Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! As the new school year begins, we are filled with excitement for the adventures in learning that lie ahead. Our talented and dedicated staff is ready to support and inspire every student, every day. Let’s make this year the best one yet!

This newsletter serves as a resource for parents as they begin to prepare for the start of school. Please remember that the first day of school for 2025-26 is Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

We are excited to announce the school start times for the 2025-26 school year. Our elementary schools will be open from 8:10 AM to 3:20 PM, middle schools from 8:50 AM to 4:00 PM, high schools from 7:20 AM to 2:40 PM, and Lawson Early Childhood School from 7:40 AM to 2:50 PM.

First Day of School

We’re excited to welcome all students and families back for the 2025–2026 school year! The first day of school is always filled with excitement and new beginnings.

First Day of School: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Elementary Campuses

• Parents may walk their child to class on the first day only (August 12). 

• Parents are required to bring a valid photo ID and sign in using a general sign-in upon arrival.

• Starting Wednesday, August 13, all visitors must check in through the front office and Hall Pass system before entering the building.

Secondary Campuses (Middle & High School)

• Parents/guardians are not permitted to escort students to class on the first day.

• Staff will be stationed throughout the building to guide and support students as they find their classes.

Helpful Reminders

• Arrival Time: Expect heavier traffic during the first week. Please plan.

• Dismissal Time:

  • Bus Transportation:

    • Bus numbers and routes are available in our Home Access Center (HAC).

    • Expect delays during the first days of school.

    • Campuses will send parent notifications via Thrillshare if buses are running more than 15 minutes late. 

    • Stay Connected: Follow your campus and McKinney ISD on social media for first-day updates.

Durham Bus Transportation Information: 

• McKinney ISD: Weblink 

• Bus Tracker App: Link 

Durham Complaints & Compliments: Link

New student registration is currently available for all grade levels. High school and middle school registration is by appointment. Prior to visiting the campus, it is recommended that parents complete the online registration forms for each new student. Click here for more information about new student registration.

Returning student registration information was emailed to parents of individual students with a unique snap code that is needed to begin the online registration process for that student. Note: Parents may not have received snap codes for all their students at the same time.

By law, McKinney ISD must have an immunization record for each student on file. These records must be up to date at the time of registration. Students entering MISD for the first time must present written verification of the required immunizations at the time of enrollment. For more information about what immunizations are required please visit this link: Immunizations page

Join us for our Meet the Teacher nights! This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to connect with teachers and get a glimpse of what the upcoming school year holds. Each elementary school will host its Meet the Teacher night on August 7 from 5-6 PM, middle schools on August 7, and high schools on September 8. We look forward to seeing you there and starting the year off with a strong partnership!

Traffic will increase tremendously during the first week of school. Be mindful of the added congestion and leave your home earlier to arrive at school on time.

• Put down that cell phone! The State of Texas prohibits the use of any wireless communication device while in a school zone unless your vehicle is stopped or unless you're using a “hands-free” device.

• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines usually double in school zones.

• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas.

• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.

• Be alert for children who might dart across the drive or between vehicles on their way to/from the building.

• School buses use yellow flashing lights to alert motorists that they are preparing to stop to load or unload children.

• School buses use alternately flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm to signal motorists that the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off the bus.

• If you approach a school bus from either direction and the bus is displaying alternately flashing red lights and extended stop sign arm, you must stop. In Texas it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

• Do not pass the school bus until: 1. the school bus has resumed motion, or; 2. you are signaled by the driver to proceed, or; 3. the red lights are no longer flashing.

• The area 10 feet around a school bus is where children are in the most danger of being hit. Stop your car far enough from the bus to allow children the necessary space to safely enter and exit the bus.

• Be alert. Children can be unpredictable.

Reviewing the rules and regulations set by McKinney ISD is crucial as we prepare to start the new academic year. By understanding and following these guidelines, we ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, setting the foundation for a successful school year ahead.

• Student Handbook (PDF) - Coming Soon

• Student Dress Code (PDF)

• Student Code of Conduct (PDF) - Coming Soon

An important change to the Student Code of Conduct from last year is located on page 8. It adds the following to tobacco products listed as prohibited items: “nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, regardless of whether the product contains tobacco.”

Regular school attendance is essential for students to maximize their learning opportunities. Absences from class may result in serious disruption to the mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to progress to the next grade. Students and parents must make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.

Attendance Times:

• Lawson - 9:30 am & 1:00 pm

• Elementary - 9:30 am

• Middle School - 10:00 am (2nd period)

• High School - 9:30 am (3rd period)

It’s important to note that campuses may accept up to four days per semester (eight per year) excused with a parent note/email. Visit the Attendance Policy link below for more information.

• McKinney ISD Attendance Policy

• Reporting an Absence Form

At McKinney ISD, ensuring student safety is our top priority, especially when it comes to adhering to heat guidelines for Non-UIL activities. MISD will utilize Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as the recommended forecast measurement to monitor environmental conditions, estimating the combined impact of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation using data from three thermometers.

District staff will use the DTN Weather Sentry App WBGT reading to determine the level of activity in which students can participate in outdoor activities.

McKinney ISD maintains district Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages to keep parents and the community informed about the great things happening in MISD. In addition to these district level social media pages, each campus also maintains both a Facebook and Twitter page. To find your campus’s social media page please visit your campus’s website or contact your campus’s front office.