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This updates to include McAllen Kids Marathon on Sat. Dec. 12 and one event (Rayburn Nutcracker) which moved from Dec.14 to Dec. 16.
News and events for McAllen ISD
Memorial Mariachis to present Winter Concert
McAllen Memorial Mariachis will present their annual Winter Concert at noon on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Memorial High auditorium (101 E. Hackberry Ave.). Come let this talented group entertain you for the holiday season. The performance is free. The Memorial Mariachis are under the direction of Ms. Priscilla Sosa. Call 632-5201 for more information.
McAllen Kids Marathon
The second annual McAllen Kids Marathon will conclude on Saturday, December 12, at McAllen Sports Park (3301 Buddy Owens Blvd.). Children in kinder through eighth grade may participate and run the final mile of a marathon which began September 26. Children will get a t-shirt, water bottle and medal at this free event. The start-finish line will be near Castaneda Elementary (4100 N. 34th St.). The event will begin promptly at 8 a.m.
McAllen ISD Elementary Science Fair
The annual McAllen ISD Elementary Science Fair will be Saturday, December 12, at Victor Fields Elementary. The public viewing of the exhibits will begin at 2 p.m. followed by the awards presentation at 3 p.m. Students will compete in four divisions: Third grade, Fourth, Fifth and Inventions.
McAllen ISD orchestras to present Holiday Spectacular
The McAllen ISD High School Orchestras will present their annual Holiday Spectacular Concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. More than 300 string students representing James “Nikki” Rowe, McAllen Memorial and McAllen high schools will present a delightful program of Winter Holiday themed music in the McAllen High auditorium (2021 La Vista Ave.). Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $5. Call 618-6085 for more information.
TubaChristmas concert
Many McAllen ISD students will participate in the 26th annual Tuba Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Fieldhouse in Edinburg.
The concert is free. Tuba players from across the Rio Grande Valley will participate. The RGV TubaChristmas is the largest concert of its kind in Texas and ranks as one of the largest in the country.
The national TubaChristmas is credited to the late Harvey Phillips, a legendary tubist who founded it in 1974. Phillips wanted to honor his tuba teacher and mentor, William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day.
McAllen ISD Credit by Exam
Students can accelerate through grades and gain credit for them through Credit-by-Exam. McAllen ISD is offering Credit-by-Exam for Acceleration for grades Kinder-12th four times between June and January. To be eligible for a credit-by-exam for acceleration, a student shall have no prior instruction in the subject. No prior instruction is defined as – “the student received no formal instruction” in the subject at the level to be tested. All parents/legal guardians have the right to request acceleration for their child through the credit-by-exam process. Here are the remaining Credit by Examination Dates for Acceleration in Elementary and Middle School:
Registration Test dates
Cycle IV Aug. 25-Dec. 10 Cycle IV Jan. 5-8
High School students that would like to be tested for Credit-by-Exam need to discuss options with their counselor. For more information contact your child’s campus principal or call the McAllen ISD Assessment office at 956-632-3240.
McAllen ISD PD Toy Drive
The McAllen ISD Police Dept. is running an annual toy drive. The public is invited to donate toys for children during the holiday season. Participating schools will collect toys in decorated boxes. Gifts should be new, in their original packaging, not gift-wrapped, and safe for children. The Police Dept. will work with the McAllen ISD Office of State & Federal Programs to identify children for the toys. The toys will be picked up from the collection points on or about Monday, Dec. 14.
McAllen ISD School Board meeting
The next regular McAllen School Board meeting will be on Monday, December 14, at the McAllen ISD Staff Development Center (1009 N. 10th St.). The public portion begins at 6 p.m. in the Board Room. Public comments will be heard during a Special Board Meeting which begins at 6:15 p.m. For more information, call 618-6094, or visit mcallenisd.org, select “About MISD” and then “Board of Trustees.”
Cathey Christmas Concert
McAllen ISD’s Dr. Rodney D. Cathey Middle School will hold its annual Winter Concerts on Monday, December 14, at Memorial High auditorium (101 E. Hackberry Ave.). The Sixth Grade and Junior Varsity Concert will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Varsity Treble, Men and Rhythm Rockers Concert at 8 p.m. The latter concert will feature the Memorial High School Chamber Men and Women as special guests. Call 971-4300 for more information.
Alvarez Literacy Festival
McAllen ISD’s Francisca Alvarez Elementary (2606 Gumwood Ave.) is hosting a Literacy Festival from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15 at the campus. This event is organized to promote literacy and build community involvement. All Alvarez parents are invited. Call 971-4471 for more information.
Garza Elementary Christmas program
Fifth graders at McAllen ISD’s Reynaldo G. Garza Elementary (6300 N. 29th St.) will their annual Christmas Music Program at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, at the campus. Call 971-4554 for more information.
Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir announces performance dates
Razz Ma Tazz, the McAllen James “Nikki” Rowe High Show Choir, will take its show on the road in November and December. The show choir will perform at parks and other places on the following dates and times: Paradise South, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; Winter Ranch, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Victoria Palms, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Applebee’s Fundraiser, Dec. 5, 8 a.m.; Country Sunshine, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.; Valley View Estates, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Tip O Texas, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; Lone Star Bank, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; Casa Del Valle, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; Bentsen Grove, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Alamo Rose, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; Llano Grande, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Palm Shadow, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Tropic Star, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. For more information, call 956-632-5152.
Milam to present ‘The Nutcracker Suite’
Third graders at McAllen ISD’s Ben Milam Elementary (3800 N. Main St.) will present The Nutcracker Suite, The Musical at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, in the school gym. Call 971-4333 for more information.
Rayburn to present ‘Nutcracker’
Fifth graders at McAllen ISD’s Sam Rayburn Elementary will present a mini-musical this holiday season! In the program, The Nutcracker Suite, students will share the celebrated holiday tradition of Tchaikovsky’s ballet story. The performance will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, in the school gym.
Roosevelt Christmas musical
Students at McAllen ISD’s Theodore Roosevelt Elementary (4801 S. 26th St.) will present their 5th annual Christmas Musical called North Pole Star, The Search for the Most Talented Reindeer of Them All at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, in the school gym. Call 971-4424 for more information.
Rowe choir to present musical comedy
McAllen James “Nikki” Rowe High Choir will present the musical comedy How to Succeed in Business without really Trying in January. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 30. Tickets are $12 each ($10 for senior citizens). The shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on January 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22. There will be 2 p.m. matinees on Jan. 16, 17 and 23. The senior citizen discount only applies to shows on Jan. 16, 17, 18 and 19. For ticket information call 956-632-5152.
Early release for McAllen schools Dec.18
McAllen ISD schools will release students early on Friday, Dec. 18. Elementary schools will release at 12:30 p.m., middle schools and Lamar Academy at 1 p.m. The high schools plus Achieve Early College High and Instructions & Guidance Center will release at 1:15 p.m. Buses will run at those times. Classes will resume at their regular time on Monday, January 4.
Regional School for Deaf sets parent retreat
The Regional School for the Deaf will be having its annual Parent Retreat Saturday, January 30, at McAllen ISD’s Jose De Escandon Elementary (2901 Colbath Ave.). All parents of the RSD are invited to this free event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will be presentations, exhibitors and door prizes plus t-shirts for children. The RSD will also provide child care. This year’s theme is Dr. Seuss. Call 956-971-4500 for more information.
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McAllen ISD Child Find
The McAllen Independent School District offers a free appropriate public education to all individuals with disabilities, ages 3-21, who qualify for special education. Private school children, religious school children, and home schooled children with disabilities that reside within the district’s jurisdiction will have the opportunity to access special education services. For Child Find information or to make a referral, contact Mary Buckalew or Lisa Requenez at 1619 Galveston Ave. in McAllen or call 632-3285.
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McAllen ISD Campus Crimestoppers
To report information on a crime committed on school property, call 630-BITE (2483). You do not have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash award. For emergencies, or calls made after hours, contact the McAllen ISD Police Department at 632-8768.
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Inclement weather days
Closing of schools may occur when bad weather or emergency conditions exist. Please check the McAllen ISD website at www.mcallenisd.org. The school district will also send information via Facebook, Twitter and School Messenger. Also, the following media outlets will be informed to broadcast this information.
KURV 710 AM KGBT-TV Channel 4
KGBT 1530 AM KRGV-TV Channel 5
KBFM 104.1 FM KNVO-TV Channel 48
KTLM-TV Channel 40 KVEO-TV Channel 23
