This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Reagan Lorenson from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/bVYaRdWEvjQ
Reagan is a senior, and she is a member of the Bulldog golf team. She has earned MVP honors three times, and she won the “lowest scorer” award twice. Reagan was named Newcomer of the Year in both varsity golf and cheer.
Reagan has taken 7 AP classes, and she currently maintains a 4.0 GPA.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has earned 2 Green Cord awards with more than 160 hours of volunteering.
After graduation, Reagan plans to play collegiate golf and study engineering.
Congratulations to Reagan Lorenson from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/bVYaRdWEvjQ
Reagan is a senior, and she is a member of the Bulldog golf team. She has earned MVP honors three times, and she won the “lowest scorer” award twice. Reagan was named Newcomer of the Year in both varsity golf and cheer.
Reagan has taken 7 AP classes, and she currently maintains a 4.0 GPA.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has earned 2 Green Cord awards with more than 160 hours of volunteering.
After graduation, Reagan plans to play collegiate golf and study engineering.
Congratulations to Reagan Lorenson from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in over 160 countries. It is marked every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
Worldwide, 589 million people live with diabetes, and close to 50% of diabetes is undiagnosed.
WDD was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization to raise awareness and became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225.
Worldwide, 589 million people live with diabetes, and close to 50% of diabetes is undiagnosed.
WDD was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization to raise awareness and became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225.
The 2025-2026 McKinney Community Action Network (CAN) gathered at McKinney North High School on Wednesday, Nov. 12, for the second of four sessions designed to give parents and community members an in-depth look at the vision, goals and operations of McKinney ISD. The program aims to ‘pull the curtain back’ on public education and McKinney ISD and to show our stakeholders how each department works to support campuses and our students.
The morning kicked off in boisterous fashion as members of the McKinney North drum line, cheerleaders, NorthStars and Guard Dawgs enthusiastically greeted participants as they arrived. Once inside, they heard from McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and North Principal Justin Penio before Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh provided an in depth look at the Choose McKinney ISD program and the multitude of opportunities it offers students. Then, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amber Epperson gave on overview of the vital work of the Teaching and Learning department and its impact on student learning across the district.
North PALS students soon arrived, divided participants into groups and then whisked them away for a tour of McKinney North that took in a wide variety of classrooms and subjects from physics to literature to orchestra to health services.
In all, it was another great morning for McKinney CAN!
Thank you to Principal Justin Penio and the staff and students of McKinney North High School for your hospitality!
The morning kicked off in boisterous fashion as members of the McKinney North drum line, cheerleaders, NorthStars and Guard Dawgs enthusiastically greeted participants as they arrived. Once inside, they heard from McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt and North Principal Justin Penio before Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh provided an in depth look at the Choose McKinney ISD program and the multitude of opportunities it offers students. Then, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amber Epperson gave on overview of the vital work of the Teaching and Learning department and its impact on student learning across the district.
North PALS students soon arrived, divided participants into groups and then whisked them away for a tour of McKinney North that took in a wide variety of classrooms and subjects from physics to literature to orchestra to health services.
In all, it was another great morning for McKinney CAN!
Thank you to Principal Justin Penio and the staff and students of McKinney North High School for your hospitality!
The McKinney ISD Leadership Academy class of 2025-2026 re-convened on Tuesday, November 11, for its second session of the school year as MISD continues in its mission to cultivate leadership from within the district.
Assistant Superintendent of Public Relations and Communications Dr. Shelly Spaulding and Scott Johnson Middle School Principal Holly Rogers led the group in its continued exploration of strength-based leadership, and Rogers facilitated a panel discussion on leadership that included SJMS Instructional Coach Nikki Jo, MISD Fine Arts Director Dr. Jared Critchfield, Vega Asst. Principal Wendy Cottam, ELS Secondary Coordinator Erica Ranel, Coordinator of Secondary Math Matt Corcoran and McKinney North Asst. Principal Clete Wilson.
Over the course of four sessions, the participants will complete certification in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership program and receive training in StrengthsFinder strength-based leadership. They'll hear from district and campus leaders through panels and presentations and participate in a resume workshop, interview training and more.
Thank you to our panel participants for your time and candid insight!
Assistant Superintendent of Public Relations and Communications Dr. Shelly Spaulding and Scott Johnson Middle School Principal Holly Rogers led the group in its continued exploration of strength-based leadership, and Rogers facilitated a panel discussion on leadership that included SJMS Instructional Coach Nikki Jo, MISD Fine Arts Director Dr. Jared Critchfield, Vega Asst. Principal Wendy Cottam, ELS Secondary Coordinator Erica Ranel, Coordinator of Secondary Math Matt Corcoran and McKinney North Asst. Principal Clete Wilson.
Over the course of four sessions, the participants will complete certification in Jon Gordon's Power of Positive Leadership program and receive training in StrengthsFinder strength-based leadership. They'll hear from district and campus leaders through panels and presentations and participate in a resume workshop, interview training and more.
Thank you to our panel participants for your time and candid insight!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Meika Kuns from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/dWLAsjAo554
Meika is a 2-year member of the varsity Mixed Choir, Fusion and varsity Treble Choirs. She has received Superior Rating at Solo Contest twice, and she earned Top Region Choir Member twice. Meika was selected as the Outstanding Choir Member her Freshman & Junior year.
Meika currently maintains a 4.55 GPA, and she has taken 9 AP classes.
She is an AP Scholar with Honor, and she has earned Academic Excellence three times.
In her free time, Meika is a Contemporary Worship Service Leader at her church, and she has released originally-written, composed, and produced songs. Meika participated in the FIRST Lego League as Team Mentor, as well as the Robotics Competition and Tech Challenge at the largest FIRST organization in the world.
After graduation, Meika plans study Neuroscience at college and become a member of an A Cappella group.
That’s Meika Kuns, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/dWLAsjAo554
Meika is a 2-year member of the varsity Mixed Choir, Fusion and varsity Treble Choirs. She has received Superior Rating at Solo Contest twice, and she earned Top Region Choir Member twice. Meika was selected as the Outstanding Choir Member her Freshman & Junior year.
Meika currently maintains a 4.55 GPA, and she has taken 9 AP classes.
She is an AP Scholar with Honor, and she has earned Academic Excellence three times.
In her free time, Meika is a Contemporary Worship Service Leader at her church, and she has released originally-written, composed, and produced songs. Meika participated in the FIRST Lego League as Team Mentor, as well as the Robotics Competition and Tech Challenge at the largest FIRST organization in the world.
After graduation, Meika plans study Neuroscience at college and become a member of an A Cappella group.
That’s Meika Kuns, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Veterans Day at Cockrill Middle School
See video: https://youtu.be/7Eb_mcAIX3Q
Cockrill Middle School students and staff celebrated Veterans Day by hosting their special United States Armed Forces guests to a breakfast, band performance and a parade.
See video: https://youtu.be/7Eb_mcAIX3Q
Cockrill Middle School students and staff celebrated Veterans Day by hosting their special United States Armed Forces guests to a breakfast, band performance and a parade.
Veterans Day at Wolford Elementary
In a special Veterans Day celebration at Wolford Elementary this morning, Principal Maria Hafner and the students and staff of Wolford rolled out the red carpet for family members who have served in our U.S. armed forces and to honor all who have served. Through song, images and heartfelt sentiment from student speakers and guest speaker Sgt. Douglas Chapman, USMC, (Ret.) Wolford poured out its love and respect for veterans.
The event served as a poignant reminder that our rights and freedoms as Americans have been defended and held secure by men and women that we often encounter every day—fathers and mothers and grandparents and aunts and uncles—seemingly ordinary people who have revealed themselves to be so much more through the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our liberty.
"It is important to me," said Sgt. Chapman of the celebration. "It's important to all of our other veterans, too, because we're the ones that have gone out and put our lives on the line for this. Many have given their lives. And, it's important that the kids understand that we're here for a reason."
In a special Veterans Day celebration at Wolford Elementary this morning, Principal Maria Hafner and the students and staff of Wolford rolled out the red carpet for family members who have served in our U.S. armed forces and to honor all who have served. Through song, images and heartfelt sentiment from student speakers and guest speaker Sgt. Douglas Chapman, USMC, (Ret.) Wolford poured out its love and respect for veterans.
The event served as a poignant reminder that our rights and freedoms as Americans have been defended and held secure by men and women that we often encounter every day—fathers and mothers and grandparents and aunts and uncles—seemingly ordinary people who have revealed themselves to be so much more through the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our liberty.
"It is important to me," said Sgt. Chapman of the celebration. "It's important to all of our other veterans, too, because we're the ones that have gone out and put our lives on the line for this. Many have given their lives. And, it's important that the kids understand that we're here for a reason."
“I know it must have been tough, leaving your friends & family, but because of your service we get to live in a free country.” 5th Grader, Belamy Smith, expressed her gratitude for the members of the United States Armed Forces along with her fellow Gators as Frazier Elementary celebrated Veterans Day.
See video: https://youtu.be/ovlMSiGoImg
The Frazier choir and the McKinney North High School orchestra filled the gymnasium with patriotic music, and the hallways were decorated with artistic tributes from the students, as well as a “roll call” mural commemorating all of the veterans associated with Frazier Elementary.
From Frazier Principal Amy Holderman: “On behalf of all of our Gators, we want to give you an appreciation for your dedication and for your service. We would not be here today in our awesome school community if it wasn’t for you.”
See video: https://youtu.be/ovlMSiGoImg
The Frazier choir and the McKinney North High School orchestra filled the gymnasium with patriotic music, and the hallways were decorated with artistic tributes from the students, as well as a “roll call” mural commemorating all of the veterans associated with Frazier Elementary.
From Frazier Principal Amy Holderman: “On behalf of all of our Gators, we want to give you an appreciation for your dedication and for your service. We would not be here today in our awesome school community if it wasn’t for you.”
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Caleb Austin from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/pcWWuEtavC4
On the golf course, Caleb earned First Team All-District honors in 2024 and 2025, and he was the district runner-up in 2025.
Caleb is a 2-time regional qualifier with a personal best round of 68, and he has helped lead his team to a district championship.
Caleb has taken four AP classes, holds a 3.74 GPA, and he is a 3-time Academic All-District honoree.
Caleb participates in the PALS Mentorship program and the aviation program.
He volunteers through the Student Athletic Leadership Team, and he works as a golf caddy.
After graduation, Caleb plans to earn his commercial pilot’s license and fly for a major airline.
Congratulations to Caleb Austin from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/pcWWuEtavC4
On the golf course, Caleb earned First Team All-District honors in 2024 and 2025, and he was the district runner-up in 2025.
Caleb is a 2-time regional qualifier with a personal best round of 68, and he has helped lead his team to a district championship.
Caleb has taken four AP classes, holds a 3.74 GPA, and he is a 3-time Academic All-District honoree.
Caleb participates in the PALS Mentorship program and the aviation program.
He volunteers through the Student Athletic Leadership Team, and he works as a golf caddy.
After graduation, Caleb plans to earn his commercial pilot’s license and fly for a major airline.
Congratulations to Caleb Austin from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McKinney ISD is pleased to announce that Michelle Sutton has been chosen as the district's Senior Director of Special Populations.
Sutton is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, celebrating her 25th year with McKinney ISD. She's a native of Texarkana, Texas, where she attended Pleasant Grove ISD before earning her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her career began in Hillsborough County, near Tampa, Florida, where she worked for one year before returning home to Texas in 2001. Sutton joined McKinney ISD as a campus-based Speech-Language Pathologist, serving students at Walker Elementary and Scott Johnson Middle School. Since then, she has supported McNeil Elementary, Valley Creek Elementary and Evans Middle School.
At the district level, Sutton has contributed her expertise as a member of the Speech Evaluation Team and later as the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist. For the past two years, she has served as a Special Populations Coordinator, continuing her commitment to supporting students and educators across the district. Now, she takes on a broader leadership role.
"I am honored to assume the role of Senior Director of Special Populations for McKinney ISD," said Sutton. "I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and for the guidance and support of the mentors and colleagues who have shaped my journey. Our students remain at the center of all we do, and I look forward to continuing the collaborative work with staff and leadership to ensure each learner receives the support and opportunities they deserve. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I am committed to advancing excellence in special education across the district."
Outside of work, Sutton and her family make their home in McKinney. She is a proud parent of three children—Maddie and Caroline, both in 8th grade, and Jack, in 7th grade—all attending Cockrill Middle School.
Sutton is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, celebrating her 25th year with McKinney ISD. She's a native of Texarkana, Texas, where she attended Pleasant Grove ISD before earning her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her career began in Hillsborough County, near Tampa, Florida, where she worked for one year before returning home to Texas in 2001. Sutton joined McKinney ISD as a campus-based Speech-Language Pathologist, serving students at Walker Elementary and Scott Johnson Middle School. Since then, she has supported McNeil Elementary, Valley Creek Elementary and Evans Middle School.
At the district level, Sutton has contributed her expertise as a member of the Speech Evaluation Team and later as the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist. For the past two years, she has served as a Special Populations Coordinator, continuing her commitment to supporting students and educators across the district. Now, she takes on a broader leadership role.
"I am honored to assume the role of Senior Director of Special Populations for McKinney ISD," said Sutton. "I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and for the guidance and support of the mentors and colleagues who have shaped my journey. Our students remain at the center of all we do, and I look forward to continuing the collaborative work with staff and leadership to ensure each learner receives the support and opportunities they deserve. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I am committed to advancing excellence in special education across the district."
Outside of work, Sutton and her family make their home in McKinney. She is a proud parent of three children—Maddie and Caroline, both in 8th grade, and Jack, in 7th grade—all attending Cockrill Middle School.
Saturday, November 8, is National STEAM Day! Children benefit from strong science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics skills. That’s why STEAM programs are so important in McKinney ISD where every campus is STEAM focused with a dedicated STEAM ambassador teacher. STEAM subjects push students forward, opening doors to future careers and equipping them with the tools to tackle real-world challenges. Let’s use this day to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child!
Today, we want to thank and celebrate our McKinney ISD coaches on Texas High School Coaches Day! This annual observance honors the unwavering dedication, leadership and service of high school and middle school coaches across the Lone Star State.
It's more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a heartfelt recognition of the vital role coaches play in shaping the lives of student-athletes. From the locker room to the classroom and beyond, coaches serve as mentors, motivators and role models, instilling values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance that last a lifetime.
Congratulations to Press Elementary 4th grader Kiaan Sinha, who has been selected for the National Math Stars Pathfinder Program, a 10-year national math enrichment pathway that supports students with exceptional mathematical potential. He has also received a partial scholarship to support his participation in the program.
The National Math Stars Pathfinder program nurtures long-term growth through advanced math, mentorship and collaboration with like-minded peers, helping students strengthen problem-solving skills and build confidence in STEM.
Congratulations, Kiaan!
The National Math Stars Pathfinder program nurtures long-term growth through advanced math, mentorship and collaboration with like-minded peers, helping students strengthen problem-solving skills and build confidence in STEM.
Congratulations, Kiaan!
Superintendent Shawn Pratt's 2025–2026 Student Advisory Committee met for the second of four sessions on Wednesday, November 5, 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.
For this session, Dr. Shelly Spaulding led the council members in a discussion of the Choose McKinney ISD initiative, and the participants worked collaboratively to develop feedback from a student's perspective. In addition, they got an overview of the process of developing the district's academic calendar and the multitude of considerations and requirements involved in it. They offered candid and thoughtful insight on a variety of items such as school start dates, holidays and breaks and early release.
As always, the time was productive and the feedback appreciated!
For this session, Dr. Shelly Spaulding led the council members in a discussion of the Choose McKinney ISD initiative, and the participants worked collaboratively to develop feedback from a student's perspective. In addition, they got an overview of the process of developing the district's academic calendar and the multitude of considerations and requirements involved in it. They offered candid and thoughtful insight on a variety of items such as school start dates, holidays and breaks and early release.
As always, the time was productive and the feedback appreciated!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Avery Roy from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/kVXHrYn0Imk
Avery is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs on the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew. She is a CPD Spirit Dance Contest Winner and a 2nd runner up at Nationals. She currently serves as Senior First Lieutenant, and she has served as Line Officer and Junior Lieutenant.
Avery currently maintains a 3.5 GPA, and she has earned green cords through volunteer hours.
In her free time, Avery works part-time at Clothes Mentor, and she is also a member of All-Star Dance at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Avery plans to continue dancing and attend either Stephen F. Austin University or the University of Arkansas to major in Business & Marketing.
That’s Avery Roy, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/kVXHrYn0Imk
Avery is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs on the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew. She is a CPD Spirit Dance Contest Winner and a 2nd runner up at Nationals. She currently serves as Senior First Lieutenant, and she has served as Line Officer and Junior Lieutenant.
Avery currently maintains a 3.5 GPA, and she has earned green cords through volunteer hours.
In her free time, Avery works part-time at Clothes Mentor, and she is also a member of All-Star Dance at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Avery plans to continue dancing and attend either Stephen F. Austin University or the University of Arkansas to major in Business & Marketing.
That’s Avery Roy, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
National School Psychology Week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists' work to help children thrive in school, at home and in life. This year's theme, "Finding Your Path," reflects the ways that school psychologists help students, families and school communities set and achieve their goals.
Established by Congress in 1990, National Native American Heritage Month is observed each November as a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. It is an opportunity to learn more about the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.
November 3 is designated Father of Texas Day by the State of Texas to commemorate the birthday of Stephen F. Austin who played a crucial role in the colonization and establishment of Texas. Born in Virginia on November 3, 1793, Austin acquired large land grants in Texas in the early 1820's and brought thousands of settlers from the United States to establish permanent settlements. He played a foundational role in Texas' independence and became its first secretary of state in 1836. After his passing in December of the same year, Texas President Sam Houston called Austin the “Father of Texas."
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is McKinney North senior, Ellery Langsdale.
See video: https://youtu.be/jIuBTSC5NL0
On the court, Ellery helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 Class 5A Division 1 State Runner-Up finish, and she earned Academic All-District honors in volleyball.
Off the court, Ellery shines just as bright. She is a National Honor Society member, taking six AP classes, and carrying an incredible 4.56 GPA, ranking her in the top 25 of her class.
Ellery gives back to campus and her community as a PALS mentor and a member of her church youth group.
After graduation, Ellery plans to attend a four-year university and major in healthcare.
Congratulations to Ellery Langsdale from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/jIuBTSC5NL0
On the court, Ellery helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 Class 5A Division 1 State Runner-Up finish, and she earned Academic All-District honors in volleyball.
Off the court, Ellery shines just as bright. She is a National Honor Society member, taking six AP classes, and carrying an incredible 4.56 GPA, ranking her in the top 25 of her class.
Ellery gives back to campus and her community as a PALS mentor and a member of her church youth group.
After graduation, Ellery plans to attend a four-year university and major in healthcare.
Congratulations to Ellery Langsdale from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McKinney ISD's Daddy Daughter Dance
Saturday, November 8, 2025
McKinney Boyd High School
600 N. Lake Forest Drive
McKinney, TX 75071
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Kinder through 5th grades only
Tickets: $25 per person
Corsages: $10 each
Boutonnieres: $10 each
Tickets go on sale October 1, 2025
Link to purchase tickets: https://mckinneyisd.reg.eleyo.com/
Saturday, November 8, 2025
McKinney Boyd High School
600 N. Lake Forest Drive
McKinney, TX 75071
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Kinder through 5th grades only
Tickets: $25 per person
Corsages: $10 each
Boutonnieres: $10 each
Tickets go on sale October 1, 2025
Link to purchase tickets: https://mckinneyisd.reg.eleyo.com/
