Week-at-a-Glance
Monday, February 13th
College Day - Wear Your Favorite College Shirt/Sweatshirt!
8 Period Day
- Viking Time - Science Priority
School Musical Auditions
- 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cheer Parent Meeting
- Zoom (Details Below)
- 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14th
Happy Valentine's Day
8 Period Day
- Viking Time - ILA Priority
GT Testing (All Day)
- Library
One Act Play Rehearsal
- 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15th
Heart Health Month - Wear Red Every Wednesday!
School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
Block Schedule (Periods 1,3,5,7)
- Viking Time - History Priority
GT Testing (All Day)
- Library
School Musical Auditions
- 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 16th
World Cholangiocarcinoma Day - Wear green!
Block Schedule (Periods 2,4,6,8)
- Viking Time - Math Priority
GT Testing (All Day)
- Library
CPR Class
- Library (Details Below)
- 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Choir "Love" Concert
- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, February 17th
Staff Professional Learning Day
Student Holiday
Monday, February 20th
Student/Staff Holiday
February
20 Student/Staff Holiday
21 IPR
21 Art Club Meeting
21 Band Pre-UIL @ Liberty HS
21 Musical Rehearsal & Parent Meeting
22 TELPAS Testing
22 Track Meet @ VMS (Staley/VMS)
23 Pastries w/ Parents
23 Orchestra Beginner Rehearsal/Concert
23 Musical Rehearsal
24 FISD Go RED Day - Wear RED
27 Orchestra UIL
27 Musical Rehearsal
27 Liberty HS Cheer Meeting @ LHS
28 UIL Eligibility
28 Orchestra UIL (TBD)
28 Choir UIL (TBD)
Black History Month Campus Activities
In art, the teacher will highlight various black artists and their contributions to the world of artistic expression. Each artist is an expert in the mediums that are covered during the Spring semester (clay, fibers, self-portraiture, and acrylic paint). Specifically, Art I students will create papier-mâché masks that are based on a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem. Art 2 students will create abstract wire sculptures after learning about Simone Leigh, as well as other various contemporary sculptors. Last, but not least, our Art 3 students will create Kehinde Wiley inspired Pet Portraits.
In social studies classes, students will receive additional information related to the contributions of some lesser known African American leaders.
Ms. Hainlin, our campus librarian, has gathered a collection of wonderful reads from prominent black authors. Students are able to visit the library before and after school and during Viking Time to check out these books. Additionally, other information featuring prominent black authors in history and modern day are on display in the library.
Through advisory class, students are invited to work independently on various activities to learn about Black History Month. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in the essay writing contest (details below).
Weekly announcements through the month of February will feature the contributions of black leaders, authors, and changemakers.
Additional campus activities and lessons will be highlighted through the month of February!
Black History Month Essay Contest
Students may select from one of the prompts listed below and write a 5-paragraph essay. Prizes will be awarded for the top three essays, and winners will be announced on Friday, March 3rd. The deadline to submit the essay to the front office is Tuesday, February 28th at 4 p.m. There will be a drop box located in the front office reception area.
Writing Prompt #1: Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
Writing Prompt #2: How did the civil rights movement change the world?
Writing Prompt #3: Write about the contributions of a famous Black American (e.g. author, inventor, scientist, activist).
Carnation Grams For Sale
Student Council will be selling Carnation Grams at lunch January 23- February 13. For $1.00 you can purchase a carnation flower and write a message to a friend, parent, or teacher. The Carnation Grams will be delivered at the end of the day February 14th. Look for STUCO members at lunch and make someone's day by sending them a carnation gram!
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 five years ago. This is Ms. Taylor's fourth year as the Viking principal, and she looks forward to another great school year!
Elizabeth Murray, Assistant Principal
Elizabeth Murray grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. She started her teaching career in 2006 as a 6th grade math teacher at Clark Middle School and then spent the next 14 years teaching all grade levels of math at Fowler Middle School. During the 2021-2022 school year, she was selected as an Administrative Intern for Staley Middle School. Mrs. Murray will be join Vandeventer Middle School this year and she is so excited to be a Viking!
Marla Smith, Assistant Principal
Marla Smith got her start in marketing and public relations, but found her true calling in education with the Dallas ISD in 2002. She taught RLA for 10 years and was a master teacher before transitioning to Central Office and School Leadership for another 7 years. Mrs. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Howard Payne University and her Masters degree in Education Technology from Lamar University. She has a husband and two teenagers. Mrs. Smith is excited to begin her fourth year at Vandeventer Middle School.
Nikki Summers
Dennis Thorpe
Kristi Garcia
Iryna Faulkenberry
Emily Shelton
Nancy Pontius
Vandeventer Middle School
Email: vandeventer@friscoisd.org
Website: https://schools.friscoisd.org/campus/middle-school/vandeventer/home
Location: 6075 Independence Parkway, Frisco, TX, USA
Phone: 469-633-4350
Facebook: facebook.com/VandeventerMiddleSchool
Twitter: @VandeventerMS
