Viking View

2/2 to 2/6

Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.

Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.

The Week-At-A-Glance

Monday, February 2 (8 Period Day)

Wear your favorite college t-shirt or sweatshirt with jeans!

National School Counselor Week

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

Q3 IPR Deadline @ 8 a.m.

Student Services Learning Day 3 @ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (HoH)

Teaming (1,2,7,8)

6th Grade MTSS (3,5)

Human Resource Meeting w/ Principals @ 9 a.m.

Shelter for Hazmat Drill @ 10:45 a.m.

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

Adventure & Strength House Meeting

Chromebook & Charger Drop-Off @ 3:30 p.m.

6th & 8th Grade Testing Rooms

Theatre Art Clinic @ 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (LHS)

Choir Groundhog Day Pancake Party (Café)

Soccer & Track Parent Meeting @ 6 p.m.

Girls @ Café
Boys @ Gym

Tuesday, February 3 (8 Period Day)

Staff may wear the dry fit black shirt with jeans every Tuesday!

National School Counselor Week

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

STAAR Reading Field Test @ 8:25 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

6th & 8th Grade

Spring Clubs & Organization Portraits @ 1 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. (Small Gym)

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

BLT Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Library)

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

Public Performance @ 6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 4 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)

Spring Jingle Jeans - Free dress for staff with sticker!

National School Counselor Week

Secondary TLC Meeting @ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (HoH)

N2 Learning Teacher Leader Institute @ 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Admin)

AP Learning Walk @ 9 a.m. (VMS Hosting)

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

Theatre Art OAP Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Café)

7 BBB Hunt MS vs. VMS @ VMS

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

8 GBB VMS vs. Hunt MS @ HMS

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

Rising Redhawk Night @ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (LHS)

Thursday, February 5 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)

PTA Inclusion Shirt w/ Jeans or Wear Red w/ Jeans

National School Counselor Week

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

AP Learning Walk @ 3 p.m.

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

CPR Optional Staff Training @ 4:05 p.m. - 6:05 p.m. (Library)

7 GBB VMS vs. Hunt MS @ HMS

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

8 BBB Hunt MS vs. VMS @ VMS

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

Friday, February 6 (8 Period Day)

Wear Liberty HS or VMS Spirit Wear w/ Jeans

Wear Your Favorite Team Football Jersey w/ Jeans

National Heart Association Wear Red Day

National School Counselor Week

IC Meeting @ 8:25 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. (E112)

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

SOUP-er Bowl Luncheon @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (B119)

TA UIL OAP Tech Rehearsal @ 11 a.m. - TBD (LHS)

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

UIL Eligibility @ 4 p.m.

Nomination Form Deadline @ 4 p.m.

Teacher of the Month
Staff Member of the Month

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

Saturday, February 7

District A BB Tournament

Girls: LSHS; PCHS
Boys: LHS; EHS

TA UIL Zone Contest @ All Day (Café)

Action Items:

BHM Door Decorating Contest - Deadline Extended to 2/12

January Nomination Form - Due Friday, 2/6

Coming Soon

February

1-28 Black History Month | American Heart Association Month

9-12 Dance Tickets on Sale

9 Thespian Club Meeting

9 Orchestra Pre-UIL

9 Board Appreciation Event

10 CISF Monthly Meeting

10 Band Bash Winter Social

10 Emergency Management Training (Admin)

10 Master Schedule Kickoff Meeting

10 Access Frisco Campus Tour Night

11-14 TMEA (Fine Arts)

11 District Athletic Coordinator Meeting

11 Leaders' Meeting

11 Pump Up Heart Health @ VT

11 CPR Student Training (Optional)

12 Theatre Art OAP Rehearsal (during day)

12 Safer Fire Drill w/ Fire Department

12 Door Decorating Contest Deadline

12 February Fling - School Dance

13 Student Holiday

13 Staff PL 1/2 Day (8-12)

14 UIL OAP Contest

16 Student & Staff Holiday

17 Door Decorating Contest Winners Announced

Administrative Information

STAAR Field Test Administration

Who: 6th & 8th Grade Students

What: STAAR Stand-Alone Reading Field Test

Where: Vandeventer Middle School

When: February 3, 2026

Why: As required by House Bill 3906, 86th Texas Legislature, 2019, STAAR underwent a redesign to better align the assessments with classroom instruction. The redesign was implemented in the 2022–2023 school year and included the addition of writing to reading assessments and more non-multiple-choice questions such as open-ended or constructed-response items. Although the TEA has made a concerted effort to minimize the amount of instructional time used for state testing purposes, particularly stand-alone field testing, a Stand-Alone Field Test is necessary to properly integrate these new components into future state assessments. TEA has selected Vandeventer Middle School to participate.

Door Decorating Contest

In honor of Black History Month this February, we’re excited to host a Door Decorating Contest! This is a fun way for students and teachers to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

Black History Month 2026 Theme: "A Century of Black History Commemorations" celebrates 100 years of recognizing Black history, highlighting how these commemorations have shaped identity, pride, and equality, and affirming Black contributions to our national story.

How to Participate:

Teachers are encouraged to decorate classroom doors with student help - use Viking Time if needed.
Doors must be decorated by Thursday, February 12th @ 4 p.m. (deadline extended)
Winners announced Tuesday, February 17th — prizes for the top three!

For inspiration and ideas, check out this site for Black History door decoration examples.

Athletic Information

Boys Basketball Schedule (Click Here)

Boys Athletics (Track)

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 (Track)

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 self-management: Self-management is the ability to regulate your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts in a productive way to achieve personal and professional goals.

Our inspirational quote for the week: "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Zig Ziglar

Campus Committee News

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:

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!

This Week's Instructional Showcase

In December, our 8th grade students completed Performance-Based Assessment 2 (PBA 2), a research project designed to spark curiosity while strengthening critical thinking and creativity. Using an inquiry-based instructional model, students selected a historical or contemporary figure or event that has made a lasting impact on society. They conducted research using biographies and reliable digital sources to deepen their understanding of their chosen topic.

Students first crafted an analytical essay explaining the significance and influence of their subject. They then brought their learning to life through a creative visual product of their choice, such as an impact timeline or a social media-style poster. The project culminated in a grade-level gallery walk, where students engaged with their classmates’ work and celebrated the diverse voices and events that have shaped our world.

House of Honor Celebration

Counselor News

We proudly celebrate our incredible school counselors during National School Counseling Week February 2-6! Our counselors provide unwavering support, genuine care, and a nurturing environment for both students and staff. They go above and beyond every single day to ensure our Vikings feel seen, supported, and empowered—academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are truly grateful to have such dedicated, compassionate professionals as part of our Viking family. Thank you for all you do to make our campus a place where students can thrive!

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.

Library News

Recognitions

February

Amna Warach 2/4

Lorri Lillegard 2/10

Malcolm Williams 2/11

Amber Sharp 2/14

Diana Park 2/17

Paul Schmaus 2/23

Heidi Teeling 2/28

Diana Park

December Teacher of the Month

December Staff Member of the Month

Emily Shelton

Staff Shout Outs (Staff)

This shout-out goes to Coach Sims: "Recognizing Coach Sims for his consistent help in my SLC classroom." Sujatha Bakkiyaraj

This shout-out goes to Stephanie Taylor: "Thank you Ms. Taylor, for your strong leadership, clear communication, and genuine care for the team. You clearly set direction with clarity and efficiency. Your support and guidance make this a great place to work." Arun Bose-Kar

This shout-out goes to the VMS Family: "Thank you to my VMS family for the beautiful plant you sent after my aunt's passing. Your generosity and thoughtfulness mean so much to me, and I hope to care for it and watch it grow for many years to come." Barb Gardner

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

Celebrating Black History Month (February)

The Dallas Mavericks celebrate the legacy of Black artists whose work has shaped culture, shed light on social issues and inspired change.

As we continue to champion equity, creativity, and collective progress, we recognize the power of art to bring people together across lines that often divide.

North Texas students, grades 8–12, are encouraged to create and digitally submit their original artwork for a chance to be featured in the African American Museum of Dallas and win an unforgettable experience to New Orleans!

Contest closes February 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT. C

Click this link for details: Dallas Mavericks 2026 Black History Month Art Contest

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