This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Braxten Williams from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/miDyHbiBebM
Braxten is a member of the Bronco art program, and his artwork has been shown in student art shows in McKinney.
Braxten has taken 3 AP courses, and he is a member of the National Arts Honor Society. He has earned graduation cords for AB Honor Roll and outstanding NAHS attendance and participation.
In his free time, Braxten enjoys artistic studying, as well as practicing art and writing fiction. He is also a physically disabled familial assistant.
After graduation, Braxten plans to attend the University of North Texas to earn a Fine Arts Degree. He will pursue his goal of becoming a graphic novelist and author.
That’s Braxten Williams from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/miDyHbiBebM
Braxten is a member of the Bronco art program, and his artwork has been shown in student art shows in McKinney.
Braxten has taken 3 AP courses, and he is a member of the National Arts Honor Society. He has earned graduation cords for AB Honor Roll and outstanding NAHS attendance and participation.
In his free time, Braxten enjoys artistic studying, as well as practicing art and writing fiction. He is also a physically disabled familial assistant.
After graduation, Braxten plans to attend the University of North Texas to earn a Fine Arts Degree. He will pursue his goal of becoming a graphic novelist and author.
That’s Braxten Williams from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
McKinney ISD is proud to honor Black History Month—a time to recognize the achievements, leadership and impact of Black Americans—past and present. This February, we celebrate Black history and culture while encouraging reflection and understanding. Let's learn and celebrate together.
Many Texans have answered the call to protect and defend the United States, and today we proudly honor them. On Texas Military Heroes Day, we celebrate the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our great nation.
Thank you to all of our service members, veterans and military families for your courage, sacrifice and dedication. We salute you and all who have served on behalf of the Lone Star State.
Thank you to all of our service members, veterans and military families for your courage, sacrifice and dedication. We salute you and all who have served on behalf of the Lone Star State.
CTE Month, or Career and Technical Education Month, is celebrated every February to raise awareness about the value of CTE programs, to highlight student success and to showcase how hands-on learning prepares students for college and careers, connecting passion with purpose for in-demand jobs. It's a national campaign organized by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) with events like job shadowing, guest speakers and awareness campaigns. McKinney ISD CTE offers 11 Career Clusters with 18 programs of study and over 65 courses to support student interests and future careers.
Learn more about McKinney ISD CTE: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-technical-education
School Board Appreciation Month 2026 - Harvey Oaxaca at McKinney North High School
Principal Justin Penio and McKinney North High School welcomed McKinney ISD School Board of Trustees Vice President Harvey Oaxaca to their winter sports pep rally on Friday, January 30, to celebrate their athletes and to thank Oaxaca for his service on the board. Oaxaca was right at home as he made his way around the gym, talking with students and teachers, learning some new dance steps and helping to announce the McKinney North Campus Teacher of the Year, Jacob Mannis. Oaxaca took a moment on the microphone to thank all of the North teachers and staff for the great work they do and encouraged the students to maintain the strong school culture of McKinney North.
"It was a true honor," Oaxaca said afterward. "All the schools in McKinney ISD are pretty special, but for many reasons McKinney North is close to my heart. So, being here and seeing all the excitement, these great kids and all the great organizations, it's a beautiful afternoon. I'm honored to represent the McKinney ISD School Board and to be recognized in this way."
Principal Justin Penio and McKinney North High School welcomed McKinney ISD School Board of Trustees Vice President Harvey Oaxaca to their winter sports pep rally on Friday, January 30, to celebrate their athletes and to thank Oaxaca for his service on the board. Oaxaca was right at home as he made his way around the gym, talking with students and teachers, learning some new dance steps and helping to announce the McKinney North Campus Teacher of the Year, Jacob Mannis. Oaxaca took a moment on the microphone to thank all of the North teachers and staff for the great work they do and encouraged the students to maintain the strong school culture of McKinney North.
"It was a true honor," Oaxaca said afterward. "All the schools in McKinney ISD are pretty special, but for many reasons McKinney North is close to my heart. So, being here and seeing all the excitement, these great kids and all the great organizations, it's a beautiful afternoon. I'm honored to represent the McKinney ISD School Board and to be recognized in this way."
National School Counseling Week is February 2-6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. Presented by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have as they help students achieve school success and plan for a career. Thank you, McKinney ISD school counselors, for the way that you serve our students, families and staff with excellence!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Sydney Martin from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/-aqUPQJSUoI
Sydney plays varsity basketball for the Lady Broncos, and she has won Student Athlete of the Quarter.
Sydney currently ranks in the top 8% of her class with a 4.5 GPA, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She has taken 11 AP classes, and she is an AP Scholar.
Beyond the classroom, Sydney serves as a Front-End Lead at Market Street, and she volunteers 35 hours of her time each year.
She plans to attend college and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Finance.
That’s Sydney Martin from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/-aqUPQJSUoI
Sydney plays varsity basketball for the Lady Broncos, and she has won Student Athlete of the Quarter.
Sydney currently ranks in the top 8% of her class with a 4.5 GPA, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She has taken 11 AP classes, and she is an AP Scholar.
Beyond the classroom, Sydney serves as a Front-End Lead at Market Street, and she volunteers 35 hours of her time each year.
She plans to attend college and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Finance.
That’s Sydney Martin from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
School Board member Kenneth Ussery received a special treat Friday morning at “Frazier Live”!
See video: https://youtu.be/kGetSOX6ipQ
In appreciation of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, Frazier Elementary celebrated Mr. Ussery as a guest of honor during their monthly awards ceremony. He and his wife, Teri, received a tour of the school from Principal Amy Holderman, as well as a certificate recognizing him as an “awesome McKinney ISD School Board Trustee” and some Frazier Gator spirit wear. The most unique gift for Mr. Ussery was a custom-created song performed by the 3rd-5th grade choir under the direction of Holly Bianchetta.
See video: https://youtu.be/kGetSOX6ipQ
In appreciation of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, Frazier Elementary celebrated Mr. Ussery as a guest of honor during their monthly awards ceremony. He and his wife, Teri, received a tour of the school from Principal Amy Holderman, as well as a certificate recognizing him as an “awesome McKinney ISD School Board Trustee” and some Frazier Gator spirit wear. The most unique gift for Mr. Ussery was a custom-created song performed by the 3rd-5th grade choir under the direction of Holly Bianchetta.
Welcome to the January edition of the McKinney ISD Community Connection Newsletter
The January edition covers:
🚀 Planning for the Future: McKinney ISD Strategic Plan Update
🎉 Celebrating Success: McKinney ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2026
✅ Program Updates: PALS, Dance, Elementary Music and The Collegiate Academy of McKinney (The CAM)
Click the subscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter to have the Community Connection delivered directly to your inbox.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
McKinney ISD will return to its normal school schedule tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2026, and all campuses and offices will follow their normal hours.
After school and evening activities will also resume as scheduled tomorrow.
McKinney ISD has been monitoring road, parking lot and sidewalk conditions near our schools and throughout the district and feel confident that our students and staff can safely travel to and from school tomorrow. We look forward to seeing everyone back in class after this week of winter weather!
McKinney ISD will return to its normal school schedule tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2026, and all campuses and offices will follow their normal hours.
After school and evening activities will also resume as scheduled tomorrow.
McKinney ISD has been monitoring road, parking lot and sidewalk conditions near our schools and throughout the district and feel confident that our students and staff can safely travel to and from school tomorrow. We look forward to seeing everyone back in class after this week of winter weather!
Holocaust Remembrance Week
January 26-30 has been designated as Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas, with January 27 recognized as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This week provides an important opportunity to remember the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in the Holocaust, to honor survivors, and to reflect on the dangers of hatred and antisemitism.
Through education and remembrance, Texas commits to educating future generations, promoting dignity and compassion, and ensuring these atrocities are never repeated. May we never forget.
January 26-30 has been designated as Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas, with January 27 recognized as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This week provides an important opportunity to remember the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in the Holocaust, to honor survivors, and to reflect on the dangers of hatred and antisemitism.
Through education and remembrance, Texas commits to educating future generations, promoting dignity and compassion, and ensuring these atrocities are never repeated. May we never forget.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Thursday, January 29. The decision to cancel school was made for the safety of all of our students, parents and staff after assessing road conditions throughout the district today in coordination with Durham Transportation, the McKinney ISD facilities department and local emergency officials.
McKinney ISD spans more than 109 square miles across portions of Collin, Grayson and Denton counties, serving most of McKinney along with small areas of Allen, Fairview, Princeton, Lowry Crossing, New Hope, unincorporated rural communities and areas near Lake Lavon extending toward Tioga. While some roadways have improved, several routes traveled by our students remain hazardous and could pose risks for school buses and for families driving to campuses. In addition, despite the diligent efforts of our maintenance teams, some school parking lots have not fully thawed. Because the safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority, we have made the decision to cancel school tomorrow.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events for Thursday will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we anticipate a return to normal school activities and schedules on Friday, January 30. Please stay tuned to our website, social media channels and/or local news outlets for updates.
We understand families may have questions about how this closure will affect the school calendar. McKinney ISD will first use our built-in bad weather days, April 6 and April 27, to make up missed instructional time. The district will also apply to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a waiver, as allowed. We will wait to hear back from TEA on our next steps to make up time for the additional bad weather days. We will keep you updated as we know more.
As always, we will also send out any further communication through email, phone call and text message.
McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Thursday, January 29. The decision to cancel school was made for the safety of all of our students, parents and staff after assessing road conditions throughout the district today in coordination with Durham Transportation, the McKinney ISD facilities department and local emergency officials.
McKinney ISD spans more than 109 square miles across portions of Collin, Grayson and Denton counties, serving most of McKinney along with small areas of Allen, Fairview, Princeton, Lowry Crossing, New Hope, unincorporated rural communities and areas near Lake Lavon extending toward Tioga. While some roadways have improved, several routes traveled by our students remain hazardous and could pose risks for school buses and for families driving to campuses. In addition, despite the diligent efforts of our maintenance teams, some school parking lots have not fully thawed. Because the safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority, we have made the decision to cancel school tomorrow.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events for Thursday will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we anticipate a return to normal school activities and schedules on Friday, January 30. Please stay tuned to our website, social media channels and/or local news outlets for updates.
We understand families may have questions about how this closure will affect the school calendar. McKinney ISD will first use our built-in bad weather days, April 6 and April 27, to make up missed instructional time. The district will also apply to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a waiver, as allowed. We will wait to hear back from TEA on our next steps to make up time for the additional bad weather days. We will keep you updated as we know more.
As always, we will also send out any further communication through email, phone call and text message.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
McKinney ISD is actively monitoring conditions in campus parking lots and on roads and sidewalks near our schools as we prepare to make a decision about school operations for Thursday, January 29, 2026. The primary concerns are the ability of school buses to travel on neighborhood streets and parking lot conditions for students and staff.
McKinney ISD will continue to assess these conditions this afternoon as we work with Durham Transportation, our facilities department and local emergency officials to make a decision about Thursday. We will communicate the status of school for Thursday by 6 p.m. today. As always, the safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We hope you and your family are safe and warm.
Please monitor our website, social media channels, and local news outlets. We will also continue to communicate through email, phone calls, and text messages.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make the best decision for our McKinney ISD community.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, January 28. The decision to cancel school was made for the safety of all our students, parents and staff after assessing road conditions throughout the district today in coordination with local emergency officials.
While major roads have improved, many neighborhood streets and farm to market roads have not. In addition, our facilities team has been working hard throughout the day to clear sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots on all of our campuses. Some campuses are accessible while others require additional attention.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events for Wednesday will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we anticipate a return to normal school activities and schedules on Thursday, January 29. Please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets for updates.
As always, we will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, January 28. The decision to cancel school was made for the safety of all our students, parents and staff after assessing road conditions throughout the district today in coordination with local emergency officials.
While major roads have improved, many neighborhood streets and farm to market roads have not. In addition, our facilities team has been working hard throughout the day to clear sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots on all of our campuses. Some campuses are accessible while others require additional attention.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events for Wednesday will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we anticipate a return to normal school activities and schedules on Thursday, January 29. Please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets for updates.
As always, we will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
McKinney ISD is actively monitoring road conditions as we prepare to make a decision about school operations for Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Our awesome facilities team has been working hard all day to try and clear up sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots on all of our campuses. Some campuses are accessible while others require more attention. Additionally we have been driving the side roads to assess conditions. While major roads are improving, the neighborhood streets and farm to market roads are not. McKinney ISD will continue to monitor weather reports and assess developing road conditions throughout the afternoon as we work with local emergency officials to make a decision about Wednesday. We will communicate the status of school for Wednesday no later than 6 p.m. today.
As always, the safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We hope you and your family are safe and warm.
Please monitor our website, social media channels, and local news outlets. We will also continue to communicate through email, phone calls, and text messages.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make the best decision for our McKinney ISD community.
McKinney ISD is actively monitoring road conditions as we prepare to make a decision about school operations for Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Our awesome facilities team has been working hard all day to try and clear up sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots on all of our campuses. Some campuses are accessible while others require more attention. Additionally we have been driving the side roads to assess conditions. While major roads are improving, the neighborhood streets and farm to market roads are not. McKinney ISD will continue to monitor weather reports and assess developing road conditions throughout the afternoon as we work with local emergency officials to make a decision about Wednesday. We will communicate the status of school for Wednesday no later than 6 p.m. today.
As always, the safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We hope you and your family are safe and warm.
Please monitor our website, social media channels, and local news outlets. We will also continue to communicate through email, phone calls, and text messages.
Thank you for your patience as we work to make the best decision for our McKinney ISD community.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to forecasts indicating a continuation of the extreme weather conditions and hazardous road conditions throughout the area. The decision was made to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events will be cancelled as well.
Current weather models indicate temperatures will rise above freezing by Tuesday afternoon, which should help improve road conditions. At this time, we anticipate a normal school day on Wednesday, January 28. We will continue to monitor conditions closely in cooperation with local emergency officials and will provide an update to families and staff on Tuesday.
For updates, please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets. We will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to forecasts indicating a continuation of the extreme weather conditions and hazardous road conditions throughout the area. The decision was made to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events will be cancelled as well.
Current weather models indicate temperatures will rise above freezing by Tuesday afternoon, which should help improve road conditions. At this time, we anticipate a normal school day on Wednesday, January 28. We will continue to monitor conditions closely in cooperation with local emergency officials and will provide an update to families and staff on Tuesday.
For updates, please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets. We will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26, due to extreme weather conditions throughout the area and the forecast for Monday. The decision was made to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we are only closing on Monday, January 26. For updates about any other schedule changes, please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets. We will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
All McKinney ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26, due to extreme weather conditions throughout the area and the forecast for Monday. The decision was made to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
All school-related activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events will be cancelled as well.
At this time, we are only closing on Monday, January 26. For updates about any other schedule changes, please stay tuned to our website, social media channels, and/or local news outlets. We will also send out any further communication through email, phone call, and text message.
School Board Recognition – Amy Dankel at McKinney Boyd High School
See video: https://youtu.be/TR7ZyvvnLPU
In appreciation of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, McKinney Boyd High School welcomed School Board President, Amy Dankel, to their campus.
Principal Dr. David Hodum took Ms. Dankel on a tour of the school that included a walk-through of the Evolv security system, checking out the refresh on the rotunda, several meet-and greets with faculty in the hallway and a lunch with the Principal's Advisory Group. Oh, and a very special serenade from the Fusion choir which provides the beautiful soundtrack for Amy Dankel’s visit.
See video: https://youtu.be/TR7ZyvvnLPU
In appreciation of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, McKinney Boyd High School welcomed School Board President, Amy Dankel, to their campus.
Principal Dr. David Hodum took Ms. Dankel on a tour of the school that included a walk-through of the Evolv security system, checking out the refresh on the rotunda, several meet-and greets with faculty in the hallway and a lunch with the Principal's Advisory Group. Oh, and a very special serenade from the Fusion choir which provides the beautiful soundtrack for Amy Dankel’s visit.
Board Appreciation Month -- Lynn Sperry at Minshew Elementary
Minshew Elementary welcomed McKinney ISD Board of Trustees Secretary Lynn Sperry to campus today in honor of School Board Appreciation Month! Principal Jennifer Larriviere and Assistant Principal Candice Harvick gave Sperry a tour of the building where she learned more about the school's programs, visited classrooms and talked with students and teachers. After the tour, they were joined by 5th grade members of the Minshew Student Council who treated Sperry to lunch and took part in some lively Q&A with the longtime board member.
"I had a wonderful, wonderful time here at Minshew," Sperry said. "I met students who were just wonderful, so bright and informative. I loved every minute of it. I had a wonderful lunch...what else could I ask for — beautiful building, beautiful people!"
Thank you, Lynn Sperry for your dedication to McKinney ISD students and families and years of service as a McKinney ISD board member!
And thank you to Principal Jennifer Larriviere, Assistant Principal Candice Harvick and the students and faculty of Minshew Elementary for your hospitality!
Minshew Elementary welcomed McKinney ISD Board of Trustees Secretary Lynn Sperry to campus today in honor of School Board Appreciation Month! Principal Jennifer Larriviere and Assistant Principal Candice Harvick gave Sperry a tour of the building where she learned more about the school's programs, visited classrooms and talked with students and teachers. After the tour, they were joined by 5th grade members of the Minshew Student Council who treated Sperry to lunch and took part in some lively Q&A with the longtime board member.
"I had a wonderful, wonderful time here at Minshew," Sperry said. "I met students who were just wonderful, so bright and informative. I loved every minute of it. I had a wonderful lunch...what else could I ask for — beautiful building, beautiful people!"
Thank you, Lynn Sperry for your dedication to McKinney ISD students and families and years of service as a McKinney ISD board member!
And thank you to Principal Jennifer Larriviere, Assistant Principal Candice Harvick and the students and faculty of Minshew Elementary for your hospitality!
PALS or Peer Assistance and Leadership is implemented as a peer-helping program in which selected students are trained to work as peer facilitators with younger students on their own campuses and/or from feeder middle and elementary schools. Selected students are able to participate in PALS during their eighth grade year and as juniors or seniors in high school. Students are trained in a variety of helping skills that enables them to assist other students in having a more positive and productive school experience.
To apply for the PALS program for the 26-27 school year, visit the CTE Forms page located on the McKinney ISD website.
