CISD Informed — April 17, 2025

The Coppell High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team secured their place in UIL history on April 12 with a 6–2 victory over Lake Travis High School in the Class 6A Division I State Championship match. Led by Head Coach Craig Able and assistant coaches Wendy Flaherty and Brandi Cantrell, the Cowgirls displayed remarkable teamwork and determination throughout the season. Senior standout Summer Chen, a Gonzaga University commit, earned MVP honors with two goals and an assist in the title game, while fellow players junior Neerali Kapadia, a Rice University commit, and senior Monica Morales, Washington University in St. Louis commit, each also scored two goals. This championship marks Coppell’s third girls soccer state title — joining previous wins in 2009 and 2015 — and makes them one of only eight schools in UIL history to earn three or more state championships. It is also the district’s first athletic team state championship since 2018, further underscoring the Cowgirls’ incredible achievement. Cowgirl Fight Never Dies!

Preparing students to lead and thrive in a rapidly changing world, Dr. Andra Penny has created a vibrant learning community that values relationships, creativity and critical thinking at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. During her 30-year tenure, Dr. Penny has prioritized the holistic development of each learner on her campus — students and teachers. Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to nurturing all learners have led Dr. Penny to be named the 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year for Texas by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).

“Dr. Penny is a transformative leader who has dedicated over 50 years to public education, making an indelible impact on students, staff, and the community in Coppell ISD and beyond,” Coppell ISD Superintendent Dr. Brad A. Hunt wrote in his recommendation letter. “Under her leadership, the school has flourished, and she has established a culture of excellence that is admired throughout the district, the state, and the nation. Her school is a showplace for student learning, leadership, and fun!”

Dr. Penny will receive her award at the TEPSA Legacy Luncheon during the association’s annual TEPSA Summer Conference in June. She will represent Texas in Washington, D.C., later this year.

Read more at go.coppellisd.com/PennyNAESP.

During the April 16 Special Board Meeting, CISD Trustees discussed the next steps for the search for a new superintendent in Closed Session. While no action was taken at the meeting, Trustee Jobby Mathew gave an update when the Board returned from Closed Session. He shared that one of the consensus items out of the Closed Session was that Trustees will be exploring hiring an external search firm to help them search for a new superintendent. Trustee Mathew also shared that Trustees are going to be working with Dr. Hunt to finalize his end date as superintendent, as there may be some flexibility with Dr. Hunt’s retirement announcement being at the end of the school year. Trustee Mathew also emphasized the Board’s sentiment that there's so much great and important work going on in CISD right now, with the primary goal of educating students and preparing them for future success. He emphasized that the Board of Trustees, as well as Dr. Hunt and the rest of the district’s staff, are committed to making sure that the excellence in education that CISD is known for continues during this time. Details and video from the April 16 Board Meeting can be found at www.coppellisd.com/board.

Coppell ISD was “popping” with joy to welcome hundreds of our new Kindergartners from the Class of 2038 to the district this week with our new tradition of Popsicle Parties in Coppell and Irving. These events were an opportunity for these families to get to know each other and engage with the district. Kindergartners will next engage at their schools at Kindergarten Round-Up on May 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Kindergarten and new-to-CISD elementary and middle school student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Kindergarten Round-Up is May 1. Enrollment for new to CISD high school students begins on July 7. Learn more about enrollment at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment and see all CISD enrollment and returning student registration dates at www.coppellisd.com/page/enrollment-timeline.

The Coppell Cowgirls claimed 1st place overall at the Region 1 6A Championship held April 14–15 at Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand Prairie, finishing with a dominant 600-stroke team total. Alicia Bellendir tied for first individually with a 73/71 (144) but narrowly lost in a four-hole playoff. Riya Bapna followed closely with a 74/72 (146), earning third place. Both Bellendir and Bapna secured spots on the All-Region First Team. Nethra Sheri (77/78 – 155), Isabella Nguyen (79/78 – 157), and Elizabeth Bellendir (77/84 – 161) rounded out the strong team performance. The team now looks ahead to the Golf State Championship to be held April 28–29 at White Wing Golf Course in Georgetown.

Both the Boys and Girls Track and Field Teams had terrific results at the Area Meet last weekend, with the Cowboys placing 2nd in Area and the Cowgirls placing 3rd in Area. Several student-athletes have qualified for Regionals, which will take place Friday and Saturday in Arlington.

• 3200m - 2nd - Maya Easterwood - 10:36.07 (New School Record)

• Long Jump - 3rd - Bailey Johnson - 18-0

• Shot Put - 1st - Ainsley Bramer - 44-6.75 (Area Champion)

• Pole Vault - 3rd - Mia Schuller - 11-0

• Discus - 3rd - Ainsley Bramer - 136-11

• High Jump - 4th - Kennedy Paul - 5-2

• 4x100 Relay - 5th - Ella Corry, Janiah Merritt, Lauren Sanchez, Hannah Polito - 47.41

• 800m - 6th - Mallory Sherrer - 2:20.97

• 100m Hurdles - 3rd - Bailey Johnson - 14.70

• 100m - 6th - Hannah Polito - 12.31

• 4x200 Relay - 4th - Ella Corry, Janiah Merritt, Lauren Sanchez, Sophia Williams - 1:39.51

• 200m - 2nd - Sophia Williams, 6th - Janiah Merritt

• 1600m - 2nd - Maya Easterwood - 4:48.95 (New School Record)

Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes! The Coppell ISD Education Foundation will be hosting its Annual Run to Fund at Andy Brown East Park on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Proceeds from the Run to Fund will allow CEF to award transformative classroom grants and bring innovative learning opportunities to all students in CISD. As if that is not enough, CEF will give $2 from every Run to Fund race entry to the Physical Education Department at the CISD school of your choice.

Price increase and last date to guarantee a run shirt is April 21.Register today at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Coppell/RuntoFund.

Early voting for the May 3 School Board Election begins on Tuesday, April 22 and lasts until Tuesday, April 29. For more information, including on where to vote, visit www.dallascountyvotes.org.

The community is invited to take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the legacy of Pinkerton at the Last Rodeo Event on Sunday, April 27 from 3-6 p.m. The Legacy Event Program will begin at 4 p.m., featuring inspiring guest speakers, a slideshow showcasing memorable moment and a choir performance. Enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, and music from a DJ as we come together to honor this beloved school. Scan the QR code above or click here to submit your favorite Pinkerton memories and be part of the celebration.

Join The Defensive Line and CISD clubs and organizations for a night of fun-filled ways to improve your mental health. Enjoy demonstrations, guest speakers, and a variety of booths to promote healthy lifestyles. Join us for food trucks, a pet adoption, raffles and game. All ages welcome.

• Tuesday, April 29 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Coppell High School

CISD is sharing the 2025-2026 immunization requirements with our community to help families prepare for the next school year. If you have any questions, visit www.coppellisd.com/page/immunizations-requirements or reach out to your school nurse.

• April 18 — District Holiday (Flex Professional Development Day)
• April 21 — Bad Weather Day Holiday
• April 28 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
• May 12 — Budget Board Workshop at 5:30 p.m.