DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
AP Honor Roll and Access Award
We are proud to announce that Celina High School has earned a place on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll! This recognition highlights our commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and supporting students on their path to college success.
In addition, our school has received the AP Access Award. This distinction reflects our dedication to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous coursework that prepares them for future academic achievements.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and families. Their collective efforts have made AP access a priority, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to challenge themselves and excel.
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this outstanding accomplishment!
Board Calls Bond Election to Meet Growth in the District
Last month, the Celina ISD Board voted unanimously to call a bond election to support CISD’s continued exponential student growth. The Board’s approval of the package was based on the recommendations presented by the 48-member Bond Steering Committee. The committee, which was comprised of students, staff, families, and community leaders, spent months closely examining Celina ISD’s current and future needs. The committee's work was highly reflective our community’s commitment to students.
The projects in the 2025 Bond proposal will impact every student and every campus in Celina ISD. They will provide more classroom space for current and future Celina ISD students by allowing CISD to build one new high school, two new middle schools, seven new elementary schools, and a new early childhood school. The referendum would also commit funding for renovations at Celina High and all other existing facilities while also providing security upgrades at every school. The proposal provides funding for the purchase of land for future facilities and additional buses to serve the thousands of students who will be enrolling in Celina ISD over the next few years.
Our community's growing population is the driving force behind this proposal. The city is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with over 800 people moving here every month. Celina ISD is projected to double in size by 2029 and potentially quadruple in the next decade. This population boom will push every CISD campus to or beyond capacity within just three years.
All of the projects proposed by the Bond Steering Committee can be funded with the District’s existing tax rate, and 100% of bond dollars will stay in Celina ISD. The bond proposal will appear on the ballot for voter approval this May. Election Day is Saturday, May 3rd, and early voting begins on Tuesday, April 22nd.
Click here to view the 2025 CISD Bond details on our website.
Board of Trustee Name Two New Schools
The Celina ISD Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the official names for two of the district’s newest schools. After careful consideration and input from the Facility Naming Committee, the board has approved the following names:
Elementary #5 will be named Margie Moore Vasquez Elementary School in honor of Margie Moore Vasquez, who served 22 of her 44 years in education as Principal for Celina Elementary School. Her legacy of fostering academic excellence, developing leaders, advocating for inclusive classrooms, and creating a campus culture where both staff and students could thrive will inspire future generations.
Middle School #2 will be named Willard Middle School, in recognition of the family’s lasting impact on the community. The Willard name exemplifies CISD’s core principles of leadership, community, innovation, stewardship, and excellence. Willard Middle School will stand as a testament to their dedication to education and their contributions to the growth and success of Celina.
"We are excited to celebrate the legacies of Margie Moore Vasquez and the Willard family with the opening of our newest elementary school and Celina ISD’s second middle school," said Dr. Tom Maglisceau, Superintendent of Celina ISD. "It is truly a privilege to honor these namesakes for their positive impact on our community, and their names and families certainly exemplify the excellence these schools will carry forward for future generations of Celina students." The district looks forward to opening Vasquez Elementary School this fall and Willard Middle School in the fall of 2026. Join us in celebrating these important milestones.
Ag Mechanics Grand Champions
Our Celina High School Ag Mechanics team competed in the Collin County Junior Livestock Show Ag Mech Build Off, where teams were challenged to build a picnic table within five hours. Our CHS team not only completed the project within the time limit but also finished ahead of schedule and won the competition. Their hard work and dedication paid off, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishment.
Gavin Garcia Takes 4th Place in State Young Filmmakers Competition
Celina ISD proudly congratulates CHS sophomore Gavin Garcia for his outstanding achievement in the UIL Young Filmmakers State Competition! Gavin earned 4th place in the Traditional Animation category for his film, Project 54. His dedication and creativity shine through this accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more proud. A special shoutout to Mr. Slivocka, CTV, and the CHS team for their support.
Way to go, Gavin! Go Bobcats!
Gaurav Muttasseril Heading to State
Celina HOSA made its debut at the Spring Leadership Area Conference this past weekend—and they’re headed to State!
Congratulations to Gaurav Muttasseril for placing 2nd in Prepared Speaking out of 80 competitors, earning a spot at the HOSA State Conference. We could not be more proud!
Bobcat Powerlifters Advance to State
Celina High School’s powerlifting team had an incredible showing at Regionals, with four athletes qualifying for State!
- Armando Mendez dominated the competition, winning Regionals and breaking records in Squat (700 lbs), Bench (500 lbs), and Total Weight (1,800 lbs). He also earned Outstanding Squat, Bench, and Overall Lifter honors.
- CJ Hubbard placed 3rd with a total of 1,495 lbs, earning his place at State.
- Cooper Stevens placed 3rd and secured his State spot with a total of 1,365 lbs.
- Easton Clayton placed 2nd, qualifying with an impressive total of 1,535 lbs.
Congratulations to our Bobcat lifters! We can’t wait to see them compete at State!
Celebrating Love the Bus Month
Last month, we celebrated Love the Bus Month by honoring our incredible bus drivers and monitors for their dedication to safely transporting our students each day. They enjoyed a special breakfast and heard heartfelt messages of appreciation.
At Celina ISD, we are grateful for their hard work and the care they show our students.
CISD's Festival of Nations
Make plans to bring the entire family to Celina ISD’s Festival of Nations on Monday, March 3rd from 6-7 p.m. in the Moore Middle School Cafeteria. Come and join us for a night of global exploration and celebration! Our students will have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, expand their perspectives, and appreciate the beauty of diverse traditions.
City of Celina and Celina ISD Host Joint Town Hall Meetings
If you missed last week’s Town Hall, you have one more opportunity to attend! Join Celina Mayor and Celina ISD’s Superintendent on Tuesday, March 4th, at 6:30 PM at Bothwell Elementary for updates on the city and school district.
Town Hall Meeting #2
Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 PM
Bothwell Elementary School (2120 Coventry Dr)
A food truck will begin serving meals at 6:00 PM, with the first 50 meals available for free.
We encourage all residents to attend and stay informed about the future of our growing community.
School Attendance Boundaries Parent Meeting
During the Regular February Board Meeting the proposed elementary school attendance boundaries shown below were shared with the Board. The District is providing this proposed boundary map for our community to review and provide feedback. To ask questions or provide feedback, please utilize the following link: https://shorturl.at/xFSBz
We will create and update a Frequently Asked Questions document based upon submitted questions.
Additionally, the District will host a parent meeting at Martin Elementary School to engage with our team about these boundary adjustments:
đź“… Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
đź“Ť Location: Martin Elementary School Cafeteria
Please know we understand the disruptions these attendance boundary shifts can cause for students and their families. Our campus leadership is committed to working with students and their families to ease this transition, and our district is committed to honoring the beliefs expressed at the beginning of this presentation. To search for the attendance zone for your specific home address, please use the following interactive map link: https://shorturl.at/LZfZu
We appreciate your support as we work together through this exponential growth in our community.
Silver Bobcats Meeting
Our next Silver Bobcats meeting will be on March 6th at 8 AM. We will be meeting at our Early Childhood School located at 507 East Malone. We’re excited to give you a tour of the campus and share how we prepare our littlest Bobcats for their future. Plus, we’ll discuss ways you can get involved!
We will be serving coffee and a light breakfast. If you plan on attending please click here to RSVP.
Intent to Return
Parents, please take a moment to complete the Intent to Return Form which you can be found in Skyward, to help us plan for the upcoming school year. Your response is essential in ensuring we have the right staffing, resources, and classroom placements to best support our students. You may also find the form via the email that was sent to you on March 1st.
New Telephone Messaging System
Celina ISD uses a messaging system to keep families informed. You’ll receive important updates from the number (866) 823-2778. Please save this number in your contacts under Celina ISD.
NOTE: This number is designated solely for outgoing messages and does not receive incoming messages.
Get Involved
One of the key factors that makes our schools great for students is the support we receive from families and the wider community. There are many ways you can get involved and support Celina schools. Here are a few options:
- Join PTA: Follow the link to your child's campus to learn how to join the PTA
- Early Childhood School PTA
- Bothwell Elementary School PTA
- Lykins Elementary School PTA
- Martin Elementary School PTA
- O'Dell Elementary School PTA
- Moore Middle School PTSA
- Celina High School (C.A.T.) Community Action Team
- Support the Celina Education Foundation: The CEF exsists to support students and staff in Celina ISD. Click HERE to learn how you can join and support the CEF.
- Volunteer Opportunities: There are many opportunities in CISD to volunteer throughout the school year. If you are interested in volunteering in CISD schools, the first step is to complete a background check. Click HERE to complete a background check.
- Partners In Education: This is Celina ISD's mentor program. Click HERE to learn more.
- Silver Bobcats: This is for Celina ISD community members who are 60+. Click HERE to learn how to join.
MARCH
3: Festival of Nations at MMS from 6-7 PM
3: Read Across America Day
3: Senior CEF Scholarship Applications Due
4: Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 PM
5: School Attendance Boundaries Parent Meeting at 6 PM
6: Silver Bobcats Meeting
7: Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day
10: Step Into Celina ISD
10: CEF Fundraiser - Wingstop 4-8 PM
13: Alice in Wonderland at 6 PM - Moore Middle School
17-21: Spring Break - Student/Staff Holiday
31: Summer Expo and Family Resource Fair