Custodians are an essential part of our school family. Every day, they work with care and dedication to create clean, safe, and welcoming environments where students and staff can learn and thrive. Their efforts—often carried out quietly in the background—make a real difference on our campuses and in our daily lives.
That’s why we’re proud to celebrate National Custodian Day. It’s a chance to honor the hard work, commitment, and positive impact custodians bring to our schools and workplaces.
Be sure to take a moment today to thank the custodians who keep your school or office running smoothly!
That’s why we’re proud to celebrate National Custodian Day. It’s a chance to honor the hard work, commitment, and positive impact custodians bring to our schools and workplaces.
Be sure to take a moment today to thank the custodians who keep your school or office running smoothly!
October is National Principals Month! Thank you to our incredible McKinney ISD principals who lead and inspire our students and teachers every day. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in shaping our students’ futures and the trajectory of our district. Visit principalsmonth.org for ideas on how to celebrate and show appreciation!
Let’s celebrate the extraordinary individuals leading our schools and the difference they make every day in the lives of our students!
Bennett Elementary — Kassie Halpin
Burks Elementary - Al Conley
Caldwell Elementary - Karla Massey
Eddins Elementary - Cari Owens
Finch Elementary - Erika Echegaray
Frazier Elementary - Amy Holderman
Glen Oaks Elementary - Kristi Andrews
Reuben Johnson Elementary - Kristen Patterson
Lawson Early Childhood School - Susie Towber
Malvern Elementary - Inetra Nelson
McClure Elementary - Kristin Ellis
McGowen Elementary - Kim Luyster
McNeil Elementary - Tracy Meador
Minshew Elementary - Jennifer Larriviere
Press Elementary - Rachel Corbin
Slaughter Elementary - Cyndy Bice
Valley Creek Elementary - Dr. Ebonee King
Vega Elementary - Mike Forsyth
Walker Elementary - Michelle Baumann
Webb Elementary - Karime Terrazas
Wilmeth Elementary - Grace Roberts
Wolford Elementary - Maria Hafner
Cockrill Middle School - Jenny Zornes
Dowell Middle School - Melanie Machost
Evans Middle School - Melissa Hernandez
Faubion Middle School - Mitch VandenBoom
Scott Johnson Middle School - Holly Rogers
McKinney Boyd High School - David Hodum
McKinney High School - Dr. Paula Kent
McKinney North High School - Justin Penio
DAEP/CRC/JJAEP - Kyle Luthi
Let’s celebrate the extraordinary individuals leading our schools and the difference they make every day in the lives of our students!
Bennett Elementary — Kassie Halpin
Burks Elementary - Al Conley
Caldwell Elementary - Karla Massey
Eddins Elementary - Cari Owens
Finch Elementary - Erika Echegaray
Frazier Elementary - Amy Holderman
Glen Oaks Elementary - Kristi Andrews
Reuben Johnson Elementary - Kristen Patterson
Lawson Early Childhood School - Susie Towber
Malvern Elementary - Inetra Nelson
McClure Elementary - Kristin Ellis
McGowen Elementary - Kim Luyster
McNeil Elementary - Tracy Meador
Minshew Elementary - Jennifer Larriviere
Press Elementary - Rachel Corbin
Slaughter Elementary - Cyndy Bice
Valley Creek Elementary - Dr. Ebonee King
Vega Elementary - Mike Forsyth
Walker Elementary - Michelle Baumann
Webb Elementary - Karime Terrazas
Wilmeth Elementary - Grace Roberts
Wolford Elementary - Maria Hafner
Cockrill Middle School - Jenny Zornes
Dowell Middle School - Melanie Machost
Evans Middle School - Melissa Hernandez
Faubion Middle School - Mitch VandenBoom
Scott Johnson Middle School - Holly Rogers
McKinney Boyd High School - David Hodum
McKinney High School - Dr. Paula Kent
McKinney North High School - Justin Penio
DAEP/CRC/JJAEP - Kyle Luthi
—The State of Texas has established the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses. Students and families need to know that other drugs may contain a deadly level of fentanyl. You cannot see, taste, or smell it, and it is almost impossible to tell if another drug is laced with fentanyl unless tested. “One Pill Kills” is set up across the state to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisoning: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/fentanyl-one-pill-kills
—Held during the month of October, National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign founded in 2006 to connect communities around the world to help prevent bullying. It is more important than ever to join together in creating a world that is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive. For more information and resources on bullying: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/bullying
—Held during the month of October, National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign founded in 2006 to connect communities around the world to help prevent bullying. It is more important than ever to join together in creating a world that is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive. For more information and resources on bullying: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/bullying
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/l_dgRnd3whc?si=6jMYpIq3uOorIGlU
Addison is a 4-year member of the varsity Bailadoras Dance Team, and a 4-year member of the Bailadoras Elite Team. She currently serves as captain for the team, and she has served as Lieutenant for the past 2 years. Addison was a member of the National Champion Team in 2023 & 2025 and the National Champion Officers in 2025. She was Regional Solo Winner for the past 3 years, and she was a National Top 5 Soloist in 2023 & 2025.
Addison has earned an Academic Excellence Award, and she is a 2-year member of PALS.
In her free time, Addison is a member of the Dance FX Studio’s Senior Competitive Team and a member of the Teen Competitive Company at Prodigy Dance & Performing Arts Center.
She participates in the National Charity League where she has volunteered over 300 hours, and she served as president in 2022-2023.
Addison is a “Mother Daughter Service” award recipient, and she works as a lifeguard for the City of McKinney.
After graduation, Addison plans to continue dancing and attend college.
That’s Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/l_dgRnd3whc?si=6jMYpIq3uOorIGlU
Addison is a 4-year member of the varsity Bailadoras Dance Team, and a 4-year member of the Bailadoras Elite Team. She currently serves as captain for the team, and she has served as Lieutenant for the past 2 years. Addison was a member of the National Champion Team in 2023 & 2025 and the National Champion Officers in 2025. She was Regional Solo Winner for the past 3 years, and she was a National Top 5 Soloist in 2023 & 2025.
Addison has earned an Academic Excellence Award, and she is a 2-year member of PALS.
In her free time, Addison is a member of the Dance FX Studio’s Senior Competitive Team and a member of the Teen Competitive Company at Prodigy Dance & Performing Arts Center.
She participates in the National Charity League where she has volunteered over 300 hours, and she served as president in 2022-2023.
Addison is a “Mother Daughter Service” award recipient, and she works as a lifeguard for the City of McKinney.
After graduation, Addison plans to continue dancing and attend college.
That’s Addison Kinnon from McKinney Boyd High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior William Cody Seidel from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/-1yC2MuO5kY
William competed at the State 5A cross country meet last fall, and he was selected as the Most Improved Male Runner for his team last year. William is a 4-year member of the cross-country team, and he received the Academic All-District Award in 2023 and 2024.
William is currently ranked 56th in his class with a 4.28 GPA, and he has completed several AP classes.
William participated in the PALS mentorship program during his junior and senior years.
William is an Eagle Scout, and he works at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café.
Next year William plans on going to college to major in Biology and Pre-Med. He would like to serve in the military, then go to med-school and study to be a surgeon in either the neuro division or trauma division.
That’s William Cody Seidel from McKinney North HS, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Superintendent Shawn Pratt's 2025–2026 Student Advisory Committee met for the first of four sessions on Friday, Sept. 26, at the CEC. The group provides junior and senior student leaders from Boyd, MHS and North the opportunity to learn and grow in leadership and to give feedback about district and campus initiatives, events and procedures.
The participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, and Pratt offered an overview of the group's goals, shared about his journey from student to teacher and eventually superintendent, before leading the group in an overview and discussion of recent state legislation. They also looked at school finance and the recently formed EFAC committee.
In addition, they had the opportunity to meet cabinet members Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, Asst. Supt. Dr. Shelly Spaulding, Asst. Supt. Dr. Dennis Womack, Asst. Supt. of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amber Epperson and Asst. Supt. of Human Resources Alana Chisum.
All of the secondary bands in McKinney ISD converged earlier this week to showcase their amazing talents!
See video: https://youtu.be/gjx39htGYmU
Each high school band performed their marching piece for this season, and all of the middle school bands entertained the crowd with pep rally favorites in the stands. The perfect fall evening concluded with the entire group of student musicians forming a giant M on the field and performing "Land of A Thousand Dances".
See video: https://youtu.be/gjx39htGYmU
Each high school band performed their marching piece for this season, and all of the middle school bands entertained the crowd with pep rally favorites in the stands. The perfect fall evening concluded with the entire group of student musicians forming a giant M on the field and performing "Land of A Thousand Dances".
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Cadence Cain from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/aVv2vPmxfko
Cadence is a 4-year band member, and she plays the horn in the Royal Pride Marching Band and varsity wind ensemble. Cadence received 1st Division Superior Ratings at MHS Solo Contest and Ensemble Contest for the past 3 years. She was awarded Outstanding Ensemble in 2023 and Outstanding Soloist in 2024. Cadence auditioned for the Lone Star Youth Winds, and she was selected as a Featured Soloist in 2025.
Cadence ranks in the top 4% of her class with a 4.61 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honors, and she received the AP with WE Service recognition. She has completed 8 AP classes, and she is currently enrolled in 6 AP classes.
Cadence is a 2-year member of National Honor Society and the Interact Club.
In her free time, Cadence participates in community service projects with Streetside Showers, Texas Women’s Society and the MHS Resources drives.
After graduation, Cadence plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
That’s Cadence Cain, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/aVv2vPmxfko
Cadence is a 4-year band member, and she plays the horn in the Royal Pride Marching Band and varsity wind ensemble. Cadence received 1st Division Superior Ratings at MHS Solo Contest and Ensemble Contest for the past 3 years. She was awarded Outstanding Ensemble in 2023 and Outstanding Soloist in 2024. Cadence auditioned for the Lone Star Youth Winds, and she was selected as a Featured Soloist in 2025.
Cadence ranks in the top 4% of her class with a 4.61 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honors, and she received the AP with WE Service recognition. She has completed 8 AP classes, and she is currently enrolled in 6 AP classes.
Cadence is a 2-year member of National Honor Society and the Interact Club.
In her free time, Cadence participates in community service projects with Streetside Showers, Texas Women’s Society and the MHS Resources drives.
After graduation, Cadence plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
That’s Cadence Cain, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Did You Know?
During its September meeting, the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee (EFAC). The committee's purpose is to represent the McKinney ISD community in the study of data related to projected student enrollment, campus student capacity, transportation, current and planned transportation infrastructure, and geographic location of planned development in the district, in recommending to the Board of Trustees new attendance zones for elementary, middle, and high schools.
Significant residential growth in the northwest and northeast regions of MISD will lead to overcrowding at Frazier, Press, and Webb Elementary Schools. At the same time, elementary enrollment in the southwest and southeast regions of the district has declined, creating an imbalance in student distribution. This growth is also impacting secondary schools. Scott Johnson Middle School and McKinney North High School are experiencing increased enrollment pressures, while the district’s other four middle schools and two high schools are seeing declining student numbers.
To address these challenges and avoid the operational and staffing costs associated with underutilized campuses, the Strategic Planning Committee and the Long Range Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC) have both recommended that MISD consider updating attendance boundaries at all levels and repurpose underutilized campuses for alternative district operational uses.
You can find more information on the Educational Facilities Alignment Committee on the website page at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/efac and in the flyer below.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/Euzhv5UsNoI
In 2024 Keira was selected for the District 6A and 1st Team All-District teams. She was the 2024 MHS Setter of the Year, and she has 2,000 Career Assists.
Keira is ranked 28th in her class with a 4.6 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has achieved Academic All-District during her 3 previous years in high school.
Keira served as Vice President for for 3 years, and she participates in Young Life. She also is a member of the MadSand Volleyball team and Dbat baseball association.
Keira plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year and play on their beach volleyball team.
That’s Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/Euzhv5UsNoI
In 2024 Keira was selected for the District 6A and 1st Team All-District teams. She was the 2024 MHS Setter of the Year, and she has 2,000 Career Assists.
Keira is ranked 28th in her class with a 4.6 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has achieved Academic All-District during her 3 previous years in high school.
Keira served as Vice President for for 3 years, and she participates in Young Life. She also is a member of the MadSand Volleyball team and Dbat baseball association.
Keira plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year and play on their beach volleyball team.
That’s Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
September 17 is Constitution Day, and this week is Celebrate Freedom Week in Texas!
Constitution Day, observed on September 17, marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by 39 delegates in Philadelphia. It honors the formation of our government, celebrates U.S. citizens, and reminds us of the importance of staying informed, engaged, and committed to the principles of American democracy.
Celebrate Freedom Week is observed in Texas schools during the week of September 17, to honor the founding ideals of the United States. Students explore the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, learning their meaning, importance, and lasting impact on American history.
Constitution Day, observed on September 17, marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by 39 delegates in Philadelphia. It honors the formation of our government, celebrates U.S. citizens, and reminds us of the importance of staying informed, engaged, and committed to the principles of American democracy.
Celebrate Freedom Week is observed in Texas schools during the week of September 17, to honor the founding ideals of the United States. Students explore the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, learning their meaning, importance, and lasting impact on American history.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Tristan Goo from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/h8BjnGk6zMM
Tristan plays saxophone in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-Area Participant and a Houston Underground Participant. Tristan has earned the status of Outstanding Jazz Member, Outstanding Honors Band Member, Outstanding Soloist, and he placed 2nd in the McKinney ISD Concerto Competition.
Tristan ranks in the top 5% of his class with a 4.64 GPA and 13 AP credits.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, MUN, Student Council, Finance Club and MUCSO.
In his free time, Tristan volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry, Dallas Arboretum, and he works for Goo Lawn Service.
After graduation, Tristan plans to attend UT Austin to major in Biology and become a dentist.
That’s Tristan Goo, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/h8BjnGk6zMM
Tristan plays saxophone in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-Area Participant and a Houston Underground Participant. Tristan has earned the status of Outstanding Jazz Member, Outstanding Honors Band Member, Outstanding Soloist, and he placed 2nd in the McKinney ISD Concerto Competition.
Tristan ranks in the top 5% of his class with a 4.64 GPA and 13 AP credits.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, MUN, Student Council, Finance Club and MUCSO.
In his free time, Tristan volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry, Dallas Arboretum, and he works for Goo Lawn Service.
After graduation, Tristan plans to attend UT Austin to major in Biology and become a dentist.
That’s Tristan Goo, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Hello, my name is Kenneth Ussery, 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.
See video: https://youtu.be/4jQAjWTcNSk
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum and was followed by an invocation led by me.
McKinney ISD student Jacob Castillo, a member of Boy Scout Troop 296, led the Pledges of Allegiance.
Then we jumped right into celebrations and recognitions!
The Board honored students and staff for their notable accomplishments, including: the We Are McKinney Superintendent awards. Congratulations to Summer Lindsay from Lawson Early Childhood Center, Gerrit Huston from Cockrill Middle School & Roxxy Griffin from Valley Creek Elementary.
We honored the Every Student, Every Day awards-winner. Congratulations to Mikenna Hanley from Scott Johnson Middle School and Dana Adame from Press Elementary.
We recognized the National Math Stars honoree, Adam Abutair from Wilmeth Elementary.
We recognized the McKinney ISD Lives Kind award recipient, the campus of Glen Oaks Elementary.
We congratulated Trustee Harvey Oaxaca, who received the designation of Master Trustee after completing the Texas Association of School Boards Leadership Graduation program.
We also honored Yary Lira from McKinney High School. She received the Journalism Educators Association Rising Star award.
We proudly acknowledged International Thespian Festival THESPY Award Winner, Jayden Mays from McKinney Boyd High School.
We celebrated Faubion Middle School Orchestra, as they have been named a Texas Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra State Finalist.
And last but not least, we recognized Faubion Middle School Band as a Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band State Finalist.
Next public comment was given on agenda and non-agenda items, and then the Board entered into closed session.
Following reconvening, the trustees received information from several presentations.
Dr. Javetta Jones-Roberson, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Collegiate Partnerships, presented on the McKinney ISD Collegiate Academy, opening in the 26-27 school year.
Dr. Amber Epperson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, provided an update on the McKinney ISD Strategic Plan
Pillar 2 — Teaching and Learning.
Marlene Harbeson, Chief Financial Officer, presented the 2025–2026 budget update.
Next the Board approved all items on the consent agenda, which included:
• Meeting minutes from August 18, 2025, and September 10, 2025
• Financial reports and budget amendments
• Resolutions of support for the McKinney Education Foundation and Dream Builders
• Contracts related to maintenance, fine arts, and athletics equipment
• Approval of the 2025–2026 T-TESS Appraisers
• Board policy revision DC (LOCAL),
• Certification of compliance with Senate Bill 12
• Engineering services for HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm systems at Bennett Elementary
• and public information request regarding the 2025 District Calendar.
Additionally, the Board approved a resolution establishing an Educational Facilities Alignment Committee as presented by Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations.
The committee will be charged with:
• representing the needs of all stakeholders
• listening to questions and comments from the community
• using data and facts to make informed decisions
• identifying three elementary schools to repurpose
• and recommend attendance zones and an attendance map to the Board
Trustees also reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, bond, energy, construction, transportation, and human resources updates.
Upcoming district events, including the McKinney ISD Band Night on September 24th at 7:00 PM at McKinney ISD Stadium and the next regular Board Meeting scheduled for October 20th at 6:00 PM at the 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/4jQAjWTcNSk
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum and was followed by an invocation led by me.
McKinney ISD student Jacob Castillo, a member of Boy Scout Troop 296, led the Pledges of Allegiance.
Then we jumped right into celebrations and recognitions!
The Board honored students and staff for their notable accomplishments, including: the We Are McKinney Superintendent awards. Congratulations to Summer Lindsay from Lawson Early Childhood Center, Gerrit Huston from Cockrill Middle School & Roxxy Griffin from Valley Creek Elementary.
We honored the Every Student, Every Day awards-winner. Congratulations to Mikenna Hanley from Scott Johnson Middle School and Dana Adame from Press Elementary.
We recognized the National Math Stars honoree, Adam Abutair from Wilmeth Elementary.
We recognized the McKinney ISD Lives Kind award recipient, the campus of Glen Oaks Elementary.
We congratulated Trustee Harvey Oaxaca, who received the designation of Master Trustee after completing the Texas Association of School Boards Leadership Graduation program.
We also honored Yary Lira from McKinney High School. She received the Journalism Educators Association Rising Star award.
We proudly acknowledged International Thespian Festival THESPY Award Winner, Jayden Mays from McKinney Boyd High School.
We celebrated Faubion Middle School Orchestra, as they have been named a Texas Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra State Finalist.
And last but not least, we recognized Faubion Middle School Band as a Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band State Finalist.
Next public comment was given on agenda and non-agenda items, and then the Board entered into closed session.
Following reconvening, the trustees received information from several presentations.
Dr. Javetta Jones-Roberson, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Collegiate Partnerships, presented on the McKinney ISD Collegiate Academy, opening in the 26-27 school year.
Dr. Amber Epperson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, provided an update on the McKinney ISD Strategic Plan
Pillar 2 — Teaching and Learning.
Marlene Harbeson, Chief Financial Officer, presented the 2025–2026 budget update.
Next the Board approved all items on the consent agenda, which included:
• Meeting minutes from August 18, 2025, and September 10, 2025
• Financial reports and budget amendments
• Resolutions of support for the McKinney Education Foundation and Dream Builders
• Contracts related to maintenance, fine arts, and athletics equipment
• Approval of the 2025–2026 T-TESS Appraisers
• Board policy revision DC (LOCAL),
• Certification of compliance with Senate Bill 12
• Engineering services for HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm systems at Bennett Elementary
• and public information request regarding the 2025 District Calendar.
Additionally, the Board approved a resolution establishing an Educational Facilities Alignment Committee as presented by Dr. Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations.
The committee will be charged with:
• representing the needs of all stakeholders
• listening to questions and comments from the community
• using data and facts to make informed decisions
• identifying three elementary schools to repurpose
• and recommend attendance zones and an attendance map to the Board
Trustees also reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, bond, energy, construction, transportation, and human resources updates.
Upcoming district events, including the McKinney ISD Band Night on September 24th at 7:00 PM at McKinney ISD Stadium and the next regular Board Meeting scheduled for October 20th at 6:00 PM at the 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!
September 16, 2025, is National Information Technology Professionals Day! The information technology (IT) professional is the unsung hero of the modern office. These behind the scenes experts tackle the obstacles that leave the rest of us scratching our heads. Whether it be desktops, laptops, mobile devices, applications, servers, networks, databases or cybersecurity, IT professionals keep
McKinney ISD going.
McKinney ISD going.
September 15–19: College Week & Generation Texas Week
College Week kicks off with College Night at McKinney High School on Sept. 15, from 6–8 p.m., featuring more than 100 universities and colleges. College Week highlights the importance of higher education and supporting students in planning for college. It is a time to learn about admissions, financial aid, and the many opportunities that come with a college degree.
Generation Texas Week celebrates the importance of education and career readiness in Texas. It encourages students to explore college and career pathways, helping them take the next step toward a bright future.
College Week kicks off with College Night at McKinney High School on Sept. 15, from 6–8 p.m., featuring more than 100 universities and colleges. College Week highlights the importance of higher education and supporting students in planning for college. It is a time to learn about admissions, financial aid, and the many opportunities that come with a college degree.
Generation Texas Week celebrates the importance of education and career readiness in Texas. It encourages students to explore college and career pathways, helping them take the next step toward a bright future.
National Hispanic Heritage Month—celebrated September 15 – October 19—is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. From art and music to science, public service, and beyond, their impact is woven into the fabric of our nation. Let’s honor the voices, stories, and traditions that continue to inspire and shape our future.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Georgia Burke from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/5jQoHRHdaF4
Georgia serves as team captain for the Lady Broncos cross country team. She received the Freshman of the Year award, and as a junior she was selected as the Most Improved Runner.
Georgia currently maintains a 4.1 GPA, and she is enrolled in several AP classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the student athletic leadership team, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program.
Next year Georgia plans to attend Texas A&M to study
psychology to become a child therapist.
That’s Georgia Burke from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/5jQoHRHdaF4
Georgia serves as team captain for the Lady Broncos cross country team. She received the Freshman of the Year award, and as a junior she was selected as the Most Improved Runner.
Georgia currently maintains a 4.1 GPA, and she is enrolled in several AP classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the student athletic leadership team, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program.
Next year Georgia plans to attend Texas A&M to study
psychology to become a child therapist.
That’s Georgia Burke from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Cockrill Middle School held its annual Patriot Day parade yesterday 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 students filled the hallways to show their appreciation for the men and women who keep our community safe!
Thursday, September 11, is Texas First Responders Day and 9/11 Commemoration Day...
Texas First Responders Day, observed on September 11, honors the bravery and dedication of first responders across the state. It recognizes the vital role of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who risk their lives to protect and serve their communities every day.
9/11 Commemoration Day honors the lives lost and the heroes who emerged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It is a solemn day of remembrance marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflections on unity, resilience, and sacrifice.
Texas First Responders Day, observed on September 11, honors the bravery and dedication of first responders across the state. It recognizes the vital role of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who risk their lives to protect and serve their communities every day.
9/11 Commemoration Day honors the lives lost and the heroes who emerged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It is a solemn day of remembrance marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflections on unity, resilience, and sacrifice.
2025-2026 McKinney ISD Leadership Academy!
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy class of 2025–2026 got underway yesterday afternoon as MISD continues its mission to cultivate leadership from within the district. The academy was launched six 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 in both school and district leadership.
MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt helped kick off this year’s academy in the Central Office boardroom as he welcomed the new participants and spoke on fundamental principles of leadership. The group will gather for four sessions throughout the school year, and participants will complete the academy with certification in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership program. They will also receive training in StrengthsFinder strength-based leadership, hear from both district and campus leaders through panels and presentations, participate in a resume workshop and interview training and more.
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy class of 2025–2026 got underway yesterday afternoon as MISD continues its mission to cultivate leadership from within the district. The academy was launched six 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 in both school and district leadership.
MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt helped kick off this year’s academy in the Central Office boardroom as he welcomed the new participants and spoke on fundamental principles of leadership. The group will gather for four sessions throughout the school year, and participants will complete the academy with certification in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership program. They will also receive training in StrengthsFinder strength-based leadership, hear from both district and campus leaders through panels and presentations, participate in a resume workshop and interview training and more.
