Viking View

9/22 to 9/26

Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.

Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.

Matt H enjoyed the event!

Keeper of the Game

The 3rd Annual Keeper of the Game Special Needs Baseball Clinic @ The Frisco Roughriders

Learning baseball techniques!

Frisco ISD Artists Named Finalists in Museum Contest

Isbell Elementary fifth grader Dhriti Patel and Vandeventer Middle School sixth grader Meher Punihani have been named finalists in the 2025 “I Am Texas” writing and art contest. Dhriti was recognized for his artwork “Animals of Texas,” and Meher for her piece “Late Night in Texas.” In the annual competition, Bryan Museum encourages students to find inspiration in the museum’s historical artifacts. Winners will be announced later this month. Congrats!

Article: https://www.friscoisd.org/news/article/2025/09/18/fisd-applause!-applause

From September 15 to October 15, Vandeventer Middle School proudly joins schools across the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance recognizes the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Throughout the month, our students and staff will hear announcements that highlight Hispanic leaders, traditions, art, and innovations, helping them appreciate the diverse stories that shape our community.

Mrs. Bailey, our librarian, has created a special display of books and resources celebrating Hispanic heritage for students to explore and check out. In addition, every Thursday during Hispanic Heritage Month, students and staff are encouraged to wear a t-shirt that commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month to earn House points. Every Friday during lunch, students have the chance to win prizes by answering a trivia question written in Spanish.

We invite families to join us in supporting and celebrating this important part of our nation’s heritage.

Week-at-a-Glance

Monday, September 22 (8 Period Day)

Hispanic Heritage Month

College Day - Wear a college shirt w/ jeans!

No Teaming

Secondary Coachella Event @ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (HOH)

ICs, ESL, DLC

Signs of Suicide Lesson @ 3rd Period

Follow all the instructions sent via email from the counselors.
Wait for the announcement before beginning the SOS lesson.
- All students whose parents have opted them out of the lesson must be removed from the classroom and relocated to an alternate location.

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

Pass out fair tickets!
Complete Tribe activities linked in the advisory/tribe calendar.
Adventure & Bravery Whole House Meeting

Athletic Coordinator Meeting @ 1:40 p.m. (D101)

PTA Board Meeting @ 5:30 p.m. (Library)

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

8FB VMS vs. Wilkinson MS @ Panther Creek HS

6 p.m.

Tuesday, September 23 (8 Period Day)

Hispanic Heritage Month

Wear your new black faculty shirt with jeans every Tuesday (fall semester)!

6-Week IPR Grading Deadline @ 8 a.m. (TAC)

Lockdown Drill @ 10:45 a.m.

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

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

7FB VMS vs. Wilkinson MS @ Panther Creek HS

6 p.m.

Wednesday, September 24 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)

Hispanic Heritage Month

Sunshine/PTA Donation - Free dress for staff with sticker (fall semester)!

Virtual Leaders' Meeting @ 9:15 a.m. -10:45 a.m.

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

Building Leadership Meeting @ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Library)

8VB VMS vs. Cobb MS

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

Thursday, September 25 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month - Wear a shirt commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month w/ jeans every Thursday until October 9th.

House points awarded for student and staff participants!

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

IPR Posted in HAC

Secondary AP Meeting @ 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Administration)

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

Award students participating in Hispanic Heritage Month 5-HOUSE points during VT.

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

7VB VMS vs. Cobb MS

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

Friday, September 26 (8 Period Day)

Hispanic Heritage Month

Spirit Day - Wear VMS or Liberty HS spirit wear w/ jeans!

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

Fall Portrait Make-Up Day @ 7:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. (library)

New CISF Frontline Training @ 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

IC Meeting @ 8:25 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. (C106)

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

CISF SST Training @ 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

Volleyball Portraits @ 1:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. (gym)

6-Week UIL Eligibility @ 4 p.m.

Middle School Night @ The Star

Band Performance @ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 27

Theatre Arts Rehearsal @ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Action Items:

Coming Soon

September

29 Student Services Learning Day 1

29 6th Grade MTSS @ Teaming Time

29 Theatre Art Rehearsal

29 PTA Board Meeting

29 8FB Maus vs. VMS

30 CISF Monthly Meeting

30 Theatre Art Rehearsal

30 7FB Maus MS vs. VMS

October

1 N2 Learning - Teacher Leader Institute

1 Evacuation Drill

1 Specialized Learning Services Campus Visit

1 8VB Griffin MS vs. VMS

2 Cheer Practice

2 Virtual Counselor Meeting

2 7VB Griffin vs. VMS

2 When Music and Art Collide

3 Cheer Practice

3 IC Meeting

3 Administrative Meeting

3 CISF Accelerated Instruction Meeting

3 Band Party - Game Night

6 Vision & Hearing Screening

6 7th Grade MTSS @ Teaming Time

6 Theatre Art Rehearsal

6 8FB Staley vs. VMS

6 Band Performance @ Football (LHS)

7 Accommodations Training (SpEd/ESL/504/AP)

7 Fire Drill

7 FISD District Band Auditions

7 FISD District Band Performance

7 Q1 PRIDE Party

7 7FB Staley vs. VMS

8 New to Texas Breakfast

8 Flu Clinic

8 8VB Clack vs. VMS (Pre-Athletics Night)

9 Cheer Practice

9 Q1 Assignment Cutoff

9 7VB Clack vs. VMS

9 Choir Concet

10 Professional Learning Day | Student Holiday

Administrative Information

The 2025 District Accountability Report has been published for your review.

Click this Canva Link for links to the highlighted events.

Athletic Information

Football Schedule (Click Here)

Boys Athletics (Football)

Offensive Coordinator - Coach Sims

Quarterbacks - Coach Sims

Offensive Line - Coach Swanberg | Coach Howe

Running Backs - Coach Henderson

Wide Receivers - Coach Williams

Defensive Coordinator - Coach Swanberg | Coach Williams

Defensive Line - Coach Swanberg

Defensive Backs - Coach Williams | Coach Henderson

Linebackers - Coach Howe

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 (Cross Country/Track)

Cross Country - Coach Sims

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

Boys Athletics (Soccer)

7th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

8th Grade - Coach Swanberg | Coach Henderson

Volleyball Schedule (Click Here)

Girls Athletics (Volleyball)

7th Grade A Team - Coach Near

7th Grade B/C Teams - Coach Garcia

8th Grade A Team - Coach Oberst

8th Grade B/C Team - Coach Gribble

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 (Cross Country/Track)

Cross Country - Coach Gribble

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 encouragement: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

Out inspirational quote for the week:

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Christopher Robin

Campus Committee News

Health & Wellness Committee

Nurse Teeling, and some volunteers, planted carrot seeds and basil to fill up VMS's garden. Currently, we are growing cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, green, orange, and red bell peppers! Perfect foods to compliment Hispanic Heritage month too! Swing by and visit our spot as we are very proud!

Counselor Updates

Digital Learning Updates

FISD Approved Application and Student Data Privacy Information
- Make sure you are checking the list for updates.
DLC Website

Technology Reminders:

Please turn off projectors when not is use, especially at the end of the day before heading home.

Installing personal or non-district equipment on the school network or hooked up to district purchased equipment is prohibited. This policy is in place to prevent a range of technical issues, including network security vulnerabilities and compatibility problems with district-purchased hardware like TVs. Using unauthorized equipment can lead to system disruptions, requiring our technology department to spend extra time and resources to resolve them.

The technology department has recently encountered several support tickets where staff-installed personal devices have caused significant compatibility issues with our district's audio-visual equipment, resulting in unexpected repair costs to our department. Adhering to this Responsible Use Policy helps ensure a stable and secure technology environment for everyone.

Library News

Nurse News

This is just a reminder that Vandeventer' s flu/vaccine clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 8th in the library.

Please make sure to bring a copy of your consent, your driver's license and your insurance card to your appointment time. All of the relevant information is contained within the QR code.

PTA News

Recognitions

September

9/4 Ashley Garcia

9/13 Wendy Matamoros

9/14 Emily Shelton

9/17 Marla Smith

9/19 Emily Seidl

9/24 Jessica Ranspot

August Teacher of the Month

Taylor Colvin

"Ms. Colvin not only is an expert teacher to her students, but also supports teachers in the district during the summer by teaching Cultivate professional development and writing curriculum as part of the district MTSS team. She has the best ideas for planning to help our students be successful, and she always supports me with enthusiasm whenever I get excited about new ideas as well. "

August Staff Member of the Month

Dennis Thorpe

"He worked through our many schedule change requests and we appreciate all his efforts."

"He is always willing to go above and beyond, is a great communicator, and solves problems quickly and efficiently. "

Staff Shout Outs (Administration)

This shout-out goes to Greg Taylor "for coming back from Olweus PD with useful ideas! Thanks for your feedback!" Lauren Wagner

This shout-out goes to Barbara Gardner and Natalie Jones: "A huge thank you to our amazing cheer sponsors for planning and organizing the upcoming dance while continuing to handle all of their instructional responsibilities with dedication and excellence. Your hard work and commitment to our students and campus do not go unnoticed!" Stephanie Taylor

This shout-out goes to Wendy Tamney "for being aware of her students needs and ensuring they are as successful as possible." Dennis Thorpe

This shout-out goes to Laura Llamas-Crouch: "Thank you for attending all Friday teaming meeting to provide accommodation training for TELPAS." Marla Smith

This shout-out goes to Joshua Near: "Thank you for taking the lead in planning 7th-grade Texas History. Your great ideas and initiative are helping shape engaging and meaningful learning experiences for our students!" Brad Helenberger

Staff Shout Outs (Staff)

This shout-out goes to Lindsay Muse: "Thank you for ALL the hats you wear on (and off) our campus! You always make it look effortless but I know it is a lot of work...and you have that crazy Choir teacher across the hall from you." Holly Cotten

This shout-out goes to Kelly Bailey "for finding me books for both my class and my child anytime I request, no matter how random the topic!" Emily Seidl

This shout-out goes to Amber Sharp: "Thank you for staying on top of and providing accommodated and modified work and documents for our kiddos! We know that the 8th grade ILA curriculum is new to you and we appreciate the time and effort it takes. So happy to have you with us!" Jill Leal

This shout-out goes to Coach Near, Coach Gribble , Coach Oberst and Coach Garcia: "You 4 are the backbone to girls' athletics. Your commitment to our athletes goes unmatched. I would be lost without you all, thank you for sticking through all my craziness and endless "asks" . You show up each day with a smile and go above and beyond each day." Coach Park

This shout-out goes to Dennis Thorpe: "Morning duty every morning with you - is the best way to start my morning! Thank you for understanding and for being that listening ear!" Coach Park

This shout-out goes to the entire boys coaching staff: "The difference you are making in our male athletes does not go unnoticed. Our girls staff is proud to work aside you with a common goal. Keep making a difference and impacting lives." Coach Park

This shout-out goes to Stephanie Crider: "Thanks so much for always being ready to answer my questions and jumping in super fast whenever help is needed. Your care for students’ success really shows, and I truly appreciate you!" McKenzie Clayborn

This shout-out goes to Lindsay Muse: "Your support during Constitution week was very much appreciated , including the time you allow students to practice these announcements with integrity. Many thanks." Arun Bose-Kar

This shout-out goes to Taylor Colvin and Lorri Lillegard: "🙌Thank you both SO much for helping when I had to be out unexpectedly this week. All of my classes ran smoothly and were up to speed when I returned." Katie Lee

VMS Campus Calender

Staff Calendar 22-23.docx

What's Happening?

VMS Yearbooks are on Sale now! Get your yearbook for the lowest price of the year, $30. You can buy your VMS Yearbook on our school homepage by clicking on the BUY YEARBOOK TAB and follow the instructions.

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