Just So You Know

See this week’s edition of A Melissa Minute for a glimpse into the excitement happening across Melissa ISD! Check out creative classroom activities, high school students making an impact at the SkillsUSA conference, and Cardinals learning, leading, and achieving—all while enjoying the sounds of an NCE music class bringing their instruments to life!

2/27-3/1 - Varsity Softball @ Wylie Tournament

2/27-3/1 - Varsity Baseball @ Tournament

2/28-3/1 - Varsity Powerlifting Regional Meet | Wichita Falls

2/28 - Varsity Soccer | Girls vs Denison 7:00 p.m. | Boys @ Denison 7:15 p.m.

3/1 - Show Choir Competition | Central High School | 3:25 p.m.

3/1 - Winter Guard Competition | NTCA Thomas Coliseum | 8:06 p.m.

3/3 - Varsity Girls Golf @ Lake Highlands Invitational

3/4 - Varsity Soccer | Girls @ Lovejoy 7:00 p.m. | Boys vs Lovejoy 7:15 p.m.

3/4 - Varsity Softball vs Greenville | Z-Plex | 6:00 p.m.
3/6 - Varsity Boys & Girls Tennis @ Midlothian Invitational

3/6-8 - Varsity Baseball @ Tournament

3/7 - Varsity Soccer | Girls vs McKinney North 7:00 p.m. | Boys @ McKinney North 7:15 p.m.

3/7 - Varsity Softball @ Sherman | 6:30 p.m.

Melissa High School had 52 students participate in the District 5 Leadership & Skills Conference, with 31 advancing to the SkillsUSA State Conference—more than double last year’s 13 state qualifiers! These students will showcase their skills at the state level in April, gaining valuable hands-on experience in their career fields. SkillsUSA helps CTE students develop technical expertise, leadership, and career readiness. Congratulations to these talented students and their dedicated teachers! To read more about these students and SkillsUSA, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2053278.

The Melissa High School Debate team had an outstanding showing at the National Speech and Debate District Competition, held February 4-6, 2025, with nine students qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Tournament. The team secured the second-most national qualifiers in the NSDA district and earned the district sweepstakes award. The students who qualified will now focus on preparing for the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament in June in Des Moines, IA. Congratulations to these talented students and a big thank you to Debate Coach Brenden Dimmig for his leadership and dedication to the team. To read more about this remarkable achievement, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2057805.

Melissa High School junior Maxim Smirnov earned 7th place in the consolation finals and finished 15th overall at the UIL 5A State Swim Meet on February 21-22, 2025, at the University of Texas. He delivered an outstanding performance in the 100-Yard Breaststroke, advancing to the finals with a preliminary time of 59.16 seconds and ultimately securing 7th place with a time of 59.20 seconds in the consolation finals. Maxim’s impressive results reflect his dedication and hard work throughout the season. Melissa High School is proud of his accomplishments and excited to see what he will achieve next year. To read more, please visit: www.melissaisd.org/article/2058902.

Melissa ISD is excited to announce several leadership updates to the Melissa ISD Elementary campuses for the 2025-2026 school year. Click the pictures below to learn more about each of these Team Melissa leaders.

Melissa High School English I and English Resource teacher, Caity Grant, has been nominated for the 2024-25 LifeChanger of the Year award! This national program, supported by the National Life Group Foundation, honors exceptional K-12 educators who make a lasting impact through their leadership and dedication. Ms. Grant was recognized for her commitment to creating a dynamic, supportive learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed. To read more about Ms. Grant and to post your support, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2055440.

Congratulations to the two Melissa ISD staff members who were honored by Mathews Auto Group (Honda and Nissan in Paris, TX) for their dedicated service to our Cardinals! On Wednesday, February 26, Leah Robison, a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) Teacher, and Katie Osborne, an LPAC Assistant in the Emergent Bilingual Department, were recognized through the "Pay it Forward" program initiated by Tim and Julie Anderson, former Melissa Cardinal family members and dealership owners. To find out more, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2058743.

Join us for a fun and informative evening at the Melissa ISD Health & Wellness Fair! This is a great opportunity to access important health and wellness resources for your family. Connect with over 30 vendors, gain valuable insights from expert speakers on the topics of The Impact of Technology on Mental Health and Impact Teen Drivers: Making Safer Choices Behind the Wheel and enjoy food from a variety of food trucks. In addition, Melissa ISD will be hosting an onsite vaccination clinic. Visit the link below to register for the vaccination clinic and get more information. Mark your calendars for this family-friendly event and look for more information coming soon!

On Feb. 10, 2025, the Melissa ISD School Board approved a bond election to address student growth, facility improvements, and technology updates. The proposal, shaped by multiple community committees, includes funding for new schools, facility renovations, expanded transportation, and land for future campuses—all without raising the current tax rate. Check out what’s included and learn more at www.melissaisdbond.com

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) designates February as Black History Month to celebrate the history and cultural contributions of Black Americans in the United States. This month highlights the achievements of the leaders, innovators, and trailblazers whose impact has shaped science, the arts, education, and beyond. By studying these legacies, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse history that has shaped the United States. Visit the TEA Black History Month webpage for resources to help your student learn more about these influential figures in American history.

In Melissa ISD, we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month as a time to highlight how CTE prepares students for future careers. Through hands-on training, academic learning, and industry-recognized certifications, students develop the skills, innovation, and creativity needed to excel in high-demand fields. CTE connects students with real-world opportunities, ensuring they graduate ready to lead and innovate. It also fosters collaboration between educators, employers, and communities in developing the next generation of skilled professionals. Learn more at www.melissaisd.org/cte.

Those not able to attend the sold-out MEF Gala can still be part of the excitement! The Melissa Education Foundation auction is officially LIVE, giving you the chance to bid on exclusive items, unique experiences, and fantastic packages—all while supporting Melissa ISD students and teachers. If you have any questions, contact Paula Birmingham at 972-533-4165 or birm4106@gmail.com. Start bidding, and let’s make a difference together! Click the button below to BID NOW!

Our new Community News Folder is designed to help local businesses and organizations share family-friendly programs, fundraisers, events, and activities with the community. 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.