Tagged News

• McAllen elementary students take part in trial of big bad wolf Play Video

  May 22, 2026 2:37 PM

  A unique trial occurred in the Rio Grande Valley. One of the three little pigs took the big, bad wolf to court, and it was up to McAllen elementary students to decide if the wolf was innocent or guilty. In the case of the Third Little Pig vs.... more »

• National safety group urges school districts to address Senior Assassin game Play Video

  May 8, 2026 12:06 PM

  School safety leaders from across the country are warning parents about a social media game that's being played by high school seniors. The game, "Senior Assassin," is played by students targeting each other with water guns, but this game can have real-world consequences. While students may use a... more »

• Brownsville and McAllen school districts under investigation over display of Ten Commandments Play Video

  May 7, 2026 3:17 PM

  The Brownsville and McAllen independent school districts are under investigation to ensure they are displaying the Ten Commandments, according to a news release from the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton announced the statewide investigation into multiple public school districts weeks after an appeals court ruled that... more »

• Schoolyard forests being built on seven McAllen ISD campuses Play Video

  May 6, 2026 6:21 PM

  Groundbreakings were held on Monday and Tuesday at seven McAllen ISD elementary campuses that will soon have a schoolyard forest on their school grounds, according to a news release. “A schoolyard forest is like an outdoor classroom where students can come into contact with nature,” the news release states.... more »

• Juvenile in custody following 'concerning comment’ involving McAllen ISD middle school

  May 6, 2026 11:44 AM

  A juvenile was placed in police custody after making a "concerning comment" on social media regarding Morris Middle School, according to a spokesperson for McAllen ISD. According to the district, the juvenile was identified and placed in custody in less than one hour by the McAllen ISD Police Department.... more »

• McAllen mariachi brothers open for Kacey Musgraves at sold-out shows Play Video

  May 4, 2026 12:08 PM

  Three McAllen Independent School District Mariachi Oro brothers took the stage Sunday night, opening for country music star Kacey Musgraves at the historic Gruene Hall. Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua Gamez-Cuellar are opening three nights in a row for the sold-out shows. Sunday was their first show, they will perform... more »

• McAllen ISD voters approve $335 million bond for schools and safety upgrades Play Video

  May 2, 2026 9:38 PM

  McAllen Independent School District voters approved a $335 million bond program in the May 2 election to modernize campuses, expand career programs, and improve safety across the district. Unofficial election results show 3,213 votes in favor of the bond while 2,633 voted against. The bond will fund Career... more »

• 12-year-old McAllen IDEA student hospitalized after vaping on school bus, 1 student in custody Play Video

  April 28, 2026 8:53 AM

  A 12-year-old student was hospitalized after using a vape pen that tested positive for narcotics, according to the McAllen Police Department. One other student was detained in connection with the incident, police said in a news release. The 12-year-old was identified as a student from IDEA Quest. ... more »

• McAllen high school students' marinara sauce recipe to be served district-wide Play Video

  April 14, 2026 10:36 AM

  Four high school students who created a winning sauce recipe saw it incorporated into a meal at McAllen Memorial High School. Angel Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Fernando Bernal and Yurem Romo, known collectively as "The Sauce Boys," concocted a marinara sauce recipe that was selected as the best in a... more »

• From Memorial High physics class to NASA Moon mission, McAllen engineer makes history

  April 1, 2026 4:46 PM

  A McAllen Memorial High School graduate is helping lead NASA's first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years. Debbie Whitis Korth graduated from Memorial in 1987 and is one of the chief engineers behind Artemis II. Korth now serves as Orion Deputy Program Manager at... more »

• Protest held for McAllen family detained by ICE Play Video

  March 8, 2026 1:41 PM

  Dozens of people showed their support outside of the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville. That's where one of three McAllen Independent School District students is being detained. The students, two of whom are Mariachi Oro members, along with their parents, were detained last month by U.S. Immigration and... more »

• 5 Valley school districts take part in fast-track teacher certification program Play Video

  January 11, 2026 6:22 PM

  There's a new program for school employees who want to become teachers. The fast-track program allows staff to complete coursework while on the job. Donna Independent School District, Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, McAllen Independent School District, Mission Consolidated Independent School District and Point Isabel Independent School District... more »

• McAllen Crime Stoppers hold annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway Play Video

  November 26, 2025 7:24 PM

  The city of McAllen and McAllen Crime Stoppers held their annual Turkey Meal Give Away on Wednesday, providing Thanksgiving meals to 350 families. According to a news release, the families picked up the meals at the McAllen Police Station after they were selected to receive the meals by teachers... more »

• Four McAllen ISD students qualify for national vocal competition Play Video

  November 18, 2025 8:39 PM

  Four student performers from McAllen ISD qualified to perform at the 31st Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition, the district announced Allyson Contador and Isabel Garza-Johnson of McAllen High School qualified, along with Leann Vela of James “Nikki” Rowe High School and Travis Middle School’s Joshua Gamez-Cuellar. ... more »

• McAllen parents react to district removing 10 Commandments from classrooms Play Video

  November 18, 2025 11:54 AM

  A judge has ordered the McAllen Independent School District to take down the 10 Commandments posters. The ACLU sued to get rid of those posters that were put up after lawmakers passed Senate Bill 10. Channel 5 News spoke with McAllen ISD parents about the posters' removal. Some... more »

• McAllen ISD removing 10 Commandments from classrooms following federal lawsuit Play Video

  November 17, 2025 2:12 PM

  The McAllen Independent School District is removing the 10 Commandments from being displayed in classrooms following a federal lawsuit. The State Legislature passed a bill earlier this year requiring public schools to have the 10 Commandments displayed in classrooms. Over the weekend, the school district sent a letter... more »

• McAllen ISD students collected food items for families in need Play Video

  November 1, 2025 2:01 PM

  People who attended the Nikki Rowe — McAllen Memorial game on Friday were encouraged to bring some canned food. Students were collecting non-perishable food for families in need. The effort is timely because of the ongoing government shutdown. Two school buses were parked at Veterans Memorial Stadium, where... more »

• McAllen ISD teachers training for Science Olympiad Play Video

  October 24, 2025 8:49 PM

  Elementary teachers at McAllen ISD participated in a Friday training for a state science competition. Starting in January 2026, all 18 of McAllen ISD’s elementary schools will participate in a Science Olympiad to increase student interest in science, according to a news release. Science Olympiad teams have existed... more »

• DPS ride along to enforce school bus safety laws Play Video

  October 20, 2025 8:13 PM

  Before the sun rises, school bus drivers hit the road to pick up students. The roads are dark, and the attention of other drivers worries parents. Since the start of the school year, Channel 5 News has reported on five accidents involving school buses that have occurred throughout... more »

• LIST: Valley school districts with employees accused of making inappropriate comments on Charlie Kirk’s death Play Video

  October 16, 2025 5:33 PM

  A dozen school districts across the Rio Grande Valley have employees accused of making inappropriate comments over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Following a public information request filed by Channel 5 News on Oct. 6, the Texas Education Agency provided on Wednesday a list of 129 Texas... more »

• McAllen ISD lowers property tax rate Play Video

  October 11, 2025 3:41 PM

  People who live in McAllen will get a small bit of relief next year after McAllen ISD board members voted recently to reduce the property tax rate for the second year in a row. The tax rate was reduced by a little more than six pennies, doubling the state... more »

• McAllen ISD students taste test new menu options Play Video

  October 10, 2025 12:29 AM

  Pizza and chicken nuggets are classics at a school cafeteria, but McAllen ISD is thinking outside the box. The district wants new and fresh flavors with healthier menu options, and they’re letting students provide input. On Thursday, the district invited students to serve as food critics and taste... more »

• Bond set for Alamo man accused of rear-ending McAllen ISD school bus Play Video

  September 17, 2025 9:07 AM

  A 37-year-old Alamo man is facing charges after crashing into a McAllen ISD school bus, according to the McAllen Police Department. The crash happened Tuesday at around 4:38 p.m. at the 2600 block of Galveston Avenue when a Chevrolet Silverado collided with a school bus carrying 17 students whose... more »

• McAllen ISD town hall to feature discussion on future capital improvement projects Play Video

  September 10, 2025 5:52 PM

  McAllen ISD wants to hear from the community. District leaders are set to hold a town hall meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11, to go over their findings on the conditions of district buildings. According to the district, a consulting company recently provided facility planning services. The company... more »

• McAllen ISD, Sames McAllen Ford teaming up to award new car to student with perfect attendance Play Video

  September 8, 2025 8:15 PM

  One McAllen ISD high school student will win a new car for having perfect attendance, the district announced Monday. The district and Sames Ford McAllen teamed up for the second year in a row to reward a student with the new car. Students with perfect attendance will be... more »

• New bill allows Valley game officials to remove unruly fans during high school football games Play Video

  August 29, 2025 12:10 PM

  Many Rio Grande Valley residents will head to high school stadiums Friday night. A new state law will now allow game officials to remove people they think are being disruptive without a warning. When it comes to high school sporting events, the number one thing fans think about... more »

• City of McAllen holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new park Play Video

  August 22, 2025 3:49 PM

  People in McAllen can now enjoy a new park. The Morris-Perez Park is a joint collaboration between the city of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday. The park is open to students and the entire community. McAllen ISD Superintendent Rene... more »

• McAllen ISD restricting students from using cell phones during the school day Play Video

  August 12, 2025 10:54 PM

  In compliance with a state law, McAllen ISD announced its new student communication policy that prevents students from using cell phones and other communication devices during the school day. The policy was approved on Tuesday by school board members, and will go into effect during the first day... more »

• Educators learn about AI usage as part of McAllen ISD technology conference Play Video

  August 6, 2025 8:57 PM

  McAllen ISD will be embracing technology in the new school year. On Wednesday, more than 800 educators participated in McAllen ISD’s TECHnovate conference. As part of the conference, teachers learned how they can use artificial intelligence to their advantage. The annual conference shows teachers how to integrate technology... more »

• McAllen ISD parents prepare for new school year thanks to back to school bash Play Video

  July 29, 2025 8:44 PM

  Students across the Rio Grande Valley will soon be back in the classroom, and McAllen ISD is helping them out. On Tuesday, the district held their annual Back to School Bash. As part of the day-long event, free backpacks, school supplies and other resources were provided to McAllen... more »

• Distrito Escolar de McAllen ofrecerá desayuno y almuerzo gratis Play Video

  July 18, 2025 2:04 PM

  El Distrito Escolar de McAllen anuncio que estará repartiendo comidas gratis a partir de este año escolar en todos sus campus, donde ofrecerán desayuno y almuerzo gratis. Esta iniciativa se implementó para asegurar que todos los niños reciban una comida nutritiva. El primer día de clases es el... more »

• Envían donaciones recaudadas por el Distrito Escolar de McAllen al centro de Texas

  July 16, 2025 4:02 PM

  Los suministros recolectados durante la campaña 'Fill the Bus' para el Condado Kerr del Distrito Escolar Independiente de McAllen ahora están en camino hacia el norte. "Es muy importante retribuir no solo a nuestra comunidad, sino también a los necesitados", dijo Kennedy Kaiser, estudiante de Memorial High School. ... more »

• McAllen ISD sending donations to flood victims in Kerr County Play Video

  July 15, 2025 10:49 PM

  McAllen ISD will be sending a trailer full of donated items to help flood victims in Kerr County on Wednesday, according to a news release. The items were collected as part of the district’s Fill the Bus for Kerr County campaign, where community members were asked to drop off... more »

• Finalizan la campaña 'llena el autobús' en McAllen debido a una gran cantidad de apoyo Play Video

  July 14, 2025 4:17 PM

  Debido a la gran cantidad de apoyo, el Distrito Escolar Independiente de McAllen canceló el evento del miércoles de su campaña Fill the Bus for Kerr County, según un portavoz de McAllen ISD. El lunes marcó el primer día de la campaña de McAllen ISD. El portavoz dijo... more »

• McAllen ISD asking the community to 'fill the bus' with donations for flood victims in Central Texas Play Video

  July 9, 2025 2:54 PM

  The McAllen Independent School District announced they're Fill The Bus campaign for flood victims in Kerr County. The district will be collecting donations from Monday, July 14 through Wednesday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at the McAllen ISD Central Office, located... more »

• Distrito Escolar de McAllen inicia campaña de ayuda para los afectados de las inundaciones en Texas Play Video

  July 9, 2025 10:59 AM

  El Distrito Escolar de McAllen inicia una nueva campaña este miércoles 9 de julio para ayudar a los afectados por las graves inundaciones en el Río Guadalupe, cerca del Condado Kerr en el centro de Texas. Cientos de personas que fueron afectadas por las inundaciones del pasado 4 de... more »

• 2 Valley natives to compete in Miss Texas pageant Play Video

  June 26, 2025 2:07 PM

  Two Rio Grande Valley natives will be competing in the Miss Texas pageant on Saturday. Kayla Rodriguez, who won the Miss Rio Grande Valley competition, is one of the contestants. She is a Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District graduate. The second contestant is Anyssa Mujica, who won Miss... more »

• Hidalgo ISD announces appointment of new superintendent Play Video

  June 16, 2025 6:45 PM

  Hidalgo Independent School District announced the appointment of Dr. J.A. Gonzalez as the new superintendent. According to a news release, Gonzalez recently served as superintendent of Harlingen Independent School District during the 2023-2024 school year. He also served as superintendent at McAllen Independent School District, earning state and national... more »

• McAllen ISD, Mission CISD offering free summer meals for kids Play Video

  June 7, 2025 1:46 PM

  It's summer break, and several Rio Grande Valley school districts are offering free breakfast and lunch for children. The city of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District are partnering up for the Summer Meals for Kids program. According to a news release, they will be providing free meals... more »

• McAllen ISD, Sames McAllen Ford award free car to high school student with perfect attendance Play Video

  June 6, 2025 2:33 PM

  The McAllen Independent School District partnered with Sames McAllen Ford to award a brand-new 2025 Ford Escape to a high school with perfect attendance. According to a news release, Cesar Castilla from Achieve Early College High School was the lucky winner in the drawing for the free car as... more »

• McAllen ISD 1st grader becomes published writer Play Video

  June 4, 2025 12:22 PM

  She's in first grade and already a published writer. On Tuesday, seven-year-old Rose Mendez got to read her book to other kids at Castañeda Elementary School. The book is called '¿Como Se Llama?' and it's about farm animals and written in both English and Spanish. Rose explains... more »

• El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Hidalgo nombra al único finalista para superintendente de escuelas

  May 27, 2025 10:46 AM

  El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Hidalgo ha nombrado al Dr. JA González como el único finalista para superintendente de escuelas, según un comunicado de prensa. El comunicado de prensa decía que se requiere un período de espera de 21 días antes de que se espera que González asuma oficialmente... more »

• Hidalgo ISD names lone finalist for superintendent position Play Video

  May 27, 2025 10:40 AM

  The Hidalgo Independent School District has named Dr. J.A. Gonzalez as the lone finalist for superintendent of schools, according to a news release. The news release said there is a 21-day waiting period required before Gonzalez is expected to officially take on the role of superintendent. Gonzalez was... more »

• McAllen ISD music teacher prepares for online classes Play Video

  March 24, 2020 7:08 PM

  MCALLEN – On Wednesday, online classes will begin for advanced placement students at McAllen Independent School District. For some younger students it’s time to learn music. In his online class, Jesus Cervantes mostly focuses on singing. A program which during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed completely. Cervantes says... more »

• McAllen ISD students to enter online courses following spring break extension Play Video

  March 16, 2020 10:34 PM

  MCALLEN – A major move on Monday by McAllen Independent School District. Students, kindergarten through high school, won’t be returning to class after spring break. School board officials canceled in-class session for two weeks, which will start after spring break. McAllen students would resume instruction online April 6. ... more »

• Police Shop with McAllen Students to Buy Christmas Gifts Play Video

  December 11, 2019 4:15 PM

  MCALLEN – Dozens of McAllen students got to shop ‘til they dropped Wednesday morning through the city’s Heroes and Helpers event. The city of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District teamed up with Target to make sure no child goes without a Christmas gift this year. Officers escort... more »

• McAllen ISD Student Hit by Car Remains Hospitalized Play Video

  November 17, 2019 10:31 PM

  MCALLEN - A McAllen ISD student who was hit by a car remains hospitalized. School district officials say the student is in stable condition. Authorities say the student was hit while waiting for the school bus. It happened near Alvarez Elementary School on Friday. The driver... more »

• Shoes Given to Students in Need Play Video

  November 9, 2019 10:58 PM

  MCALLEN - McAllen ISD, along with their rotary partners, raised funds and bought more than 1,200 pairs of shoes for needy students. With the help of parent involvement specialists, the school district identified over 1,400 needy students. Miguel Castillo, says his children were picked to receive new shoes.... more »

• McAllen School Seeks to Improve Grade on Preliminary Report Card Play Video

  November 7, 2019 5:39 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley school district is excelling overall, according to a state evaluation, but one of their schools is falling behind. Every year the Texas Education Agency evaluates all the schools in the states. They get graded on an "A" through "F" scale. Overall, McAllen... more »

• Hearing for Contested McAllen ISD School Board Election Set for Today Play Video

  September 11, 2019 9:23 AM

  MCALLEN- A hearing for a contested McAllen Independent School District school board election is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Tony Forina defeated Gina Karam Millin in the Trustee Place 4 race in May by 12 votes. Millin filed a petition in June claiming the school district promoted Fornia during... more »

• McAllen ISD Board Members Reach Salary Raise Agreement Play Video

  August 27, 2019 11:24 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley school district is making changes to try to stay competitive. That means raises for teachers. These raises come after a state bill passed giving school districts more money. McAllen Independent School District board members disagreed about how to increase salaries. ... more »

• McAllen Student Musician to Perform at Historical Carnegie Hall Play Video

  June 21, 2019 4:35 PM

  NEW YORK – A student at the McAllen Independent School District will perform New York's historical Carnegie Hall. Vicente Camacho, 14, was nominated by a former Nikki Rowe High School orchestra director. Camacho was accepted into the Juniors Honors Orchestra in the 2019 Middle School Honors Performance series.... more »

• McAllen ISD: No Threat to De León Middle School, Student in Custody Play Video

  May 17, 2019 11:26 AM

  MCALLEN – A student at the McAllen Independent School District is in custody. School officials tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS the student reposted a message referring to a threat at a school in Los Angeles, California. The district says that post mislead readers and caused panic at Alonzo De... more »

• Results of McAllen ISD Board Race Expected Later This Week Play Video

  May 13, 2019 9:25 PM

  MCALLEN- A recount is underway for the McAllen ISD place 4 race. Gina Millin requested the recount after losing to incumbent Tony Forina by 11 votes. more »

• Enrollment Drop Leads to Loss of Teachers, Funding Play Video

  September 7, 2018 10:19 PM

  MCALLEN – Increasing factors are leading to the departure of teachers from Rio Grande Valley school districts. KRGV’s Valerie Gonzalez learned it’s a symptom of recent loss of enrollment and funding . In 2014, 184 teachers stopped working for McAllen Independent School District. Some retired, moved or resigned. One teacher... more »

• Students Team with City of McAllen for Pollution Awareness

  June 6, 2018 6:11 PM

  MCALLEN – Children are getting their hands dirty in the name of pollution awareness. Fourth graders from Roosevelt Elementary in McAllen took part in the "Storm Project" to keep trash out of storm drains. As part of their participation, the students beautified a storm drain inlet on Idela Avenue. The... more »

• Mother Accuses School of Failing to Drop Off Child at Requested Location Play Video

  June 6, 2018 5:55 PM

  MCALLEN – A McAllen ISD parent is seeking answers after summer school instructors somehow lost track of her daughter. Martha Luna says she made arrangements with the district this week to place her daughter on a different summer school bus route. When she went to the pick-up location, her daughter... more »

• Robbery Leads to Lockouts at 3 McAllen ISD Schools Play Video

  February 28, 2018 12:38 PM

  UPDATE (1:15 p.m.) : McAllen ISD says lockouts at all three schools were lifted at 1:04 p.m. No injuries were reported. --------- MCALLEN – Three McAllen ISD schools are on lockout as a precaution while police investigate a robbery in the area. Mark May, a spokesperson for the district, says... more »

• Lockouts at 3 McAllen ISD Schools Lifted, All Suspects in Custody Play Video

  December 18, 2017 12:08 PM

  MCALLEN – Lockouts at three McAllen ISD schools were lifted after DPS located all suspects involved in a Monday morning chase and bailout, according to district police. Mark May, a district spokesperson, told CHANNEL 5 NEWS lockouts at Brown Middle School, Bonham Elementary and Jose De Escandon Elementary went into... more »

• McAllen ISD Helping Victims of Hurricane Harvey Play Video

  September 16, 2017 8:28 PM

  MCALLEN--McAllen ISD is pitching in to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Volunteers made their way to the Corpus Christi area Saturday morning to hand out items to people affected by Harvey. Items included 16 pallets of bottled water, toiletries and canned goods. The items were donated by students, staff and... more »

• McAllen ISD Warns Employees After Information Released Play Video

  May 28, 2017 5:01 PM

  MCALLEN--McAllen ISD is providing some of its employees with resources to protect against identity theft. McAllen ISD spokesperson Mark May said a document with approximately 160 employee names and social security numbers was inadvertently shared with staff members at several campuses. May said the district immediately took action to delete... more »