See video: https://youtu.be/3maUdlJG6tU
Hello! My name is Amy Dankel, and I serve as president for the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees. 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 Harvey Oaxaca.
Then we celebrated a variety of recognitions for notable accomplishments from our students and staff.
We paid tribute to our Holiday Card Art Contest Winners. Congratulations to our elementary holiday card designers: Sam Jamiligiri, a 4th grader from Frazier Elementary, Parnika Dalavai, a 3rd grader from Frazier Elementary, Barrett Cavanaugh, a 5th grader from Walker Elementary and Joseph Ryu, 4th grader from Minshew Elementary. Congratulations to our middle school holiday card designers: 7th grader Evan Lee from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Bella De La Rocha from Cockrill Middle School, 8th grader Hannah Nichol from Cockrill Middle School and 6th grader Cear Wais from Cockrill Middle School. Congratulations to our high school holiday card designers: Miraa Shree Prathap, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School, Ava Gonzalez, a 10th grader from McKinney North High School, Sienna Vargas, an 11th grader from McKinney North High School and Charlene Emerson, a 12th grader from McKinney North High School.
Next we recognized Scott Johnson Middle School for their leadership, as they were redesignated as a Texas Schools to Watch campus. Congratulations to Principal Holly Rogers, her leadership team, her staff, and her students on this incredible accomplishment.
Following the recognitions, public comment was heard on agenda and non-agenda items, and then the Board entered closed session.
After reconvening, the Board moved into the discussion & action portion of the meeting. They heard, considered, and took action to approve the recommended realignment of district attendance zones for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board decided to approve elementary map #4, middle school map #5, and high school map #4. More information about the district attendance zones can be found on our McKinney ISD website.
Following a short recess, the Board then considered and approved the consent agenda.
We also heard from Russel May, our Senior Director of Safety and Security, as he presented the findings for an intruder detection audit report.
The Trustees also reviewed monthly written reports, including donations under $5,000, and also bond, energy, construction, transportation, human resources, health services, guidance and counseling, and third quarter demographic reports.
Upcoming district events include our regularly scheduled Board meeting on January 20th at 6 PM.
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! We want to wish all of our community a very happy holiday season.

See video: https://youtu.be/1uUryKyFJZ4
Officials from the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF) and McKinney ISD gathered for one of their favorite days of the year — MEF teacher grant delivery day! Eight teams fanned out across the district to deliver a total of $172,487.87 in teacher grants. The funds will be used for specific classroom needs that will directly impact learning. Teachers applied for the grants, which were funded by voluntary teacher payroll donations and community support.

Video: https://youtu.be/zjQR-zKmB_I
Anoushka is a 4-year varsity letterman, 3-time regional qualifier, and 2-year varsity captain. She has earned multiple Academic All-District honors and the High Point Award.
Anoushka is an AP Scholar award winner. She has taken 10 AP classes, and she is as a member of the National Honor Society.
Beyond academics and athletics, Anoushka contributes to the Art Club and National Art Honor Society. She volunteers at Gracebridge, and she teaches swimming at the British Swim School.
After graduation, Anoushka plans to major in Political Science, minor in Economics, and pursue law school.
Congratulations to Anoushka Menon from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.










See video: https://youtu.be/67pIr659KqE
A promise is a promise! Amy Holderman and Karime Terrazas have done it again. The Frazier Elementary principal and Webb Elementary principal challenged their campuses to raise a certain amount of money, and each school’s community surpassed the goal. So, Amy and Karime kept their promise and got strapped into a race car at Texas Motor Speedway!

See video: https://youtu.be/Kuiy8XXc6p0
Andrea plays trumpet in the Bronco Marching Band and Jazz Band. She has also performed in the pit orchestra and full orchestra. Andrea’s achievements include: Marching Show Soloist for 3 years, All-Region Symphonic Band, All-Region Wind Symphony, Region & Area Jazz Band, 1st Division Solo Contest, 1st Division Ensemble, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Ensemble and UTA Jazz Festival Outstanding Musicianship.
Andrea has a 3.6 GPA with Dual Credit Classes, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Andrea participates in photojournalism, and she volunteers with Community Garden. She is a Sunday school teacher at her church, and she is also a member of the Sunday worship team and youth worship team.
After graduation, Andrea plans to attend Collin College to major in Paralegal Studies and potentially minor in Music Performance.
That’s Andrea Dingui, from McKinney Boyd High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.

Did you know...







See video: https://youtu.be/LNT-bxGFVGE
Aarushi is a member of the varsity Bulldawg swim team, and she has been a dedicated athlete throughout her four years of high school.
Aarushi ranks in the top 6% of her class with 4.38 GPA, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. Aarushi has taken a challenging course load of AP courses, and she is an AP Scholar.
Beyond academics and athletics, Aarushi is the founder and president of McKinney North’s first Bollywood-style dance club called Desi Dance Beats.
She is also active in Girl Scouts, where she’s earned both the Bronze and Silver Awards.
After graduation, Aarushi plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Congratulations to Aarushi Gunavante from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.

From innovative academic pathways to inspiring student-led initiatives, these spotlights will highlight the opportunities that shape our schools and strengthen our community.
This week, we are spotlighting our AVID program.
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness program implemented in Texas schools to help students develop the skills needed for college and career success. AVID targets students in the academic middle, those who have the potential for college but may need additional support to get there. AVID equips students with the academic, social, and organizational skills needed to succeed in college and beyond. In addition, teachers and students campus wide benefit from the implementation of successful learning strategies that can be used in any classroom. AVID empowers students to take ownership of their own learning and future.
The three main components of the AVID college readiness system are academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational and college prep activities. The AVID curriculum is based on writing as a tool of learning, inquiry method, collaborative grouping, organization, and academic reading. By developing skills and providing support, AVID helps students access more educational and career opportunities.
The program offers a daily AVID elective class where students receive support from teachers, tutors, and peers. University and college students are preferred as tutors because they also serve as college role models for students. All tutors receive formal training in AVID methodologies and expected tutoring procedures.

See video: https://youtu.be/U5nBwsmDWfM
6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Scott Johnson Middle School reap the benefits of CTE knowledge from an amazing partnership between the campus counselors and the AVID instructors. This team shares an important goal: ensure students are aware of ALL program opportunities and make sure they know HOW to access these programs as they progress into high school.
Counselors Julie Wilson, Rosana Adams and Cathy Hjartberg unite with AVID teachers, Tiffany Scott & Daun Griffen, to help students see connections between their own personal interests & courses they can take in high school and how to begin planning for their future.
They are a perfect example of the McKinney ISD motto: “United in Purpose, Forward with Focus”, through collaboration to support student engagement and future success.

$17/hour
Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school.
Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.

Payton Bachmeyer — Eddins Elementary
Rishaan Gupta – Wolford Elementary
Heshnavi Prasanna Karthick – Wilmeth Elementary
Veer Sharma – McGowen Elementary
Anna Shauliuk – Minshew Elementary
Vikram Vakkantham – McClure Elementary
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!

“Teachers on the Rise” honors educators across the state of Texas for the great things they do in the classroom, and this program, sponsored by Mrs. Baird’s Bread, recognized Miranda Matte from Cockrill Middle School earlier this fall.
Watch video: https://youtu.be/M5KJO2-Ng-A
Coach Matte was nominated by 8th grader Savannah McNally, who is one of several members of the Cockrill Middle School cheer squad. Savannah submitted a well-written and glowing nomination to the “Teachers on the Rise” program, describing Coach Matte as “someone who made a huge difference in my life”.
Here’s a sneak peek at Coach Matte and the cheer squad in action, and Savannah’s nomination letter in its entirety.

See video: https://youtu.be/2cz9mqzIuqU
Ryan is a member of the choir, and he has been selected for the All-Region and All-State Mixed Choirs. He has received “1 Classification” and “Superior Ranking” in Solo & Ensemble, and he performed in the Honors Recital.
Ryan currently has a 3.67 GPA, and he has taken AP Music Theory. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and he has earned green cords.
In his free time, Ryan is a member of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club and the Young Men’s Service League.
After graduation, Ryan plans to double major in Music Education and Music Composition, and ultimately he plans to achieve his DMA in Choral Conducting.
That’s Ryan Hoppe, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.

Caldwell Dual Language Academy
New kinder and first grade registration for In-District and MISD residents opens December 8th. Apply on our website.
Academia de lenguaje dual Caldwell
A partir del 8 de dicembre, abriremos inscirpción para nuevos estudiantes en kinder y primer grado dentro del Distrito y residentes de McKinney. Haga su solicitud en sitio web.
https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/choose-mckinneyisd


It’s that time of year again when the possibility of inclement winter weather looms large in local forecasts. So, it’s important to know where to look for accurate information in the event of a McKinney ISD closing or delayed start.
Visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/severe-weather-preparedness-response for complete information—including FAQs—about how the decision to close or delay school is made and where and when McKinney ISD communicates in the event of inclement weather.
During bad weather, the district makes every attempt to make the decision by 5 a.m. or earlier, with the goal of notifying parents, staff and students by 5:30 a.m. If we believe that the forecast won’t change during the overnight hours, we may make the decision to alter the school day the night before. We know that waiting much later in the morning limits parents’ options when they are making childcare decisions.
Please keep in mind that MISD will not send out or post notification to confirm school is in session. Parents, students, and staff should assume a normal school day unless notified otherwise.
The district utilizes several communication methods to notify parents, students and staff of a closing or delay. One of those methods is the district's automated phone calling system. In addition to a callout and text, the district posts information on the McKinney ISD website homepage (www.mckinneyisd.net) as well as the McKinney ISD Facebook page and X/Twitter page. The district will also send out an email notification and notify local television and radio outlets.

See podcast: https://youtu.be/S6XdLNsi1Vo
Dr. Roberson outlines the research and rollout of the new partnership initiative with Collin College. She explains how the academy is designed to help our students achieve their academic aspirations by forging a unique pathway where both a high school diploma and an associate degree can be earned at the same time.

See video: https://youtu.be/MYqB0wFxbVc
EmilyKate is a 2-year varsity captain for the Bronco cheerleading squad. She has received the Boyd Cheer Leadership award twice, and she was awarded Academic All-District for the past three years.
EmilyKate is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she is ranked 16th in her class with a 4.7658 GPA. She is a 2-time Green Cord recipient, and a member of the National Honor Society.
EmilyKate participates in the PALS Mentorship program and in YoungLife, where she serves as secretary, and she is a youth cheer coach.
EmilyKate plans to attend college, and she would like to study Social Work.
That’s EmilyKate Eckenrode from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.

We hope that you have a wonderful holiday!

Presented courtesy of Bennett's 2nd graders, the festivities were not only a fun time, but also the culminating celebration of the their exploration of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
Prior to the parade, students were tasked with STEM opportunities and learning from ASO Officer Petti, who during his many years with the NYPD, helped plan the annual event in New York City. The 2nd graders also worked on coding lessons with LMS Johanna Brubaker, and using large maps of New York City, programmed Dash Robots to map out a parade route that ended at the famous Macy’s store.
Last year, the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF) funded a grant for Bennett Elementary to order ChompSaws—a safe cardboard cutting tool for kids—and some of the students used them to create their own parade floats. Thank you, MEF!










