McKinney Boyd High School brought the energy today with the first pep rally of the year! Go Broncos! Let’em Run!
As we move through the second full week of school, students and teachers are settling into the routines and rhythms of the 2026-2027 school year. At Glen Oaks, learning is happening all across campus as students build new skills and explore new concepts (and have a lot of fun along the way). The Tigers of Glen Oaks are off to a great start!
As we complete the first week of school in McKinney ISD, Superintendent Shawn Pratt takes this opportunity to appreciate the students, staff and community of our district.
See video: https://youtu.be/wTCRsSplGLc
See video: https://youtu.be/wTCRsSplGLc
The McKinney ISD 2026-2027 school year is well underway as our students navigate new routines and schedules and build connections with their classmates and teachers. It's been a great start, and we can't wait to see the remarkable things that our students will accomplish throughout the fall and spring. Photos from Dowell, McClure and Frazier...
Did you know...?
McKinney High School is credited with throwing the first forward pass in Texas high school football — in 1904!
According to an article published in 2021 by the Collin County History Museum, it is “very realistic” that McKinney High School threw the first forward pass in Texas high school football—all the way back in 1904 during a game against Greenville High School when Creash McCarty connected with McCarty Dowell on a 50 yard heave that ended with Dowell scampering into the end zone.
For more information about McKinney ISD Stadium and tickets for MISD athletic events, visit: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/mckinney-isd-stadium
House Sorting Pep Rally at Reuben Johnson Elementary
See video: https://youtu.be/T_bm7DbG4-0
Integritas, Dominium, Consequi and Paratus. Who thought that elementary kids would want to learn Latin?! The students at Rebuen Johnson Elementary know these four Latin terms because they represent the four houses of community on their campus. During the first week of school the whole campus gathered so the students and staff who are new to RJE this year receive their “sorting” into the house that chooses them. It’s a magical process that you have to see to believe!
See video: https://youtu.be/T_bm7DbG4-0
Integritas, Dominium, Consequi and Paratus. Who thought that elementary kids would want to learn Latin?! The students at Rebuen Johnson Elementary know these four Latin terms because they represent the four houses of community on their campus. During the first week of school the whole campus gathered so the students and staff who are new to RJE this year receive their “sorting” into the house that chooses them. It’s a magical process that you have to see to believe!
Welcome back, McKinney ISD! Day 1 of the 2026-2027 school year has arrived! All across the district, students from Pre-K to 12th grade arrived by car, by bus, on two wheels and on foot this morning as teachers and administrators welcomed them to campus.
Superintendent Shawn Pratt made stops at McKinney ISD schools throughout the day to greet students, parents and teachers. Over the next few days, he'll visit every campus in the district.
It's been a great day, and we believe it's going to be the best year ever for McKinney ISD!
Here are a few photos from McGowen Elementary, Scott Johnson Middle School, Evans Middle School, Cockrill Middle School and McKinney High School.
Superintendent Shawn Pratt made stops at McKinney ISD schools throughout the day to greet students, parents and teachers. Over the next few days, he'll visit every campus in the district.
It's been a great day, and we believe it's going to be the best year ever for McKinney ISD!
Here are a few photos from McGowen Elementary, Scott Johnson Middle School, Evans Middle School, Cockrill Middle School and McKinney High School.
As they look forward to welcoming every Bronco back to school tomorrow, McKinney Boyd paused this afternoon for a quick a photo of staff members and their kids who will be on campus with them this year, to celebrate the opportunities for connection that lie ahead in the midst of busy school schedules. For teachers, students quickly become family, but the opportunity to share a moment with one's own child during the school day, is a special reminder of why they do what they do.
We are excited to kick off the McKinney ISD 2026-2027 school year tomorrow, August 13! Just a reminder that our school start and end times are:
Elementary School: 8:10 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Middle School: 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
High School: 7:20 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lawson Early Childhood School: 7:40 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
We can't wait to see you!
Elementary School: 8:10 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Middle School: 8:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
High School: 7:20 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Lawson Early Childhood School: 7:40 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
We can't wait to see you!
The August edition of the Community Connection newsletter is live! Stay connected and informed about everything happening in McKinney ISD.
Click the subscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter to have the Community Connection delivered directly to your inbox.
The staff of Vega Elementary got a big surprise on Tuesday, August 11, when Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Vega Principal Mike Forsyth introduced Brandon Tomes and representatives from Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney who arrived with lunch from Chuy's. More significantly, they came bearing even greater gifts, announcing that Vega has been chosen as part of the Subaru Loves Learning program to receive a $500 grant for classroom supplies for every Vega teacher! It's a generous gift that Brandon Tomes has donated to a McKinney ISD elementary school for many years. Thank you, Brandon Tomes and Subaru for your continued support of McKinney ISD!
"You know, we are so appreciative," said Tomes to the Vega faculty. "I'm a fellow MISD graduate. I went K through 12 here and graduated from McKinney High School, and my children are in MISD ... I know that you come to work every day and you bring a smile, and you make a difference in people's lives. They may not remember everything that you taught them, but they will remember the difference you made in their lives. So, I just want to say thank you for all that you do."
"You know, we are so appreciative," said Tomes to the Vega faculty. "I'm a fellow MISD graduate. I went K through 12 here and graduated from McKinney High School, and my children are in MISD ... I know that you come to work every day and you bring a smile, and you make a difference in people's lives. They may not remember everything that you taught them, but they will remember the difference you made in their lives. So, I just want to say thank you for all that you do."
Hello! My name is Amy Dankel, and I serve as president for the McKinney ISD School Board. 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/BEsZ9kJdnr8
The August meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board Vice President Harvey Oaxaca.
The Board began the evening by recognizing students, staff, and district programs for several outstanding accomplishments.
We honored Kelly Armbruster from McKinney High School for being named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, or TASSP, Assistant Principal of the Year.
McKinney ISD was also recognized by the Texas Art Education Association as a District of Distinction and was also recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. We are proud of our Fine Arts programs, teachers, and students in McKinney ISD.
Congratulations to all of our honorees! We enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students and staff each month at our Board meetings.
The Board then heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items before entering closed session.
After reconvening in open session, the Board held a public hearing regarding the 2026–2027 district budget and tax rate.
Trustees then heard two presentations focused on student learning and academic and district performance. The first presentation provided an overview of the district’s 2025–2026 end-of-year MAP and STAAR results. The Board also heard a presentation on the McKinney Accountability System, or MAS.
The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting, where Trustees approved the consent agenda.
Trustees also approved the 2026–2027 School Health Advisory Council, or SHAC, membership.
The Board endorsed the candidacy of Board Vice President Harvey Oaxaca for a position on the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors.
Our Board also took action related to the district’s 2026–2027 proposed tax rates. Trustees then took action to call a special election asking voters to consider ratifying a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, as well as a bond election.
McKinney ISD voters will consider five propositions. Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that if approved by voters, would provide additional funding for teacher compensation and student programs. Propositions B through E make up a $500 million bond proposal, which will fund safety and security, technology, facility upgrades and new schools. McKinney ISD's total tax rate will still be 3.79 cents lower than last year and all 5 propositions can be funded within this tax rate. Early voting will take place October 19-30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Additional information can be found on our McKinney ISD website.
The Board also approved delegating authority to the Superintendent or designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute a joint election agreement with Collin County.
Monthly written reports were provided covering district donations, bond, energy and construction updates, transportation, human resources, annual investments, and the district’s second-quarter demographic update.
The Board also highlighted important upcoming dates:
• August 13 is the first day of school, and
• The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Community Event Center.
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. We wish all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year!
See video: https://youtu.be/BEsZ9kJdnr8
The August meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by Board Vice President Harvey Oaxaca.
The Board began the evening by recognizing students, staff, and district programs for several outstanding accomplishments.
We honored Kelly Armbruster from McKinney High School for being named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, or TASSP, Assistant Principal of the Year.
McKinney ISD was also recognized by the Texas Art Education Association as a District of Distinction and was also recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. We are proud of our Fine Arts programs, teachers, and students in McKinney ISD.
Congratulations to all of our honorees! We enjoy celebrating the accomplishments of our students and staff each month at our Board meetings.
The Board then heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items before entering closed session.
After reconvening in open session, the Board held a public hearing regarding the 2026–2027 district budget and tax rate.
Trustees then heard two presentations focused on student learning and academic and district performance. The first presentation provided an overview of the district’s 2025–2026 end-of-year MAP and STAAR results. The Board also heard a presentation on the McKinney Accountability System, or MAS.
The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion and action portion of the meeting, where Trustees approved the consent agenda.
Trustees also approved the 2026–2027 School Health Advisory Council, or SHAC, membership.
The Board endorsed the candidacy of Board Vice President Harvey Oaxaca for a position on the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors.
Our Board also took action related to the district’s 2026–2027 proposed tax rates. Trustees then took action to call a special election asking voters to consider ratifying a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election, as well as a bond election.
McKinney ISD voters will consider five propositions. Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that if approved by voters, would provide additional funding for teacher compensation and student programs. Propositions B through E make up a $500 million bond proposal, which will fund safety and security, technology, facility upgrades and new schools. McKinney ISD's total tax rate will still be 3.79 cents lower than last year and all 5 propositions can be funded within this tax rate. Early voting will take place October 19-30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Additional information can be found on our McKinney ISD website.
The Board also approved delegating authority to the Superintendent or designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute a joint election agreement with Collin County.
Monthly written reports were provided covering district donations, bond, energy and construction updates, transportation, human resources, annual investments, and the district’s second-quarter demographic update.
The Board also highlighted important upcoming dates:
• August 13 is the first day of school, and
• The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Community Event Center.
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. We wish all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year!
We loved welcoming our amazing students and their families last night during Elementary Meet the Teacher! The energy was fantastic, and we can’t wait for a wonderful school year ahead. Please enjoy these photos from Valley Creek Elementary!
McKinney ISD 2026 Fall Kickoff Conference!
McKinney ISD teachers and staff are officially back this week making final preparations for the start of the 2026-2027 school year on August 13!
Today and tomorrow (Aug. 5-6), they are taking part in the 2026 Fall Kickoff Conference at McKinney High School (secondary teachers), McKinney North High School (elementary teachers) and McKinney Boyd High School (special populations) for professional development and training, with more than 400 breakout sessions to choose from across the two days of learning.
Special thanks to community partner RBFCU for sponsoring our Fall Kickoff Conference and providing a coffee bar and raffle prizes!
Remember, back to school information can be found at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/back-to-school .
We will see you soon!
Did you know...
—Aramark, McKinney ISD's food service provider, served 3,345,432 meals to McKinney ISD students in 2025-2026.
—Along the way, Aramark introduced 9 new meal items—including the fabulously named Buffalo Bacon Cheddar Waffalaco—and a new mobile-friendly free and reduced meal app.
—The most popular meal choice of 2025-2026? Pizza!
—Beginning in 2026-2027, Aramark student nutrition menus will be free of artificial food dyes!
For complete information about McKinney ISD food service, including pricing and payments, free and reduced meals and menus visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/school-nutrition.
Our Elementary Teaching & Learning Team kicked off the school year with a high-impact professional learning day for our newest educators! Monolingual teachers gathered at McClure Elementary, while Dual Language teachers met at Caldwell Dual Language Academy to explore the essential curriculum alongside district Content Coordinators and our EL Support team. Equipped with fresh strategies and tailored toolkits, our newest team members are officially ready to support student learning from day one!
Huge thanks to everyone who helped make our backpack drive a massive success! Last week, PALS students from McKinney High, McKinney North, and McKinney Boyd teamed up with incredible local business partners to pack 147 backpacks full of supplies for high school students. We extend our deepest gratitude to Lana Griffin and two other Rotarians, Tricia Adams with Pathways, Tessa Mills with Chick-fil-A, and Baylor Scott & White for their incredible support and generosity.
Photos by Cason Starnes, McKinney ISD PR & Communications Student Intern
Photos by Cason Starnes, McKinney ISD PR & Communications Student Intern
As McKinney ISD continues to prepare for the soon to arrive 2026-2027 school year, the district's elementary and secondary campus team leaders and assistant principals gathered at the Collin College Conference Center in McKinney on July 30 & 31 for professional development focused on delivering impactful, Tier 1 instruction and building strong professional learning communities! Solution Tree's Paula Maeker presented on Tier 1 instruction, and the McKinney ISD curriculum coordinators led the PLC portion of the seminar.
Meanwhile, the amazing nurses and nurse assistants of the McKinney ISD Health Services Department — led by Director of Health Services Christy Giddens — convened at Central Office for orientation and professional development of their own!
Teachers and staff officially report back next week, and the 2026–2027 school year will kick off in just under two weeks on August 13!
We can't wait!
Meanwhile, the amazing nurses and nurse assistants of the McKinney ISD Health Services Department — led by Director of Health Services Christy Giddens — convened at Central Office for orientation and professional development of their own!
Teachers and staff officially report back next week, and the 2026–2027 school year will kick off in just under two weeks on August 13!
We can't wait!
The McKinney ISD 2026–2027 school year begins on Thursday, August 13!
Visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/back-to-school for everything you need to know about back to school, from Day 1 drop off guidelines to transportation to school supplies and everything in between. We hope you have had a great summer, and we can't wait to see you! It's going to be an amazing year!
Summer is a great time for learning! And, McKinney ISD teachers and administrators have been taking time for professional development opportunities throughout June and July as they look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year!
June 9-11, teachers took part in the Digital Leader Academy to explore ways to engage students through instructional technology and create high-engagement learning environments where students become the creative, visionary thinkers of tomorrow.
June 15-16, McKinney ISD teachers and administrators attended the Region 10 Civics Training Program at the CEC. TEA requires at least one teacher and one administrator from each school in Texas to attend a 12-hour, in-person workshop focused on America's founding documents, civic engagement, and the principles of self-government. The aim is to gain practical strategies for teaching civil discourse, media literacy, and government processes to help students become informed, engaged citizens.
And, July 20-21, 130 McKinney ISD teachers gathered at the district's Community Event Center for a deep dive into Robert Marzano's The New Art and Science of Teaching (NASOT), with presenter Kristin Poage. NASOT is a modern framework that helps teachers design effective, engaging instruction for today’s classrooms and emphasizes student-centered learning, clear goals, and research-based strategies to improve achievement!
June 9-11, teachers took part in the Digital Leader Academy to explore ways to engage students through instructional technology and create high-engagement learning environments where students become the creative, visionary thinkers of tomorrow.
June 15-16, McKinney ISD teachers and administrators attended the Region 10 Civics Training Program at the CEC. TEA requires at least one teacher and one administrator from each school in Texas to attend a 12-hour, in-person workshop focused on America's founding documents, civic engagement, and the principles of self-government. The aim is to gain practical strategies for teaching civil discourse, media literacy, and government processes to help students become informed, engaged citizens.
And, July 20-21, 130 McKinney ISD teachers gathered at the district's Community Event Center for a deep dive into Robert Marzano's The New Art and Science of Teaching (NASOT), with presenter Kristin Poage. NASOT is a modern framework that helps teachers design effective, engaging instruction for today’s classrooms and emphasizes student-centered learning, clear goals, and research-based strategies to improve achievement!
