Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt as he discusses “Thinkapalooza” with Natalie Harvey, Gifted and Talented Intervention Specialist at Austin Elementary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uefmHKfDd8Q
After 31 rounds and correctly spelling “lunar," Ishaan Nair, a fifth grader from Richard J. Lee Elementary is the 2025 CISD Spelling Bee Champion. Krish Manjunath, a seventh grader from CMS East, is the First Runner Up. The 2025 CISD Spelling Bee was held on Jan. 13 at Coppell Middle School West. Ishaan and Krish were the last two spellers standing and will represent CISD by competing in the Dallas County Spelling Bee in March.
The CISD elementary and middle school campus Spelling Bee Winners who competed on Jan. 13 were:
Anna Thomas, Austin
Anashuka Bhakoo, Canyon Ranch
Madelynn Bellah, Cottonwood Creek
Nikil Ravikumar, Denton Creek
Brooklynn Poninski, Lakeside
Ishaan Nair, Richard J. Lee
Yashika Sanka, Mockingbird
Aarya Sreenath, Pinkerton
Sachee Jakhu, Town Center
Pramit Hegde, Valley Ranch
Blais Baker, Wilson
Krish Manjunath, CMS East
Ishaa Ram, CMS East
Aryan Vinod, CMS East
Ismail Noor-Gomez, CMS North
Manav Shah, CMS North
Deepshikhaa Krishnan, CMS North
Alankritha Tulasi, CMS West
Sathvika Gopi, CMS West
Kapil Khare, CMS West
Judges for the event were Wilson Elementary Principal Cooper Hilton, Austin Elementary Principal Kristan Perryman and Elementary Literacy and Social Studies Director Sabrina Khan. Parent and Family Engagement Liaison Stacy McGill served as the Pronouncer. Administrative Assistant Jill Hickman organized the event and served as the Spelling Bee District Representative. Director of ESL and Bilingual Programs Dr. Anita de la Isla served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Get ready for an electrifying experience like never before. The Coppell ISD Education Foundation (CEF) proudly presents the SPRING Robotics Camp, tailor-made for current middle schoolers who are eager to take their STEM Robotics skills to the next level. The skills they learn can be put to the test at the FIRST Lego League Challenges the following year. Who knows, they might just emerge as the champions using their newly acquired skills! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity – join us this SPRING for a robotics camp that will leave students buzzing with excitement! The cost includes a $20 non-refundable processing fee. Refunds, minus the $20 processing fee, will be available until March 14. No refunds will be given on or after March 15.
Register here: https://coppellisdef.org/robotics-camp/
CISD celebrates the incredible achievements of our talented band students who qualified as TMEA 6A All-State Musicians. A round of applause for Shruthi Avadhanula (Flute), Stayton Slaughter (English Horn), Maya Chen-Randall (Bassoon), Alexis Kim (Eb Clarinet), Kunal Katiyar (Bb Clarinet), Dael Yoo (Contra Clarinet), Akhilesh Chintalaboyina (Alto Sax), Sid Bellam (Trumpet), Shrestha Mishra (Trumpet), Vibhav Rajan (Trumpet), Lucas Rodriguez (Horn) and Joyce Tao (Percussion). Their success proves CISD’s musicians know how to march to the beat of their own drum! Congratulations also to Head Band Director Kim Shuttlesworth and her dedicated team of Riaz Mohammed, Brandon Slovak, Kate McCutcheon, Randall Nguyen, Justin Lum and Danny Hawkins for guiding these students to state success!
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt at CHS as he connects with Theater Director Glenn Price and a few of the cast members from Matilda, which kicks off tonight in the CHS Auditorium.
https://youtu.be/VpqFUsDNuUU
November and December were filled with acts of kindness and generosity at Lakeside Elementary. Before Thanksgiving Break, the Student Council organized a Canned Food Drive supporting Metrocrest Services. Learners donated 273 canned goods and nonperishable items to help families in need. Fourth grade won the Golden Can award for contributing 78 cans, just edging out second grade with 77 cans.
In December, students participated in a Toy Drive for the Lions Club of Coppell, donating over six boxes of toys to bring holiday joy to local families. Donations included everything from infant activity centers to science kits and craft sets for preteens. Lakeside also celebrated Kindness Week from December 9-13. Learners and educators shared daily ideas for spreading kindness, with the highlight being buddy classes. Older students paired with younger ones to create holiday cards, winter decorations and candy bar wrappers to gift staff members.
These activities showcased the spirit of giving and community that makes Lakeside Elementary so special.
The #HuntsHeroes podcast uncovers the remarkable stories of the unsung champions within CISD as Dr. Hunt holds candid conversations with the individuals who influence positive change within our school community. In this episode, join Dr. Hunt and get to know CISD Speech Language Pathologist Taylor Mounce. #MyHomeIsCISD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHXCRm33uJM
Congratulations to the Coppell Cowboys Football Coaching Staff, led by Head Coach Antonio Wiley, for being named the 5-6A Coaching Staff of the Year. Under Coach Wiley's leadership, the Cowboys showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the season, securing their place as one of the district's most formidable teams. The staff’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field has not only elevated the team's performance but also inspired the Coppell community. This prestigious recognition is a testament to their hard work, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to their players’ success. Congratulations to Coach Wiley and Coaches Eric Hill, Keiston Alexander, Christian Boulware, Abu Conteh, Raynor Durham, Zach Gonzalez, Tyler Jones, Keenan Kitchens, Cole Moulder, Allen Oh, Tony Newsome, Heath Naragon, David Roulston, Donald Smith, Josh Young and James Whitley.
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt with Valley Ranch Elementary Principal Cynthia Arterbery and 2nd grader Riyan Karanth as they discuss the renovations that have been completed at VRE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQf8UJU504M
Tomorrow, Jan. 7, at 4:30 PM, CISD will test its emergency notification system. Parents, staff & students will receive a test message via text, email, phone & ParentSquare App (if opted in). #MyHomeISCISD
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt sharing a holiday message to the CISD community.
https://youtu.be/x3c2MZIXGBQ
As part of Computer Science Education Week, CHS9 students welcomed undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Computer Science program, along with CISD Director of Career and Technical Education Josh Howard for an hour of coding event on Dec. 11. Howard highlighted CISD’s Computer Science Program of Study and course sequence, encouraging students to explore the growing field. UTD students shared insights into their own academic journeys, internships and diverse career paths in computer science, inspiring CHS9 students to pursue advanced computer science courses. CHS9 students can look forward to a UTD-led Computer Science workshop on January 21, 2025, and a spring Hackathon, both offering hands-on experience and exploration of future computer science opportunities. Computer Science is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study at CHS9/CHS.
CHS junior Pranav Raju has been named the recipient of the 2024 Youth in Action for Human Rights Award by Human Rights Educators USA. Recognized for his advocacy for affordable healthcare, particularly for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes, Raju’s efforts have spanned local, national, and international stages.
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes himself, Raju has worked tirelessly to alleviate the financial burden faced by individuals requiring insulin. From testifying before Congress as a Children’s Congress delegate to lobbying for legislation that caps insulin prices and renews funding for critical diabetes research, his impact has been transformative. Locally, Raju mentors newly diagnosed patients and their families at children’s hospitals, sharing his story and providing resources. His work has not only raised awareness but also directly influenced policy changes to ensure access to life-saving medications. His recognition includes a $500 award, and he was honored at HRE USA’s national Human Rights Day Celebration on Dec. 10.
Student Council representatives from Richard J. Lee Elementary’s five Houses — Red, Purple, Yellow, Green, and Blue — took their skills to the aisles of Walmart in Irving on Dec. 12, shopping for food and toys to support the Coppell Lions Club. With $143 per House, raised through sales of pens, friendship bracelets, and other fundraisers, these “Lee-ders” in kindergarten through fifth grade combined service with smarts, using math and reading skills to stay on budget while picking out items for families in need. This heartwarming holiday giving expedition proves that, like elves spreading joy, these young shoppers showcase the importance to service to the community among their cherished lessons.
For more than 30 years, the students at Cottonwood Creek Elementary have teamed up with CHS English students to craft letters to Santa. This year, Kindergarten, first and second graders from CCE once again took their wish list writing on the road, traveling to CHS and working alongside their high school buddies to perfect their spelling, penmanship and capitalization while sharing their holiday hopes. It’s more than just writing — it’s a lesson in collaboration, mentorship and festive fun. The magic of the season truly comes alive as these young learners sharpen their skills with a little help from their older friends, resulting in an A+ in kindness and holiday cheer.
Over the last few weeks, each CISD campus has announced its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to elementary school TOYs:
Austin: Kristy Kaprelian
Canyon Ranch: Samantha Weir
Cottonwood Creek: Amy White
Denton Creek: Beth Reynolds
Lakeside: Danielle Todd
Richard J. Lee: Curtis Tinsley
Mockingbird: Ashton Childree
Pinkerton: Michael Upchurch
Town Center: Ty Hayes
Valley Ranch: Meghann Murray and
Wilson: Alejandra Quinonez.
Congratulations to the secondary school TOYs:
CMS East: Lauren Danby
CMS North: Angela Guemmer
CMS West: Chris Buchanan
CHS9: Kara Lindquist
Coppell High School: Kim Pearce and
New Tech High @ Coppell: Kaleb Broadstreet.
🎉🎨 #CatchupWithHunt this week on YouTube! 🎥
Join Dr. Hunt as he sits down with Aaniya SenPaul, the talented fifth grader from Canyon Ranch Elementary and winner of the CISD 2024 Holiday Card Contest! 🏆🎄
Don't miss their conversation about her inspiring artwork and her journey to becoming the holiday card winner! 🌟
Tune in and get inspired! #CISD #HolidayCardContest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHEu1j0B4M
📚 Did you know? Compulsory attendance laws ensure students must be present for a specified number of days each semester to receive credit for their courses or grade level. For details on how this is enforced, refer to the Student Handbook or contact the truancy representative at your child's CISD campus.
Let's work together to support regular attendance and academic success!
#CoppellISD #AttendanceMatters #CompulsoryAttendance #StudentSuccess #EveryDayCounts 🏫💡
CISD hosted Signing Day on Dec. 4 recognizing the remarkable achievements of 12 high school athletes committing to compete at the collegiate level. These students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, discipline, and talent, earning their place among the less than seven percent of athletes who advance to college sports. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for their commitments:
Seth Carethers — Football at Wake Forest
Tucker Cusano — Football at Texas State University
Edward Griffin — Football at Baylor University
Harry Hassmann — Football at Arizona State University
Blake Isbell — Football at Texas State University
Matthew Maldima — Track & Field at Texas A&M University
Tatum Montgomery — Girls Soccer at McMurry University
Monica Morales-Martinez — Soccer at Washington University in St. Louis
Titus Roberson — Football at the University of Tulsa
Weston Polk — Football at Kansas State University
Landry Sherrer — Basketball at United States Military Academy at West Point
Mallory Sherrer — Girls Cross Country/Track & Field at Lehigh University
Congratulations to the Coppell High School Eco Club, which has been awarded a 24-25 Texas Recycles Day Grant in the amount of $5,000. Thanks to generous funding from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, an Arca-Continental company, this grant is part of a $60,000 fund shared among eight communities across Texas. This grant will help the club to establish an outdoor recycling program at CHS. The CHS Eco Club is led by science teachers Jodie Deinhammer and Sarah Grover. #MyHomeIsCISD
