CISD students showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the 2025 Destination Imagination Regional Tournament on Feb. 22. Eight CISD teams competed, with four earning medals and three advancing to the Texas DI Lone Star Finals.
The Dumpster Divers took first place in the Secondary Level Technical Challenge: Breaking Point, securing a spot at state. Team members included Maxwell Hall (CMS East, 8th), Sahana Iyer (New Tech, 10th), Virginia Hal (New Tech, 10th), Anika Varadharajan (Lewisville ISD, 10th), Naisha Dey (CHS9), Pranamya Shrikant (CHS, 10th) and Rohan Jain (CHS9). Another first-place team, the Small Eyed Owls, won in the Secondary Level Scientific Challenge: Worlds Beyond, and will also advance to state. This team features Macy Rogerson (CHS9), Reid Dodd (New Tech, 9th), Will Crawford (CHS9), and Anna Olougouna (CHS9). In the Elementary Level Technical Challenge: Breaking Point, the Ocean Chicky Exploding Volcanoes placed second and will head to state. Team members included Claire Midtbo (Wilson, 3rd), Lauren Bond (Wilson, 3rd), Matías Espino (Wilson, 3rd), Joshua Rolón (Wilson, 3rd), Luis Carrasco (Pinkerton, 3rd), Liam Carrasco (Pinkerton, 3rd) and Luca Carrasco (Pinkerton, 3rd).
Additionally, Operation K.A.A.M.M placed third in the Elementary Level Engineering Challenge: High-Wire Act. Team members were Mohith Goteti (Canyon Ranch, 5th), Manan Thacker (Canyon Ranch, 5th), Krishiv Balaji (Canyon Ranch, 5th), Adhav Venkat (Canyon Ranch, 5th) and Aarav Sripada (Canyon Ranch, 5th). The Texas DI Lone Star Finals will take place at the University of Texas at Arlington on March 29.
Wilson Elementary 4th graders took a journey through Texas history as they visited the State Capitol in Austin and the Bob Bullock Museum, bringing their social studies lessons to life. Led by their dedicated teachers, the students explored the historic halls of the Capitol, toured the grand chambers, and even witnessed legislators in action, seeing firsthand how laws are made. The students also got to meet with State Representative Cassandra Hernandez, who represents part of Coppell ISD. At the Bob Bullock Museum, they immersed themselves in interactive exhibits showcasing Texas' rich past. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of the Lone Star State’s history, showing them that Texas history isn’t just something to read about — it’s something to explore and experience.
On Feb. 13, 5th graders at Pinkerton Elementary “rocked” their science lesson under the leadership of teacher Tracey Kling. With Jolly Ranchers in hand, they chanted their way through the sedimentary rock cycle: "Weathering breaks it, Erosion takes it, Deposition drops it, Compaction stacks it and Cementation glues it!" After explaining each step, the students crushed (weathered) their candies in a mason jar, moved (eroded) the pieces, layered (deposited) them, and pressed (compacted) them together using white paper cups. Now, their sugary "rocks" are cementing, solidifying their learning — both literally and figuratively. These candy-based creations will be ready for students on Tuesday, proving that this science lesson at Pinkerton is as solid as a rock.
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt percolating with the Cowboy Coffee Crew at Coppell High School led by Special Education Teacher Ed Arndt, CHS senior Reagan Robinette, the shift manager, and CHS junior Isabella Villa, who will replace Robinette as the shift manager next year, and other members of the Cowboy Coffee Crew. The Cowboy Coffee Crew is made possible by grants from the CISD Education Foundation, the CHS Student Council and Texas A&M University.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHUGH46Jc0
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.
