Walker News

McKinney ISD Winter Greeting Card Contest

ENTRIES DUE TO Your Art Teacher by WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 2026 BY 3PM

The time for encouraging your students to design greeting cards for the upcoming holiday season is here! Superintendent Shawn Pratt and the MISD administration will use the winning design to send greetings to members, businesses, and fellow school district administrators. Please read the guidelines VERY carefully so that there will have no misunderstandings of the expectations for students' works of art.

Contest Guidelines

1. ENTRIES DUE: Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 by 3PM

2. Work must be done SOLELY by the student and must be the original work of the student. (Copying of any artwork is not permitted, NO tracing, opaque projector images, no clip art design, No AI art, etc.)

3. No black and white art. Artwork must be colorful

   • Any medium will be fine: paints, crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.

4. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: Winter landscapes, activities, & animals. No specific holidays/religions.

5. Students should be encouraged to express their own feelings, thoughts, and ways of celebrating the winter season in their artwork. They will not be limited in the ideas/subjects they are allowed to submit.

6. No words on card

7. The student's name, grade, school and art teacher must be clearly written on the BACK of the drawing.

8. We will have one card for elementary and one or two from secondary (depending on the number of entries). There will be a cover design and runners-up in each division. Typically, we have small prizes for the winners provided by vendors such as Chick-fil-A and School Specialty.

Prizes will be awarded to the card design winners: Chick-fil-A, School Specialty

PLEASE CONTACT ART TEACHER, TRISHA McCOY, AT tmccoy@mckinneyisd.net IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Dearest Walker Families,

We hope everyone had a wonderful Fall Break.

Since there are so many opportunities in October, we thought we should send an updated October newsletter. Please note this only includes the remaining events/activities for October.

REMINDER - Monday, Oct. 26th is a student holiday. Enjoy the 3-day weekend!

Have a wonderful week,

Michelle Baumann, Principal & Melanie Adlof, Assistant Principal

Walker Elementary

Walker Year At-a-Glance

Google Calendar (can sync with your online calendar)

We will begin conducting Vision, Hearing, and Acanthosis Nigricans screenings on campus beginning September 30th. Spinal screening will occur at a later date.

Texas State Law requires that the following students be screened:

• Vision and Hearing: PreK, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and all students new to McKinney ISD
• Acanthosis Nigricans: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th
• Spinal: Girls will be screened two times - once at age 10 and again at age 12. Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14.

If you'd like to view your school portraits but don't have your online code, visit: www.legacyfindmycode.com

Questions? Ask our photo providers at ask.legacystudios.com

Friday, Oct. 16th

PINK OUT Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Support those fighting breast cancer with love and hope.

Walker Storybook Pumpkin Patch

Decorate a small fresh or artificial pumpkin as your favorite storybook character!

Drop off your pumpkin in the Learning Commons on October 19th for display and voting. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

All pumpkins go home on October 23rd.

Walker Elementary Student Council Selling Boo Grams

Send to your friends - to be delivered Oct. 30th

Students purchase in the Walker Cafe from 7:40-8am

Picture Day Re-takes Oct. 21at

Read-A-Thon Reward School Assembly

Lone Star Action Sports

Oct. 23rd 1:30pm

MISD Student Holiday - Mon., Oct. 26th

RED RIBBON WEEK

LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE: CELEBRATE HEALTHY CHOICES!

Schedule & Daily Themes

• Oct. 27 — Achieve Your Dreams

  • Theme/Dress: Wear Pajamas

• Oct. 28 — Staying Healthy Every Single Day

  • Theme/Dress: Sock hops, tie-dye, neon, and Y2K: Choose a decade to represent (from the 1950s to current)

• Oct. 29 — We Are Red-Y to Be Healthy

  • Theme/Dress: Wear red to school

• Oct. 30 — Be a Great Character

  • Theme/Dress: Dress as a book character

  • Important: No scary costumes or masks – no props

CELEBRATE A HEALTHY LIFE WITH ME

STORYBOOK CHARACTER PARADE & 3rd Grade Specials Showcase

Walker Live Assembly

Friday, Oct. 30th

2:30pm

Reminders: Bring tennis shoes for recess and PE ~ No scary costumes or weapon props

What: Dynasty Dance

Who: Walker Stars, Grades K-5

When: Tuesdays from 3:20 - 4:30 pm

Cost: Regular Session is $179 (no recital), Performance Session is $285. There is a $25 Registration Fee for all students and a $55 Costume Fee (Performance Session Only).

Regular Session runs September 8-November 3

Performance Session runs September 8-December 8

*No class on 10/13 or 11/24).

Recital date is TBA

REGISTER NOW! Register online. All payments and forms must be completed 48 hours before class begins. No new registrations will be accepted after the first class. No refunds after the first class. Payment plans are available for performance sessions only.

Enroll at www.ddatexas.com

Questions? Call/text 682-557-5458 or email ddatexas.com@gmail.com

Parents will pick up at 4:30 in the carpool line. There is a late pick up fee of $1/min.

Walker Elementary School Presents: Science Club

Hands-on experiments and projects to take home!

Program Details

• Target Audience: Grades 1–5

• Schedule: Wednesday Afternoons, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

• Dates: September 16th – May 19th (Join anytime)

• Cost: $114 per month

Activities & Experiments

• Play with Lightning

• Make a Tornado!

• Build a Zip Flyer

• Build a Robot

• Atoms & Molecules

• Chemical Explosions

• Make Slime!

• Hold a Bubble!

• ...and much, much more!

Registration

• Limited seats available.

• Register today at www.aosci.com.

Drama Kids INTERNATIONAL®

The difference is dramatic!

WE SET THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS!

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL!

We do drama different. Enjoy an exciting mix of theatre games, improvisation, scripted work, and more in a safe and fun environment. Boost self-expression, social skills, and creativity with us!

Program Details

• Grades: K – 5th

• Location: @ Walker Elementary

• Schedule: Thursdays, 9/10 – 5/6 | 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM

• Cost: $75 / month

Whether your child is destined for the stage or the boardroom, we...

• ✔ Build confidence.

• ✔ Foster creativity.

• ✔ Develop social skills.

• ✔ Grow emotional-intelligence.

• ✔ Strengthen public-speaking.

• ✔ Embrace individuality.

Contact Information

• Website: dramakids.com/tx5

• Phone: 214.592.4066

• Email: dramakidstx5@gmail.com

Families are encouraged to complete the School Meal Benefits Application for the current school year. Not Sure If You Qualify? Apply Anyway!

Even if you are unsure whether your household qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, we encourage you to submit an application. The process is confidential, and qualifying may provide important benefits and resources for your family and your child's school.

Applying is easy:

Online: Visit MySchoolApps.com

Paper: Request a paper application by contacting 469-302-6378.

Need Help: Contact 469-302-6378. We can answer any questions you may have about filling out the application form or any other questions throughout the process.

Don't assume you won't qualify. Apply today!

A critical ingredient in the safe school recipe is the uniform classroom response to any incident. Weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to student safety are scenarios that are planned and trained for by all McKinney ISD schools and District Administration and staff. Historically, schools have taken this scenario-based approach to respond to hazards and threats. Each McKinney ISD classroom is furnished with the Standard Response Protocol poster that provides teachers with readily accessible response procedures and provides information during a crisis event. The attached handout explains Standard Response Protocol that is taught to students, faculty, and staff.

Please this link to view the Standard Response Protocol parent information.

SUPPORT WALKER ELEMENTARY WHY PTA?

#1 PTA ENRICHES STUDENTS

• Academic assemblies & programs, literacy initiatives, celebrations/parties, talent showcase, playground reources, and more!

#2 PTA ENGAGES FAMILIES

• Family festivals, spirit nights, community involvement, parent education programs, communications

#3 PTA SUPPORTS TEACHERS

• Tutoring support, staff luncheons and recognition, volunteer support, breakroom resources & supplies

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT WALKER:

• Become a Member

• Be a Volunteer (variety of ways to help!)

Scan the QR code to discover more & join the PTA.

Contact membership@walkerstarspta.net with any questions.

Hello Walker Families,

Welcome to the 26-27 school year! On behalf of the PTA, we're excited to partner with our incredible students, families, teachers, and staff to make this a year filled with connection and memorable experiences. Our PTA is committed to supporting our Stars through programs, volunteer opportunities, and events that help every student thrive. Whether you're a returning family or new to our community, there's a place for you to get involved in whatever way works best for your family. Your time, talents, and support make a meaningful difference. Together we can accomplish great things for our students. We look forward to seeing you at PTA events throughout the year and working alongside you. Watch your email and follow us on social media to learn more about PTA opportunities throughout the year. Facebook: WalkerStarsPTA, Instagram: @royleewalkerpta

Here's to a fantastic school year!

Ashley Sine

President, Walker Elementary PTA

president@walkerstarspta.net

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalkerStarsPTA

Order your Walker spirit wear from Home Team Prints:

https://hometeamprints.net/store#!/Walker-Stars/c/56566168

McKinney ISD Gifted & Talented: ALPHA Instructional Dates 2026–2027

Below are the important instructional dates, testing schedules, and holidays for the McKinney ISD Gifted and Talented ALPHA program for the 2026–2027 school year.

1st Semester

• December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 8th: No 4th & 5th ALPHA due to MAP Testing on Campus, as well as Dec 2nd GiftED26

• December 7th, 9th, 10th, & 11th: Last Days of ALPHA 1st Semester

2nd Semester

• January 5th – 8th: No ALPHA — ALPHA Testing & Home Campus Routines/Procedures

• January 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th: ALPHA Resumes

• Week of January 11th: Newly identified K–2 students join their Alpha classes

• January 19th @ 7:00 PM: K–2 New to GT Teams Meeting with Mrs. Dressel & Mrs. Stevens

• February 12th: Elementary & Middle School Teacher Collaborative Time (PLC) — No 4th & 5th Grade ALPHA

• April 7th – 8th: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Reading

• April 13th – 14th: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Science

• April 20th – 21st: No ALPHA Due to STAAR Math

• May 11th, 13th, & 18th: No ALPHA due to MAP Testing on Campus

• May 17th, 19th, 20th, & 21st: Last Days of ALPHA

As a service to McKinney ISD students and families, the district provides the Community Folder for school related, non-school related, and non-profit organizations. Electronic communication has become standard and is preferred by many parents; the schools are sharing more and more information via email as a convenience to parents. This also cuts back on paper coming home in folders. Information posted and accepted must be youth-oriented and will be reviewed and approved by the Communications Department. Updates will be posted often, so we ask that you check back for the latest opportunities and information from our community.

To view the latest information posted in the Community Folder- CLICK HERE

Fall Community Resource Night

Connecting Families with Community Resources

• Date: October 27, 2026

• Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Location: McKinney High School, 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069

Parenting the Digital Generation

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Event for parents only. In partnership with The Children's Advocacy Center.

• Registration will be required for those needing childcare for PreK–5th grade students. Link: [https://tinyurl.com/MISDCRN26](https://tinyurl.com/MISDCRN26)

• A supervised activity will be provided for secondary students during this time.

• Childcare and activities are provided to support families in attending this important event.

Food Truck

• Complimentary food provided to the first 1,000 people.

Improving and sustaining the quality of life for students and families in McKinney ISD.

Buddy Up with a McKinney Boyd BRONCO Baseball Player this season!

DO YOU LOVE BASEBALL? This is an amazing opportunity for current MISD 1st-5th graders (and hopefully FUTURE BRONCOS) to become a Baseball Buddy with one of the players!

Cost: $100

Registration:

• Scan the QR Code to Sign-Up! Spots are Limited!

• Don't Miss Out! Registration Begins Sept. 28th!

Play Ball! Cheer on the Broncos!

What's Included:

• BRONCO BUDDY SHIRT

• PHOTO WITH BUDDY

• ON FIELD FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM

• MEET AND GREET - RUN THE BASES & PLAY CATCH

• WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT

• FREE ENTRY TO HOME GAMES FOR BUDDY + 1 PARENT

• MENTORSHIP

Contact:

• Questions? Email: 4broncobaseballbuddy@gmail.com

• This is a program of McKinney Boyd Baseball & Boyd Baseball Booster Club.

Learn. Cheer. Have Fun!

Join the McKinney Boyd Varsity Cheerleaders for a morning of cheers, skills, games, and lots of Bronco spirit!

Event Information

Date: Saturday, October 24

Location: McKinney Boyd High School Gym

Who: Students in grades K–6

Cost: $35 per participant

The $35 registration fee includes:

• Cheer mini clinic
• Mini clinic T-shirt
• Snack

Schedule

8:45 AM: Doors open

9:00–11:00 AM: Cheer Mini Clinic

11:00–11:15 AM: Parent Showoff

Parents are invited to watch participants show off what they learned during the clinic.

Football Game Opportunity

Mini clinic participants will be invited to cheer with the McKinney Boyd Varsity Cheerleaders at the football game on October 30.

Registration

Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit:

www.boydcheerbooster.com/mini-clinic

Registration link:
https://www.boydcheerbooster.com/mini-clinic

A T-shirt size is required during registration.

Optional Sweatshirt

An optional sweatshirt is available for $30.

Purchase the sweatshirt here:
https://mckinneyapparelcompany.square.site/shop/mckinney-isd-mckinney-boyd-high-school/LEB2SK4ED2GNNDKKVUIM4SKN?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=created_date&sort_order=desc

The sweatshirt purchase is optional and is not included in the $35 clinic registration fee.

Childcare Programs is excited to invite students in Kinder–5th grade to our annual Daddy/Daughter Dance for an evening of dancing and fun!

• When: November 7, 2026
• Where: McKinney Boyd High School Cafeteria
• Time: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Registration and Cost

Parents may register through the Childcare Programs Eleyo website beginning October 2, 2026.

• Admission: $25 per person
• Corsages: $12 each
• Boutonnieres: $10 each

A valid state or government issued photo ID must be presented each time you visit, volunteer, or pick up a student. Please be prepared with your ID upon arrival. Photos of ID will not be accepted.

A background check is required each school year for people wanting to volunteer in McKinney ISD. This includes making copies, lunch duty coverage, classroom parties, field trips, and any other volunteering that takes place in our building or on our campus. We encourage you to complete your volunteer application as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the processing.
Volunteer Application

We always welcome your feedback. Connect with us via email, phone or schedule a meeting with Mrs. Baumann and/or Mrs. Adlof. Below is also a link to provide feedback, appreciations, compliments, concerns, or suggestions as we continue to ensure we are doing our very best at Walker.

mbaumann@mckinneyisd.net

madlof@mckinneyisd.net

469-302-4600

Share your ideas and feedback about Walker

Email: mbaumann@mckinneyisd.net
Website: https://mckinneyisdtx.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wes
Location: 4000 Cockrill Drive, McKinney, TX, USA
Phone: 469-302-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerelem