Viking View

10/20 to 10/24

Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.

Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.

This hands-on math activity perfectly reflects our mission to positively impact and advance each student every day. By exploring how changing the amount of lemonade mix in one cup of water affects flavor, students connected real-life experiences to important math concepts like ratios and rates. This fun and interactive lesson not only deepened their understanding of mathematical relationships but also encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking—showing that learning can be both meaningful and refreshing! 🍋

This week’s spooky science experiments brought our campus vision—to foster one’s greatest potential—to life! 👻💫 Through bubbling cauldrons, growing ghosts, tie-dyed zombie brains, frankenworms, and magic potions, students explored mixtures and solutions while making predictions and drawing conclusions. These Halloween-themed investigations encouraged curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, helping students stretch their scientific understanding in a fun, hands-on way. By engaging their imagination and inquiry skills, our students demonstrated that learning can be both exciting and full of potential!

Wear a pink shirt or pin a pink ribbon on your shirt every Thursday to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, October 20 (8 Period Day)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

College Day - Wear a college shirt w/ jeans!

Teaming (2,3,5,7)

8th Grade MTSS (1,8)

Tribe Meeting @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.

Athletic Coordinator Meeting @ 1:40 p.m. (Large Conference Room)

Theatre Arts Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

8FB VMS vs. Lawler @ 6 p.m. (Liberty HS)

Tuesday, October 21 (8 Period Day)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wear your new black faculty shirt with jeans every Tuesday (Fall Semester)!

CISF Monthly Meeting @ 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (CTE)

Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (ILA Priority)

Thespian Club Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Café)

7FB VMS vs. Lawler @ 6 p.m. (Liberty HS)

Beginner Band Concert @ 6:30 p.m. (Café)

Wednesday, October 22 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sunshine/PTA Donation - Free dress for staff with sticker (fall semester)!

Secondary Counselor Meeting @ 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Administration)

Secondary IC Meeting @ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (TW)

Secondary Content Lead Meeting ELAR/SS @ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (TW)

Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Science Priority)

8VB Fowler MS vs. VMS @ Liberty HS

Pink Out Game
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 23 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Wear pink w/ jeans every Thursday during the month of October!

Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Gym)

Leaders' Meeting @ 8 a.m. - TBD (HOH)

Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Math Priority)

7VB Fowler MS vs. VMS @ VMS

Pink Out Game
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.

Advanced Band Concert @ 6:30 p.m. (Café)

Friday, October 24 (8 Period Day)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Spirit Day - Wear a VMS or LHS spirit shirt w/ jeans!

Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Gym)

IC Meeting @ 8:25 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. (D104)

SpEd IC Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (FISD Administration)

Administrative Meeting @ 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. (D101)

Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Social Studies Priority)

Kickball Tournament @ 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Action Items:

Coming Soon

October

25 Tech Theatre Art Rehearsal

25 Orchestra All region Auditions @ Prosper HS

27-31 Red Ribbon Week

27-31 Book Fair Week

27 8FB VMS vs. Griffin

27 Trunk or Treat @ LHS

28 Region 10 Safety & Security Audit

28 Theatre Art Rehearsal

28 7FB VMS vs. Griffin MS

29 CISF Testhound Lab (Optional)

29 VIP Leaders' Meeting

29 Isbell Band Instrument Demonstration

29 Art Club Meeting

29 BLT Meeting

29 Cross Country (XC) Meet

30 Cheer Practice

30 Secondary AP Meeting

30 Theatre Art Rehearsal

30 7VB VMS vs, Hunt

30 8VB VMS vs, Hunt

31 Q2 IPR Assignment Cutoff

31 Cheer Practice

31 IC Meeting

31 Administrative Meeting

Administrative Information

The 2025 District Accountability Report has been published for your review.

The 2025 Vandeventer Middle School Accountability Report has been published for your review.

RSVP here.

Athletic Information

Football Schedule (Click Here)

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

Volleyball Schedule (Click Here)

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: the unwavering purpose to achieve a goal despite difficulties, by perseverance, a willingness to face hardships, and a strong belief in the ability to succeed.

Out inspirational quote for the week: "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."

Vince Lombardi

Campus Committee News

FISD Wellness Resources

Wellness Champions Resources

FISD Wellness Page

Counselor Updates

Digital Learning Updates

FISD Approved Application and Student Data Privacy Information
- Make sure you are checking the list for updates.
DLC Website
Where is Matt? Check his schedule here.

Click here for Canvas Homepage instructions. Reach out to Matt Lotz for assistance.

Library News

PTA News

Recognitions

October

10/3 Josh Near

10/10 Umama Suriya

10/11 Magali Lopez

10/15 Jamie Buzan

10/16 Jack Swanberg

10/23 Matt Lotz

10/23 Stephanie Taylor

10/29 Ashley Denk

10/30 Padma Iyer

September Teacher of the Month

Amna Warach

September Staff Member of the Month

Cynthia Hildinger

Staff Shout Outs (Administration)

This shout-out goes to Varija Myana: "You work so well with our students and your flexibility is greatly appreciated!" Brad Helenberger

This shout-out goes to Holly Cotten: "Thank you for being a calming presence for students." Lauren Wagner

This shout-out goes to Coach Park: "Thank you, Coach Park, for assisting with SLC arrival. We appreciate you stepping in each day." Marla Smith

This shout-out goes to Sarah Santibanez: "Thank you for coming up with some clever yet practical ideas!" Dennis Thorpe

This shout-out goes to Barb Gardner, Natalie Jones, and the House Leaders: "Thank you for making the pep rally a success. It was truly amazing — from our students showing their house pride to our staff who brought the excitement together. It’s a great day to be a Viking!" Stephanie Taylor

Staff Shout Outs (Staff)

This shout-out goes to Misti Perry: "I owe a HUGE thank you to Misti for being such a calm and caring voice when I needed it most! She didn't think twice about taking time out of her long weekend to help me problem solve a tricky situation, which allowed me to actually relax and enjoy my break. I appreciate it more than words can say!" Amber Sharp

This shout-out goes to Holly Cotten and Leanne Rainey: "Thank you both for being so supportive so far this year! And thank you to Holly for doing the music for our musical and all the help there! Appreciate you both bunches! <3" Michaela Kelley

This shout-out goes to Holly Franks: "Thank you for helping me in getting my class organized when I was out sick on Monday. I appreciate you." Piyal Bhadra

This shout-out goes to Hiedi Teeling: "Thank you for the breakfast! It was a great start to the day!" Taylor Colvin

This shout-out goes to Kristen Roberts: "Thanks for helping me talk through things when I get bogged down in the details!" Jamie Buzan

This shout-out goes to Cynthia Hildinger: "I appreciate you so much! Thank you for being so awesome at every part of your job!" Jamie Buzan

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

Pep Rally Pride

Who's Who at Vandeventer

Stephanie Taylor, Principal

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 sixth year as the Vandeventer Middle School principal.

taylorste@friscoisd.org

469-633-4350