Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.
Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.
We are proud to recognize 7th grader Gia Plouff, who recently spoke to state leaders about the importance of keeping World Cultures in the TEKS before high school. Drawing from her experience in last year’s social studies class, she passionately shared how learning about different countries, cultures, and perspectives broadened her understanding of the world and inspired her curiosity. Her advocacy reflects the very heart of our mission—to positively impact and advance each student every day—by empowering students to use their voices to shape the future of education.
From September 15 to October 15, Vandeventer Middle School proudly joins schools across the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance recognizes the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Throughout the month, our students will hear announcements that highlight Hispanic leaders, traditions, art, and innovations, helping them appreciate the diverse stories that shape our community.
Our librarian has created a special display of books and resources celebrating Hispanic heritage for students to explore and check out. In addition, every Thursday during Hispanic Heritage Month, students are encouraged to wear a t-shirt that commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month to earn House points.
We invite families to join us in supporting and celebrating this important part of our nation’s heritage.
Monday, September 15 (8 Period Day)
Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
College Day - Wear a college shirt every Monday!
Football Portraits @ 6:45 a.m. - 8 a.m. (Gym)
Cheer Portraits @ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Gym)
Advanced Tennis Portraits @ 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Gym)
Dance Tickets on Sale @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:27 p.m. (Café)
$5 CASH Only - Benefits Cheer
Tribe Meeting @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.
Theatre Art Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
8FB Fowler MS vs. VMS @ Liberty High School
5:30 p.m.|7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 16 (8 Period Day)
Dance Tickets on Sale @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:27 p.m. (Café)
$5 CASH Only - Benefits Cheer
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (ILA Priority)
BOY Community-Based CIT Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Library)
Designated Members
7FB Fowler MS vs. VMS @ Liberty High School
5:30 p.m.|7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 17 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)
PTA Spirit Wear Sale Ends
See Flyer Below
Dance Tickets on Sale @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:27 p.m. (Café)
$5 CASH Only - Benefits Cheer
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Science Priority)
8VB VMS vs. Stafford MS
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 18 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month - Wear a shirt commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month every Thursday through October 9th.
Participating students will receive 5-HOUSE points!
Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Gym)
Dance Tickets on Sale @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:27 p.m. (Café)
$5 CASH Only - Benefits Cheer
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Math Priority)
Fall Planting Day @ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Theatre Arts Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
Band, Orchestra, and Choir 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Main Event)
7VB VMS vs. Stafford MS
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 19 (8 Period Day)
Spirit Day - Wear VMS or Liberty HS spirit wear every Friday!
Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Gym)
Dance Tickets on Sale @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:27 p.m. (Café)
$5 CASH Only - Benefits Cheer
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (History Priority)
Back-to-School Bash @ 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Students may wait in the cafeteria after school until the dance begins.
Please make sure to pick up your student on or before 6 p.m. at the gym entrance.
Check out the buttons above for links to important information.
VMS 25-26 Yearbook - Don't Delay, Buy Today! Click HERE
September
22 SOS Lesson (3rd Period)
22 Tribe Meeting (Pass Out Fair Tickets)
22 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
22 8FB VMS vs. Wilkinson MS
23 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
23 7FB VMS vs. Wilkinson MS
24 8VB VMS vs. Cobb MS
25 Cheer Practice
25 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
25 7VB VMS vs. Cobb MS
26 Cheer Practice
26 Fall Portrait Make-Up Day
26 Volleyball Portraits
26 Middle School Night @ The Star (Athletics/Band)
27 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
Athletic Information
Boys Athletics (Football)
Offensive Coordinator - Coach Sims
Quarterbacks - Coach Sims
Offensive Line - Coach Swanberg | Coach Howe
Running Backs - Coach Henderson
Wide Receivers - Coach Williams
Defensive Coordinator - Coach Swanberg | Coach Williams
Defensive Line - Coach Swanberg
Defensive Backs - Coach Williams | Coach Henderson
Linebackers - Coach Howe
Boys Athletics (Basketball)
7th Grade A Team - Coach Henderson
7th Grade B/C Teams - Coach Henderson | Coach Howe
8th Grade A Team - Coach Williams
8th Grade B/C Team - Coach Williams | Coach Swanberg
Boys Athletics (Cross Country/Track)
Cross Country - Coach Sims
Track - Coach Howe | Coach Henderson | Coach Swanberg |Coach Williams
Boys Athletics (Soccer)
7th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson
8th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson
Girls Athletics (Volleyball)
7th Grade A Team - Coach Near
7th Grade B/C Teams - Coach Garcia
8th Grade A Team - Coach Oberst
8th Grade B/C Team - Coach Gribble
Girls Athletics (Basketball)
7th Grade A Team - Coach Near
7th Grade B/C Teams - Coach Gribble
8th Grade A Team - Coach Park
8th Grade B/C Team - Coach Oberst
Girls Athletics (Cross Country/Track)
Cross Country - Coach Gribble
Track - Coach Park | Coach Near | Coach Oberst | Coach Garcia
Girls Athletics (Soccer)
7th Grade - Coach Garcia
8th Grade - Coach Near
THE FRISCO WAY
A character-building lesson designed to grow our athletes into leaders.
Motto: CHAMPS LEAD THE WAY
With respect for others, control of self, and the spirit of competition
Building character. Growing leaders. That’s the goal.
Our Focus:
Set clear expectations rooted in The Texas Way
Create consistency across all FISD campuses
Use a standardized form to simplify documentation
This week's focus for our athletes is determination: having a strong and steady will to finish something you start, even when it's difficult or you fail a few times.
Out inspirational quote for the week:
"The secret to getting ahead is getting started." Mark Twain
Use All Lanes to Enter Carpool: Utilize ALL lanes when entering the carpool line. Begin merging at the tennis courts using the ZIPPER method (TAKING TURNS MERGING INTO ONE LANE) to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Do not drive around to the cones expecting to merge at the last minute, as this is frustrating for other drivers and disrupts the process.
Arrive Early: Allow extra time for drop-off during inclement weather. Our doors open at 7:45 a.m., and arriving earlier can help avoid the busiest times, which tend to be between 8:05 and 8:25 a.m.
Drop Off at Café Entrance: All students arriving by car should enter at the carpool entrance and be dropped off on the north side of the building outside the cafeteria entrance. No drops offs in the outer lanes of traffic. Student drop-off in front of the building is strictly prohibited between 7:45 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.
Procedure: Pull all the forward to ensure we maximize the number of vehicles that can drop off at each interval.
No Parking for Drop-Off: Please refrain from using parking spaces for drop-off to avoid disrupting the flow.
Prompt Exit: Once your child exits, please proceed promptly to help keep traffic moving.
Drive Safely: Stay off your phone, avoid aggressive driving, cutting off other vehicles, or speeding. Violations will be reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO).
Here are three key reasons why student attendance is crucial:
Academic Achievement: Regular attendance keeps students on track with lessons and assignments, leading to better understanding and improved grades.
Skill Development: Consistent attendance builds essential skills like reading, writing, and problem-solving, which are vital for long-term success.
Socialization: Regular school attendance allows students to interact with peers, fostering important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy.
Frisco ISD is committed to our students' success and looks forward to seeing everyone at school every day!
Parents may use up to 4 notes per semester (8 per year).
Notes cannot be banked or carried over from one semester to the next.
This is the policy campuses are following districtwide to ensure consistency across all campuses.
As a reminder, we do not release students between 3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. If you need to check out your student early, please do so before 3:30 p.m. Regular carpool expectations apply for students being pick up after 3:30 p.m. Parents may not pick up students from the front parking lot from 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Our campus cafés are ready to serve students fresh, balanced meals every school day. To help cover rising food and labor costs, meal prices have increased slightly this year — breakfast is now $2.50, and lunch is $4 for middle and high school students. Families with qualifying household incomes are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals. Visit www.schoolcafe.com/FriscoISD to create an account, view menus, make payments, apply for meal benefits, and set purchase restrictions. Please check your student’s meal account and add funds if needed.
Parents/guardians will be allowed to eat lunch with their student(s) after the Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3). Below are the guidelines:
24 hour notice required
complete this form to schedule a lunch visitation
bring food for your student(s) only; food sharing is not allowed
check-in at the front office to receive a visitor badge
photo identification required to receive a visitor badge
If you need to drop off something for your student, you will need to check in at the front office. To minimize classroom disruptions, we will only deliver urgent messages, glasses, house keys, and money to students during instructional time. All other items will be left on the shelf on the front office. Parents will be responsible for emailing their student that the item has been left in the front office for pick-up.
FISD Board Policy requires each volunteer, chaperone, and mentor to undergo a background check annually before working with students. To work with students on campus, you must create a VOLY account by visiting https://friscoisd.voly.org.
Frisco ISD utilizes a text messaging service on a limited basis to communicate timely information such as school closures/delays or campus emergencies. Opt-in by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. This system is maintained separately from Remind, which some teachers and coaches use to text message students and parents.
Keeping students safe on their journey to and from school takes all members of the community working together. Please watch this video with your student and discuss the critical role of the driver and the pedestrian in ensuring all students travel safely through the community.
Frisco ISD’s Gold Card gives seniors age 60+ free admission to most home athletic and fine arts events for 2025–26. Residents within FISD can get a free card at the Administration Building or Athletics Office (7210 Stadium Lane). Non-residents must purchase theirs for $35 (credit/debit only) at the Athletics Office. Bring photo ID with your address, cards are available starting August 4.
All tickets to athletic events hosted at FISD venues (including Ford Center and Toyota Stadium) must be purchased online. No tickets are available at the front entrances, but tickets can be purchased up through game time using the ticketing website. Visit tickets.friscoisd.org to purchase season passes and individual tickets. During the 2023-24 school year, FISD fans will be able to watch live streams and view live scores of most sporting events held at FISD athletic facilities at FriscoSportsLive.com. Learn more about the subscription and streams.
FISD Takes All Threats Seriously
When students make a threat to a campus, even via social media, the District and campus move quickly to address them. Watch Frisco Police discuss why words matter.
Parents are encouraged to remind children that while they may be “joking” about having a weapon or threatening harm to a school campus, the punishment by law is, at minimum, a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail. The punishment can be as severe as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to $10,000 and two to 10 years in prison.
Frisco ISD supports the Frisco Police Department's full prosecution of any individual who threatens harm to our students, staff, and campuses.
Beginning of the Year Medication Drop Off
For questions, please contact the school nurse.
School Nurse: Heidi Teeling, RN, BSN
Phone Number: 469-633-4358
Email: teelingh@friscoisd.org
The FLU CLINIC will be in our campus library!
The students did a great job during our College Week activities!
Great job, House of Loyalty!
Mrs. O'Connor and Mrs. Bailey
House of Compassion
Mrs. Gardner
House of Compassion Leader
AP Smith
House of Imagination
VMS Yearbooks are on Sale now! Get your yearbook for the lowest price of the year, $30. Anyone who purchases a yearbook with personalization by Friday, September 12 will receive 4 free icons. You can buy your VMS Yearbook on our school homepage by clicking on the BUY YEARBOOK TAB and follow the instructions. Click HERE.
Ms. Taylor began her career in education in 1997 with Irving ISD after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. After several years as a teacher and coach, she obtained her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas and continued in Irving as a middle school assistant principal. In 2006, she transitioned to Dallas ISD where she worked in various leadership roles until moving to the Frisco area. The 2024-2025 school-year marks Ms. Taylor's seventh year as the Vandeventer Middle School principal.
taylorste@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350
Marla Smith, Assistant Principal
smithmarl@friscoisd.org
469-633-4354
6th Grade | 8th Grade (Alpha M-Z)
Dennis Thorpe, Counselor
thorped@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350
6th Grade | 8th Grade (Alpha M-Z)
Brad Helenberger, Assistant Principal
helenbeB@friscoisd.org
469-633-4354
7th Grade | 8th Grade (Alpha A-L)
Lauren Wagner, Counselor
wagnerl@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350
7th Grade | 8th Grade (Alpha A-L)
Emily Shelton, School Secretary
sheltone@friscoisd.org
469-633-4356
Kristi Garcia, AP Secretary garciak@friscoisd.org
469-633-4354
Cynthia Hildinger, Data Clerk hildingerc@friscoisd.org
469-633-4357
Nancy Ponius, Receptionist pontiusn@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350