The Faubion Lion Pride Press

Welcome back to the best middle school in the state of Texas! In this short week, we highlight excellent instruction and congratulate our Thankful Thursday winner.

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

In Mr. Stephenson’s band class, purposeful lesson design and high academic standards converge to create an exceptionally engaged learning environment! He elevates student discourse by holding learners to high expectations during peer conversations, providing essential scaffolds—such as sentence stems and word banks—to ensure all students can articulate complex musical concepts.

Through the strategic use of randomized checks and structured accountability, Mr. Stephenson ensures that every student is actively participating in the learning process. Furthermore, he strengthens discipline-specific literacy by explicitly teaching Tier 3 academic vocabulary using Marzano’s 6-Step Process—applying Steps 1–3 to every term and embedding Steps 4–6 on a weekly basis.

These high-yield teaching practices establish a supportive classroom culture where students feel safe to take academic risks, refine vital communication skills, and achieve a deeper mastery of the music curriculum.

Eighth-grade Reading Language Arts (RLA) students recently brought classic literature to life by putting The Narrator from Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Tell-Tale Heart" on trial. Guided by our dedicated 8th-grade English team—Mrs. Boysen, Mrs. Youngblood, Mrs. Fikes, and Ms. Rose—students constructed persuasive opening statements supported by clear claims, counterclaims, and textual evidence to prove guilt or innocence. To complete the courtroom experience, every student served on the jury, critically evaluating their peers' arguments before casting their verdict.

(Pictured: Mrs. Boysen and Mrs. Youngblood. Not pictured: Mrs. Fikes and Ms. Rose)

Once per week on Thursdays, we have our students start their Focus Period by writing something for which they are grateful!

A concept in psychology known as The Cognitive Triangle supports that your thoughts impact your feelings, which in turn may impact your actions. In neuroscience, The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a filter in your brain that is designed to allow your brain to focus on a given input after filtering countless information entering your brain. By focusing on the positive around you, you are able to filter out the negative thoughts and in turn see more of the positive in your world. The American Psychological Association featured a meta-analysis asserting that happy people have better outcomes in nearly all aspects of life (LINK to article).

By seeing the positive around us and having appreciation for what we have, we are in essence creating more successful kids! Out of 414 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 Blaine Reed, Melanie Nuñez Hernandez, Celia Kizer, Ether Sewell, Mia Kate Presley, Carter Lindsay, Caitlyn Meyers, Mariana Guapo, Alicia Gonzalez, and Annabelle White!

Here was the excerpt from Alicia Gonzalez: "I am grateful for my sports coaches because they believe in me and help me get better at the sport. On Monday my volleyball coach helped me figure out our rotations and how to hit better, my softball coaches help me with a lot of things and they tell me positive things when I'm feeling down and when I feel like I can't do it. All my coaches have made me a better athlete and have made a huge impact in my life. Coach Young says “You just have to put your mind to it, keep trying, and you will eventually get better at it.” Coach Young helps me when I’m struggling and when I don’t understand what to do. She gives a great explanation and she tells me how I can be better at it."

Congratulations to all of this week's winners!

Please support our school by enjoying dinner at Raising Cane's! When you check out, be sure to say "Faubion PTO". Raising Cane's is located on the northeast corner of Hwy 75 and 380.

Stop the Bleed Class is offered to students in grades 6-12. This session is also offered to parents.

Our next class is Thursday, October 22.

• Stop the Bleed Registration

• Date of Class: Thursday, October 22, at Lawson Early Childhood Center

Stop the Bleed offers the premier bleeding control course and kits. They are the largest global provider of bleeding control training and empower anyone to save a life by learning three basic actions to control severe bleeding in an injured person.

Dear 6th Grade Faubion Parents,

In collaboration with McKinney ISD, we are bringing important Digital Safety and Online Conduct lessons to our 6th grade students on October 21st.

McKinney ISD requires parental consent for student instruction in the following prevention topics:

• Anti-Victimization Education (TEC §38.004): Child Abuse Prevention and Sex Trafficking Prevention

• Violence Prevention (TEC §37.0831): Family Violence Prevention and Dating Violence Prevention

These lessons are designed to provide students with age-appropriate information and strategies to help them stay safe, recognize potentially unsafe situations, and identify trusted adults and resources for support.

Student participation is completely voluntary and requires parent/guardian consent. If you do not want your child to participate, an alternative lesson will be provided.

To learn more about the presentation and to indicate whether you give permission for your child to participate, please complete the Anti-Victimization Opt-In Form.

Your child will also be bringing home a hard-copy permission slip. If you prefer, you may complete the paper form and return it to the school.

A Parent Preview Night will be held on October 15th in the library at 4:15pm for parents who would like to view the material before the student presentation.

If you have questions about the lessons or the consent process, please reach out to your child's counselor:

A-G - Kandace Baker - kbaker@mckinneyisd.net

H-O - Johnna Smalley Rose - jsmalleyrose@mckinneyisd.net

P-Z - Christina Kiefer - chkiefer@mckinneyisd.net

Thank you for your support as we work together to help our students stay safe and informed!

October is a busy and exciting month at Faubion! This month, our counselors will be presenting a Bully Prevention Presentation to students across all grade levels. These age-appropriate lessons will focus on making safe and healthy choices, recognizing ways to respond to unkind or unsafe behavior, and working together to create a positive and supportive school community.

6th Grade Bully Prevention Presentation

7th Grade Bully Prevention Presentation

8th Grade Bully Prevention Presentation

Red Ribbon Week information will be coming soon, so be on the lookout for more details!

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

• School Transition Resources

• MISD Parent Resources

• MISD P.O.W.E.R. Parenting

• MISD Counseling Website

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

Parenting the Digital Generation - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

This event is for parents only in partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center.

Registration will be required for those needing childcare for PreK-5th grade students. The registration deadline is October 16. Registration link for child care: 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.

Complimentary food provided to the first 1000 people.

Additionally, the following event is available for families!

Connecting Families with Community Resources from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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.

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 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.

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.

Keeping Students Safe and Parents Informed

Faubion Cheer puts on some great spirit days! Please make plans to join us in the fun!

10/20 - Pink Out

10/27 - Jersey Day

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Faubion Athletics are supported by coaches who hold high standards in preparation, teamwork, and grit. Our athletes have recently set school and district records.

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.

MISD School Calendar

Saturday, October 17

Texas Junior Thespian Festival Field Trip

Monday, October 19

Cross Country District Meet

MISD Board Meeting

Tuesday, October 20

Faubion Football Games!

Wednesday, October 21

Anti-Victimization Lesson for 6th Graders

District Band Auditions

Thursday, October 22

Faubion Volleyball Games!

PTO Spirit Night @ Raising Cane's

Friday, October 23

Merit Scholar / Lion's Pride Awards Ceremony

6th Grade Choir Fall Social

Faubion Band to Play at McKinney High School Football Game

Monday, October 26

School Holiday for Students

Tuesday, October 27

Fall Community Resource Night

Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day

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

Wednesday, May 26

8th Grade Field Trip - tentative

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