McKinney ISD is taking career exploration to new heights—starting in elementary school...
March 24–26, Evans Middle School hosted the AeroExplorer program, “Little Hands Building Big Dreams.” This hands-on experience introduced McKinney ISD 1st graders to the world of STEAM and aerospace careers in a way that was engaging, interactive and fun.
With the help of teachers, volunteers and the Evans Middle School STEAM Ambassadors, 812 students rotated through eight interactive activity stations designed to simulate real-world, high-demand aerospace jobs. From piloting aircraft and assembling engines to training like astronauts, each activity was TEKS-aligned, student-centered and built to spark curiosity.
Why start this early? Because the future is already taking shape:
• 7 in 10 jobs in North Texas are connected to aerospace.
• North Texas is home to more than 900 aerospace companies.
• Boeing projects a need for 1.46 million civil aviation professionals nationwide in the next 10 years.
• The DFW area expects up to 120,000 new cargo and freight jobs in 5 years.
• Healthcare careers are also rapidly growing, with up to 100,000 new jobs projected in the next 10–15 years.
Programs like AeroExplorer are vital because career exposure at the primary grade levels can shape lifelong pathways for students and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Thanks to the Jeff Pino Foundation and industry sponsors for making this opportunity possible and helping our students dream big, build confidence, and explore the skies of their future.
2026 McKinney ISD Realtors Event!
More than 35 local realtors gathered at the McKinney ISD Community Event Center this morning for the 2026 McKinney ISD Realtors Event! It was a great opportunity to meet Superintendent Shawn Pratt and learn more about McKinney ISD. Pratt and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Womack provided numbers and facts about the district as well as in depth updates on the recent rezoning and facilities repurposing process. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Spaulding introduced the McKinney ISD realtors webpage https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/realtor-information and other resources to help realtors stay informed about the district. The event concluded with time for Q&A.
It was a great session, and we thank our realtor guests for attending!
The Caldwell Dual Language Academy offers a unique two-way dual language environment, rigorous academics, and a diverse, supportive school community. The campus is currently accepting applications from both in-district and out-of-district kindergarten and first-grade students who are non-emergent bilinguals (English proficient). Families interested in learning more can visit the McKinney ISD website or contact the campus directly for application and enrollment details.
Glen Oaks and McKinney Boyd Students Team Up for Annual "Fantastic Beasts" Collaborative Art Project
"I love it!" says 3rd grader Zyon Bell before darting off across the Glen Oaks Elementary gym to find his teacher and thrusting the artwork that he is clutching toward her proudly. The scene depicts a dragon and a giant shark on stilt like legs joining forces to fight a skyscraper-sized shadow monster.
These fantastical creatures sprang from Zyon's imagination but were fully realized with the help of McKinney Boyd High School art student Kennedy Johns. Similar moments are playing out all over the gym as Glen Oaks' 3rd grade art students meet their Boyd counterparts to celebrate the conclusion of a collaborative "Fantastic Beasts" art project that began in December.
The Glen Oaks students conceived and drew their own versions of the creatures and then sent them, along with descriptive notes, to the Boyd students to recreate. This meeting in the Glen Oaks gym is the first time the 3rd graders have met the high schoolers or seen the finished pieces, and by the looks of things, they appear to be thrilled with the results.
"This is my second year to do this project, and I just love seeing the reactions of the kids," said Boyd junior AP Art student Emmy Kafka. "This is such a formative project for them because it inspires them to keep going with art and see where it can lead and how they can shape their imagination into [artistic] creations. It's just great."
The high school students helped bring these Fantastic Beasts to life through a variety of media, including sculpture, and they have come to Glen Oaks to not only unveil the results of their work but to engage in dialogue about art and the creative process with their younger peers. It's a full-circle meeting of past and present. Most of these Boyd students attended Glen Oaks, and for many of them, it's where their love of art took root.
In pairs across the gym, the Boyd students are as enthusiastic as the Glen Oaks kids about the project, and the room is buzzing with conversation. Glen Oaks art teacher Tracie Holt brings several pairs of artists up to present their work, and then Boyd AP Art teacher Sam Thomas leads the group through a collaborative drawing exercise.
All too soon it's time for the 3rd graders to go back to class and for the high school students to head back to Boyd. The Glen Oaks kids will keep the final pieces, a reminder of the fun and creative potential of collaborative art. For the high school students, it's been a great opportunity to revisit the roots of their own passion for art, to encourage younger artists to stick with it and to give them a glimpse of their potential.
The March edition of the Community Connection newsletter is now live! This month, we’re covering the March board meeting, enrollment at the Caldwell Dual Language Academy, and much more. Click the Subscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter to have the Community Connection delivered directly to your inbox.
See video: https://youtu.be/SqkSzJ8f7mw
Katelyn is an artist in the AP 2D Art & Design class. She participated in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event for the last three years, and she received the highest score of 4 on all of her submitted artworks.
Katelyn currently maintains a GPA of 3.7 with 2 AP classes, and she has earned her Red Cord. She serves as Historian for the Environmental Club where she plans events for the club and takes photos for their social media presence.
In her free time, Katelyn volunteers at Kids Against Hunger, packaging meals to send to other countries to combat hunger. She also participates in Adopt-A-Spot which keeps McKinney beautiful.
After graduation, Katelyn plans to study Interior Design and Business so that one day she can manage her own photography business while also designing residential interiors. Her school choices are currently Texas State University, the University of Colorado Boulder, UT Austin or the University of North Texas.
That’s Katelyn Beckner from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/3jLPaZ_fRXU
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board member Kenneth Ussery.
Then we took the time to acknowledge a few McKinney ISD recognitions.
We started with the “We Are McKinney ISD! Superintendent’s” award. Congratulations to: Madi Bennett from McNeil Elementary and Julia Ramirez from Cockrill Middle School.
Then we honored our “Every Student, Every Day” award.
Congratulations to: Cedrick Minor Jr. from Eddins Elementary and Jacob Soto Soto from Caldwell Dual Language Academy.
Next we recognized our athletic state qualifiers in both swim and wrestling. Congratulations to our state swim and dive qualifiers: Ethan Shields, Courtney Cusack, Hudson Phillips, and Luke Maunus.
Congratulations to our state wrestling qualifiers: Cale Brubaker and Riley Drennan.
We then acknowledged our Baylor Talent Identification Program scholars. McKinney ISD has 37 students who were invited to join the Baylor TIP program. The mission of Baylor TIP is to identify exceptional talent in STEAM & the humanities and to provide world-class learning opportunities that correspond with students’ exceptional potential.
Next we celebrated our Communications department for winning multiple awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association.
Our last recognition of the evening was for our Texas Association of Future Educators state competitors.
Congratulations to all of our award winners. We look forward to celebrating our students and staff each month at our Board meetings.
Next, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items and then the Board entered closed session.
After reconvening, Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, made a presentation to the Board on Strategic Plan Pillar 6: Finance and Facilities.
Additionally the Board received a McKinney ISD Financial Update from our Chief Financial Officer Marlene Harbeson.
The last presentation of the evening was an overview of the Teacher Incentive Allotment by Alana Chisum, our Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting where we first approved the consent agenda.
The Trustees then reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, as well as bond, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, Gifted and Talented, and LOTE reports.
Upcoming district events include the 19th Annual Special Olympics Track meet which will be hosted at Ron Poe stadium on April 2nd.
The Serenity Fundraising Breakfast on will be April 7th at the McKinney ISD Community Event Center, and our regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held on April 20th at 6 PM also at the CEC.
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!
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.
