from McKinney North HS, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.

about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of William Cody Seidel from McKinney North High School

Superintendent Shawn Pratt's 2025–2026 Student Advisory Committee met for the first of four sessions on Friday, Sept. 26, at the CEC. The group provides junior and senior student leaders from Boyd, MHS and North the opportunity to learn and grow in leadership and to give feedback about district and campus initiatives, events and procedures.

The participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, and Pratt offered an overview of the group's goals, shared about his journey from student to teacher and eventually superintendent, before leading the group in an overview and discussion of recent state legislation. They also looked at school finance and the recently formed EFAC committee.

In addition, they had the opportunity to meet cabinet members Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, Asst. Supt. Dr. Shelly Spaulding, Asst. Supt. Dr. Dennis Womack, Asst. Supt. of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amber Epperson and Asst. Supt. of Human Resources Alana Chisum.

about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
group photo
female student gesturing and speaking at her table
male student looking up at Pratt as Pratt is standing and talking to the group
male student standing and talking to the group.
male student looking up and to his left and smiling
female student standing and talking while counting out her point on her finger
male student seated and looking over toward another table as he listens
Pratt standing and talking
female student seated and talking
All of the secondary bands in McKinney ISD converged earlier this week to showcase their amazing talents!

See video: https://youtu.be/gjx39htGYmU

Each high school band performed their marching piece for this season, and all of the middle school bands entertained the crowd with pep rally favorites in the stands. The perfect fall evening concluded with the entire group of student musicians forming a giant M on the field and performing "Land of A Thousand Dances".
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of a flute player for the McKinney High School Royal Pride Marching Band
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Cadence Cain from McKinney High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/aVv2vPmxfko

Cadence is a 4-year band member, and she plays the horn in the Royal Pride Marching Band and varsity wind ensemble. Cadence received 1st Division Superior Ratings at MHS Solo Contest and Ensemble Contest for the past 3 years. She was awarded Outstanding Ensemble in 2023 and Outstanding Soloist in 2024. Cadence auditioned for the Lone Star Youth Winds, and she was selected as a Featured Soloist in 2025.

Cadence ranks in the top 4% of her class with a 4.61 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honors, and she received the AP with WE Service recognition. She has completed 8 AP classes, and she is currently enrolled in 6 AP classes.

Cadence is a 2-year member of National Honor Society and the Interact Club.

In her free time, Cadence participates in community service projects with Streetside Showers, Texas Women’s Society and the MHS Resources drives.

After graduation, Cadence plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

That’s Cadence Cain, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Cadence Cain from McKinney High School

Did You Know?

During its September meeting, the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee (EFAC). The committee's purpose is to represent the McKinney ISD community in the study of data related to projected student enrollment, campus student capacity, transportation, current and planned transportation infrastructure, and geographic location of planned development in the district, in recommending to the Board of Trustees new attendance zones for elementary, middle, and high schools.

Significant residential growth in the northwest and northeast regions of MISD will lead to overcrowding at Frazier, Press, and Webb Elementary Schools. At the same time, elementary enrollment in the southwest and southeast regions of the district has declined, creating an imbalance in student distribution. This growth is also impacting secondary schools. Scott Johnson Middle School and McKinney North High School are experiencing increased enrollment pressures, while the district’s other four middle schools and two high schools are seeing declining student numbers.

To address these challenges and avoid the operational and staffing costs associated with underutilized campuses, the Strategic Planning Committee and the Long Range Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC) have both recommended that MISD consider updating attendance boundaries at all levels and repurpose underutilized campuses for alternative district operational uses.

You can find more information on the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee on the website page at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/efac and in the flyer below.

about 1 month ago, McKinney ISD Communications
Graphic that reads, "Did you know?" in white letters on blue background with a blue MISD logo
Graphic that includes the text of the post and includes a time line of August - January/March and advantages of the committee
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/Euzhv5UsNoI

In 2024 Keira was selected for the District 6A and 1st Team All-District teams. She was the 2024 MHS Setter of the Year, and she has 2,000 Career Assists.

Keira is ranked 28th in her class with a 4.6 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has achieved Academic All-District during her 3 previous years in high school.

Keira served as Vice President for for 3 years, and she participates in Young Life. She also is a member of the MadSand Volleyball team and Dbat baseball association.

Keira plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year and play on their beach volleyball team.

That’s Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
about 1 month ago, Karla Schumacher
Picture of Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week .
September 17 is Constitution Day, and this week is Celebrate Freedom Week in Texas!

Constitution Day, observed on September 17, marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by 39 delegates in Philadelphia. It honors the formation of our government, celebrates U.S. citizens, and reminds us of the importance of staying informed, engaged, and committed to the principles of American democracy.

Celebrate Freedom Week is observed in Texas schools during the week of September 17, to honor the founding ideals of the United States. Students explore the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, learning their meaning, importance, and lasting impact on American history.
about 2 months ago, McKinney ISD Communications
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This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Tristan Goo from McKinney North High School.

See video: https://youtu.be/h8BjnGk6zMM

Tristan plays saxophone in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-Area Participant and a Houston Underground Participant. Tristan has earned the status of Outstanding Jazz Member, Outstanding Honors Band Member, Outstanding Soloist, and he placed 2nd in the McKinney ISD Concerto Competition.

Tristan ranks in the top 5% of his class with a 4.64 GPA and 13 AP credits.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, MUN, Student Council, Finance Club and MUCSO.

In his free time, Tristan volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry, Dallas Arboretum, and he works for Goo Lawn Service.

After graduation, Tristan plans to attend UT Austin to major in Biology and become a dentist.

That’s Tristan Goo, 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 Tristan Goo from McKinney North High School