Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.
Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.
The Week-At-A-Glance
Monday, December 8 (8 Period Day)
Wear a college shirt every Monday!
Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Café)
Food Drive Begins
Click Here for Details (Flyer Linked Below)
Tribe Meetings @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.
Loyalty & Strength House Meeting
Band Winter Concert @ 6:30 p.m. (Café)
Tuesday, December 9 (8 Period Day)
Food Drive Continues
Click Here for Details (Flyer Linked Below)
Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Café)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (ILA Priority)
Campus Spelling Bee @ 4 p.m. (Library)
Orchestra Winter Concert @ 6 p.m. (Café)
Wednesday, December 10 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)
Food Drive Continues
Click Here for Details (Flyer Linked Below)
Band, Orchestra, and Choir Winter Tour @ 8 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. (Isbell ES)
Choir Community Caroling @ 9:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Science Priority)
8 GBB VMS vs. Pioneer Heritage MS @ PHMS
5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
7 BBB Pioneer Heritage MS vs. VMS @ VMS
5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 11 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)
Food Drive Continues
Click Here for Details (Flyer Linked Below)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Math Priority)
Band Winter Party @ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Café)
7 GBB VMS vs. Pioneer Heritage MS @ PHMS
5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
8 BBB Pioneer Heritage MS vs. VMS @ VMS
5:30 p.m./6:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 12 (8 Period Day)
Wear your LHS or VMS spirit wear every Friday!
Food Drive Continues
Click Here for Details (Flyer Linked Below)
Fall Clubs & Organization Picture Day @ 1 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. (Library)
Band All Region Band Clinic (TBD)
Saturday, December 13
Band All Region Clinic and Concert (TBD)
December
15 Cheer Practice
15 Teaming (1,2,7,8) | 6th Grade MTSS (3,5)
15 Thespian Club Meeting
15 8 GBB Clark MS vs. VMS @ VMS
15 7 BBB VMS vs. Clark MS @ CMS
16 Cheer Practice
16 Q2 6th Grade HERO Redemption Day
16 CISF Monthly Meeting
16 Course Selection @ Anderson ES
16 Orchestra Holiday Social
16 Art Club Meeting
16 7 GBB Clark MS vs. VMS @ VMS
16 8 BBB VMS vs. Clark MS @ CMS
17 Liberty HS Donuts w/ 8th Grade Students
17 Q2 6th Grade HERO Redemption Day
17 Leaders Meeting
17 Course Selection @ Isbell ES
17 Q2 PRIDE Party
17 Winter Social
18 Athletic Coordinator Meeting
18 Q2 7th Grade HERO Redemption Day
18 Theatre Art Productions Class Field Trip
18 Category 1 TTESS 1st Observation Deadline
18 BLT Winter Social
19 Q2 8th Grade HERO Redemption Day
19 IC Meeting
19 Administrative Meeting
19 4-Year Plan Deadline - 8th Graders
19 End of Q2 - Assignment Cutoff
22-Jan. 5 Winter Break
January
5 Student Holiday
5 Staff Professional Learning Day AM | Work Day PM
6 Q3 Begins
6 Cheer Practice
6 Q2 Report Grades Due @ 8
7 Course Selection @ Taylor ES
7 MOY Campus Representative & Parent CIT Meeting
7 8 GBB VMS vs. Wester MS @ WMS
7 7 BBB Wester MS vs. VMS @ VMS
8 Q2 RC Posted HAC
8 7 GBB VMS vs. Wester MS @ WMS
8 8 BBB Wester MS vs. VMS @ VMS
9 IC Meeting
9 Administrative Meeting
9 Hold Drill
9 Theatre Art OAP Rehearsal
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 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
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 work: Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
Our inspirational quote for the week: "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little difference.” Jimmy Johnson
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!
8th grade Science students are currently engaged in a unit on wave motion, where they are learning the foundational concepts of transverse and longitudinal waves. Building on their prior understanding of natural wave phenomena—such as light and sound—students are now expanding their knowledge through hands-on exploration of mechanical waves.
One of the lessons featured an inquiry-based lab in which students worked collaboratively to model mechanical waves using domino chains and slinkies. Through these models, students created and observed transverse and longitudinal waves, then analyzed and compared key characteristics including amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. This investigation allowed students to deepen their conceptual understanding while applying scientific practices in a meaningful, student-centered way.
December
12-8 Katie Lee
12-20 Sarah Santibanez
12-21 Misti Perry
12-21 Piyal Bhadra
12-22 Brad Helenberger
October Teacher of the Month
Blythe Edwards
October Staff Member of the Month
Stephanie Crider
Staff Shout Outs (Administration)
This shout-out goes to Sarah Santibanez: "Thank you for your diligence and patience with your students and staff." Dennis Thorpe
This shout-out goes to Magali Lopez: "Thank you for supporting SLC. I appreciate how you jump in wherever you are needed." Marla Smith
This shout-out goes to Ms. Cotton, Mr. Guzman, Mrs. Jadvani, Mr. Roane, and Mr. Schmaus: "Thank you for your ongoing recruitment efforts at the elementary schools by facilitating the Vandeventer Middle School Fine Arts Winter Tours." Stephanie Taylor
This shout-out goes to Mrs. Leal and Mrs. Bose-Kar: "Thank you for overseeing our C-Hall, TNR, and TNS afterschool supports for students! Your dedication and guidance help provide meaningful opportunities for our students to succeed, and we truly appreciate all that you do." Brad Helenberger
This shout-out goes to Mrs. Ranspot, Mrs. Madler, and Mrs. Colvin: "Thank you for assisting after school to organize the Small World Angel donations for pick-up! Your time and effort made the process smooth and ensured our students’ gifts will bring joy this holiday season—thank you for your support!" Lauren Wagner
Staff Shout Outs (Staff)
This shout-out goes to Holly Franks: "I want to be you when I grow up! You always stay on top of everything and still create a classroom that your students genuinely excited to be in. I’m so amazed at how you juggle it all!" Amber Sharp
This shout-out goes to Stephanie Taylor: "Thank you for making the week before Fall Break so much fun. The students had a great time and teachers had a chance to make connections while having fun with students." Lorri Lillegard
12 Days to Winter Break
Country Style Breakfast
Provided by Campus Administration
11 Days to Winter Break
Coffee & Hot Cocoa Bar
Provided by Sunshine Committee
Question: What was the actor's name who was referred to as the "angry elf" in Elf?
Answer: Peter Dinklage
Question: What is the first rule of the code of elves?
Answer: The best way to spread Christmas cheer to singing loud for all to hear.
We are thrilled to announce that Vandeventer Middle School student, Nayoon K., under the direction of art teacher Mrs. Leanne Rainey, has been selected to represent Frisco ISD in the prestigious Texas Youth Art Month (YAM) Exhibition at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
Nayoon’s artwork is one of only eight remarkable pieces from across Frisco ISD chosen for this honor. This recognition highlights the exceptional creativity and dedication of our student artists, as well as the outstanding support and guidance from our art educators.
Once the artwork arrives in Austin, a select number of pieces will be chosen for display in the museum’s statewide exhibition. We will share updates as soon as we receive them!
About the Texas YAM Exhibition
The YAM Exhibition showcases more than 100 outstanding student artworks from across the state and culminates in a special Awards Celebration at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
This is a significant opportunity for student artists to have their creativity recognized at the state level, and we are so proud that Nayoon will be representing VMS!
Vertical Art Show On Display at FISD Administration
"This art show is designed to allow families to view the span of our curriculum through student artwork in every grade (K-12), aligned within each feeder pattern. This year, Vandeventer has 26 student works on display. I am honored & excited to show off all the hard work that Vandeventer Artists have completed! The artwork will be on display from today until December 16th and is viewable anytime the administration building is open. (M-F 8:30am-5pm)." Mrs. Rainey
Choir Elementary Winter Tour
"I AM TEXAS"
Writing and Art Contest
Congratulations to Meher P. for being named a finalist in the I AM TEXAS Writing and Art Contest!
Meher traveled to Houston to receive his certificate—what an incredible accomplishment! We are so proud of your creativity and hard work.
StuCo Assists in organizing the Small World Angel Donations for Delivery and Pick Up
Thank you to everyone who generously supported our Small World Angels this year! Because of your kindness, we were able to meet many of our students’ needs and holiday wishes, and we know they’ll be thrilled with their gifts. Your generosity helps VMS spread joy and cheer throughout our Frisco community, and we are truly grateful for your support.
This meeting is for currently enrolled 5th grade families zoned for Vandeventer Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.
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
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