Hello from McKinney North High School,

I hope this letter finds you enjoying your summer break, spending valuable time with family and friends, and getting ready for another exciting year at McKinney North High School.  We've had a busy summer preparing for the 2011-2012 school year and look forward to August 22nd when we welcome 176 staff members along with approximately 1762 students to MNHS.

Expectations for another outstanding year are high as we enter the upcoming school year.  As we build on the improvements made this past year, our focus and challenge will be to increase the depth and rigor of instruction, strengthen our assessment strategies and improve the level of student understanding and performance.  We will challenge our students to take their learning to the highest level possible in all that they do.  Elevating the performance of our students, while providing them with a safe and nurturing environment will be paramount as we display our school motto, "Unleashing Excellence" in all that we do. 

Student leaders and staff members have been busy planning numerous activities to provide our students with many opportunities to excel and enjoy school life in many endeavors.  I'm a firm believer that our success will be built on a strong parent/teacher relationship along with constant and consistent communication.  MNHS is very fortunate to have parents who are willing to get involved in the activities of our school and go the "extra" mile to help us succeed.  I encourage you to be involved in the activities of our school by joining the McKinney North High School PTSO as well as being involved in the various booster clubs that support the efforts of our students.  These parent groups are vital to MNHS and create an air of excitement as they join forces with our students and staff to make McKinney North High School the very best.  Be a volunteer (join PTSO) and experience the excitement of MNHS!

Another key element to our success and strengthening the partnership with our parents is communication.  I encourage you to sign up for the principal's information list.  This list is an electronic address and is your direct parent link to the principal.  Simply send an electronic message with your name, your child's name and grade level to: mholley@mckinneyisd.net

The state of Texas has implemented the STAAR test for our incoming freshman.  The STAAR test will replace the TAKS test for our freshman; however, 10^th and 11^th grade students will continue taking the TAKS test this school year.  Further information regarding the STAAR test will be disseminated throughout the school year.

During lunches on these first few days, students will have the opportunity to purchase yearbooks, parking permits, and return PTSO information.  You and your child will also want to reference the campus calendar for other important upcoming events. 

I'm very excited with the opportunities for the coming year and look forward to serving you and our students.  I love being the Principal of McKinney North High School and expect great things from our students in the coming year. 

GO DAWGS!!!!

Jimmy Spann