McKinney ISD -

On Dec. 3-5, MISD held its annual Career & Technical Education Tours at the MISD Community Event Center for the district's 8th graders from Cockrill, Dowell, Evans, Faubion and Scott Johnson.

The event aimed to build student awareness of the broad range of high school CTE programs before they begin the process of selecting courses for 9th grade—to provide a foundation for career paths and college readiness as they begin to chart their course for high school and beyond.

During the tours, groups rotated through 19 stations where they met current MISD high school students who provided course overviews and answered questions about their respective CTE programs—everything from aviation to cosmetology to welding.

Visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-technical-education to learn more about MISD's CTE programs!

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Clara McElroy. Video: https://youtu.be/Gin0g-k_k8Q Clara is a senior at McKinney High School where she plays percussion in the Royal Pride Band. She has earned the Instrumentalist Magazine Musicianship Award in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She is a 2024 Texas Music Scholar and a 2024 Outstanding Soloist, and in 2023 she was selected for the All-Region Wind Symphony. Clara currently has a 4.59 GPA, and she ranks 14th in her class. She has taken 6 AP courses, and she is a member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, Clara plans to attend either Rice University or SMU to earn a Performance Degree in Percussion and Sound Design for Film. That’s Clara McElroy, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.

Don't forget about the Father Daughter Dance this Saturday, December 7!

You can still purchase tickets for the 3rd Annual MISD Father Daughter Dance—A Night in Paris—for a night of dancing, pictures, and light refreshments.

The dance is for young ladies in K-5th grade. You do not have to be a McKinney ISD student to attend the dance.

Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, December 7, 2024
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
McKinney Boyd High School (600 Lake Forest Drive, McKinney)
Tickets: $24 per person

Click below to register for the Father Daughter Dance (Photo pre-order link is available on the registration page.)
https://mckinneyisd.reg.eleyo.com/course/112/2024-2025-special-events/father-daughter-ball

Photos
Pictures will be available through 5804 Photography. It's a great photo opportunity for the holidays. You may use the link above to order packages online until Dec. 6, 2024.

Corsages and Boutonnieres will be available for $20 each.

Minshew Elementary 20th Anniversary - In Our Twenties Era https://tinyurl.com/8tns7d6t Taylor Swift has enjoyed tremendous success with her “Eras Tour”, and Jennifer Larriviere decided to echo the popstar’s trend as our district celebrates the 20th anniversary of Minshew Elementary. “We’re moving into our 20’s era so it’s about honoring the past, our journey to get here, and then it’s also having that vision for the future.” Larriviere is the current principal of Minshew, and she was honored to commemorate this milestone with current and past educators from the campus.

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Rachel Sellers from McKinney North High School. Video: https://youtu.be/ZbTiTb8JCW4 Rachel is a Senior Captain on the Bulldogs Swim team. Rachel is a 2-time State swim competitor. She has received the Bulldog Beast Award and she holds the McKinney North’s School record in the 200 and 400 Free Relay. Rachel has taken multiple AP classes and was named First Team Academic All-District. She is a Red and Blue cord recipient and has a 3.85 GPA. Rachel is a swimmer for the Metroplex Aquatics Club Swim Team. She is a swim instructor at the Apex Center and she is a babysitter. Next year, Rachel plans to attend Collin College to complete her basics. Afterwards, she plans to major in business to become an entrepreneur, as well as continuing to teach and coach swimming. That’s Rachel Sellers from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.

McKinney ISD’s 1st Sensory-Friendly Performance Video link: https://tinyurl.com/34xb39cb The McKinney Boyd Broadway Broncos performed the musical The Little Mermaid last week, and one of their shows offered the audience a slightly difference experience. A sensory-friendly performance is a theater production that is modified to be more welcoming and comfortable for people with sensory sensitivities, autism, or other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities. These performances are designed to be a judgment-free experience for all audience members, and they are also suitable for young children or first-time theatergoers.

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Finn Collins. Video link: https://youtu.be/M-mEUvZGB3w Finn is a senior at McKinney North High School where he is in the AP Art: Studio Drawing course. He has scored a 4 at the Region 10 Visual Arts Scholastic Event for two years in a row, and he scored a 3 on the AP 2D Design Portfolio. Finn’s artwork has been selected twice to be displayed at the McKinney ISD Administration Building. Finn currently maintains a 3.95 GPA, and he ranks 91st in his class. He has taken AP Statistics and AP Studio Drawing. In his free time, Finn plays the drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and sometimes the bass guitar. He is a 4-year member of the McKinney North Swim and Dive Team, where he earned a letterman jacket, and Finn works part-time at Old Navy. After graduation, Finn plans to attend Collin College for two years and then transfer to UNT for a degree in Art. That’s Finn Collins, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.

After each monthly board meeting, we will provide our community with a brief summary of events and items covered during the meeting. Video link: https://tinyurl.com/56c2kymz We started the November meeting with celebrations and recognitions. Representative Frederick Frazer was in attendance to share a proclamation to board member, Larry Jagours, for his recent award from Volunteer McKinney: the Pete & Nancy Huff Service Legacy Award. Each month we recognize one elementary staff member and one secondary staff member for going above and beyond to live out our vision of “Every Student, Every Day” by honoring them with the “We Are McKinney” Superintendent Award. This month’s elementary winner is Jennifer Wilson from Wilmeth Elementary. Jennifer is a 5th grade ELAR and Social Studies teacher. The secondary winner for this month is Cindy Erhart from McKinney High School. Cindy teaches English 4 and serves as the Student Council Sponsor. The McKinney ISD Paraprofessional of the Month is Terri Battleson from Malvern Elementary. Next we recognized our cross country State finalists: From McKinney Boyd High School: Joaquin de la Cruz From McKinney North High School: Galiela de la garza, Landon Ayres, Drew Hansen, Rhett Hulin, Cody Siedel, Alan Sutherland, Aiden Trusty, and Elijah Trusty. The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented recently named Rico Sneller as their 2024 TAGT Educator of the Gifted. We celebrated our National Merit Semi Finalist Scholars, our Commended Scholars and our National Recognition Scholars from all three high schools. We wrapped up our recognitions by honoring the Armed Security Officers from our elementary campuses. We are grateful for our ASOs and their tireless efforts, ensuring that every student, teacher, and parent feels safe and supported. Superintendent Pratt made an administrative announcement, naming Judy Mercer as the new Director of Professional Learning. Judy will join the McKinney ISD Teaching and Learning department under the leadership of Dr. Amber Epperson. We then moved on to the presentation portion of the meeting. Melanie Raleeh, Deputy Superintendent of School Leadership, presented an update on pillar 4 from the Strategic Plan: McKinney ISD Family and Culture. We then moved into the consent agenda and discussion-action portions of the meeting. The Board reviewed and approved the monthly written reports. Those are the highlights from this month’s meeting. Thank you for watching, and we look forward to bringing you the highlights from our next regularly scheduled board meeting on December 16 at 6 PM.

MISD is pleased to announce that Jamie Siefken has been named the district's new Reading/Language Arts and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator for Pre-K through 2nd grade. With over 20 years of experience in education and a strong foundation in curriculum development, Siefken brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt passion for fostering a love of learning in young students.

Over the course of her career, Siefken has developed a deep understanding of research-based teaching practices and the tools to support diverse student populations. Having worked in various roles at Wilmeth, Bennett and Webb Elementary Schools, she has gained valuable insights into the unique needs of the McKinney community and is excited to continue contributing to the district’s mission of providing high-quality, engaging instruction that challenges and inspires young learners.

"I am excited to continue serving the McKinney ISD community by collaborating with educators and families to create engaging and impactful learning opportunities for all students," said Siefken.

Siefken holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a special endorsement in reading instruction from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Texas.

MISD is happy to announce that Audrey Colwell has been named the new Coordinator of Elementary Library Services and Instructional Technology. Having spent the past 20 years in MISD, Colwell brings a wealth of experience to her new role and a deep commitment to literacy and technology innovation in the classroom.

Colwell began her career at Slaughter Elementary, teaching first and third grades, before earning her master's degree in library science and transitioning to her current role as Library Media Specialist.

For the past decade, Colwell has built strong district-wide relationships by actively contributing to initiatives and library programs that enhance the educational experience for all students.

In her new role, Colwell will guide the district’s elementary library programs and play a key leadership role in supporting the innovative use of technology in the classroom. She is passionate about collaborating with all stakeholders to support the success of all schools in MISD.

"I am honored by the opportunity to contribute to McKinney ISD on a larger scale," said Colwell. "And, I am dedicated to inspiring all staff and students to cultivate creative, innovative thinking while pursuing their passions and new knowledge with curiosity and purpose."

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Grace Edwards from McKinney Boyd High School. Video link: https://youtu.be/w2zCNj92Ua8?si=FupIJeqGgwLPdq9- Grace is a senior on the Lady Broncos Volleyball team. Grace is ranked 49th in her class, and she has taken 4 AP classes. She is a member of the National Honors Society. Next year, Grace plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. That’s Grace Edwards from McKinney Boyd High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.

Collin College invites you to a virtual information session on Dual Credit! During this session, you'll learn how your child can earn college credits while still in high school, saving time and money on their future college degree.

Here's what you'll discover:

—What is Dual Credit and how does it work?
—Benefits of Dual Credit for Your Student
—Course options available at Collin College
—Eligibility requirements and application process
—Answers to all your Dual Credit questions!

Join us virtually on:
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST

Click here to join the Zoom meeting: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/pO7xCERmG4FAxyNKUpivH7TA_w?domain=us02web.zoom.us

Meeting ID: 813 0989 8168
Passcode: 851348

This session is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore how Dual Credit can benefit your child's academic journey.

This morning, Reuben Johnson Elementary wrapped up their weeklong focus on kindness by stuffing party favor bags to support The Birthday Party Project, an organization that makes birthdays special for kids in need. All told, RJE filled 924 bags with fun items donated by the RJE community! RJE students learned about kindness by putting it to work!

"We are so proud of our students and families for embracing World Kindness Week and putting their hearts into a campus wide service project to support The Birthday Party Project," said RJE Principal Kristen Patterson. " We had no idea what to expect when we started assembling our donations this morning, and after counting we were blown away with the realization that we are giving 924 filled birthday party favor bags to children in need. Our RJE families truly are the best at giving and supporting others."

The 2024-2025 McKinney CAN series continued today as MISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt welcomed the group to McKinney Boyd High School for the second of four scheduled sessions.

The morning's topics covered Teaching & Learning led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amber Epperson with Alpha Teacher Rico Sneller providing a presentation on STEAM 3D printing and design in the elementary grades. Sr. Director Zabdi Gonzalez talked about the vital work of the English Learner Support department, and Sr. Director of Spec. Populations Brynne Riley and Exec. Director of Special Populations Adrienne Broyles offered an overview of the expansive work and impact of the Special Populations department.

McKinney CAN meets four times a year at different schools to provide participants with in-depth knowledge about the vision, goals, and operations of McKinney ISD. The program aims to ‘pull the curtain back’ on public education and McKinney ISD and to show our stakeholders how each department works to support campuses and our students. Next stop for McKinney CAN is Webb Elementary in February!

Thanks to Principal David Hodum and the staff at Boyd for their hospitality!

The MISD Childcare Department is seeking part-time staff to work 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. in its preschool programs.

$17/hour
Must be 18 or older and have graduated high school.

Contact Jennifer Harris at jharris@mckinneyisd.net for more information.

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Jud Rector. https://youtu.be/C6Bzygtnw34?si=myGg_YkaSQNPIbEh Jud is a senior at McKinney North High School where he is a member of the True North Varsity Choir. For the past two years, he has earned a 1 in ranking on Solo & Ensemble contest, and he was a Honors Recital Winner in the 11th grade. Jud currently has a 4.3 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP courses. He ranks 32nd in his class and is in the top 6%. In his free time, Jud plays varsity baseball for the Buldawgs. He also plays select baseball and volunteers at the local library. Jud has spent 3 years working for Bearfoot Lifeguard Company, with 2 years of managing experience and 1 year of instructing experience. After graduation, Jud plans to dual major in Music Performance and Business and then potentially pursue an MBS in Business. He is interested in several schools, including UT Austin, Rice, SMU, TCU, U of Arkansas, Duke, UNC, Baylor, or Oklahoma University. That’s Jud Rector, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.

Culture, Diversity, Tradition – with the Valley Creek Community Video link: https://youtu.be/dwD0F15Yssw?si=8ZXuCcsrfFTubsZY “You just never know. The person down the hall may have the same traditions as you.” Dr. Ebonee King serves as principal at Valley Creek Elementary, and over a year ago the PTA for her campus created a culture & diversity committee with a unified goal in mind: acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of their community. The Family Cultures & Traditions Night, held last month on the campus, marked the first of what Valley Creek hopes to be MANY events that showcases and shares the heritage of their neighborhood.

Walker Elementary students and staff members came together to celebrate Veterans Day today with a special ceremony and breakfast. Video link: https://youtu.be/dPdUFQSIk5I?si=xJGgJwbMRBkI0LSP The talented Harmony Choir from McKinney High School performed the National Anthem, setting a respectful tone for the event. In addition, the enthusiastic Walker student body honored the veterans present with an engaging “Military Medley,” which showcased a selection of songs that resonated deeply with the significance of the occasion.

McKinney High School Commemorates Veterans Day Video link: https://youtu.be/x4QgoqcaNOQ Five members of the McKinney ISD family were honored for their service to our country this morning at McKinney High School. In appreciation for their service as veterans in the armed forces, MHS Principal Dr. Kent paid tribute to Sergeant Major Don Hernandez (Marines), Retired Chief Warrant Officer-3 Ron McPhatter (Marines), Natalie Walker (Air Force), Staff Sergeant Curtis Logan (Air Force) and Keith Thompson (Navy).

This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Brady Stangl from McKinney North High School. Video link: https://youtu.be/pkVmQtWUCNA?si=CQUrywwrhAO911i7 Brady is a Senior on the Bulldogs Swim team. Brady is a State Qualifier, 2-time District Champion, and Swim MVP. He has been featured on WFAA as Scholar Athlete of the Week and named to Academic All-District First team. Brady is an AP Academic Scholar and has taken 4 AP classes. He is a Red and Blue cord recipient with a 3.96 GPA and is ranked 54th in his class. Brady is a volunteer at his church, is a part of his church's youth group, and is a swimmer for his Club Team. Next year, Brady plans to attend college and further his education. That’s Brady Stangl from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.