Allen ISD staff filled Allen High School for the district's annual Convocation ceremony, a circus-themed celebration that officially launched the 2026-2027 school year under the banner "This is the Greatest Show."

The energy matched the theme.

Acting Superintendent Kim McLaughlin addressed the crowd, framing the event around the work that happens before students arrive.

"When our students walk through our doors, they see a school ready to welcome them," McLaughlin said. "What they may not see are the thousands of people who worked together to make that possible."

McLaughlin, a 36-year Allen ISD veteran who started as a sixth-grade teacher at Story Elementary in 1990, has led the district since June 1 after the Board of Trustees named her acting superintendent at its May 14 meeting. She is serving as a transitional leader while the district continues searching for a permanent superintendent following Superintendent Robin Bullock's retirement.

Student Body President Cash Janek and Senior Class President Dorothy Ozcomert guided the audience through the program, welcoming staff and reflecting on their own journeys through Allen schools. Janek told the crowd the student leaders were proud to be the first to welcome everyone to the new school year.

The celebration featured performances from the Allen High School Choir, Band, Cheerleaders, Tallenettes, Color Guard, Marine Corps Junior ROTC and Pure Movement Dance Studio. Campus principals and staff squared off in a spirited competition, and raffle giveaways supported by local sponsors rounded out the program.

The Convocation comes as Allen ISD prepares to welcome students back for the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 13. As we reported Aug. 4, new teachers including a new Allen High band director were welcomed at a separate orientation earlier in the week.

The superintendent search remains paused after board members decided in May that remaining candidates would not be the right fit for Allen ISD. No timeline for resuming the search has been announced.

Coming up: Students return Thursday, Aug. 13 for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year.