Viking View

2/23 to 2/27

Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.

Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.

The Week-At-A-Glance

Monday, February 23 (8 Period Day)

Wear your favorite college shirt/sweatshirt with jeans every Monday!

Teaming (2,3,5,7)

8th Grade MTSS (1,8)

House Minute-To-Win-It Games @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.

Advisory @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.

Anti-Victimization Lesson (Refer to Email)

Q3 IPR Assignment Deadline @ 3:45 p.m.

Theatre Art Spring Show Auditions @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)

Tuesday, February 24 (8 Period Day)

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

Secondary Counselor Meeting @ 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. (CTE)

House Minute-To-Win-It Games @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.

Master Schedule Meeting @ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Acker)

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

Principal Focus Group Meeting @ 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Cobb MS)

Theatre Art Spring Show Auditions @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)

Cheer Tryout Parent Meeting @ 6 p.m. (Café)

Wednesday, February 25 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)

Spring Jingle Jeans - Free dress for staff with sticker!

Q3 IPR Grading Deadline @ 8 a.m. (TAC)

TELPAS Testing @ 8:25 a.m. - TBD (Library)

No Bells; No Announcements

House Minute-To-Win-It Games @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.

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

Invitational Track Meet @ 4:30 p.m. - TBD (Lebanon Trail HS)

Thursday, February 26 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)

Professional dress or wear RED in support of American Heart Health Month!

7th Grade GT Testing @ 8:25 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. (Library)

House Minute-To-Win-It Games @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.

6th Grade GT Testing @ 11:59 a.m. - TBD (Library)

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

Theatre Art Spring Show Callbacks @ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Café)

Friday, February 27 (8 Period Day)

Wear Viking or LHS spirit wear every Friday!

IPR Posted in HAC @ TBD

8th Grade GT Testing @ 8:25 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. (Library)

House Minute-To-Win-It Games @ 11:25 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.

Virtual Plan for Success Technical Principal Training @ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Make-Up GT Testing @ 11:59 a.m. - TBD (Library)

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

Orchestra Beginner Solo Night @ 5 p.m. - TBD (FNA Hall)

Action Items:

Sign-Up for Minute-To-Win-It Games: Click Here

Coming Soon

March

2-15 K-12 Student, Staff, Parent Safe Schools Survey Window

2 Tribe Meetings - House of Compassion and Loyalty Celebration

2 Read Across America Day

2 UIL Eligibility Date

2 Invitational Track Meet

3 Q3 6th Grade HERO Redemption Day

3 N2 Learning Teacher Leader Institute

3 Choir UIL (TBD)

3 Citizen Bee

3 Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal

4 Athletic Coordinator Meeting

4 Staff Focus Group Meeting

4 Choir UIL (TBD)

4 Q3 6th Grade HERO Redemption Day

4 NJHS Induction Ceremony

5 Q3 7th Grade HERO Redemption Day

5 Q3 PRIDE Party

5 Choir UIL (TBD)

5 Band NV UIL (TBD)

5 Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal

5 Orchestra Game Night

6 CISF STAAR Meeting Q&A

6 Fire Drill

6 Q3 8th Grade HERO Redemption Day

6 Band Winter Social (Movie Night)

6 Cheer Tryout Forms Due

6 6th Grade Theatre Art Showcase

7 District Job Fair

7 Academic UIL Contest (East) @ VMS

7 Choir All City Choir Clinic & Concert

Administrative Information

Celebrating World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

Celebrating Heart Health Month

Black History Month Door Decorating Contest Winners

2nd Place - Mrs. Madler

1st Place - Mrs. Roberts

3rd Place - Mrs. Enderle

Athletic Information

Track & Soccer Schedules (Click Here)

Boys Athletics (Track)

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

Boys Athletics (Soccer)

7th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

8th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

Track & Soccer Schedules (Click Here)

Girls Athletics (Track)

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 positive influence: Positive influence is the impact you have on another person (AND yourself) by pointing out strengths and virtues. It is how you are, what you do, and the power you have on others to value what is best within themselves.

Our inspirational quote for the week: "A life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives." Jackie Robinson

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:

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 6th grade Integrated Language Arts classes will honor Black History Month by deepening their understanding of influential African American poets. Based on results from a previous poetry assessment, students will be strategically grouped to ensure each learner is appropriately challenged.

Within their groups, students will research their assigned poet’s background, read and collaboratively analyze one of the poet’s works, and engage in discussion with the teacher to extend their thinking.

As an extension opportunity, students may compare and contrast Langston Hughes, a poet they studied earlier in the unit, with Wilson Rawls, the author of one of their literature circle novels, making meaningful connections between poetry and prose.

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

Nurse 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

January Teacher of the Month

Kayla Madler

Janaury Staff Member of the Month

Marla Smith

Staff Shout Outs (Administrartion)

This shout-out goes to Lauren Wagner: "Lauren has done an amazing job creating an Empathy lesson for advisory and coordinating the anti-victimization presentation." Dennis Thorpe

This shout-out goes to Umama Suriya: Umama consistently demonstrates empathy and compassion in the way she supports her students each and every day." Lauren Wagner

This shout-out goes to Pam Entzminger: "Pam always brings the sunshine and positivity to our campus! Her uplifting spirit, encouraging words, and joyful presence make a difference in the lives of both students and staff." Marla Smith

This shout-out goes to Zach Howe: "Coach Howe is a productive and positive role model for our athletes! He consistently models discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic, setting the standard both on and off the field." Brad Helenberger

This shout-out goes to Ashley Garcia, Taylor Colvin, Courtney Lillie, Pam Entzminger, Holly Franks, and Kayla Madler: "Thank you for consistently disseminating information clearly and efficiently, organizing grade-level events and field trips, and providing thoughtful input related to our current systems and practices. Your collaboration, organization, and commitment help keep our campus running smoothly. We truly appreciate all that you do for VMS!" Stephanie Taylor

Staff Shout Outs (Staff)

This shout-out goes to Emily Shelton: "Queen- Thank you for being so supportive and such an awesome, approachable person. You will truly be missed. Whoever comes next has big shoes to fill! I’m excited for you and your new adventure ahead. Wishing you all the best!- Princess." Micki Friedman

This shout-out goes to Michaela Kelley: "Congratulations on leading the Theater Production Class to a 5th place finish in the UIL OAP this past weekend! The amount of time, dedication, and effort you expend is astounding and appreciated! Yay to you!" Jill Leal

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

Exciting News!

"I’m excited to share some wonderful news with the Viking Community! One of our talented Art 3 students, Penelope M., has been selected as one of only five winners of the 2026 Dallas Mavericks Black History Month Art Contest. This is an incredible achievement, and I am so proud of her and the work she has created.

As part of this recognition, Penelope will participate in several opportunities that highlight both her artistic accomplishments and the impact of student creativity across our community. She has been invited to take part in a local news feature to showcase her artwork and will also be recognized on the court during halftime of the Mavericks game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies on February 27th.

In addition, she has been awarded an all-expenses-paid educational trip to New Orleans! The experience will include cultural, historical, and civil rights learning opportunities, along with visits to important sites connected to African American history.

Her artwork will also be displayed and promoted through Mavericks platforms and social media. Later this spring, it will be featured at the Dallas African American Museum as part of a special exhibition celebrating student artists.

Please join me in congratulating Penelope on this outstanding accomplishment! I am incredibly proud of her dedication, talent, and the positive representation she brings to our school and community.

Special thanks to Ms. Bose-Kar for making me aware of this amazing competition & encouraging our students to create something. She even encouraged her U.S. History students to participate. I am attaching a photo of Penelope's artwork for you to enjoy.

Thank you all for your continued support of our students and the Vandeventer Art Program!"

Leanne Rainey, Art Teacher

Night to Shine

This past weekend, our Viking Cheerleaders had the incredible honor of serving as greeters at Night to Shine, a celebration for individuals with special needs. Hosted by Preston Trail Community Church, this event welcomes guests ages 14 and older for an unforgettable prom experience.

Our cheerleaders helped create a warm and exciting red carpet entrance, celebrating each guest as they arrived like true royalty.

We are so proud of our Viking Cheerleaders for representing Vandeventer with kindness, enthusiasm, and servant leadership while helping make this night so special for so many.

One Act Play Competition

This past Saturday, our Viking Theatre Production Class competed at the second round of UIL One Act Play at Lebanon Trail High School. Vandeventer placed in the top 5 (this is the top 5 out of all 18 middle schools in the district) and we earned the following awards:

All Star Tech - Samaira V. (Stage Manager)

Honorable Mention All Star Cast - Nikhil V. And Anushka J.

All Star Cast - Blake J.

Great job to all our of Theatre Production students and to Mrs. Kelley for leading these students to their accomplishment! Mrs. Kelly stated, "This was one of the toughest middle school OAP contests in years, and I am so proud of all their hard work!" Well done, Vikings!

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