In This Issue

A Message from Superintendent Shawn Pratt

Purpose

Featured Topic

Did You Know?

Practical Tips for Families

Family Tools Spotlight

Looking Ahead

Dear McKinney ISD Families,

October is Drug Awareness Month, and McKinney ISD is committed to equipping our students and families with the knowledge and support needed to make safe, healthy choices.

At MISD, we have zero tolerance for illegal drugs on our campuses. Our Student Code of Conduct outlines clear disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension, alternative placement, or expulsion to maintain safe, drug-free schools. Just as important, we emphasize prevention and education. Through age-appropriate lessons and campus programs, students learn the facts about drugs and how to resist peer pressure.

We know families play the most important role in keeping students drug-free. To support you, MISD offers:

• Campus counselors trained to provide confidential support and connect families with outside resources.

• Prevention programs that educate students on the risks of drug use.

• Partnerships with community organizations offering counseling, recovery, and family education services.

Together, we can make a difference. I encourage you to have open conversations with your child about the dangers of drugs, the importance of making healthy choices, and the value of surrounding themselves with safe, supportive peers.

Thank you for joining us in this critical effort to protect our students. By working together, we can ensure every student in McKinney ISD has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment.

With appreciation,

Shawn Pratt, Superintendent of Schools
McKinney ISD

Against the Law - Teenage Vaping

Video Content: Juvenile vaping is again the law, it is against McKinney ISD policy and it is against common sense. Security Resource Officer Karl Ratcliff covers a few of the consequences related to teenage vaping and e-cigarettes, from both a legal and health perspective.

In August, our district launched a monthly communication and education series focused on student safety, transparent communication, family partnership, and legal awareness. This series will help ensure:

• Parents and guardians are informed of their access, roles, and tools

• Students receive age-appropriate learning on safety, digital citizenship, and well-being

• Schools stay connected with families through proactive outreach and education.

 Texas Government Code, §662.116, establishes the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses. Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month may be regularly observed through appropriate community activities. Students and families need to know that other drugs may contain a deadly level of fentanyl. You cannot see, taste, or smell it. It is almost impossible to tell if another drug is laced with fentanyl unless tested with a fentanyl testing strip. “One Pill Kills” is set up across the state to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize, and reverse fentanyl poisoning. 

"Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat our state and nation has ever encountered, killing four Texans every day. Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, with Mexican drug cartels strategically manufacturing and distributing the drug disguised as painkillers, stimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and even candy. I am proud to announce the launch of the State of Texas's comprehensive 'One Pill Kills' campaign to remind Texans that just one pill laced with fentanyl can take someone's life. Together, we will protect more innocent lives from being lost to this deadly drug."   -- Governor Greg Abbott

Q:  What are the disciplinary consequences if my child is caught with drugs?

A: At McKinney ISD, keeping our schools safe and drug-free is a top priority. When students make unsafe choices related to drugs, it affects not only their health but also the learning environment for everyone.

Our Student Code of Conduct outlines clear consequences for drug-related offenses, which may include counseling, support services, or disciplinary measures such as suspension or placement in an alternative program. These steps are designed to protect all students while also helping those involved make better choices in the future.

By combining drug awareness education with fair and consistent discipline, MISD works to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a safe environment. In addition to disciplinary measures, MISD provides counseling and support to help students recover from unsafe choices.

If you would like to know more about MISD’s Student Code of Conduct, click the link below:

What Can Parents Do?

A parent has a major impact on the child’s decision not to use drugs. Believe it or not, most students DO listen to their parents! Here are some ways a parent can help the child make healthy, drug-free choices:

• Talk with, and listen to, your child. Talk often about the dangers of drug use, and start early. Even a child in the elementary grades can engage in conversations about staying healthy. Share your love by keeping your child safe.

• Learn the facts about the harmful effects of drugs. Discuss their impacts on the brain and body, and  correct any wrong beliefs your child may have, such as “Everybody is doing it.” Discuss legal issues as well.

• Provide guidance and clear rules about not using drugs.

• Get involved in your child’s life, and encourage participation in family, school, and volunteer activities. Time together helps your child feel valued, safe, and connected.

•  Monitor your own substance use. A parent’s actions truly speak louder than words.

• Know your child’s friends and their families. Remind your child that true friends support each other’s values.

•  Know your child’s location at all times.

•  Help your child learn different ways to resist negative peer pressure, such as saying, “No thanks, my parents would get really mad at me.”

Trust your “gut.” If you suspect drug or alcohol use, talk with your child about your concerns. Contact a substance abuse specialist or your child’s school counselor. The information will remain confidential.

Vaping has become increasingly common among teens, and parents need to understand the risks. Many e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, which can harm brain development, increase anxiety, and create long-term addiction. The sweet flavors and sleek designs make vaping appealing to young people, but what often isn’t obvious are the potential health dangers, including lung damage, harmful chemical exposure, and negative effects on concentration and learning. Parents can play a key role by talking openly with their children about the risks, setting clear expectations, and modeling healthy choices. Staying informed and engaged helps protect kids from the serious consequences of vaping.

Vaping Resources
Truth Initiative - Offers educational curricula and support tools for youth, with materials useful for parents and caregivers.
Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes - a site designed to empower parents to help students who vape.

If you are concerned about your child and the challenges of drug or substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. Many organizations provide information, guidance, and support specifically for parents and families. These resources can connect you with others who understand what you are going through and help you take positive steps forward. Here are some resources that can help you and your family with support for substance abuse.

Substance Abuse Tools:    
Above the Influence - national campaign helping teens resist peer pressure.

Foundation for a Drug-Free World  - a nonprofit organization that provides real drug information.

National Institute on Drug Abuse - site created to support scientific research on drug use and addiction.

Partnership to End Addiction - a support for tips on preventing substance use and guidance on managing recovery from addiction.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration - tools to prevent substance abuse and misuse.

Winning the Fight - Texas-based nonprofit founded by parents who lost a child to overdose.  This helps families choose resources quickly.

 Fentanyl Resources
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - to ensure the safety and health of American communities by combating criminal drug networks bringing harm, violence, overdoses, and poisonings to the United States.

 DEA Fentanyl Information and Fact Sheet - a fact sheet to help protect families.

Parent Cafe Information

In our November issue of “Keeping Kids Safe,” we will focus on Safety & Security. This series will highlight MISD’s commitment to preparedness, emergency response, communication, and the many measures we take to keep our students safe. Topics will include school safety drills, campus security officers, and visitor guidelines.