Melissa Ridge Education Center

Can you believe we are heading into the last week before winter break? Time has flown by, and we’re so proud of everything our little Cardinals have accomplished this semester! As we prepare to wrap up the semester, we’re adding a sprinkle of holiday magic to make it extra special.

Our MREC Magic Winter Celebration is just around the corner, and we’d love for you to join us for this festive event! Don’t forget to RSVP by Monday, December 16th to secure your spot and receive your tickets for entry!

We’re so excited to see you there as we celebrate all the joy and magic of the season. Let’s make this an unforgettable send-off to winter break!

Thank you for all your support this semester! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Happy Holidays,

Kimberly Cole

Principal

We are so excited to celebrate the magic of the season with you and our Little Cardinals. Instead of our usual classroom winter parties, we’re hosting MREC Magic, our 1st Annual Holiday Assembly, a special event to celebrate the season. All students will participate in this event. If you choose to attend, please plan is to meet at the gym. Each student may have 2 family members attend the assembly.

Parent Participation

Please complete the RSVP form by Monday, December 16th at 4:00 pm. Note that any adult planning to attend will need a completed background check and ticket. All background checks should be submitted and completed by Friday, December 13th. (Online background check form included in the RSVP if needed.) Again, background checks and tickets will be required for all persons that will be in the gym with the students.

If you completed a background check previously you will receive a ticket in your child’s backpack. You will NOT be able to enter the gym without a background check and ticket. Parents will be allowed to check their student out of school from the gym the day of the event.

Event Plans:

Teachers will walk students over to the SGC Competition Gym during their assigned assembly times. Students must walk with their class to and from the gym and will continue with a regular school day once they return. Parents should report directly to the gym.

Event Times

8:30 - 9:15 am

PreK Classes: Changanaqui, Templin, Lopez, Irelenborn, Vidrine, Brynes

AM Classes: Rosier, Stephens, Vaughan

Cardinal Child Care: Sprouts, Stars, Sunshine

1:00 - 1:45 pm

PreK Classes: Iverson, Marshall, Sparks, Hamilton, Matthews, Wimberly, Kusano, Stipp

PM Classes: Rosier, Stephens, Vaughan

We are so excited to have parents with us for this day! Please make plans to join us as we celebrate our students and staff for the holidays! If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

MREC Staff

• All Guardians must have an approved background check on file prior to the event.
• Please note, the office will adhere to RSVP and background check deadlines.
• Tickets will be placed in your child's folder starting Tuesday.
• All tickets will be checked by MREC Staff before entry.
• Check-in will begin 15 minutes prior to the event.
• Please enter through the Competition Gym doors. (NOT the front office.)
• Please park at the Stadium. Parking near SGC is reserved for staff.
• Please remain seated during the presentation.
• Parents are not allowed on the gym floor.
• Students must be in attendance to participate in the event.
• * MREC Front Office staff will not be available during event times.

December

5 - 12 Days of Holiday Themed Dress Up Days

19 - MREC Magic

20 - Early Release Day (11:30 am)

23 - Winter Break Begins (No School)

January

7 - Students Return

20 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No School)

Students at Melissa Schools have early release on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, ahead of the Winter Break. The early release times are as follows:

• Pre-K/ECSE @ 11:30 a.m.

• Elementary (K-5) @ 11:45 a.m.

• Melissa High School @ 12:10 p.m.

• Melissa Middle School & Sixth Grade Center @ 12:30 p.m.

On early release days, students who ride the bus are dropped off from school approximately 3.5 hours ahead of their usual drop off time. As a reminder, Kindergarten students who ride the bus are required to be picked up from their bus stop by their registered parent/guardian.

At Melissa ISD, our students, staff, and families are at the heart of everything we do. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to share updates on new schools and facilities that will empower all students to reach their full potential. Our commitment to integrity drives us to create lasting spaces that meet the needs of our growing community. Learn more at www.melissaisd.org/move

Dec. 16 - Wear White or dress like a Snowperson

Dec. 17 - Wear Green or dress like the Grinch or someone from Whoville

Dec. 18 - Wear Jingle Bells

Dec. 19 - Wear your favorite Holiday Sweater (Ugly or Cute)

Dec. 20 - Wear Pajamas

The Melissa ISD academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, as recommended by the District Site-Based Decision Committee, has been approved by the Board of Trustees. To access the school calendar, visit www.melissaisd.org/calendar.

Join us on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. for the Melissa Cardinals Boys' home game against Anna High School and bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal to donate to the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center! Each stuffed animal grants one free admission to the game. When the Cardinals score their first basket, the Teddy Bear Toss begins. Fans will toss their stuffed animals onto the court, creating an unforgettable moment while giving back to a great cause. Don’t miss this exciting night of basketball and community!

Our new Community News Folder is designed to help local businesses and organizations share family-friendly programs, fundraisers, events, and activities with the community. The folder is updated regularly, so don't forget to check back often. This week, you'll find details on exciting events like performances of The Nutcracker, Selfies with Santa, and the Santa's Helpers 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run. If you'd like to feature your business or organization's events in the Community News Folder, please visit our Community Connections webpage for more information.

Come cheer on our Cardinal athletic teams and show them your support! All our teams have had a tremendous start to their seasons, showcasing the strength and dedication of our student-athletes. Pack the stands with Cardinal spirit and have some fun with these game-day dress-up themes for both varsity boys and girls basketball.

Stay informed about what's going on at our campuses and upcoming events by following us on social media. Melissa ISD can be found on Facebook and Instagram, and each campus has its own Facebook page. Melissa High School also has a dedicated Instagram account. Don't miss out—follow us today.