Keeping Students Safe and Parents Informed
Parent Newsletter Series
May 2026
In this issue:
A Message from Superintendent Shawn Pratt
Purpose
Featured Topic
Back to School Information & Dates
Practical Tips for Families
From our Superintendent - Shawn Pratt
Dear McKinney ISD Parents & Guardians,
As summer begins, I encourage all McKinney ISD families to take time to recharge, reconnect, and enjoy meaningful moments together. Summer provides students with an important opportunity to rest, explore new interests, stay active, and continue learning in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
Our community offers many outstanding opportunities for students and families to stay engaged throughout the summer months—from parks and libraries to camps, enrichment programs, outdoor activities, and family events. Whether your child is attending a summer camp, reading a new book, exploring nature, or simply spending time with family and friends, every experience contributes to their growth and well-being.
At the same time, summer is also an important season to continue supporting student wellness and safety, including healthy technology habits and online awareness. We encourage families to maintain open conversations about digital citizenship, responsible technology use, and balanced screen time while also creating opportunities for students to stay connected to the world around them through active and meaningful experiences.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of McKinney ISD. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your family and look forward to welcoming our students back for another outstanding school year.
Wishing you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer.
Shawn Pratt, Superintendent
McKinney ISD
Purpose
This monthly communication series helps keep families informed about:
Student safety
Digital citizenship and wellness
Family resources and support
Important district information and updates
Featured Topic: Summer Engagement & Safety
Summer in McKinney, Texas, offers families far more than just a way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity for students to explore, learn, and stay active while school is out. With a mix of outdoor adventures, creative programs, and indoor escapes from the heat, parents can build a balanced summer that keeps children engaged and excited.
Here’s a parent-friendly guide to the best summer engagement activities in McKinney.
SUMMER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS
Outdoor Adventures
McKinney is known for its family-friendly parks and green spaces, making outdoor play one of the easiest and most rewarding summer activities.
Bonnie Wenk Park
Finch Park
These parks offer playgrounds, walking trails, splash areas, and open spaces perfect for picnics and games. Bonnie Wenk Park is especially popular for its inclusive playground and kid-friendly features like a zip line and splash pad.
Parents can plan:
Morning nature walks or bike rides
Splash pad play sessions
Family picnics or outdoor reading time
Explore more parks and recreation opportunities in our surrounding communities:
Creative Learning
Summer is a great time to nurture creativity and curiosity.
McKinney Art House
Jump Into Art
Art classes, workshops, and camps give students a chance to explore painting, crafting, and hands-on creativity in a structured environment. You can also explore local history and culture:
Chestnut Square Historic Village hosts interactive events and seasonal programs that bring history to life for students.
McKinney Community Libraries allow students to continue on their reading journey.
These activities help prevent “summer slide” by keeping young minds active.
Summer Camps
For working parents or those seeking consistent enrichment, summer camps are a top choice.
Local camps offer:
STEM learning
Outdoor exploration
Team-building activities
Arts and crafts
Structured programs provide routine while still feeling like fun—not school.
Nature & Discovery Experiences
For students who love animals, science, or the outdoors, McKinney has standout options.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
This nature preserve features wildlife exhibits, hiking trails, and educational programs, making it both fun and enriching.
Other ideas:
Pond fishing at local parks
Bird watching or bug hunts
DIY backyard science experiments
Indoor Activities
Texas summers can be intense, so indoor play spaces are essential.
Community recreation centers
These venues offer safe, climate-controlled environments where students can climb, jump, and burn energy.
Great for:
Midday heat breaks
Playdates
Rainy summer days
Free Family Fun
Downtown McKinney is especially fun for families, with shops, treats, and even interactive attractions, such as small public art installations that encourage exploration.
Not every activity has to cost money.
Popular free options include:
Trail walks and biking
Playground hopping
Library programs and story times
Exploring parks like Towne Lake or Erwin Park
These are perfect for filling gaps in your weekly schedule.
Summer Learning
Summer is a great time for students to continue learning in fun and meaningful ways. Even small daily learning habits can make a big difference when students return to school in August.
Simple ways families can support learning this summer:
Read together for at least 20 minutes each day
Practice math facts or real-world problem solving
Visit local libraries and museums
Encourage journaling, drawing, or creative projects
Explore educational games and hands-on activities
Visit the McKinney Public Library
The McKinney Public Library offers free family activities ranging from early literacy classes and teen art workshops to seasonal highlights like the annual Summer Camp and Comic Con. While the Roy & Helen Hall Library is closed for renovation, families can still access these programs at the John and Judy Gay Library or local community centers. Visit the McKinney Library website to learn more about each event and register for free.
Visit the Frisco Public Library
The Frisco Public Library offers free family activities all summer. Residents of Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Plano have access to Frisco Library services, including the popular Tot’s Town, Kid’s Club, and Makerspace areas. Visit the Frisco Library website to learn more about library events.
Keeping students engaged academically during the summer can help build confidence and reduce “summer slide.”
SUMMER SAFETY FOR STUDENTS
Summer Safety Reminders
Texas summers can bring extreme heat and increased outdoor activity. Families are encouraged to help students stay safe by:
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors
Taking breaks indoors during peak afternoon heat
Wearing helmets while biking or skating
Practicing water safety and close supervision near pools and lakes
A little preparation can help ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer for everyone.
Digital Citizenship & Responsible Technology Use
Keeping kids safe online during summer break is all about finding a balance between freedom and supervision. Here are a few simple ways to protect their digital experience:
Set Up Digital "Boundaries": Use parental control apps or built-in screen time settings to manage how long they’re online and ensure kids aren't stumbling onto age-inappropriate sites.
Keep Tech in Common Areas: Make it a rule that tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles stay in the living room or kitchen rather than behind closed bedroom doors.
Talk About "Stranger Danger" 2.0: Remind kids that people online aren't always who they say they are, and they should never share personal details like their school, home address, or phone number.
Create an "Open Door" Policy: Let your kids know they can come to you if they see something weird or uncomfortable without the fear of getting their devices taken away—this trust is your best safety tool.
Balance with "Real World" Time: Encourage a "tech-free" time during the day for outdoor play, reading, or chores to ensure they stay grounded in the offline world.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Summer provides students with an opportunity to rest, recharge, explore interests, and build healthy habits. A balance of physical activity, family connection, learning, and downtime helps students return to school refreshed, confident, and ready for success.
REMINDER:
During summer break, McKinney ISD’s student device monitoring systems will be suspended for students not enrolled in summer school. We encourage families to continue supporting safe and responsible technology use throughout the summer months.
Back to School Information & Dates
🏫 Elementary Meet the Teacher
Date: August 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00
🏫 Middle School Meet the Teacher
Date: August 11, 2026
PM Time: 5:00 PM
🏫 High School Open House
Date: August 31, 2026
Time: TBD
Middle School Schedule Information
August 11, 2026
Student schedules available in Skyward
Additional details and access instructions will be sent in July
High School Schedule Pickup & Freshman Orientation
McKinney High School (MHS)
Schedule Pickup: August 7 | at 12:00 PM
Lion Call (Freshman Orientation): August 8 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Parent Meeting: 11:00 AM
McKinney Boyd High School (MBHS)
Schedule Pickup: August 7 | 12:00 PM
Bronco Camp (Freshman Orientation): August 8 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
McKinney North High School (MNHS)
Schedule Pickup: August 7 | 12:00 PM
Dawg Camp (Freshman Orientation): August 8 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Schedule Reminder
Student schedules will be viewable in Skyward in early August.
Please note: schedules viewed through other applications may not be final or official.
Coming Soon – Back-to-School Registration Forms
Back-to-School registration forms will be sent in mid-July through the new Skyward Parent Portal.
Practical Tips for Families
Stay Connected with McKinney ISD This Summer
Even during the summer months, McKinney ISD remains committed to supporting students and families.
Be sure to:
Follow your campus and district social media pages
Watch for important enrollment updates
Check your email regularly for district communication
Visit the McKinney ISD website for summer resources and announcements
Complete Back-to-School forms in July through the Skyward Parent Portal
Staying connected helps ensure a smooth and successful start to the 2026–27 school year.