The Royal Connection

November Newsletter

Campus Events Taking Place This Week

👑Welcome to The Royal Connection! 👑

Your monthly source for campus updates, important reminders, and vital information designed to keep our Royal families connected and informed. Each edition will highlight upcoming events, share key announcements, and celebrate the incredible learning and achievements happening across Van Gogh Secondary.

At the heart of The Royal Connection is our commitment to strengthening the partnership between our school, our families, and our community. We believe that when we work together—communicating openly, supporting one another, and celebrating our students’ successes—we create the strongest foundation for every child to thrive.

Thank you for walking alongside us, for trusting us with your children, and for being an essential part of the Royal family. We look forward to growing together, month after month, as we continue to build a supportive, connected, and empowering community for all our students.

Van Gogh ECHS Administration Team

Mrs. Vanessa Gonzalez

I am beyond honored to continue serving this incredible community in a new capacity. My goals remain the same: to lead by example, to serve you and your families with dedication, and to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of your child’s journey. I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Mrs. Laurie Pogue

Greetings, Royal Family! I’m Laurie Pogue, your new Assistant Principal, and I’m honored to join this outstanding community of students, families, and educators. With more than a decade of experience in education, I’m passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. I look forward to working together to make this a truly exceptional year!

Didn't buy a plate for Wednesday? No worries! You may bring your own meal.

Parent Luncheon

📅Wednesday, November 19th

📍Van Gogh Library

🕛12:00 - 12:45p for 6th & 7th

🕛12:45- 1:30p for 8th - 10th

*Park in the overflow parking & enter through side library door.

🧑‍🏫 Royal Shout-Outs 🧑‍🏫

Jocelyn Cantu

"I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for Ms. Jocelyn Cantu. It is so clear that she pours her heart and soul into teaching. We especially appreciate her incredible patience, willingness to truly talk and listen to the kids, how she guides them with such care, and the amazing, positive energy she always brings to the classroom every single day. Seeing her show up for school events and activities outside of class truly shows her deep commitment. Thank you for being such a wonderful, dedicated, and positive presence in their lives." -Aridai Martinez

(10th grader Alexa Martinez's Parent)

Norma Avilez

"Mrs. Avilez is an excellent teacher—very active, understanding, and highly qualified. Her assignments and projects are dynamic and enriching, and she makes them fun so that students effectively acquire the necessary knowledge she wants to impart, enabling them to achieve their desired academic success. She has the ability to go beyond the classroom by communicating with parents when necessary. She is very dedicated to her work and has the ability to bring out the best in each student. Mrs. Avilez's responsibility and respect are impressive, as is her commitment to achieving all the goals she sets. She is a key member of our Van Gogh school community. In addition to sharing her knowledge with excellence, she also creates a positive and pleasant environment, instilling a desire for self-improvement in her students. This makes her a wonderful person and an exceptional teacher."

- Diana Orozco

(10th grader Michelle Orozco's Parent)

Marco Cantu

"Mr. Cantu has a way of explaining the lessons that truly help me understand the material. He is always willing to help when we need it and gives us real-world problems that help us practice until we understand the content. I am also very grateful that he never gives us too much homework. I really enjoy his class." -David Cantu

(10th grade student)

Online Campus Calendar of Events

*Events/Dates are subject to change*

Feeling thankful for a staff member or teacher?

Help show your appreciation by writing them a thank you note on the following Google form: Thankful For You Form

*Your responses will generate a card similar to the one featured below.*