BACK TO SCHOOL: 5 things to know to start the school year in McKinney ISD

School starts in McKinney ISD in about three weeks, and district officials are planning to welcome thousands of students into classrooms. Here are some essentials to know for the upcoming school year.

1. Important dates:

• First day of school: Aug. 13
• Fall break: Oct. 12-14.
• Thanksgiving break: Nov. 23-27.
• Winter break: student and staff vacation Dec. 21-Jan. 1; staff development/student holiday Jan. 4
• Spring break: March 15-19.
• Last day of school: May 27, last day of instruction for students
• High school graduation: May 28, ceremony for all three high schools at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen

2. Class times:

• Elementary school: 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
• Middle school: 8:50 a.m.-4 p.m.
• High school: 7:20 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
• Lawson Early Childhood School: 7:40 a.m.-2:50 p.m.

3. Bus routes: The district operates a fleet of over 150 buses that provide daily transportation to and from campuses for eligible students. Bus services are available for students who live 2 or more miles from their assigned school. Some students who live within 2 miles of their assigned school are eligible for bus service due to hazardous routes.

Information on bus routes, times and eligibility can be found at www.mckinneyisd.net/page/transportation. Parents can also access information on the My Ride K-12 app.

4. Lunch: Daily menus for meals offered at each MISD campus are available at www.mckinney.myschoolplate.com/en/locations. For students with specific dietary needs, parents can visit the district’s website. Eligible parents can apply for free or reduced-price lunches at www.mckinney.myschoolplate.com/en/meal-pricing/free-and-reduced.