The Faubion Lion Pride Press
Week of November 2, 2026
Dear Faubion Family,
Welcome back to the best middle school in the state of Texas! In this newsletter, we feature excellent instruction, recognize our Thankful Thursday winner, and remind our community about Election Day on November 3.
Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." At Faubion Middle School, we make excellence a habit, and we are kind. Parents, thank you for partnering with us in helping your children build quality habits so they will become the leaders of our future.
Go Lions!
- Dr. Boom
College Week - Week of November 2, 2026
As Red Ribbon Week comes to an end, College Week begins next week! 🎓
For your quick reference, here are the College Week Theme Days:
Monday - Decades of Degrees (Retro Alumni Day)
Tuesday - Scholarship Status
Wednesday - Study Abroad
Thursday - Running Late to an 8 a.m. Class
Friday - Draft Day
Thank you for your support, and let’s make it a great College Week!
Crime Scene Investigation in RLA
Students in 8th Grade RLA celebrated writing by becoming part of our "official" Faubion CSI team. Students were provided evidence bags, an investigation paper, and their department issued mustache. Every student will finish their studies of Edgar Allan Poe and connected texts by writing their official findings in their report tomorrow. Though the story comes to an end, their love for reading and writing will live on well beyond today.
Thankful Thursday, featuring Bria Wyatt!
Once per week on Thursdays, we have our students start their Focus Period by writing something for which they are grateful!
By seeing the positive around us and having appreciation for what we have, we are creating more successful kids! Out of 492 responses on Thankful Thursday, we selected 10 open-ended responses that resonated with our admin team. 10 students were selected, and they were able to pick a prize out of the treasure chest. Congratulations to Spencer Hutcherson, Mia Staempfli, Diego Gonzalez, Cameron Switser, Jack Kiekhoefer, Bria Wyatt, Inaya Parvez, Evelyn Brasch, Lily Nuñez, and Ian Garcia!
Here was the excerpt from student Bria Wyatt: "I'm thankful for my Meme. She's my great grandma, and she is the sweetest person alive. She tells me stories from when she was young and about her husband when he was alive. I love spending time with her and learning from her vast knowledge of the world. She helps me with chores because she likes to get up and do things around the house. I remember a story that she shared about the first car that she bought. She was driving to church and was looking out at the countryside and she was looking back on when she used to ride horses and play in the field and when she grew up on the farm."
Congratulations to all the winners!
Teacher and Staff of the Month
Congratulations to our Teacher of the Month Mrs. Kristen Manning and our Staff of the Month Nurse Megan Ganter! We are so grateful for their contributions and for everyone who voted for them!
McKinney ISD Election 2026 - Election Day is November 3!
Early voting has started and we encourage our community to get out and vote! McKinney ISD has 5 propositions this election. Proposition A is a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that if approved by voters, would provide additional funding for teacher compensation and student programs. Propositions B through E will fund safety and security, fine arts, athletics, technology, facility upgrades and new schools. McKinney ISD's total tax rate will still be 3.79 cents lower than last year, and all 5 propositions can be funded within this tax rate.
We invite you to learn more about both proposals on the district’s website:https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026
Election Information Video: https://youtu.be/yX47LGN2jQE?si=Vorbo0q-5Y1kySp1
Growth in McKinney Video: https://youtu.be/NJXVUWLpPxc?si=YweWSdW7zsL3dBed
Ballot Language Video: https://youtu.be/gflMx32TTmA?si=BztettxuGM6F7ANY
Red Ribbon Week Fun!
Thank you to our Student Council, Ms. McGuire, and our counselors for a super fun Red Ribbon Week!
Lost and Found Items to Claim
Has your child misplaced anything this school year? We have quite the inventory of items in our lost and found, including hoodies, water bottles, shirts, and lunch bags. Please note that we will clean out our Lost and Found next Friday, so please ask your child to check. Our Lost and Found is located adjacent to the cafeteria and the courtyard.
8th Grade Parents: High School Registration is Coming!
It’s hard to believe we’re already preparing for high school registration! All 8th grade students will complete the Strengths Explorer and will soon take the Career Cluster Finder in Naviance. These tools help students identify their strengths, explore career interests, and begin thinking about future opportunities.
To build on this learning, all 8th-grade students will attend a CTE Learning Trip to the McKinney ISD Stadium on November 10.
During this experience, students will explore career pathways and elective options available in our high schools. Students will rotate through sessions highlighting CTE programs, advanced academics, the new Collegiate Academy McKinney, and other opportunities available through McKinney ISD.
Families can learn more about the available CTE programs by viewing the CTE Programs Overview.
Trip Details
Date: Tuesday, November 10
Lunch: 11:54
Load buses: 12:35
Depart campus: 12:45
Return to campus: 3:50
Permission Slips: Permission Slip or Permission Slip (Spanish)
RLA teachers will distribute and collect permission slips. The completed permission slip were due Friday, October 30. We are extending the deadline until Wednesday, November 4.
We hope this experience helps students make informed decisions as they begin creating their four-year high school plans and exploring the many opportunities available to them.
For additional information about high school planning, families can visit the McKinney ISD Academic Planning Guide.
Looking Ahead to November: Naviance Career Exploration
In November, students across all grade levels will continue exploring their interests, strengths, and future possibilities through Naviance!
6th Grade: Students will complete the Career Key Self-Discovery Assessment, which helps match their interests with potential career options and introduces them to careers they may enjoy.
7th Grade: Students will complete the Achieve Works Intelligences Assessment to discover their strengths in school, work, and other activities. They will explore how these strengths can help guide their future educational and career pathways.
8th Grade: Students will complete the Career Cluster Finder to explore career clusters that align with their interests and personal qualities. This assessment will help students connect their interests to potential career fields, high school programs, and future educational opportunities.
These activities are especially exciting for our 8th graders, who will also participate in an upcoming educational trip to explore McKinney ISD's high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. By connecting their interests and strengths with real-world learning opportunities, students can begin making informed decisions about their futures!
We look forward to helping our Lions discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and take the next steps toward their future goals!
As always, counseling resources and counselor contact information are available below. We are grateful for the opportunity to support our Lions and look forward to sharing more with you soon!
Resources
MISD Parent Resources
MISD P.O.W.E.R. Parenting
A - G - Kandace Baker - kabaker@mckinneyisd.net - 469-302-6922
H - 0 - Johnna Rose - jsmalleyrose@mckinneyisd.net - 469-302-6923
P - Z - Christina Kiefer - chkiefer@mckinneyisd.net - 469-302-6908
Warm up the Pride with Winter Weather Gear
Starting October 27, Faubion Middle School will collect new and gently worn outerwear to help keep our community warm this winter!
We especially need hoodies, along with coats and jackets in sizes Youth Large through Adult Large. Please, no vests.
Donations can be dropped off in the front office or collection box. Thank you for supporting our Faubion Lions!
Questions? Contact studentsupport@faubionpto.com
The Book Fair is Coming!
The Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner! The book fair will start on Monday, November 9 and run through lunches on Monday, November 16. Students will visit the Book Fair with their RLA classes and can also come to the book fair before school, after school, and during their lunch. The book fair will also be open for 1 hour before Anastasia on Thursday and Friday.
Scholastic offers an eWallet where you can put funds for your child to purchase books. Click this link to set up your child's eWallet. eWallets now carry over from fair to fair, making it simple to manage unspent funds at any time.
All of our book fair information is on the Book Fair website: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/faubionmiddleschool.
If you do not want your child to attend the Book Fair, please fill out this Book Fair Opt-Out Form and be sure to speak with them so that they do not attend during their free time.
If you are interested in volunteering to help support the event - we could really use some help - please sign up with this LINK!
Stay Updated!
McKinney ISD is pleased to announce that student progress reports and report cards will be available electronically through Skyward Family Access this school year.
Make it a habit to check Skyward regularly so you can celebrate successes, catch concerns early, and help your student stay on track.
If you need assistance accessing your Skyward Family Access account, please visit the McKinney ISD Skyward Help page for resources and support. You may also watch this short video on Accessing Grades in Family Access. For additional information on grading, please check MISD’s website here.
Faubion Basketball Tryouts are Approaching!
Requirements
- Must be in the Athletics period
- Students must complete the Tryout Contract, link is below.
- Students must be academically eligible (Must have been passing all classes on the 10/9, Quarter 1, grade check or passing all classes on the 11/2 Re-evaluation)
- Students must attend every day of tryouts
- Taking top athletes to form 3 Teams for each grade
7th Grade
- Tryout are in the morning, with locker room doors opening at 6:30am
- Athletes will stay through first period and then have the opportunity to change for school and eat breakfast.
8th Grade
- Tryouts start during 7th period and go until 5:15pm
- Athletes will be released on the East Side gym doors
Please reach out to Coach Wiggins or Coach Softly with any questions!
Expectations at Sporting Events
Please note the important rules about attending sporting events in McKinney ISD:
1) All students must bring their student ID.
2) Middle schoolers must have a grown-up with them.
3) The clear bag policy is in effect, and no outside drinks are allowed.
4) Everyone must have a ticket, and tickets must be purchased online. BUY TICKETS HERE
5) Students are expected to respect the other team and follow the instructions of all adults.
6) Student spectators must leave promptly at the end of the game.
Talking With Your Child
Talking about mental health and suicide can feel uncomfortable, but open conversations can help children feel supported and know where to turn when they need help. Here are a few ways you can start the conversation at home:
Check in: Ask, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything on your mind?”
Listen: Give your child time and space to share without immediately trying to solve the problem.
Take concerns seriously: If your child talks about hurting themselves or not wanting to live, stay calm, listen, and seek help right away.
Encourage trusted adults: Remind your child that they can talk with you, a counselor, teacher, coach, or another trusted adult when they need support.
Know your resources: If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, reach out to your school counselor or a mental health professional.
If Immediate Help Is Needed
Please note that email is not monitored for emergencies. If you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis or is in immediate danger:
Call 911 for an emergency.
Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Chat online through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org
For additional mental health resources and support, please visit the MISD Counseling Website: McKinney ISD Guidance & Counseling Resources
Thank you for partnering with us to support the mental health, safety, and well-being of our students. Together, we can help our children know that they are not alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Breakfast and Lunch Information
If you would like to apply for Free and Reduced Lunch, please complete the form on My SCHOOL APPS (myschoolapps.com). This form needed to be completed every year, as it does not renew from year to year. You can add money to your child's lunch balance by visiting MySchool Bucks (myschoolbucks.com).
Also, you can visit the Aramark Website for updates to our school lunch menu by visiting the FAUBION SCHOOL FOOD for more detailed information about lunch and breakfast offerings, please visiting Faubion Middle School Menus.
IMPORTANT! Please note that per district practice we do not accept third-party food delivery for students, including deliveries from other parents. Unfortunately we will turn away food deliveries unless they are delivered by the child's guardian or emergency contact. Lastly, students may not share food with other students.
Vacation Planner
Support your student’s success by reducing absences and planning for vacations during school breaks.
Following these dates ensures your child won’t miss classroom instruction.
Use the 2026-2027 Vacation Planner as a guide, and view the full 2026-2027 calendar at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/calendars
2026-2027 Vacation Planner Printable: https://aptg.co/Tr4Q6N
Spirit Wear from our PTO!
Cooler weather will be here before you know it!! Shop the Lion's Den today and pick up at Meet the Teacher! We have some great items to choose from: https://shopfaubionpto.square.site/spiritwear
As always, please go to www.faubionpto.com and shop at your convenience! All athletics gear (7th and 8th grade athletics) is purchased through the Athletics department. All 6th grade Pre-Athletics and 6th-8th grade Physical Education gear is sold through the PTO.
Traffic and Pick-Up Guidelines
As you are planning for picking up your child after school, here are FMS expectations:
1) Adhere to the "No Parking" signs, which means no parking/stopping/standing. Streets affected are southbound Paula, northbound Isola, northbound Hollis, and southbound Duvall.
2) Be sure to pull over completely when dropping off or picking up your child.
3) Do not enter the McKinney ISD Central Office parking lot or the FMS gym parking lot.
4) You may use parking in front of Ron Poe stadium, where there is ample parking and access to go north, east, or south after picking up your child.
5) Duvall is one-way street (southbound only) on the south side of Josephine.
6) Dropping off children in front of the cafeteria is not allowed in the mornings.
7) Do not use the parking lot by the Fine Arts doors (Door 7) on the southwest corner of the building.
8) If your child has an appointment at the end of the day, please make sure to check them out prior to 3:30 p.m.
Note: The speed limit for the entirety of the one-mile block surrounding Faubion, Central Office, and Al Alford Field has a speed limit of 20 miles per hour during drop-off and pick-up hours. Please adhere strictly to this law, as there are several school buildings in the vicinity.
Did You Know?
Faubion earned all seven academic distinctions on the state's A-F accountability system for the 2024-2025 school year. This achievement is significant in that there were only 192 schools in the state and only six middle schools in Collin County to have earned all seven distinctions.
Faubion is the only school in the state with a TMEA state finalist band and TMEA state finalist orchestra in the same year.
Athletics are supported by coaches who hold high standards in preparation, teamwork, and grit. Our athletes have recently set school and district records.
Faubion's boys' cross country teams finished runner-up in the district for both the 7th grade and 8th grade teams in the 2026 season!
Our Faubion Theatre One-Act Play Team won the 2024-2025 bi-district championship.
Faubion won the district Academic UIL championship 13 years in a row.
Faubion exceeded the national average in growth for every content area, every grade level, and every student subgroup (out of 70 possible opportunities).
Faubion was named to the Texas Honor Roll by the Educational Results Partnership.
The Faubion PTO plans and executes many events during the school year, including the school dance, Family Fun Night, Welcome to the Pride, staff celebrations, and so much more!
Faubion is home to the McKinney ISD secondary teacher of the year, Reagan Brannon!
Faubion's teaching staff is among the most seasoned in the state with an average of 12.2 years of experience, regularly delivering exceptional academic outcomes.
Saturday, October 31
Faubion Volleyball B/C District Tournament
Monday, November 2
Individual Student Picture Retake Day
Tuesday, November 3
Fire Drill
Wednesday, November 4
DEADLINE EXTENDED - Permission Slip or Permission Slip (Spanish) due to 8th grade RLA teachers
Thursday, November 5
All-Region Band Auditions hosted by Faubion
Friday, November 6
Unclaimed Items from "Lost and Found" will be donated
Saturday, November 7
Volleyball A Team District Tournament
Monday, November 9 - Monday, November 16
Scholastic Book Fair in the Faubion Library
Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day
Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14
Anastasia, The Musical!
Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, December 2
Science MAP test
Monday, December 7
Math MAP test
Wednesday, December 9
Reading MAP test
Friday, December 18
End of 2nd Quarter
Monday, December 21 - Friday, January 1
Winter Break
Monday, January 4
Staff Development Day - No School for Students
Monday, January 11
Fall Photo Retake Day and Clubs Photo Day
Tuesday, January 12
UIL - Students Gain or Lose Eligibility
Friday, January 15
Merit Scholar / Lion's Pride Awards Ceremony
Saturday, January 16
Academic UIL Invitational
Monday, January 18
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
Monday, February 1
Staff Development Day - No School for Students
Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16
Staff Development Day - No School for Students
Wednesday, February 24
UIL - Students May Regain Eligibility
Saturday, February 27
Academic UIL District Competition
Friday, March 12
End of 3rd Quarter
Monday, March 15 - Friday, March 19
Spring Break
Friday, March 26
School Holiday
Monday, March 29
UIL - Students Gain or Lose Eligibility
Friday, April 2
Merit Scholar / Lion's Pride Awards Ceremony
Monday, April 5
Bad Weather Makeup Day
Wednesday, April 7
Reading STAAR
Wednesday, April 14
Science STAAR - 8th Grade
Thursday, April 15
Social Studies STAAR - 8th Grade
Friday, April 16
School Holiday - Teacher Work Day
Monday, April 19
Bad Weather Makeup Day
UIL - Students May Regain Eligibility
Wednesday, April 21
Math STAAR
Monday, May 3
Science MAP test - tentative
Wednesday, May 5
Reading MAP test - tentative
Monday, May 17
Math MAP test
Friday, May 21
8th Grade Field Trip at Pin Stack Plano
Thursday, May 27
Last Day of School (End of 4th Quarter) and 8th Promotion Ceremonies / Final Walk
Friday, May 28
High school graduation ceremonies and '27-'28 Incoming 6th grade parent information meeting