Glen Oaks students came together last Friday for a special school-wide celebration of Dot Day. Glen Oaks library media specialist Mrs. Emory read the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds, and students learned about the Glen Oaks Dot Month challenge, where they can participate in art, STEAM, and library-related activities to keep the theme going. The students designed individual sections of a dot, which will be used to create a vibrant Glen Oaks Community Quilt. The purpose of Dot Day is for students to learn that they can all make a difference in the Glen Oaks community, no matter how small, by making their mark.
Vega Elementary hosted a special Texas First Responders Day ceremony today to honor local community heroes.
The event featured remarks from Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Principal Mike Forsyth, with visiting first responders welcomed as guests of honor. The Vega Choir delivered an inspiring musical performance, surrounded by a gym packed with Vega families wearing red, white, and blue.
McKinney ISD School Board members Amy Dankel, Kenneth Ussery, and Jennifer Gray were also in attendance and joined guests for a post-ceremony reception to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our first responders.
The event featured remarks from Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Principal Mike Forsyth, with visiting first responders welcomed as guests of honor. The Vega Choir delivered an inspiring musical performance, surrounded by a gym packed with Vega families wearing red, white, and blue.
McKinney ISD School Board members Amy Dankel, Kenneth Ussery, and Jennifer Gray were also in attendance and joined guests for a post-ceremony reception to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our first responders.
McKinney ISD's STEAM Ambassadors got an inside look at some of the district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes on Wednesday, September 9, with a visit to the MISD aviation program housed at McKinney National Airport and a tour of CTE classes at McKinney High School that included audio-video production, construction, cosmetology, digital electronics, engineering, JROTC, photo journalism, welding and yearbook.
The STEAM Ambassador program launched two years ago with the goal of equipping MISD students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields and to build awareness of pathways to future career opportunities.
Toward that end, each MISD campus selects a representative to serve as a STEAM Ambassador. Each ambassador receives specialized training in STEAM-fluency skills, hands-on learning experiences and career pathways. They take that knowledge back to their respective campuses to ensure that all students benefit from early exposure to career exploration and the crucial skills sought by universities and industries.
The day of learning at MHS gave the ambassadors opportunities to observe instruction and interact with instructors and students, to ask in depth questions and reflect on pathways for their own students. CTE Senior Director Jae Gaskill emphasized the importance of early awareness and exploration of these pathways to help students thrive.
McKinney ISD offers 11 Career Clusters, 18 programs of study, 18 aligned industry-based certifications, 3 CTE courses in middle school (for high school credit), 1 college and career exploration course in middle school and AVID in middle school and high school.
For complete information on CTE in McKinney ISD, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-and-technical-education-cm
Cockrill Middle School held its annual Patriot Day parade today in honor of McKinney's first responders and to honor the memory of all those lost during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. They invited officers from the McKinney Police Department and firefighters from the McKinney Fire Department to take part in the parade. Cockrill cheerleaders and PALS led the way as students filled the hallways to show their appreciation for the men and women who keep McKinney and our McKinney ISD schools safe!
September 11 is Patriot Day and Texas First Responders Day—a day to honor the memory of the 2,977 people killed and thousands injured at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. As we remember the heroism and resilience America displayed on this day 25 years ago, we also recognize the bravery, courage, and determination of the Texas men and women who step forward to assist others in emergencies.
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy class of 2026–2027 got underway on Tuesday afternoon as MISD continues its mission to cultivate leadership from within the district. The academy was launched seven 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 at both the school and district levels.
MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt helped kick off this year’s academy at Central Office as he welcomed the new participants and spoke about fundamental principles of leadership. Over the course of four sessions to be held throughout the school year, participants will discuss the McKinney ISD Leadership profile and utilize the StrengthsFinder assessment tool, complete a book study of Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality," hear from district and campus leaders through panels and presentations, participate in a resume workshop, interview training and more.
Special thanks to Original Chop Shop for providing dinner for our Leadership Academy participants!
MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt helped kick off this year’s academy at Central Office as he welcomed the new participants and spoke about fundamental principles of leadership. Over the course of four sessions to be held throughout the school year, participants will discuss the McKinney ISD Leadership profile and utilize the StrengthsFinder assessment tool, complete a book study of Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality," hear from district and campus leaders through panels and presentations, participate in a resume workshop, interview training and more.
Special thanks to Original Chop Shop for providing dinner for our Leadership Academy participants!
Skyward Family Access is available through the Parent Portal and can be downloaded as a mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Skyward Family Access allows parents and guardians to view school-related information, such as grades, schedules, and attendance. For assistance, please visit these pages on the McKinney ISD website:
Skyward Help
Skyward Family Access
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Gabi Varney from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/ksoCweO5hjk
Gabi is a 4-year member of the varsity NorthStars Drill Team, and she serves as Senior Lieutenant this year. She is a 3-year member of the Elite Team, and she has been recognized as NorthStar of the Week, Spirit Star of the Week and Veteran of the Week.
Gabi currently has an impressive 5.08 GPA, which places her in the Top 5.1 percent of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has taken 6 AP classes. She has received the Academic Excellence Award.
Gabi has been involved with Key Club on her campus for the past 4 years, and in her free time she volunteers with several organizations. She has participated in studio dance for 15 years, and she works at Café Zupas.
Following graduation, Gabi plans to attend college and major in Speech Pathology.
That’s Gabi Varney from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/ksoCweO5hjk
Gabi is a 4-year member of the varsity NorthStars Drill Team, and she serves as Senior Lieutenant this year. She is a 3-year member of the Elite Team, and she has been recognized as NorthStar of the Week, Spirit Star of the Week and Veteran of the Week.
Gabi currently has an impressive 5.08 GPA, which places her in the Top 5.1 percent of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has taken 6 AP classes. She has received the Academic Excellence Award.
Gabi has been involved with Key Club on her campus for the past 4 years, and in her free time she volunteers with several organizations. She has participated in studio dance for 15 years, and she works at Café Zupas.
Following graduation, Gabi plans to attend college and major in Speech Pathology.
That’s Gabi Varney from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Friday mornings can be rough. It’s the end of the week, and maybe you are tired or maybe you just can’t wait for the weekend. Scott Johnson Middle School teachers and staff have the remedy! Each Friday morning they welcome every student to campus with an enthusiastic “Good Morning” AND a high-five on a huge hand. This new tradition at Scott Johnson provides the students and staff with ample opportunities to interact, building their family culture.
High-Five Friday at Scott Johnson Middle School – Pillar Spotlight
See video: https://youtu.be/bzedRO0Bx4o
High-Five Friday at Scott Johnson Middle School – Pillar Spotlight
See video: https://youtu.be/bzedRO0Bx4o
McKinney ISD Election 2026 is here! Mark your calendar for Election Day, November 3. You can find more details on our website: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026
Nine McKinney ISD elementary students were named 2026 National Math Stars. These students were selected for demonstrating 1-in-1,000 talent and aptitude for math from a pool of nearly 9,000 applicants from around the country. As National Math Stars, these students will receive ten years of support, including advanced math learning opportunities, mentorship and guidance, financial support, STEM enrichment experiences, and more.
⭐️ Voyager Stars
Rani Abutair, Wilmeth Elementary
⭐️ Pathfinder Stars
Samantha Sajan, Slaughter Elementary
Sathya Shriram, Frazier Elementary
Madhav Mishra Madhav, Frazier Elementary
Robert Eshpulatov, McClure Elementary
Suchin Tej Bada, McClure Elementary
Vivaan Sontakke, McClure Elementary
Saanvika Addala, McGowen Elementary
Adalynn Chen, McGowen Elementary
⭐️ Voyager Stars
Rani Abutair, Wilmeth Elementary
⭐️ Pathfinder Stars
Samantha Sajan, Slaughter Elementary
Sathya Shriram, Frazier Elementary
Madhav Mishra Madhav, Frazier Elementary
Robert Eshpulatov, McClure Elementary
Suchin Tej Bada, McClure Elementary
Vivaan Sontakke, McClure Elementary
Saanvika Addala, McGowen Elementary
Adalynn Chen, McGowen Elementary
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Zaylon Carter from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/p53lKNHJ-_s
Zaylon is two-time All-District selection for the McKinney North football team, and he is a recent regional qualifier in track and field.
Zaylon currently maintains a 4.0 GPA, and he has taken two AP courses throughout his high school journey.
Zaylon also serves as a Student Superintendent Board Member, and he works as a swim instructor part time.
After high school Zaylon plans to continue his football career and pursue a major in business.
That’s Zaylon Carter from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/p53lKNHJ-_s
Zaylon is two-time All-District selection for the McKinney North football team, and he is a recent regional qualifier in track and field.
Zaylon currently maintains a 4.0 GPA, and he has taken two AP courses throughout his high school journey.
Zaylon also serves as a Student Superintendent Board Member, and he works as a swim instructor part time.
After high school Zaylon plans to continue his football career and pursue a major in business.
That’s Zaylon Carter from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Cockrill PALS helped kick off Friday the right way this morning, fully embracing Cockrill's luau theme and bringing some great holiday-weekend energy as students arrived for school! These students from Cockrill are a great example of how the PALS program is building student leaders who serve their community!
McKinney ISD will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
We hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Introducing: Web Wednesday! 💻✨
Navigating your student’s digital world just got a whole lot easier. Every Wednesday, we’ll be dropping quick tips, hidden gems, and step-by-step guides to help you get the most out of our Parent SSO Portal.
The parent portal is a single sign-on (SSO) solution that gives you access to all of your student's school applications using just one username and password. No more tracking multiple passwords or remembering different website links. This centralized dashboard gives you instant access to grades, assignments, and other applications that have a parent component. Parents can also communicate with teachers through Skyward Messaging, Canvas, Seesaw, or Thrillshare Connect/Rooms. To set up your parent portal account, visit the Setting Up and Navigating the Parent Portal page on our website. Already have an account? Use the Forgot Username or Forgot Password option to access your parent portal dashboard.
Setting Up and Navigating the Parent Portal
Did you know...?
All three McKinney ISD high school drill team directors are former members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes!
Caris Dunn - Director, McKinney Boyd Bailadoras
Amy Neely - Director, MHS Marquettes
Abby Penprase-Tucker - Director, McKinney North NorthStars
We appreciate all of our McKinney ISD fine arts directors and teachers who work tirelessly every day to help our students develop their remarkable talents, from the elementary grades through high school!
Check out these photos from the McKinney High School vs. McKinney North High School Peanut Butter Bowl!
Both teams brought the heat on the field, but the real win belongs to our community. Big thanks to everyone who showed up, brought their school pride, and donated peanut butter to help feed local families.
📸 Photos by Cason Starnes and Riley Aguillard (McKinney ISD PR & Communications Student Interns) and Vype.
Both teams brought the heat on the field, but the real win belongs to our community. Big thanks to everyone who showed up, brought their school pride, and donated peanut butter to help feed local families.
📸 Photos by Cason Starnes and Riley Aguillard (McKinney ISD PR & Communications Student Interns) and Vype.
The Malvern Red Hawks wrapped up another great week of learning today! Under the leadership of Principal Inetra Nelson and her administrative team, the school year is off to a great start. As Malvern celebrates 25 years in 2026-2027, they are emphasizing the legacy established by namesakes Albert and Iola Malvern, encouraging students to consider their own legacy and providing them with the knowledge, support and community that will help them create a legacy that endures. Ashley Magno is providing a great example for them to follow. Now serving as a 3rd grade teacher, she is giving back to the school she attended as an elementary student!
Press Elementary is rocking the 2026-2027 school year! Principal Rachel Corbin made her way around campus as students ran, jumped and speed-walked in the gym; danced and sang in the music room and immersed themselves in new learning in their classrooms! It's shaping up to be a great year! Have a wonderful weekend, Press Elementary!
Lawson Early Childhood School, led by Principal Susie Towber, is home to McKinney ISD's Early Head Start, Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Pre-Kindergarten, and Preschool Language programs and serves more than 500 of the district's youngest learners. Lawson is an amazing place, and the Sea Lions are off to a great start in 2026-2027! To learn more about Lawson visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/lecs
Led by Principal Karla Massey, Caldwell Dual Language Academy offers a two-way dual immersion program for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Two way immersion is a form of dual-language education that combines students from two language groups while providing instruction in both languages. The (K-4) classes are comprised of approximately one-half native English speakers and one-half native Spanish speakers. Students learn the academic curriculum through both languages simultaneously. The Caldwell Cats are making 2026-2027 the best year ever! To learn more about Caldwell, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/ces/page/a-dual-language-campus
