Viking View

12/8 to 12/12

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)

Action Items:

Coming Soon

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

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 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

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!

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.

Counselor Updates

Click here to access links.

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

Recognitions

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

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

12 Days to Winter Break Countdown

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

Elf Trivia Winner: Taylor Colvin

Question: What was the actor's name who was referred to as the "angry elf" in Elf?

Answer: Peter Dinklage

Elf Trivia Winner: Piyal Bhadra

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.

Vandeventer Artist Advances

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.

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