Sunnyvale ISD announced updated drop-off locations for high school.
Sunnyvale ISD has released the following statement regarding new drop off locations:
"With the ongoing construction on our campus, the current student drop-off points by the cafeteria and the field house will become inaccessible. SHS is opening up alternative student drop-off and pick-up locations starting Wednesday, January 7th.
The new student drop-off location can be reached by entering from Collins Road, turning left at the east gate of the student parking lot (behind the cafeteria), leaving through the west exit, and continuing back to Collins Road.
Student-athletes needing access to the field house in the morning will be dropped off near the entrance gate of Raider Stadium. Parents will then continue south, around the administration building, and then exit onto Tripp Road.
The 400 Hall drop-off point has not changed and is open for drop-off and pick-up.
Please do not drop students off or pick them up at the front of the school, as this space is reserved for bus lanes only.
Thank you for adjusting to this change and for your continued patience as we look forward to the improvements to our growing campus."
SISD robotics team wins state championship
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 —Sunnyvale Raider Robotics captured the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state championship in the 3A/4A division on Saturday, December 13, at Fair Park in Dallas, marking a major achievement for the Sunnyvale High School program.
The UIL robotics competition brought together top teams from across Texas, testing students on technical skill, creativity and collaboration. Competitive events were split between two venues at Fair Park, with the robotics challenge taking place in the Coliseum and the marketing booth competition hosted in the Briscoe Building.
Guided by Sunnyvale High School engineering, physics and STEM teacher Mitchell Frederiksen and SHS physics teacher Emaleah Rutherford, the Raider Robotics team demonstrated excellence across every phase of the competition. Students were evaluated on multiple criteria, including robot design, execution of tasks, marketing presentation and overall teamwork.
Throughout the daylong event, Sunnyvale students showcased their ability to problem-solve under pressure while clearly communicating their design process and strategic decisions to judges. The marketing booth competition required teams to present their robotics program as if pitching to potential sponsors, emphasizing branding, outreach and technical understanding.
The state championship reflects months of preparation, classroom learning and after-school practice. Students combined engineering principles with real-world application, designing and refining robots capable of completing complex challenges within strict time limits.
Sunnyvale ISD’s success at the UIL state level underscores the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning. The district is consistently recognized as one of the highest-rated school districts in Texas, with strong performance in STEM education, college readiness and student achievement.
For Raider Robotics, the championship represents more than a trophy. It highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation and perseverance—skills students will carry beyond the classroom and into future academic and career pursuits.
The win also adds to Sunnyvale High School’s growing reputation for competitive success in extracurricular academic programs, reinforcing the district’s focus on preparing students to excel in both technical fields and leadership roles.
With a state title now secured, Sunnyvale Raider Robotics has set a high standard for future teams and solidified its place among Texas’ elite UIL robotics programs. (Photo source-Sunnyvale ISD)
Sunnyvale Swimmers Excel at North Dallas TISCA Meet
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 —The Sunnyvale High School swim team delivered an impressive performance at the North Dallas TISCA meet held December 12–13, earning standout finishes and scoring valuable points across multiple events.
According to head coach Stanfill, every Sunnyvale swimmer advanced to the Finals, a testament to the team’s depth, preparation and consistency throughout the two-day competition.
Leading the Raiders was Harper Bryant, who captured gold and silver medals in her events, setting the tone for the team’s strong showing. Kaelyn Gardner followed with an outstanding meet of her own, earning three silver medals and contributing significantly to the team’s overall point total.
Felipe Castelloon and Kendall Mitschke each posted strong Finals performances, adding important points and helping Sunnyvale remain competitive against a deep field of North Texas programs. Sam Frazer recorded a personal-best time in the Finals, providing one of the meet’s biggest scoring boosts for the Raiders.
Payton Johnson and Claire Powell also played key roles for Sunnyvale, turning in strong races and stepping up when it mattered most to support the team’s overall success.
Coach Carie Stanfill praised the Raiders’ effort and focus throughout the meet.
“We’re proud of everyone for their great racing, great effort, and great meet,” Stanfill said.
With every swimmer contributing and multiple podium finishes to celebrate, the North Dallas TISCA meet served as another strong indicator of Sunnyvale’s continued growth and competitiveness as the season progresses. (Photo source-Sunnyvale ISD)
Sunnyvale Middle School students collect more than 300 toys for local non-profit
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 — Sunnyvale Middle School’s Raider Nation spread holiday cheer this season by coming together to support children in need through a schoolwide toy drive.
Led by teacher Melissa Walker, the initiative was made possible through funds raised during the school’s popular “Boo Grams” fundraiser held in October. The fundraiser helped kick-start the effort, which was further strengthened by generous toy donations from students, families and members of the Sunnyvale community.
Through the collective efforts of Raider Nation, Sunnyvale Middle School students collected more than 300 toys. The donations were delivered to Sharing Life Community Outreach Center, where they will help provide holiday gifts to children and families across the area.
School leaders said the project highlighted the spirit of teamwork and service that Raider Nation strives to instill in students. By combining creativity, generosity and community support, students were able to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
The toy drive not only provided much-needed support to local families, but also gave students an opportunity to experience the importance of giving back during the holiday season.