Howdy, Frisco!
Hope you survived the holiday madness and are easing back into reality with minimal damage. While you were busy pretending to enjoy your mother-in-law's fruitcake, some interesting things happened around here. Let's catch you up.
📚 Frisco ISD's Big Online Gamble
Remember pandemic Zoom school? Yeah, that disaster we all tried to forget? Well, Frisco ISD wants to give it another shot… voluntarily this time.
What's happening: Starting fall 2026, high schoolers can choose Frisco Flex, a virtual or hybrid learning program. Go full online, split time, or just take a few remote classes.
The catch: Up to 1,000 students can go completely virtual with no cap on hybrid enrollment yet.
Why you should care: The Dallas Morning News isn't buying it. Pandemic online learning was "disastrous" (their word). Most kids need real classrooms and real teachers, not pajama school.
Sure, some students thrive online (athletes, health issues, advanced coursework). But most teenagers given the choice between "easy online class" and "actual accountability"? We all know which way that goes.
Bottom line: Could work for a handful of kids. For everyone else? Proceed with serious skepticism.
🏈 Why Your Kid's Coach Keeps Leaving
If you've been following local high school football, you've probably noticed a trend: coaches aren't sticking around like they used to.
Four Frisco ISD schools got new football coaches this year. Statewide, 21% of schools brought in new head coaches, the highest turnover in years.
What's happening: Coaches are burning out. The job now means 365 days a year, constant social media criticism, recruiting headaches, and pressure to win immediately.
Local casualties:
Frisco Liberty: Matt Swinnea retired after losing 29 straight games
Frisco Heritage, Emerson, Centennial: All new coaches
The kicker: The Texas High School Coaches Association now offers mental health resources for coaches, not just students. It's gotten that serious.
Bottom line: If your kid's coach survives three years, buy them a thank-you gift.
🚔 New Year's Eve Standoff on Fieldstone Drive
Wednesday morning brought stolen cars, police chases, and a SWAT standoff to Frisco.
The short version: Guy allegedly steals car near Stonebrook Parkway, leads cops on brief chase, ditches vehicle, barricades himself in his family's home on Fieldstone Drive. Police call in K-9s, drones, and a DPS helicopter.
The result: Nima Ghani, 42, arrested by 12:30 p.m. Charged with vehicle theft, evading arrest, and drug possession. No injuries.
Bottom line: Just another Wednesday in suburbia.
🍜 Quick Bites: What's Opening in DFW
Opening Mid-January:
Gen Korean BBQ (Denton): All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ where you grill your own meat. Perfect for accidentally charring expensive beef. 3410 N. I-35
Coming Soon:
Teaspoon (Denton): Boba tea shop opening late March. 3400 N. I-35
Fresh Monkee (Keller): High-protein, low-sugar smoothies for those New Year's resolutions. Opens August. 242 Rufe Snow Drive
Cold Stone Creamery (Denton): Mix-in-laden ice cream to ruin those smoothies. Opens March 1. 2320 W. University Drive
Already Open:
Lulu Modern Chinese (Plano): Elevated dim sum and wok-seared entrees. 3310 Dallas Parkway
📅 What's Happening Around Town
SATURDAY, JAN 3
💪 Free Fitness Classes Frisco • FREE • 7-10am Burn Boot Camp, 3288 Main St #105 Childwatch for 8-9am only
🧱 LEGO Meetup Frisco • FREE • 9-10am Stonebriar food court
🌾 Farmers Market McKinney • FREE • 9am-12pm Chestnut Square Historic Village, 315 S Chestnut St Fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan items
🐶 Puppy Social (under 6mo) Plano • FREE • 10am Cosmic Canine, 1101 Ohio Dr #101 RSVP: 972-596-5976
📚 Book Club: Murder on Orient Express Frisco • FREE (BYOC) • 10:30am Lemma Coffee, 9250 Dallas Pkwy
🐕 Dogs + Drinks The Colony • 1pm Grrrowler's, 5800 Windhaven Pkwy #100 Dog park overlook. Pay for your own food/drinks.
🎉 Chick-fil-A 3rd Birthday Party Carrollton • FREE • 5:30-7:30pm Balloon artist, bingo, Cow visit, scavenger hunt 2425 Old Denton Rd
🎄 Christmas Light Show (Final Night) The Colony • FREE • 5:30-10:50pm Central Fire Station, 4900 Blair Oaks Dr Tune to 99.9FM.
🎹 Live Music: Elise Bishop Frisco • FREE (no cover) • 7:30-10:30pm Lombardi Cucina, 6655 Winning Dr
SUNDAY, JAN 4
🥾 New Year Ruck (2-mile walk) Frisco • FREE • 8am Elm & 1st (6881 Elm St) Route shaped like "2026"
🎵 Live Music: Brian Erickson Frisco • FREE (no cover) • 11:30am-2:30pm Didi's Downtown, 8924 N 7th St Sunday brunch vibes
