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!
On Jan. 21, more than 100 CISD high school students gathered at Coppell High School to participate in the University of Texas at Dallas Hackathon Workshop, part of an exciting series aimed at fostering technology, design and innovation skills among learners. This workshop “Hackathon 101 + UI/UX Principles with Figma” introduced students to the fundamentals of hackathons, creative brainstorming techniques and the basics of user interface and experience design using Figma, a top design tool.
With more than 1,400 students enrolled in high school computer science courses across CISD, this event highlights the district’s commitment to preparing students for careers in technology through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The workshop provided an excellent foundation for participants to gear up for the upcoming NTHS Hack at UTD on March 8-9. Kudos to these future innovators for taking a big step in exploring tech-driven problem-solving.
CHS senior Neha Keshavan is the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winner for Texas’ 33rd District for her innovative app, FoodSpotter. On Jan. 30, US Congressman Marc Veasey officially recognized Neha, as well as the contribution of her brother, Nitin Keshavan, who is in eighth grade at CMS West, during a special presentation at CHS, awarding them both Certificates of Achievement. As part of her win, Neha’s app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured on House.gov and showcased on the Congressional App Challenge website for a year. Neha has also earned an invitation to the #HouseofCode event in April 2025, where she will visit the U.S. Capitol and be honored alongside other top student app developers.
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Sidekick, Coppell High School’s student newspaper, has been named a Crown Award Finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Under the leadership of adviser Chase Wofford, the talented staff behind The Sidekick and coppellstudentmedia.com will receive either a Gold or Silver Crown Award during a special presentation at Columbia University in New York City on March 21. This prestigious honor is a true “headline” moment for the team, recognizing their dedication to journalistic excellence. Congratulations to the entire Sidekick staff — keep making the news!
The Sidekick/coppellstudentmedia.com is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Communications Program of Study.
DECA students from Coppell High School, CHS9, and New Tech High @ Coppell showcased their business expertise at the District 11 DECA Career Development Conference on Jan. 14 at the Irving Convention Center. With over 2,100 competitors — double the previous year due to the addition of Ellis and Kaufman counties — CISD students stood out, earning impressive results. A total of 207 Coppell High School students, 24 CHS9 students, and 50 New Tech students advanced to the State DECA Competition, scheduled for March 6-8 at the Dallas Anatole Hotel. Additionally, CHS junior Driti Gajjela was elected District 11 DECA President, marking the fourth consecutive year a CHS DECA student has held this prestigious position. Congratulations to all qualifiers and their advisers! Read the full story and see the list of qualifiers here.
DECA chapters at CHS9, CHS and New Tech High @ Coppell are student business Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) that students can choose to participate in as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business, Marketing and Finance program of study.
It’s a picture-perfect honor for CHS9 student Sahana Sudhir, who is taught by art teacher Elsa Reynolds, and CHS sophomore Lasya Pillamari, who is taught by Michelle Hauske, both have had their artwork selected for the state’s Youth Art Month. Sudhir and Pillamari will have their artwork showcased at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin throughout March.
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.
