The Caldwell Connect Aug. 17
Dual Language Academy

The Caldwell Connect Week of October 26, 2026
📆 Important School Dates
October/November
October
- 26 Staff Development Day (No school for students)
- 27-30 Red Ribbon Week (more information below)
- 30 Caldwell Live (Parent attendance by invite only)
- 29 CAT CASH STORE FOR kinder and 5th grade
- 29 Trunk-or-Treat with PTO 5:30-6:30 (Sign up here to decorate your trunk!)
November
- 8 National STEAM Day
- 11 Veteran's Day (more information below)
- 16-20 Book Fair and Friendsgiving Lunches (schedule to come)
- 23-27 Thanksgiving Break
A Note from our Principals
Happy Friday, Caldwell Families!
At McKinney ISD, providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for our students and staff is our top priority.
As part of Senate Bill 11 requirements, our campus is participating in a comprehensive safety and security audit this school year. Your feedback as parents and guardians is an essential part of this process, and we kindly ask for your time to complete the Parent School Safety Survey.
Key Details:
Survey Link:
Please complete the survey by Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
All responses are completely anonymous and will directly help us enhance campus safety protocols and our school environment.
¡Feliz Viernes, familias de Caldwell!
En McKinney ISD, brindar un entorno seguro y de apoyo para nuestros estudiantes y personal es nuestra máxima prioridad.
Como parte de los requisitos del Proyecto de Ley del Senado 11 (Senate Bill 11), nuestro plantel escolar está participando en una auditoría integral de seguridad este año escolar. Sus comentarios como padres y tutores son una parte esencial de este proceso, y le pedimos amablemente unos minutos de su tiempo para completar la Encuesta de Seguridad Escolar para Padres.
Detalles clave:
Enlace a la encuesta:
Por favor, complete la encuesta antes del martes
27 de octubre de 2026.
Todas las respuestas son completamente anónimas y nos ayudarán directamente a mejorar los protocolos de seguridad del campus y nuestro entorno escolar.
Su voz es fundamental para ayudarnos a mantener una escuela segura para todos nuestros estudiantes. Agradecemos enormemente su tiempo, colaboración y continuo apoyo.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta, no dude en comunicarse con la oficina del plantel. Para obtener información general sobre el Proyecto de Ley del Senado 11 o la auditoría de seguridad del distrito, puede comunicarse con Robert Montgomery al 469-302-4096.
¡Gracias por su colaboración y apoyo!
Con gran respeto y apreciación,
Your voice is vital in helping us maintain a safe school for all our students. We truly appreciate your time, partnership, and continued support.
If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to reach out to the campus office. For general information regarding Senate Bill 11 or the district safety audit, you may contact Robert Montgomery at 469-302-4096.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
With great respect and appreciation,
Warm regards,
Karla Massey, Principal
McKinney ISD Election 2026
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
Opportunities to recognize our teachers!
Nominate a CoServ Energizer Educator
Nominate an extraordinary colleague who goes above and beyond for our students and school community! Take a moment to recognize their hard work, dedication, and passion by submitting a nomination through the CoServe Teacher Nomination link. Celebrating each other's achievements strengthens our Caldwell team, so don't miss the chance to give a deserving teammate the spotlight they deserve!
Opportunities to recognize our teachers!
Nominate at Teacher on the Rise with Mrs. Baird'a Bread
Great things happen in our classrooms every single day, and we're honored to recognize and reward the people who selflessly impact young lives.
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
MISD Parent Resources
Please reference our MISD Parent Resources
Safety is our number one concern during arrival and dismissal time. Please read our detailed directions.
McKinney ISD teams with Durham School Services to transport students to school safe, on time, and ready to learn each day.
972-542-8316
Please allow extra time for dismissal during the first days of school as everyone establishes a routine and remember that school releases at 3:20 p.m. this year.
Attendance Matters!
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Did you know...?
In 2025-2026, the McKinney ISD overall attendance rate was 95%, and 7 McKinney ISD campuses topped 96% on their attendance rate!
96.6% Lawson Early Childhood School
96.3% Glen Oaks Elementary
96.2% Caldwell Elementary
96.1% Frazier Elementary
96.1% Reuben Johnson Elementary
96.1% Walker Elementary
96.1% Wilmeth Elementary
Annual Veteran's Day Celebration
Veterans Day Celebration: We invite families of our students and staff who are U.S Veterans to join us for breakfast and our annual Veterans Day parade on Wednesday, November 11th.
Breakfast in the library from 7:40-8:10 a.m. followed by veteran introductions during the morning announcements, and concluding with a school-wide parade in your honor.
To confirm your attendance, please RSVP here
Transportation Changes
If you need to change your child’s dismissal transportation, please call the front office or send an email to caldwelloffice@mckinneyisd.net before 2:40 p.m. to inform us about your child's transportation change. We understand that emergencies occur, but please keep in mind that keeping your child’s transportation consistent will help to ensure that your child learns his/her way home and helps to ensure their safety, as well as a full day of instruction. Please understand that safety is always the priority and transportation changes may delay how quickly your student is released.
Lunch, Recess, Specials Schedule
Kindergarten- Specials at 12:30-1:20, Recess at 10:00, Lunch at 10:30
1st grade- Specials at 1:30-2:20, Recess at 10:30, Lunch at 11:00
2nd grade- Specials at 8:20-9:10, Recess at 11:30, Lunch at 12:00
3rd grade- Specials at 9:20-10:10, Recess at 12:00, Lunch at 12:30
4th grade- Specials at 11:10-12:00, Recess at 12:30, Lunch at 1:00
5th grade- Specials at 2:25-3:15 Recess at 11:00, Lunch at 11:30
CAT CASH Store
The CAT CASH STORE is our PBIS rewards store for excellent behavior! The store is open for two grades every Thursday morning from 7:40-8:05. Students earn CAT CASH to spend at the store. Make sure your Cat arrives on time to shop the store the weeks their grade gets to go!
2026-2027 Schedule of music performances
Ms. Gray and our amazing musicians will take to the stage several times this year. Mark your calendars and save the date for your grade level!
October 8th- 3rd grade musical “Jukebox Time Machine!”✅
November 12th- 4th grade Veterans Day Tribute
December 10th- Choir Concert
January 28th- 2nd grade World Folk Dance Night
February 25th-1st grade telling of “We’re Goin’ on a Bear Hunt”
March 11th- Choir Concert
May 27th- Kindergarten will perform at graduation
May 27th- 5th grade stop motion project debut
At 6:00 students report to the music room 6:15 performance begins
Happy Birthday Shout Out
Want to send your student a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT and support Caldwell activities? Here is how you can do both!
Bring a donation of $10 cash or check to the Caldwell Front Office. Payment must be received before Name will be posted
Check the outside marquee and the the display board inside the front office for your BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT!
Important Information
All birthdays for the upcoming week need to be submitted NO LATER THAN the Thursday prior at noon. If your student has a birthday that falls on a weekend or holiday, his or her shout out will be posted the next Monday or school day that school is in session. Student shout outs will run for the entire week of the day requested.
Don't worry if your birthday has already passed for this year. We will do this again next year!
Feel free to complete a birthday shout out for your favorite Caldwell teacher or staff member too! 😉
Counselor's Corner
This month, our Caldwell Cats will be focusing on the character trait Responsibility! Responsibility is taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.
Be sure to check out your child’s grade-level newsletter to learn more about what they are discovering each morning during our Morning Meeting Circles!
Kindergarten Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
First Grade Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
Second Grade Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
Third Grade Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
Fourth Grade Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
Fifth Grade Newsletter/Spanish Newsletter
📞 (469) 302-5508
Monthly Guidance Lesson Preview:
Monthly Guidance Lesson Preview: Click here to learn more about what your child is learning during this months guidance lesson
Red Ribbon Week 2026
Join us as we celebrate making healthy, drug-free choices with fun dress-up days throughout the week. Check out the flyer for each day’s theme!
Tuesday, October 27: Wear red to kick off Red Ribbon Week!
Wednesday, October 28: Make Healthy Choices — Wear sports/athletic attire.
Thursday, October 29: Be the Main Character of a Drug-Free Life — Dress as your favorite book character. No scary costumes or masks.
Friday, October 30: Drugs Are No Match for Me — Wear mismatched clothes!
Angel Tree Application with First United Methodist Church
Mark your calendars! Angel Tree applications from First United Methodist Church will be open from October 30 through November 6.
Fall Community Resource Night
Fall Community Resource Night
Connecting Families with Community Resources
October 27, 2026
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
McKinney High School
1400 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069
Parenting the Digital Generation
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. Registration Deadline October 16. Registration link: 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.
Community event hosted by the FUMC Clothes Closet:
Location: 315 N Church St
Date & Time: November 19th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon)
Offerings: Free fall/winter and Christmas clothing items for children, including coats, new socks and underwear, and diapers.
Evento comunitario organizado por el FUMC Ropero Comunitario:
Ubicación: 315 N Church St
Fecha y Hora: 19 de noviembre de 10:00 a. m. a mediodía (12:00 p. m.)
Lo que ofrecen: Ropa de otoño e invierno y artículos de ropa navideña para niños, que incluyen abrigos, calcetines y ropa interior nuevos, y pañales.
Library Services
Book checkout allowances by grade:
- Kinder and 1st grade- two books (1 in English and 1 in Spanish)
- 2nd and 3rd- three books (1 English, 1 Spanish and 1 free choice)
- 4th and 5th - four books (1 English, 1 Spanish and 2 free choice)
Please encourage your child to read every evening! Studies show reading at night improves overall reading skill and reading as a family is especially beneficial. Students should keep books in their backpacks when not reading. This way they will always have them at school and at home and we will minimize the number of lost books.
Thank you,
Mrs Cohee
Library Media Specialist, Caldwell Dual Language Academy
Be an amazing reader with BEE Amazing!
BEE (Books Everyone Enjoys) is a reading program in MISD designed to encourage students to become lifelong readers! You can learn more and view current or past reading lists on the BEE Amazing website. When students read at least 10 BEE Amazing books, they earn a spot on the BEE Amazing Wall of Fame, a 3D-printed bee, and the opportunity to review their favorite book on the morning announcements! You can print the BEE Amazing book list at home or send your student to the library for a list! Please initial each book your child reads before sending the completed list back to school.
Recess Guidelines
Hot Temperatures
When the temperature or heat index rises to 95 degrees or the ozone alert is orange, outdoor recess or activities should be limited to 10 minutes.
When the temperature or heat index rises to 100 or the ozone alert is red or purple no outside recess or activities should be allowed, except of normal dismissal procedures, but caution will be used during dismissal time to keep exposure to heat at a minimum.
Cold Temperatures
When the temperature or wind chill is at or below 25 degrees no outdoor recess or activities should be allowed, except of normal dismissal procedures, but caution will be used during dismissal time to keep exposure to cold at a minimum.
2026-2027 Schedule of Drills
Fire Drills: 10/1/26, 11/4/26,12/2/26,1/12/27,2/10/27,3/3/27, 4/2/27, 5/11/27
Hold: Medical Emergency Drills:9/22/26, 3/08/27
Secure (Lockout) - (paired with Hazmat) Drills:9/29/26, 2/09/27, 10/06/26, 2/09/27
Lockdown Drills- 1st Semester - 2nd Semester - Unannounced
Nurse's Corner
Hello Parents, and Guardians,
My name is Teresa Brown, and I am excited to introduce myself as the school nurse at Caldwell Elementary. My role is to support the health, safety, and well-being of all our students so they can stay healthy and ready to learn. I am here to provide care when students are sick or injured, manage health needs and medications, and work closely with families, teachers, and staff when health concerns arise. Please feel comfortable reaching out to me with any questions or concerns regarding your child's health at school. I look forward to getting to know you and your children and working together to make this a healthy and successful school year.
Thank you for your trust and partnership!
Warmly,
Teresa Brown, RN
Caldwell Elementary
Hydrate!
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle from home and are allowed to refill the water bottle during the school day. Water bottles should be labeled with student name and taken home each afternoon.
Extra clothes
Please send an extra change of clothes for your child. Accidents happen and an extra change of clothes allows students to change quickly and move on with their day. Please label and send the change of clothes in your child's backpack.
A valid state or government issued photo ID must be presented each time you visit, volunteer, or pick up a student. Please be prepared to present your physical ID upon arrival. The first day to visit school for lunch etc is Aug. 31.
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 other volunteering that takes place inside and outside our building. We encourage all parents and guardians to complete your volunteer application as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the processing.
Please reference the MISD Volunteer Page for more information and to apply.
Helpful District Links
Announcements, Flyers, and Invitations
McKinney ISD Daddy/Daughter Dance- Saturday, November 11
McKinney ISD Daddy/Daughter Dance
“Don’t Be Late for a Very Important Date!”
Join us for a special Daddy/Daughter Dance for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: McKinney Boyd High School
Address: 600 N. Lake Forest Dr., McKinney, TX 75071
Tickets: $25 per person
Eligibility: Kindergarten through 5th grade only.
Register Online:
Register for the Daddy/Daughter Dance
We look forward to celebrating with you!