McNeil High School
Congratulations to the 2025 Maverick Homecoming Court Nominees
Freshman: Eliza Parks, Vivian Raudabaugh, Kennedy Young, Yannick Counts, Remiel Soto
Sophomores: Paisley Banks, Lasya Kandagatla, Natalia Landez, Nysa Tiwari, Waylon Carrasco, Kyle Rayborn, Aiden Vasquez
Juniors: Rae Perez, Mina Wares, Arjun Bandaru, Will Jones
Seniors: Madelyn Cregar, Raquel Rand, Gloria Reyna, Kennadi Taylor, Arturo Benard, Bowen Wheatley, Marshall Holland, Alex Faris
YOUR 2025 Maverick Homecoming Royal Court
Freshman Duchess:
Vivian Raudabaugh
Sophomore Duchess:
Natalia Landez
Junior Princess: Rae Perez
Freshman Duke: Yannick Counts
Sophomore Duke: Aiden Vasquez
Junior Prince: Arjun Bandaru
YOUR MAVS beat Westwood Friday night on Homecoming. The Mavs scored a school record 70 points in a single game! The previous record was 56 points, set during the 2000 season. Follow MavNation on Instagram for more information, photos, and videos – like this Homecoming Reel Hype Video. GO MAVS!
If your student would like to start on the IB prep. pathway in the 9th or 10th grade year, or if your student is a 10th grader this year (and wanting to start the IB Diploma Programme as a junior), please fill out this form with some basic information so that we may contact you.
https://forms.gle/RCKkzZtKo3NcjeGL6
Certain advanced classes will be highly recommended during your student's middle school years, and during the freshman and sophomore year to put them on the pathway to participate in the IB Diploma Programme during their junior and senior year.
NOTE - filling out this form does not mean that your student will be automatically placed on the IB track. It merely indicates that you are interested in the IB pathway for your student.
Monday, September 15 - Senior Parent/Guardian Info Session - 6:00 – 7:30PM, McNeil HS Cafeteria; Senior Parents / Guardians will see the information that counselors will cover during Senior 1:1 meetings.
Wednesday, September 17 - Choir Fall Concert; 7PM at the Raymond E. Hartfield PAC
Friday, September 19 - End of IPR 1 (6 Weeks UIL Grade Check)
Monday, September 22 - Student Holiday / RRISD Staff Workday
Tuesday, September 23 - Student Holiday / RRISD Staff Workday
Thursday, September 25 - IPR visible in HAC
Friday, September 26 - Hard copy of Interim Progress Report sent home
Wednesday, October 1 - Student / Staff Picture Day
Wednesday, October 1 - McNeil Orchestra Fall Concert, 7PM, Raymond E. Hartfield PAC
Thursday, October 2 - FAFSA Family Support Night, 5:30 - 8. p.m. Round Rock ISD Old Hopewell Bldg., 1311 Round Rock, Ave. Make appointment: rrisdschools.org/FAFSA
Thursday, October 17 - Saturday, October 19 - McNeil Theatre Presents: "The Addams Family Musical", 7:00PM at Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, October 22 - The PSAT for McNeil 10th and 11th graders is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22. Click HERE for more information on the PSAT / NMSQT Exam. Also, see this flyer for an opportunity to to Prepare for the PSAT. More information will be emailed to students and families as we get closer to the PSAT Date.
Click here for additional information on YOUR McNeil High School Community Calendar!
2026 Yearbooks are now on sale!
You can purchase your yearbook and senior ad through the Jostens website. Last year, we sold out—so the only way to guarantee your copy is to pre-order early. Don’t wait! Prices will increase in October.
Buy the 2026 Yearbook Here!
Senior Portrait Information!
All seniors must have their portraits taken through CADY Photography to be included in the yearbook. Their studio is located in North Austin and offers a variety of packages. The most affordable option is $10, which includes both the tux/drape and cap and gown photos.
A few weeks after your session, CADY will email or text you to select the photo you'd like featured in the yearbook. No further action is needed after that.
If you need help scheduling your appointment, please stop by room C130.
All senior portraits must be taken before winter break to ensure inclusion in the yearbook.
Sign up for Senior Portraits Here!
Underclassmen Picture Day Information!
Picture Day for underclassmen is scheduled for October 1 in the Big Gym. Students will be escorted to the gym with their 5th period class.
More details will be shared as the date approaches.
Picture Retake Day is set for November 4.
Email haley_gluch@roundrockisd.org with any questions.
9/17 - HAPPY Constitution Day!
9/19 - Talk Like a Pirate Day --- RRRR, See you at ye Library, matey!
9/25 - Comic Book Day
9/26 - Readers Cafe -- FIRST MEETING!
9/29 - National Coffee Day
RRISD Library News: We’re excited to share that Round Rock ISD libraries now use Insignia, our new library software. With a Parent Account in Insignia, you can easily view your child’s current library checkouts and even set restrictions on specific titles, if desired.
Getting started is simple! Just visit https://roundrockisd.insigniails.com/Library/EmailLogin to enter your email and access your parent account. CLICK HERE to view step-by-step directions so you’ll know exactly how to log in and navigate the system. If you have any questions, please email Library_Services@roundrockisd.org.
Nos complace anunciar que las bibliotecas del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Round Rock (RRISD) ahora utilizan Insignia, nuestro nuevo programa. Con una cuenta para padres en Insignia, puede ver fácilmente los préstamos actuales de su hijo/a e incluso establecer restricciones para títulos específicos, si lo desea.
¡Comenzar es muy fácil! Visite https://roundrockisd.insigniails.com/Library/EmailLogin para ingresar su correo electrónico y acceder a su cuenta para padres. HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para ver las instrucciones paso a paso y saber exactamente cómo iniciar sesión y navegar por el sistema. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a Library_Services@roundrockisd.org.
Did you know… College Representatives visit McNeil Students regularly? Click HERE to see a calendar with the upcoming list of Colleges coming to the McNeil College & Career Center (in Office Suite 6, located in the back of the Cafeteria) from 11AM - 1 PM, on the date(s) listed below. Maverick students and families that have questions about applying to college should check the McNeil Counseling Department webpage: Applying to College & Career Future Goals and contact Mr. Brandon Tate, McNeil High School Lead Counselor, with any additional questions. GO MAVERICKS! Upcoming Recruiters from Colleges and Universities:
Tuesday, September 16 - University of Arkansas
Thursday, September 25 - Greater Austin YMCA is Hiring -- Visiting during ALL 3 Lunches!
Friday, September 26 - Indiana University-Bloomington
Monday, September 29 - The University of Alabama
Friday, October 3 - Texas Tech University
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN -- The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering will host Computer Science Day on Saturday, November 1, 2025, on the College Station campus. The registration link is: Here
Thursday, October 2, from 5:30 - 8. p.m.
Please join us for this FAFSA information session located in the Old Hopewell Building.
We look forward to helping you complete your FAFSA or TASFA and guiding you through any questions along the way.
Remember, it’s helpful to bring the documents listed below, if applicable to you:
List of colleges and/or universities the student is interested in attending.
Student/Parent Driver’s License number and Social Security number
Student/Parent Alien Registration card, if student is a legal permanent resident
All Student/Parent/Guardian tax return documents for 2023
Please ensure to bring all of the documents listed above to complete your FAFSA application. If you do not have one of these items, our trained experts and volunteers will help you fill out your application and give you a list of next steps.
FAFSA Family Support Night will be in the Round Rock ISD Old Hopewell Bldg., 1311 Round Rock, Ave.
Click here to make appointment: rrisdschools.org/FAFSA
We have a few opportunities coming up for students who would like to prepare for the PSAT or SAT this fall. I've included links below and attached pdfs with this information as well. Please share this with any students who might be interested and with your counseling staff as well. As a reminder, we have scholarship spaces available for any students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch (application attached). Let me know if you have any questions or scholarship students to nominate.
PSAT/SAT Classes on campus at Westwood HS - Register through RRISD Community Enrichment
One-Day SAT Boot Camp in North Austin on 9/6 - $169 for one fast paced day of prep
One-Day PSAT Boot Camp in Cedar Park on 9/27 - $169 for one fast paced day of prep
The Greater Austin YMCA is hiring, and we’re looking for people who are passionate about youth, community, and making a difference. We’re currently filling key roles such as lifeguards, swim instructors, afterschool counselors, and youth sports referees.
The Greater Austin YMCA is a great place for high school and college students to start their career journey. If they are first-time job seekers, we offer flexible work schedules to accommodate students' class schedule. As a YMCA staff member, students will also have access to a free YMCA membership, as well as other part-time benefits.
If you're ready to be part of a fun, mission-driven team, check out the flyer below and apply today! Visit the Greater Austin YMCA career website HERE. For information on where our YMCA centers are located, visit HERE.
Free College Application Week is a statewide initiative that helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost.
Created by Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, all public colleges and universities in Texas are required to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs.
For the first year, Free College Application Week is October 13-19, 2025. Every year after the first, it is the second full week of October (Monday-Sunday). Applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas by 11:59 p.m. CST on the last day of Free College Application Week to qualify. Applications that are started but not submitted will not be eligible.
Click HERE for additional information.
Did you know McNeil has a FARM with Steers, Pigs, Goats, Lambs, and Chickens? Click HERE to get more information on YOUR MAVulous FFA / Ag Programs. McNeil High School: Annual Halloween on the Farm! On Wednesday, October 29, at the McNeil High School Ag Farm, join the McNeil FFA and MHS Student Organizations to play games, trick-or-treat, and you can meet OUR Maverick ANIMALS! Come dressed in your best costume! Food, hot coco, and a s'mores station will be available. The Annual Halloween on the Farm is FREE. All ages are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there! Park in the BACK Parking Lot and walk to the Farm. For a detailed parking map for the Halloween on the Farm, click HERE. See you at the Farm and GO MAVS!
Click here for the full story: McNeil Trailblazer
Every Friday Night you can see YOUR MAVtastic McNeil Marching Band in action in the stands and at Halftime of the Varsity Football Games. BUT, did you know, YOUR MAVERICKal MAVs also compete and perform throughout the year? Mark your calendars for these opportunities to see YOUR MAVS in action throughout the Fall... GO MAV BAND and GUARD!
Tuesday, September 23 at 7:45 PM (NEW TIME) - March-A-Thon Celebration and Marching Preview - Maverick Stadium
You can also get MORE information by following YOUR Maverick Band and Colorguard on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mcneilhsband/
Mark your calendars for the FIRST performance of the 2025-2026 School Year! YOUR MAVulous Maverick Choir will be singing in their Fall Concert on Wednesday, September 17 in the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center located NEXT to McNeil High School (5800 McNeil Drive). You can follow YOUR Maverick Choir on Instagram for ALL of the lastest news and updates on future events. Don't miss this concert... it will be MAVERICKal!
Maverick Family... MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the FIRST Orchestra Concert of the School Year! Wednesday, October 1 - 7PM at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center...
The Orchestra shows are ALWAYS MAVERICKal; you do not want to miss it!! GO MAVS!
You can also get MORE information by following YOUR Maverick Orchestra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcneilhsorchestra/
Click HERE to meet the case of YOUR McNeil Theatre's The Addams Family Musical! Mark your calendars for the first McNeil Theatre performance of the year: October 16th - 18th at 7:00 PM at the Raymond E. Hartfield PAC.
Maverick WATER POLO... Did you know...?
Maverick Sophomore, Claire Loudon has scored 50 goals this season, including 10 goals in one match to lead YOUR Mavericks to victory over LASA last week! WAY TO GO MAVS! Your Mavericks next game is against Cedar Ridge, Tuesday, September 16. YOUR Lady MAVS play at 5:30, followed by your Maverick Boys Water Polo at 6:30 at the Round Rock Aquatics Center. Let's GO MAVS!
On Friday Night, YOUR Lady Mavs Volleyball Varsity, JV, and Flex ALL came away with wins over Taylor. WAY TO GO MAVS! YOUR Lady Mavs next game is this Tuesday, September 16 at McNeil HS against Round Rock.
Tennis: JV Tennis @ Round Rock on Thursday, September 18 at 4:30PM.
Volleyball: Volleyball vs Round Rock at McNeil High School Tuesday, September 16⋅5:30 – 8:00pm at McNeil, Flex: 5:30pm, JV: 5:30pm, Freshman: 6:30pm, Varsity: 6:30pm.
Friday, September 19 Volleyball v Cedar Ridge at McNeil, Flex: 5:30pm, JV: 5:30pm, Freshman: 6:30pm, Varsity: 6:30pm.
Saturday, September 20 Volleyball JV/Flex @ Glenn Tournament.
Football: vs Round Rock - Thursday, September 18, Freshman Blue - 5:00PM @ Round Rock
JV - 6:00 PM @ Maverick Stadium
Freshman Green - 6:30 PM @ Round Rock
Water Polo: McNeil vs. Cedar Ridge, Tuesday, September 16. YOUR Lady MAVS play at 5:30, followed by your Maverick Boys Water Polo at 6:30 at the Round Rock Aquatics Center.
Swimming: Intrasquad Meet, Thursday, September 18 at 6:00 at the Round Rock Aquatics Center.
McNeil Cross Country: Hoka Invitational, the Largest Cross County meet in Texas, hosted by McNeil High School, Friday and Saturday, September 19 – 20 at Old Settlers Park.
This Friday, September 19, YOUR McNeil Varsity Football team will play Round Rock at Dragon Stadium at Round Rock High School!
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM. We encourage you to arrive early to avoid long lines at the entrance.
The gates will open at 6 PM. Football game tickets can be purchased here.
McNeil will be the "VISITING" Team. To ensure all Maverick fans are in the right place at the right time to display our support in solidarity and to continue to support our desire for all to have a great, safe experience, we are asking all Maverick fans to enter the stadium through the VISITOR Ticket Gate; once inside the stadium, spectators will not be allowed to traverse to and from the Home and Visitor sides of the stadium. To be clear, Maverick fans should enter the stadium through the VISITOR Ticket Gate and should remain on the VISITOR side of the stadium.
Click HERE for an aerial view of Dragon Stadium fan parking, and the location of the Home and Visitor Gates.
As a reminder, RRISD, Dragon Stadium, and Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex have a “Clear Bag Policy”.
Click HERE for the RRISD Clear Bag Policy.
Athletic tickets for all RRISD high school and middle school athletic events hosted at Round Rock ISD campuses and facilities are sold online. Home and visiting sports fans can purchase their digital tickets online before they arrive or scan the QR code posted at the gate to secure their entry. Purchase tickets below or by downloading the Hometown Ticketing App or CLICK Athletics to PURCHASE TICKETS. Buy your tickets early to save time!
As always, we are looking forward to a great evening of football, volleyball, cheerleading, music (band and choir), dance, and MAVtacular Maverick spirit and support! GO MAVS!
Maverick Athletic celebrations will be added weekly!
Support YOUR McNeil Majestics at P. Terry's Spirit Night, Monday, September 15!
Here are links to YOUR Maverick Sports Teams’ Game schedules and Fine Arts Schedules.
2025 Maverick Football Schedule
2025 McNeil Volleyball Schedule
Fall 2025 Varsity and JV Tennis Schedule
2025 McNeil Water Polo Schedule
2025-26 Lady Mav Basketball Schedule
McNeil Boys Basketball Schedule, 25-26
McNeil Orchestra Performance Dates
Schedules will be added as they are made available by the Directors and Coaches.
Click HERE for important information from YOUR MAVulous McNeil @McNeilHSPTSA. To join the McNeil PTSA visit JoinPTA.org. Additionally you can visit www.mcneilptsa.com to buy McNeil Spirit Wear (on the Store Tab) and sign up to receive weekly emails about future McNeil activities and special events. MHS PTSA weekly updates are sent on Sundays
NOW OPEN: Free & reduced school meal application for eligible families. It takes only 5 minutes to apply and your application is completely confidential. For more details and to apply click HERE: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Does your student have an upcoming Driver’s License appointment? If so, YOU WILL need a Verification of Enrollment form. The VOE Request Form and MANY MORE resources are available on our MAV Campus Website and Students Section.
Click HERE for the McNeil HS Transcript Request Form.
Each week we send out this newsletter to CELEBRATE OUR Mavericks and share important information about upcoming events. If you see something missing from a MavMail, reach out to the sponsor of the team, club, or event and ask them to have it added to the next MavMail.
The latest edition of MavMail will be emailed and posted on most Sundays at 5PM.
Due to the School Holiday next week, the Next MavMail will be Monday, September 1.
Do you want more information about McNeil High School?
Website: https://mcneil.roundrockisd.org/
Address: 5720 McNeil Road, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: (512) 464-6300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rrisd.mcneil
Twitter: @MHSmavs
Are you looking for MORE ways to stay informed of ALL the aMAVzing news from McNeil High School?
Follow YOUR MHS Student Council!
Read the OFFICIAL Student Newspaper: The Trailblazer, and visit this site to read our daily student announcements.
Click these links for previous editions of MavMail:
YOUR Maverick Students are participating in informational sessions facilitated by their 1st / 5th period teaches during our FLEX Period. We share this information with Maverick Families for discussions and to ensure the entire Maverick Community is aware of what makes McNeil Students World Class Mavericks -- Safe, Respectful, and Responsible! 2025-2026 McNeil High School FLEX Student Presentation
Additionally, McNeil Administration will be hosting Class Expectation meetings this week on the designated days linked in the information above.
If you have any questions, please reach out to YOUR Maverick's Assistant Principal. Click HERE for the contact information of YOUR McNeil High School Administration Team.
Student parking permits need to be purchased and displayed in vehicles by Friday, August 22. Enforcement of violations begin August 25, 2025.
Parking Permit Sales occur throughout the school year. There are still Reserved Senior spots available for purchase.
Please fill out the parking permit application linked below and then complete the purchase of your permit. Parking permits can be purchased, if not online, and picked up in Suite 4 (Room B110).
Additional information is included in the links below.
25-26 McNeil HS Parking Permit Application Form
Parent / Student Driver Informational Letter
* ALL Students MUST purchase a Parking Permit before they can park on McNeil Campus.
* ONLY SENIORS are allowed to leave campus during the school day and only at their assigned lunch time.
* Parking permits are $25.00 for the entire year, payable in exact change cash, by check, or the eStore after the form is completed.
* Senior ONLY Reserved Parking for Project Graduation is sold separately at an additional cost of $100 payable to the McNeil PTSA. These permits are limited to the first 200 students with a complete and valid application.
* ALL Students must have a valid Driver's License at the time of purchase to receive their parking permit. A Learner's License will not be accepted.
* ALL Students must be listed as a driver or additional driver on the car insurance and it must have a valid date.
The MOST important thing we do at McNeil High School is ensure our students are safe. This includes before and after school, during student arrival and dismissal. So, how do we ensure 2,800 people are safe as they ALL try to leave the same place at the exact same time? It takes YOUR HELP!
If you have not done so already, please view this screencastify video for updated "Traffic and Parking Instructions" or this Google Presentation. Watching and following the directions in this video will ensure our students are safe and will also save you time.
NOTE: DO NOT PARK at the YMCA before or after school! As we communicated last week via text and email, McNeil High School Administration was advised the YMCA is hiring off-duty police officers to manage their parking lot situation and is also contracting with a tow truck company to begin removing vehicles that do not belong to YMCA members or visitors during the 2025-2026 school year.
PLEASE DO NOT park or drive through the YMCA parking lot during school drop-off or pick-up hours
The YMCA will begin towing non-member vehicles from their lot.
All Maverick students exchanged their current Chromebook for a NEW Chromebook during the First Week of School
If your student did NOT receive a new chromebook please email Richard_Raney@RoundRockISD.org or Jessica_Thailing@RoundRockISD.org.
THANK YOU to our MAVtastic Community for approving the most recent RRISD Bond providing
As a reminder, all Maverick students need to bring their RRISD Chromebook to school every day.
Updates from Round Rock ISD: Cell phone Update From Round Rock ISD -- A new state law requires students to store personal communication devices out of sight from bell to bell. Items that must now be stored away all day on Round Rock ISD campuses include:
● Personal cell phones
● Tablets
● Gaming devices
● Smart watches
● Bluetooth headphones or earbuds
● Fitness trackers that can send or receive messages
● Personal (non-district-issued) computers
● Two-way radios
● Pagers
● Any other device capable of digital communication.
Updates from Round Rock ISD: Round Rock ISD Changes Final Exam Requirements
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Round Rock ISD high schools will no longer be required to administer cumulative final exams, implement finals week schedules, or offer final exam exemptions based on attendance. The shift is designed to maximize instruction time, reduce stress, and support authentic learning.
Under the new approach:
● Cumulative final exams will no longer be required, though teachers may still choose to assign them at their discretion.
● Final exam exemptions will be eliminated, meaning all students will participate in end-of-semester learning activities.
● Finals week bell schedules will be discontinued, allowing schools to maintain their regular instructional schedules through the last day of the semester.
“This change aligns with our commitment to student-centered learning and gives teachers the flexibility to assess students in ways that are more aligned to their course objectives,” said Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez.
Instead of traditional finals, students may complete projects, presentations, performance tasks, or quarterly exams—many of which build cumulatively toward semester goals. Written assessments may also be given before the last week of the semester to allow time for grading.
Semester grades will be calculated as an average of the two quarter grades:
● Q1 + Q2 = Semester 1 grade
● Q3 + Q4 = Semester 2 grade
The change does not affect State of Texas End-of-Course (EOC) exams, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-credit college courses, which will continue to follow their respective assessment schedules. The changes are reflected in updates to the Student Handbook (linked) and campus-level procedures.
