Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.
Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.
The Week-At-A-Glance
Monday, March 23 (8 Period Day)
Wear your favorite college shirt/sweatshirt with jeans every Monday!
Teaming (2,3,5,7)
8th Grade MTSS (1,8)
Tribe Meeting @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.
House of Honor and House of Generosity Meeting (Gym)
Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
Tuesday, March 24 (8 Period Day)
Staff may wear the dry fit black shirt with jeans every Tuesday!
Department Meetings
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (ILA Priority)
Art Club @ 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (Café)
Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
Cheer Tryout Clinic #2 @ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Gym)
Wednesday, March 25 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)
Spring Jingle Jeans - Free dress for staff with sticker!
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Science Priority)
Campus Needs Assessment Meeting w/ IST @ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
District Championship Track Meet @ 4:30 p.m. - TBD (Kuykendall Stadium)
Thursday, March 26 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)
Professional Dress
Secondary AP Meeting @ 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Administration)
Art 3 Field Trip @ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Dallas Museum of Art)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Math Priority)
Band Varsity UIL @ 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
UIL Celebration @ 3:50 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (Library)
Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
Cheer Clinic Tryout #3 @ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Gym)
Friday, March 27 (8 Period Day)
Wear Viking or LHS spirit wear every Friday!
Spring Walk & Talk Event @ 7:55 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. (Track)
IC Meeting @ 8:25 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. (E110)
Administrative Meeting @ 9:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. (D101)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (SS Priority)
Thespian Club Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Café)
Cheer Tryouts @ 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Gym)
Review the Weekly Absence List for upcoming UIL events!
Complete the Staff Suicide Prevention Protocol by Friday, March 13th!
Frisco ISD is conducting a survey from March 2nd through 15th to gather valuable feedback from students, parents, and staff about the 2025-26 school year. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your thoughts!
March
16-20 Spring Break
30-April 3 Librarian Week
30 Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal
30 Scoggins vs. VMS @ Emerson HS (Girls)
31 Secondary Student Services Learning Day #4
31 STAAR Logistics Training @ 7:45 (Option #1)
31 STAAR Logistics Training @ 4 (Option #2)
31 Master Schedule Meeting
31 TA Spring Show Rehearsal
31 Service Pin Banquet
April
1 Secondary TLC Meeting
1 STAAR Logistics Training @ 7:45 (Option #3)
1 STAAR Logistics Training @ 4 (Option #4)
1 VMS vs. Scoggins @ Liberty HS (Boys)
2 Autism Awareness Day (Wear Blue w/ Jeans)
2 Q4 IPR Assignment Cutoff
2 7th Grade Study Trip
2 Theatre Art Spring Show Rehearsal
2 Chromebook/Charger Drop Off (8th Grade @ 3:30)
2 Deadline to Submit Award Recipients
2 Viking Valor Award Voting Deadline
3 Good Friday - Student and Staff Holiday
6 Student and Staff Holiday
Testing Information
The 2026 STAAR administration will begin Tuesday, April 7th and extend through Wednesday, April 22nd. All STAAR assessments will be provided to students online, utilizing their district issued Chromebook. During these three weeks of STAAR administration, we will follow the 8-period day bell schedule. Meaning, we will not implement the modified blocked days on Wednesdays or Thursdays (April 8th-9th, April 15th-16th, or April 22nd-23rd). Additionally, since students are out of school on Thursday, April 30th and Friday, May 1st, Wednesday, April 29th will also be an 8-period day. Block scheduling will resume on Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th.
Technology Information
If a student has lost or broken their Chromebook charger, per the Chromebook Take Home Handbook they will need to replace it before STAAR testing begins April 7th and before returning their Chromebook at the end of the school year. There are two options for replacing a Chromebook charger:
Option 1 – A parent can purchase a charger through Online School Fees. Please let the Administration know before the student returns their Chromebook.
Option 2 – A parent can purchase an approved charger through Amazon and return the replacement charger with their Chromebook.
If a student has lost their Chromebook, per the Chromebook Take Home Handbook they will be responsible for paying the replacement cost for the device. For lost device replacement fees, please refer to the estimated replacement costs.
Families can learn more and register by visiting friscoisd.org/summercamp and reviewing the 2026 Summer Camp Guide.
Our very own science teacher, Mrs. Friedman, is hosting an FISD Summer Camp for rising 2nd and 3rd graders and rising 5th and 6th graders.
FEF is hosting two summer camps at the CTE Center:
Mindbender Academy: Open to rising middle school students
Entrepreneurship Track with One I/E: Open to rising fourth through sixth graders
Both camps will run June 1-4, 2026. Mindbender Academy costs $200 per session, while the Entrepreneurship Track costs $250 for the week.
Sign me up: Registration is already open the FEF website.
Visit the FEF website for the link and more information about each camp.
Email FEF with any questions.
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
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 hard days: Hard days refers to periods that are challenging, exhausting, or stressful, often marked by heavy workloads, emotional strain, or when little goes as planned.
Our inspirational quote for the week: "The hard days are the best because that's where champions are made." Gabby Douglas
Join the Liberty Boys soccer team on March 13 at the Liberty HS turf field for our first-ever Middle School Night! We’ll recognize our middle schools and let the middle school players compete in a halftime penalty shootout against our high school goalkeepers.
If you’d like to attend/participate, please sign up below so we can collect contact information:
Sign Up Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7iE5E9tfEHzerPbcFEniuXhD5nia4rzG1_5xTFYgjMjOrnQ/viewform?usp=header
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:
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!
In 6th Grade World Cultures, students are exploring the concept of civil disobedience and how individuals throughout history have challenged unjust laws. Through an inquiry-based learning approach, students examine key examples such as the Boston Tea Party, Gandhi’s Salt March, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education.
During a jigsaw activity, students work in table groups where each student researches one historical event and then teaches their peers about it. As they share their learning, students complete a chart identifying the unfair law, the act of civil disobedience, and the outcome of the protest.
To conclude the lesson, students complete an exit ticket where they create their own example of civil disobedience in response to an unfair rule, helping them make connections between historical events and the idea of peaceful protest.
Make sure you are checking the list for updates.
Where is Matt? Check his schedule here.
Change to YouTube Approvals
As part of our ongoing commitment to student online safety, as of 3/13/26 staff members will no longer have the ability to approve YouTube videos for student viewing. Important Note: age-appropriate, education-based YouTube videos are already approved for student viewing. Should a teacher vet an age-appropriate video aligned to curriculum expectations that is not currently approved for student viewing they should submit the IIQ block/unblock ticket. See your DLC for support.
March
3-3 Courtney Lillie
3-4 Joseph Guzman
3-4 Taylor Colvin
3-8 Kayla Madler
3-12 Holly Franks
3-31 Cory Sims
Amber Sharp
February Teacher of the Month
Lauren Wagner
February Staff Member of the Month
Staff Shout Outs (Administrartion)
This shout-out goes to Ashely Garcia: "Ashley Garcia consistently advocates for our students with unwavering compassion and love. Thank you for the heart you bring to our campus each day and for being such a powerful voice for our students. Your impact truly makes a difference." Marla Smith
This shout-out goes to Leanne Rainey: "Mrs. Rainey's art display at multicultural night this week was amazing. I’m always amazed at her students’ work and their passion that shines through their projects. They’re lucky to have Mrs. Rainey as their art teacher!" Lauren Wagner
This shout-out goes to Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Lillegard, Coach Howe, Mrs. Ranspot, Mrs. Leal, and Mrs. Seidl: "Thank you for participating in the Military Project during Viking Time by giving your students the opportunity to write thank-you cards and messages to our service members. Your support helped us show appreciation for those who are serving our country." Stephanie Taylor
This shout-out goes to Julie Enderle and Ping Trinh: "Students had the opportunity to explore trajectory and launch angles by designing and launching straw rockets using a simple rocket launcher. In the activity, students tested how different angles and force affected the distance their rockets traveled. Great job creating interactive, student-centered learning opportunities for our students." Dennis Thorpe
This shout-out goes to Dennis Thorpe: "Thank you for the time, care, and effort you put into creating such a meaningful experience for our students, families, and staff. Your leadership helped make the Multicultural Night a huge success!" Brad Helenberger
Staff Shout Outs (Staff)
This shout-out goes to Clarissa Kemp: "Clarissa Kemp has done an excellent job working hard to learn the new tasks of her position here! I am enjoying working with her and really appreciate her dedication and commitment to handling the office manager tasks, and helping me with all the attendance tasks until our new data clerk begins in July." Nancy Pontius
This shout-out goes to Kayla Madler and Ping Trinh: "AMAZING job coordinating UIL ladies!" Sarah Santibanez
This shout-out goes to Stephanie Crider: "Thank you Crider for assisting with Academy Connect TIA testing last week. We truly appreciate your help and knowledge in setting up and helping with computer glitches." Lorri Lillegard
This shout-out goes to Ping Trinh and Kayla Madler: "Thank you so much for leading & site directing Academic UIL! This week's event went so smoothly!! Even the area director was commenting about how prepared you both were and that there was minimal set up when he arrived. Your leadership & preparation also made it easy for us as coaches & event directors to be present for our students and proctors." Leanne Rainey
This shout-out goes to Kelly Bailey: "Thank you so much for graciously allowing the Multicultural Night Art Show to take over your library!! Every year you are so kind and understanding when we invade your space-- This means more to me (and the kids) than you know." Leanne Rainey
This shout-out goes to Misti Perry: "Misti works so hard and puts all of her heart and soul into ensuring our students have what they need to be successful. She often has to work on nights and weekends tying up loose ends, and I know these things often go unnoticed. I just want to recognize all of her hard work and her passion for our special education students." Susan Blessing
This shout-out goes to Ping Trinh and Kayla Madler: "Thank you for doing such an awesome job organizing the UIL competition. I can't imagine the hours you put in to have everything planned down to the tiniest detail. Everything seemed to run so smoothly, and coaches from other schools commented on how much better it was this year--that's a credit to you two! I appreciate all you did!" Jaime Buzan
This shout-out goes to Greg Taylor: "It was awesome working with you at the UIL meet. Thanks for being the best welcome table buddy!" Jamie Buzan
This shout-out goes to Kristen Roberts: "I want to reiterate how much I appreciate you as a planning partner. Thanks for being the big-picture person in our tiny PLC!" Jamie Buzan
This shout-out goes to Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Lillegard: "Thank you for always being so willing to help me. You guys always just jump in with any task-no hesitation. I appreciate you both so much!" Taylor Colvin
This shout-out goes to Dennis Thorpe: "Thank you for supporting and handling all the events in our CIT committee and Multicultural Night. You made my job so much easier and enjoyable." Piyal Bhadra
This shout-out goes to Emily Seidl: "Thank you for covering my 2nd period!" Dwayne Spellman
This shout-out goes to Alex Kenn: "Thanks to Alex for taking his time to help me figure out how to download all of the random Google photos that ended up on my Chromebook and were taking up all of my space. It would have taken me forever to do it manually. I appreciate you!" Jill Leal
This shout-out goes to Amna Warach: "Thank you for greeting families and stamping passports during the Multicultural Night Art Show— it’s a big job for only 2 people to manage that station & I couldn’t have done it alone! " Leanne Rainey
This shout-out goes to Clarissa Kemp: "Thank you for your hard work & willingness to figure out all of the competition fees & field trip payments for the Art program. You came in at a very chaotic time of the year for middle school Art & you've been grace under pressure in managing all the things that have come your way!" Leanne Rainey
This past Saturday, Vandeventer Middle School proudly hosted the East Side District UIL Academic Competition, and our Vikings had an incredible day of success!
We brought home 17 First Place Team finishes across all grades!
A special shoutout to our students who achieved perfect scores:
Chess: George T. (8th) & Nihaal N. (8th)
Music Memory: Lasya G. (8th) & Bhakti G. (8th)
Spelling: Aditi R. (8th)
Hosting an event like this takes a village. A huge thank you to our awesome coaches for serving as event directors, preparing our kids all year, and helping the day run so smoothly: Mrs. Trihn (Numbers Sense), Mrs. Rainey (Art), Mrs. Madler (Calculator), Mrs. Santibanez (Chess), Ms. Buzan (Dictionary & Spelling), Mrs. Ranspot (Listening), Mr. Taylor (Maps), Mrs. Enderle (Math), Mrs. Garcia (Music Memory), Mrs. Bhadra (Science), and Ms. Bose-Kar (Social Studies). A special thank you to Mrs. Trinh and Mrs. Madler for organizing the event in addition to serving as coaches!
Great job, Vikings!
Art Smart – 6/7
Arshiya R. — 1st
Sanhitha M. — 2nd
Avni J.— 3rd
Anson L. — 5th
Art Smart – Team
Vandeventer MS 1st
Art Smart – 8
Anvita J. — 1st
Aashi A. — 2nd
Ishanvi N. — 3rd
Daksha C. — 4th
Art Smart – Team
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Calculator Applications – 6
Shubhi A. — 6th
Calculator Applications – Team
Vandeventer MS – 2nd
Calculator Applications – 7
Aarav B. — 2nd
Tan H. — 3rd
Abdullah S. — 6th
Calculator Applications – Team
Vandeventer MS – 2nd
Calculator Applications – 8
Eugene H. – 1st
Hyunseung (Sean) Y. – 2nd
Siddharth S. – 4th
Calculator Applications – Team
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Chess – 6
Tharwat L. – 5
Chess – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Chess – 7
Aarav B. – 2nd
Sajith K. – 2nd
Chess – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Chess – 8
George T – 1st
Nihaal N. – 1st
Dictionary Skills – 6
Bhargavi S. – 1st
Arth U. – 2nd
Saket C. – 5th
Dictionary Skills – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Dictionary Skills – 7
Carol X. – 1st
Meher J. – 3rd
Avni J. – 5th
Dictionary Skills – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Dictionary Skills – 8
Bhakti G. – 2nd
Srivatsa S. – 4th
Dictionary Skills – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Listening – 6
Misha A. – 5th
Listening – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Listening – 7
Zeenia J. – 6th
Listening – 8
Aveer B. – 5th
Listening – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Maps, Charts & Graphs – 6
Arush M. – 3rd
Maps, Charts & Graphs – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Maps, Charts & Graphs – 7
Ayden N. – 2nd
Siddhant G. – 3rd
Seenia J. – 4th
Maps, Charts & Graphs – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Maps, Charts & Graphs – 8
Peehu S. – 2nd
Math – 6
Linxi (Leo) J. – 1st
Math – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Math – 7
Lasya K. – 3rd
Math – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 2nd
Math – 8
Avery H. – 1st
Hyunseung (Sean) Y. – 5th
Math – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Music Memory – 6/7
Isabelle L. – 1st
Dakshita V. – 2nd
Shri V. – 5th
Music Memory – Team 6/7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Music Memory – 8
Lasya G. – 1st
Bhakti G. – 2nd
Guru V. – 3rd
Ryan C. – 4th
Music Memory – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Numbers Sense – 6
Linxi (Leo) J. – 2nd
Numbers Sense – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Numbers Sense – 7
Lasya K. – 1st
Ian H. – 2nd
Meher J. – 4th
Numbers Sense – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Numbers Sense – 8
Eugene H. – 1st
Avery H. – 2nd
Hyunseung (Sean) Y. – 3rd
Numbers Sense – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Science – 6
Veeraj K. – 4th
Science – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Science – 7
Adya A. – 1st
Carol X. – 2nd
Anuj K. – 4th
Science – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Science – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 2nd
Social Studies – 7
Adya A. – 4th
Social Studies – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 2nd
Social Studies – 8
Arnav P. – 2nd
Rithvik P. – 3rd
Social Studies – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Spelling – 6
Taylor B. – 2nd
Spelling – Team 6
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Spelling – 7
Amaan L. – 1st
Spelling – Team 7
Vandeventer MS – 1st
Spelling – 8
Aditi R. – 1st
Spelling – Team 8
Vandeventer MS – 3rd
Great day at the Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition! Thank you to our Partner's PE teacher, Coach Park, our student leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for assisting our SLC students throughout the day!
This week, the Philharmonic Orchestra performed at their UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, marking the first time since 2018 that this group has participated in the event. Please join me in congratulating them on earning a Superior rating—the highest possible—from all six judges! 🎉🎻
This week, the Symphonic Orchestra performed at their UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Please join me in congratulating them on earning a Superior rating—the highest possible—from all six judges! 🎉🎻
This week, the Chamber Orchestra performed at their UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Please join me in congratulating them on earning a Superior rating—the highest possible—from all six judges! 🎉🎻
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)
Clarissa Kemp, School Secretary kempc@friscoisd.org
469-633-4356
Kristi Garcia, AP Secretary garciak@friscoisd.org
469-633-4354
Monica Smith, Data Clerk
smithmo@friscoisd.org
469-633-4357
(Serving Staley MS and Vandeventer MS)
Nancy Ponius, Receptionist pontiusn@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350