Viking View

1/5 to 1/9

Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.

Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.

January is School Board Appreciation Month

The Week-At-A-Glance

Monday, January 5

Winter Break (Students)

Girls Open Gym @ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Professional Learning Day (Staff)

Casual Attire Acceptable
8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Café)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Lunch)
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Work Day)

Tuesday, January 6 (8 Period Day)

Wear black dry-fit Viking shirt w/ jeans!

Q3 Begins

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

Q2 RC Grades Due @ 8 a.m.

CISF Testhound Optional Training @ 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Viking Time Sign-Up @ 1st Period

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

Wednesday, January 7 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)

Jingle Jeans - Free dress for staff with sticker (spring semester)!

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

Course Selection @ 2:15 p.m. - TBD (Taylor ES)

Counselors Out

Community CIT Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Library)

7 BBB Wester MS vs. VMS @ VMS

5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

8 GBB VMS vs. Wester MS @ WMS

5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 8 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)

PTA Inclusion Shirt w/ Jeans

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

Q2 RC Grades Posted (HAC)

7 GBB VMS vs. Wester MS @ WMS

5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

8 BBB Wester MS vs. VMS @ VMS

5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 9 (8 Period Day)

Wear Liberty HS or VMS spirit wear w/ jeans!

Rising 8th Grade Course Selections via Science

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

Theatre Art OAP Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)

Action Items:

Update Q3 Assessment Plan and Link in Canvas by COB Jan. 5th.

Q2 Grades Due Jan. 6th @ 8 a.m.

Please complete the Staffing Survey by Friday, Jan. 30th.

Coming Soon

January

12 Map Testing Window Opens

12 Tribe | Whole House Winning Party

12 Priority Transfer Window Opens

12 Athletic Coordinator Meeting

12 Cheer Practice

12 Teaming

12 Rising 7th Grade Course Selection

12 Rising 8th Grade Counselor Visit

12 Theatre Art OAP Rehearsal

12 Board Appreciation Reception

13 Cheer Practice

13 Emergency Management Training

13 N2 Learning TLI

13 Q2 RC UIL Eligibility Date

13 Fire Drill

13 PTA Board Meeting

13 PTA General Membership Meeting

13 6th Grade Rising Viking NIght

14 CISF Region 10/11 Assessment Conference

14 Leaders' Meeting

14 Secondary IC Meeting

14 MS ELAR/SS Content Lead Meeting

14 Secondary Whole Child Meeting

14 Art Club Meeting

14 8 GBB Griffin MS @ VMS

14 7 BBB VMS @ Griffin MS

15 Band Instrument Drive

15 District Spelling Bee

15 7 BBB Griffin MS @ VMS

15 8 GBB VMS @ Griffin MS

16 IC Meeting

17 Administrative Meeting

17 Thespian Club Meeting

Administrative Information

FISD is hosting weeklong summer camps between June 1 and July 20, and they are inviting staff to design and lead innovative camp experiences. These camps will offer fun, hands-on learning opportunities for students in and around the District and will complement the athletics and fine arts camps already provided each summer.

Get involved: Teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff are encouraged to submit ideas for a camp they would like to lead.

Camps should offer engaging academic or enrichment experiences in areas such as literacy, STEM, arts, and physical activity.
Special education staff are also encouraged to share ideas for SPED-focused camps.

You should know: Staff have until January 30, 2026, to complete the interest survey.

Responses will help determine the types of camp experiences FISD can offer our community.

Multiple roles and teaching opportunities will be available throughout the summer.

Find more information and fill out the interest survey.

Athletic Information

Boys Basketball Schedule (Click Here)

Boys Athletics (Cross Country/Track)

Cross Country - Coach Sims

Track - Coach Howe | Coach Henderson | Coach Swanberg |Coach Williams

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 (Soccer)

7th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

8th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

Girls Basketball Schedule (Click Here)

Girls Athletics (Cross Country/Track)

Cross Country - Coach Gribble

Track - Coach Park | Coach Near | Coach Oberst | Coach Garcia

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 (Soccer)

7th Grade - Coach Garcia

8th Grade - Coach Near

Cross Country Schedule (Click Here)

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 humility: the quality of having a modest view of one's value or importance; winning without arrogance and losing with dignity; being gracious in all outcomes.

Our inspirational quote for the week: "The best competition I have is against myself to become better." John Wooden

Campus Committee News

This Week's Instructional Showcase

As part of our Campus Improvement Team and Professional Learning Committee efforts, each week we will shine a spotlight on the amazing instructional work happening across our campus. We will highlight the engaging learning experiences our teachers create and celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff.

To ensure every content area has an opportunity to be showcased, each month will focus on a different department:

December – Science
January – Math
February – ILA
March – Social Studies
April – Electives & Fine Arts

We look forward to sharing the incredible teaching and learning taking place at Vandeventer each and every day!

Students in 7th grade math engaged in the 5E instructional model to explore right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, and its converse. They will later apply their learning to real-world problems involving the Pythagorean Theorem and present their work through a gallery walk. Students will also make interdisciplinary connections to science and nature by examining Pythagorean spirals found in the natural world.

Q2 PRIDE Party

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 with any technology issues.

Library News

Here is the link.

PTA News

Winter Social - Sponsored by PTA

Recognitions

January

1-4 Bard Gardner

1-13 Holly Cotten

1-27 Ping Trinh

November Teacher of the Month

Wendy Tamney

November Staff Member of the Month

Emily Shelton

Staff Shout Outs (Administration)

This shout-out goes to Emily Shelton: "My shout out goes to Ms. Shelton, Ms. Nancy and Ms. Garcia for “holding down the fort” with extra checkouts, keeping us fed, and all that you do to keep things going behind the scenes during this Holiday season!" Brad Helenberger

This shout-out goes to Coach Park and Coach Oberst "for bringing us some comic relief this week." Lauren Wagner

This shout-out goes to all the newbies - Mr. Garcia, Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Suriya, Mr. Howe and Mr. Henderson: "Congrats on completing your 1st semester. We are so proud of you and all the hard work you’ve accomplished. Rest up!" Marla Smith

This shout-out goes to Leanne Rainey, Holly Cotten, Jonathan Roane, Paul Schmaus, Joseph Guzman, and Allison Jadvani: "Thank you to our Fine Arts teachers for the amazing holiday concerts and art show. Your talent, dedication, and countless hours of preparation created meaningful experiences for our students and joyful moments for our families and community. We are truly grateful for the passion you bring to our campus and for showcasing the incredible creativity of our students." Stephanie Taylor

This shout-out goes to all science teachers "Thank you for welcoming the counselors into your classrooms! Your flexibility and support made it possible for students to complete their 4-year plans and course selections for next year. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping students plan thoughtfully for their future—thank you for always putting students first!" Dennis Thorpe

Staff Shout Outs (Staff)

This shout-out goes to Greg Taylor: "Recognizing you providing equity to each student. Creating assessments for student success. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed." Arun Bose-Kar

This shout-out goes to Umama Suriya: "Thank you so much for switching duties with me when I have a sprained ankle! I really appreciate you so much :)" Debbie Keen

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

12 Days to Winter Break Countdown

5 Days to Winter Break

Tumbler w/ Candy

4 Days to Winter Break

Goodie Bag

3 Days to Winter Break

Ice Cream Bar

2 Days to Winter Break

La Hacienda Luncheon

1 Day to Winter Break

Gift Card Donations

Elf Trivia Winner: Pam Entzminger

Question: What song does Jovie sing to help spread Christmas cheer?

Answer: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Elf Trivia Winner: Natalie Jones

Question: What must be restore to Santa's sleigh so that it can fly?

Answer: Christmas Spirit

Elf Trivia Winner: Chloe Mitchell

Question: What does buddy build overnight in the department store that impresses everyone?

Answer: A North-Pole Themed Christmas Display

Elf Trivia Winner: Emily Seidl

Question: What city did Buddy the Elf travel to in order to find his father?

Answer: New York City

Elf Trivia Winner:

Question: What's the name of the snowman who helps Buddy?

Answer: Leon

Coach Oberst

Laura Llamas-Crouch

Katie Lee & Lorri Lillegard

Kristen Roberts

Wendy Matamoros

Snowman in Your Pocket Challenge - Winners

Congratulations to Josh Near for being awarded the 25-26 Social Studies Fall Star Educator Award. We are thankful for his dedication to our Social Studies Foundational Beliefs.

New video · Friday, Dec 5 🎬Tap to view!

The grand finale of our December 5th Winter Concert at Liberty High School brought together the Isbell Elementary Choir, Anderson Elementary Choir, Vandeventer Choir, and Liberty Choir—235 voices united in song, sharing the powerful message, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” A heartfelt thank you to Holly Cotten, choir director, for her leadership and dedication in making this unforgettable moment possible.

Career Exploration with Officer Harris

The 6th Grade Academy Connect students enjoyed a hands-on presentation from our School Resource Officer, learning about careers in law enforcement. Students tried on a vest, asked great questions, and gained a better understanding of what it takes to serve and protect the community.

This meeting is for currently enrolled 5th grade families zoned for Vandeventer Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.

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