Cardinal Update
- HEART FOR THE ARTS: Melissa ISD welcomes the entire community to the annual Heart for the Arts Festival on Dec. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Melissa High School’s Symmetry Plaza. This family-fun event will showcase the talents of the Visual and Performing Arts students in grades K-12, featuring artwork from all campuses and performances by theatrical and musical students. Children of all ages can enjoy arts and crafts stations offering activities like face painting, ornament making, and balloon animals. The Chamber of Commerce Parade will follow at 8 p.m. around Coach Kenny Deel Stadium. For more information, visit http://www.melissaisd.org/
heartforthearts. - PALS INTERVIEWS: Sophomores and juniors interested in serving as a PALS mentor next school year should sign up for an interview with Coach Lowry by Dec. 13. PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership Skills) is a unique program at MHS where high school students have the opportunity to mentor younger students at our elementary schools. Email Coach Lowry ([email protected]) or click here to sign up.
- FFA INTEREST SURVEY: Students that are interested in joining the MHS FFA Chapter in the 2025-26 school year should complete the FFA/Agriculture Course Interest Survey. We must show interest for the organization to be approved. For more information, please contact Ms. Koss (F116), [email protected].
- FAFSA GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: All seniors must complete the FAFSA (and send confirmation to Counselor Kristina Stephens) or complete an opt-out form as a state graduation requirement. A printed copy of the opt-out form can be picked up in F219.
- FAFSA NIGHT: All seniors and parents are encouraged to attend FAFSA Night on Dec. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Food Hall. A Collin College financial aid representative will be here to present information, answer questions, and help with completing the FAFSA.
- FALL SEMESTER EXAMS: The high school will administer fall semester exams Dec. 16-19 following a schedule similar to the end-of-the-year exams EXCEPT there will be no exemptions or early dismissal for students. Click here for more information.
- EARLY RELEASE: Students at Melissa Schools have early release on Friday, Dec. 20, ahead of the Winter Break. The early release times are as follows: Pre-K/ECSE @ 11:30 a.m.; Elementary (K-5) @ 11:45 a.m.; Melissa High School @ 12:10 p.m.; Melissa Middle School & Sixth Grade Center @ 12:30 p.m. On early release days, students who ride the bus are dropped off from school approximately 3.5 hours ahead of their usual drop off time. As a reminder, Kindergarten students who ride the bus are required to be picked up from their bus stop by their registered parent/guardian.
- 2025-2026 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: The Melissa ISD academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, as recommended by the District Site-Based Decision Committee, has been approved by the Board of Trustees. To access the school calendar, visit www.melissaisd.org/calendar.
- MELISSA MOVE: Building with Integrity for Our Growing Community – At Melissa ISD, our students, staff, and families are at the heart of everything we do. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to share updates on new schools and facilities that will empower all students to reach their full potential. Our commitment to integrity drives us to create lasting spaces that meet the needs of our growing community. Learn more at www.melissaisd.org/move.
- COMMUNITY NEWS FOLDER: Our new Community News Folder is designed to help local businesses and organizations share family-friendly programs, fundraisers, events, and activities with the community. The folder is updated regularly, so don’t forget to check back often. This week, you’ll find details on exciting events like performances of The Nutcracker, Selfies with Santa, and the Santa’s Helpers 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run. If you’d like to feature your business or organization’s events in the Community News Folder, please visit our Community Connections webpage for more information.
- SIT WITH US: These meetings provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to come together and discuss ideas, concerns, and potential solutions regarding matters at Melissa Schools. The philosophy of Sit With Us is that Melissa parents are Cardinal Champions who see the best for not only their students but for all students. If it matters to one Cardinal, it matters to all Cardinals. Get Involved: Those who are interested in joining Sit With Us are encouraged to attend the next meeting scheduled at their student’s school. For more information, visit http://www.melissaisd.org/
sitwithus. - BUS RIDERS: All students who ride a bus to/from school must have a bus pass.
Upcoming Events
- Dec. 8 – Competition Cheer @ Marcus Invitational
- Dec. 9 – IB Pre-Enrollment Meeting (10th grade students ONLY) – IB Center – 6 p.m.
- Dec. 9 – Powerlifting Parent Meeting – CC Lounge – 6 p.m.
- Dec. 10 – Heart for the Arts – Symmetry Plaza – 5:30-8 p.m.
- Dec. 10 – JV2 & JV1 & Varsity Girls Basketball vs Greenville – 4:30, 5:45 & 7 p.m. – BLACK OUT
- Dec. 10 – 9th, JV & Varsity Boys Basketball vs Denton Guyer – 5, 6:15 & 7:30 p.m. – BLACK OUT
- Dec. 11 – JV & Varsity Boys Wrestling vs Rockwall – Main Gym – 5 & 7 p.m.
- Dec. 12 – Track Parent Info Meeting – CC Film Room – 5:30 p.m.
- Dec. 12-14 – 9th & JV Boys Basketball @ Hwy 5 Tournament – Anna
- Dec. 13 – JV2 & JV1 & Varsity Girls Basketball @ Sherman – 4:30, 5:45 & 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 13 – JV & Varsity Boys Soccer @ Wichita Falls Memorial – 5:30 & 7:15 p.m.
- Dec. 13 – JV & Varsity Girls Soccer vs North Forney – 5:30 & 7 p.m.
- Dec. 13-14 – JV & Varsity Girls Wrestling @ Lewisville HS
- Dec. 14 – Competition Cheer @ NCA – Dallas
- Dec. 16 – FAFSA Night – MHS Food Hall – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 16 – Band Concert – MAC – 7 p.m.
- Dec. 16-19 – Fall Semester Exams – Click to view the schedule
- Dec. 18 – MS/HS Choir Christmas Concert – MAC – 7 p.m.
- Dec. 20 – Early Release – 12:10 p.m. – Click to view the bell schedule
- Dec. 23 – Jan. 3 – Winter Break
- Jan. 6 – Professional Development Day (no school for students)
- Jan. 15 – Academic Expo – Gyms – 6-7:30 p.m.
- Jan. 27 – Sit With Us Meeting – MHS Food Hall – 5:30 p.m.
