House Bill 3435 of the 86th Texas Legislature designated March 1 as Texas Girls in STEM Day to celebrate and promote girls' participation in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This special day gives girls across the state a focused opportunity to learn, ask questions and explore more closely subject areas they may not have previously considered.
Let’s continue to encourage, support and invest in the next generation of engineers, scientists, doctors, programmers and innovators!
Program Spotlight: Aviation, Law and Public Service, JROTC
The MISD Aviation program offers students hands-on opportunities in aerospace technologies. Students can earn drone certification, gain piloting experience through flight simulators, and learn about a variety of career opportunities in aviation. A major strength of the program is the partnership with the Eagles Nest mentors.
The MISD Law and Public Service program is a perfect fit for students who have a passion for helping others through a role in public service. This program covers legal concepts, constitutional law, investigations, and basic police procedures. Students can earn the Emergency Telecommunicator certification and gain additional experience through community partnerships.
The MISD JROTC program has been nationally recognized for student success and performance. The program focuses on personal responsibility, physical fitness, and community service without a mandatory military commitment. The JROTC program is only offered at McKinney High School; students interested in JROTC will need to request a programmatic transfer to MHS.
Built by the Community: The McKinney ISD Strategic Plan
For the past two years, McKinney ISD has been driven by a community-led strategic plan, a roadmap built by over 190 stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and local partners. What started as a visioning session in 2023 has evolved into the heartbeat of our daily operations.
McKinney ISD Strategic Plan Pillars:
-Safety & Well-Being
-Teaching & Learning
-High Quality Staff
-MISD Family & Culture
-Communications
-Finance & Facilities
Under the leadership of Superintendent Shawn Pratt and our Board of Trustees, this plan isn't just a document on a shelf; it’s a living commitment. This past January, our strategic planning committee reconvened to report on the action plans currently driving growth across every campus.
For more information about the McKinney ISD Strategic Plan, please visit the McKinney ISD website: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/vision-mission-beliefs/
February Community Connection
The shortest month of the year was packed with some of our biggest milestones. From celebrating student achievement to looking ahead to the new school year, here is what’s happening in McKinney ISD: February Community Connection Newsletter
See video: https://tinyurl.com/4b5s7j7e
Madelyn is a Superior & Exemplary Medalist in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contests. She serves as vice president for the orchestra, and she performs in the musical pit orchestra.
Madelyn maintains a 4.62 GPA with 9 AP credits, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. She has completed the Athletic & Rehab Medicine Clinical Class as well as the NASM – Personal Trainer Certification Course. Madelyn enjoys competing in HOSA, and she is a member of the Science Club and the Asian Student Union.
In her free time, Madelyn works at a boba shop.
After graduation, Madelyn plans to attend the University of Dallas to major in Biomedical Sciences.
That’s Madelyn Kwan, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Representative Leadership & Community Voice: McKinney ISD Board of Trustees
The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees is a dedicated group of seven community members elected to serve four-year terms. These trustees volunteer their time without compensation, working together to represent the entire district and ensure our students receive the highest quality education possible.
The Board serves as the governing body for the district, operating under state and federal laws to manage the following:
Policy & Growth: Setting district-wide priorities, policies, and managing long-term growth.
Personnel & Curriculum: Making final decisions on staffing and textbook selections.
Fiscal Oversight: Adopting the annual operating budget and levying taxes to fund our schools.
Future Planning: Determining and submitting bond issues to voters for necessary construction and facility improvements.
For more information about the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, please visit: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/board-of-trustees
See video: https://youtu.be/RC-fX-Wg-14
Sara is a senior soccer player for the Lady Bulldogs. She plays midfield, and she has had an outstanding career, earning Player of the Year and First Team All-District in 2025. She was also selected as Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 2024.
In the classroom, Sara takes AP World History, AP Language, and AP Calculus, and she currently maintains a 3.8 GPA. She has earned Academic All-District.
Sara is a member PALS and Student Council, and she participates in Spanish Club and youth group. She also works as a childcare assistant for local churches, and she volunteers with Special Olympics.
After graduation, Sara plans to study Business Finance at the University of Arkansas.
Congratulations to Sara Bell from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Students who enjoy problem solving and testing their project designs may also be interested in the MISD Computer Science program. Students have the opportunity to learn a variety of computer languages and skills through the series of courses offered in MISD. Additionally, students in both Engineering and Computer Science can expand on their interests through competitions with the Technology Student Association (TSA).
The MISD Business, Marketing and Finance program is a great pathway for any student to learn real-world applications and skills through hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, business management, and finance. These courses foster critical thinking, leadership, and professional communication skills while allowing students to explore a variety of career pathways.
Courses in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business are offered at all three MISD high school campuses.
Public schools play an essential role in strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and preparing every learner to thrive. Throughout the week, we’ll spotlight the people, partnerships, and practices that help public schools meet today’s challenges while preparing kids for their best future.
See video: https://youtu.be/vZHO6fzusME
Ethan is a 4-year member of the Broadway Broncos Theatre. He has earned several Texas Thespian Awards, including a perfect score for a duet musical at the State Festival and a Nationals nomination for the role of “Burr” from The Wild Party.
At UIL One-Act Play, Ethan received the Outstanding Performer award for his role as “Bryce” in Edward Tulane and an award for All-Star Cast Member for his performance as “Pa” in The Storm In The Barn. Through Broadway Dallas, he earned a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer for his role as “Karl the Giant” in Big Fish. Ethan plays several instruments, and he composed violin & guitar music for 2 UIL plays.
Ethan has a 4.5 GPA, and he has completed 5 AP classes and 2 dual credit courses. He is a First Generation and Hispanic National Scholar.
In his free time, Ethan volunteers within the community and works as a balloon twister for children’s parties and events.
After graduation, Ethan plans to double major in Theatre and Psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist. Ethan has received 21 callbacks after auditioning for college for theatre programs at the International Thespian Festival, and he is currently working through the decision-making process.
That’s Ethan Larriva from McKinney Boyd High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
The McKinney ISD Tour is quickly approaching! Be sure to sign up soon!
This unique event is your chance to:
—Learn more about McKinney ISD and the exciting things happening in our schools.
—Experience McKinney ISD in action during a guided walking tour of McKinney Boyd High School and Minshew Elementary.
—Connect with fellow community members over a complimentary lunch.
Whether you’re a McKinney resident, realtor or senior adult, this free event offers a first-hand look at the people, programs and places that make McKinney ISD a destination district.
Details:
March 6, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Registration is required.
Find more information and registration here:
https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/mckinney-isd-tour
See video: https://youtu.be/_V8ZuS8PerY
Isabella is an artist in AP Studio Art, and she is a 3-year medalist at the Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event, as well as a State Medal winner at VASE.
Isabella is also a 4-year member of the Varsity Marquettes, participating on the Elite Team and HipHop Crew. She earned the Servant Heart, Top 5 Rookie and Top 5 Veteran Awards.
Isabella currently has a 3.8 GPA with 3 AP credits and Dual Credits. She is a 3-year Academic Achievement Award recipient, and she scored 5 on her AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio.
In her free time, Isabella takes studio dance classes, and she volunteers in technique training for elementary and middle school students.
She is a member of the Spanish Club, and her artwork has been showcased at The Cove.
After graduation, Isabella plans to study business and project management at Texas A&M University.
That’s Isabella Porter from McKinney High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Join our Team!
McKinney ISD will host a Job Fair for the 2026-2027 school year on Saturday, February 28!
The district is seeking:
Special Education Teachers
Various Districtwide Positions
McKinney ISD is now hiring great people for special education teacher positions and other districtwide employees for the 2026–2027 school year. Join the McKinney ISD team! Use the QR code on the flyer or click here to register.
$63,500 Starting Salary for First Year Teachers!
Stipends:
SPED – $5,000
Bilingual – $3,000
Master's – $1,500
Date:
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time:
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location:
Scott Johnson Middle School
3400 Community Ave
McKinney, TX 75071
We are McKinney ISD!
Thank you to all of our presenters and session leaders for your expertise and leadership and for helping make the 2026 Winter Conference a success!
See video: https://youtu.be/j2ZvkHDvmco
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.
The meeting was called to order with the announcement of a quorum, followed by an invocation and pledges led by board member Stephanie O’Dell.
The Board recognized students and staff for notable accomplishments, including: our McKinney ISD School Resource Officers and Armed Security Officers. We appreciate our SROs and ASOs for the vital work they do to keep our schools safe.
Next we handed out the We Are McKinney ISD superintendent’s award. Congratulations to Andrea Bartolomeo from Vega Elementary and Raul Perez from Scott Johnson Middle School
Then we handed out the Every Student, Every Day awards. Congratulations to Wyatt Merritt from Wolford Elementary and Stella Iniguez from Walker Elementary.
And we gave out the “Heart of the Team” award. Congratulations to Kim King from McClure Elementary and Lindsey Rousselin from the DAEP.
We then recognized the schools who won the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas award, better known as the CREST award. This award is sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association, and it recognizes outstanding school counseling programs across the state and serves as a tool for continuous growth and advocacy.
Next we honored the McKinney ISD Counselor of the Year: congratulations to Angela Stevenson from Frazier Elementary.
Then we recognized our 10 McKinney ISD students who were selected as Texas Music Educators Association All-State participants.
Next we recognized the Texas Thespians national qualifiers and the McKiney North Drama Dawgs return to the state mainstage for an astounding 3rd year in a row with their production of Noises Off.
McKinney ISD was named a Premier Community for Theatre Education thanks to the work of our McKinney ISD theatre teachers.
We also recognized our UIL State Cheer winners. Congratulations to the McKinney Boyd High School cheer team and to the McKinney North High School cheer team.
And our final recognition of the night was the Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll, district and honor roll schools. We are proud that McKinney ISD was named an honor roll school district and the following schools were named honor roll schools: Minshew Elementary, Wolford Elementary, Faubion Middle School and Scott Johnson Middle School.
Following the recognitions, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items, and the Board then entered closed session.
After reconvening, the Board heard a public hearing on the TAPR report and college, career and military readiness by Jennifer Akins.
Additionally, the Board heard a strategic plan update on Pillar 5 - Communications from Dr. Shelly Spaulding.
The Board then reviewed the consent agenda and moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting where we first approved the consent agenda. We considered and took action to approve Superintendent Pratt’s contract. We are thankful for the work Superintendent Pratt and his team have done over the past 3 years.
The Trustees then reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and also bond, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, and PK-12 Math and Science reports.
Upcoming district events include our regularly scheduled board meeting on March 23rd 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!
Last Friday, February 13th, Finch Elementary 3rd and 4th graders shared their creativity and compassion with our friends at Medical City McKinney.
In what has become a cherished annual tradition, Finch Student Council representatives joined the morning announcements to officially present hand-painted "heart masterpieces" to the hospital staff. These paintings have since been delivered to patients at Medical City McKinney to brighten their rooms and lift their spirits.
Featured performers:
McKinney Boyd High School Jazz Band
K’Mya Elyce Trask and Jayden Mays — "Lift Every Voice"
Harmoni Vernon and Kainesochi Chukwuelue — Original Poem
James Williams — Cello performance
Ashley Nidey — "Lean on Me"
Collin Jones — Piano, Original piece
Ian Sawnson and Juda Sempebwa — Rap performance
Jaelynn Coleman and Kristin Roach — "Steve Harvey"
See video: https://youtu.be/aHTAWp2JITA
Kevin is a freshman, and he is a member of the Bulldog varsity soccer team. Kevin has already made a big impact on the team as he earned the “Player of the Game” award in the matchup against Denison High School.
In the classroom, Kevin takes AP Human Geography, and he is an A Honor Roll student.
Outside of school, Kevin volunteers at One Community Church, and he helps care for his younger brothers at home.
He also plays soccer for the FC Dallas Elite Clubs National League.
Congratulations to Kevin Monday from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Sunday, February 15, is School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day! McKinney ISD would like to thank our SROs and Armed Security Officers (ASOs) for the vital work they do to keep our schools safe and build connections between law enforcement and students. These officers serve in a unique role as informal mentors, law educators and law enforcement officers to support students and school staff. They are valued and essential members of our McKinney ISD community and we offer heartfelt thanks for the
work they do.
