CISD Health Services has received a grant of $128,000 from the Metrocrest Hospital Authority (MHA) for the 2024-2025 school year to enhance student health and safety. This funding pays for a flexible/itinerant nurse position, provides CPR training supplies for campus nurses and student athletic trainers, and equips schools with essential health screening tools. These tools include two vision screeners to assist pre-K students and those with disabilities and 11 new audiometers to replace aging hearing screening equipment. CISD appreciates MHA’s commitment to student well-being and looks forward to these resources' positive impact on the district. CISD plans to apply for the grant again for the 2025-2026 school year.
Under the leadership of Coach Jonathan Drori, Coppell Swim has truly made waves this season, sending a record-breaking 13 athletes to the 6A State Swim Meet, the most in the program's history. Gabriel Campos led the charge with four school records at the recent regional meet, including in the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke, while also qualifying for the State meet in both events. Abhinav Agnihotri's speed in the 50 Freestyle, alongside Emery Darrow's impressive dive that made her the first female diver in 20 years to qualify for state, made a significant impact. For the first time, both boys and girls relays secured spots at State, with a stellar 200 Freestyle Relay at the regional meet that set another school record. The qualifiers are Gabriel Campos (200 IM, 100 Breaststroke), Abhinav Agnihotri (50 Freestyle), Emery Darrow (1m 11-Dive), Aleksandar Mikic, Saurab Anjanappa, Gabe Campos and Abhinav Agnihotri in the Boys 200 Freestyle Relay, and Annie Chang, Emma Wei, Brynlee McCormick and Alice Lu in the Girls 200 Freestyle Relay. The team will be making big splashes at the State meet on Feb. 21 and 22.
CHS sophomore Anuva Kaura has been honored with the prestigious Texas Theatre Scholar Award for the 2024-2025 school year. This distinction recognizes students who excel academically and demonstrate significant involvement in their campus theater programs. Kaura met or exceeded all the criteria required for the award, including maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, being an active participant in the school's theatre department, and embodying good moral character that brings honor to both the school and the community. This achievement highlights Kaura’s dedication to both academic excellence and a passion for the arts.
A group of dedicated Wilson Dual Language Immersion (DLI) fifth-grade students is making a meaningful impact by volunteering twice a week to support pre-kindergarten learners in developing bilingual and bi-literate skills. These young leaders took the initiative to create and present their own engaging lessons, designed to help their younger peers build language skills in a fun and interactive way. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly became a student-led project, showcasing their creativity, leadership, and passion for helping others. Their commitment and enthusiasm are a testament to the power of peer mentorship, and their efforts are truly making a difference in the classroom.
Sometimes in math, two (or three or more) heads are better than one. At Mockingbird Elementary, students are multiplying their understanding by working together in engaging, peer-to-peer math lessons that equal engaged learning.
In Megan McManus’ 5th-grade class, students use the Building Thinking Classrooms model, solving leveled problems on vertical whiteboards in small groups. These interactive sessions encourage rich mathematical discussions, especially when tackling geometry concepts like right angles and quadrilaterals. Similarly, Ashton Childree’s 4th graders work in teams to solve complex decimal-based word problems, sharing different strategies along the way. Meanwhile, Shannon Musslewhite’s 3rd graders collaborate to classify shapes, sorting polygons and quadrilaterals through group discussion.
By working together, students can strengthen their problem-solving skills and develop confidence in explaining their reasoning. After all, when it comes to math, collaboration and student discourse can be the right angle for success.
This week 4th graders at Denton Creek Elementary were hitting the trail — the Oregon Trail, that is! As part of their Historical Fiction unit, led by teacher Elena Briener along with the 4th-grade team of Grace Gutierrez, Kenzie Krantz, and Alejandra Camarillo, brought history to life through an immersive learning experience. By reading The Oregon Trail: Choose Your Own Trail, students are engaging with historical fiction and diving deep into research and hands-on activities that connect reading with social studies.
With classrooms transformed into covered wagons and students journaling their own pioneer adventures, the unit offers a truly interactive approach to history. From reenacting the Annexation of Texas to tackling a STEAM challenge to build a wagon that can withstand rough terrain, students are fully embracing the pioneer spirit. The grand finale was a Pioneer Party featuring the classic Oregon Trail game and themed snacks like beef jerky and dried fruit. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of their teachers, these young explorers at Denton Creek are proving that learning about the past can be an unforgettable adventure.
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt celebrating Career and Technical Education Month at CHS9 with CTE Director Josh Howard, CHS9 CTE Teacher David Janeski and CHS9 CTE students Simrah Shaik, Anupama Raman and Shaurya Pydisetti.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRmfSMT-Ejw
🏀 Unified Basketball at Coppell High School! 🏀
Today, Coppell Special Olympics hosted our annual Unified Basketball event at CHS, and it was an absolute blast! 🤩 The energy was contagious as athletes and partners came together for a day full of teamwork, sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories. 💪💙
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and cheered on our athletes. You made this event truly special! 🙌
Under the leadership of Computer Science teacher Seneca Hart, 15 computer science students from CHS9 competed alongside more than 350 9th through 12th grade students from across Texas in the 12th annual Digital Divas Hackathon, hosted at Plano West Senior High School. A standout team of Juana Arun, Naina Srithaj and Tanya Yadav took home 3rd place in the Never Competed Before Division of the all-girls hackathon, showcasing their coding skills and creativity. Other CHS9 participants included Naisha Dey, Shriya Tandon, Samara George, Aishani Dogra, Natalia Asencio Polanco, Sameeksha Karthick, Laya Prakash, Radha Ganesh, Hashini Navaneethakrish, Isha Patel, Vyshnavi Loka and Anshika Goyal, who all demonstrated impressive talent and teamwork throughout the competition.
On Feb. 6, Valley Ranch Elementary hosted its Science Showcase and STEAM Night, an event that also honored the legacy of beloved STEAM teacher Kelly Beach, who passed away unexpectedly last year. The evening featured an engaging Science Showcase in the library, hands-on STEAM stations in the gym led by CISD STEAM teachers and interactive exhibits from the Perot Museum in the cafeteria, facilitated by CHS students. This incredible evening was made possible by the dedication of fellow CISD elementary STEAM teachers, who ensured the event’s success and have provided unwavering support to VRE — cleaning out Ms. Beach’s room, organizing materials and assisting long-term substitute Victor Monreal. A special thank you to all the STEAM teachers for their hard work and to the Perot Museum, whose presence at the event was made possible by a CISD Education Foundation Grant awarded to Ms. Beach just days before her passing. This night was a true testament to Ms. Beach’s impact and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
Under the leadership of Franci Hazleton, CMS West Theatre has taken center stage with an array of impressive accomplishments this year. At the Thespian Festival Individual Events, Aiden Fordjour, Muhsin Akkoyun and Diya Dhanesh earned a Superior Rating, qualifying for the National Competition, while 43 students received a combined 23 Excellent ratings. At JFEST, the Team Improv and Team Design groups delivered show-stopping performances, both securing first-place finishes. Several students also earned Superior ratings in Prop, Scenic and Poster Design. Adding to the accolades, Troupe 88607 was honored as an All-Star Troupe with a perfect score! In UIL One Act Play, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane placed 4th at District, with Meenakshi Murthy, Asha Daniel, Jordan Podval and Lyric Polk receiving individual honors. With a year like this, it’s clear — West Theatre is dramatically talented.
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt at the recent student iLead event in Old Town Coppell with student iLeaders and CHS juniors Dillon Slaton and Alondra Carrillo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNBayt6WExY
Richard J. Lee Elementary School has been recognized as a "Kindness Certified School" following its participation in The Great Kindness Challenge. The school, led by Principal Chantel Kastrounis, embraced the global initiative to promote kindness, compassion, and generosity among students. The challenge saw incredible participation, and thanks to the dedication of students and staff, Lee Elementary was honored with a certificate and seal to proudly display. This recognition reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. Congratulations to Lee Counselor Angela Garvin and the entire FamiLEE for making kindness a priority at Richard J. Lee Elementary.
This week, several CISD elementary schools celebrated the 100th Day of School with fun-filled activities that brought students, teachers, and staff together. Many embraced the theme by wearing costumes that made them look 100 years old, while others engaged in counting activities to highlight the importance of the number 100. This celebration not only brought plenty of laughter and creativity but also served as a reminder of CISD’s commitment to regular attendance through the "Attendance Matters" campaign. Milestones like the 100th day of school offer a chance to reflect on the value of consistent attendance and its impact on a child’s educational journey. A big thanks to our students, parents, and staff for making each day count.
Coppell ISD will be spotlighting our elementary schools and the engaged learning that takes place at each campus.
This past week, 5th-grade teachers Ashley Rhodes and Claire Burgess at Austin Elementary made a direct hit with their math lessons by incorporating the game Battleship to teach the coordinate system. The game helps students practice and apply their understanding of grids, numbered rows and lettered columns, which is the current math lesson for the classes. Battleship’s gameplay mirrors the layout of the coordinate plane, making it an engaging and practical tool for students to build their skills. By plotting points to locate and target their opponent’s ships, students not only reinforced their understanding of the coordinate system but also practiced strategic thinking in a fun and interactive environment. The success of Battleship in the classroom highlights the power of creativity and innovation in education at Austin Elementary.
Coppell ISD will be spotlighting our elementary schools and the engaged learning that takes place at each campus.
Town Center Elementary second graders had the exciting opportunity to meet children’s author and music therapist Isabelle Engler during a special author visit. Engler, author of "Learning Songs with Colors: Lunar New Year," a bilingual singable book in Traditional Chinese, English and Pinyin, shared her story that blends music, language, and culture. Students sang along with Engler, explored Lunar New Year traditions, and learned about the importance of love and family connections. The visit tied perfectly into their social studies curriculum, which emphasizes understanding and comparing cultural celebrations. The event was organized by TCE Second Grade teachers Ashlin Bowman, Karli Harle, Allison Pryor and School Librarian Kate Mancuso.
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt at the National Signing Day event at CHS on Feb. 5 with student-athletes Kennedy Paul, Brodie Scoggins, Jordan Clig and student athletic trainer Blake Caviness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Mb-n2YgjY
The CHS Academic Decathlon team had a strong showing at the recent Regional Competition at Hebron High School, earning an impressive 6th place overall. The team has qualified for the State Championship to be held at University of Texas San Antonio Feb. 28-March 2 and is currently ranked 20th in Texas. A special congratulations to Raihaan Girish for placing 1st overall in the Varsity division and Harshvardhan Vinoth Kumar for placing 2nd overall in the Honors division. Team members Sai Kasiraman, Samerah Adams, Vasudev Mitra, Anvay Vyas, Tokhir Umarov, and Shaurya Shrivastava all contributed to this fantastic achievement. A big thank you to teacher adviser Tim Dixon for his dedication and support in guiding the team. Great job, CHS AcDec!
The CISD Spanish Spelling Bee for Third and Fourth/Fifth grade took place on Jan. 27. Wilson Elementary Third Grader Taylor Hubble won on round 12 with the word "paloma,” which means dove. Denton Creek Elementary Third Grader Benjamin Mino-Rodriguez, is the 1st runner-up. Wilson Elementary Fifth Grader Mariana Santos won the Fourth/Fifth grade competition in round 9 with the word "ejemplo,” which means example. Fellow Wilson fifth grader Ahaan Narkar is the 1st runner-up. Both Hubble and Santos will be representing Coppell ISD at the Region 10 Spanish Spelling Bee in March. Congratulations!
El concurso de deletreo en español del distrito para 3.º y 4.º/5.º grado se llevó a cabo el lunes 27 de enero. Taylor Hubble, estudiante de 3.º grado de Wilson, ganó en la ronda 12 con la palabra "paloma.” Benjamin Mino-Rodríguez, estudiante de 3.º grado de Denton Creek, es el primer finalista. Mariana Santos, estudiante de 5.º grado de Wilson, ganó la competencia de banda de 4.º/5.º grado en la novena ronda con la palabra "ejemplo.” Ahaan Narkar, estudiante de 5.º grado de Wilson, es el primer finalista. Hubble y Santos representarán a Coppell ISD en el concurso de ortografía en español de la Región 10 en marzo. ¡Felicitaciones!
Coppell High School Cheer made school history this past weekend at the National Cheer Association (NCA) Nationals Competition, with both competition teams bringing home National Champion titles. This marks the first time in CHS history that two teams have won national titles at the same time. Both of the team’s hard work, perseverance and dedication paid off as they overcame obstacles and pushed through intense competition to earn this prestigious victory. These athletes have demonstrated incredible commitment — not just in the gym, but also in the classroom and throughout the Coppell community. A huge cheer of congratulations to the teams, Head Coach Lindsey Bates and the entire Coppell Cheer program for this incredible achievement!
