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.
See video: https://youtu.be/gxcz0f8BgGg
Each January we take an opportunity to give recognition and appreciation for the dedication and commitment from the seven members of our community who serve as the board of trustees for McKinney ISD.
Thank you, Larry Jagours, Kenneth Ussery, Corey Homer, Amy Dankel, Lynn Sperry, Stephanie O'Dell and Harvey Oaxaca.
McKinney ISD Parents and Guardians,
(Note: The district is working to send this information out to staff and guardians via email but is experiencing delays due to an issue with Microsoft.)
At this time, McKinney ISD does not plan to implement an early dismissal on Friday, January 23, as the latest weather forecasts indicate a later arrival of winter weather. However, if conditions change and an early release becomes necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff, families will be notified promptly through all district communication channels.
After-school activities, including after-school programs and extracurricular events, are canceled or have been rescheduled beginning after school on Friday and continuing through the weekend.
McKinney ISD will continue to closely monitor weather conditions throughout Friday and the weekend to determine whether school operations may be impacted Friday afternoon or early next week. Depending on forecasted conditions, a decision regarding school on Monday will be communicated either Sunday evening or Monday morning in accordance with the district’s inclement weather communication timeline.
Please continue to monitor the McKinney ISD website, social media channels, and local news outlets for updates.
McKinney ISD Severe Weather Response
Social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Watch video: https://youtu.be/XHGgPgFc76c
Hello! My name is Corey Homer, and I serve as a McKinney ISD School Board Trustee. Each month, after our Board meeting, we provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting.
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by board member Larry Jagours.
We started things off by recognizing students and staff for their notable accomplishments.
We honored our “Every Student, Every Day” award-winners.
Congratulations to Addison Haynes from Frazier Elementary and
Omar Arroyo from Burks Elementary.
Then we presented the “McKinney ISD Lives Kind” award to McGowen Elementary and their principal, Kim Luyster.
We also recognized our “We Are McKinney” Superintendent’s award-winners. Congratulations to Wendy Kolb-Fagan from Minshew Elementary and Jake Mannis from McKinney North High School.
Next, the McKinney Education Foundation presented a check to Superintendent Pratt for $172,487.87 for teacher grants awarded this year. Thank you to MEF for their support of our students and teachers!
We also honored the Future Farmers of America State Qualifiers. These students competed in leadership development events on multiple levels and received a variety of awards. Congratulations to all of the FFA award-winners.
Next we recognized the McKinney High School Broadcast Journalism students for their recent accomplishments. The first group of students we honored received state level awards from the Association of Texas Photography Instructors. The second group of students we honored received state level awards from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. And the final group we honored received national level awards from the Journalism Educators Association. Congratulations to these students and their teacher, Ms. Lira.
Our last celebration of the evening was from Superintendent Pratt as he honored the McKinney ISD School Board as part of January’s school board appreciation month.
Next, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items and the Board then entered closed session.
After reconvening, the Board heard a presentation on strategic plan pillar 4.1 and 4.2, McKinney ISD Family and Culture, from members of our School Leadership department. The presentation included information on student engagement, campus life and student opportunities, as well as student celebrations and more information on special populations. It showcased the many ways McKinney ISD focuses on family, community and staff culture.
The next presentation was a middle of the year MAP assessment update. The purpose of this presentation was to reflect on the first semester progress of our students and to plan instructional adjustments for the second semester.
The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting where we first approved the consent agenda.
Next, we heard, considered and approved the recommended list of library materials for procurement from the School Library Advisory Council.
We also heard, considered, and took action to approve the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. The first day of school next year will be August 13th. You can find the approved 26-27 calendar on our district website.
Next, we heard and approved the TASB Policy Update 126 and several local policy updates. We approved each of these items as is.
Finally, we heard and took action on the delegation of authority to the Superintendent to negotiate, finalize and execute the sale of a piece of property to the city of McKinney, as well as an interlocal agreement with the city.
The Trustees then reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and bond, energy, construction, transportation, and human resources reports.
Upcoming district events include our regularly scheduled board meeting on February 16th at 6 PM at the McKinney ISD Community Event Center.
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/nECAqsZv6FQ
Christopher was selected for the All-Region String Orchestra in 2024 and 2025. He is a TMEA Texas Music Scholar, and he received 1’s on all Solo Competitions.
Christopher currently maintains a 4.81 GPA with 9 AP credits, and he ranks 10th in his class. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he has earned an Academic All-District Award in District 9-5a Wrestling.
Christopher serves as an orchestra officer, and in his free time, he is a member of the wrestling team and works part-time at Rosa’s Cafe.
After graduation, Christopher plans to study Mechanical Aerospace Engineering. His college choices include Texas A&M, UT Austin, Colorado Boulder, School of Mines, Embry-Riddle, MIT or the University of Michigan.
That’s Christopher Fleites Rodriguez from McKinney North High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Thank you, Corey Homer, for your leadership and dedication to serving others.
A special thank you to:
* Mr. Parr and welding students Jack Callaway, Connor Means, and Cason White for fabricating a custom sign and burger press.
* Mr. Matkoff and construction students Sheefa Chowdhury, Bentley Suckow, and Tracy Sunde for creating a custom charcuterie board.
See video: https://youtu.be/KqXu9NM3DGk
They include:
Senior Class -
Donte Wilson - McKinney High School
Tommy Winburn - McKinney High School
Modern Era -
Johnny Holley Jr. - McKinney High School
Michael Dauterive - McKinney Boyd High School
Matt Lipka – McKinney High School
Britany Parker – McKinney High School
Legends Class -
Otis Fields - McKinney High School
Team Inductee -
1958 McKinney High School Lions Football
The McKinney ISD Athletic Hall of Honor was established to recognize former student athletes, coaches and teams who have made a significant impact on the history of our district’s athletic program.
Thank you, Larry Jagours, for your years of service and commitment to McKinney ISD!
See video: https://youtu.be/EQ8AEjOdAM4
Kaeler serves as team captain this season, and last year he was selected 2nd Team All-District and he earned Academic All-District as well.
Kaeler currently maintains a 3.5 GPA while taking AP English and AP World History, and he has earned an Academic Excellence award twice.
Kaeler gives back to his community by volunteering at Creekwood United Methodist Church’s “Open Door” respite programs for adults with specials needs, and he helps youth as a basketball trainer. He also participates in the Young Men’s Service League, Partners PE class and the Hope Fellowship Youth Group.
With aspirations to play basketball in college, Kaeler truly embodies the scholar-athlete ideal.
Congratulations to Kaeler Impelman from McKinney North High School our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McKinney ISD’s dance program offers an expansive and welcoming entry point for students of all experience levels. All high school students can enroll in a dance class and earn physical education credit while exploring styles such as aerobic dance, jazz, and hip hop. These classes focus on building confidence, coordination, strength, and artistry, making them an excellent option for emerging dancers or students whose schedules may not allow for drill team competition.
For students seeking advanced performance opportunities, the Varsity and Junior Varsity Drill Teams at all three McKinney ISD high schools are among the best in the nation. These award-winning teams consistently earn national and grand national titles, along with numerous honors for full team routines, elite ensembles, officer groups, and individual performances. Drill teams are a celebrated presence on the football field in the fall and take center stage during winter and spring competitions and showcases. Through dedication, teamwork, and excellence, McKinney ISD drill team members represent the district with pride throughout the community.
For more information about specific dance courses, please visit the 26-27 Academic Planning Guides on the McKinney ISD website.
Details regarding drill team auditions for the 26-27 school year can be found by visiting the website for each high school dance program.
Tickets for the annual MISD Showcase of Dance on January 22nd at McKinney High School can be found by visiting Ticketleap.
McKinney High School Marquettes 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MHSTryouts26
McKinney North High School North Stars 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MNHSTryouts26
McKinney Boyd High School Bailadoras 26-27 Tryouts
https://tinyurl.com/MBHSTryouts
$17/hour
Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school.
Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.
McKinney ISD GT 5th, 6th and 8th Grade Guardians,
As your child prepares to embark on the exciting journey into middle or high school for the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to join us for "Navigating New Horizons: Transitioning to Secondary Advanced Academics" virtual presentation on January 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Microsoft TEAMS platform. This session is designed to explore the "next chapters" of Advanced Academics on the secondary level and the diverse pathways available for your student.
Whether your child is moving into 6th or 9th grade, this presentation will provide the roadmap you need to support their advanced academic success.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Platform: Microsoft TEAMS — You can download the Microsoft TEAMS app or access the online version using the following link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting
Please Note: MISD 5th, 6th and 8th grade families will receive an email with the TEAMS meeting code and password to join on the Microsoft Teams platform. We look forward to supporting your family during this exciting transition.
March 25 | 6:00 -7:30 PM
Community Event Center
4201 S. Hardin Blvd. McKinney, TX 75070
Who should attend? Parents with students of any age with technology in the home.
This is a parent only event. The content is not appropriate for students. Childcare IS NOT provided.
We'll talk about:
4 big risks for children online
Conversations parents need to have with children about being online
Utilizing technology to better protect your children
Online extremist activities and how they target your children
Brought to you by: McKinney Police Department, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
See video: https://youtu.be/s-dhQZ79aOc
Caleb currently serves as the vice president of the choir, and he is a 2-year member of Fusion, and a 3-year member of the Acapella Choir. He is an Aria Competition Finalist, and for the past 3 years he was a UIL Superior Soloist. He was selected for the All-Region Choir 3 times and for the District Honors Recital 2 times.
Caleb currently has a 4.61 GPA with 9 AP credits. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a 2-year member of the National Honor Society as well as a green cord recipient.
In his free time, Caleb enjoys working at Chick-fil-A and participating in the Young Men’s Service League. And he is a Worship Leader for the Youth Group at First McKinney.
After graduation, Caleb plans to study Church Music and pursue a career in Worship Ministry.
That’s Caleb McCoulskey, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/tMxoT6t2g3U
Cole is a senior, and he plays on the Bronco tennis team. He received the Tennis Sportsmanship award 3 times, and he qualified for varsity tennis playoffs twice.
Cole is ranked first in his class of nearly 600 students, and he is a National Merit Semifinalist. Cole is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honor. He has completed 14 AP classes, and he serves as president of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Cole is a state competition finalist with Texas DECA, and he volunteers with the Young Men’s Service League and the Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter.
After graduation, Cole plans to attend college to major in Accounting & Finance or Mathematics.
That's Cole Wakefield from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
The 2025-2026 McKinney ISD Spelling Bee was held last night at Faubion Middle School. Nineteen students participated in the bee. Congratulations to our six winners! They now advance to the Collin County Spelling Bee.
1st Place- Helen Bamanga, Faubion Middle School
2nd Place-Avyaan Rai, Frazier Elementary
3rd Place-Daniel Rhee, Evans Middle School
4th Place-Julia Keo, Cockrill Middle School
5th Place-Lydia Knoernschild, Caldwell Dual Language Academy
6th Place-Carissa Pathy, Press Elementary
We are grateful for our School Resource Officers and Armed Security Officers who help keep our schools safe and support our students and staff with care and dedication. Your commitment to our community does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all that you do!
See video: https://youtu.be/KwtSUPwR040
Leo is a 4-year member of the Royal Pride marching band and varsity wind ensemble. He has also played in the full orchestra and pit orchestra. Leo has been recognized as Outstanding Soloist in 2025, and he earned 1st Division Superior Rating at Solo Contest for the past 3 years. He was selected as a TMEA All-Region Clarinetist and a TMEA Area J Qualifier.
Leo is currently ranked 5th in his class with a 4.96 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in 6 additional AP classes. Leo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he is qualified to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was also awarded National Top School Recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program.
In his free time, Leo has served in RPB Prime Time Tutoring, the Color Guard Crew and the WE Service Project. He also volunteers in his community through the Dog Agility Fun Match, McKinney Marching Invitational, DCI, and RPB Rotary Flag Program. Leo performs with the Custer Road United Methodist Church String & Woodwind Ensemble.
After graduation, Leo plans to major in Applied Math and minor in Computer Science.
That’s Leo Ziman, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
