Mission: Positively impact and advance each student every day.
Vision: Foster one's greatest potential.
Students in Mrs. Seidl's 8th grade ILA class were researching a college, university, or trade school of their choice and summarizing their findings in a presentation. This activity allowed them to strengthen their research skills by locating and using reliable sources and correctly citing them. In addition, students will reinforce their presentation skills during next week’s presentations. These experiences directly align with Vandeventer Middle School’s mission to positively impact and advance each student every day by equipping them with academic and communication skills that will support their future goals and greatest potential.
During Mrs. Colvins' s Viking Time, students had a fun and engaging experience practicing cursive writing by stepping into a “royal” setting—wearing fancy crowns and sipping from teacups while perfecting their handwriting. This creative approach not only made learning memorable, but also reflected our vision at Vandeventer Middle School to foster each student’s greatest potential by inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and turning everyday skills into meaningful, enjoyable experiences.
During Viking Time, Mrs. Madler led a silent reading enrichment activity that gave students dedicated time to enjoy books of their choice while building focus, comprehension, and a love for reading. This activity reflects our vision at Vandeventer Middle School to foster each student’s greatest potential by encouraging independent growth and curiosity. It also supports our mission to positively impact and advance each student every day, as literacy is the foundation for academic success, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Monday, September 8 (8 Period Day)
College Week Begins
Your Future Starts Here: Wear Viking Attire!
Teaming (1,2,3,5,7,8)
HERO Discipline
N2 Learning Teacher Leader Institute @ 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Advisory @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m.
Theatre Art Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
8FB VMS vs. Trent MS @ Lone Star High School
5:30 p.m.|7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9 (8 Period Day)
College Week
College is a Place I Belong: Wear House Colors!
Map Testing Window Closes
District 8th Grade Science Training @ 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CISF Training @ 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (CNC)
Fire Drill @ 9:15 a.m.
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (ILA Priority)
Theatre Arts Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
7FB VMS vs. Trent MS @ Lone Star HS
5:30 p.m.|7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10 (Block Day 1,3,5,7)
College Week
Get Creative w/ Your Future: Wear Crazy Socks!
Band Fundraiser Begins
Secondary TLC Meeting @ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (HOH)
Math/Science Content Lead Meeting @ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (TW)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Science Priority)
8VB VMS vs. Nelson MS
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 11 (Block Day 2,4,6,8)
College Week
Show Your College Spirit: Wear College Attire or a College Hat!
9/11 Remembrance
Cheer Practice @ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Gym)
SpEd IC Meeting @ 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Administration)
Secondary Counselor Meeting @ 8 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. (CNC)
GT Testing @ 8:25 a.m. - TBD (Library)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (Math Priority)
Managing Director Campus Visit @ 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Theatre Arts Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
7VB VMS vs. Nelson MS
5:30 p.m.|6:30 p.m.|7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 12 (8 Period Day)
College Week Ends
Dream Until Your Dreams Come True: Wear PJs!
College Tailgate @ Skills for Living Room (All Day Snacks)
ESL Accommodation Training (1,2,3,5,7,8 @ TL Room)
IC Meeting @ 8:25 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. (C106)
Administrative Meeting @ 9:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. (D101)
Viking Time @ 1:31 p.m. - 2:13 p.m. (History Priority)
Theatre Art Rehearsal @ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Café)
September
15-Oct 15 Hispanic Heritage Month
15 Football Portraits
15 Cheer Portraits
15 Tennis Portraits
15-19 Dance Tickets on Sale @ Lunch
15 Tribe Meeting
15 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
15 8FB Fowler MS vs. VMS
16 Department Meetings (7:45 & 4-FNA, Electives)
16 7FB Fowler MS vs. VMS
17 Athletic Coordinator Meeting
17 Leaders' Meeting
17 8VB VMS vs. Stafford MS
17 BOY CIT Community-Based Meeting
18 Cheer Practice
18 Social Studies Training (6th & 7th)
18 Theatre Arts Rehearsal
18 7VB VMS vs. Stafford MS
18 Band, Orchestra, Choir (Main Event)
18 Campus BOY Goal Setting Conference Deadline
19 Cheer Practice
19 IC Meeting
19 CISF Accelerated Instruction Training
19 Administrative Meeting
19 Shelter In Place Drill
19 Back to School Bash
The 2025 District Accountability Report has been published for your review.
Click this Canva Link for links to the highlighted events.
Cultivate is FISD's summer professional learning conference that allows our amazing practitioners to facilitate learning to their peers. If you attended Cultivate the past summer or are planning to attend this summer, the District needs your feedback on what you would like to see as a part of the learning experience. Please complete this brief survey by September 15th to provide your feedback.
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
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
Buy your Lady Viking Pink Out Shirt @ https://friscosportstx.chipply.com/Vandeventervolleyballpinkout2025/
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 Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Out inspirational quote for the week:
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain
Make sure you are checking the list for updates.
Technology Reminder: Please turn off projectors when not is use, especially at the end of teh day before heading home.
This is just a reminder that Vandeventer's flu/vaccine clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 8th from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 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.
Please continue to encourage students to pay their Student Activity Fee to PTA. They may submit their payment online or in person to the front office.
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 the SLC Teams: "You are the real MVPs! Your patience and the care you show our students is unmatched and makes a world of difference every day.” Marla Smith
This shout-out goes to Mrs. Hildinger: "You are a great thought partner. I appreciate who helpful you are to our parents and staff." Dennis Thorpe
This shout-out goes to Coach Howe: "You are doing a great job juggling coaching and teaching. Keep up the good work!" Brad Helenberger
This shout-out goes to Courtney Lillie: "Thank you for the commitment and care you show to your students!" Lauren Wagner
This shout-out goes to Celeste Hanvey: "Great job on the Loyalty bulletin board. Thank your for your house leadership!" Stephanie Taylor
Staff Shout Outs (Staff)
This shout-out goes to Jack Garcia, Chloe Mitchell, and Natalie Jones "for adapting to 6th grade so easily! You take everything in stride and are such team players. The students all love you! You help make our hallway the BEST place in the whole school!" Ashley Garcia
This shout-out goes to Jack Swanberg, Malcolm Williams, Dylan Henderson, and Zach Howe "for their commitment and dedication as we continue building our Day by Day program. Thank you coaches for leading by the code—Discipline, Character, and Attitude!” Coach Sims
This shout-out goes to Diana Park, Josh Near, Jason Gribble, and Sarah Oberst "for hitting the ground running on day one and setting the standard from the very start." Coach Sims
This shout-out goes to Amna Warach: "Thank you for being so flexible and supportive! We're so glad to have you as IC this year!" Ashley Garcia
This shout-out goes to Ping Trinh: "To the Crafting Queen -- You are a master of bulletin boards! Thank you for helping me realize my vision for the House Cup Standings board!" Ashley Garcia
This shout-out goes to Amber Sharp: "Thank you for partnering with me to ensure all of our dyslexia students at Vandeventer are getting exactly what they need! Your willingness to help at the drop of a hat is so appreciated! And your positivity is contagious! Thank you!" Susan Blessing
This shout-out goes to Coach Park, Mrs. Leal, and Coach Gribble: "Thank you for helping me find the key expedition. Your support was invaluable." Piyal Phadra
This shout-out goes to Jamie Buzan "for being the BEST teammate. You work so hard to make sure that everything is ready for our students. I'm so lucky to share 6th grade with you!" Kristen Roberts
VMS Yearbooks are on Sale now! Get your yearbook for the lowest price of the year, $30. Anyone who purchases a yearbook with personalization by Friday, September 12 will receive 4 free icons. You can buy your VMS Yearbook on our school homepage by clicking on the BUY YEARBOOK TAB and follow the instructions.
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)
Emily Shelton, School Secretary
sheltone@friscoisd.org
469-633-4356
Kristi Garcia, AP Secretary garciak@friscoisd.org
469-633-4354
Cynthia Hildinger, Data Clerk hildingerc@friscoisd.org
469-633-4357
Nancy Ponius, Receptionist pontiusn@friscoisd.org
469-633-4350