This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Sophia Vlahos from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/jxz9VTYiO8Q?si=LM-4yCKgpWcHeEDy
Sophia is a senior on the Lady Broncos softball team. She was awarded team MVP, elected to First Team All-District and led District 5-6A in Runs Batted In in 2023.
Sophia has received the Heart of the Bronco award two years in a row, and she was selected to play for the Under 18 Greek National Softball team.
Sophia has received Academic Excellence and the Outstanding Student in Languages award. She has taken 9 AP courses, and she is ranked in the Top 22% of her class with a 4.0 GPA.
Sophia is a Youth Volunteer at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and she is a pitching and hitting coach for young athletes.
Next year, Sophia plans to further her education by pursuing a degree in Accounting. She would like to become a CPA and a CFO of a large corporation.
That’s Sophia Vlahos from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
MISD wrapped up its final McKinney CAN session of the 2024-2025 school year on Thursday, March 27, as Superintendent Shawn Pratt and Principal Melissa Hernandez welcomed the group to Evans Middle School.
Pratt and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dennis Womack gave an update on the current MISD financial picture and an overview of public school funding, then welcomed Chief Operations Officer Greg Suttle to talk about MISD facilities. Jae Gaskill offered a presentation on the district's Career & Technical Education programs, highlighting the focus of CTE at each level from elementary to high school.
With the goal of ‘pulling the curtain back’ on public education and McKinney ISD, it's been a great year for McKinney CAN, and the district thanks the participants and the presenters who have taken part in it over the course of the school year.
And, thank you to Principal Melissa Hernandez, her staff and the students of Evans Middle School for their hospitality!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Tylyn Hutson from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/LgjTxv-Fy0A
Tylyn plays the cello, and she is a 4-year member of the orchestra. She also performs with the Philharmonic Orchestra, and she serves as the orchestra president. Tylyn has received several awards for her performances in solo, duet, and group competitions.
Tylyn has taken 7 AP classes and 11 Advanced classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received all three academic excellence awards. She is a PSAT Commended Scholar and as a recipient of the College Board National African American Recognition Program.
Tylyn is involved with several clubs including STEMists, Golden Ambassadors, Spanish Club and the MHS Aviation Club, which she founded.
In her free time, Tylyn serves the community through organizations like Tango Charities, the Community Life Center, and the North Texas Food Bank. She attends St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Fair Pak where she serves on the Youth Council, and she is an ADORA Daughter.
Tylyn participated in the Southwest Airlines Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Academy and the University of North Texas Aviation Career Academy.
After graduation, Tylyn plans to attend Hampton University and major in Aviation with aspirations of becoming a professional pilot.
That’s Tylyn Hutson, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
McKinney ISD is excited to offer High School Summer School opportunities for current 8th-12th grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. Whether your student is looking to accelerate their learning with original credit courses or recover credits from a previous semester, our online summer school provides flexible, self-paced options taught by MISD.
Key Dates:
Parent Webinar: March 27 at 5:30 PM (Register online)
Accelerated Course Registration: April 4 - April 17 (Payment due April 21)
Credit Recovery Course Registration: April 28 - May 9 (Payment due May 12)
Summer School Dates: June 2 - June 20 (All coursework due by 11:00 AM on June 20)
Tuition:
$225 per course (semester) or $50 for students on free/reduced lunch or in AVID. Payment is required via My School Bucks to complete registration.
Next Steps:
Visit our website for full details and registration links: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/high-school-summer-programs
Expect a welcome email from summer school teachers by May 29.
For more information, please visit our website or contact summerschool@mckinneyisd.net.
5th Graders Learn Square Dancing at Glen Oaks Elementary!
See video: https://youtu.be/wcWT865fE1Q
At Glen Oaks Elementary, PE Teacher Kayla Meadows is keeping tradition alive by teaching her 5th-grade students the art of square dancing! As part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum, students learn rhythmic movement while having fun and preparing for a special performance for their family and friends.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
McKinney ISD will host two Para to Teacher Pathways sessions on Monday, April 14, 2025, for paraprofessionals who are ready to take the next step toward becoming a certified teacher!
Para To Teacher Pathways
Two Sessions Offered
Monday, April 14, 2025
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
MISD Community Event Center
4201 S. Hardin Blvd, McKinney, TX 75070
Local universities will be present for non-degreed employees, and alternative education programs will be present for degreed employees seeking teacher certification.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Tyler Young from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/OMp3VZa57WQ?si=Ch2t74VJkN551FFQ
Tyler is a senior on the Lions varsity baseball team.
Tyler is an AP student, and he is an Academic Excellence Cord recipient. He is ranked 63rd in his class with a 4.27 GPA.
Tyler received the Nation First-Generation Recognition award. He has been recognized for Architecture and Construction Excellence, and he has been named First Division Solo and Ensemble 2-times.
Tyler is a member of the National Honors Society and the Interdisciplinary Study and Mentorship program. He also participates in band and the Admissions Club.
Tyler volunteers for multiple organizations in his free time, and he is employed at Ted E’s Kitchen.
Next year, Tyler will attend Texas A&M to major in General Engineering and to specialize in Mechanical Engineering.
That’s Tyler Young from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Morgan Goodmark from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/6YoHVCyW1Uc
Morgan is a Senior on the Lionettes Varsity Soccer team. She has been named First Team All-District, Most Improved Player, and Academic All-District 2 times.
Morgan has received Academic Excellence 3 times and is a Green Cord recipient. Morgan has taken 13 AP classes, and she is ranked 7th in her class with a 4.76 GPA.
Morgan is a member of the National Honors Society. She volunteers at ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship and works at 54th Street.
Next year, Morgan plans to attend Texas Tech University to receive a Bachelors in Animal Science and earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
That’s Morgan Goodmark from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Walker Elementary marked a historic milestone as students, staff, and community members came together to celebrate 25 years of excellence!
See video: https://youtu.be/gHkrZLmd8iI?si=4XgRK7VsZXMhb7PN
Named after Roy Lee Walker, the school hosted a special dinner welcoming past campus employees, followed by a memorable assembly attended by all students.
The celebration featured inspiring words from current Principal Michelle Baumann, founding Principal Ms. Beasley, and Mr. Walker’s daughter, Ms. Linda Rinn, reflecting on the school’s legacy and impact over the years. It was a night to remember for the Walker Stars, honoring the past while looking ahead to a bright future!
Positive vibes and colorful drawings covered the front entrance of Finch Elementary this week as they celebrated Big Art Day!
See video: https://youtu.be/cBOnJubx_8Y?si=k6YrcoNqQI_S8w5q
McKinney ISD has been recognized as a District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association, ranking in the top 5.5% of Visual Art programs in Texas.
The Finch Falcons showcased our district’s artistic excellence by beautifying their campus through vibrant sidewalk art pieces. Art teacher, Danh Nguyen, organized the community-based project that brought creativity and positivity to the school grounds, and music teacher, Dustin Taylor, captured the entire day from above with his drone.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Eli Worthy.
See video: https://youtu.be/prxna8KsYIU?si=ejU9Khqwil3MhXFV
Eli is a senior at McKinney Boyd High School where he is in the Broadway Broncos Theatre program. He received the Thespian Board Award in 2024, and he was a Group Musical Theatre National Qualifier in 2022. Eli previously participated in choir & band as well, and he was selected for the All-Region Choir from 2019-2022.
Eli currently has a 3.8 GPA, and he has taken 3 AP courses.
In his free time, Eli has earned the highest rank with Boys Scouts: Eagle Scout. He is a member of “The Order of the Arrow”, and he supports the non-profit organization, Carry the Load. Eli volunteers with Plano Parks and Recreation by assisting with dances for people with special needs, and he is a counselor-in-training for Collin County Adventure Camp.
After graduation, Eli plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas to double major in Technical Theatre and Business. He would like to create his own business in the technical theatre industry.
That’s Eli Worthy, 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 Dailey Poland from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/zUIDHRyynf4?si=eJOwyguQSzK9Yivp
Dailey is a Senior Captain on the Bulldogs basketball team.
Dailey is ranked 17th in his class, and he has a 4.63 GPA.
He is an AP Scholar with Honors and an Academic Excellence cord recipient.
Dailey is a member of PALS, and he serves as vice president of the Key Club.
Dailey volunteers as an HALO’s Buddy through Kiwanis, and he works with the McKinney Little Free Pantry.
Next year, Dailey will attend Texas A&M to pursue a masters degree in Business Administration.
That’s Dailey Poland from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McNeil Elementary celebrated Read Across America last Friday with help from Superintendent Shawn Pratt, MISD Board member Lynn Sperry and Board Secretary Harvey Oaxaca who all stopped by to read to McNeil students.
The day's line up of readers turned out to be a who's who of Central Office staff as Principal Tracy Meador invited leaders from 1 Duvall St to join the celebration. Among them were Deputy Superintendent Melanie Raleeh, Human Resources Specialist Lindell DeBoue, Coordinator of District Assessment Amy Evans, Director of Data and Analytics Becky Jackson, Director of Fine Arts Dr. Jared Critchfield, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Jenny McGowan and Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer Jennifer Akins.
As always, it was a fun day with a crucial purpose, to engage students in the joy of reading and to inspire them to become avid, lifelong readers.
Preparing Students for Success – the AVID Program in McKinney ISD
“It’s the best program in the district!”
As an AVID instructor, Leslie D’Annibale may be somewhat biased, but her enthusiasm for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program in McKinney ISD is not overstated.
See video: https://youtu.be/66709GXiga8
AVID is transforming the way students learn and prepare for their future by helping students build strong study habits, manage their time effectively and prepare for college and beyond. From mastering study skills to tackling the SAT, AVID empowers students with the tools they need to succeed!
The 2024-2025 McKinney ISD Superintendent Student Advisory Committee met for its fourth of five sessions today at the CEC as they enjoyed lunch, discussed their experiences and opinions around academic planning and heard from local experts on the subject, Director of Guidance and Counseling Errin French and Coordinator Debra Fort.
The Superintendent Student Advisory Committee provides junior and senior student leaders from MISD's three high schools the opportunity to learn and grow in leadership and to give feedback about district and campus initiatives, events and procedures.
The group will meet for its final session of 2024-2025 on April 1. Thank you, Errin French and Debra Fort for sharing your time and expertise today!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Emma Oba from McKinney Boyd High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/6NMzgJlSHxI?si=EEPDCZSILwHfQNCP
Emma plays cello in the orchestra program, and she has been selected for All-Region Orchestra for the past 4 years.
She received Superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble, and she plays in a quartet that was selected for the UIL State Instrumental Chamber Music Competition.
Emma is also an accomplished pianist.
She has earned 1st place in the following: the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition, Baylor Waco Piano Competition, Texas Music Teachers Association, Dallas Symphonic and Dallas Solo. She won grand prize at the SMU Institute for Young Pianist Concerto Competition, and she was featured as a Rising Artist on WRR Classical 101.1 FM.
Emma has taken 9 AP courses, and she currently has a 4.44 GPA.
After graduation, Emma plans to major in Piano at the University of Michigan, UT Austin, Indiana University, TCU or UNT.
That’s Emma Oba, 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 Beckham Sayers from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/gy20QjfcHtg?si=qjtoOYunGnmsbiV8
Beckham is a senior on the Lions varsity soccer team, and he is a 2025 Team Captain.
Beckham was a 2024 All-District Honorable Mention, and he received Academic All-District 2-times and Academic Excellence 3-times.
Beckham has taken 9 AP classes, and he is ranked 21st in his class with a 4.5 GPA.
Beckham is the President and Founder of the Finance Club and Co-President of Golden Guys and Girls. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Business Club.
Beckham is a TOPsoccer special needs soccer volunteer, and he is a 14-year Solar Soccer club player.
Next year, Beckham plans to attend the University of Texas to pursue a degree in Business Finance and also play soccer for their club team.
That’s Beckham Sayers from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
The McKinney ISD Board of Trustees held its annual joint meeting with the McKinney City Council at City Hall today led by McKinney Mayor George Fuller and MISD Board President Philip Hassler.
Among the topics on the agenda, MISD provided an update on its strategic plan, presented by MISD Chief School Improvement and Federal Programs Officer Jennifer Akins, and Senior Director Rusty May gave an update on MISD's safety and security program.
The annual joint meeting highlights the positive and cooperative relationship MISD enjoys with the City of McKinney!
“Somos uno, juntos celebramos / We are one, together we celebrate”
See video: https://youtu.be/nSQzL-Q-yWY?si=dUP0_jCmEWJASdRy
Caldwell Elementary hosted its inaugural Multicultural Night last month. The event showcased and celebrated the rich diversity of our students, families, and community, highlighting the unique bilingual and bicultural experiences that define our campus.
During this special evening families experienced interactive displays, performances and presentations, representing a variety of cultures. Customs & traditions were shared through song, dance, art and food - offering a glimpse into the dual-language environment that fosters inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Joshua Coleman from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/3xP1QfX6lC8
Joshua is a member of the theatre program, and he has performed in 7 shows. He served as assistant director for two mainstage musicals: The Music Man and Mean Girls, and he co-directed two student-lead productions: No Exit and a student-written play entitled Anybody. Joshua is a 2024 National Thespian Qualifier for Group Acting. He scored an Excellent rating for “Performance in a Leading Role” for Sheldon J. Plankton in The Spongebob Musical, and he is a 4-year Outstanding Thespian Award Recipient.
Joshua currently ranks 70th in his class with a 4.2 GPA. He is a 2-year active member of the National Honor Society, and he has served as President of the International Thespian Society Troupe 3604 for the past two years.
In his free time, Joshua participates in studio dance at the Dance Collective of McKinney.
After graduation, Joshua plans to attend Syracuse University to major in Psychology, and he intends to continue acting and directing.
That’s Joshua Coleman, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
