Specials

Hello new VSE families and returning families! I would like to introduce myself. My name is Marlana Norris and I am the art teacher at Vandora! I have been working here for over 19 years and have had various titles. I started out as a teacher's assistant in 3rd grade for about 8 years, then as a teacher assistant in Kindergarten for about 7 years. I received my teaching degree during this time. I have been a teacher at Vandora for 5 years now; 2 of those years as a 2nd grade teacher and the latter as the art teacher.

In Kindergarten art class, we draw, cut, glue, and occasionally paint. While using these supplies and creating masterpieces, we will be working on our fine motor skills, as well as enhancing our knowledge of shapes, colors, and letters. We also work on social skills by collaborating with our table friends with hands activities such as creating with legos, connect cubes, etc. This builds self awareness, confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.

I can't wait to meet all of you. We are going to have a ton of fun!

Marlana Norris

Art Teacher, Vandora Springs Elem.

Hello, Vandora Springs families! My name is Mr. Maxwell Sherman and I am so excited to be teaching Music here! I am an alumnus of UNCG, where I received my BM in Music Education with a minor in Spanish and International Honors. After earning my degree, I went straight into teaching Music for Wake County and have now found my way to Vandora Springs.

Music class plays a large part in helping early learners with skills like counting, listening, movement, and play (if you have not heard of this before, you should definitely check out the importance of play as a way of learning). On top of these extra benefits, I want to make clear that, most importantly, music has value in and of itself. For many, music is the lifeblood of their expression, their culture. Early experiences with music can make or break this relationship. I intend to give our Vandora Springs Kindergarteners a diverse range of musical experiences that will send them on their way to permanently holding music close to their hearts.

I look forward to meeting you all! Please feel free to reach me at mnsherman@wcpss.net if you ever have any questions.

***Familias hispanohablantes: soy bilingual (más o menos). Si no pueden ustedes entender alguna cosa que digo en inglés este año, diganme y puedo traducirla. Siempre pueden enviarme un email: mnsherman@wcpss.net.***

Hello Eagle families! My name is Coach Schuh and I am the Physical Education teacher here at Vandora Springs Elementary. I just graduated from Meredith College this past May and am about to begin my first official year of teaching! I couldn’t be more excited to begin my teaching career here at Vandora Springs Elementary alongside each and every one of you!

Some things that you should know about me are that I LOVE to move! I have played many sports throughout my life, but my favorites are basketball, javelin and golf! During my 4 years at Meredith I played basketball and also threw the javelin for the Track & Field Team! I also enjoy lifting weights, trying new foods, listening to all types of music, and painting!

In P.E., your student will always be moving! We will be learning how to move to open space, the difference between personal space and general space, and how to move within these spaces by practicing our locomotor movements: walking, hopping, skipping, leaping, running, galloping, jumping, and sliding. As we progress throughout the year we will learn how to move alongside our peers and begin to utilize team play. Your student will have the opportunity to be involved in stations, team games, and more! Not only will we be moving every class, but I will also be teaching your student how to live a healthy life. I will teach your student about eating healthy, how to be mentally strong, how to set goals, and together we will begin to learn the muscles and bones of the body! These topics will begin in Kindergarten and will progress throughout your student’s years at Vandora Springs Elementary.

My goal is for your student to have a fun, positive experience in P.E. so that they can take what they learn in class and continue to enjoy movement outside the classroom. P.E. will encourage your student to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as set them up for success as they continue to SOAR beyond the classroom and learn to love moving!

See you soon!

Kimberly Schuh, Physical Education Teacher

Vandora Springs Elementary

Welcome to kindergarten! I attended Vandora Springs K-5th grade and have worked here for 8 years as the media specialist. Your child will visit the media center to learn about authors, create in our makerspace, read, use technology and much more! I can't wait to help your child get started on the path to being a life long reader! We have "open circulation" in our media center, which means children can come as often as they wish to return and check out books. First quarter, kindergarteners will start by coming with a teacher or checking out a book when in media for a lesson. As they get more confident and independent, kindergarten students will come to get books with a friend on their own. I can't wait to meet you and your children!

Melandie Matthews

Media Specialist, Vandora Springs Elem.

Welcome!

My name is Jennifer Lucas I am the School Counselor at Vandora Springs Elementary. I have the privilege of working with our students through classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling. I also collaborate with school staff and parents in order to best meet the needs of students. Please take a look around this website to learn more about the Comprehensive School Counseling Program, and available resources for parents and students https://sites.google.com/wcpss.net/mrs-lucas-counseling-corner/home. I look forward to meeting our new Eagles and Eagle Parents! If you have any questions for me feel free to contact me- Jennifer Lucas- Jlucas@wcpss.net